Introduction Logs: Ebony Testament

[Ebiris]

[18:03] <Ebiris> Shendilvari, 570th catalogued layer of the infinite Abyss, and realm of Malcanthet, the Queen of the Succubi. To the unwary, this can seem like a piece of heaven transplanted across the planes, filled with verdant hills and shallow, crystal clear lakes. A perpetual sunset lends to the romantic atmosphere, shedding its golden glow across picturesque cities of exquisite white marble.
[18:03] <Ebiris> Such a mask serves to lure visiting mortals into dropping their defences and partaking of the depraved carnal delights, leading such foolish visitors to a short life of hedonistic excess and addiction before they fully give themselves over to Malcanthet and are murdered by their succubus lovers.
[18:03] <Ebiris> Indeed, the capital of Shendilvari, the city of Rivenheart, appears to be filled with mortals almost to the exclusion of demonkind - though in reality, a large number are simply demons masquerading as mortals to better entrap their victims. At the centre of the city lies Malcanthets palace, an immense construction of domed towers and open plazas.
[18:03] <Ebiris> No doors or guards bar entry, for the Queen welcomes all to visit her home and partake of the pleasures she offers... though of the uncountable multitudes drawn to accept that invitation, precious few will ever leave. Though for four succubi, prized servants of the Queen and drawn by telepathic summons, they should have no reason to fear the call of Malcanthet...
[18:09] <Teresa> It would be nice, Teresa muses to herself, if the usual minders would be wavered for whatever their Queen has in mind for her. They are old and annoying, after all.
[18:09] <Teresa> Clad in her shiny breastplate as her silvery hair cascades over it, and a large sword sheathed at her back, almost as tall as she is, Teresa is certainly a strange sight in these parts. She doesn't let it bother her in the slightest, however, marching confidently towards the main entrance to the palace.
[18:09] * Demara walks along the open, pleasant paths to Malcanthet's abode with upright shoulders and a clear gaze. She brushes back a strand of her slightly curly brown/black hair, reaching down just past her shoulders. A red cloak billows behind her. She wears plain metal bracers with designs of nymphs on them, white gloves meeting the edge of the metal. Her lips twist upward as she walks. Whatever could her Queen want? Perhaps she's to praise her?
[18:10] <Demara>  Perhaps she's to praise her? Surely not anything lesser.
[18:13] * Inuga walks along in her favorite mortal disguise for now. She favors a slim figure, the image of a soft, demure girl in need of a righteous protector, the type of helpless waif any good adventurer would defend without a moment's hesitation, not knowing her true nature! Soft, chestnut brown hair cascades down to her shoulders; the innocent brown eyes of a doe and full, pouty lips complete the picture.
[18:15] * Nihasa strides purposely towards her goal: the source of her summons. With her quick pace and the determined set of her angular jaw, people make way for her, but not without giving her the almost customary once-over. She ignores them as they take the view in, many drawn toward her slender, athletic build. Many have fallen into the lure given by her sculpted, muscular legs, the flat and taught stomach, the generous chest..
[18:15] * Nihasa uses these, however, to mask her true danger. Those muscular limbs have crushed and smothered the life from many of her victims, even as they writhe in the pleasure she provides them. Many who have disregarded the unusally armored and muscular succubus with the fighter wraps on her hands and with the agressive stride and roll of her hips.
[18:18] <Ebiris> Entering the palace, the group of oddly dressed succubi happen to pass a marilith hunched over in discussion with one of the Radiant Sisters, a throaty laugh emanating from the lillitu's throat, while the larger snake-like demon wears a cross frown as she slithers along besides one of Malcanthets most elite minions, crossing a plaza filled with mortals, celestials, and even comely devils captured in stasis.
[18:18] <Ebiris> An erinyes hovers as if captured in flight, her spread legs impaled by the manhood of a hound archon, both wearing expressions of mingled bliss and despair. An astral deva violates the rear of a young human maiden, her lips parted in a scream of agony. Such scenes play themselves out as decor all through this particular path towards the Razor Throne, the Queen likely delighting in the depraved unions of such creatures, captured forever.
[18:21] <Ebiris> forever.
[18:22] * Inuga spots others of her kind heading in the same direction, and gives each of her sisters an appraising glance. All of them summoned to the Queen at once, perhaps? Well, interesting. Knowing even one of her own kind could be a potential rival some day, this would probably be a good time to get to know hew fellows.
