Appearance: A pink heart shaped apple with tiny red hearts on it.
After eating this fruit, the user gains the ability to transform into a succubus or succubus-human hybrid at will making them a Seductive Human
(Usually this one would be pretty nsfw but I've changed all the innapropriate stuff with things like love and kissing instead of sexual activity.

In Depth

Zoan Forms:

• Hybrid: The user grows wings on their black to fly. The user also has enhanced speed, strength, and stamina.
• Beast: The user gains the ability to become a complete succubus. This form gives the user a height of 9 feet and a purplish skin color. The user also gains black wings on their back. When in this form the user gains almost instant regeneration, even more enhanced speed, strength, and stamina. The user gains the ability of Seducing Empowerment, For everyone who finds the user attractive in the area the user gets stronger. The user also gains the ability to Manipulate people by seducing them.

Kiss of Death: The user gains the ability to steal life force energy from victims via a kiss. This action usually results in the death of normal humans.
Super Natural Beauty: The user will be beyond the beauty of a normal human and is only paralleled to the user of the Mero Mero no Mi.
Dream Walking: The user gains the ability to appear in the dreams of people in order to seduce them.
Charm: The user has a natural alluring aura that weakens the minds of everyone except select people
Awakening
The user gains the ability to shapeshift and use succubi magic in order to seduce people quicker and better
Weaknesses

• The user is dependent on the love energy and life force of living beings to sustain themselves
• Standard devil fruit weaknesses apply

I was reading through the Working Bigfoot stories again, since I recently got the Dresden Files comic book and I was annoyed by how much details they cut out.
Reading about the White Court "initiation" made me think of some disturbing implications. It's basically a cult indoctrination.
The White Court's children are all raised believing themselves to be normal humans in the real world. They are not prepared or instructed in how to control their Hunger.
The first time they meet somebody, have a first date a first kiss, decide to lose their virginity in a special moment, they end up accidentally killing that person. They are going to be in a state of shock, confusion, and horror.
And then their father comes in the room and reveals the secret world of magic and monsters. They are part of a special elite group now. They probably have a big prepared speech about how "the world is hunter and hunted, predator and prey". So the self-loathing is mixed with a sense of superiority.
The "initiation" makes you a good vampire, makes you stronger, because it changes how you look at both yourself and other people. That traumatic experience causes them to numb their emotions/affection for the people they feed on, changing sex from something romantic to something routine, just another bodily function like eating or taking a bath.
Connie is going to be in a weird situation with the White Court because she didn't go through the "Initiation" and has broken free from the generational cycle of abuse and manipulation. This will make the other vampires look down on her for being "weak" but it should also make them Jealous.
Connie is proof they don't have to be that way. They can have happy relationships and not get burned. They might not even HAVE to kill somebody the first time they feed. Not just because Irwin's aura was stronger, but if they know what they are ahead of time they might be able to control it.

So I've been tinkering with the idea of a cleric/sorcerer hybrid for a while, and I wanted to see if what I was building was too overpowered before I went any further with it. As it is, it's a little bare bones but some of my other friends who have been roleplaying longer than I have (20+ years vs 8 years) say that it could easily be exploited. What do you all think?
Healer
The Healer is a hybrid class that combines the divine powers of the Cleric with the innate magical abilities of the Sorcerer. They choose a Vow to adhere to, and in doing so, awaken their divine bloodline.
Role: The Healer is a versatile spellcaster, able to heal and buff allies, while also dealing damage to enemies. They are also skilled at sensing and manipulating the emotions of others.
Alignment: Any non-evil
Hit Die: d8
Class Skills: The Healer's class skills are Appraise (Int), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (history) (Int), Knowledge (nobility) (Int), Knowledge (planes) (Int), Perception (Wis), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), and Survival (Wis).
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier
Starting Wealth: 3d6 x 10 gp (average 105 gp). In addition, each character begins play with an outfit worth 10 gp or less.
Class Features:
Undead Bane: As a Healer, your connection to the divine forces of healing also grants you the power to repel the undead. Starting at 1st level, any healing spell or ability you cast on an undead creature deals an equal amount of damage to that creature, up to the maximum amount of hit points the spell or ability could have healed. This damage is dealt in addition to any healing the spell or ability provides, and does not affect living creatures. In addition, you gain a +2 bonus to your caster level when casting spells or using abilities that specifically target undead creatures.
Spellcasting: The Healer casts divine spells drawn from the Cleric and Sorcerer spell lists. To cast a spell, they must have a Wisdom score equal to 10 + the spell's level. The Healer can cast any spell they know without preparing it ahead of time. The number of spells the Healer can cast per day is limited only by their daily spell allotment.
Vow (Ex): The Healer must choose a Vow to adhere to. This Vow shapes their abilities and powers, and also provides them with a negative aspect that they must endure. The available Vows are:

1. Vow of Mercy: The Healer swears to never kill a living creature. They gain the Mercy feat (see below) and a bonus to all healing spells equal to their wisdom modifier. However, they take a -2 penalty to all damage rolls.
2. Vow of Purity: The Healer swears to never use dark magic or deal with dark creatures. They gain a bonus to all saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities equal to their wisdom modifier. However, they take a -2 penalty to all Necromancy spells and effects.
3. Vow of Honesty: The Healer swears to always tell the truth, no matter what the cost. They gain a bonus to all sense motive checks and social skills equal to their wisdom modifier. However, they take a -2 penalty to all bluff checks.
4. Vow of Humility: The Healer swears to never seek personal glory or gain. They gain a bonus to all perception checks and initiative rolls equal to their wisdom modifier. However, they take a -2 penalty to all diplomacy checks.
5. Vow of Protection: The Healer swears to always protect the weak and defenseless. They gain a bonus to all AC and saves equal to their wisdom modifier when defending others. However, they take a -2 penalty to attack rolls.

Meditation (Su): The Healer may meditate on their Vow for one hour to recover up to their wisdom modifier in spell slots.
Channel Energy (Su): At 3rd level, the Healer gains the ability to Channel Energy, as a Cleric. They can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + their Wisdom modifier.
Bloodline Power: At 5th level, the Healer gains a special power related to their chosen Divine Bloodline. See the Divine Bloodline options for details.
Bonus Feat: At 11th level, the Healer gains a bonus feat. This feat must be chosen from the following list: Augment Healing, Divine Interference, Extra Channel, Greater Mercy, Quick Channel, Selective Channeling.
Greater Bloodline Power: At 15th level, the Healer's Bloodline Power improves. They may choose one spell from their Divine bloodline from second level or lower, and they may now cast it like a 0-level spell.
Divine Ascension (Su): At 18th level, the Healer ascends to a higher plane of existence, becoming an avatar of their divine bloodline. They gain a permanent +4 bonus to their Wisdom score and may choose one spell from the Cleric or Sorcerer spell list to add to their list of spells known.
Mastery of Life (Su): At 20th level, the Healer gains mastery over life and death itself. They can cast resurrection as a spell-like ability once per day, and can also choose to make any healing spell they cast a Mass spell without increasing its level or casting time.
Mercy Feat: Any creature healed with a healing spell by the Healer is cured of any additional effect they were suffering from, such as sickened, fatigued, poisoned, paralyzed, etc.
Divine Bloodline Options:

1. Angelic: The Healer gains access to spells such as Angelic Aspect, Angelic Feather, and Angelic Aspect, which enhance their physical abilities and grant them wings. They also gain the Angelic Wings bloodline power, which allows them to fly for a short period of time.
2. Undead: The Healer gains access to spells such as Enervation, Animate Dead, and Death Knell, which manipulate the forces of death and undeath. They also gain the Deathly Touch bloodline power, which allows them to deal negative energy damage with a touch.
3. Fey: The Healer gains access to spells such as Charm Person, Faerie Fire, and Blink, which manipulate the forces of nature and illusion. They also gain the Fey Sight bloodline power, which grants them the ability to see through illusions and detect hidden creatures.
4. Elemental: The Healer gains access to spells such as Burning Hands, Ice Storm, and Chain Lightning, which manipulate the forces of the four elements. They also gain the Elemental Resistance bloodline power, which grants them resistance to one element of their choice.
5. Dragon: The Healer gains access to spells such as Dragon's Breath, Dragon Scales, and Form of the Dragon, which harness the power of dragons. They also gain the Draconic Presence bloodline power, which allows them to intimidate others with their dragon-like aura.
6. Celestial: The Healer gains access to spells such as Bless, Cure Light Wounds, and Holy Smite, which harness' the power of the heavens. They also gain the Celestial Bond bloodline power, which grants them a special bond with a celestial creature, such as an angel or archon.

Note: Each Divine Bloodline provides the Healer with a number of bonus spells known. These spells are automatically added to the Healer's spells known list at the appropriate level.

Hi everyone! I was skimming through my Pathbuilder folder — which, admitedly, has way more stuff than a person can humanly play — and it made me think: this game has a lot of cool and powerful combinations, and not all of them are as often mentioned as they deserve. So I decided to write about some of these! I am known for being very critical of some aspects of the system (or as "the caster essay guy"), so this series of posts, for a change of pace, is just a way to show cool things that the community might not know about.
These will be more focused on combinations that are both interesting and mechanically strong. There's nothing wrong with choosing flavorful but weak options if it works for your game, but my groups are very open with reflavoring, so I'm very partial to things which have that sweet mechanical juice. This is also not going to be focused on full builds. I might talk about one or two eventually, but the core idea is showing "kits" of feats, spells and items that mix together in powerful ways. Without further ado, let's get started!
The Core Combo
To begin with a bang, I'll talk about what I think is one of the feat combos with the most potential power in the game. If you want to constantly give bonuses to both yourself and your teammates, at no resource cost, this might be just the thing for you. Oh, and a shoutout to Kao from Archives of Nethys for pointing part of it out to me!
The first ingredient of our little mixture is Pathfinder Agent Dedication (AoN). It's nothing outstanding for an archetype entry feat, but a little extra skill stuff is always nice. The truth is, this is simply a prerequisite for what's to come. And the price will be worth it.
It is an Uncommon archetype, but also... not really. PFS lets everyone use it, and the Access condition for it is being part of pretty much the biggest adventurer organization in Golarion. At that point, I'd call it Semi-Common.
Things start out for real with Deft Cooperation (AoN). This feat allow us to give a nice little bonus to ourselves against an enemy whenever we Aid an ally against them. Aid is... a weird beast, admitedly. Early on it's extremely hard to do for most characters, and then it gets easier and easier. There's some ways to ease that part in for the early game, however, which we will touch on later. Regardless, even if you grab this straight at level 4 and nothing else, giving a +1~+2 bonus to an ally's attack for a third action + your reaction, and then gaining a +1 bonus to your attacks next turn is nothing to scoff at.
Then to finish our core, we add Swordmaster Dedication (AoN). Most of the effects here are whatever — what we want is the upgrade to Deft Cooperation. Increasing the bonus to a +2 on a crit, for one attack, might seem situational, but remember Aid is a check with a flat DC of 20. Forever. With a couple of levels on our belt and the right toppings, we can crit this extremely easily. And I shall remind you, these are all circumstance bonuses. They stack with buff spells, Marshal's Aura, etc.
This is already looking quite good, but maybe nothing outstanding. An action and a reaction is a steep cost, and Aid generally requires you to be close. At the same time, melee characters might really want their reactions for other stuff. So why am I saying this is one of the strongest combos in the game?
Well, there is a bit of a secret to Aid. I don't know if it's because people don't use it a lot, but Paizo added a metric ton of feat support for it over time. Not just that, good feat support. These three feats are just the dough for our pie.
Branching Out
Like I said, the base Aid action is fine, but maybe a little inefficient? Well, thankfully, we can get rid of many of factors that cause that. There are multiple ways of doing so, but I'll single out what I consider the three best ones.
The first, and probably most modest, is Omnidirectional Scan (AoN), from Infinite Eye Psychic. What holds it back a little is the extremely slow proficiency progression of spell attacks, plus the lack of item bonuses, but it still adds a lot of interesting things on top of the base Aid. It gives you a free Seek action on top of the preparation, can be used from 30 feet away, and removes the crit fail effect. It's also on a caster class, which seldom have amazing uses for their third actions and reactions. If you're an Infinite Eye Psychic who dipped into Distant Grasp, for example, you could use this on one round, help an ally, and then Unleash and throw an Amped TKP with the bonus your gave yourself on your next turn!
The second one, getting a little more spicy, is One For All (AoN), from Swashbuckler. It also makes Aid consistently ranged, but much to the contrary of Scan, it lets you use Diplomacy for the check, which gives it a very fast proficiency progression. That would be great by itself, but if you're of the Wit style, you also gain Panache if you roll a high enough result. So we can build entire playstyles around this, really! Swashbuckler is a class that tends to concentrate their damage on a single attack, so the +2 bonus on crits from Swordmaster allows us to throw out Bleeding Finishers with the same attack bonus as a Fighter, while also giving a bonus to an ally. Ouch.
This combo is already good on melee Swashbucklers, but it's even better if you get Flying Blade and play mostly ranged. I actually made an entire build around that, even before Swordmaster was released. You can read it if you want more detail, and the build fits the Deft Aidmaster combo in it with no trouble at all.
Since One For All is a level 1 feat, you can also add this whole mixture to any Charisma-based character by level 8 or so, assuming a Free Archetype game.
Last but not least, we have Fake Out (AoN). This feat is... a lot. If the other two increased the efficiency of Aid by giving it 30 foot range, Fake Out at least doubles that, and also removes the action cost entirely. You just Aid, whenever you want, for only a reaction. There's technically the caveat of needing a loaded gun in your hand, but that's not a super harsh requirement for most characters — remember that Fake Out doesn't make you actually shoot the weapon. And after Treasure Vault added a sweet little thing called Gauntlet Bow (AoN), that restriction got even more negligible. You can shoot your Arquebus, and if it's going to end the turn unloaded, you Release one hand as a free action to make your Gauntlet Bow available. Fake Out with it, and next turn you regrip the gun as part of the Reload action. Voilà!
Adding Some Spice
We learned how to make Aid do a double boost to bot h ourselves and an ally, and how to make it more efficient. There's just one problem left now: making it more consistent. Early game, beating that DC 20 can be quite hard, and if you're a Wit Swash using it for Panache, you'll have to beat a Very Hard DC of your level. We also want to crit this as much as possible to gain the improved bonus from Swordmaster.
That's where Cooperative Nature (AoN) comes into play. A feat that you might have read over and skipped on 20 different Human characters by now. But this time, it just clicks. It gives a plus four circumstance bonus to Aid checks. No conditions, no anything. I don't think we have a feat making you this much better at a single thing anywhere else in the game.
This lets us pass an Aid check on a natural 9, at level 1, assuming a trained thing and an 18 stat. And it only gets better from there. As a level 3 Swashie, with Expert on Diplomacy and a little skill item? You have a +15 with Coop Nature, so you succeed on a 5 and crit on a 15. At level 7, with Master on the check, you only fail on a 1 because of the nat 1 rules, and you crit it on a natural 8. Even that pesky Very Hard DC to get Panache is doable rolling a 6. Oh and did I mention the crit bonus to your ally increases to +3 by now? Yeah, this thing scales like crazy.
If you really hate Humans or something, Intuitive Cooperation (AoN) is a weaker version of the aforementioned feat. A +2 bonus is nice, but given that a +4 is available for a similar cost, you might consider whether you want to have been adopted by a Human instead.
Going Overboard
I mentioned most of the "normal" synergies already, and I'm sure you can think of many interesting things to do with those. But if you're in a go-crazy Free Archetype game, and you woke up feeling particularly munchkin-y today, I have a couple of forbidden techniques to add before we're done.
Swordmaster adds a big circumstance bonus to a single attack, huh? Then what if we grab a Repeating Crossbow (AoN) on our Fake Out Gunslinger and add Eldritch Archer (AoN) on top? Or just go Gunslinger MC + Aidmaster on our Starlit Span Magus instead, with a Gauntlet Bow and a Shortbow. At that point we're basically doing this.
Maybe we're particularly unhappy about the state of spell attacks, and we grab Swashbuckler MC + One For All + Aidmaster on something like a Divine Sorcerer or an Oracle. We can Heroism ourselves before combat, do One For All + a debuff, and on the next round we use a True Strike we stole from somewhere and cast Searing Light on a pesky demon. I almost feel bad for them. If you think only hitting Demons is a bit situational, grab a Wand of Dazzling Rays (AoN) to turn Searing Light into a strong CC spell. Or just use some other attack spell.
For a last little thing, if you're feeling odd and even more Cooperative™, you can grab One For All and Intimidating Strike (AoN) on a Fighter, buy some Fear Gems (AoN), set yourself up with Aidmaster and then have a huge chance of making someone frightened 3 with no saving throw. Heck, use a Sword or a Hammer to also make them flat footed! At this point, why not?

