Temple of Blarf
The largest structure in Gorphat City is still a tent, but it's a very big tent. Patients are laid out bunk-bed style in a ring around the alien being at the center - a giant hybrid of animal and fungus and probably a few other things known only as Blarf. Tendrils connect it to each of the patients, who are there for different reasons. But Blarf seems to know what's needed, and so far nobody has had their bodily fluids mixed up as the creature filters out disease, takes over for damaged organs or delivers medicinal fluids.

The source of most of those medicinal fluids reclines in the orifice atop Blarf, who eagerly drains away the various fluids and effluents produced by the High Priestess of Gorphat: Yodhgorphat Scourge (also known as Nicora to her closer associates). The parts of her that are exposed tend to be partially hidden by the cloud of flies that seems to surround her like a halo, and pulsating tendrils dangle from her multiple breasts.

Blarf is excellent at soothing her constant aches, pains, and ooziness due to Gorphat's 'love' upon her. They're particularly bad right now possibly due to her extended absence from the Temple and they returned with a vengeance upon her return. She also periodically swats and waves at the flies, trying to shoo them off! But as annoying as they are, at least Blarf's tentacles filling her Wound at least keep them from getting in and laying eggs; so she's internally maggot-free at the moment. She probably wouldn't even be back now, save that the Temple needed more, er, fluids, and she had to speak to those that recently joined to see which can handle the really hard tasks.

Some of the sorting has been handled by Penance at least, so that Nicora doesn't have to deal with all sixteen Skreeks and eleven Eeee. Although this is the their first time meeting one-on-one with the High Priestess, so they might be a little nervous. The first one led into the tent by Otto is a still-pregnant female Skreek. Luckily (or just coincidentally) Blarf grabs her with an extra tentacle and tries to eat her.. which just means she's dropped into the squelchy, squirmy 'tub' with Nicora. It's something of a tight fit. "Eeep!" the girl squeaks. "I mean.. uh.. I am h-honored to meet you, High Priestess Scourge!"

Scourge smiles, drooling a bit. Why? Because Gorphat does and she's playing up her role a little, not that she needs to given the oozing everywhere else. "Hello child," she says and places her hands upon the pregnant skreek's belly. "What brings you to Mother Gorphat's glorious bosom and infinite squelchiness?"

"Oh.. umm... we were asked about being sick and.. helping others," the girl says. "I've never been sick. I'm called Piper because.. I could get into the sewer pipes and fish stuff out. But I never got sick, even when I was cut. That's how I knew I had to serve Gorphat and Mabb, your High Priestessness."

Piper's belly squirms a bit, either from the larva inside or from nervousness. Being felt up by Blarf probably is nerve wracking the first time.

"How do you wish to serve Her?" Scourge asks as she pets the skreek's belly. "A brooder, like you are now? A doctor, helping treat patients? Giving your body to her utterly to help produce her miracles through you like I have done?"

The Skreek's eyes go wide at all of the options. "I thought I could help with the sick since I don't get sick.. but does that mean I'm also.. able to do this?" she asks, and tentatively pats Blarf. "I wouldn't be all used up would I?"

"I do not know; you would have to be tested and trained in whatever roles you wished to take on. I can tell you this role is very difficult; I am in constant discomfort. But it is also glorious to serve Gorphat and Mabb so completely," she claims with a slight look of madness in her eyes. "Tell me, how do you feel around blood? Horrible injuries? Can you work with Naga?"

"I used to handle corpses," Piper says, and bites her lip. "I can handle blood. I.. don't know about injuries. Maybe? I've only seen Nagas at a distance though. I could work with one that wasn't big enough to eat me, I think."

Scourge rubs her chin with her slimy hand and thus ends up making her chin slimy too; glistening a bit like frog-skin. "Perhaps you should spend a day at the other clinic to see if you could handle it. But, failing that, the sick tents can always use help of course. Now, tell me, are you here because you felt you should serve, or because you want to? The distinction is important."

"I.. never thought about wanting to serve," Piper admits. "I'm good with filth, and because I didn't get sick I just assumed it meant Gorphat chose me.."

"Perhaps she did ... but wanting to makes dealing with the challenges of such a life easier and more rewarding," Scourge points out. "Look at me, I am happy like this," she claims, just before she has a really unpleasant bit of cramping in her Wound. "Tell me ... how does knowing you have a larva growing within you make you feel?"

"Well.. important," Piper says, perking up a little. "It'll be my guardian, but.. I'm its mother too. Being a mother is important. I just don't know if it will love me though. That would be nice too. I could never have my own children. Maybe that's why I thought it'd be best for me to take care of sick people. I think I'd like it. At least, so long as they get better."

"Why could you not have children?" Scourge inquires. "Simply sterile? Or something more?"

"I don't get sick or infected," Piper says a bit more softly. "So.. my body rejects babies too. But the larva isn't the same, I guess. It's not connected to me, I mean. It gets fed by the guys." She then whispers, "I never thought there'd be so much sex involved serving Gorphat or Mabb."

"Oh, there is plenty of sex. Just do not expect plenty of pleasure, that is Inala's realm," Scourge points out and raises a finger. "It does sound like you would help best with the sick and injured. So, I wish you to go to the camp at Mount Blakat and spend a week with the doctor and her son there and see if you can help them. If not, then return here and I will find you a place within the tents."

Scourge considers this. "After. You do not want to risk your child," she states and smiles. "Do you have any questions of me? Or requests? Would you like to nurse upon me?" That last question comes with her lifting up a saggy breast with a tentacle attached.

"Otto said that I should," Piper notes, and tries to tug the sucker free as carefully as she can. "How did you know this is what you wanted?" she does ask as she tugs.

Scourge helps pull on the sucker and it eventually comes free with a squelchy pop, exposing her inch-long distended and pierced nipple. "I wanted to help Babel, and the people most often forgotten. Those are Gorphat and Mabb's people, and thus was the one to serve. As Gorphat took me under Her wing and showed me what it was like to be in Her grace, I came to understand this is how I always wished to be. Every ooze, pain, and lesion is like being kissed by Her and I always wish for Her touch."

With the teat exposed, Piper takes to it hesitantly - not from the appearance, but from the piercing, which confused her at first until she realized it wasn't some sort of shiny growth. She does cough and gag on the 'milk' though at first.. but she does keep trying until she can handle it. Once she takes a break, she says, "Well, I can do the same then. I'll follow your guidance and see if Gorphat rewards me, that way I'll know it was the right thing for me to do."

Scourge makes a pleased sort of keening noise as the skreek nurses on her for a bit. Pressure does tend to build up fast without milking and it can get really painful due to the thick nature of the fluid making it require some suction to really flow instead of just ooze a bit. "That is acceptable," Scourge says soon after as she is re-attaching Blarf's tentacle to her teat. "Welcome to the temple, Acolyte," she says with a scary sort of smile of impending doom.

Piper smiles, which causes a bit green slimy milk to dribble from the sides of her mouth. "Will I get to name my guardian, High Priestess?" she asks.

"Of course, child," Scourge says, then leans in and licks the dribbles of the slimy green milk from the girl's mouth.

"How do I..?" the girl then asks, looking around for a way out of Blarf that doesn't involve trying to climb down him.

Scourge pats Blarf and says, "Please lift the skreek out, I am done with her." Whether or not her child will actually listen is another story.

Piper gives a squeak and vanishes as she's sucked down into.. whatever Blarf might have. She does emerge again at the bottom, looking like a wet rat. Penance helps her up and leads her out, and the next candidate enters. He's also a Skreek, and has his Hoshim-Horrib with him. Blarf grabs him and plunks him down with Nicora, his guardian back clinging to his back. "Uh.. oh!" he squeaks. "High Priestess!"

