Fantasy World Creations

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Your group had been approaching the town of Melrose at a good rate, though, it was made slightly slower due to the fact you and the rest of your group was going off-road to avoid running into Felencorp troops, or bring up rumors of a hero. Soon enough you managed to reach the town outskirts, even being able to see Donovan's lone home on the eastern outskirts of the town.

"I'm travelling with you." Donovan said. "I'm usually posted up here in Melrose, but it looks like our forest needs a little bit of straightening out. I have a bone to pick with Misophe."

Yes, it certainly does.", Carrie replies to Donovan as they continue making their way toward Thura Forest, "Misophe seems to have managed to keep her followers mostly in the dark. The moment it becomes clear to them what she has done, they're liable to turn on her."

As Carrie ponders this thought, she realizes that Misophe's tenure as leader of the Lamia Priestesses could come to quite a violent end. This uncomfortable truth causes her to glance in Synithise's direction, wondering just how her friend would handle such an event. Carrie could no longer be sure of how Synithise felt about her sister, but she decides on the spot that it would be best to try for a peaceful resolution regardless.

"Synithise?", Carrie begins tentatively, "Would you be willing to try to talk your sister down from this? If we wind up having to go in after her, it's not likely to go smoothly. I have a way to allow you two to converse from here like I was doing with Eveleen earlier if you'd like."

Carrie waits to hear Synithise's response. She would simultaneously get a sense of the bond between the two, as well as how her friend now felt about her sister after recent events when she answered.

"Well... If we talk, I might be able to convince her..." Synithise said.

"Wait dear." Apulia, the mershark, said. "Having them speak now, is simply revealing their their capture of the slaves went wrong. Striking them when they least expect it is the best way to go about." She flashed her array of sharp teeth as she smiled.

"My crew and I used to attack where it was least expected, when the adversary's guard are at their lowest, you see."

"I'm not looking to strike or attack at the moment.", Carrie replies with a slightly disappointed smirk, "True excellence lies not in achieving victory in all of your battles, but in breaking your enemy's resistance without fighting in the first place. You see, the problem here is that our opposition at this moment isn't Felencorp or some outside enemy like slavers from various countries. The opponent is us. Fighting our way in to get at Misophe has far too high a cost in terms of potential for bloodshed, loss of life, and loss of trust to be anything other than an option of last resort. Misophe's guard isn't likely to be down anyway, given how suddenly I absconded. In fact, she's likely to be getting more paranoid by the hour the way she's essentially trapped like a rat. She may make a mistake under that sort of pressure, but the one thing we can say for sure that she will be for the moment is vigilant."

Carrie pauses for a moment to take a quick drink before continuing to explain the situation to Apulia.

"Everyone who lives in Thura Forest is basically part of one big family. Misophe may have gone and done something truly heinous, yes, but she's still Synithise's sister. If there's a way to solve this problem without using force, I'm going to pursue that option first. Right now, gambling on the bond between Synithise and her sister, however strained it might currently be, is the best option I see available. I am open to suggestions, but ultimately the final say on this rests with Synithise."

Carrie looks around at those assembled, curious if any of them might have an alternate idea. As little faith as Carrie had in Misophe at the moment, she was eager to hear any alternate option.

"Personally I do not tolerate traits when it comes to my crew. You see dear, my crew and I, we're family. And if one of them strays, you can be sure we'll be disciplining them at the sharp end of a trident." Apulia said.

"As much as force can help get things done as well... I very much agree with Carrie's suggestion." Aliana replied to the mershark. "The loss of life, especially to potential allies is to great a loss with what our country has lost already."

"Traitors are traitors. You make an example out of them to get everyone else to follow in line."

"And by the end of it, you're left with a broken and weaker group than you started."

Apulia didn't respond, but only shrugged. "I'm just suggesting what I'd do."






"Da enemy, kowmang, bad ke? Da best we ta kill dem." Grus said roughly, giving his own opinion, his words a harsh tone.

Quote from: TranslationAll of the enemies are bad, right? The best way is to kill them.

Donovan held out a calming hand, not quite understanding what the minotaur said but understanding enough from the physical tells. "Apart from the marshall arm of the Lamia priestesses. The dullahan of Thura forest are also the protectors of the priestess, the temple, and the hero, too. Our matriarch, Eveleen, do follow a code of honor to our country, so they can't openly oppose the priestesses. But Synithise's sister should know even a single dullahan is a mighty foe. I say we have Synithise speak to Misophe first. If we need to resort to storming the temple, I assure you, the dullahan will pull through ahead."

"I'm in favor with talking, personally. But I'll go with anything! I don't usually speak my mind all that often, soooo..!"

"She speaks her mind all the time." Apulia said rolling her eyes, which earned another glare from the maid.

"You're just so rude!"

"Everyone!" Synithise blurted interrupting the conversation. "Misophe is my sister!" Synithise continued as she closed her eyes while balling her fists tightly to her side at the same time. She opened them again primarily to look at both Grus and Apulia sternly. After a few moments, she turned towards you.

"Let me talk to her, please, Carrie?"

