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

[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."

[space_between]

"Hm. Incidentally, how similar can my new body appear -- and function -- to my current one if I chose the Hanged Man, and what choices affect that?"

[shadopolis]

"At best, you will appear younger than you do now. You will lose height, and possibly some muscle mass. Annique demons tend to look younger, and Grathas demons can retain more height and muscle mass."

[space_between]

"What do you mean by at best? What determines the degree of these changes, other than the ancestry?"

[shadopolis]

"You may choose your apparent age and body type, within the limits of demonic ancestry."

[space_between]

"What are the limits of demonic ancestry? For each of the bloodlines, if relevant."

[shadopolis]

"Save the differences in the Grathas and Annique bloodlines as mentioned earlier, Lilim never grow beyond four foot ten and are only able to acquire moderate muscle tone."

[space_between]

She considers this. "What are the choices for body type?"

[shadopolis]

"Girlish, petite, and slender. Those are the three choices. The last will give you the greatest height and muscle mass."

[space_between]

She blinks. "...what are the advantages, disadvantages, and other characteristics of each of those?"

[shadopolis]

"The girlish body type has a maximum height of four feet. Girlish Lilim have soft, delicate facial features and no muscle mass whatsoever. They find it easier to channel magic.

The petite body type is similar to the girlish body type, but can support a little muscle and has a maximum height of four foot five inches. Petite Lilim are more agile than others.

The slender body type can support the most muscle of any Lilim body type, and has a maximum height of four foot ten inches. They are hardier than other Lilim."

[space_between]

She nods thoughtfully. "Please update my preferences to -- Umber, slender body type, the Grathas bodyguard, otherwise the same as before. Are there any disadvantages to increased height, and is there anything more you can tell me about the criminal family?"

[shadopolis]

"No and no."

[space_between]

"What is the range of -- possible apparent ages? -- and what effects do those have beyond appearance?"

She has to think about the reputation more.

[shadopolis]

"Any age from seven to eighteen. There are no other effects."

[space_between]

"None? Not even --" she pauses for a second to try to remember the words, "hormonal balance and such? It's purely appearance?"

Can she think of any more ways to ask that question? She can't. She waits for the shadow to answer.

[shadopolis]

"It's purely appearance."

[space_between]

"Then please update my preferences to include an apparent age of 18. Is that all valid so far?"