Scourge is adjusting one of the tentacles feeding into her Wound; it's so swollen and distended it doesn't look the Eeee genitalia at all. Namely, she pushes it deeper to help alleviate some of her bloating. "Hello, child," she says to the skreek, looking up. "You may call me Yodhgorphat Scourge, if you wish. What is your name, and tell me why you wish to serve Mabb and Gorphat?" She then coos at the horrib on his back like it was a baby.

"Crabs!" the Skreek blurts, and then jerks as if he was just stabbed in the back.. which, given the creature clinging to him has a stinger, isn't too unlikely. He then says, "Sorry.. sorry.." and grabs at one of those lower tentacles to make room for himself, as he starts mating almost desperately with Nicora. "It's the venom.." he squeaks.

This makes Scourge hiss! After all, sex is somewhat always painful for her now. This is why she tends to direct Otto to use Gorphat's mouth instead. It takes her a moment to regain her focus. "I understand," she says steadily, "And is that your name, or a request for a parasite blessing from Gorphat?" she asks.

"My name, Mistress," the Skreek replies between kisses against Nicora's throat. He's nuzzling, licking, kissing and groping whatever he can. "Please don't smite me.. they keep us like this to feed the larva in the women.. I just want to save Skreeks."

"This is fine; you will not be inflicted by being within me unless it is Gorphat's Will," Scourge claims as she drapes her arms over his shoulders, and then swats at some of the flies. "What are your skills and how do you see yourself saving skreeks?"

"I'm a cleaner.. I pick off the parasites and tend the maggots, can set broken bones.. adequately," the Skreek moans. "Maggots are important.. gotta get to the dead stuff in the wound.."

"I am aware, my Wound is a brooding ground for them," Scourge claims, sounding proud. "So, you wish to serve in this capacity? As a ... field medic of sorts?"

"You have maggots?" Crabs ask. "Can I have some? Oh.. medic.. I usually get them after a wound is going bad. I've had to cut away until it was just good flesh left. I don't know first aid, just.. last aid.." He gasps and shudders - being quick is probably encouraged for 'feeding' service. But he still 'massages' Nicora.

"I do not have any right now, I am otherwise .. occupied," Scourge points out. "Ask Otto, he may be able to get you some already collected. So, you tend to bad cases. I am sure there is a place for you here in the camp," she adds as she rolls a bit in that massaging. It almost feels nice. Almost.

"Hm, quite. It may also be beneficial to pair you with groups that go out into the Streets; there are people there that cannot get here due to injuries and sickness, after all," Scourge notes. "Do you wish to go further than that? Sacrifice your fur and serve Gorphat and Mabb even closer?"

"My fur?" Crabs asks. "What can it be used for? I have to keep it out of wounds. If I had a large enough group, searching through the Streets Below would be easier. I thought about joining the Eyes of Gorphat first, but they were smaller in number than I realized.."

"All right, I will have to think upon reorganizing groups a bit to create a larger Streets search and rescue team," Scourge decides. "As for your fur? Nothing. You would be blessed as I am; completely devoid of any sort of fur or hair."

"Does it itch?" Crabs asks, and licks Nicora's throat again. "Harder for parasites to hide. But.. would need better clothes.."

"It does not itch once your skin recovers," Scourge claims, neck arching a little. "I have grown to ... like being this way."

"I could try it," Crabs says. "Up to my elbows at least. Having it gone on my arms would make things easier when cleaning out wounds."

"All right, I will ask Penance to prepare the solution, then it will be blessed so that it will not grow back," Scourge says. "Any questions or requests of me?"

"Penance has parasites," Crabs asks. "Do you keep a supply of them? I know the Yodhgorphat kept plagues before, but I am more interested in bugs and their uses.."

"The Temple has an archive of parasites as well as plagues, yes," Scourge agrees. "I have allowed some of them to feed off me, in fact. Shall I ask her to show you the archive?"

"Yes, please High Priestess," Crabs says, sounding excited! He even kisses her some more. "I want to learn which are useful and which are dangerous and how to deal with all of them.."

"The archives should have much of that detail, if I recall correctly," Scourge agrees as she swats away some more of the horde of flies that will never leave her be.

"Is there anything I can do for you in return?" Crabs asks. "If Otto is tending your maggots now, I could help him.."

"Hm, could you design a device that can hold wounds open so that maggots and flies can feed safer?" Scourge asks and rubs her chin. "And yes, I am sure Otto can use some help; he takes on far too much."

"Hmmm, that would be useful," Crabs agrees. "I've only seen a few real medical tools, and none before I came here.."

"Indeed," Scourge agrees, then pats Blarf. "I believe he is ready to go and help Otto, my child," she tells the strange creature.

"Thank you High-" Crabs starts to say, before he's sucked down out of sight, although his horrib flies free and rejoins him at the bottom. The next Skreek is a bit more shaky looking at having seen that, but also has his own horrib tender on his back. "H-hello," he says. "I'm Nugen.."

"I am Yodhgorphat Scourge," the deformed Eeee introduces herself. "Tell me about yourself and what makes you desire to serve Gorphat and Mabb?" She also looks to see if his horrib is going to sting him, and so is ready to pull a tentacle to make room in her wound if needed.

"I'm Nugen," the man repeats. "I chew the wort for people," he explains. "So.. Mabb protects Skreeks. And.. I'm a Skreek. I want to work for Mabb." Compared to the rather clear-headed pair preceding him, Nugen seems a little dimmer - or else frightened.

"You need not be afraid, child. You are safe here," she tells the skreek as she cups his cheek in her left hand palm. "Wort is not a term I have heard before. What is it?"

Cupping his cheek makes his eyes go wide.. but otherwise does seem to calm him down. "It's.. the fuzz? Green, sometimes yellow. Grows from bad food. So you know you get sick from eating it. But I had to. I chew it, the wort. It makes for good spit. So people get the hots, I chew the wort and spit into them and they get better." It sounds like the man chews up molds to get the antibiotics from them, possibly due to a quirk of his saliva.

"Ah, then you would best serve in medical supplies gathering I suspect," Scourge says and keeps her had upon his cheek. "But tell me, is there something you want to do for Mother Gorphat and Mabb? Something specific?"

"I make good spit," Nugen says. "And.. you feed me? I like the girls, too. What is that on your head?" He might mean the scars or the tendrils, which probably resemble something he's chewed on. "I'm not smart," he claims. "But I can help, yes? Good spit!"

Scourge chuckles and lowers her hand. "Yes, you would have food here, but girls you have to ... approach yourself I am afraid. As for my head, they are growths, blessed upon me by Gorphat herself," she explains, then makes them wiggle a bit to demonstrate they can actually move. "And yes, you can help."

"Can I taste one?" Nugen asks, and even reaches up towards one of the glowing, wiggling tendrils.

Scourge tilts her head forward a bit until she can stroke his face with those tendrils. "Feel free. Just ... no biting," she says.

"No chew," Nugen agrees, and licks at the glowing bulb at the tip. It feels tingly, until the Skreek starts sucking on it. Which feels very nice!

Scourge actually groans in spite of herself! It feels nice! Gorphat doesn't let her feel pleasure that often, so it's a shock! She actually drools more, and this time it isn't for the effect!

Of course, it's not a traditional source of pleasure - that is, not something related to Inala's favored sources. From where it dangles down, Nicora can even see is glowing brighter from being suckled, and the other tendrils squirm a bit on their own.

Scourge ends up breathing a bit heavier and shivering. Then it gets weird in that she has sort of an orgasm from it; it's like it used to be when someone would lick Inala's orb ... except it's on her head now. So, she encourages that each one gets suckled some ... and the ones not being nursed on pet and stroke the skreek's face.

Nugen feels encouraged, and sucks in more of the tendril - so Nicora finds out it's not just the tip that's sensitive. There's a lot more activity in Nicora's scalp as a result of the stimulation. They're starting to feel a bit more like the other Scourge's tendrils.