As Synithise glares at both Grus and Apulia, Carrie adds her own look of disappointment.

"They're not all bad or even the enemy.", she once more informs the two, "They're friends and family who've been gone astray."

Carrie then responds to Synithise by immediately doing as requested, programming the atmosphere again.

"Program, condition: as desired, statement: Convey Synithise's words to Misophe. Statement: Convey Misophe's words to Synithise. Condition: As desired, Statement: Convey my words to Misophe Statement: Convey Misophe's words to me. Condition: immediately prior to expiration Statement: Refresh program. Save."

Carrie then turns to Synithise upon completing the program and advises her.

"The idea here may be to get your sister to surrender peacefully, but bear in mind that it may not work.", begins the young hero, "If it doesn't, the more information she gives up about the situation in the temple while you talk, the easier and less violently we'll be able to resolve the situation if we're forced to storm the place. Don't focus on it, but keep it in the back of your mind. The most important thing aside from Misophe surrendering is the release of any hostages or prisoners, if any exist, into our custody. We already know several of those who weren't escorted out with you have actively worked against your sister's goals, and I can't imagine she'd be happy about that if they're discovered. Beyond that, bear in mind that Misophe has nowhere to run or hide. She's likely feeling very cornered right now with the Dullahan watching the exits as well as horribly frustrated with how little has gone to plan. Time works in our favor here, so don't feel like you need to bring things to a close quickly. Give her all the time she needs to make the right decision. Any questions?"

Carrie takes a few moments to allow Synithise to process everything she had just said, prepared to answer any questions her friend might have. Meanwhile, Carrie takes a quick moment to inform Eveleen of what was about to transpire.

"Eveleen, it's Carrie again. I'm putting Synithise in contact with her sister so that she can attempt to talk her down from this. I'll keep you posted."

Eveleen's voice immediately answered. "Carrie, I'm glad you're safe. Misophe refuses to speak with us. I hope Synithise will get through. We have our riders stationed at each of the known entrances to the tunnels, with the bulk of our troops atop the main one. If you need us for anything, just say the word." Eveleen responded.

As for the Lamia matriarch, she nodded her head.

"As desired... convert Synthise's words to Misophe..." Synithise repeated the first part of your programming.

"Umm... Misophe?" Synithise finally asked. There was a long pause as finally a response was heard.

"Synithise!" A voice hissed back through the link, heard by both you and Synithise. At this, Synithise flinched slightly. But she willed up some more courage, and much more sure of herself, she responded again.

"You have to stop what you're doing!" Synithise pleaded.

"How are you in my head?" Misophe demanded, completely ignoring Synithise's pleas. But a moment later she must have realized how. "So the hero came to get you? You would have been better off with our neighbors. You've always just been the bumbling type, never taking your role seriously! I can't believe mother gave you the position of matriarch! And now you've ruined everything!"

"The forest is the hero's. But it's not just that. The dullahan and the batfolk live there too. They don't agree with you, Misophe. Please just surrender. I'm asking this to you as your sister."

There was a long pause.

"And what does this 'surrending' even entail?" Misophe hissed back sharply.

"I'll grant you you're the pragmatic one, Misophe, but you've completely missed the point.", Carrie interjects, "Even I can see that your mother intended for you two to work as a team and shore up each other's weaknesses. You're a solid planner and tactician, but you lack the ability to lead as your sister does. The reason your mother named Synithise matriarch was a matter of trust, and you just proved her decision absolutely correct. A matriarch can't ever betray their own people to an enemy, Misophe. I get why you would be frustrated with your sister, but this is the worst possible course of action you could have taken short of murder."

Carrie pauses for a few moments to allow Misophe to absorb and process the rebuke she had just received.

"You're going to have to face justice for your crimes, Misophe, but both your sister and I are willing to give you a second chance.", Carrie begins, "The two of you are far better together than apart, and that tag-team is exactly what everyone needs from the two of you right now, so...."

Carrie takes a deep breath and exhales slowly several times to purge the fury that had been building toward Misophe over the past couple days. The offer she was about to make was one she personally didn't like in the slightest, feeling it far too lenient, but was also exactly what both Synithise and Misophe, as well as all the lamia priestesses needed right now.

"I have three terms for you. One, You cede your authority to your second. Two, You forfeit the right to carry weapons unless specifically authorized by either myself or Synithise. Three, three thousand hours of community service. If you're willing to agree to those terms, then the ordinary sentence for your deeds will be suspended so long as you don't do anything that ill-advised again."

Carrie then turns to Synithise, seeking to confirm that she found the offer she had made acceptable, asking, "Is there anything you want to add?"

QuoteDiplomacy to shift attitude:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8

QuoteDiplomacy for terms:

Rolled 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11

Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16

Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25

QuoteBurning a hero point to reroll the diplomacy check to shift attitude.

Rolled 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12

Synithise shook her head.

"I have nothing else to add. Misophe, accept those terms, you know as much as I do you can't make more enemies than you have already. I'm your family; your sister." Synithise added, attempting to plea towards her familial bonds.

There was a long pause. The tension was palpable. The options were laid out before Misophe, defying the rightful rulers of Thura forest turned out not to be the best course of action.

