Shiro follows the dry root passage beneath the frozen beast’s shadow. Behind her, the immense beast beyond the trees remains unconscious in the ice, while the tunnel slopes gently toward a pale southern glow.
The roots thin around her shoulders, and damp forest air gives way to sunlight, birdsong, and the distant murmur of many voices. Black trunks stand behind her like a closing gate.
Shiro
The mark is still warm.
At the forest’s edge, Veranoir rises beyond a guarded road. Pale stone walls and square watchtowers catch the afternoon light, their banners stirring above the human town.
Several road guards watch the crossing from a timber barrier. One steps forward alone, a middle-aged man, broad-shouldered and sturdy beneath in a rust-red cloak and iron cap, with a trimmed beard and a scar through one eyebrow.
Veranoir Road Guard 1
Halt there. The road is watched, and no demon crosses toward Veranoir without being questioned.
His gaze settles on Shiro’s horns, cyan hair, and glowing hand. The barrier remains closed, but the guard lowers his voice, waiting beneath the watchtower’s long shadow.
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain passage into Veranoir
“Would i be able to shapeshift into human form and convince the guard i'm a human running from a monster?”
YES (Likely, rolled 26)
The mark’s warmth settles into a quiet pulse. Beneath the succubus form, another shape waits in her instinctive magic: human features, ordinary skin, and no horns or tail.
Shiro
The change is within reach, and the story of fleeing the beast could pass as human.
Veranoir Road Guard 1
Keep your hands where I can see them. State your name, your business, and why you stand at the forest border.
The road guard’s eyes stay fixed on the glowing mark, then flick toward the black trees behind Shiro. His grip tightens around the shaft of his spear.
Veranoir Road Guard 1
If that creature drove you from the forest, say so plainly. We may admit a human refugee, but demons are turned away.
The possibility is clear: Shiro can assume a convincing human form before crossing, and the guard’s suspicion leaves a narrow, believable account ready to use.
“I use my shapeshifting abilities to don a human form and tell the guard that a monster is chasing me and to please let me in...”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
“I use my shapeshifting abilities to don a human form and tell the guard that a monster is chasing me and to please let me in...”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Shiro lets the succubus shape loosen. Purple skin pales into warm human tones, cyan hair darkens to brown, and her horns and heart-tipped tail vanish beneath a plain travel-worn dress.
Shiro
Please, let me in. A monster drove me from the forest. I am fleeing for my life and need refuge in Veranoir.
The glowing mark remains on the back of her hand, incongruous against borrowed human skin. Shiro keeps both hands visible as the guard studies her changed face and the forest behind her.
Veranoir Road Guard 1
You crossed the border alone, with that thing behind you? Gods preserve you. Lower the barrier. She is a refugee, not a demon.
The timber barrier rises. The road guard steps aside, spear still in hand but no longer aimed, granting Shiro clear passage beneath the watchtower toward Veranoir’s sunlit streets.
Veranoir Road Guard 1
Go straight to the southern gatehouse and find the relief clerk. They will record your account and find you shelter.
Quest Complete
Gain passage into Veranoir