Scourge's jaw drops open a bit and moans, tongue lolling out. "Mother, what have you done to me?" she thinks, "What is happening to my head?"

The tendrils are definitely moving on their own, and one of them goes right up Nugen's nostril. Which also feels good! The Skreek must be getting something out of it as well, because he's using his tongue to try and 'catch' another tendril to suck on.

Scourge certainly doesn't try to pull them back, she tries to direct them to go into his mouth too. Several more of those odd little orgasms roll through her, making her see stars. She isn't even thinking about how bad her breasts and loins ache right now.

"MMmm-mmm-mmm," Nugen murmurs. He starts squeezes and kneading Nicora's chest as if understanding her need.. and then starts mating as well, which requires a bit of stretching and bending, since he's a bit short. But.. he's doing exactly what Nicora wants him to do to ease her.

Scourge is in a rare time of absolute bliss! She hasn't felt like this in, well, a long time. It's almost like being a normal woman; she feels pleasure and joy in sex; even if it required sucking on her, er, head. She wraps her arms around the skreek and goes at him willingly; wanting him within her Wound now and loving it.

Nugen does his best to alternate his attention to where Nicora wants it the most at any given moment. One tendril finds its way into the Skreek's ear.. and Nicora gets double-vision. It's not exactly like with Scourge's spores, since it's far more immediate and complete: she is Nugen, along with herself.. and she's the one in control.

So Scourge does her best to give her body, and his, just the right kinds of pleasure. She tricks her body into its painful clenching actually being pleasurable to him ... and by focusing him on her tendrils, she doesn't notice the pain down below! It's ... a strange sort of situation that she doesn't quite understand, but she makes the most of it. And thus, both of them are getting really slimy and rank from the amount of ooze she's producing. It's a scene right out of an old campfire horror story.

Now, some things are outside of Nicora's control, because they're outside of Nugen's - orgasm is involuntary. But the feedback does make it pretty intense! There's no hint yet if Nugen is feeling anything from Nicora though, as so far he seems to be on his own as an extension of her.

Wow, she felt a real orgasm! Granted, it was a guy's version, but she'll take it! She continues on with this for a bit, but ultimately she has to start pulling back and away lest she get lost in this moment. It leaves her blinking and stunned.

With the tendrils pulled back, Nugen blinks a bit, and then latches on to Nicora's swollen teat, which squeezes while suckling on. For someone that likes to chew on mold, the flavor isn't likely to be offputting.

Scourge grunts and cups his cheeks and holds them while the rat nurses on her. This makes her feel a bit like, well, a milk sow. Granted not as bad as Gorphat once had her, but it is still a bit degrading; but that's likely the point; not to get too full of herself.

The Skreek doesn't show signs of knowing what just happened, but Nugen is fairly simple in his thoughts and desires, and seems pretty happy at the moment.

Scourge lets him suckle for a while before she accepts she needs to move on to the next interviewee. So, she gently detaches the skreek from her teat and then pats Blarf. "It is time for him to move on to his duties," she tells Blarf, then helps Blarf insert one of its thick tentacles back deep into her wound.

Nugen is slurped away, to be replaced by another make Skreek, also with his own horrib. This ones looks a bit better off than the previous ones - in that he doesn't have the general Streets Below look. He could be from Graytown or higher. He also looks a bit over-awed at where he is, and certainly isn't taking Blarf for granted. He looks ready to panic when he's set into the 'maw' with Nicora.

"You are safe, I promise," says the tentacle-attached Eeee. "I am Yodhgorphat Scourge. Who are you and why do you wish to serve Gorphat and Mabb?" she inquires with a only mildly-horrifying smile.

"Not at all. I just wish to know how you would like to serve the Temple," Scourge claims.

"Crap!" the man blurps. "I mean.. sewers! I make sewers! P-plumbing, and.. water!"

Scourge ahs! "That would be very useful. The Temple and associated buildings could you a good supply of clean water," she says and pats his cheek. "But I have to ask, do you really wish to be here? You seem terrified and at this Temple things like myself and Blarf will be common."

Zeeth closes his eyes for a moment. "Plumbing. Blarf if plumbing. Filter, sewer, purification.. right?" he asks.

"Sort of. Blarf is a living, thinking, creature. It is my child. I birthed it," Scourge explains.

One eye opens to regard Scourge. "Y-you must have very.. exceptional.. plumbing," he says.. as a compliment? "I can help with regular plumbing. I mean.. build plumbing. And cisterns and cesspits. Fountains, maybe? Toilets definitely. And for big... groups. Where to dig latrines. Keep things from getting nasty. Uh.. nasty in the wrong way I mean. Not.. devout nasty?"

Scourge laughs. "I understand what you mean. Yes, that would be helpful. But my question still stands; do you really want to be here?" she asks.

"Here.. here right now?" Zeeth asks. "There is a lot of strange plumbing. Oh.. you mean, with the Temple? I can be useful! You need better pipes, and water. That's allowed, isn't it? Do I have to work with diseases?"

"Yes, you can be useful. This is a question about you desires and why you came. It is important to desire to be here as it is a difficult life. No, you don't have to work with diseases," Scourge explains.

"I want to do big things," Zeeth says, and gestures with his arms. "BIG! I could only follow other peoples plans though. But here, I can make plans! And built it! And train others! My skill is more useful here, so.. I am more useful! Mabb wants us to be useful, and useful to ourselves, and be big and bold!"

"Then you shall be in charge of the plumbing here. Please work up designs that you feel would serve the temple and outlying buildings well, then present them to the Temple," Scourge states. "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Oh, what about latrines?" Zeeth asks. "You need those now. Proper ones, not random holes," he claims. "Big groups need to have that sort of thing done properly, or people will get sick from having things too close to things that shouldn't be close."

"Then start there. Pick proper locations and inform Otto; he can find you workers to help build them," Scourge suggests.

"Oh, oh yes, the big man," Zeeth says. "He said I was supposed to make love to you. The High Priestess of Gorphat! I will draw up a map after I look around again. There's another camp I heard. I can do a map for them too.. or are they not run by the Temple of Gorphat? I assumed Gorphat was looking after all the people from the Streets Below now.."

Scourge blanches a bit at that. "Can you get behind me?" she inquires. "It is ... easier if you use Gorphat's Mouth," she claims. "As for the other camp, it is run by this Temple too, and Blakat also helps as it is at the base of Mount Blakat. They will need help too."

"Ah, I thought... so..." Zeeth says, then goes wide eyed at the other comment from Scourge. "I.. I.. thought he was pranking me, High Priestess?"

"You're the High Priestess and I'm just.. I'm an acolyte of Mabb," he says, embarrassed. Not about Nicora's looks, but about the difference in their station. "I couldn't possibly be adequate.."

"You are more than adequate," Scourge says, "But it is your choice. I only ask if you can, use Gorphat's Mouth. If ou cannot, well, the regular way is possible too."

"I don't know that term," Zeeth says. "I.. well, I got into sewer work because I haven't a sense of smell. But others do, and so I always stink to them. You probably find me stinky too."

Scourge laughs! "I imagine I smell far worse than you do. My Wound itself reeks so much that it is constantly covered in flies," she tells Zeeth. "As for what I mean by Gorphat's Mouth, I mean using my backside instead of the normal way."

"That.. is an option?" Zeeth asks, as if having an Epiphany. "That isn't how sewers work at all. Wouldn't I have to be behind you too?"

"That is what I have been telling you, you would have to get behind me. If you cannot, then the normal way is fine. But you do not have to do either. Your choice. If you prefer, I could just nurse on you," Scourge suggests.

"Nurse?" Zeeth asks, looking even more confused now. He clearly hasn't been given so many options (or possibly any) before. "Which do you like?" he finally asks.

Scourge rubs her forehead. "Mother Gorphat does not permit me sexual pleasures, generally, so all are fine," she says and just picks by pulling the tentacle out from her Wound. Just ... do it normally then, or not, as you choose."

