Paladin of Astaroth(Porne)

[Sallin_Kari]

She happily jumps into your arms hugging you tightly, though she's not strong enough to cause discomfort to you. Probably enough to kill a human though, so she's not harmless at least. Still, speaking of your niece you never did actually find out what happened to her... messages from the fort she was stationed in just stopped coming, and thus everyone is presumed dead. Despite several attempts to break through the monsters lines to see if at least the fort stood, you were wounded and forced to pull back each time... After a few years you've come to accept the probability that she is dead, though there is still that sliver of hope that she still lives.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

We decided on niece since you didn't want daughter if I recall correctly.

[porne]

I do let her snuggle with me, and actually return some of the snuggles, at least for a little bit. My thoughts drift toward my niece, and the possibility of maybe sending in a scout after all. I seem to recall the fort being somewhat nearby, even if I'll have to send my scout out alone. Still, has to be done eventually.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Can't recall for sure. I'm currently fine either way.

[Sallin_Kari]

Moria cuddles until she gets her fill, before excusing herself to complete the mission you gave her, leaving you to get some rest after this productive day. Still things don't seem to be getting any less busy with the threat that appears to be coming. Best figure out how you want to handle it sooner rather then later.

[porne]

I'm happy I can provide a bit of help for Moira before she leaves as I stare at the ceiling as I think through how I'm going to approach this problem. For the most part, I haven't had too many issues with monsters, just the one goblin nest. If Moira comes back and spots something for me, I'll handle it then. So.

1) Farmland. Effectively as secure as I can make it without assistance. Farming tools are mostly salvaged, and are likely being processed as fast as possible, and while I could help some, I'll look for other options before I commit my time to that particular project. Beasts of labor, which might be a problem. I haven't seen any wild horses or bulls, although that might change if Moira finds some. I should assume that it won't and I'll need to figure something out. If necessary, I should consider... recruiting some with my womb.

2) Defense. The new 'wall' I've created will help some, but it needs to be fully staffed and there are a lot of finishing touches that need to be completed. Also, going to need any siege defenses we can prepare. Much of the local combat manpower is also tied up in the Beholder's cave. I need to work on finding something it will want to trade for them. I also need to figure out their skills and post both scouts and patrols. My own combat potential has been weakened since I challenged the horde of monsters before, even if I wasn't in this less familiar body, I can feel the difference in raw power available to me. Which leads to,

3) Magical resources. With the securing of the church building and the beginnings of a... sex cult to provide power, I can probably funnel some of it into other projects. We need to secure a supply of magical pills, explosives and anything else that might help. I recall something about needing magically enhanced fluids? Perhaps I can just do something like magic at the herbs that are growing or something? Astaroth, thoughts?

4) The mine. I need to work on getting something else to trade with the Beholder so I can start rescuing and recruiting from the various adventurers and miners there. I also... I also need to broach the subject of possibly using the Beholders bug monsters as... breeding stock.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

So, how are we planning to use the bug dudes? Is Scarlett going to birth a female, another male, or possibly a bunch of eggs or something? I recall sending you a pic you were happy with, but sure as shit have completely forgotten it.

Also, possibility https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5b/c4/24 ... 346d4e.jpg maybe as one that is born 'too human' and lacks the raw power of its brethren, or is too independently minded and doesn't obey the swarm?

[Sallin_Kari]

[Hmmm?] Astaroth response, clearly thinking of something else when you call on her, [Oh well, yes technically you are capable of creating or growing many such things but... uh... well that requires a bit more proficiency then you have at the moment. You can of course make simple magical crystals but anything more... complex would require far more trail and error then you have time for now.]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The plan is most will be male but there is a chance for a female one. They are also not a swarm mind.

[porne]

It would probably be best to get started on them then. Even if I could just as easily heal myself without them, I can't be everywhere at once, so having a reliable type of healing item makes the most sense. [Tomorrow, we're going to be headed back to the Beholder barring some thing that Moira finds. So tonight, I want to work on starting some magic crystals. Assuming I'll get into at least three fights, can you monitor my magic levels to ensure I don't deplete them too much after you teach me to make these magic crystals?] I ask her.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Was it mind control then?