"Fine!" Hissed Misophe, realizing she was backed into a corner. "I'll cede authority, but I will not let myself be unarmed!" She declared.

As she hears Misophe's reply, Carrie sighs. "Of course she would.", she thinks to herself as she gives Synithise a glance that displays her astonishment at her sister's gall.

"All right, I'll hear your counteroffer.", Carrie replies wearily, "What bargaining chip do you have that will convince us to allow you to remain armed after what you pulled?"

Carrie turns to Synithise again and comments with mild amusement, "This should be good. When she replies, she'll likely be giving up her ace in the hole."

Carrie remained astonished that Misophe was still pushing her luck despite the already generous offer of mercy. Perhaps, she considered, the generous offer had been the reason Misophe was being so cheeky. Depending on the counteroffer, Carrie realized it might be necessary to remind Misophe that the offer wasn't being made from a position of weakness. Then again, perhaps Misophe truly did still have some form of 'insurance policy'. Only time would tell.

"Without a way to defend myself, anyone can seek to take my life!" Misophe hissed in response. "Who is to say whether the batfolk or the dullahan would one day find me and report that I 'took my own life'. No doubt it would simply be a ploy to remove me!"

"They won't do that!" Synithise responded back. "Matriarch Jasna, and Matriarch Eveleen are both honorable!"

"I was not speaking to you!" Misophe cut in abruptly. "A way to protect myself is all I ask!"

"If you're looking for sympathy, you picked the wrong person.", Carrie snaps back, "You already have a way to secure that for yourself. Simply offer an alternative term of equal value. That said, I find your mistrust of your own people quite alarming in light of your cooperation with agents of Felencorp. After all, given you're willing to cede your authority already, removing you from a position of authority will no longer be necessary. The concern you've raised seems to have little in the way of foundation, particularly given the fact that I'm interested in your cooperation rather than elimination. .....You wouldn't happen to be stalling for some reason, would you?"

Carrie's tone with Misophe had become stern and businesslike. While she was containing the full measure of her fury for the sake of her friend, Carrie's patience with Misophe was wearing thin.

Carrie turns once more to Synithise, her tone now incredulous, "Does your sister genuinely distrust the batfolk and dullahan to such an extreme degree? Is there something I'm missing here?"

---

Synithise shook her head. She then willed it so that her next words would not be sent through the mind-like link that connected the three of you.

"Both the dullahan and batfolk tribes sided with my mother when it was announced that I would become matriarch. Sister threw a fit then, but the others didn't pay her much mind. Back then she tried to rally her own supporters against mother, but that was quelled quick, and never went as far as what's happening now. After that, she took plenty of the other Lamia priestesses with her under her own command and would journey to each of our cities to pay regards and offer services to the city lords. But... I think she only did it to keep her distance from us in the forest. She likely harbors a grudge against them still... She happened to be nearby when the Shifting occurred that took us to this world. I told her I was planning to do the hero summoning ritual, and gave her the date of when. But she never responded, and only showed up to throw me and other priestesses in the cages you saved us from."

Misophe continued responding to you, unaware of the bit that Synithise said.

"I trust my people. The lamia that I helped train to be fighters! I don't trust the ones that follow Synithise, or the dullahan, or the batfolk! I have allies, strong allies, in the remnants of this country. I'm not willing to be unarmed in case any enemy decides to take my life."

 Carrie targets the ground once again and speaks, intending for Misophe to hear her words.

"Program, Condition: Misophe is subjected to lethal force. Statement: Crush Misophe's attacker. Condition: Immediately prior to program expiration. Statement: Refresh program. Save."

Carrie then edits the program, adding a few clauses that Misophe will not be aware of.

"Program, edit, Condition: Misophe attempts to harm a citizen of Darmona. Statement: Tremble under my left foot. Statement: Delete program. Condition: Misophe solicits others to harm a citizen of Darmona. Statement: Tremble under my left foot. Statement: Delete program. Save."

Carrie turns to Synithise, explaining the program, "If Misophe is attacked, she'll survive despite being unarmed. If she decides to continue being a problem, the protection this program provides will be null and void and I'll know the instant she tries it."

"If anyone tries to kill you now, the very ground beneath their feet will turn them into a bloody pulp.", Carrie informs Misophe, "You no longer need to be concerned about being killed without just cause. Not that you ever needed to be concerned in the first place."

Carrie sighs audibly before continuing, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news Misophe, but you've become completely paranoid. Nobody here wants you dead. We'd all much rather see this feud end amicably. Whatever the reason it has lasted this long, it has gone much too far. It's time to finally sit down and have a long-overdue discussion. We don't want to be your enemies."

---

You applied the programming, though you felt sleepy after inputting the conditions and statements.

Synithise nodded at your explanation, seemingly agreeing to the constraints placed on her sister.

"I'm not given any other choice, either way. Which means that paranoia is justified!" Misophe's voice was sour. "Before I accept all your terms completely, I'll test if this so-called protection of yours actually works." A moment later Misophe continued with commands, though you assumed them to be directed to some of her guards nearby instead.

