the plan

Zir'oth says, "This'll be suitable for talks, I doubt anyone will roam around down here in the desert for anything but those fire-beings we passed."


Senevál says, "Mhm."
A brief grunt of dissatisfaction follows, as she had found herself in a hot, dry place, which inevitably will cause her skin to also assume desert status. Nevertheless, she knows the importance of discretion.

She addresses her companions, keeping it straight to the point, as recent developments has put her on edge. Or rather, made it so there is no room for error, nor lollygagging.

"We're four like-minded creatures. We know that blatant warmongering in the open won't get us anywhere. We know that ultimately, if we indulge in our pride and the knowledge that we are in fact, the superiors of these other species that roam about, we will soon find ourselves in nasty predicaments, with hordes of vile creatures poking our feet with pikes and torches." she blurted out in one breathe.

"We need to come up with a plan to remain invisible, maintain a certain tactfulness about our movements, and not fall flat on our faces like the moronic imbecileswe happened to jump through the portal with." she'd added, a certain hiss reminiscent in the way she articulates.

"In my opinion, our greatest flaw is our inability to realize we too are flawed. And I do not wish to find myself in another realm, away from our clan, surrounded by enemies out for our blood." she'd state.

"So, let's make a plan."
(Halidrell)

Seeing the poor Halidrell become dissatisfied with the presence of the desert as a whole, the shadowy cocoon that was already coating Seneval like a second cloak was soon shared onto her; provided she wasn't going to really obstruct the process or rip the black threads apart that spin from his fingertips, she soon finds herself coated in one as well, stretching all the way to her.

It's good enough to protect from most weather conditions, including that of desert. But still..

"I did have a plan."

"There seem to be a lot of people who are, quite frankly, lost. They're clay to be mended.. and Zir'oth can attest to that. What was her name again.. Ludovica? And humans like her." There's a pause, then he elaborates.

"A cult, perhaps."

"A cult that would follow us anywhere and with anything. Perhaps, there could be a subtle way to approach such people, and gently nudge them our way -unlike the brutish, moronic ways that some of our kin have already decided to take."

"Once we've gathered enough people, tending to worries of each and shaping their minds to follow us.. then we could make a change as a whole."

"One made through proxy."

Still, he gives a glance to others.

"Unless you have better ideas?"
(Senevál)

Seneval's cocoon and Halidrell's grunt let him know that the location was less than ideal to them, but he had grown tired of the leading, the world was seemingly against their movements as if a time-magi was constantly pulling them backwards.

Feet pausing just on the edge of the fall, eyes peering towards the water below them as Halidrell started to talk, head hopping along in clear agreement.

Out in the open, a clear target for all was something he didn't plan on doing. At least till he truly knew he was a the top of the food chain, briefly recalling those few humans that had strength at a higher-tier than even a few demons he knew.

Flawed.

Something his pureblood brethren would consider him due to his not complete transformation, his blood not strong enough to truly appear when he returned to his occultic form.

"I am all ears."

Arms removing themselves from his pockets to cross behind his back, gaze remaining focused on the water and every now and then turning towards whoever began to speak.

"Ludovica. She was willing to follow, to listen. So easily her mind ran along with our words."

"Occultists can be created, taught the magic. And with those whispers in their ears they would continue to serve loyally."
(Zir'oth)


Zir'oth says, "If we can have her taught by those witches, she'd be even more useful for the future."

Senevál says, "We have to keep in mind one thing."

Senevál says, "Because Occult is banned in Esshar, providing them with the fruit of Occult solidifies loyalty."

Senevál says, "They will have no other place to go anymore - except us."
Cassiopeia huffs and puffs as the group makes way through the desert; she'd slightly squint as they approach a clearing in the distance, the sand in her shoes wasn't something she was very fond of. She tugs on Grim's leash and walks over to the ledge, promptly sitting down. While Halidrell gave her opening speech she takes the time to pull her boots off, tapping the sand out into the body of water below.

"I'm almost confident we all have a general idea of what will keep us alive, there are many case studies currently ongoing, which show their reckless nature." a pause, leaving room for everyone to speak their peace.

"A cult wouldn't be a bad idea, but we run the risk of infiltrators if we are not careful. It would be wise to learn the lay of the land, best move would be not to make one and see where the chips fall."
(Cassiopeia)


Senevál says, "Obviously, there are risks."

Senevál asks, "But do we have options that have no risks at all?"

Senevál says, "If so, let's hear them."
In the meantime, Seneval offers yet another shadowy cocoon. This time, to Cassiopeia..