"What's the point if you don't enjoy it?" he asks, sounding disappointed. "I don't understand, High Priestess? Is this something Gorphat demands of you?"

"I imagine it is to show trust that you will be safe, even though I look as if I am riddled with illness and parasites, all because you trust in Mother Gorphat and Mabb," Scourge suggests.

"Oh, it's a test of faith then?" Zeeth asks, looking a bit more enlightened. And determined. And scared. "But no matter what I do you won't enjoy it. Aaagh!" He actually tugs on his ears in frustration. "It isn't about fear of disease at all, is it? It's about the fear of failure!"

"Fear in general," Scourge claims. "And I enjoy it as much as Mother Gorphat will allow me to; it is her choice for me. Without her intervention, using Gorphat's Mouth is more enjoyable for me, but the choice is yours."

"I'll.. try from behind then," Zeeth says a bit meekly. "Do I climb around or can you turn or.."

Once she starts, Blarf helps out. She's essentially sitting on its tongues, and it can twist them to turn her (which feels very interesting given how many are in her and how they have to squirm around to manage it).

This makes Scourge squeak a bit, given the things in her undulate some when she moves. Soon enough her back is to Zeeth and so she has to look over her shoulder. "Well ... enjoy," she says with the tone of someone being condemned to death row.

"I'm not sure I.." he starts to say, then there's a buzz and a yelp - a good sign that he's just been stung. Even then he's very tentative about touching her. He may just be unfamiliar with Eeee though, and think she's more fragile than she is. Eventually he manages to find things, and presses up against her back and wings, so that his fur is rubbing her as he tries to not be too awkward about it. He also licks the back of her neck though, since he doesn't seem to know what to do with his hands or mouth.

Scourge even reaches back to help him line up ... then pushes back so he, well, sinks in. It's not painful at least, but it always feels weird, and it makes her grunt a bit. "I'm not that fragile," she notes to him as she starts to roll herself back against him. At least inside Blarf like this means she was already well-lubricated for such behaviors! And after a bit, it does feel kind of nice, to boot!

As soon as Zeeth gets the hint that Sourge might enjoy it, he actually throws himself into it more. He runs his palms across her wings.. actually tracing out the glowing green veins. It's apparent that that's what he's licking along her neck and shoulders as well. And, for whatever reason, he decides to rumble his chest, in case that helps at all against the Eeee's back.

It's nothing that will build into an explosion, but she feels comfortably full in an odd sort of way and the stroking is rather enjoyable. So, her eyes do manage to droop a bit and she sighs, relaxing. "See, I'm not so bad to be close to," she claims in a soft sort of voice. "Mother Gorphat is similar; she can be terrifying, but there are such rewards to get close to her and look past the diseases and oozings."

"I just don't want to be disappointing," Zeeth says, having rested his head over Scourge's shoulder as he tries to focus on his hips. "I've always been afraid of that."

"You're fine," Scourge remarks, quietly. She focuses on the roll of her hips and the control of the muscles back there so it is enjoyable to him. To her it feels pretty nice, but not Inala-level overwhelming. She accepts this, though; she dedicated herself to Gorphat, after all!

He doesn't last very long once Scourge starts flexing her muscles. He even squeaks in surprise at the suddenness. "I'm sorry!" he apologizes.

Scourge inhales deeply, then sighs softly when the skreek suddenly pops. "You're fine, this was the point," she says and reaches back to pat him. "It felt nice; something going in me instead of always out," she adds with a grin.

"Do.. do you have special plumbing needs?" Zeeth asks. Of course, he can't know about the constant discharges she endures, since Blarf is dealing with all of that at the moment.

"Well, anything you could make that would make it easier for me to, well, drain, would be helpful," Scourge admits. "Or milked more regularly."

"I don't know about milking, but a.. wait, do you need to save any of it?" the plumber asks.

"I can make you a special.. seat," the Skreek offers. "I just need some clay and fire.."

"Then do so," Scourge says, simply. She doesn't mention the leeches she regularly uses that make her waddle like a pregnant woman.

"I've heard of them, but never seen one," Scourge claims as she relaxes and lets everything, well, tighten back up. Then it's a matter of turning around again.

"I can't make one yet but eventually.." Zeeth mutters. "I'll definitely work on the plans for a gravity feed cistern and.." the rest is lost as Blarf 'flushes' the Skreek, probably giving him new ideas in the process.

This makes Scourge chuckle softly, then shake her head. Odd group of skreeks, this. But at least they seem pretty earnest in wanting to help.

By the time Blarf is finished reorienting Scourge, a new interviewee is ready. This one flew up on his own though. The Eeee perches on Blarf's lip, and has varying degrees of staining and scarring to his fury, which also shows signs of having been shaved and grown back fairly recently, since it's uneven in patches. "Hi!" he says, grinning. "I'm Grubber! The Rat King and the Dark Princess sent me! You're the goddess, right?"

"No, I am Yodhgorphat Scourge, High Priestess of Gorphat," Scourge replies as she swats at some flies again and her lower belly rumbles ominously as a bout of cramps expels some nastiness that Blarf thankfully swallows up.. "I am not nearly as wonderful as Mother Gorphat is. "You are expected to step into this chamber with me, as a test of your faith and ability to endure."

"You sure you're not a goddess?" Grubber asks as he steps in, then sits down inside Blarf. He grabs onto his knees, and notes, "You sure look like a goddess. You've got god stuff glowing through you, and extra boobs, and magic hair. That's goddess stuff, I'm sure."

"I am no Goddess, merely her devoted servant and very blessed by Her," Scourge states. "How do you see yourself serving Mother Gorphat?" The comment about her glowing veins reminds her that she hasn't even seen normally since that was done to her; everything she sees through a tint of green since the organisms in her blood that glow also affected her eyes, making them both very jaundiced-looking, as well as glowing on the inside.

"You smell like Gorphat too then?" Grubber asks, and leans in for a big sniff. When he does so, his nostrils flare upwards into a fleshy hood, like a Saskanar Eeee. "I smell stuff. Find things under the muck. Find things inside people. Sniff out the sick."

"I am ... crafted in Her image and blessed by Her many times," Scourge says as she watches this Eeee curiously, especially with how his nose flares. "That seems like a quite useful skill; I am sure both the scavagers and the hospitals can use your help. Why is it that you personally wish to serve Mother Gorphat?" She pauses then grins slightly, "Also, that nose of yours would look impressive with a good nose ring."

"Hah! A ring for a king for a shnoz for a.. uh.." Grubber seems to have run out of rhymes. "Oh, Gorphat! She likes us that have weird things, right? I can smell grubs deep down, dig 'em up! Get sticky sometimes, gotta cut away the fur. Gorphat is sticky! But mostly I like to smell things. Lots of people with sick-grubs in them to find. Sniff sniff sniff! I can't see-hear though. Can't make the clicky whistles."

Scourge bobs her head a bit. "I am impressed my smell isn't making you pass out," she admits, "And yes, the odd, unusual, or deformed are always welcome at Her bosom."

Grubber nods, then leans forward and buries his face between Scourge's breasts to take a deep sniff. And then sniffs all around her torso, even lifting her arms to stick his nose into the pits.

Scourge wiggles and finds this really odd. But, she doesn't stop him. If he wants to vomit, his choice!

"No sick-grubs in you!" Grubber announces. "They stink, different stinks for different sicks. You don't stink."

"You are probably the only person to ever say that," Scourge remarks, amused. "Hmm, I think you would work best at the Temple in the medical, ah, yes, triage tent. Where the sick are taken to be examined and moved to appropriate treatment areas. Would you like to work there?"

"Trees?" Grubber asks. "I like to sniff the grubs in people, that is med-ee-cal, yes? Then cut out sick-grubs. Burn them!"