[18:22] * Teresa doesn't quite hide her amusement at the sights, spending quite some time admiring the erinyes. It's even better that the devil is not merely suffering; her Queen is quite resourceful when it comes to torment.
[18:23] * Demara glances in passing at the scenery, not really in the mood to linger. There are days to watch the damnation of souls and opposing outsiders, but the Queen's call stirs her interest more. She notes the others coming. 'Well, perhaps then...' Her little teasing smile turns down a little.
[18:25] * Inuga makes her way over to the armored succubus--surely that's unusual attire for her kind! Inuga herself is dressed mostly in white cloth, with knot designs done in thread of gold snaking around the neck, wrists, and hem. One might get the impression of a noble human making a restrained show of opulence.
[18:29] * Teresa glances at the approaching waif with disinterest.
[18:29] * Nihasa continues her stride, seemingly uninterested with her face locked forward towards her destination.. But the quick flashing of her eyes around the halls, the slight pulling at the corners of her mouth, and the low rumble of amusement in her throat give creedence otherwise. Her shoulders do, however, stiffen slightly when she realizes others are headed in the same direction...
[18:31] * Inuga flashes the silver-haired warrior a challenging grin. "Summond to the Queen, then? Whatever could she want with so many of us?" she wonders airily.
[18:35] <Teresa> "An unusual assignment," Teresa says, deciding to respond. "We must all possess different skills that this would call for."
[18:38] <Ebiris> The four continue onwards, passing the 'live' exhibits for now and continuing through a gallery filled with wondrous paintings, from exotic and perfectly realised landscapes, to the more abstract art demons are more known for, to simple but agonisingly vivid nude studies and scenes of debauchery.
[18:38] <Ebiris> As they continue down the last corridor before Malcanthets throne, they find that the passage is dominated by a skull-headed Balor stomping in the opposite direction, straight towards them. There's enough room on either side, but the red-skinned fiend shows no signs of moving aside for a group of succubi...
[18:40] * Teresa continues walking straight ahead, dissolving into fine mist and disappearing altogether to avoid crossing pathes with the Balor, intending to rematerialize well behind him.
[18:42] * Inuga frowns at this mannerless oaf. This isn't the time to be berating someone for hogging the road, though. It's easier to just float right over him instead.
[18:42] * Demara takes a moment to eye the Balor and to see if it looks more irritated than usual.
[18:43] <Ebiris> OOC: sense motive
[18:43] <Ebiris> OOC: hahaha
[18:45] * Nihasa continues her path, but purposely places herself directly in the Balor's path and locks eyes with it, her visage stoney as she inspects the hulking demon.
[18:45] <Demara> roll 1d20+4
[18:45] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{19}
[18:46] <Ebiris> OOC: make an intimidate check, Nihasa
[18:46] <Nihasa> roll 1d20+22
[18:46] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{26}
[18:47] * Demara simply moves out of the way. Why bother with a Balor? Such a brazen lack of subtlety would be unbecoming. Let it act the grumpy king.
[18:48] * Nihasa waits until the last moment, just a single step from the Balor.. and teleports behind it, continuing on her way but glancing back at it with a small smile and a saucy wink.
[18:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+34
[18:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{36}
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: nihasa, roll initiative, please
[18:49] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:49] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{26}
[18:49] <Nihasa> roll d20+5
[18:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+5 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
[18:50] <Ebiris> Unfortunately, Nihasa isn't quite quick enough with her teleport, finding that the Balor's arm lashes out towrads her just before she can act, the creature seeming content to shove her roughly to the ground and stomp over her!
[18:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[18:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
[18:50] <Ebiris> OOC: strength check, Nihasa
[18:50] <Nihasa> roll d20+6
[18:50] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+6 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[18:51] <Ebiris> Nihasa finds herself knocked aside, sprawling on her rear from the force of the Balor's meaty arm as it bats her aside, a low rumbling chuckle emanating from the fiend as it continues to stomp along without a backwards glance.
[18:52] * Demara keeps heading towards her Queen's room. No need to get wrapped up in such vulgarity.
[18:52] * Teresa laughs herself as she continues, amused by this almost as much as by the decor.
[18:53] * Nihasa stands up with a throaty chuckle and calls back to him as she picks up her route again.
[18:53] <Nihasa> "Perhaps you can take me to the ground again later.."