“Hey. Are you guys really okay with this?"
The voice of the god echoed through the silence.
A fleeting, gentle sunlight poured in through the stained glass.
The setting sun, tinged with a crimson hue, illuminated the cracked stone tiles and the crumbling church bench.
It was a certain, long-forgotten church.
The only people present were a single god and his two accomplices.
"Joining in on this awful plan."
Erebos questioned, with a casual tone in his voice.
There wasn't a single shred of his divine charisma as "Absolute Evil" present.
The area had already long been cleared of people. Well, no one would approach this desolate church that was located in a corner of the city anyway. Though that wasn’t really his reason behind taking off his persona, and interacting with them as his true self.
With the man and woman.
"What are you talking about now? You were the one who forcefully found us, when we were away from the world, waiting for death.”
The ash-haired witch opened her eyes, that were usually closed, directing her annoyed heterochromatic eyes at Erebos.
"Yeah it was like “ if we're gonna die anyway, how 'bout we be stepping stones for the world's salvation”, eh? I was like “What kind of god was this guy?” saying stuff like that. And we’re just as weird for agreeing to it.”
The large man with the heavy armor gave a casual grin on the face that resembled a wicked demon
The "accomplices" ── Alfia and Zard ── who didn’t even bother to hide their insolence towards a god, made Erebus shrug his shoulders, almost exaggeratedly.
"Well, just listen. It’s basically like a final confirmation."
Erebos lifted his hand, while beginning to speak, almost as if presenting a contract that needed a confirmation of blood to seal the deal.
"Whether Orario defeats us or we defeat them, you two will undoubtedly go down in history as “great sinners”. You will be passed down in stories for eternity as traitors to humanity who have taken countless lives.”
It was true.
The plan that was set to unfold in ten days would awaken the forces of evil, bring about the fall of justice, and likely lead the city of heroes to the ultimate battle of good and evil.
And within that, there would be "right and wrong."
"Good and evil" would be judged.
History will witness those here and brand them with a stigma no different than that of monsters.
"Even so, are you really okay with it?"
Alfia and Zard returned a look that was a mix of "exasperation" and "fearlessness" that bordered on arrogance, to the god’s question.
"You're being annoying, Erebos. We decided this long ago. We didn’t make a cheap resolution that would waver here."
"Yeah, and I don’t really care about fame after death anyway . What's more important to me is whether I can die satisfied or not.”
Much like an evil witch that didn’t care about sin, Alfia shrugged it off and, like a proud warrior, Zard laughed off any signs of guilt.
The church, dyed in the colors of twilight, also seemed to smile at the good-natured smiles that were out of place for the people with the title of "conqueror." Erebos lowered his eyes and slightly raised his lips.
The god had acknowledged, the man and woman before him were "heroes" and more than anything else, "adventurers."
"'Swords, women, and even life itself, we should strike when the moment comes.” That's was my hopeless god’s teaching.”
As Zard brought up the wise words of a certain god in a lighthearted manner, Alfia’s face turned into an expression of extreme disgust.
“Not that damn old man again. I can’t even remember how many times he tried to touch my chest. The idea that that could even be considered a "great god" pisses me off.
And, of course, Erebos would never miss out on the chance to have fun.
He asked, with a useless determined face and his unneeded handsome voice,
"Oh? So? Did the shitty old man’s sexual harassment, succeed, Alfia-kun?"
"I countered it all with 'magic.'"
"I’m amazed Zeus didn’t get sent back..."
"And then I snitched on him to Hera."
"Ha...Wouldn’t you normally die from that, Zeus…”
She bluntly spoke, showing no mercy, while Erebus let out a hollow laugh filled with sympathy.
His gaze grew emptier than the crumbling ceiling, and receded into the sky above.
"Hahaha... But are you really okay with it, Alfia?"
At that point.
Zard, who had been laughing, throwed a question as if bringing up the "one concern."
"You aren’t going to see the “child?””
Erebos tilted his head at the man’s question.
"Huh? Alfia has a child? With that kind of body? That's amazing."
"No, it's my 'sister's' child."
Alfia shook her head slightly, to Erebos's flippant reaction.
She narrowed her eyes,as she raised her face to see the brilliant setting sun shining through the cracked stained glass, before speaking.
"They have the bloodline of Hera's family... and is also part of Zeus’s line.'"
"── Oh? So that means the father is from the 'Zeus Familia'?"
When he had heard that much, the god's mere curiosity turned into a keen interest.
Seeing Erebos, who narrowed his eyes as if judging the balance of the world, Zard tried to answer but showed an extremely hesitant expression.
"Yeah... He was the weakest among us. He was so weak that he'd lose to the likes of the boar and braver brats..."
Zard’s thoughts towards the weakest member could be summed up as a desperate, heavy cry of: "What the hell are you doing, you bastard, stop messing around!"
The legendary warrior shuddered as if he could feel the chills on him.
"When I found out that he had impregnated one of Hera's children after our captain, Maxim, and the others were defeated by the 'Black Dragon'... I really trembled, thinking he had completely lost it."
The back of the Level 7 "Gluttony" looked almost fleeting, while recalling those times.
As a side note, the man was doing his best to look away from the witch who’s murderous intent was silently increasing.
"Because, it's Hera, you know? That Hera? While our Familia was almost annihilated... I was alone, terrified."
"You're also a part of that perverted old man family, aren't you?"
"...Yeah. Yeah, I was. But I wasn’t that stupid!!"
As for the philandering and old lecherous behavior of his god, it resounded all over not just the heavens, but even in the Lower World.
Upon being directly pointed out by Erebos that "like god, like child," one of the few conscientious members of the "Zeus Familia" solemnly nodded before fervently defending himself.
Mainly directed at Alfia, next to him.
They didn’t even need to ask what kind of feelings the queen, who held an icy silence that had passed through the air, held towards the presumptuous, unpleasant, and tasteless man who had dared laid hands on her sister.
Not even half a second later, the woman began to unleash a flurry of hand chops venting her anger. Zard desperately begged, "Hold on, Stop it, Alfia!" blocking with both of his arms in a defense stance.
It was quite harsh yet somewhat reminiscent as an uncle looking after his niece.
Seeing the two of them, Erebos let out a small chuckle.
"Watching you two, the power dynamics between Zeus and Hera factions is really obvious... So? Is the child with Hera, by any chance?"
"...No, my sister entrusted the child to Zeus. He should be living deep in the mountains somewhere now."
Alfia, whose indignation had been somewhat calmed by Zard, conveyed the information that she had known for a few years.
"I see... I understand what Zard is trying to say. Your only nephew, and the memento of a family member. Don't you have any lingering attachment?"
Erebos spoke about the one piece of information he knew about the witch - that she had only loved her sister.
"...I didn't interfere with my dying sister's decision. I didn't even try to fight against that old pervert or say I would take in that child.
Alfia spoke only the facts, closing her mouth as if to seal away her emotions deep in her chest.
"I chose to delay the 'end' rather than my sister's child... That's why I don't have the right to look after that child."
The voice contained regret or even her repentance.
Zard, who silently stared at the woman drenched in the light of the setting sun, spoke
"Alfia... I wouldn't say that blood ties are strong. But I also don't think you need a right to be a family. If you have even a bit of love then, you should─"
"It's not like that, Zard. I said rights to act cool, but it's not a big deal."
Before the man continued, she interrupted him with her ash-colored hair swaying.
Alfia slowly shook her head, and curved her lips into a smile, turning her casual attitude into words.
"I don't mind being called 'mother-in-law,' but I absolutely don't want to be called 'aunt.'"
Zard’s eyes widened in surprise.
Erebos was the same.
Soon enough, they both began to shake their shoulders with laughter, eventually opening their mouths wide as they couldn't contain it any longer.
"…Hahaha! I see! Well, nothing we can do about that then!"
"Yeah, it's really a delicate issue. It's not something us men can say anything about."
Zard let out a loud laugh, and Erebos suppressed his chuckles, covering his mouth with his hand.
The woman didn't try to silence the men's laughter this time, as it filled the church with trivial yet peaceful noise.
"Alfia, tell me."
After a while.
When the cheerful laughter had subsided, Erebos straightened up and asked the woman.
"What was your beloved "sister" like? Was she as troublesome, neurotic, and strong as a tyrant like you?"
"No, my sister was even more frail and vulnerable than me. She couldn't even step out of her room on her own."
Alfia closed her eyes, as if to transport her thoughts back to the past.
"Moreover, she was an utterly ordinary, talentless person. She didn't have a single shred of talent."
"Did you really have to go so far…?"
"Yes, because it’s the truth. After all, I stole her talent while we were still in our mother's womb."
Revealing her true feelings as a mixture of self-mockery and sentimentality, Zard couldn't help but show some sympathy.
"I’m shamefully made from the talent of two people. That is my original sin. It's only natural that I'm feared as a monster of talent"
The woman's self-deprecating words almost seemed to claw at her heart.
There was no one left to hear her confession, except for the church, which silently listened while still retaining its sacred aura.
"The only thing my sister had was… "kindness."
After a pause, Alfia opened her eyes and spoke of the love she held for her sister
"Even though she could not do anything, she had a mysterious charm that made everyone love her. Even that Hera, who was like a nagging mother-in-law, desperately tried to prolong her life behind the scenes. She was an ordinary girl who could receive kindness from someone and then return it on to someone else."
It was a gentle, peaceful voice that none of them had ever heard from the woman before.
Erebos silently listened to the quiet song of the witch's thoughts, which were more beautiful than any melody played by the spirits.
"That's why I… loved my pure, kind sister Meteria more than anyone else."
Along with the words of her confession came a smile that was, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing any god could witness.
Erebos smiled and looked at Zard.
"What about the father, Zard?"
"Nothing good. Rather, he had too many scandals. For real. He'd be the first to run off despite being a supporter, or he'd even go peeping into the women's bath with our god…"
The mood had completely changed from before as Zard's face grew depressed.
Feeling bad for overshadowing Alfia's precious memories, his face seemed to say that there was nothing he could say that could compare to her pure-hearted sister.
"…But, yeah. I should have met that child at least once. If he's the son of that idiot, he must be part of our family."
Soon, Zard also smiled.
His face relaxed into a nostalgic smile, reminiscing about the mischievous grin of his troublesome friend who was like a little brother to him and always bothered him.