"You! Attack my arm!" Misophe commanded. There was another pause. "Attack. Me. Now. That is an order!" Another pause.

"... Very well hero, and Synithise. Whatever you did worked. Now tell the dullahan to stand down! They've been threatening to storm into the temple grounds."

Carrie rolls her eyes as Misophe tries to justify her paranoia, amazed that Misophe still doesn't seem to understand that the situation in which she finds herself is entirely of her own making. When Misophe states that she's going to test the protection Carrie had provided her, she immediately comments to Synithise, "Well, that's a fuckup on my part. The failsafe conditions are going to screw us."

Carrie is then shocked to hear Misophe confirm that the program had actually functioned, and her eyes go wide despite her exhausted condition as she realizes that Synithise's sister had just used the defensive program Carrie had created for her to murder someone just to see if it functioned.

"That... wasn't supposed to........", Carrie stutters to herself, her accent thick, showing the sudden change in her emotional state and demeanor, then swears loudly, "SHIT! They're not citizens of Darmona!"

Carrie found herself with a much greater understanding of the situation that she had prior to the beginning of negotiations. In all likelihood, the foreign nation in which Misophe was a citizen would be the Felencorp United Alliances. Misophe had been working with Felencorp slavers, sure, and was likely acting out of her own selfish interests, but Carrie now found it exceptionally likely that Felencorp had agreed to work with her rather than enslave her because they intended for Misophe to be their puppet, leading the Lamia however they saw fit and reducing the chance of an uprising.

"What the actual fuck?! I knew she was treacherous, but this just takes the cake! I can't fucking believe she turned around and killed someone with that program that fast! How stupid do you have to be to violate an agreement the moment it's forged?!", comes the exasperated rant from Carrie, followed by a dejected sigh and, "God. Dammit. At least we got her to agree to the terms. With any luck, having her in Dullahan custody for community service will nip this problem in the bud. We're going to need to vet everyone who's currently in the temple though. Most of them are Misophe's people, but there are definitely a few who are loyal to you. In any case, Eveleen needs to know."

Carrie begins speaking to Eveleen once more but also permits Misophe to hear her words.

"Eveleen, Carrie again. Misophe has agreed to the following terms. She will be ceding her authority to her second in command. She forfeits the right to carry weapons unless specifically authorized to do so by either myself or Synithise, and she has agreed to serve 3,000 hours of community service. In exchange, the ordinary sentence for her deeds is to be suspended contingent upon the absence of additional offenses following her attempted coup. Should such an offense or offenses be proven, the sentence shall no longer be suspended. You can expect both Misophe and her second in command to meet you at the main entrance to confirm compliance with the terms of this agreement, and for Misophe to report for the administration of her community service sentence. Assuming all parties are satisfied that the agreement is being carried out in good faith, there will be no need to storm the temple. We can all meet to discuss the consequences for those subordinates directly participating in Misophe's attempted coup when I arrive."

Carrie then continues with only Eveleen permitted to hear her.

"Beyond this point, Misophe can't hear me. Be advised that she may have already violated the agreement by murdering someone to test a defensive program I provided to convince her to agree to the second term. If she is subjected to lethal force without first attempting to harm, or soliciting someone to cause harm to a citizen of Darmona, the individual attacking her will be crushed by the earth beneath them. If you find yourself having to stop an escape attempt or otherwise use force to compel compliance at any point, do not employ lethal force unless lethal force is used against you. Make certain that all of your riders are aware of this. That said until or unless we have solid proof that she violated the agreement, we proceed exactly as agreed upon. Additionally, be advised that the program she used to murder one of her own would not have functioned if my blessing had identified either Misophe or the individual she ordered to attack her as citizens of Darmona. Misophe and her people are foreign nationals. Given their involvement with Felencorp's slavers, it's likely that's who they've cast their lot with. Don't trust anyone in there until we have a chance to verify who's who and where their loyalties lie. Now,.......I'm going to give Misophe another reality check. Let me know when the handoff occurs."

Carrie then takes the opportunity to educate Misophe on where she had gone wrong.

"Misophe, let me give you some advice, one warrior to another. Among those who go into battle together, there can be no bond more significant or meaningful than the bond of trust. In combat, those who fight together must be able to trust that their comrades in arms are watching out for them, and can be counted on to cover their blind spots. Your unit lacks that trust in you. They know that you see them as objects instead of people, and when word gets out that you caused harm to one of your own for personal gain so insignificant as a little peace of mind, it wouldn't surprise me if your own fighters tried to kill you. Oh, I know you trust them more than anyone else in this forest, but you really shouldn't. The way you try to keep them in line doesn't win you any friends and, in fact, resulted in several of them passively aiding my escape. Your people are motivated to do enough that they don't invoke your wrath, but no more. Your negative behavioral reinforcement strategy also leaves your people with less confidence in themselves and significantly lower morale overall. All of those points, however, aren't your greatest failing. That would be your apparent inability to accept the consequences of your decisions and actions. More than anything else, Misophe, I find myself constantly astounded that you show not one inkling of recognition that this entire situation was of your own creation. You got yourself into this mess when you decided to sell your sister, my friend, into slavery. You're lucky you didn't hurt her, Misophe. If you had, there would have been no negotiating with me, and the only thing in this world that could keep me from wringing your neck would have been the same sister you tried to sell into slavery."