The man then grabs the sides of Scorge's head, and sticks his nose into each ear to sniff.

"Yes, you would work with people. You would have to move between the two camps periodically, but that should be fine," Scourge declares. "Any other questions for me?" she asks right as his nose goes into her ears. "Er, what are you doing?" she asks as those ears twitch like mad!

"Sometimes the sick-grubs grow in head meat," Grubber claims. "Belly parts lots for girls. Different smell from baby-grubs. Fun trick, smell the baby's boy or girl-ness. Popular."

Scourge decides to be evil and pulls the tentacle out from her 'Wound'. "Want to check my female parts?" she asks, just as those horrible swollen nethers vibrate as a wave of gas releases, along with some sickly-green blood.

And Grubber gets right down in there, although he doesn't bury his nose in it - getting it wet would probably be bad. "Wow!" he says, and sniffs some more. "Wow! You bleed un-sick? Not sick bleed at all! God-smell."

"That is a blessing from Gorphat. It does not smell sick at all?" Scourge asks, surprised. "Flies breed in me in that."

"God-flies?" Grubber asks, and actually flicks his tongue out to catch some flies. "Ah, you're full of god-goo," he claims.

Scourge even spreads her Wound open, which is painful to do given the swelling, and a mob of flies goes in, which makes her twitch like mad. She lets go and things close with a very wet squelch. "Anyway, you will fit in fine in Gorphat's Temple. Welcome child," she says.

Scourge goes mmph and flails for a moment in shock! She knows she doesn't exactly have good breath, either ... but at least she has her teeth and her gums don't ooze and make her drool like the doe does!

Grubber uses tongue, too, before pulling back. "Taste good and smell good," he says. "I want to lick you."

Another first, someone saying that. "Er, you may if you wish," Scourge says, bare brow arched a little, then she licks her own lips.

And so Grubber starts to lick Nicora, working from the top down. He gets her tendrils, scars, scalp and ears, her face and neck and throat and down each arm to her fingers. He has to contort himself a bit, and would probably lick her wings too if there was room. He gets her feet too, lifts each breast to get underneath.. and doesn't pause until he gets to her tail. This elicits a lot of sniffing, but no licking.. because of the rough scales.

This makes Scourge wiggle even more. "This is a strange one, Mother," the High Priestess thinks as she tries to retain some semblance of dignity and poise in this tongue-bath.

The odd Eeee finishes up beneath the tail, which still means Scourge has to be bent over a bit. "All done," Grubber then announces. "I go to the medical trees now?"

"Er, yes, you may go now," says Scourge ... whom feels really odd right about now from that. She's blinking a lot too.

Grubber climbs out and grabs his horrib, hugging it to his chest before spreading his wings. "Still think you're a goddess," he says by way of parting, and glides down to the floor of the tent.

"Don't go saying that. You will get me in trouble with actual Goddesses," Scourge remarks as Grubber departs her 'hot tub'.

The next to visit Blarf is an Eeee woman, still fairly young and possessed of bright green eyes, although the left one is a bit lazy. "Oh.. wow, this is neat!" she gushes, and seems to spend a moment squishing her feet up and down within Blarf's maw. "So you're the High Priestess?" she asks. "Can I touch your skin?"

Scourge's bare brow arches a little at that odd request. "You may," she says, "I am the High Priestess, Yodhgorphat Scourge. Who may I as are you?" This one seems to like icky stuff, at least, that's a good sign.

"Me? I'm Cassetri," the 'pregnant' Eeee replies as she feels over Nicora's face, rubbing and even pulling at her cheeks and feeling over her head scars and sensitive tendrils. "You don't feel as waxy as you look," she notes, and then starts squeezing the somewhat floppy breasts to watch them flush green. "What makes the green color?"

"My blood?" Scourge says, rather confused now. "I was blessed in many ways by Mother Gorphat. She made me beautiful."

"What did you have to do to get that blessing?" Cassetri asks, wide-eyed (even if one isn't really looking at Nicora). "Do you have to stay in this big.. plant? Can I try one of those sucker vines?"

"You ... wish to be like me?" Scourge asks, surprised by this. No Eeee wants to be like her! "You may use one of the vines if you wish ... as for how, I asked Mother Gorphat to bless me, and as I have served her well, she did so. You have to earn them."

Tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth, Cassy peels one of the suckers from Nicora's nipple and attaches it to her own. "Oooo, it.. has a lot of suction.." she notes. "You've got ones going inside of you too! I'm kind of glad I didn't get into the Yodhsunala now. Preparing the dead doesn't really feel like it'd bring you closer to Sunala, plus you can't really get to know them.."

"The Barsunala would probably disagree with you on that," Scourge comments, "And yes, they are inside me because Mother Gorphat has heavily blessed my reproductive organs to make sure Inala could have no hold upon me. I appreciate it immensely. But ... " She frowns a bit, asking, "This Temple is your second choice?"

"Well, it wasn't really a choice that was available on my first try," Cassy notes, and changes the sucker to her other nipple. "My mother thought that my eyes would be pretty enough to get me into the Yodhinala when I was younger, but they had this thing about 'perfect symmetry' so.. that was out! Then later it was the Yodhsunala, since they were always pretty important and such, but.. I guess they didn't like my attitude? Anyway, I failed the entry interview. So, I thought I'd had my last chance until now. The Yodhgorphat are important now, and the people you treat aren't waiting to die so it's a bit more rewarding, and.. I have green eyes! How did you get the things growing out of your head? Do they lure in the flies or is it the odor?"

"The odor," Scourge explains, "Those are another blessing, of course. My body is utterly Gorphat's to shape as She wishes. How did you fail the interview ... and why is it you wish to serve? Is it just because of your mother?" She also stands up and pulls the tendrils out of her wound so that Cassy can see how, well, horribly affected and deformed she is down there, to test how much the Eeee can stomach.

Of course Cassy kneels down to get a closer look (she actually closes her lazy eye) and poke at the swollen parts. "Oh, I'm not very useful," she explains. "I have a lot of trouble working, because I have to wear an eye patch so people aren't distracted by my eye.. but then they're distracted by the patch. When I was little, I was dared to eat nasty things by the other children, which I did of course because how else would I be popular? All that got me was an iron stomach after spending a lot of time puking! So that seemed like a skill that could be useful for preparing the dead, you know? But.. I guess I wasn't dour enough, or was too /eager/ or /something/. They never told me what I did wrong. Maybe the Yodhsunala didn't like my eye. That was before they started taking in the Yodhrinala and stuff though. But Gorphat does all sorts of things for people now. And it's for the /worst off/ people. People that wouldn't care about my /looks/ if I was washing their feet or draining boils and such. They'd be /gr

Scourge winces a bit at the touch; things are tender down there. "So, you wish to serve because you want to feel useful? How far are you willing to dedicate yourself? Is it just because Gorphat is important now to more people? Just because something is important now shouldn't be the only reason. You have to want to serve, regardless of any rewards or recognition. Yodhgorphat are shunned in normal circles, even if we are appreciated by others."

"I've always been shunned.. until I came here," Cassy says, sitting up again and smiling (her teeth are also a bit crooked). "And now I'm carrying a creature that'll be my lifelong companion, and the guys actually talk to me, and folks just seem friendly. Where else do you get that? People being friendly because you're one of them now, not because they want something from you or anything! And all the other people in the little city here are nice, because they just want to help. I guess most have family that are being treated for illness or injuries, but one of those Eye of Gorphat scouts told me they usually stick around and keep helping anyway."

"If I just wanted to help, I wouldn't need to become a Yodhgorphat," Cassy adds. "So.. I want to do more? I want to serve a Goddess that wants me."

"And what are you willing to do for Her?" Scourge inquires, "How far are you willing to commit yourself? How much would you sacrifice to Her?" Scourge is now wondering if Cassy would go as far as she did and become a very dedicated Yodhgorphat and take upon herself Gorphat's glorious blessings.