Author note: The Cryopod to Hell is a Reddit-exclusive story with over three years of editing and refining. As of this post, the total rewrite is 1,890,000+ words long! For more information, check out the link below:
What is the Cryopod to Hell?
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(Previous Part)
(Part 001)
...
The meeting continues. Auger's words cause many demons to raise their eyebrows.
"You think we should unite under a new leader?" Serena asks. "I agree. Emperor Gorn will make for a fine candidate."
Auger chuckles blandly, sounding unamused by her suggestion. "Emperor Gorn did not even attend this meeting, despite my invitation."
"My husband is a busy person." Serena says. "He has received inspiration for his next Face. That means when he leaves isolation, he will come out stronger than he is now. Perhaps this new Face may even allow him to ascend."
Several demons direct skeptical glances toward Serena, but none of them decide to object out loud.
After all... of all the demons in all the Hells, not one can claim to have a stronger desire to ascend than Gorn. He has devoured tens of millions of souls, paid Merits for the Wordsmith's enhahncements, and generally gone to any possible length to push his strength to the limits. While Emperor Crow might be the strongest Emperor in terms of her physical body, Gorn is without a doubt the most well-rounded with the most extreme abilities to his name.
His power is so immense that even Auger might fear him, ever so slightly.
Auger clears his throat.
"Ahem. I believe you are all laboring under a misconception. You still think we are living during the Energy Wars. We are not. The arrangements made by Satan the Devil are ancient, and in dire need of change due to our current situation. No longer can we afford the luxury of fighting among ourselves."
The old-faced Emperor schools his expression into one a parent might direct at their naughty children as he sweeps his gaze around the room.
"I'll be blunt. Your Hells are weak. My Hell has more Emperors than any of yours individually. If that were not enough, you know the unique strength of the Hell of Punishment and how my abilities can enhance it far beyond any of yours."
Auger gently spreads out his arms, as if to emphasize his open-hearted nature and magnanimity.
"Emperor Gorn is a powerful demon, yes. Perhaps even mightier than me. But in this time when we should consider consolidation, do you truly believe he possesses the same qualifications to lead as me?"
Serena narrows her eyes. She glares in Auger's direction, seeing through his ploy. But she says nothing, opting to remain silent.
"I am the Emperor of Distribution." Auger says quietly. "I collect the powers of all my subordinates, and I can shift them around in response to any threat. A single demon on a distant world can, at any moment, be granted the strength of ten Emperors. The younger among you may not be aware, but Yardrat became a terrifying foe to humanity during the Energy Wars as a result of his belief in me. He chose to accept me as his leader, and in doing so obtained immense power and versatility."
"You can also rescind the powers of any who bend the knee." Serena finally says, her icy eyes directing a glare at him. "Those who 'contract' with you will become soulbound to your whims. In my eyes, you are no better than Mephisto himself."
Yardrat steps forward. "I object to your lies! I have served Auger dutifully for 100,000 years! I have never once seen him mistreat or rescind one of his subordinates' powers. There were times of crisis when he temporarily took the power of one subordinate to bolster another, but always he returned it. You are simply incapable of looking past the bridge of your nose at the bigger picture!"
"We are demons. Trust is in short supply." Serena says softly.
"Perhaps it is time that changes." Kristoff says, drawing the gazes of the other Emperors. "Auger made a promise to me, one I believe he will keep. My Hell has bowed to him. He will not force my subordinates to contract with him. This is in stark contrast to Mephisto, who forcibly kills and soul-binds others to his whims."
Yardrat nods appreciatively. "That's correct. With my liege, you consent to adopting his customs. With Mephisto, you have no choice! You must kill him or be killed! There is no benefit to following his whims, for he will throw you away if it means saving his own bones! But by following Auger, you ensure you will always have the strength to protect yourselves when enemies show up at your door."
He continues. "Better yet, the more who follow Auger, the greater his access to a diverse arsenal becomes. Right now, he can already project an impressive amount of force to any Emperor who follows him, but there is infinite room for this power to increase. Gorn may have reached his limits, but Auger has none."
"You two flatter me." Auger says, smiling like a kindly old grandfather. "Ultimately, I believe the Seven Hells lost their way after Satan's death. Be honest with yourselves. Have we truly lived up to his legacy? We had no natural enemies for 100,000 years, so we turned to fighting ourselves. Now that the Wordsmith has begun to subvert our authority, we risk the death of our long-held demonic traditions."
Auger's smile disappears. He glares at the other Emperors.
"Are you lot... happy with this arrangement?"
Several Emperors and Dukes shift uncomfortably under Auger's withering glare. They lower their eyes to look within themselves, contemplating his words.
"It is true... we've allowed ourselves to suffer numerous defeats due to our lack of unity." Emperor Crow says. "But that does not mean you should be the one to lead us. I follow Gorn because I believe that might makes right! And Gorn is far stronger than you, Auger. Unlike Mephisto, he may even Ascend without the use of clever tricks or external assistance."
"Mmm. Gorn is stronger than me." Auger says, though his tone seems to imply he might think otherwise. "But Gorn does not care about any of you. You are all pawns to him. Even now, while we ponder matters that will surely affect our species, he avoids coming here. He does not think this meeting is of any significance. Don't you think that seems a little disrespectful?"
"Respect is earned." Crow retorts. "I will not insult you, Auger. You have many accomplishments to your name. But you only Ascended at the tail-end of the Energy Wars, while Gorn fought in those wars from the very beginning. You have no right to slander his name!"
Several demons nod along to Crow's words, directing looks of annoyance Auger's way.
"Very well, then. Perhaps you are not all ready to discuss this issue now. But do keep it in mind, moving forward." Auger says. "Demonkind's existence is at stake. We would not want another tragedy to occur like the one that befell Sharmur."
Emperor Melody's countenance darkens. She looks away from Auger, the memory of her friends putting her in a mentally weakened place.
"Well then, Crow." Auger says, changing the subject. "I suppose now is as good a time as any for you to tell the others about the proposition I made to you."
Crow nods. She turns her attention to the other Emperors, raising her blue-feathered arms in a grand gesture.
"We must account for the possibility that when we attack Mephisto, we will fail to defeat him. If such an event comes to pass, he may Ascend, and we will no longer stand a chance. Unlike Wolfram, who Ascended as a result of Serena's magic, Mephisto's rise is likely to be permanent. He will not die after one hour, so we won't have the option of stalling him or delaying for time until he self-immolates. That means that once he Ascends, he will only grow stronger and stronger over time. We will need to kill him quickly."
The Emperor of Sacrifice shrugs heavily, sighing under her breath.
"I have created a last-ditch Ritual. To be honest, I always imagined it would be useless, because the thought of getting enough Hells together to use it simply wasn't feasible. If there's one thing Auger has said that is true, it is that we should consider setting aside our differences for the sake of our collective well-being."
"What are you saying?" Serena asks, slightly confused by Crow's words. As members of the same Hell, she considers herself well-versed in Crow's capabilities and thought processes, but never has she imagined Crow could speak in such a melodramatic fashion.
"This new Ritual is known as the Ritual of Combination." Crow says simply. "It requires a multitude of demons to agree to lend me their strength in the event of a catastrophe. By combining the energies of as many Emperors, Dukes, Barons, and other demons as possible, I may temporarily gain the strength to do battle with even a Demon Deity."
Emperor Fae's jaw drops. "What?! That's amazing! Holy shit, Crow! Why didn't you bust that out when we fought the Cherubiim?! We could have kick those pigeon's asses with ease!"
Crow shakes her head. "The Seven Hells did not trust one another enough to facilitate this Ritual's success. Frankly, it will cost you all of your mana and stamina in the short term, and I would only gain a portion of that power. It's a wasteful Ritual that will exhaust all of your fighting ability and leave you defenseless. If I had tried convincing you to use such a method when the Cherubiim appeared, do you truly think you'd be willing to become pigs for the slaughter in the mere hope I could defeat the Archangels? What if I had then gone on to kill all of you after slaying Uriel?"
Crow looks at the faces of each person present. None of them says a word.
"That's what I thought." She says. "Today, we better understand the existential threats we face. We know about the Volgrim and the Plague, now that we've had our memories restored. And we've seen for ourselves the insidious lengths the Wordsmith will go to to undermine our authority. As Auger has said... the times are changing."
Kristoff nods slowly. "If we fail to adapt, our entire species which once seemed to rule over the Milky Way will only become a footnote in history."
"We never truly ruled anything." Melody points out. "We've always come second to the Volgrim. At this point, we're simply trying not to slip to third behind the humans. I don't think we'll succeed, either. The Wordsmith is just too powerful."
The demons present furrow their brows as they realize the true gravity of the implications behind this meeting.
No longer are they fighting to keep humanity in check, but instead to preserve their existences, their sovereignty, and their lives.
"Mephisto will kill us if we don't kill him first." Auger says. "So let's discuss how we can do that."
Auger waves his hands. Mana coalesces in the center of the room, creating a shockingly realistic image of the planet Numaria. Some of the recently elevated demons raise their eyebrows at this display.
"An ability belonging to one of my subordinates." Auger casually explains. "Look here. Seven hundred miles from our current position, you can see a dark spot on the otherwise perfect beauty of this world."
Auger revolves the planet's projection so that a disturbing blemish reveals itself to those present. A huge, barren wasteland rests smack in the center of the otherwise gorgeous jungles, mountains, and rivers. So hideous is its appearance that it almost resembles a wound festering on the planet's surface, like a terrible burn mark forcefully inflicted upon a man's arm.
"This is the Stitched Wasteland where Glinch resides." Auger explains, mostly for the benefit of the newest demons. "Glinch is nominally my subordinate. I can tap into his powers and draw upon them... but only if he allows me to do so. His body is a freakish mixture of demon, monster, human, and even angel biology. He likes to 'swap' body parts, internal organs, and other extremities with those of other creatures."
Auger continues. "We have relied on Glinch several times over the millennia. While he can be considered an ally and my subordinate, he also can be considered an entirely foreign entity we only barely tolerate. He is a psychotic experimenter who will go to any length to pursue his twisted fantasies. And this is most obvious by the wasteland he has formed over the last 100,000 years."
"If Glinch does not want to see you, you cannot visit him." Yardrat says, adding onto Auger's explanation. "His Wasteland is protected by powerful creatures. They are soulbound to the Stitched Wasteland and unable to leave, but make no mistake... the strongest among them are at the same level as Demon Dukes and Emperors."
"Even more frighteningly, Glinch has assembled over a hundred of these elites to protect him." Auger says, glancing at Emperor Dagon and the other newest elites present. "A hundred. All of us combined cannot match his forces."
"What? We can't?!" Hamir, the Duke of Hailstorms, asks. "Then isn't this mission hopeless? We won't be able to stop Mephisto's rise!"
"If we had to fight Glinch's chimeras all at once in a huge battle, we would lose. He has a home field advantage more terrifying than you can imagine. But fortunately, we won't have to do that." Yardrat says.
"We can pick them off one by one, or in twos and threes." Auger says. "You might think this would enrage Glinch. You would be wrong. It may seem as if Glinch created an army to protect him, but that is not the case at all. Glinch does not fear death in the slightest. You cannot threaten him, and you cannot cow him into submission. As for his chimeras, he did not deliberately create them to protect himself... rather, they were merely the most successful experimental test subjects that he left alive to rom around the wasteland, lost and confused."