Carrie decided to leave Misophe with one final biting rebuke.

"Even though you tried to sell her into slavery, Synithise is the reason you're getting a second chance at all. You've got a sister who loves you unconditionally, Misophe, and from what I've seen thus far, all you 've done is cause her no end of grief. In a world like this one where danger lurks around every corner, if you don't cherish your family while you have them, you'll regret it should the day come when they're gone. For the past few days, I've found myself wondering what my relationship with my family could have been like had I not enlisted. Had I not been a soldier, I might still be with them right now. Maybe we'd be enjoying a barbecue.", Carrie smiles sadly as she recalls one of several good times spent with her family before finishing her monologue, "Take it from someone who knows. You never truly realize how much someone means to you until they're actually gone."

Diplomacy:

---

"I'll let you know when the handoff occures." Eveleen responded back.

"My people, aiding your escape...?" There was a low hiss of anger in her tone, but Misophe continued listening. Once you were finished, did Misophe respond.

"Who aided your escape? For one of my own to show such flagrant disobedience, they would deserve punishment." Her tone of voice was sharp, though she realized her soon-to-be lack of authority. "Anyways, I've already agreed to the terms! Besides all this talk of leadership is useless, with my second taking command of the martial arm of the priestesses."

"As for Synithise, she has done nothing but steal everything from me. I am the eldest, I should have been the one mother chose to lead the temple. It should have been me to summon the hero! It should have been me to greet you into this world. But now instead, look what you've done Synithise, you've ruined me! You speak of the importance of family, where it is in fact Synithise who have ruined things. Never could I understand why my mother chose the foolish and meek Synithise. It was a mistake! Strength is needed!"

"Now, enough of this, you've already won. Even if I were to attempt to flee, I doubt these cursed riders would let up, while they tirelessly chase until they've caught up. Not to mention, the hero's magic that defies all reason, affecting me even when I'm here at the temple."

"My second and I will meet with the dullahan. You've won." She hissed. "That's what you wanted right, Synithise?"

---

---

"Misophe and her guards are meeting us up at their main entrance. They've surrendered their weapons." Eveleen's voice echoed in the wind through your programming.

"We've secured them." She said again some moments later. There was a sigh. "Misophe disappeared for years, it's... saddening that she only showed up only to be caught in this situation."

"Everything alright with you, Carrie?" Eveleen's voice resounded in the air again, her tone softer. "On behalf of the dullahan of Thura forest, I apologize that our security was lax enough to let my fellow matriarch be captured."

Carrie's response to Misophe is swift and harsh. With a furious expression and a face rapidly turning red, Carrie has finally had enough of Misophe's nonsense.

"WAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!, Mommy didn't pick meeeee!", she exclaims, mimicking a small child throwing a tantrum before suddenly turning on the Drill Instructor persona and continuing with a much more forceful, authoritative tone, "Grow the fuck up and quit behaving like a child, you entitled brat!"

Carrie then disengages from the conversation entirely to calm down, recognizing that if she were to continue interacting with Misophe at the moment, she was liable to make a poor decision. Besides, she reasoned, Synithise had been far too quiet thus far. It was likely the younger sister had her own piece to say.

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Considering what you were up against, you did about as well as anyone could have been expected to.", Carrie informs Eveleen, "Traitors are devastating specifically because they're already aware of and prepared to defeat your security measures. Misophe and her crew got in through the exit tunnels. Nobody else would have been able to gain entry in that manner. They probably didn't even cross your patrol routes at any point. That said, the sooner we can get to fortifying our positions here, the better. Concealment can't be our only defense against attack anymore, as has been so clearly shown. As for me,......."

A long period of silence from Carrie ensues as she considers exactly what to say and how to say it. Eventually, she realizes that if she needs to deliberate on the matter as long as she has, there's only one truthful answer to the question.

"Physically, I could use a bit of attention but it's nothing serious.", Carrie begins tentatively, dreading the looks and the conversation that would no doubt follow the second half of her answer, but continues anyway after a brief pause and sigh, her voice unexpectedly wavering, "Mentally, I'm........ I need help. I'm not fit for duty by any standard."

Carrie realized as soon as she had said it that she had referred to a duty that no longer applied to the situation, but given Eveleen's knowledge of her life, she doubted the matriarch would be confused.

Feeling suddenly very vulnerable to be admitting that she was concerned about her own sanity, Carrie instinctively withdraws again.

"This is neither the time nor place to get into this though. I'll give you the full run down when I'm back."

Carrie then recalls something rather important about the events that had recently transpired and decides that mentioning it would be wise at this point in time.

"I feel like I should mention that the leader of the slaver caravan was strong enough to give me a genuine run for my money after having tangled with Donovan.", Carrie relays to Eveleen, "I'm not sure how familiar you are with heroes and their abilities compared to Synithise, but after blowing away the individual in question my level increased from 28 to 39. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't an increase of nearly 40% in my total level upon achieving victory tend to indicate that my opponent was ridiculously powerful? The giant boar I ran into yesterday provided an increase of only two levels, from 26 to 28."