She seems to be disliking desert too.
(Senevál)

"Thanks" she would utter, another hint that albeit she possessed a proud and stern demeanor, she knows also how to be appreciative. A stark contrast of her father, who was purely cruel, she endeavored to be different, perhaps something Seneval could deduce, as he too hailed from the clan.

"But this location is fine, I just have to grow accustomed to it."

"But yes, a cult. A cult could seem the best choice as of now. I myself have considered this, as such is one of the only resources we can cultivate within these lands. Servitude. Yet, I think it is too soon for a cult, or at least, a full blown cult." she'd state, further clarifying.

"If we were to spread our name, gather followers and the like at this point in time. They are surely to be caught up in the inevitable witch hunting that will follow. Our doctrine will be drowned out by the overly flamboyant deaths of our brethren, should they be caught. I think as of now, it will be too risky to have our name be whispered by those who wish to follow us. As they will be the one captured and questioned for the mistakes of other demons." she'd state, finalizing her explanation.

"I think that the essential task at hand is the gathering of information. Purely that. Knowing who's who. What's what. Who questions who and who is truly in charge in this land. Once we know this, and when the aftermath of our kin's entry has died down. We can create an effigy our followers can follow, and whisk them into servitude."

"What do you think?"

(Halidrell)

"For once, I agree." she says as she pulls the boots back onto her feet, followed by a slight nod towards Seneval for his gesture.

"No matter our preconceived notions, we have to come to terms that our picture isn't fool-proof. To quote myself, 'sit back and watch where the chips fall'."

Cassiopeia climbs back up, adjusting her garments and hair before turning to face the group.

"Personally, I know what I want, but it's so far down the line that the only thing I'm currently concerned about is staying alive and under the radar."
(Cassiopeia)

"I think having our names whispered might not be so bad right now."

As much as he could understand caution behind Halidrell's words, there's something about it all that was rather quaint to him.. if only because he'd see an opportunity amidst this mess.

"Hear me out.."

"With all of those other demons deciding to attack openly, they will no doubt take priority in dealing with. While others would be busy with constant fighting, we could already begin gathering cult - all while being rather subtle about it and securing the loyalties among humans."

"We can gather information at the same time. One doesn't obstruct another. In fact, the more loyal humans we have - the more ears and eyes we have to gather information."

Another pause. Surely, they aren't exactly prepared to contend with just about anyone, but..

"And the reason I want to do it now is.."

"Think of the time passage. By the time we'd decide to secure humans into loyalty, someone else might've gotten the headstart on us." A pause, and he elaborates.

"If we don't gather cult - we gamble to be too late and fall off."
"If we gather cult - we gamble to draw a degree of attention."

It's rather evident that no matter what they do, there's no such option that includes no risks whatsoever. It's only a question of what exactly they're willing to risk.

"However, keep in mind that because others chose to attack openly, the attention we'll get won't be that great."

"Or at least that's what I observed. They seem to be focused on attacking demons for now."
(Senevál)

"If you'd pay attention to what I've said, you would've noticed the single flaw within your plan." she'd state, wheezing out a sigh as she feels as if she has to repeat herself.

"With the absurd attacks on the city, hollering to all whom want to hear that we have arrived, the humans are sure to rally up their allies and proceed with hunting those down who've initiated said attacks. If I were to /not/ underestimate them. Proper tactic would be maintaining strict curfews. Questioning everyone, even more so due to this 'cold-war' Vir'oth mentioned. If one of our so called 'followers' slips up and gets caught and interrogated. He will lead them straight to us. And they will regard us as if we carried out those attacks ourselves." she'd state, finalizing.

"They will make an example out of us regardless, and all it takes is one slip-up by one of these animals. Hence why I prefer to be cautious, because as of now, we know little to nothing of this realm and the state it's in. Going in head first is ludicrous and illogical. Gathering information should be the first step. The eventual scenario where someone will get the drop on us and gather a cult sooner, is a foolish argument, because there's more factors into play than time. If there's constant eyes watching out for demons, even if you gain enough following, it would only create a bigger target to destroy."

"I'd say my logic is sound. However if you have any better ideas, I'm open for anything."
(Halidrell)

A pause. She diverts her gaze while contemplating Seneval's words.

"While there is credence in what you say, I for one take the position of a worst case scenario. We might not hold much sway without a cult, but we'll also live long enough to fulfil our goals, playing the long long game seems to me like an ideal move."