"Glinch gave his chimeras one command." Yardrat says simply. "Kill anyone who I have not given permission to enter. Beyond that, he does not care if they live or die. He has no love for, or any interest in, his old experiments."
Melody's expression darkens. "I've never spoken to Glinch before. Never seen him in person, either. I've only heard rumors... he sounds like a devil-damned psycho."
Auger sighs. "Glinch acts as Glinch pleases. The only way to get him to do anything for you is to follow his demands. Even the Volgrim have been known to bend the knee if it means making use of his talents."
"The Volgrim too?" Dagon asks in disbelief.
"The Volgrim too." Yardrat affirms.
Emperor Nymph crosses her arms. "If we move out as soon as possible, we can begin killing our way through Glinch's chimeras. But it will take time. Each one is extremely hardy and possesses a frighteningly powerful body. The option to assassinate Glinch has also been considered, but will not be taken. We only wish to stop Mephisto's ascension. We do not want to make an enemy of the Stitched Emperor. His talents are too useful."
Bael snorts. "What can he possibly do for ya? Put an actual third leg down where your 'third leg' is?"
Some of the more immature demons snicker at Bael's comment. Nymph rolls her eyes.
"No, Bael. Glinch is actually a fairly adept healer. Nowhere near the level of Belial, but she isn't on our side anyway. Glinch is quite good at patching up injuries... provided you don't mind a few troublesome side effects."
"Like growin' a third leg." Bael quips.
The other demons merely groan this time.
"We don't have time to spare." Auger says, as he begins drawing the meeting to a close. "This assault will require all of you to fight like Hell. You'll have to smash your way through Glinch's chimeras while moving with enough speed to reach and kill Mephisto."
Dagon frowns. "Why do you say 'you' without including yourself? Don't tell me the top demon of our Hell is going to just sit on his ass while we go out there and-"
Before he can finish his sentence, Yardrat's eyes flare with rage!
"INSOLENT! You shut your mouth, Dagon! How DARE you talk that way to our liege! Auger's power is what gives our Hell its superiority, you moronic SHIT!"
Nymph also jumps to her leader's defense. "Auger's life is too important for us to risk! If he were to die, it could even damn the entire demon species!"
Before anyone else can butt in, Auger raises his hands and smiles kindly.
"Yardrat, everyone, calm down. Dagon is young and immature. Let us not bully our junior. If the need arises, I will show up to personally dispense justice upon those who would threaten you. My powers work best when cast remotely, but I can step in if necessary. I would not want my cute little juniors to think less of me or my combat capabilities. Naturally, this old demon is capable of putting up a bit of a fight."
Dagon lowers his eyes. "Apologies, Emperor Auger. I spoke out of line. I shouldn't have questioned your motives."
While the other demons share their opinions on Dagon's moment of insolence, Bael scratches his head.
"What, seriously?" Bael mutters under his breath. "Don't these dummies know? Auger's a total badass. He even kicked Satan's butt once. Guess it's just been so long that everyone's forgotten what a killer the old man is, heh."
Melody glances at Bael. "You say something?"
"Nah. Just thinkin' out loud." Bael says with a shrug.
"Oh, okay." Melody says, not paying Bael's dumb rambling any mind. "You should probably sit this battle out though, Bael. You ain't got any magic. I'd cry if something happened to you."
"No sweat." Bael says, giving her a thumbs-up. "I can handle myself. Ose even made me a sweet suit of armor. You're gonna be so jealous when you see it."
Melody raises her eyebrow in a clear sign she doesn't really believe him, but she still nods. "Oh. Well, that's cool then. I'll look forward to seeing it. Just keep yourself safe, Bael."
"Can do!"
...................................
As a multitude of Hells bring their best warriors together to combat a unified threat, across the galaxy, some time has passed since the death of Confessor Vulpanix at the hands of Hope Hiro. She has not yet revived, but an emergency council meeting must take place even in the absence of her testimony regarding those events.
Dozens of the mightiest and highest ranking Volgrim from all five sub-species sit arranged in a circle, facing a projection at the center of the arena. This projection changes what it displays as the meeting progresses, first showing images of Serris and its top-secret research sites, followed later by images of the Milky Way, the battle hotspots against the Plague, and even the situation on the world of Tarus II.
All of the Five Founders attend the meeting in person. Numerous 7th and 8th level Psions also attend, though the majority of them do so virtually, as they must stay at the front lines of battle in the event of additional Plague Incursions.
High Technopaths, High Changelings, and even a handful of delegates from the Dolgrimites attend.
Among those present is the individual known as Creator Demila, who maintains a lofty air despite her somewhat low ranking compared to all the other Psions mightier than her, and the representatives of the other sub-species who have plenty of fame and accomplishments to their name.
Founder Cuanali speaks at this time, a day after the meeting's start.
"Then we are all in agreement. The Second Wordsmith poses an existential threat to our regime. We will follow the First Founder's orders and continue as planned until Hope Hiro launches his next attack."
A dismal attitude lingers in the air. The world of Serris, while not protected by any High Psions, was certainly considered a stronghold only a metaphorical stone's throw from Volgarius itself, merely a few lightyears from the homeworld. Under ordinary circumstances, Dosena herself should have been able to come to its rescue, let alone the two Executors who were dispatched to fly through the Void.
Unfortunately, Hope Hiro's attack was so brutal, uncompromising, and swift, that Serris was obliterated before anyone had time to properly react.
Now, all of its denizens have been killed, marking Hope Hiro as an enemy comparable to the Plague.
[I worry that these measures will not be sufficient.] Executor Riley states, sweeping her gaze around the arena. She levitates uprightly, with her arms crossed and her presence projecting an aura of strength in her immediate era. [We are risking everything on a gamble. Especially the First Founder's life.]
Founder Unarin slowly blinks as he listens to Riley's mild criticism.
"There is no need to worry. The Second Wordsmith is a human. He has human inclinations, human desires, and human weaknesses. The fact that he has subordinated himself to a lesser human already shows he is not as mentally formidable as many of the enemies I have battled in my lifetime. I am somewhat confident in my assessments and predictions."
Despite the shaky wording Unarin uses, even a term like 'somewhat' has a vastly different meaning for him than it would someone of lesser intelligence. Executor Riley gazes at her idol, the most intelligent Volgrim in the entire Empire, and nods.
[Of course, First Founder. It is your life to do with as you please. If you are confident in your assessments, I will not pretend to know better than you. I will defer to your judgment.]
The other Volgrim present all nod in unison.
Founder Unarin's word is Law. If he states that something will happen, only the Creator himself should have the power to prevent it from doing so.
"We will continue acting as we have, aside from following the new Hope Containment Protocols." Founder Cuanali says, her mouth-tentacles moving to accentuate her words. "I declare this meeting adjourned. Return to your posts."
The Volgrim elites all nod in unison. Psionic and technological projections wink out, vanishing quickly as they return to their duties, leaving only those who attended physically behind to shuffle or teleport out of the chamber.
Unarin stands up. He turns to look at Founder Dosena, only to pause and frown.
"Is something wrong?"
The Second Founder gazes forward, a blank expression on her face. With her arms crossed, she appears as stoic as ever, but Unarin seems to notice something out of the ordinary.
Founder Cuanali also pauses to look at the other two Founders. So does Founder Treyza, the Changeling, and Cinculu, the Dolgrimite.
[I am not certain.] Dosena says, her tone distant. [I sense something I have not sensed since...]
A pause.
[Perhaps I am mistaken. I feel as though a new Cosmic Entity is beginning to form. But its presence is weak. It will falter in its ascension and fail.]
Unarin maintains a calm expression. Only his flickering eyes tell another story.
"Another Cosmic Entity? Different from the one guiding the Plague?"
[Yes. Different.] Dosena answers.
"Hmm. What are the odds this entity could be... the Wordsmith?"
[I do not believe it is the First or Second Wordsmith.] Dosena states. [Neither is it the Cherubiim. It is something new. I will monitor its attempt at breaching the Cosmic Barrier.]
"Very well. Do that." Unarin says, before turning his attention to the other three Founders.
Founders Treyza, Cuanali, and Cinculu look at Dosena with mixtures of curiosity, interest, or utter apathy. Cinculu, in particular, does not seem to think much of the Second Founder. He turns and walks away, not deigning to speak to the others. Indeed, he has not spoken a single word since arriving.
As the huge reptilian monster lumber away, Treyza cocks their head.
"Founder Unarin. What is this about a Cosmic Barrier?"
Unarin smiles. "Need-to-know information. If you ever need to know, it will mean a catastrophe has befallen our Empire. Dosena must handle this matter on her own, as she always has."
"Of course. This one listens, and this one comprehends." Treyza says, bowing its head politely. "This one shall return to its research. Farewell to all of you."
Cuanali lingers behind, watching as Treyza leaves. Once all the spectators have departed, leaving only the three Founders behind, Cuanali presses her tentacled fingers together.
"First Founder. I have determined that Marie Becker intends to send a large batch of Cybernites to the human homeworld of Tarus II. Should we interfere?"
Unarin frowns. "Oh? That's not like Marie at all. Didn't the Wordsmith visit her a few cycles ago?"
"He did." Cuanali confirms. "I believe he may have convinced her to help accelerate humanity's development speed. This falls under the classification of a Level III Emergency. We should not allow the humans to rapidly advance."
Unarin massages his forehead and sighs. "Haah... no, we should not. But the times are changing. The Volgrim are not as strong as in the past. The Plague presses on us from all directions. We will have to outwit these humans if we wish to someday bring them under our thumb. And right now, with Serris gone, we need help combating the Plague."
He stares at Cuanali with the same gaze a father might give his daughter.
"In war, there are many forms of battle. If one's military is not as strong as the one run by their enemy, then they may consider psychological warfare, economic warfare, or other such means. The humans are still weak and developing. We have many avenues we may yet pursue."
Cuanali nods. "I contemplate, and I comprehend. I only wish that you might be able to use your sharp mind to retrieve our Celestial Designer. Psymin Miralax is my close friend. I do not wish to see her suffer any more than she already has."
Unarin reaches out and touches Cuanali's cheek.
"And neither do I."
A moment later, they break apart. Cuanali bows her head and departs, leaving Unarin alone with Founder Dosena.
[Too much is changing too quickly.] Dosena says.
"Having trouble keeping up?" Unarin teases.
[No.]
Dosena pauses.
[I am nearing my breakthrough.]
Unarin's faint smile vanishes.
In its place, a look of deadly-serious intent replaces it.
"You're certain?"
[There is a barrier preventing me from reaching the level of Middle Cosmic.] Dosena slowly explains. [But I have found a weak point. I now believe ascension to the 10th Level is fully possible.]
Unarin swallows heavily. He gazes upon Dosena with hungry eyes, licking his lips as he imagines the possibilities.
"The Plague's controller has been bullying us for too long. If you can successfully ascend, we will be able to seek out the root of our enemy and tear them apart. We won't have to act defensively any longer."
[Do not get ahead of yourself.] Dosena warns. [I still require time to amass a foundation capable of shattering the Middle Cosmic barrier.]
"But thanks to the Wordsmith, we now know of the Cosmic Realm's existence..." Unarin says thoughtfully, looking away and stroking his chin. "The Primary Plaguehost must be hiding somewhere inside that realm."
[You underestimate the size of the Cosmic Realm.] Dosena warns him. [It is as vast as the Milky Way itself. From our initial probing attempts, I have determined that at my current level I would require one hundred thousand cycles of constant searching to scour every meter of the Cosmic Realm. Our Enemy keeps their aura hidden well.]
"And if you were to ascend to the 10th Level?" Unarin asks.
[The time requirement would be shorter.] Dosena answers noncommittally.
Both Founders fall silent for a few moments.
"Then focus on breaking your limiter. And keep an eye on whatever is giving you that 'bad feeling.' We don't want another Cherubiim running rampant."
Dosena nods.
[As you command.]

