Recruiting and planning a fundraising drive

The four of you step into Broadbridge late in the morning the next day, Zalreanne still wearing her long cloak to conceal her indecent attire while the rest of you wear your normal clothes. The two scantily-clad adventurers are introducing you to your first bar while you wait for Zalreanne to find a place that might have a ritual circle, or at least the supplies to make one. The city bustles with its usual stifling busyness and you wince almost every time someone looks at you.

"Dude, do you do this every time you're in a city?" Annie titters as she watches your nervousness at what she considers a completely ordinary setting.

You scowl back at her. "Look, are you all sunshine and roses every time you stroll around someone else's dungeon?" She smirks in response.

"Ooh, someone's touchy today." Cindy grins and swings her legs off the stool she's sitting on. "Look dude, just chill. Nobody's going to recognize you and we adventurers don't make a habit of stabbing everything that moves in cities."

"Nobody's going to recognize who? Oh, hey daemon. Care to introduce me?" A sultry voice announces Lucia, the adventurer you met earlier today. She's wearing a loose, flowing semi-transparent yellow dress under which you can see just a hint of her indecent armour.

"See, this is why I'm nervous," you groan. "Several adventurers know how to recognize me, and not all of them are just looking to get stabbed." The two adventurer-maids look confused for a moment then blush as Lucia smirks and moves her hand under the table and into your lap, understanding dawning on their faces.

"Anyways, daemon—it was Azazel, right?" You nod. "Right, anyways, Azazel, what brings you here? I'd ask if you came to check up on little old me, but I assume you wouldn't be so rude as to bring two more hangers-on when you already have three ravishing beauties waiting for you. Say, is it something to do with that weird world bounty recently?"

"You saw that? I'm surprised you didn't check it out: I thought your group was all about cutting corners." There's a bit of venom in your voice.

"Whoa, easy there, what's that about? And just because we took an alliance of convenience with a high-level monster who came our way doesn't mean we're trying to cheat the system or something." Lucia looks a bit hurt and pulls her hand out from under the table, your hard dick missing the attention it was receiving through your pants.

"Sorry, this place and the current state of things just have me on edge." You try your best to look apologetic: all of this being deferential to low level adventurers is still somewhat new to you, but this isn't the time or the place to provoke a fight. Besides, in your current situation allies are allies, even if they're significantly lower level than you.

"Hmph. Anyways, oh Azazel the Magnificent, Lord of the Level, what made you deign to grace us mere mortals with your rapturous presence?" She fails to maintain her stern expression and breaks out into a little laugh at the end of her sarcastic quip.

"I'm looking to recruit some allies, something to do with that world bounty recently. Another adventurer working with me is out looking for a magic circle in town right about now so that we can proceed." Although Lucia and her friends have been reliable (and fun) so far you leave out information that she doesn't strictly need to know: it'd be best if your current lack of power were not totally public knowledge.

"Oh, what do you need a magic circle for? And to answer your earlier dickheaded remark, we went up to check it out but a few different groups told us it looked like bad news, including a group with some dwarf and barbarian way higher level than us. That one, if you want to thank him." The three of you turn to where Lucia is pointing to see Zalreanne step back into the bar, accompanied by Grungil and Amara.

"Well, I was hoping to offer some quests." Now that the more experienced adventurers are here you consider being more honest about the situation.

"Master, I couldn't find a summoning circle, but these two said they'd come along. Something about beer?" Zalreanne walks up next to you and stands at attention. Not wanting to attract attention, you motion for her to pull up a stool and she does so.

"Oi laddie, wot's this about quests? Yer lass 'ere said something similar, thought our subterranean friend could use a hand from good ol' Grungil." The cheerful dwarf gives you a wave and pulls up a stool. "Now, I b'lieve ye owe me a pint."

"Azazel," his hulking barbarian companion simply gives you a nod. "I see that your relationship with the dark elf has... changed somewhat." You wave over a barmaid: you can barely afford ale with what little coin you currently have access to, but this isn't the time to be antagonizing some of the few adventurers who both recognize you and are trustworthy—or at least predictable.