And without any further ideas to add to the mix, Cassiopeia opts to remain silent, mulling over everything in her head while the rest share their two cents.
(Cassiopeia)

Back and forth options were thrown, Zir'oth's ears perking up as he listened in, nodding along every now and then.

"Loyalty is something hard to earn, but like Seneval said. With occult-magic they would be hunted down by other magi who leaned towards doing good."

"Ourselves, and others would be the only safe haven they could come to. The occult would slowly effect their mind too, humans weren't made for the magic after all. And we could be around to whisper into ears."

A risk would need to be taken it seemed, and as their other fellow demons continued to make loud noises for all to gaze upon, the group of theirs could perhaps seek to build up their foundation slowly within the shadows.

Halidrell did bring up a point he hadn't thought of. A follower defeated, and submitting to a interrogation that could give up the groups identity.

"We can either build up a fountain with an Cult now, and try to instil true loyalty towards ourselves from the apostates that would wish to grip onto our legs."

"Or grow our true strength, and in the future appear on the scene with a sudden outburst, concealing ourselves till the last moment and perhaps even challenging others for a seat on the Black Council."

Hand raised to scratch away at his jaw, he hadn't truly been able to keep up with the ongoings, catching snippets every now and then as his mind wandered, his own input soon following after they seemed to have finished posting ideas.

"Both have merits."
(Zir'oth)

It's rather clear to him that revelation of such could become not only detrimental but also threatening to their life as a whole- but as much as gathering the cult could be a dangerous endeavour, there's more that he had to suggest.

"Then perhaps we can just get in good graces with the humans we deem worthwhile."

"We won't be converting to cult openly, but instead.. simply sway them to like us - through social interaction alone, nothing more." Surely, this is not something that would be 'tracked' by officials.

"That way, we can deduce who's trustworthy, who isn't, and whom we want to keep - and only eventually we would grant them the fruit of Occult, to ensure that they would most definitely remain loyal."

"That is, once we decide to start the cult officially."

There's a pause, and he adds.

"Besides, having them like us naturally will make just about everything else easier - starting from convincing them to do something, and ending up with actually recruiting them anywhere."

And most definitely, they can do this while gathering information.

"Thoughts?"
(Senevál)

Halidrell merely nodded.

"Yes, I've discussed this with Zir'oth previously. To assume a mask, one that makes them believe we are like them. Eat like them, drink like them, laugh like them...-- so that their afeared gaze won't think of us like their possible enemies." she explained, lowering herself to the ledge overseeing the sea.

She brushes her hair to the side, locking the strands behind her ears before she continues.

"I've spoken to other demons before. And I realized that the mere way they spoke in itself, was a dead give-away to whom they really were. We innately know we are superior, and we cannot help but flaunt it. This is our greatest flaw. Because once we can contain our base instincts, we can surely wield these humans as puppets, guide them into doing anything we wish." she'd state, adding.

"I endeavor to create a persona for myself, one that'd make my stomach turn, yet gleam with efficiency. I'd say a true cult is one cultivated simply by allure. The rest will surely follow."
(Halidrell)

"Oh, but of course, making 'friends' with as many people as possible is in our best interest; but going beyond that in the initial stages of our invasion is suicidal." she says as she nods along.

"Your ideas strike a chord, we need not bog ourselves down with any individual group, or solely rely on apostates." a pause as Halidrell begins to speak.

"Hit the nail on the head. We simply need to assimilate, be the best 'human' they have ever seen. Someone they would want to attend their mating rituals, or summon to their gatherings."

Cassiopeia sways her hair around, allowing it to gather on one side from momentum alone, she'd cast a smile.

"They won't be able to resist."
(Cassiopeia)

"Personas, hm.."

As much as it was rather displeasing for him to act in a very 'tame', and even friendly way.. he also understands that this is the only way they could possibly lower the guards of those that surround them. Eventually, however, they'd have to strike out.

"We'll do just that, then."

"Assimilate. Get in good graces. Infiltrate. Seek out worthy humans. Turn them into liking us."

"And eventually, have them follow."

All the while other Demons are far too busy getting killed or fighting pointless wars, but to digress.. there's one more thing that he remarks on.

"Ah. Also.."

"I find it that consumption of magi flesh is actually very much helpful in growth. As much as I'd rather abstain from such thing entirely.. we mustn't forget that we're predators."

"And we're meant to feed."

After all, that's one of the most efficient ways demons can grow.

"Perhaps we can craft masks for ourselves, and disguise our appearance? That's for less 'friendly' dealings."
(Senevál)