The meeting continues. Auger's words cause many demons to raise their eyebrows.
"You think we should unite under a new leader?" Serena asks. "I agree. Emperor Gorn will make for a fine candidate."
Auger chuckles blandly, sounding unamused by her suggestion. "Emperor Gorn did not even attend this meeting, despite my invitation."
"My husband is a busy person." Serena says. "He has received inspiration for his next Face. That means when he leaves isolation, he will come out stronger than he is now. Perhaps this new Face may even allow him to ascend."
Several demons direct skeptical glances toward Serena, but none of them decide to object out loud.
After all... of all the demons in all the Hells, not one can claim to have a stronger desire to ascend than Gorn. He has devoured tens of millions of souls, paid Merits for the Wordsmith's enhahncements, and generally gone to any possible length to push his strength to the limits. While Emperor Crow might be the strongest Emperor in terms of her physical body, Gorn is without a doubt the most well-rounded with the most extreme abilities to his name.
His power is so immense that even Auger might fear him, ever so slightly.
Auger clears his throat.
"Ahem. I believe you are all laboring under a misconception. You still think we are living during the Energy Wars. We are not. The arrangements made by Satan the Devil are ancient, and in dire need of change due to our current situation. No longer can we afford the luxury of fighting among ourselves."
The old-faced Emperor schools his expression into one a parent might direct at their naughty children as he sweeps his gaze around the room.
"I'll be blunt. Your Hells are weak. My Hell has more Emperors than any of yours individually. If that were not enough, you know the unique strength of the Hell of Punishment and how my abilities can enhance it far beyond any of yours."
Auger gently spreads out his arms, as if to emphasize his open-hearted nature and magnanimity.
"Emperor Gorn is a powerful demon, yes. Perhaps even mightier than me. But in this time when we should consider consolidation, do you truly believe he possesses the same qualifications to lead as me?"
Serena narrows her eyes. She glares in Auger's direction, seeing through his ploy. But she says nothing, opting to remain silent.
"I am the Emperor of Distribution." Auger says quietly. "I collect the powers of all my subordinates, and I can shift them around in response to any threat. A single demon on a distant world can, at any moment, be granted the strength of ten Emperors. The younger among you may not be aware, but Yardrat became a terrifying foe to humanity during the Energy Wars as a result of his belief in me. He chose to accept me as his leader, and in doing so obtained immense power and versatility."
"You can also rescind the powers of any who bend the knee." Serena finally says, her icy eyes directing a glare at him. "Those who 'contract' with you will become soulbound to your whims. In my eyes, you are no better than Mephisto himself."
Yardrat steps forward. "I object to your lies! I have served Auger dutifully for 100,000 years! I have never once seen him mistreat or rescind one of his subordinates' powers. There were times of crisis when he temporarily took the power of one subordinate to bolster another, but always he returned it. You are simply incapable of looking past the bridge of your nose at the bigger picture!"
"We are demons. Trust is in short supply." Serena says softly.
"Perhaps it is time that changes." Kristoff says, drawing the gazes of the other Emperors. "Auger made a promise to me, one I believe he will keep. My Hell has bowed to him. He will not force my subordinates to contract with him. This is in stark contrast to Mephisto, who forcibly kills and soul-binds others to his whims."
Yardrat nods appreciatively. "That's correct. With my liege, you consent to adopting his customs. With Mephisto, you have no choice! You must kill him or be killed! There is no benefit to following his whims, for he will throw you away if it means saving his own bones! But by following Auger, you ensure you will always have the strength to protect yourselves when enemies show up at your door."
He continues. "Better yet, the more who follow Auger, the greater his access to a diverse arsenal becomes. Right now, he can already project an impressive amount of force to any Emperor who follows him, but there is infinite room for this power to increase. Gorn may have reached his limits, but Auger has none."
"You two flatter me." Auger says, smiling like a kindly old grandfather. "Ultimately, I believe the Seven Hells lost their way after Satan's death. Be honest with yourselves. Have we truly lived up to his legacy? We had no natural enemies for 100,000 years, so we turned to fighting ourselves. Now that the Wordsmith has begun to subvert our authority, we risk the death of our long-held demonic traditions."
Auger's smile disappears. He glares at the other Emperors.
"Are you lot... happy with this arrangement?"
Several Emperors and Dukes shift uncomfortably under Auger's withering glare. They lower their eyes to look within themselves, contemplating his words.
"It is true... we've allowed ourselves to suffer numerous defeats due to our lack of unity." Emperor Crow says. "But that does not mean you should be the one to lead us. I follow Gorn because I believe that might makes right! And Gorn is far stronger than you, Auger. Unlike Mephisto, he may even Ascend without the use of clever tricks or external assistance."
"Mmm. Gorn is stronger than me." Auger says, though his tone seems to imply he might think otherwise. "But Gorn does not care about any of you. You are all pawns to him. Even now, while we ponder matters that will surely affect our species, he avoids coming here. He does not think this meeting is of any significance. Don't you think that seems a little disrespectful?"
"Respect is earned." Crow retorts. "I will not insult you, Auger. You have many accomplishments to your name. But you only Ascended at the tail-end of the Energy Wars, while Gorn fought in those wars from the very beginning. You have no right to slander his name!"
Several demons nod along to Crow's words, directing looks of annoyance Auger's way.
"Very well, then. Perhaps you are not all ready to discuss this issue now. But do keep it in mind, moving forward." Auger says. "Demonkind's existence is at stake. We would not want another tragedy to occur like the one that befell Sharmur."
Emperor Melody's countenance darkens. She looks away from Auger, the memory of her friends putting her in a mentally weakened place.
"Well then, Crow." Auger says, changing the subject. "I suppose now is as good a time as any for you to tell the others about the proposition I made to you."
Crow nods. She turns her attention to the other Emperors, raising her blue-feathered arms in a grand gesture.
"We must account for the possibility that when we attack Mephisto, we will fail to defeat him. If such an event comes to pass, he may Ascend, and we will no longer stand a chance. Unlike Wolfram, who Ascended as a result of Serena's magic, Mephisto's rise is likely to be permanent. He will not die after one hour, so we won't have the option of stalling him or delaying for time until he self-immolates. That means that once he Ascends, he will only grow stronger and stronger over time. We will need to kill him quickly."
The Emperor of Sacrifice shrugs heavily, sighing under her breath.
"I have created a last-ditch Ritual. To be honest, I always imagined it would be useless, because the thought of getting enough Hells together to use it simply wasn't feasible. If there's one thing Auger has said that is true, it is that we should consider setting aside our differences for the sake of our collective well-being."
"What are you saying?" Serena asks, slightly confused by Crow's words. As members of the same Hell, she considers herself well-versed in Crow's capabilities and thought processes, but never has she imagined Crow could speak in such a melodramatic fashion.
"This new Ritual is known as the Ritual of Combination." Crow says simply. "It requires a multitude of demons to agree to lend me their strength in the event of a catastrophe. By combining the energies of as many Emperors, Dukes, Barons, and other demons as possible, I may temporarily gain the strength to do battle with even a Demon Deity."
Emperor Fae's jaw drops. "What?! That's amazing! Holy shit, Crow! Why didn't you bust that out when we fought the Cherubiim?! We could have kick those pigeon's asses with ease!"
Crow shakes her head. "The Seven Hells did not trust one another enough to facilitate this Ritual's success. Frankly, it will cost you all of your mana and stamina in the short term, and I would only gain a portion of that power. It's a wasteful Ritual that will exhaust all of your fighting ability and leave you defenseless. If I had tried convincing you to use such a method when the Cherubiim appeared, do you truly think you'd be willing to become pigs for the slaughter in the mere hope I could defeat the Archangels? What if I had then gone on to kill all of you after slaying Uriel?"
Crow looks at the faces of each person present. None of them says a word.
"That's what I thought." She says. "Today, we better understand the existential threats we face. We know about the Volgrim and the Plague, now that we've had our memories restored. And we've seen for ourselves the insidious lengths the Wordsmith will go to to undermine our authority. As Auger has said... the times are changing."
Kristoff nods slowly. "If we fail to adapt, our entire species which once seemed to rule over the Milky Way will only become a footnote in history."
"We never truly ruled anything." Melody points out. "We've always come second to the Volgrim. At this point, we're simply trying not to slip to third behind the humans. I don't think we'll succeed, either. The Wordsmith is just too powerful."
The demons present furrow their brows as they realize the true gravity of the implications behind this meeting.
No longer are they fighting to keep humanity in check, but instead to preserve their existences, their sovereignty, and their lives.
"Mephisto will kill us if we don't kill him first." Auger says. "So let's discuss how we can do that."
Auger waves his hands. Mana coalesces in the center of the room, creating a shockingly realistic image of the planet Numaria. Some of the recently elevated demons raise their eyebrows at this display.
"An ability belonging to one of my subordinates." Auger casually explains. "Look here. Seven hundred miles from our current position, you can see a dark spot on the otherwise perfect beauty of this world."
Auger revolves the planet's projection so that a disturbing blemish reveals itself to those present. A huge, barren wasteland rests smack in the center of the otherwise gorgeous jungles, mountains, and rivers. So hideous is its appearance that it almost resembles a wound festering on the planet's surface, like a terrible burn mark forcefully inflicted upon a man's arm.
"This is the Stitched Wasteland where Glinch resides." Auger explains, mostly for the benefit of the newest demons. "Glinch is nominally my subordinate. I can tap into his powers and draw upon them... but only if he allows me to do so. His body is a freakish mixture of demon, monster, human, and even angel biology. He likes to 'swap' body parts, internal organs, and other extremities with those of other creatures."
Auger continues. "We have relied on Glinch several times over the millennia. While he can be considered an ally and my subordinate, he also can be considered an entirely foreign entity we only barely tolerate. He is a psychotic experimenter who will go to any length to pursue his twisted fantasies. And this is most obvious by the wasteland he has formed over the last 100,000 years."
"If Glinch does not want to see you, you cannot visit him." Yardrat says, adding onto Auger's explanation. "His Wasteland is protected by powerful creatures. They are soulbound to the Stitched Wasteland and unable to leave, but make no mistake... the strongest among them are at the same level as Demon Dukes and Emperors."
"Even more frighteningly, Glinch has assembled over a hundred of these elites to protect him." Auger says, glancing at Emperor Dagon and the other newest elites present. "A hundred. All of us combined cannot match his forces."
"What? We can't?!" Hamir, the Duke of Hailstorms, asks. "Then isn't this mission hopeless? We won't be able to stop Mephisto's rise!"
"If we had to fight Glinch's chimeras all at once in a huge battle, we would lose. He has a home field advantage more terrifying than you can imagine. But fortunately, we won't have to do that." Yardrat says.
"We can pick them off one by one, or in twos and threes." Auger says. "You might think this would enrage Glinch. You would be wrong. It may seem as if Glinch created an army to protect him, but that is not the case at all. Glinch does not fear death in the slightest. You cannot threaten him, and you cannot cow him into submission. As for his chimeras, he did not deliberately create them to protect himself... rather, they were merely the most successful experimental test subjects that he left alive to rom around the wasteland, lost and confused."
"Glinch gave his chimeras one command." Yardrat says simply. "Kill anyone who I have not given permission to enter. Beyond that, he does not care if they live or die. He has no love for, or any interest in, his old experiments."
Melody's expression darkens. "I've never spoken to Glinch before. Never seen him in person, either. I've only heard rumors... he sounds like a devil-damned psycho."
Auger sighs. "Glinch acts as Glinch pleases. The only way to get him to do anything for you is to follow his demands. Even the Volgrim have been known to bend the knee if it means making use of his talents."
"The Volgrim too?" Dagon asks in disbelief.
"The Volgrim too." Yardrat affirms.
Emperor Nymph crosses her arms. "If we move out as soon as possible, we can begin killing our way through Glinch's chimeras. But it will take time. Each one is extremely hardy and possesses a frighteningly powerful body. The option to assassinate Glinch has also been considered, but will not be taken. We only wish to stop Mephisto's ascension. We do not want to make an enemy of the Stitched Emperor. His talents are too useful."
Bael snorts. "What can he possibly do for ya? Put an actual third leg down where your 'third leg' is?"
Some of the more immature demons snicker at Bael's comment. Nymph rolls her eyes.
"No, Bael. Glinch is actually a fairly adept healer. Nowhere near the level of Belial, but she isn't on our side anyway. Glinch is quite good at patching up injuries... provided you don't mind a few troublesome side effects."
"Like growin' a third leg." Bael quips.
The other demons merely groan this time.
"We don't have time to spare." Auger says, as he begins drawing the meeting to a close. "This assault will require all of you to fight like Hell. You'll have to smash your way through Glinch's chimeras while moving with enough speed to reach and kill Mephisto."
Dagon frowns. "Why do you say 'you' without including yourself? Don't tell me the top demon of our Hell is going to just sit on his ass while we go out there and-"
Before he can finish his sentence, Yardrat's eyes flare with rage!
"INSOLENT! You shut your mouth, Dagon! How DARE you talk that way to our liege! Auger's power is what gives our Hell its superiority, you moronic SHIT!"
Nymph also jumps to her leader's defense. "Auger's life is too important for us to risk! If he were to die, it could even damn the entire demon species!"
Before anyone else can butt in, Auger raises his hands and smiles kindly.
"Yardrat, everyone, calm down. Dagon is young and immature. Let us not bully our junior. If the need arises, I will show up to personally dispense justice upon those who would threaten you. My powers work best when cast remotely, but I can step in if necessary. I would not want my cute little juniors to think less of me or my combat capabilities. Naturally, this old demon is capable of putting up a bit of a fight."
Dagon lowers his eyes. "Apologies, Emperor Auger. I spoke out of line. I shouldn't have questioned your motives."
While the other demons share their opinions on Dagon's moment of insolence, Bael scratches his head.
"What, seriously?" Bael mutters under his breath. "Don't these dummies know? Auger's a total badass. He even kicked Satan's butt once. Guess it's just been so long that everyone's forgotten what a killer the old man is, heh."
Melody glances at Bael. "You say something?"
"Nah. Just thinkin' out loud." Bael says with a shrug.
"Oh, okay." Melody says, not paying Bael's dumb rambling any mind. "You should probably sit this battle out though, Bael. You ain't got any magic. I'd cry if something happened to you."
"No sweat." Bael says, giving her a thumbs-up. "I can handle myself. Ose even made me a sweet suit of armor. You're gonna be so jealous when you see it."
Melody raises her eyebrow in a clear sign she doesn't really believe him, but she still nods. "Oh. Well, that's cool then. I'll look forward to seeing it. Just keep yourself safe, Bael."
"Can do!"
...................................
As a multitude of Hells bring their best warriors together to combat a unified threat, across the galaxy, some time has passed since the death of Confessor Vulpanix at the hands of Hope Hiro. She has not yet revived, but an emergency council meeting must take place even in the absence of her testimony regarding those events.
Dozens of the mightiest and highest ranking Volgrim from all five sub-species sit arranged in a circle, facing a projection at the center of the arena. This projection changes what it displays as the meeting progresses, first showing images of Serris and its top-secret research sites, followed later by images of the Milky Way, the battle hotspots against the Plague, and even the situation on the world of Tarus II.
All of the Five Founders attend the meeting in person. Numerous 7th and 8th level Psions also attend, though the majority of them do so virtually, as they must stay at the front lines of battle in the event of additional Plague Incursions.
High Technopaths, High Changelings, and even a handful of delegates from the Dolgrimites attend.
Among those present is the individual known as Creator Demila, who maintains a lofty air despite her somewhat low ranking compared to all the other Psions mightier than her, and the representatives of the other sub-species who have plenty of fame and accomplishments to their name.
Founder Cuanali speaks at this time, a day after the meeting's start.
"Then we are all in agreement. The Second Wordsmith poses an existential threat to our regime. We will follow the First Founder's orders and continue as planned until Hope Hiro launches his next attack."
A dismal attitude lingers in the air. The world of Serris, while not protected by any High Psions, was certainly considered a stronghold only a metaphorical stone's throw from Volgarius itself, merely a few lightyears from the homeworld. Under ordinary circumstances, Dosena herself should have been able to come to its rescue, let alone the two Executors who were dispatched to fly through the Void.
Unfortunately, Hope Hiro's attack was so brutal, uncompromising, and swift, that Serris was obliterated before anyone had time to properly react.
Now, all of its denizens have been killed, marking Hope Hiro as an enemy comparable to the Plague.
[I worry that these measures will not be sufficient.] Executor Riley states, sweeping her gaze around the arena. She levitates uprightly, with her arms crossed and her presence projecting an aura of strength in her immediate era. [We are risking everything on a gamble. Especially the First Founder's life.]
Founder Unarin slowly blinks as he listens to Riley's mild criticism.
"There is no need to worry. The Second Wordsmith is a human. He has human inclinations, human desires, and human weaknesses. The fact that he has subordinated himself to a lesser human already shows he is not as mentally formidable as many of the enemies I have battled in my lifetime. I am somewhat confident in my assessments and predictions."
Despite the shaky wording Unarin uses, even a term like 'somewhat' has a vastly different meaning for him than it would someone of lesser intelligence. Executor Riley gazes at her idol, the most intelligent Volgrim in the entire Empire, and nods.
[Of course, First Founder. It is your life to do with as you please. If you are confident in your assessments, I will not pretend to know better than you. I will defer to your judgment.]
The other Volgrim present all nod in unison.
Founder Unarin's word is Law. If he states that something will happen, only the Creator himself should have the power to prevent it from doing so.
"We will continue acting as we have, aside from following the new Hope Containment Protocols." Founder Cuanali says, her mouth-tentacles moving to accentuate her words. "I declare this meeting adjourned. Return to your posts."
The Volgrim elites all nod in unison. Psionic and technological projections wink out, vanishing quickly as they return to their duties, leaving only those who attended physically behind to shuffle or teleport out of the chamber.
Unarin stands up. He turns to look at Founder Dosena, only to pause and frown.
"Is something wrong?"
The Second Founder gazes forward, a blank expression on her face. With her arms crossed, she appears as stoic as ever, but Unarin seems to notice something out of the ordinary.
Founder Cuanali also pauses to look at the other two Founders. So does Founder Treyza, the Changeling, and Cinculu, the Dolgrimite.
[I am not certain.] Dosena says, her tone distant. [I sense something I have not sensed since...]
A pause.
[Perhaps I am mistaken. I feel as though a new Cosmic Entity is beginning to form. But its presence is weak. It will falter in its ascension and fail.]
Unarin maintains a calm expression. Only his flickering eyes tell another story.
"Another Cosmic Entity? Different from the one guiding the Plague?"
[Yes. Different.] Dosena answers.
"Hmm. What are the odds this entity could be... the Wordsmith?"
[I do not believe it is the First or Second Wordsmith.] Dosena states. [Neither is it the Cherubiim. It is something new. I will monitor its attempt at breaching the Cosmic Barrier.]
"Very well. Do that." Unarin says, before turning his attention to the other three Founders.
Founders Treyza, Cuanali, and Cinculu look at Dosena with mixtures of curiosity, interest, or utter apathy. Cinculu, in particular, does not seem to think much of the Second Founder. He turns and walks away, not deigning to speak to the others. Indeed, he has not spoken a single word since arriving.
As the huge reptilian monster lumber away, Treyza cocks their head.
"Founder Unarin. What is this about a Cosmic Barrier?"
Unarin smiles. "Need-to-know information. If you ever need to know, it will mean a catastrophe has befallen our Empire. Dosena must handle this matter on her own, as she always has."
"Of course. This one listens, and this one comprehends." Treyza says, bowing its head politely. "This one shall return to its research. Farewell to all of you."
Cuanali lingers behind, watching as Treyza leaves. Once all the spectators have departed, leaving only the three Founders behind, Cuanali presses her tentacled fingers together.
"First Founder. I have determined that Marie Becker intends to send a large batch of Cybernites to the human homeworld of Tarus II. Should we interfere?"
Unarin frowns. "Oh? That's not like Marie at all. Didn't the Wordsmith visit her a few cycles ago?"
"He did." Cuanali confirms. "I believe he may have convinced her to help accelerate humanity's development speed. This falls under the classification of a Level III Emergency. We should not allow the humans to rapidly advance."
Unarin massages his forehead and sighs. "Haah... no, we should not. But the times are changing. The Volgrim are not as strong as in the past. The Plague presses on us from all directions. We will have to outwit these humans if we wish to someday bring them under our thumb. And right now, with Serris gone, we need help combating the Plague."
He stares at Cuanali with the same gaze a father might give his daughter.
"In war, there are many forms of battle. If one's military is not as strong as the one run by their enemy, then they may consider psychological warfare, economic warfare, or other such means. The humans are still weak and developing. We have many avenues we may yet pursue."
Cuanali nods. "I contemplate, and I comprehend. I only wish that you might be able to use your sharp mind to retrieve our Celestial Designer. Psymin Miralax is my close friend. I do not wish to see her suffer any more than she already has."
Unarin reaches out and touches Cuanali's cheek.
"And neither do I."
A moment later, they break apart. Cuanali bows her head and departs, leaving Unarin alone with Founder Dosena.
[Too much is changing too quickly.] Dosena says.
"Having trouble keeping up?" Unarin teases.
[No.]
Dosena pauses.
[I am nearing my breakthrough.]
Unarin's faint smile vanishes.
In its place, a look of deadly-serious intent replaces it.
"You're certain?"
[There is a barrier preventing me from reaching the level of Middle Cosmic.] Dosena slowly explains. [But I have found a weak point. I now believe ascension to the 10th Level is fully possible.]
Unarin swallows heavily. He gazes upon Dosena with hungry eyes, licking his lips as he imagines the possibilities.
"The Plague's controller has been bullying us for too long. If you can successfully ascend, we will be able to seek out the root of our enemy and tear them apart. We won't have to act defensively any longer."
[Do not get ahead of yourself.] Dosena warns. [I still require time to amass a foundation capable of shattering the Middle Cosmic barrier.]
"But thanks to the Wordsmith, we now know of the Cosmic Realm's existence..." Unarin says thoughtfully, looking away and stroking his chin. "The Primary Plaguehost must be hiding somewhere inside that realm."
[You underestimate the size of the Cosmic Realm.] Dosena warns him. [It is as vast as the Milky Way itself. From our initial probing attempts, I have determined that at my current level I would require one hundred thousand cycles of constant searching to scour every meter of the Cosmic Realm. Our Enemy keeps their aura hidden well.]
"And if you were to ascend to the 10th Level?" Unarin asks.
[The time requirement would be shorter.] Dosena answers noncommittally.
Both Founders fall silent for a few moments.
"Then focus on breaking your limiter. And keep an eye on whatever is giving you that 'bad feeling.' We don't want another Cherubiim running rampant."
Dosena nods.
[As you command.]