"Yeah, Zal and I have... talked a bit. Anyways, okay, let me be frank with you all. Grungil, Amara, I appreciate your help two days ago. Unfortunately the man himself showed up on the last day, and it turns out he was a lich. Needless to say I'm not quite at that level yet. So, well, now I'm a lord without a lair. I'm currently looking to assemble a team to take it back and I couldn't think of a dwarf and a human I'd rather hire for the job." Lucia gives a mock pout. "And three sumptuous elves, of course."

"A lich, ye say? That be nae small foe, but I s'pose it explains all tha dead."

"So you want us to do what, die to him? If what you're saying is true my party got beaten by his minions." Amara gives Grungil a slap on the back. "Not that that would've happened if I was there to save them of course."

"And nae if a certain thickheaded lass hadn't nigh got us killed 'gainst tha frost wyrm herself." Grungil shoots a glare back at his companion, then the two burst into laughter at the same time.

"Say, where's Tina by tha way? Ye still owe us an explanation about that'un." Grungil's face darkens and he eyes you suspiciously.

"She's... currently unable to respawn, along with the rest of my champions, until I reclaim my lair. No doubt she'd appreciate the help. As for what happened to her, I'd be willing to explain—and demonstrate—if you can find me a magic circle, but this place is a bit too," you wave around the room, "public."

"Fair enough, daemon. I imagine if we can track down Selena she'll know where one is that we can rent. She's supposed to be on in a while anyways: I think her shift ends around 2? Now, what can you tell us about this lich? And you mentioned a quest before we got distracted?" Amara leans in while sipping her beer, towering over everyone at the table except you.

"Well, he's powerful enough that he could kill four of my champions in a single spell." Two mugs slam down on the table, shocked faces over them.

"And you expect us to fight that? I like a good quest, but I have better things to do than donate gold and experience back to Shards on some sort of fool's errand." Amara takes a long gulp out of her mug, her braided, scraggly shoulder-length black hair swinging behind her.

"Aye, Amara's got tha right of it!" Grungil takes a gulp of his own, then wipes off a bit of runoff from his thick brown beard. "Ma didn't raise no suicidal boy."

"I actually have an idea for how to handle him. It shouldn't even require any fighting. He's taken over my whole dungeon though, so we'll need to fight our way through all of that stuff, plus most likely Shadowdagger's gang." Grungil brightens up upon hearing this.

"Well I happen ta know a dwarf who's an expert at foiling yer lair's defences, laddie. So, what's the pay for such a venture?"

"I can't offer anything up front, obviously, but I have quite a bit of decent loot piled up, not to mention the scales from a Level 43 Frost Wyrm." Lucia's eyes widen at this and she leans in close, her delicious melons squishing into your arm. "Besides, what would you two do if you couldn't pop by once a month to trash your favourite imp's dungeon?" You crack a friendly smile and smack Amara on the back.

"We actually don't have much use for the scales, although I think I've spotted someone who does," Amara cracks a grin. "But you make a good point, imp. I'm down to do it for some XP, just don't come whining to us the next time we decide to kill you, and don't forget who helped you out when you were in a tight spot." She drains the last of her cup. "Oh, and take care of Sarah: she's alright."

"Aye, I wouldn't mind ta see tha lass agin." Grungil nods in agreement. "Well, Azazel, aren' ya lucky that Amara here is such a generous brute. And make it two beers at leas' next time."

"It's weird to say this, but, Amara, Grungil, you're alright. Tell Selena and the others that as well. I've met many worse adventurers in my time," you crack a genuine smile. "Well, I've got some other business in town, something about that plan for taking down the lich. Why don't we all meet up here in, say, four hours? Bring your groups and we'll head over to the magic circle, then hopefully tomorrow we can take back my dungeon."

Grungil gulps down the last of his mug and lets out a satisfied burp, then departs with his friend with a nod and a wave. Lucia blows you a kiss and heads out as well, leaving only your original travelling companions.

"Master, how did you plan on defeating the lich?" The ex-sorceress looks over to you, worry in her eyes.