[18:53] * Inuga also moves on towards the Queen's room, sparing the unfortunate challenger a girlish chuckle before moving on. That's what happens when you pick unnecessary fights!
[18:54] <Ebiris> "Glad to see you know your place, after all, harlot," the Balor calls back, sounding rather amused through its nightmarish intonation. "Perhaps next time I will."
[18:55] <Nihasa> "Happily, M'lord."
[18:56] * Nihasa chuckles again with a bow to the Balor and continues on to the task at hand.
[18:58] <Ebiris> And so the group continue without further molestation, entering the vast throneroom of Malcanthet herself. Various demons and mortals mingle here, though most keep a respectful distance from the very centre...
[18:58] <Ebiris> On the Razor Throne, an elaborate construction of narrow wires and gleaming blades, sits Malcanthet herself, a statuesque beauty of alabastar skin, wearing a sardonic smile on her dark red lips as she eyes the new arrivals. Long curved horns jut from her brow, holding back a cascade of luxurious dark hair, while bat-like wings furl up behind her, adorned with razor-sharp claws and elaborate gold jewellery that pierces the membranes of her wings.
[18:58] <Ebiris> She idly strokes a lash laced with adamantine spikes that rests on her lap, her feet currently propped up on the kneeling back of a nude dwarf. His eyes are filled with hate and his expression one of stoic endurance, even as his body betrays visible arousal. One of the Radiant Sisters sits off to the side on a pile of cushions, strumming a harp to a captivating melody.
[18:59] <Ebiris> the membranes of her wings.
[19:00] * Teresa observes the dwarf with a smile, before returning her eyes towards her queen, waiting patiently.
[19:00] * Inuga stops and sketches a deep curtsey for her Queen, not daring to speak first.
[19:02] * Nihasa drops to a knee and slaps a fist to the ground while looking at the ground before rising and standing absolutely motionless before her queen.
[19:02] * Demara bows deeply to the Queen, keeing her gaze respectfully down and resisting comment on the dwarf.
[19:05] <Ebiris> "Demara... Nihasa... Inuga... and Teresa," Malcanthet lists off the four names as she looks to each succubus in turn, her voice soft and yet unmistakably erotic, even to the jaded tastes of demonkind. The dwarf certainly seems to feel it, shuddering as if in pain while his eyes blaze furiously. "You three may rise," she gestures negligently to the first trio, before she settles on Teresa.
[19:05] <Ebiris> "Worship your Queen, Teresa," she concludes, her smile turning either playful or menacing... it's hard to tell.
[19:05] <Ebiris> OOC: will save, Teresa
[19:06] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20 my turn to be stupid!
[19:06] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+20 my turn to be stupid! --> [ 1d20=6 ]{26}
[19:08] -> *Teresa* Your blood turns to fire as you find yourself utterly consumed with desire for this vision of beauty before you. An overwhelming compulsion is felt towards pleasing her, using every bit of talent and skill you possess.
[19:11] * Teresa takes several steps forward, flushing, before walking with more confidence towards the queen. She drops to her knees before the vision of loveliness, gazing at her in adoration. "Always, my Queen," she whispers, stretching out her arms towards Malcanthet's feet. "How may I serve you today?"
[19:14] <Ebiris> "Merely do what you were born to do... Mmm, I'll come back to you later, Sir Hallowaxe," she nudges the dwarf's ear with her toes, causing the bearded man to stand up rigidly and walk to the side of the throne, leaving room for Teresa to occupy that space if she wishes.
[19:14] * Teresa does indeed wish her queen's blessing!
[19:16] <Ebiris> Malcanthet spreads her legs as she relaxes on the throne, before she seems to dismiss Teresa from her mind entirely, simply ignoring the haughty succubus as she does whatever she wishes in the service of her Queen. "Now that that's, mmm... dealt with, I'm sure you are curious as to why I called for your presence, my dears?"
[19:17] * Inuga simply nods obediently for now.
[19:18] * Nihasa snaps a fist over her heart and lowers her head in response, waiting for her Queen's command.
[19:18] * Demara nods as well, "Do you desire our services in some way, Majesty?"
[19:19] <Ebiris> "Good!" she smiles approvingly, "I do so approve of curiousity. Its a sad and defeated mind that lacks it... now, one of my cults on the Prime Material has recently had a... setback. A most fatal one, sadly. It seems mortals are just too unreliable, and so I thought perhaps a few of my more direct servants might have more luck in re-establishing my... devotion, among mortalkind."