[Sallin_Kari]

[A reasonable plan. As for making magical crystals, my pet, it is quite simple. Think of how you manipulate magic when you are casting spells, but don't form it into a spell, instead harden it as you expel the mana.] Following the instructions you manage to form a small pile of little spiky crystals. [Probably best to keep it at this for now if you wish to conserve your power.]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Nothing that complicated. A combination of power, protection, and providing them food is enough to keep them obedient.

[porne]

I'm surprised at how easy it is to create the mana crystals, but I'm happy with my current pile. It should be enough to get started on the various magic pills and candies as necessary. Everything else will have to wait till tomorrow unless I recall something else between now and then.

[Sallin_Kari]

Sleep comes surprisingly quick with how many things are on your mind, but then again today was a busy day. Soon enough light peeks through the window and you awaken. It sounds like you're up first this time.

[porne]

Excellent. I check around the house, looking to see if Moira has returned yet. I also eye the food, but also recall what happened the last time I attempted to cook. I look for a piece of jerky or something to gnaw on for now while I focus on getting my list of things to do today going. I need to deliver the crystals to the shop to begin making items, I need to check in with the shop girl about monsters, including the Beholder, and if there's time, travel to the mine to check on the Beholder itself.

[Sallin_Kari]

Moria is no where to be seen, so you grab some trail rations from your supply and head out. Dropping by the herbalist you manage to strike a deal to trade your crystals for pills at a rate of one to one, leaving to decide how many of the twenty or so crystals you wish to trade. After which you drop by the bookworm, who flinches at the noise of the bell before relaxing slightly at realizing she recognizes you.

[porne]

I drop off fifteen of the crystals for now. I don't know what other possible use there could be for them, but I suspect it might be a possible trade item with the Beholder. I turn my attention to the bookworm girl again. "Hello again. I was looking to see if you had found any additional information."

[Sallin_Kari]

She nods, disappearing underneath the counter for a few seconds before pulling out a book. Opening it up she searches around a bit before turning it towards you, her finger on a paragraph. Apparently Beholder are highly narcissistic, liking things that remind them of themselves, or things that allow them to see their own reflection. Decorated orbs or mirrors are commonly found though it seems just like humans there is individual preferences as well. The journal recounts a time he came across the beholder that had its entire den plated with sliver so he could see its reflection from any angle, that being its only decoration.

[porne]

"Excellent. Do you have any information on local monster breeds? I would like to know what else I might have to deal with. If you need some time, I'm going to swing back by before I leave for the day." I tell her, before I take my leave and search for... any stores the might sell reflective... stuff. Do mirrors have a store? Would it be a type of jewelry?

[Sallin_Kari]

She nods at your offer and you leave her to her research.
Search Roll 19
As luck would have it you do find a mirror store, or well, a glassware store to be more exact. Entering you find a young woman behind the counter. She smiles as she greets you, "Welcome! What are you looking for?"

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

[porne]

"Hello, I am glad to meet you. I'm looking for sturdy, moderate sized mirrors if you have them." I hold my hands up, about shoulder width apart. I don't recall having a mirror, just a bit of polished metal that I recall, but it shouldn't be that delicate, right?

[Sallin_Kari]

"Sturdy..." She ponders, "You've never handled mirrors before... have you? They're made out of primarily glass, and thus just as 'sturdy'."

[porne]

I blink at her. I... I did not know that. "Alright... do you have one about this size?" I ask her, holding up my arms a little more than shoulder width apart. I also need to think of a way to transport these, perhaps reuse of the wagon from before? If they're delicate, maybe I should also throw down a layer of straw and purchase several?

[Sallin_Kari]

"I do... but they are quite expensive," She states slowly with a hint of doubt, clearing pegging you as a penniless bumpkin who has no business inquiring of goods intended for well to do merchants and nobles, which to be fair you were before your transformation.

[porne]

I dig out my coin purse, looking to see how much I actually have.