proceed to new world (do not ask questions, do not collect delightful prizes)

[space_between]

Here is a young woman curled up on a bed, shivering, having thrown off her blankets when she woke earlier.

She is asleep. For now.

Comments

[shadopolis]

"Yes."

[space_between]

"Is there any way to know the things -- or even some of the things -- I would know if the retroactive history was real?"

[shadopolis]

"No."

[space_between]

The worst part is that this is probably still the best available option.

"Is it possible to--" Pause. "What are the most successful ways previous abductees have dealt with this problem? --And what is the significant of dark family's stronger demonic blood?"

[shadopolis]

"I have no significant knowledge about these things."

[space_between]

That's unhelpful. Okay, she needs another question-- "What kind of criminal activities is the criminal family involved in?"

"--Are there any positive effects of the expected areas of learning?" she adds, as that occurs to her.

[shadopolis]

"To the first question: I do not know. To the second question: yes, as your new history will likely leave behind materials from their life in the areas you were trained in: and tutors for the relevant subjects will no doubt be available."

[space_between]

She sighs slightly. "And that's not something that can be chosen?"

The second answer rebalances things, though. Ultimately-- "What, in more detail, does the dark family provide training in?"

[shadopolis]

"No. Magic and the occult."

[space_between]

"What is the value of a credit?" she dredges out of her memory, before spending a few moments to think.

If she's considering the criminal family, it has to be with her focus on being able to overthrow them from the inside if that proves necessary. Which will consume a lot of her resources, such as they are, here, but if she can pull it off...

The dark family, on the other hand, has areas of education that sound interesting, but given demons...

...she needs to actually listen to the Shadow's answer.

[shadopolis]

"About as much as a dollar."

[space_between]

The shadow was not kidding about the families being rich.

It takes her a moment to recover and remember her question.

"What is the magic system of this world?" she asks rapidly.

[shadopolis]

"It is complex and intertwined with technology. I cannot easily summarize it."

[space_between]

"Does the dark family practice and teach all of it, or a -- ideally more easily described -- subset? If not, what is their focus?"

[shadopolis]

"Yes, though they are likely to focus on demonic magic that can be drawn from the power in your blood. Grimories of forbidden knowledge containing rituals that grant additional personal power would be the usual style."

[space_between]

"Why is the knowledge forbidden?"

[shadopolis]

"Likely because the Creator drove it underground."

[space_between]

...she should probably have seen that one coming.

"What are the properties of this forbidden knowledge, and of demonic magic in general?"

[shadopolis]

"Generally demonic magic requires some form of token sacrifice in exchange for power. I don't know what you mean by the properties of the forbidden knowledge."

[space_between]

She could work with that.

...she needs another question quickly "Why is the dark family called that?"

[shadopolis]

"I've already answered this question. Stalling."

[space_between]

"What are common things used for token sacrifices? What are the choices for bodyguards?"

(When did it answer that? No, she doesn't have time to worry about that--)

[shadopolis]

"I do not know what a standard token to sacrifice would be. As for the bodyguards, there are four.

Bodyguard number one is an exceptionally tough male Grathas demon. He prefers conservative suits and dark sunglasses that hide his eyes. He speaks and acts only when necessary, and only with precise and definite intent. Though he is personally loyal to you, he will not be your advisor or friend - only your bodyguard.

Bodyguard number two is an Annique demon who acts with preternatural speed. She can summon demonic shields to protect you and her. She is extremely cold and distant, and is more concerned with the law and the good of the Family than morality. Though loyal, behaviour on your part that is less than polite, modest, and honest may impact her efficiency.

The third bodyguard is a Fianna. She is proficient in many styles of armed and unarmed combat, and an extremely competent fighter. However, she is also somewhat of a hothead, who took the position in order to face supernatural threats: if your life is boring, she may drag you into more exciting pursuits.

The final bodyguard is a Blood Demon, who wields an electrically charged halberd in addition to his natural telekinetic abilities. Though he is grumpy and ill-tempered, he is a veteran of many conflicts with extensive practical experience."

[space_between]

"Where do the Fianna and Blood demon's loyalties lie? Is the Annique loyal to me or the family?"

She considers. "Why will the Grathas only be my bodyguard? How skilled are each of the bodyguards?"

[shadopolis]

"To whoever grants her the most excitement, and to whoever pays him the most. The Annique is loyal to the family. His reasons are his own: I do not know them. All of them are very skilled, but the Blood Demon would win in a brawl."