"Well.. is it a sacrifice if the whole point is being willing to commit?" Cassy asks, half to herself as she seems to think about it for the first time. "You've got all these rewards from Gorphat, but.. what do think you sacrificed for them? If you wanted them.. maybe I'm confused?"

"A chance for a normal life. An easier one," Scourge points out, then shrugs and smiles. "You have the right attitude and truly seem to wish this life. I think you would make a perfect Yodhgorphat. Do you ... wish to be more like me, then? Devoid of fur and many challenges?"

"You can make my fur come off?" Cassy asks, and looks at her mostly-bare palms. "I've got dark skin though. Can it be made light like yours so the green can show through? What's it take to be a.. what is this, anyway?" she asks, patting Blarf. "It looks like it does something to people's juices. What's it take to take care of it? But.. I still want to be like a nurse too. Not having fur would mean being more hygienic right?"

"It can be more hygenic, yes," Scourge concedes. "And yes, you can be made pale, and your blood can glow. It would take some time, and be very unpleasant, though. But, after a week of working here and you still want it; you will be initiated and ... transformed."

"As for this creature, it feeds off, well, the blessed fluids that ooze from me," Scourge further explains. "Having others also capable of feeding it would aid the temple greatly. I am only one person, after all."

"Eh, I don't really care about things being unpleasant," Cassy notes. "Most things are unpleasant, really. Kind of pointless to expect important stuff not to be too. But this is Gorphat. It's supposed to be challenging, but you're stronger afterwards. Plus, it's inspiring to the people who come to Her for help! 'Hey, I'm suffering, but that Yodhgorphat went through worse stuff and she's smiling!' and stuff. I mean, you are really inspiring!"

"It's always better to know your suffering will lead to something than for it to just be pointless," the girl claims.

That makes Scourge blush green. "Well, then I think you will fit in fine. You will soon have a new Mother, Gorphat, and a new name, of course. But all that will come; for now, go, help in the camps and protect your child until it is born."

"Oh, I can do that!" Cassy says, and starts to heave herself up out of Blarf. She pauses on the lip and turns to ask, "But, when I can do the fur and skin stuff? After I have my guardian?"

"You seem ... rather anxious to have this done," Scourge notes, amused. "But yes, you have to wait for your guardian to be born first as the treatments could endanger it."

"Oh.. is anyone else getting it done?" Cassy asks. "Because I'd like to learn the process too if it's allowed."

"I know Crabs!" Cassy says enthusiastically. "He says I have really nice breasts when he does his turn feeding my guardian."

Scourge laughs at that. "He is a bit odd, and fits in well," she says. "I should warn you, though, that once fully Yodhgorphat ... sex may be extremely painful for you."

"But until then I get to have as much as I can handle, right?" the girl asks. "Is there any rule against being with others in the Temple? I guess.. ah.. barmabbs and bargorphats? What about patients?"

"No, you may consort with whomever you wish. Even ... me if you desired," Scourge remarks, possibly to see how she reacts to that thought. She's not much better than being with Gorphat Herself, after all. "And yes, as much as you can handle." She doesn't mention that it's partially to desensitize her to it.

"Wow, I'll remember that offer!" Cassy claims and winks. "I'm sure there are other types of pleasure that only Gorphat provides! I'll send Snaggle up, he's sort of shy," she says before gliding down to the ground.

Scourge blinks at that. "It was a pleasure to meet you," she says as she inserts the tentacles back into her Wound and onto her nipples.

It takes a good minute before Snaggle shows up. He's a bit emaciated, even for an Eeee, but also older looking than the others with quite bit of gray fringe to his fur. He really checks out Blarf's maw before settling into it nervously. "H'lo, High Priestess Scourge," he mutters, with what might be a lisp, and bows his head.

Scourge leans forward and kisses his forehead. "You are among friends here, you need not be afraid," she tells him. "I just wish to know what brings you to Mother Gorphat and how you wish to serve Her and Babel."

Snaggle looks up, and smiles. He has one rather snaggled fang on the left, but the right side of his mouth looks.. off, somehow. He then reaches into his mouth and pulls out the right side upper teeth as a single denture. "I make teef," he says a bit damply with the bridge removed.

This makes Scourge blink, and then think the Doe could use his help. "That is quite a useful skill. Many here could benefit from it," she agrees and settles back a bit. "Cassy said you were shy. Are you scared of us?"

The bat replaces his bridge, and shakes his head. "Grew up not talk well," Snaggle struggles to say. "Broke jaw baby. So make new from wood. Then stone. Then bone."

Scourge nods at this. "Well, your ability to speak is not that important here. Though, if you wish, your jaw may be repairable. I know someone who can sometimes repair such injuries," she notes than shrugs a little. "But unnecessary if you wish to serve Mother Gorphat and help Babel."

The man nods, and says, "Gorphat make.. teeth safe." He doesn't seem to like that statement, though, and elaborates, "Bone. Teeth. Best to use. Can make sick."

"Yes, Mother Gorphat can help make things safe ... and we do get good supplies here," Scourge says and nods. "What are you wanting of Gorphat, child?"

"Want?" Snaggle asks, looking confused. "I want.. fix," he claims. "Bad teeth, bad mouth. Lots of sicks of mouth. Gorphat get rid of sick, I fix mouths."

Scourge nods. "Then I think you will fit in fine and make a wonderful Bargorphat," she says and smiles.

Scourge rubs her chin. "Well, you may wish to speak to the Doctor at the other camp. She may be able to provide information on how to sedate and calm patients," she says. "I must warn you that she is a Naga, though."

"She have teeth?" Snaggle asks, as if that was the only important thing. "I wear pants?"

"She have.. tools?" Snaggle asks next, seeming to be a bit.. excited? At least, his lower parts are showing signs of excitement. "Drill? Small knife. Hooks?"

"She should have tools, and if not, she can order what you would need," Scourge claims. "She is currently the expert on surgical matters."

"Not ... exactly. It is her penance," Scourge states. "And not for me to say any more on. If she wishes you to know, she will tell you herself."

"Is she mean?" the bat asks next. Given his rather fragile looking state, it may be important. Or it may be that he just never was able to eat properly before making himself dentures.

"No, she is not mean. You will be safe if you visit her. She is ... gruff, but not mean," Scourge says.

"You should stay and tend to the girls if you are one feeding their children," Scourge suggests, "And perhaps spend some time in the medical tents learning how to help with wounds other than teeth too. It may help you think of other ways to work on jaws."

Snaggle makes little sewing gestures with his fingers (which are long and fine). "Stitches need be better," he says and smiles. "Pull bad teeth, sew up hole."

"I am sure you will get plenty of practice with that here," Scourge says. "There is no end to the injured and sick."

"My teeth are fine, if you wish to check," Scourge says. "Ooze mouth? Gorphat's pet lapi doe?"

"Do you want to see her? You would need to ask Mother Gorphat," Scourge says. "She controls when the doe is about to serve the faithful."

The man nods, and pantomimes holding something to his mouth. "Collect ooze," he explains. "Maybe good for clean mouth?"

"Then you will have to pray to Gorphat to provide you with her pet to serve you for as long as you require her," Scourge suggests.

Snaggle nods, then bows his head deeply again. "Thank you High Priesteth," he says as clearly as he can.

Scourge cups his chin and kisses him, on the lips. She also uses her tongue. Possibly to get him used to more unpleasant things, of course. Or to amuse herself? Hard to say, she's a little unhinged.

And the man's reaction is to blush (in his ears, of course). He's still aroused from the thought of having good tools to work with as well. At least his dentures don't feel all that strange to her tongue, but she can tell the difference between the fake gums and the real ones.

Scourge draws back and pats his cheek. "Welcome to the family, Bargorphat initiate," she whispers to him.