[19:21] * Inuga smiles at this. "Of course, your Majesty. I would be honored to serve you in this matter."
[19:21] <Demara> Well now. "I would be honored," Demara speaks fervently.
[19:22] * Demara lets her eyes slide ever so slightly to Inuga for just a moment at their similar words, but otherwise says nothing.
[19:22] * Nihasa snaps a quick look at Malcanthet before moving her eyes back down.
[19:22] <Nihasa> "As you command, my Queen."
[19:23] <Ebiris> "I do wish I had thought of the idea first, but it seems dear Glasya continues her trend of bucking convention even as she mashes her lips to her father's hooves," Malcanthet goes on languidly.
[19:23] <Ebiris> "I've managed to prod one of my cultists to arrange a suitable sacrifice in order to call some of my servants to the Prime - you four, specifically," she reaches down and musses Teresa's hair in an almost affectionate gesture as she indicates the blackguard hasn't been forgotten entirely.
[19:24] * Teresa leans into the touch almost fanatically, raising her eyes hesitantly towards Malcanthet's face. "Anything for my queen," she murmurs.
[19:26] <Ebiris> "Once there, I'd like it if you were to simply kill the ones who summoned you - such incompetents aren't worth using, and I actually had to ask twice before the sacrifice was arranged," her eyes briefly flash with malice. "Then, I will give you four free reign to act as you see fit in re-establishing a new cult to my glory." She leans forward, "A wondrous opportunity, isn't it?"
[19:27] <Demara> "Oh yes, Majesty," Demara says with eagarness. YEs, yes it is. So many mortals, so many chances..mmm. "May I you a question about this?"
[19:29] * Inuga nods again. "It is indeed, your Majesty. It will be our pleasure to reestablish your authority in the Prime. May I inquire, for the sake of my own curiosity, what manner of sacrifice will be used to summon us?"
[19:29] <Ebiris> "Of course, my sweet," Malcanthet favours Demara with a heart-stopping smile, one that makes her feel like the only succubus in the world. She ignores Inuga for the moment, focusing all her otherworldly presence upon Demara.
[19:30] <Nihasa> "Your every command is, my Queen. These mortals shall bend knee to you, or we will break their backs."
[19:31] <Demara> Demara's cheeks color as she bows her head lower. "M-Majesty, the incompetent mortals that failed so much. Have they exposed the existance of the cult to those that would....oppose it? Have they failed utterly?"
[19:33] <Ebiris> "They have indeed," Malcanthet nods. "Oh, their souls still feed me, those that had the decency to die with my name in their hearts, but a few allowed themselves to be led astray, while others hid and tried to ignore my voice. That's why I'd prefer a fresh start, for I fear the cult of Malcanthet as it stands - at least in the city of Dharport - is a lost cause."
[19:36] <Demara> "A tragedy," Demara struggles momentarily to try and compose herself, but that's not going to happen. Instead, she lets her mouth run. "I will correct it, Majesty."
[19:37] <Nihasa> "Do.. Do you have a city you wish us to begin anew in already, my Queen?"
[19:37] <Ebiris> "I have every faith in you," Malcanthet replies with a smirk, leaning back as she slowly turns towards Inuga. "As to your question, my daughter, it is through the despoiling and murder of an innocent virgin of the purest heart that will open the planar gate to speed you to your goal."
[19:37] * Nihasa speaks this in a low tone, but clearly, all the while keeping her eyes locked on the base of the throne.
[19:38] * Inuga nods to the Queen's response. A quality sacrifice indeed!
[19:38] <Ebiris> "Did I not say that you must rebuild my cult in Dharport?" she glances at Nihasa with narrowed eyes, her tail flicking with irritation - and incidentally slapping Teresa across the face.
[19:39] <Teresa> It is but a token of her queen's love!
[19:39] <Nihasa> "Of course, my Queen. I misunderstood, I beg your forgiveness."
[19:39] * Nihasa quickly drops to a knee again, eyes locked straight at the floor in front of her.
[19:40] <Teresa> "The mortals are fools not to worship you on their own, my Queen," Teresa speaks with devotion. "The few straying will be set on the right path once more!"