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When they exited the Temple District, they were surprised to find out that the raid had spread quite far, encompassing almost half the city. As they appeared back onto the Queen’s Road, they could see two smaller groups fighting, soldiers against Infernals or those they’d bonded with. It was a chaotic sight, but to the more experienced eyes of Leonov and Taiki, it was becoming clear that the attackers were winning.
“Oh my,” Falynn gasped, staring down the road at the fighting. “Should we help? They seem like they’re in trouble!”
“They’re handling it fine,” Taiki replied. Clearly, she’d had the same thought as Leonov. “Besides, our goal is to get these artifacts out. We should focus on that first.”
Roni had no comment either way, as she was too busy staring incredulously at the bow in her hands. She’d hoped to at least pick up the weapon, but not be deemed worthy of wielding it. She could feel the bow’s latent magical energy under her fingers, but unlike the legends said it would, Tyrant’s Bane wasn’t singing her fingers, assaulting her mind, or in any way harming her. It felt no different from the bow she’d been using, apart from the magic it held, of course.
Almost as if she was longing to test the power, she lifted the bow and slotted an arrow onto the string. The others looked around as she drew it back, perplexed by the action. Leonov stepped forward to interrupt her, his face fixed in a glare. “We don’t have time for this, Roni. We have to get these artifacts out of the city.”
“We won’t be able to get out of the city without taking part in some of the fighting,” she said, continuing to draw back on the string. “More likely that we’ll get stuck behind allies or caught by enemies.”
The statement had some merit to it, of course, but Leonov wasn’t keen on stretching the fighting out further than he had to. If anything, he was a man of efficiency and doing more than was strictly outlined in the job he’d been given didn’t sit well with him. Then again, he reasoned with himself, if they had to fight just to get out of the city, then perhaps there was no point in arguing against it. He had to consider his own survival and that of his allies, after all.
“Fine,” he grumbled. “Shoot an arrow, and we’ll see how much help it is.”
The smallest smirk formed on Roni’s lips, and she allowed the string to slip smoothly from her fingers with a quiet twang. The arrow leaped away from the bow, and they lost sight of it for a moment against the bleak grey background of the city and the smoke around them. Then, just over a hundred meters, right where a group of Infernals was moving to flank a group of attackers, they saw a flash of green light. The arrow struck the lead Infernal, and flames spread across their body quickly.
To their surprise, it looked as though the bow did no damage. Instead, the Infernal turned on his heel and began slashing at those behind him with his sword. The sudden turning of one of their allies caught them completely by surprise, and they were slow to defend. The Infernal managed to cut three of them down before one of them ran a spear through his chest, killing him instantly. The remaining four Infernals turned in their direction, forgetting about their original targets.
“What was that?” Falynn asked, more curious and amazed than shocked. “I didn’t know you could do that kind of magic!”
“I can’t, but the bow can,” Roni said. She quickly notched another arrow, drew back, and fired in one single, smooth movement. “It’s one of Tyrant’s Bane’s enchantments.”
“But how did you know about it?” Liana, the priestess of Minerva asked. “It’s abilities are supposed to known only to those that master the weapon! You haven’t been its wielder long enough!”
“I knew the last Champion,” Roni said, drawing and firing again. With three arrows, she’d taken down two of the Infernals rushing towards them. “She was my mentor.”
“You were taught by Zuri Undergrove?” The priestess of Minerva’s eyes were wide, unable to come to terms with what she was hearing. “But she’s the one who killed those rogue dragons that threatened the countryside twelve years ago!”
Roni could only shrug, choosing not to comment on that. Instead, she jerked her chin down the road to where there were now only three Infernals running towards them. She tried to shoot another, but he deflected the arrow easily enough with his shield, and she gave up on another attempt. “I think we have bigger things to focus on right now.”
The Infernals obviously had some experience fighting as a group, because they’d formed a triangular shape, with one in the back. This Infernal, tall as usual with fair hair and bright red eyes, was clad in a long crimson robe. She came to a stop once the group was fifty feet away, and raised both of her arms, sending a large roiling ball of flames in their direction.
Falynn reacted quickly, putting her hand on the warm cobbles of the street underneath them. Faster than Leonov or Taiki could quite react, a tall wall of stone appeared to block the fireball, then slammed down to crush the two Infernals who’d continued running forward. Both leaped high into the air to avoid it, landing light as cats on either side of Taiki and Leonov and slashing at the two warriors.
“Blasted fiends!” Leonov shouted, blocking the first strike with his shield and then slashing down with his sword, forcing his opponent back. “Get back, Falynn!”
She didn’t need to be told twice and retreated away at once, Roni by her side. Both were useless in the chaotic bustle of outright melee combat. Instead, the elven women supported their allies from afar with magic and arrow. Roni sent three arrows in quick succession at the Infernal mage who was bolstering her own allies, but each was blocked by a magic barrier. Falynn summoned thick vines out of the ground in an attempt to trap Taiki’s attacker, but the man danced away from the grasping plants easily.
Taiki was undaunted by the nimble opponent facing her and followed him as he backed up, trying to gain distance. She continued swinging with her kanabo, taking measured movements so as not to leave any openings for the enemy to exploit. Six feet away, Leonov was holding off his own opponent, and, more accustomed to fighting dextrous opponents, had managed to inflict a wound on the Infernals ribs. He let out a hiss of pain as he felt the sword’s touch, and his image began to shiver.
“He’s shifting!” Falynn called out in warning, but Leonov knew what the shivering meant already, and was prepared. As a broad half-elven man with a heavy club appeared, swinging his weapon in a vicious downstroke, Leonov sidestepped the blow perfectly, allowing the weapon to glance harmlessly off his shield. His own attack took the half-elf in the back before he could recover from his stroke, and he fell to the cobbles with a grunt of surprise.
The Infernal mage pulled the weakly stirring body of her fallen comrade back with a spell, then sent out a dozen tines of electricity with her one free hand. The lines of power struck both Taiki and Leonov, stunning them. The Infernal fighting Taiki took advantage of that to dart in and slash at her head. The thick metal of her helmet protected her from the worst of the blow, but the ringing impact had to set her head to ringing, and she fell down onto the cobbles with a clatter, too stunned to move yet.
“Oh no you don’t!” Falynn shouted, and with an angry upward flick of one hand, she spawned a column of wind that slammed into the Infernal, flinging him nearly fifteen feet into the air away from his foe. Despite making solid contact, it was just wind, and he recovered in mid-air, grabbing onto the room of a nearby building and swinging himself out of the current of air. Falynn could hear him laughing as he fell back, leaving them to recover. Roni sent an arrow after him, but it was no good, sailing nearly a foot over his head. He laughed again, then dropped out of sight on the other side of the building.
“Are you okay, Taiki?” Falynn asked, hurrying forward. She didn’t understand why the Infernals had backed off so quickly, but she didn’t care. Putting as much mana into a healing spell as she could, she pulled Taiki’s helmet off and put one finger to her forehead. The warrior’s eyes uncrossed, and she blinked up at Falynn, momentarily confused.
“I’m fine,” she said gruffly, sitting upright and shaking her head. “Where’d they go?”
“They left down one of the side streets,” Roni said. She was gazing up into the air at Gadderoth, who was flying in a circle over their heads. The dragon whelp let out a high screech and stopped, his nose pointed in one direction, deeper into the city. “Something bad is coming. We should get off the main road!”
They didn’t stop to question her, trusting in her and the dragon’s senses. They urged the priests and priestesses into one of the side streets, then followed in after them, with Leonov and Taiki taking up the rear, weapons ready. Last to join them was Gadderoth, swooping out of the sky to land on Roni’s shoulders. They could all see that the dragon hatchling was shaking in fear of whatever was coming, but they couldn’t deduce anymore.
Then, in the distance, they heard what sounded like crashing thunder. It was a continuous sound, echoing off the faces of the nearby buildings, and getting louder with every second, clearly coming closer. Falynn risked a glance around the corner of the nearest building, and her face blanched before she ducked back into cover. She grabbed Falynn by the arm and shoved her to the front, hissing an instruction.
“We need a barrier!” She shouted. Then, to the priests behind her, she added, “Any of you that know how, help her!”
The priests were slow to react, but Falynn immediately put up a barrier some eight feet high, wrapping the magic around to cover them against any attacks. Then three more added their magic to the act, and the barrier was expanded to cover their entire group in a thin layer of golden light. A few seconds later, the roaring sound was unbearable, and suddenly, their eyes were blinded by a flood of flames that appeared, sweeping down the Queen’s Road, spreading into every alley and nook and cranny.
The followers cried out in fear and surprise at the scale of the enemy attack, and Taiki could see cracks beginning to form in certain areas of the barrier. She couldn’t do anything about it herself, so she shook Falynn, bringing the danger to the druid’s attention. Falynn went even paler at the sight of that. Both of them knew that if it failed, they would all be killed by this surge of fire. She swiped her hands desperately, tearing apart the buildings to either side and forming a second shell out of the stone. They were protected, but they were also blinded, conscious only of the roaring sound, barely muted, around them.
Finally, after what felt like several minutes, the sound faded, and they were confronted with sudden silence, save the ringing in their ears. Falynn removed the stone barrier, and as the pieces of rock fell away to either side, they could make out the devastation the flames had left. Every square inch of the city around them had been singed, and much of the buildings were smoldering, the wood shredded by the onslaught of fire.
“What could do that?” One of the priests asked, their voices fearful. “What mage has that power to command?”
Roni, peeking around the now badly damaged corner of the building behind which they’d sheltered, pointed up the hill. She could just barely make out the magical aura of something in the air above them, more than three hundred feet away. There were three massive rings of fire around them still, and she had no doubt that they’d been the source of the attack.
“Is that the enemy commander?” Leonov asked, peering around to look at the stranger flying in the sky. “If he can do that much damage on such a huge scale, we don’t stand a chance. He probably killed everyone fighting in the streets here, including his own allies.”
“We don’t know that,” Falynn said. It wasn’t clear if she was trying to convince them or herself. “They could have summoned barriers like we did.”
“Well, we can’t take another one of those,” Roni asserted. “And it looks like he can definitely do it again. We have to get underground somehow.”
“There are tunnels all under the city,” one of the priests, a man in black leather armor said. The patch on his cuirass indicated he was a follower of Atlas Ciayol, the God of Thieves. “The nearest entrance isn’t far from here, either. We can take shelter in those tunnels, and even escape that way.”