Scourge manages not to cringe, given she will have to be that doe if Gorphat answers his prayer. "Gorphat be with you," she says instead.

The dentist climbs out and flies down to the floor, his horrib buzzing along behind him. Penance enters next and flies up. "That was the last of the candidates with some kind of medical experience," she says.

"They all seemed promising," Scourge says. "How about those that you interviewed? Will they be an asset" Are their motivations honorable?"

"The majority are from the Streets Below," Penance says. "A few are former patients here. Snaggle was the oldest, and Cassetri is the only one from the upper levels. Her mother was a servant. The Skreeks are pretty eager to get to work, whatever that work may be. Since that girl who was tortured said it was Mabb that gave her strength, there've been a lot more Skreeks coming around, wondering how to worship her. I assume one of the Yodhmabb will become a proper speaker for the Goddess."

"Everyone is an asset, since.. we just need more people," Penance observes. "The ones that were treated before seem to the most.. devout? But the others seem less about religion and more about doing something positive for others that are suffering."

"Except for Cassetri, they've all been living in Gorphat City for awhile," the Yodhgorphat adds.

"That would be proper, yes, as she stands for the Skreeks," Scourge agrees and nods, "And a Skreek should lead them." To the rest she also nods, "Those that want to just do something positive are most welcome here too. The more good will we have and create, the better for all, including Gorphat. The people shape the Gods to a degree, after all. And Cassetri is ... interesting. She wants to be like me. She wants to be fully inducted and stripped; and nothing seems to unsettle her."

"She wants to be inspiring, I think," Penance says, but grins a bit. "There's been a lot of locals joining the Compassion of Gorphat group - I don't know if you want to give them official recognition, but they're a big help managing the sick. Foz has asked if he can approach former gang leaders to join the Eyes of Gorphat - even though they're unofficial - because.. uh.. something about leadership? If they're going to expand, they need people who can lead groups."

"I do not see why we should not recognize them," Scourge says, "They are all helping and making things better for those that are often forgotten. We, like Gorphat, welcomes all. What are you concerns about recognizing them?"

"Well.. I don't know what to do?" Penance admits, biting her lip. "Would we need to set rules or just let them do as they have been? The Eyes have been organizing Skreek children to be scavengers, and I think they're trying to recruit Nagas for muscle and there's this one old Eeee they've got who is talking about clearing roads and moving dangerous debris. I'm just not certain if they mean to make the Streets Below safe or if they're trying to make sure nobody worse moves in once everyone else is gone.."

"Well, the best way to know what their intentions are is to invite their leaders to the temple and ask them," Scourge points out, "And yes, we should define a charter that all groups that wish to act in Her name must agree to abide by. We do not wish bad things being done in Her name."

"I can arrange for a meeting then," Penance says. "I think I know who is running the Compassion.. but I suspect there is more than one person. I can have Foz here in a few minutes though, he was outside talking to Grubber.. or trying to talk him."

"Should we speak to them as a group or individually?" Scourge inquires. "I trust Foz, so I am fine with speaking to him alone, regardless."

"I'm sure the Compassion folks will want to meet you together," Penance says. "The Eye and Compassion don't exactly overlap at the moment, so probably wouldn't need the same rules. I'll send Foz in and try to have the others meet you in the Temple later, if that's good?"

Scourge nods. "That is acceptable, Yodhgorphat Penance. We must also discuss the time you will be permanently bared and marked more like me, too," she says with a scary sort of smile. "But that can wait."

"Shaving is a bit awkward," Penance admits, before gliding down. As promised, Foz pokes his head into the tent a few moments later. "Blarf! What have they been feeding you?" he says.

"Me," Scourge claims from where she lounges. "Penance tells me you have been organizing children ... and now naga? And clearing roads?"

Foz flaps up to the top of Blarf, and perche-squats down on the rim. "High Priestess! I like the crest," he says, and brushes his hand over his own head. He's got on a makeshift tunic with the Wound painted onto it. "It's mainly Francis working with the kids. Half to keep 'em out of trouble, half to make sure they don't hurt themselves." He scratches his neck for a moment, and says, "And I'm trying to get a lot of people. We can't hardly cover everyplace anymore, and there are dug-in types that don't trust nobody, so they're extra-hard to find. And when we do find some, they're hard to bring out because of the collapsed bridges and stuff. We need muscle, and.. nurses. The people that were attacked by the Yodhdiphath and meaner gangs don't trust Yodhgorphat. They just remember them as the ones that burned stuff."

Scourge pulls the tentacles from her Wound, then spreads her legs and presents it to him to see what he will do. She seems to like to try and unsettle people. "All those sound like worthwhile activities; thank you for pursuing them. There was a comment about gang leaders, though. That concerns me; what if they just want to use Gorphat's name to push people into donating to them, or worse? Any that join us cannot use this Temple for their personal gain," she says.

"Oh, they're all scared now!" Foz says with a big grin, until he notices the leg-spreading gesture and his expression wavers a bit. "Everyone knows if you cross Gorphat something terrible will happen," he says. "Like being eaten by a dragon, or melting, or.. whatever else we think will keep them in line," he says, and winks. "Can't have folks being attacked while we get them to the camps, y'know. And who's to say that stuff wouldn't happen, right? But I need guys that can keep others in line and get 'em to work. Like.. a lot of them. We need a hundred searchers, is what I'm sayin'. And we need Nagas to clear paths, and Fnerfs to haul food, an' Vartans to carry people where Fnerf's can't go, and nurses to deal wi' the ones we find that're too weak.. I mean, an army is what we need. Food an' medicine is what will get the ferals and paranoids out o' their holes."

"But what you suggest could be dangerous too," Scourge remarks as she rubs at her oozing Wound to shoo off the flies, as well as making disturbing squelchy sounds. "How would they all be managed? Fear is effective to a point, but we do not wish to appear as if we are an army or a threat to the general city. This will have to be carefully managed." At that point, her Wound makes a rather rude noise.

"Ah.. we set up camps, I'm thinking," Foz says, and looks away as politely as he can. "Obvious things. If we aren't hiding, and we're cooking and calling and stuff, at least some folks will come to us, so we don't have to search so much. And we need a clear path to the other camp anyways, so that'd be where we'd set up the waystations. And fear is just to keep 'em from being greedy at first. I know what will really keep 'em in line later. An.. ah.. are you alright, ma'am?"

"I am perfectly fine, Foz, but if you wish to tend to my Wound for me, please do," Scourge says, "That sounds like a decent plan, then ... but what is this about keeping them in line later?"

"Oh, I've kinda got a girl now, ma'am," Foz says apologetically. "It's part of what me and the boys realized," he explains, then puffs out his chest. "Nothing beats being a hero, ma'am. Once you feel it, you don't ever wanna give it up. Bein' able to hold out food and not being bit. Being thanked. It was nice when we found the bug temple, and for a bit we were rich, but.. it's dif'rent when you're saving someone that's only known dirt and horror. It's like being a god. No blasphemy intended!"

Scourge is disappointed, but perhaps Hosheb will tend to her later, then. m Granted it's more that he occasionally painfully rapes her, but then demons have an odd sense of romance and Scourge accepts it. "Mmm, fair enough. That should work. You have my blessing to seek out the gang leaders and try to get them to join us," she decides.

"We still need some help," Foz claims. "I know you get stuff from the rich people up above. Could you ask for some Vartans and Fnerfs, maybe? And more Yodhrinala, so we can have 'em at the camps. People trust Yodhrinalas down here. We don't need them right away o' course, still need to convince the old gangs and stuff. But thanks for yer blessing, ma'am! That'll go a long way."

"I can see about finding some Vartans and Fnerfs to help, yes," Scourge agrees as she returns the tentacle back inside her in a slimy burp. "The Yodhrinala would be more difficult, but I imagine I can get the Barsunala to request that on my behalf."