"Well, pet, I'm glad you asked. See, I was thinking that you were kind enough to bring the solution with you." You put your hand on her shoulder and trace it towards her neck, eliciting a shudder, then fish the necklace out from under her cloak. "Didn't you say yesterday that you wanted a reward?" She nods. "Well, you've been so good recently that it might be time to take this off, don't you think?" The elf looks at you in disbelief.

"Master, are you sure?" You grin and nod. She starts to kneel before remembering where you are, and instead opts to give a tiny curtsy that isn't really visible to anyone not looking closely. Excitement crosses her face. "Thank you, master, I'll prove that I've learned my lesson!"

"Well then, shall we head out and find a priest? Pet, do you know where one would be?" She shakes her head.

"I'm sorry master, but I haven't been to Broadbridge in a long time. I only came back to this region to find your lair." You look over to the other two adventurers.

"Oh, yeah, there's one not too far from here. Want to head over now?" You nod and they stand up. You follow the two adventurers out of the bar, allowing yourself to enjoy the view as they walk in front of you in their revealing outfits. Not five minutes later you stand in front of a large cathedral bearing a statue of Enileve. The goddess's presence makes you feel uneasy, but you swallow your doubts and step inside. A gorgeous young elven woman in a white robe with black skin and long, braided hair nods at you as you enter.

"Welcome to Enileve's temple. I can see that you are men and women of faith. How can I help you?" You smirk a little: evidently her connection with her god can't be that strong.

"Can you help us remove a cursed item? My friend here accidentally equipped it and hasn't been able to cast her spells ever since." Zalreanne fishes the necklace out of her robes and the priestess walks over to look at it. She runs her fingers over the gems and frowns.

"Oh dear, this is quite the curse. I'd be happy to remove it for you, but I'd require a small donation to the temple in exchange for the blessing." Ugh, money: you grimace a bit. Monsters have never had much use for the stuff, but it seems like it's everything to an adventurer or NPC.

"What kind of a small donation would we be talking about?"

"A donation of 7777 gold would be acceptable. A most holy and auspicious number."

Small!? "Erm, I'm sorry, we'll need to go on another quest to collect the rest of the donation."

The priestess gives you a gentle smile and a short bow. "Then I look forward to your return. I hope you enjoy your stay in Broadbridge, and may your chaste friendship bloom as Enileve teaches."

The four of you turn to leave. "Annie, Cindy, can you pitch in?"

"Sorry, dude, we're just about broke." They empty their pockets and the three of you pool what coins you have: there isn't even 400 gold in the pile. "Hanging around in a dungeon banging daemons does wonders for stress levels, but less for the pocketbook."

"Well, where can we get that much gold on short notice?"

"I mean, we pretty much just have to go do a quest. Not many other ways to earn gold as an adventurer, or at least not that will get us that much cash any time soon. You can work, but that's mostly designed for NPCs: the pay is so low it's a waste of time even for level 1s." You stroke your goatee as you half-listen to Cindy. There has to be a better way. Say, about working...

"Say, what's the going rate for the world's oldest profession?"

"I think a blowjob runs you about 200 gold around here, a fuck maybe twice that. But don't go getting any ideas, daemon: we may like your kind's dick, but we aren't here to whore ourselves out to greasy dudes in some city for your quest." It's a shame that you didn't have more time to have them trained before now. Well, that can wait.

"Say, Zal, think you can handle it?"

"Master, I told you, I want to be yours!" She whispers at you so as not to be overheard in the busy street, her eyes wide. "I don't want some random guy to fuck me." She clings to your side as she speaks.

"Oh, don't worry, you could just suck them off. Is it really so different from practicing on a daemon? It'd only take... 37 dicks, if my calculations are correct."

"I'd have to suck 37 dicks? In a row?" She looks at you in shock.

"Well, if you wanted to pull out your tail for the occasion it might go by quicker, but otherwise yes. Don't you think it would be fitting to earn your freedom and show me how much you've learned?" You pet her hair gently as you speak.

"But master..." She pouts.

"No buts, dear. Prove to me that you're ready to have this curse lifted."

"Yes, master," gives you a curtsy and then stands up. The four of you walk towards the seedy part of town, and you oblige the ex-witch by allowing her to hold your arm the whole way, your cock already straining your pants in anticipation of the sorceress' next loyalty test.