[19:42] <Ebiris> "You cannot help but be imperfect, my daughter. I love you, despite your flaws," Malcanthet replies silkily, her voice like the most intimate of caresses to Nihasa's ears. "Now, you four have been marked, and the sacrifical preparations are almost complete - All being well, you will be called to the Prime within the hour."
[19:42] <Ebiris> "Have you any further questions or preparations, speak with Jade," she then gestures negligently to a lillitu with a green halo and silky dress of the same hue. You never saw her arrive, but she nonetheless stands demurely by the throne, opposite the other Radiant Sister who still strums her harp.
[19:45] <Teresa> "I will not fail you, my Queen," Teresa promises, gazing at Malcanthet in worship. "Thank you for this chance."
[19:46] <Ebiris> It is as if Teresa does not exist, the Queen of the Succubi not even showing the slightest indication she so much as heard her words.
[19:47] * Inuga nods to her Queen one final time. "I understand, you Majesty. The mortals will be made to realize the error of their ways, and I relish the opportunity to show them!"
[19:48] <Ebiris> "I'm sure you will do me proud," Malcanthet smiles at Inuga, before gesturing towards Jade. "Now, shoo, you have heard your Queen's command and I expect nothing less."
[19:49] * Nihasa rises and moves to fall into place, waiting for Jade and the others.
[19:49] * Demara bows once more, before walking in the direction of Jade and out.
[19:50] * Teresa moves away regretfully, yet determined to execute her mission.
[19:50] * Inuga turns her attention to Jade, then. This is an important assignment, and they'd best be prepared before leaving for the Prime. The first thing she needs to know from the lillitu, of course, is how large this city is. And whether there are other established cults that may oppose them.
[19:52] <Ebiris> Jade appears as a dark-skinned human woman with midnight-green tresses, however, her cloven feet and the fleshy stinger-tipped tentacles that protrude from her lower back clearly mark her as a fiend. Wordlessly, she walks to a mostly isolated corner of the throneroom once the succubi have joined her, only a pair of seemingly elfin lovers on some cushions perhaps forty feet away to disturb them.
[19:52] <Ebiris> "You're lucky the Queen is in a good mood," she tells Teresa, her tone smug.
[19:53] <Teresa> "Luck is a skill as well," Teresa returns. "And I don't recall submitting to you as well."
[19:55] * Inuga would like to more about their destination, but if her comrades wish to banter first...well, the more she can learn about them, the better! She waits to see if Jade rises to Teresa's barb.
[19:56] <Ebiris> "Oh?" Jade smiles, before as one her tentacles suddenly lash out towards Teresa!
[19:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+32
[19:56] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{39}
[19:56] <Ebiris> OOC: i'm sure that beats your touch AC, so grapple check
[19:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+36
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+36 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{43}
[19:57] <Teresa> OOC: She autowins
[19:57] * Nihasa coughs.
[19:58] <Demara> Demara suppresses a sigh and steps back. Hezrou would be one thing, or Vrock. But this is rather...She suppresses comment, just watching.
[19:58] <Nihasa> "As amusing as watching you two snipe, and roll around, with each other is, we *are* running short on time."
[19:59] <Ebiris> In an instant, Teresa finds herself restrained by a trio of fleshy stinger-tipped tentacles, promptly bent over as Jade uses the fourth to explore beneath her skirt, its sharp stinger moving towards very sensitive areas. "Feel like submitting, or shall I continue, little one?" the lillitu mocks.
[20:01] <Teresa> roll 1d20+17
[20:01] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{23}
[20:01] <Inuga> Well, that seems to be the end of that. "Game, set, match, no?" Inuga observes. "If perhaps you could take your frustrations out on our comrade some other time, Jade..." she starts, as respectfully as possible, "...I believe there are things we should know before setting out."
[20:01] <Ebiris> OOC: DC 27 for greater teleport, so fails
[20:02] * Teresa struggles, before going limp. "Yes. Your great physical prowess is no match for me."
[20:03] <Ebiris> "I am your superior in every respect, and you should not forget it. Others would be less forgiving," Jade replies with almost a touch of regret as she sets the errant succubus down and recalls her tentacles. "Now... you have questions?" she dismisses Teresa entirely and turns to the other three.
[20:05] <Nihasa> "The place or building we're going to be summoned to: has it been completely compromised, or can we use it as our base?"