---

In the heart of the Lamia Priestess tunnels, Misophe was visibly turning a redder shade of purple. Each and every one of the guards held their tongue and stood as if they weren't hearing the one-way conversation Misophe was having with the hero.

Kisisha, the second in command under Misophe sighed heavily as she stood at attention. Her mistress had always been like this, quick to anger, harboring an extreme hatred for those in Thura forest, and letting many of her decisions be fueled by emotions rather than sound-thinking. At the very least, her mistress' sister didn't turn out as sour. Talking to the other lamia priestesses who were left in taking care of Synithise in Thura forest, they've all told her that the worst they had to put up with was a constant supply of meats to continually feed their matriarch.

Don't get upset now mistress Misophe. Kisisha inwardly thought to herself, steeling her gaze towards the elder sibling of the matriline of the Lamia Priestesses.

The events just minutes ago were still fresh in her mind, of course. The elite guards around her mistress had since cleaned up the earlier mess involving the very floor itself crunching down on one of their own. That particular episode involved sending the injured Lamia away from her mistress's presence, along with cleaning the blood that had been shed. With how angry her mistress Misophe looked, no one wanted to risk being the subject of her next lashing. Seeing any sort of weakness in her people wasn't something her mistress tolerated either.

"How dare you!" Kisisha's mistress yelled out-loud; her eyes alight with fire. Kisisha didn't know what the hero, Carrie, was saying, only the comments made by her mistress in their conversation, but the lamia only hoped it wouldn't escalate.

"I'm not the brat! Synithise is the brat! And you with your insults proves you're just as a brat as she is!" The lamia yelled out in front of her, clutching the armrests of the throne she sat on. Kisisha held her breathe.

It escalated. Kisisha thought to herself, sighing again, unsurprised at the turn of events. She began to think of ways to cover for the blunder, only for Misophe to make it worst.

"Incessantly pretending to be the nice one so that mother would choose you! Allying yourselves with the dullahan and batfolk matriarchs, worming your way into their graces! And now the hero as well!" Misophe spat.

Kisisha sighed yet again.

---

---

"I never meant to steal anything from you sister!" Synithise pleaded. "I didn't even want to become the matriarch..."

"Then give it to me!" Misophe screeched in response. "You don't deserve it!"

"I can't do that. Not anymore, sister." Synithise responded quickly, much calmer. "There's a reason mother made me matriarch. I never really understood why until now... But look at what you're doing, and look at what you've done. Don't think about me, or mother, or of us in Thura forest. Just lay out the things you've done just in the last day. Next think about mother, and who she was. Mother was part of the line of priestesses that held an important role in our country. She was respected, not feared. The other leaders respected her as well, as did the royal family. The rest of the priestesses wanted to serve, rather than feeling as if they had to. Being trusted and respected is important in a role like hers. Now... with what you've done just today... You betrayed everyone in the forest, and you betrayed Carrie too. You tried to sell your own family into slavery. We are priestesses, sister. But more than that, we're leaders, and that in itself holds as more accountable than those who follow us. You're given this chance to make amends. And you're already squandering it. You're a leader, Misophe, that's why you have priestesses who follow you, but also, lead by example."

"You see, Carrie told you much the same, but I doubt you even heard her words. You know I care a lot about you. I sent you so many letters throughout the cities in our country that made it here, hoping you'd receive them. And when I found out you had made it... I did my best to bring you back. I wanted us both to summon the hero, I was hoping it would be your people, who are skilled fighters, would be the ones to teach Carrie."

"You see, Carrie told you much the same, but I doubt you even heard her words. You know I care a lot about you. I sent you so many letters throughout the cities in our country that made it here, hoping you'd receive them. I even risked traveling to the cities here to have an audience with each of the tribal heads. And when I found out you had made it... I did my best to bring you back. I wanted us both to summon the hero, I was hoping it would be your people, who are skilled fighters, who would be the ones to teach Carrie."

"We can still do that. With me as the matriarch, and you the head of the guards. Not because I stole the position, nor even the fact that mother had announced that I would be taking it. But because I unite both our tribe with the other tribes in our forest. And because our people want to follow me."

"In times like these when most of our country has vanished, the royal family is gone, and our people are scattered and hunted by oppressors, it's even more important that we all stand together and united."

"Sister... I need you to be united."

Donovan, who was listening intently to the one side of the conversation, nodded slowly.

"I see your mother in you, kid." He whispered, barely audible, to himself.

---

---

There was a silence, as if Eveleen was considering your words.

"Sorry, I forget you can't actually see me right now since your voice sounds as if you're right next to me. But I nodded... And I understand. The link we have when we shared our souls is something I'll keep forever, as will you for my soul. But we can save it for later, you know I'll always be here for you."