MES Weak Aura semble être la base de la base. Quand je vais télécharger, c’est écrit que la dernière MàJ date de septembre 2021, existe-t-il une version plus récente?

Anyone know of a good weak aura/add on that lets me know when my Healer is CC? Tried a couple but they dont seem to work at all

I'm not even going to pretend to say 'Hey guys have you ever noticed that...?'
Like, the evidence is in, it's pretty clear, in my experience, that every large company, with growth, filters out all the neurotypical people from leadership/executive positions and replaces them with autistic/sperg/tin-man type folks.
I certainly think there's a whole range of tasks or positions where people like this would excel but, CEO is not one of them, at least from the employee's perspective. Sure, profits are up (well done), but , and you may not realise it, everyone that works under you kind of wants to 30% kill themselves and you all the time.
And I'm not just talking about, a bad boss. I'm talking about that boss that just, isn't reading the play, while being a boss. An angry/emotional boss sure I totally understand; I hate them, and they're shit, but I understand why they're being that way.
I've worked at places where everyone has strongly agreed that the boss is clearly not one of us. However, the aura of magic juju created by the bosses autism is so strong, no one knows where to attack. They're like a death star with no weak point. There are places that I quit many years ago where the autistic boss continues to puzzle and beleaguer the people that work there. And sure, I understand, that simply being the boss, in and of itself, is what protects them. But, I feel the neurodivergence is giving them a little extra power-up.
The reason I thread is, I'm particularly interested in hearing from other people who have endured the same ordeal, from similar kind of bosses. Is this a pattern, or am I being neurodivergentphobic? (or whatever the word for that is? apparently there isn't one?)
- How weird was your boss, what kind of things did they do?
- Did anyone manage to find away to deal with it, other than just quitting?
(Please clap)

Info from Dissidia Compendium

Boss Info

• Dimensional Crawl Bug (250M HP)
  • All enemies can not be delayed through break...: -- Understand, no Noel/Cor infinite loop cheese...
  • At the 100%/70%/30% Triggers [Dark Powers Rising!] (Red aura)
    • The following effects occur while in a red aura:
      • Significantly reduces non-elemental and non- BRV damage.
      • Ignore BRV and HP damage reduction effects during the next turn
      • and uses powerful Single-Target BRV attack + single HP attack Charged Blast+
      • Using [Charged Blast+] enters the red arua and [Calmed down...] releases it.
  • At 90%/60%/20%, triggers [Wallop+]
    • Single BRV attack + single HP Attack
    • Removes all debuffs, including those with silver frames, from all enemies.
    • Removes all buffs, including those with silver frames, from all allies.
  • HP thresholds at 69%, 29%, [Dark Powers Rising!] must be used
• Dimensional Swarm Fly (250M HP)
  • At 90%/50%/20% triggers [Angry] grants a blue aura to yourself
    • Disable a certain amount of BRV Damage and creates [Shield].
    • Greatly increases the DEF of all enemies while in a blue aura.
    • While in a blue aura and dealt weakness damage by Melee, Ranged, and Magic triggers [Calmed down...] and blue arua is released
    • Deal BRV Damage that ignore-DEF to release the [Shield]
  • While in a blue aura
    • When the remaining HP is 80% to 50%, 40% to 20%, and less than 10% Uses guaranteed hit [Buzz]
      • Removes all debuffs, including those with silver frames, from all enemies.
      • Removes all buffs, including those with silver frames, from all allies.
  • HP thresholds at 89%, 49%, 19% [Angry] must be used

Force Gauge

• +2% when enemy Acts
• +4% when player Acts
• Player ATK down and DEF down 80%

Enemy Force Ability

• Unclean Breath+:
  • force ability
  • force time for 10 turns
  • Recovers from Break
  • Group Magic BRV attack + HP attack
• Unclean Breath++:
  
  • force ability
  • force time for 10 turns
  • Recovers from Break
  • Group Magic BRV attack + HP attack
  • Guaranteed hit and dispel buffs, silver included
  • Will not trigger if enemy is weak to Ice element ___ # Enemy Force Time
• Grants Party Heals HP by 100% of HP Damage received
  
• Player decreases casted buff and debuff duration by 100
  
• Force Time is canceled when using a Force Ability that deals Ice BRV damage
  
  • Also Increase Ice BRV damage received by all enemies until the Crawl Bug acts 5 times

I hope I haven't done any mistake

My party of 5 have been trouncing the encounters in Rime of the Frostmaiden despite me up-scaling of encounters heavily so far. They are at level 5, and they've killed the mammoth-riding frost giant, they've killed an enraged tree-ent, and two frost trolls, none of these three encounters really challenged them (partially because their damage output is significant). They are quite coordinated and have min-maxed their characters well, and are tactically good players. I have been stingy with rewards, so no out-of-the-place gear advantage, but they have several healing potions they've never used. They feared the Dale at 1st and 2nd level, but has since been (with some justificiation) really confident.
​
​
​
It's time to give them a tactically challenging encounter and put the fear of Icewind Dale back in their hearts. They will be fighting a frost giant skeleton/spirit who is a cleric of Auril, entombed under the Jarlmoot. He'll be wielding a Spear of Dragonslaying (the weapon they seek), and a shield. He's a spellcaster with legendary actions and lair actions.
The group has a polearm master Rune Knight, a Chronurgy wizard (in command of the shield guardian), Star Druid, Cleric, Pact of the chain Warlock. They will be locked in the tomb which confines their ability to run away and the area to be within 40 feet of the BBEG at all times.
I also have a houserule where, if you go down you roll death save immediately, and not on your next turn. Failed death saves only go away 1 per long rest. So getting downed is always dangerous. I obviously don't want a TPK, but it's been 10+ sessions with no challenge and I want to push them to their limits this time. Please let me know if this looks too much like guaranteed TPK.
Here's the BBEG:
Frost Giant Skeleton. Godahern Grimyrsson, Dragonslayer

• Armor Class: 17
• Hit Points: 115 (10d12 + 50)
• Speed: 40ft.
• Str 21 (+5); Dex 10; Con 20 (+5); Wis 16 (+3); Int 8 (-1); Cha 6
• Saves: Con: +8, Wis +6
• Damage Resistance: Piercing, Necrotic, Frost
• Damage Immunities: Poison
• Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned, charmed, dominated, frightened
• Senses: darkvision 120 ft.
• Magic Resistance: The skeleton has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Turn Immunity. The skeleton is immune to effects that turn undead.
• Elemental Adept: Frost damage
• Warcaster

Choice of Actions:

• Multiattack: Godahern makes two spear attacks
  • Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 6) piercing damage.
• Cast one spell
• Take a legendary action

Legendary actions: 2x, once after opponent turn.