"Thanks again, High Priestess," Foz says, seemingly relieved that she hasn't asked him to do anything in return. "We've really only reached about a quarter of the Streets Below so far, but still got most of the people. The rest'll be harder to reach, but probably need us the most."

"Just be careful and try not to get anyone injured while rescuing others," Scourge advises as she reclines a bit. "Slow and steady; no rushing, please. Is there anything you wish for me to pray to Gorphat on your behalf?"

Foz pauses to actually think about it. "They say it was your horribs that found those cannibals," he says. "Could horribs find people but not.. be seen? People will hide from horribs after all. But if they can find them and show us where.."

"It is possible, yes. My children are quite intelligent," Scourge says, "And will do what I ask of them. I can instruct a few to help you in such a way."

"Brutus helps us out sometimes," Foz says. "I think because he likes us? But he mostly sort of guards. But any of the smaller ones would be great for helping to search."

"I will see what I can do," Scourge says and smiles. "Brutus was my first child, you know. It was glorious." She smiles like a proud mother. She shakes her head, clearing that thought. "I think that is all unless you have anything else?" she asks.

"I think that's all we can tackle for now," Foz says. "Gotta get our numbers up before anything else, and that's mostly on me. Are we.. doing what you want?"

"Yes, you are. I believe Mother Gorphat is also very proud and happy with your work," Scourge says as her Wound rumbles. "She has not expressed any displeasure, at least, which should mean she is pleased."

"Thank you again, High Priestess!" Foz beams. "Gorphat has been very good to us, and we are grateful to Her!" He turns and slides off of Blarf, who squirms his feeding tentacles around some inside of Nicora.

The squirming makes Scourge moan softly to herself and lay back. Something about squirming deep inside her really turns her on now. She even doesn't mind the flies and larvae sometimes, as shown by that she's not swatting them off the distended and puffy flesh down there right now, even if it tickles. She also pats Blarf a bit.

Lair of the Sacred Horribs
This was once the chamber of the Senior Priestess, second to the High Priestess and thus next to her suite. It isn't all that big, but big enough for the current occupant: a 'modified' Horrib Queen, birthed by the current High Priestess herself. The surfaces are all covered in hive resin, with alcoves used for holding 'victims' while the Queen herself is suspended in the center of the chamber in a cross between a cocoon and a throne made of extruded chitin.

The transformation into the doe isn't painful - it's what comes next that is. First the centipedes arrive to mutilate and bind her ears, but that part is expected now. Having Brutus grab her arms and carry her to the Queen is still a somewhat new horror though.

Expected, but still agonizing. Her ears hurt, especially with the newly gnawed holes in them, and being partially deafened by them also being strapped down and back uncomfortably so they cannot move; marking her as property of Gorphat and submissive to Her. Going to the queen, though, is ... she's already whimpering. Surely the Queen isn't going to torture her again, there are mo women to implant right now and her mouth doesn't need to be an egg incubator-pouch.

The stinging to her gums hurts, and the swelling and soreness hurt worse. The odors that follow are enough to make the doe gag, which also reveals how loose her teeth have become so quickly. But the looseness is just a prelude, as Brutus uses his claws to reach in and yank out the teeth instead of waiting for them to just fall out.

And the doe lets Brutus do it! Sure, she's crying, but Brutus outranks her in the Temple ... or at least her instincts seem to tell her that, so she has to let him! So, the doe is kneeling before the queen, her jaws slack, while a monster-horrib removes each tooth. Each one comes out with a sickening sort of tearing feeling and instead of blood following, a noxious green slime oozes out from the raw socket instead. As more and more teeth disappear, the doe cannot help that she's drooling more and more and far too much to really swallow or stop it. The doe is ... sort of the hive's pet at the moment it seems and her poor teary eyes are wide in horror as she cannot take her eyes off the queen and her ovipositor.

This time it doesn't look like the doe is going to be using her cheeks as brood-pouches, but it isn't clear at first. "Chika-chika," the Queen coos to her. What does come as a surprise is when Brutus uses his mating shaft on her. It goes in to the hilt, and his claws clamp onto her arms a bit tighter as he lifts her into the air.

The doe makes a rather burbling sounding squeak when that shaft goes both in and deep. Her mind hasn't disappeared into its usual fog of lust yet, but that may still be coming. She also ends up squirming around a lot as she's lifted into the air; being on that shaft is both painful and somehow stimulating at the same time! "What is he doing!?" she wonders as she tries to squirm her arms free.

Her legs dangle free as Brutus flies her into the corridors - he isn't mating with her, just using it to hold her in place from behind so he only has to grip her arms. She's carried deeper into the temple, where the acolyte barracks are kept. And her arrival is a surprise to those that are awake. Most of the acolytes are busy, with the men 'feeding' the women's brooding guardians. In the far corner, Snaggle sits on his patch of straw, surrounded by little jars and stone tools laid out on roll-up leather cases. He appears to be praying.

"Gorphat did answer his prayers!" the Doe thinks, and immediately hates that she, as Scourge, actually suggested this! She looks pitiful too, her front is all slimy now from her constant drooling. Even if she closes her mouth, she produces too much of that ooze to hold back and it burbles out messily from between her gums. She's still squirming, too! Is the horrib going to keep hold ofm and be inside her, the entire time?

Brutus doesn't seem inclined to let her go, but does set down on the floor at least. This startles Snaggle, who blinks and takes a moment to realize his prayers have been answered! He quickly grabs up one of his jars and holds it under the doe's chin to collect the effluent. "Thank you, Gorphat," he says slowly. "Thank you.. mith Laapi," he adds as well.

The doe tries to say something to the man, but all she can manage is a burbling sort of sound; it's impossible for her to speak with no teeth and a mouth full of goo! She's also mad at Brutus! He's her kid, and he's treating her like this! "Gorphat ... why do you do this to me?" she thinks as her chin drips thick, and stinky, fluids into those jars.

Brutus does release her once the jars have been filled, but this leaves her empty now. While the horrib was impaling her the lust-fog was kept at bay at least - but now it's starting to make itself felt.

The doe whines and burbles as she drops down to her hands and knees. Her heart-shaped butt is soon up in the air, legs spread, and the doe showing off her puffiness down there too! "Oh no, I'm going to be a rutting beast," the doe thinks in horror for the time she can still think. Soon, she'll be all heat-instinct and want every male in the room to be in her somewhere. And with the way her body will start producing pheromones; she might just get that. The level of sex-musk she produces in this state is incredible, and augmented by her aura powers.

Snaggle is the first to react, taking her rump in his hands and plunging into it. And others are noticing too. The Skreeks in particular begin to crowd around, and it's Crabs that goes for her oozing mouth. But then he's not squeamish.

The doe's mouth goes around Crab's offer quickly enough, and witghout teeth and all that ooze, it probably actually feels quite nice. And by this point, the doe has no higher thoughts; she's a rut-animal and she goes goes about the only thing in this state she knows to do, she works on all the males close to her to get them to give unto her their, well, own ooze.

Things escalate from there. The doe eventually is on her back on top of an Eeee that is taking Gorphat's Mouth, while a Skreek fills her Wound. Piper and Cessetri are nursing off of her while they themselves are serviced by two more males. Her head is turned to the side to take another Skreek in mouth, and her arms are stretched back so her hands can grasp two others (which will probably end messily for the Eeee beneath her before too long). But.. it's enough to hold back the fog, even if anyone not directly involved is affected by it as well. It's likely that Pixus is out there too being caught up in it.

"Why do I come back to this Temple? A few good things happen, then ... this!" the doe thinks as she's working like a bargain-bin Yodhinala on the men surrounding her! And as much as she seems to mentally complain about it, when it comes down to it she does actually like it. Gorphat probably knows this, so just ... encourages her now and then by doing this. Or maybe it just makes the Goddess laugh. Either way, she's going to soon have very shiny and even more sticky fur...