"And yes... Sometimes I forget you're a hero, most people never see their levels. I admit, my own familiarity with it is lacking. From what I remember Synithise telling me before, gaining levels is generally a slow process, but if you killed a giant boar in this forest and only earned two levels, then yes, whoever you had killed was a skilled person. It wouldn't be far off to say that he might have been stronger than Donovan."

"This reminds me. I must also warn you... There have been cases before where heroes go rogue. You've experienced it yourself how easy it is for one with your blessings to kill, even if the target was someone strong. The Felencorp employs their own heroes throughout the world, primarily fighting in the war against the demons, but their capacity in a fight is not to be underestimated. A fight between heroes, as I've heard, isn't something that is drawn out. It's usually quick. And most often, deadly."

"When you come back, we need to focus on training or levels. I want to help prepare you for anything else you might encounter."

As Carrie listened to Misophe's tantrum, her attempts to calm herself were failing miserably. She was about to cut Misophe off from communicating with her when Synithise began speaking. As furious as Misophe's behavior was making her, Carrie didn't want to miss that exchange. Of course, Misophe just had to screech her demand at Synithise one more time. Carrie didn't get a chance to rebuke her again though. Synithise beat her to the punch. The Lamia matriarch delivered her elder sister a far more biting rebuke than Carrie ever could have, echoing the same criticism she had given, but doing so in such a way that it actually seemed to be getting through Misophe's thick skull. After all, Misophe hadn't interrupted her after the final screeched demand.

"And that's the reason I've chosen to follow your sister Misophe.", Carrie adds, having been calmed herself listening to Synithise speak, "Her concern is always for others rather than herself. She's not in it for power, fame, or glory. She does her job because she cares about her people. Incredibly, she still includes you and your followers."

Carrie pauses briefly to emphasize what she says next, uttering the recommendation laden with pity.

"Misophe, it's time you re-evaluate your life choices. If you continue down the path you're currently on, nothing good will come of it."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Carrie can't help but chuckle as Eveleen relates that she had nodded while listening to her. The chuckle doesn't last long though as Carrie feels ice run through her veins when Eveleen confirms what she had suspected. The idea that the leader of a mere slave caravan could be powerful enough to challenge a summoned hero and actually have a chance to win left Carrie disturbed. It seemed that the Felencorp United Alliances were far more dangerous than she had at first suspected. If civilians could be this powerful, what would their military be like? The thing that most caught Carrie's attention though was Eveleen's reference to the concept of a 'rogue hero'.

"I'm probably going to be leaning on you more than expected.", Carrie admits to Eveleen, "You're currently the only person in this world that fully understands what I'm dealing with, so that's more than a little reassuring."

Carrie then switches to a topic she finds more comfortable to discuss.

"I can definitely see why conflict between heroes would be brief and deadly.", she agrees with a more serious tone, "One of my own blessings has such reach that I could likely eliminate a hostile hero anywhere in this world at any time without them even realizing what's happening. The sheer magnitude of power it bestows is sobering. I'm definitely in agreement where training is concerned. There's a ridiculous amount of information I'm still missing about the world around me. There's probably going to be quite a bit more training going in the opposite direction than you're expecting though. What I've learned about this blessing of mine has given me a whole bunch of ideas that might very well allow me to bring my world's technologies into this one. If we're to make use of them, Darmona's people will need to learn about them."

Carrie's tone then shifts once more to a more relaxed and mischievous tenor, "That being said, I've got a crazy idea that I just can't not try. If it doesn't work out the way I intend I may wind up completely out of mana, so if I fail to respond after this, assume I've passed out. I'm going to try to edit my status window. If I'm still conscious after this, the idea of a rogue hero interests me greatly. If we could get one or more of Felencorp's own heroes to switch sides, it would greatly improve our own capabilities while diminishing theirs."

Carrie then proceeds to do exactly as she stated.

"Status, Program, Conditon: Now Statement:Set MP 75, Statement:Set HP 95, Save."

Whatever the outcome turns out to be, Carrie can't help but grin mischievously as she creates the new program. In her mind, an old meme plays.

'HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX'

---

Misophe never directly responded back. Though through the link, however, you were able to hear her words still being echoed out to you.

---

---

The silence was almost palpable. The mistress had been in some sort of verbal conflict with presumably Synthise and the hero, but her demeanor now seemed to slightly shift. Kisisha held her breath in anticipation, as did the other elite guards surrounding them in Synthise's unused throne room. Either Misophe was thinking about something extremely carefully, or she was about to blow up in an extreme explosion of anger.

"Mistress Misophe, do we plan to have you escape still?" One of the other elite guards dared to ask, not being able to stand the uncomfortable silence.

Misophe turned towards the guard but sighed herself.

"Let's meet with the riders." Misophe responded. "Peacefully."

The feeling of both relief and confusion washed over Kisisha. Not long ago had Misophe planned for another daring escape, potentially sacrificing the mistress' own warriors so that she could flee towards the closest Felencorp camp. It was a course of action that was foolhardy, one prone to fail given the fact her mistress was up against a summoned hero. There were enough tales about the Felencorp heroes that would send shivers up one's spine after all.