• Driving Hailwind: Dex 14, 2d6 frost damage, save half. If fail, also Str DC 14 save or pushback 20 feet. 20x20 cube.
• Crash Ceiling, Dex 14, 2d10 bludgeoning. 5x10 feet area. Creates difficult terrain and half cover.
• Cast Spell
• Make one attack

Legendary Resistance: one time only.
Lair Actions at initiative 20:

• First round: Animate 6 flying battleaxes (17 AC, 17 HP, +3 to hit, 1d8+1). D6 roll rest of encounter:
• 1-2: Ice Fog: covers half of the room. Heavily obscured. 1d6 frost damage (lasts 2 rounds)
• 3: Wall of Ice: (no more than two times, then changes to Heal Godahern). To block off people at the back after Driving Hailwind.
• 4: Unholy Air: 1d6 necrotic damage to everyone + can’t be healed this turn (considering adding con save to resists heal suppression)
• 5-6: Heal Godahern 2d6

Prepared Spells (DC 14):

• Cantrip: Bonus action Frost Whip attack: Attack +6, 2d6 frost damage, pull to him. 40 foot range.
• 4x 1st level: Command; Dark Bolt (+6, 4d6 necrotic, advantage next hit); Shield of Faith (+2 AC, concentration)
• 3x 2nd level: Spiritual Weapon (+6, 1d8+3); Hold Person (DC 14, Conc.),
• 3x 3rd level: Spiritual Guardians (DC 14 save, 3d8 necrotic, half, 15 feet rad, Conc); Protection from Energy,
• 3x 4th level: Ice Storm (20 foot radius, 4d6, difficult terrain, save half); Guardian of Faith (Frost Scythe with reach, dex save 20 frost/necrotic damage, vanish after dealing 60 damage)
• 1x 5th level: Cone of Cold (8d8), Negative Energy Flood (heal 5d12, divide by 2)

The Ghost of Godahern
When the skeleton is destroyed, his Ghost preplaces the skeleton. A bellowing curse is cast at everyone, Wis DC 12 or disadvantage at attack rolls vs. the ghost of Godahern. This part I will skip if the group is half-dead or worse.

• HD 56
• AC 12
• Immune to non-magical weapons, weakness to fire and radiant damage
• Aura of Frost: 1d6 frost damage to all within 15 feet on his initiative
• Attack: Throw/Stab Ghostly Spear: 1d6 Frost + 1d6 necrotic, +8 to hit, on hit: curse DC 12:

• Choose one ability score. While Cursed, the target has disadvantage on ability checks and saving throws made with that ability score.
• While Cursed, the target has disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
• While Cursed, the target must make a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of its turns. If it fails, it wastes its action that turn doing nothing.
• While the target is Cursed, your attacks and spells deal an extra 1d8 necrotic damage to the target.

My party of 5 have been trouncing the encounters in Rime of the Frostmaiden despite me up-scaling of encounters heavily so far. They are at level 5, and they've killed the mammoth-riding frost giant, they've killed an enraged tree-ent, and two frost trolls, none of these three encounters really challenged them (partially because their damage output is significant). They are quite coordinated and have min-maxed their characters well, and are tactically good players. I have been stingy with rewards, so no out-of-the-place gear advantage, but they have several healing potions they've never used. They feared the Dale at 1st and 2nd level, but has since been (with some justificiation) really confident.
​
​
​
It's time to give them a tactically challenging encounter and put the fear of Icewind Dale back in their hearts. They will be fighting a frost giant skeleton/spirit who is a cleric of Auril, entombed under the Jarlmoot. He'll be wielding a Spear of Dragonslaying (the weapon they seek), and a shield. He's a spellcaster with legendary actions and lair actions.
The group has a polearm master Rune Knight, a Chronurgy wizard (in command of the shield guardian), Star Druid, Cleric, Pact of the chain Warlock. They will be locked in the tomb which confines their ability to run away and the area to be within 40 feet of the BBEG at all times.
I also have a houserule where, if you go down you roll death save immediately, and not on your next turn. Failed death saves only go away 1 per long rest. So getting downed is always dangerous. I obviously don't want a TPK, but it's been 10+ sessions with no challenge and I want to push them to their limits this time. Please let me know if this looks too much like guaranteed TPK.
Here's the BBEG:
Frost Giant Skeleton. Godahern Grimyrsson, Dragonslayer

• Armor Class: 17
• Hit Points: 115 (10d12 + 50)
• Speed: 40ft.
• Str 21 (+5); Dex 10; Con 20 (+5); Wis 16 (+3); Int 8 (-1); Cha 6
• Saves: Con: +8, Wis +6
• Damage Resistance: Piercing, Necrotic, Frost
• Damage Immunities: Poison
• Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned, charmed, dominated, frightened
• Senses: darkvision 120 ft.
• Magic Resistance: The skeleton has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Turn Immunity. The skeleton is immune to effects that turn undead.
• Elemental Adept: Frost damage
• Warcaster

​
Choice of Actions:

• Multiattack: Godahern makes two spear attacks
  • Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 6) piercing damage.
• Cast one spell
• Take a legendary action

​
Legendary actions: 2x, once after opponent turn.

• Driving Hailwind: Dex 14, 2d6 frost damage, save half. If fail, also Str DC 14 save or pushback 20 feet. 20x20 cube.
• Crash Ceiling, Dex 14, 2d10 bludgeoning. 5x10 feet area. Creates difficult terrain and half cover.
• Cast Spell
• Make one attack

Legendary Resistance: one time only.
Lair Actions at initiative 20:

• First round: Animate 6 flying battleaxes (17 AC, 17 HP, +3 to hit, 1d8+1). D6 roll rest of encounter:
• 1-2: Ice Fog: covers half of the room. Heavily obscured. 1d6 frost damage (lasts 2 rounds)
• 3: Wall of Ice: (no more than two times, then changes to Heal Godahern). To block off people at the back after Driving Hailwind.
• 4: Unholy Air: 1d6 necrotic damage to everyone + can’t be healed this turn (considering adding con save to resists heal suppression)
• 5-6: Heal Godahern 2d6

Prepared Spells (DC 14):

• Cantrip: Bonus action Frost Whip attack: Attack +6, 2d6 frost damage, pull to him. 40 foot range.
• 4x 1st level: Command; Dark Bolt (+6, 4d6 necrotic, advantage next hit); Shield of Faith (+2 AC, concentration)
• 3x 2nd level: Spiritual Weapon (+6, 1d8+3); Hold Person (DC 14, Conc.),
• 3x 3rd level: Spiritual Guardians (DC 14 save, 3d8 necrotic, half, 15 feet rad, Conc); Protection from Energy,
• 3x 4th level: Ice Storm (20 foot radius, 4d6, difficult terrain, save half); Guardian of Faith (Frost Scythe with reach, dex save 20 frost/necrotic damage, vanish after dealing 60 damage)
• 1x 5th level: Cone of Cold (8d8), Negative Energy Flood (heal 5d12, divide by 2)

​
The Ghost of Godahern
When the skeleton is destroyed, his Ghost preplaces the skeleton. A bellowing curse is cast at everyone, Wis DC 12 or disadvantage at attack rolls vs. the ghost of Godahern. This part I will skip if the group is half-dead or worse.

• HD 56
• AC 12
• Immune to non-magical weapons, weakness to fire and radiant damage
• Aura of Frost: 1d6 frost damage to all within 15 feet on his initiative
• Attack: Throw/Stab Ghostly Spear: 1d6 Frost + 1d6 necrotic, +8 to hit, on hit: curse DC 12:

• Choose one ability score. While Cursed, the target has disadvantage on ability checks and saving throws made with that ability score.
• While Cursed, the target has disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
• While Cursed, the target must make a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of its turns. If it fails, it wastes its action that turn doing nothing.
• While the target is Cursed, your attacks and spells deal an extra 1d8 necrotic damage to the target.

I haven't found any tbc retri pala seal twisting addon or weak aura that works on my tbc client (stormforge).
Anyone knows any working one?

I´m relatively sure this is just me but I´ve switched from playing a melee to playing a caster. I´m like use to spamming my buttons constantly. However when I do the same for caster it creates a "click" sound when you press the cast button while a cast bar is running.
I am not 100% sure for what the sound is meant for but is there any way to disable this sound or replace it/mute it?
I tried to disable or hide the default cast bar but even hiding does not remove the clack sound that I´m hearing when spamming a cast.
I know there are weak auras to disable for example the sound of the holy flame from paladin which also gets super annoying after a while.
If anyone knows something help is appreciated

Up until I was 22 (I'll be 28) I had the same insurance and the same doctor. This doctor saw everyone in my immediate family. He misdiagnosed me several times, had me put on outdated medications, put me on painkillers as soon as I was old enough to be, and did the bare minimum to treat me. I once had a back injury and he "didn't see anything wrong" in my x-ray so I went to a chiropractor (had to pay out of pocket) and they immediately saw that my lower spine was slightly off center and I had sciatica (I'm okay now but it took two years to correct).
My mother deemed me a hypochondriac when I was nine because she was tired of me "complaining about aches and pains" and at one point when I brought up having asthma, she told me I had "exercise induced laziness". She body shamed me, yelled at me when I tried to seek medical care on my own, and never gave a shit about me the numerous times I ended up in the hospital. My grandparents, her parents, were and still are the only ones who cared (plus my now partner of almost seven years and his family <3)
Last year I got a new doctor and it took them no time at all to discover I was critically anemic, had hypothyroid, PCOS, several vitamin deficiencies, a monster fibroid, aura migraines, degenerative eyesight, a tick disorder (that we're still investigating), CPTSD, and an allergy to acetaminophen. I'm finally getting the treatment I need and I'm so happy I finally have doctors who are listening to me and have quickly switched medications when one hasn't worked for me.
But I'm making this post because I hadn't told them about the "aches and pains" until a few hours ago. They'd gotten so bad in high school (about ten years ago) that during lunch I would cry in the bathroom because it was hard to walk by that point. After a five minute conversation about the pain and the different medical conditions that run in the family, my doctor has scheduled an autoimmune panel/blood test thing as she's convinced I've probably been living with one.
I started dissociating the moment I left the video call because I immediately had flashbacks to the time my mom yelled at me for crying when she took my extra support pillow away to give to my brother because he wanted an extra pillow. I used it to help with the pain and she yelled at me for being selfish. I've been having ticks all day as a result. Then I remembered how a friend of mine got mad that I wasn't going down to a Bible study with them anymore. I told her I was in too much pain to take the stairs and she took my shoes and my backpack and told me if I wanted them back, I had to come with them. I'm no longer religious or friends with her for many many reasons, but that was the beginning of the end for both.
I feel like all of those things made me fear getting the help I so desperately needed. The toll whatever this is has taken on my body has left me incredibly weak, and I didn't even realize. I had so many other problems that I figured those were the cause. Knowing there's still something left and it's those "aches and pains" really really hurts (no pun intended). Just fucking sucks. Especially since my old doctor is dead and my mom never takes accountability for her actions so it's not like I'll have any closure other than more pills. Plus I'll probably have to quit my job. My new manager is ableist and regularly refuses to let me take advantage of remote work if he feels like I shouldn't be able to. If I have to start another treatment for another condition, they're probably going to find a way to fire me or cut my hours more than they already have so I might as well quit before they get the chance.
This fucking sucks. I have the blood test on Tuesday so wish me luck that it's something easy to treat, because there are some nasty conditions in my family.

The Mythical-Mythical Fruit is a paramecia devil fruit that allows the user to transform any item into its mythical variant. This power can be applied to a wide range of objects, including weapons, animals, plants, and even people.

Abilities:

1. Mythical Transformation: The user can transform any item into its mythical variant. This can include creatures such as dragons, griffins, and unicorns, as well as weapons such as Excalibur and Mjolnir. The user can also transform themselves into mythical beings, gaining enhanced abilities based on the creature they become.
2. Mythical Aura: The user can emit a powerful aura that enhances the abilities of those around them. This aura can grant enhanced strength, speed, and agility to allies, making them more effective in combat.
3. Mythical Knowledge: The user gains a vast knowledge of mythical creatures, their abilities, and weaknesses. This allows them to strategize and plan their battles more effectively, as well as identify potential threats.

Weaknesses:

1. Limited Duration: The transformation of an item into its mythical variant only lasts for a limited time. The user can maintain the transformation for a longer period by expending more energy, but this also leads to greater fatigue.
2. One Item at a Time: The user can only transform one item at a time, and must concentrate fully on that item while it is transformed.
3. Transformation Restrictions: The user cannot transform living creatures into mythical creatures, and certain items may be resistant to the transformation.

Techniques:

1. Mythical Weapon: The user can transform weapons into their mythical variant, granting them enhanced power and abilities. For example, a transformed sword may be able to cut through steel or emit a powerful energy blast.
2. Mythical Mount: The user can transform animals into their mythical variant, allowing them to ride them into battle. A transformed mount may grant the user enhanced speed or flight capabilities.
3. Mythical Form: The user can transform themselves into a mythical creature, granting them enhanced abilities and attributes. For example, a transformed user may gain wings and the ability to fly, or increased strength and durability.

Awakening:

The user's awakening ability allows them to transform entire environments into mythical realms. This can create a powerful aura that enhances the abilities of allies within the transformed environment, and grants the user greater control over the terrain and creatures within it. However, this transformation requires a great deal of energy and concentration, and can only be maintained for a limited time.