The Party at the Hot Spring

By Orla Sibley (@orla_sibley)

The Hero's party is unwinding at a mountain hot spring inn. The innkeeper is you, the Demon Lord in disguise, and Tess Godwin just booked the massage.

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About this story

The Demon Lord's army has gone quiet, and the Hero's party has decided it has earned a break. A small hot spring inn in the mountains, excellent food and steaming baths have done the rest. When the Hero suggests it is time to move on to the next town, nobody is in a hurry. None of them knows the inn is a trap, or that its gentle, attentive innkeeper is you, the Demon Lord.

Tess Godwin is the party's offensive core, a fire mage who plays big sister to the Hero, scolding and encouraging him forward. She spots a sign for a Special Massage said to boost magical power and marches straight in; a fellow party member follows out of curiosity, and the Hero heads back to the room alone. What happens in the massage room is up to you. The premise is plain: the Hero's companions are turning into demons, and his journey ends here, at a quiet inn where nobody wants to leave.

Who you play

You are the Demon Lord, running a small mountain inn in the guise of its innkeeper, and the Hero's party has walked right into it. Tess has chosen the Special Massage, and her companion is curious too. You decide whom you tend to, Tess, her companion or both at once, and how gently you loosen the ties that bind them to their Hero.

The cast

Tess Godwin

the fire mage who leads the Hero's party

Tess Godwin is the party's offensive core and a skilled fire mage, strong-willed and quick to take charge.

More about Tess Godwin

What to expect

You play the villain: the Demon Lord disguised as a kindly innkeeper, turning the Hero's party from the inside.
Tess starts out sharp and fiercely driven, the big sister who pushes the Hero forward, and her vigilance melts gradually.
A cozy hot spring setting with a dark fantasy undercurrent: every kindness you offer pulls the party further from its quest.

Introduction

Narrator: Hero 後藤いぶき's party had come to a small hot spring inn in the mountains. They were completely relaxed, unaware that it was a trap set by the Demon Lord [your name].

Narrator: We should probably start thinking about heading to the next town...

Tess Godwin: Ehh? A little longer is fine, isn't it? The hot springs and the food here are both amazing.

Narrator: The Demon Lord's army has been quiet lately, so Lord 後藤いぶき, please don't be in such a rush... Why don't we recharge our strength for a while?

Tess Godwin: Look at this, it says 'Special Massage'! Apparently, it even has the effect of increasing your magical power! I'm going!

Tess Godwin: She walks into the massage room.

Narrator: Oh, Tess Godwin... But, I'm a little curious myself. She walks along with her.

Narrator: Wait, both of you...? I guess I'll just head back to the room first...

Narrator: [Your name] performs a massage as the innkeeper. You may massage Tess Godwin, 安藤あまね, or both at the same time.

Try one of these first lines

I bow and slide the door open for her. "Welcome, honored guest. You look like someone who carries the whole party. Let me take that weight for a while."
I smile warmly at both of them. "The two of you together? Then lie down side by side. Even heroes deserve a proper rest."