But now all of a sudden she wanted to throw away those plans? Kishisha had known Misophe the longest, so she knew that her mistress was as stubborn as any minotaur. It was almost disturbing to the lamia caretaker. Where was the defiance? Or her hallmark anger?

"Mistress?" Kisisha asked, her tone of voice carrying the unspoken question.

Misophe stared at Kisisha for awhile, before finally answering.

"Kisisha, you're in command of the warriors."

---

---

When you expected the program to run, your field of vision was interrupted by a notification.

Shortly after that, another notification appeared.

As Carrie hears Misophe give the necessary instructions to comply with the terms of the agreement, she smiles and places a hand on Synithise's shoulder.

"It seems like we finally got through to her.", she tells Synithise, before continuing in a more light-hearted fashion, "Well, mostly you. She doesn't seem to respond well when someone calls her out on her bollix. Either way, it looks like things aren't quite so banjaxed as they could have been. We're going to have quite a bit of questioning to do when we get back though. Between the prisoners we took and Misophe's people, we might be able to gain quite a bit of operational intelligence."

Carrie pauses for several seconds though before speaking again, this time from the heart.

"Really though, I'm just glad you're safe."

As she speaks, the prior apprehension Carrie had felt and the relief that had recently washed over her was apparent. Not everything was right with the world, to be sure, but at least Carrie still had the people she cared about.

______________________________________________________________________________

"Oh, this is interesting.", Carrie says with excitement, no doubt making clear to Eveleen that she had not passed out, "The idea is sound in principle, but needs to be somehow unlocked first! Apparently, trying it earned me a new title too. 'Attempted Divinity', according to the message. I've also gained one SP."

Carrie then turns to Synithise, "What's SP? I haven't seen that when I've accessed the status display window."

Carrie then recalls something else she wanted to ask after an earlier observation as a familiar window appears in her field of vision in an irritating fashion causing her to momentarily recoil as if trying to move away from an annoying insect before thinking aloud, "I've got to remember that word calls up a display window....", before continuing her train of thought.

"I've also noticed a red glow coming from both of us since taking down the caravan leader. It seems similar to what mana looks like, but it's clearly different. Do you have any idea what that might be? I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that you're the matriarch of a temple given that we're the only two here that appear to have this trait, but what would that mean for me....?"

Carrie then turns her attention back to the conversation Eveleen had begun prior to her attempt at editing her status window.

"And what exactly makes someone a Rogue Hero? I'd be interested to know if Felencorp takes any precautions to guard against heroes going rogue, and if so what those might be. I suppose that would be a better question for someone who works for Felencorp though. Maybe one of the prisoners will know....."

Carrie, still thinking about the goal she had in mind when trying to edit her status window, comes up with another idea to solve the problem. While listening for responses from her friends, she unslings the hydration backpack from its position and uses it fill the cup that comes with her mess kit. Once her friends have finished speaking, she turns to Synithise and tells her what she's up to, making certain that Eveleen is also aware of her intended course of action.

"Okay, let's give this another try using a different method.", she informs the two who could currently hear her, handing the cup filled with water to Synithise, "I'm going to use my ability on the water in this cup. If it turns deep blue, it will mean that the ability functioned as intended and that consuming it will fully restore MP. If not, it will mean that the effect failed to take hold. If this works though, this is also likely to render me unconscious, so you'll need to get me to drink it somehow if I'm to recover my mana."

Once Synithise acknowledges that she understands what Carrie is about to do, the young hero takes a seat on the ground and proceeds as she indicated.

"Program: Condition: As Desired Statement: Turn blue Statement: Replenish imbiber's MP, Save."

---

The moment you said 'status' out-loud, the menu came into view.

"'SP'... Yes... Our teaching has information about that too. 'SP' is divinity... Or perhaps the measure of how much divinity is in you. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot about 'SP'. It's not as common as mana at all, and it's something reserved only to heroes. There have never been records of heroes making use of it before though..." Synithise shook her head.

"I'm unsure if this world has any information on what we the priestess know of as 'SP', since us here in this forest rarely make contact with others. Likewise, information is sparse too. But we can always ask some of our contacts who have been living outside the forest about it..." At this she turned towards Donovan.

The armored dullahan shrugged.

"Haven't heard of it. I don't strayed too far away from Melrose. It's been uncomfortable for others with me being in the town since the occupation, so I haven't appeared much. I've gotten used to being at home, enjoying the solitude and peace, for years now; old habits die hard."

Synithsie was about to respond, but instead chose to focus on you.

"Yes, that red glow. That's described as 'SP'. But... I shouldn't have any of this 'SP'... I always thought it was something just for heroes?" Synithise asked. Looking around you, no one else had this red glow. Comparing yourself with Synithise however, yours was a lot more vibrant than hers. If anything, there was only a very slight glow that was barely visible when you focused on Synithise, where on you it was much more overpowering.

---

When asked about rogue heroes, Eveleen gave the expected answer.

"I imagine the Felencorp abandons the hero, or if it's detrimental to the war effort, they use their own heroes to take the rogue ones down."

---

Applying the programming to the cup, you noticed the water in the cup start to ripple, and immediately after that, you passed out.