[20:05] <Inuga> "We should know what manner of opposition waits for us in Dharport," Inuga says as though nothing had happened. "If our Queen's cultists failed, who was it that brought them low? Are there other cults established in the city with whom we will compete?"
[20:06] <Ebiris> "From what I understand, you'll be called to a delightful secret chamber beneath the manor home of the noble lady Kitami," Jade explains as she taps her fingers against one another. "If others know of her secret devotion to Malcanthet, Kitami herself is unaware of their scrutiny."
[20:08] <Demara> "What of the city and area of Dharport? What is it like? Are mortals who would oppose us common there," The blush is gone from Demara, her expression a sl ight, teasing smile once more.
[20:09] <Ebiris> "As to opposition, Dharport is a hub of trade and commerce, and as such is a very powerful city state on the Prime - it has numerous defenders, from those simply in service of the city's rulers, to various churches aligned to law and goodness." The lillitu licks her lips and eyes the succubi appraisingly,
[20:09] <Ebiris> "The reason for our Queen to take this step in sending you is due to a cult of devils rapidly gaining influence - we suspect in the service of Glasya."
[20:09] * Inuga nods. "This is good. If the locals are truly not suspicious, then we can use her home as a base after we dispose of her."
[20:09] * Nihasa nods..
[20:10] <Nihasa> "Do we have any other reliable devouts beyond Kitami in place, or do we know of any devotees of Glasya for certain?"
[20:11] <Ebiris> "No, it would appear that the destruction of our Queen's faithful was done through intermediaries and summoned Baatezu," Jade briefly scowls, her tentacles flicking in irritation behind her. "At least from that end. A few got sloppy and found themselves raided by the civil authorities as well, which did not end well. Consider no one to be faithful to Malcanthet until you have instilled such faith yourself."
[20:13] <Inuga> "Of course," Inuga agrees. "The most reliable servants are the ones you've made yourself. It's more fun that way, too."
[20:14] <Nihasa> "Civil authorities? Hmm, those shouldn't be too much trouble unless they get the churches involved.. What position does Kitami hold in the city? Merchant Noble?"
[20:15] <Ebiris> "She is married to a merchant who bought himself a minor title or some such," Jade waves her hand negligently, as if she doesn't particularly care. "I don't imagine her husband knows of her... hobbies."
[20:17] <Teresa> "How quaint," Teresa comments. "Is she the one summoning us?"
[20:18] <Ebiris> "She is. Sending her soul back here will be your first task," Jade nods as she briefly eyes one of her tentacles, bringing it up close for inspection before she sniffs and flicks a piece of torn leather from the stingertip.
[20:19] <Teresa> "Clearly," Teresa agrees, not reacting.
[20:19] <Nihasa> "Hmm.. Shall anyone volunteer to take her place and deal with the husband?"
[20:19] * Inuga just nods to this. It does seem quite sensible.
[20:20] * Inuga shrugs. "I may as well, unless others are eager to undertake the task."
[20:21] <Nihasa> "Hardly.. I find strength to be far more alluring.."
[20:21] * Nihasa makes a point of looking Jade over with a small smile..
[20:22] * Teresa rolls her eyes. "We can fight over who has the pleasure of it later, once we are on Prime."
[20:23] <Ebiris> "Perhaps when you return," Jade gives Nihasa a condescending smile that nonetheless makes her heart race. "Well, you have asked your questions and I have indulged them. Good luck, ladies." At that, she turns and flounces off towards the nearest exit.

[Ebiris]

[17:06] <Ebiris> There's a faint warning just beforehand. A tingling sensation felt by each of the four succubi that alerts them to the extraplanar summons. Perhaps they could try to resist it, but for what purpose? And so, a moment later, the Abyss is left behind, and the group of demons are wrenched onto the Prime Material through a rip made of corruption and pain.
[17:06] <Ebiris> A moment of disorientation is felt upon arrival, giving the fiends a few seconds to get their bearings and take in their new surroundings. It's a small chamber, perhaps twenty feet wide and forty long. The succubi find themselves standing in a circle marked with arcane runes and abyssal writings glorifying Malcanthet, wrote in chalk and ash.
[17:06] <Ebiris> But they are not alone. At their feet lies a young human girl in her early teens. Tousled blonde hair lies atop a slightly chubby face that might be cute, but will never become beautiful - for she is dead. A cut from her groin to her neck causes blood to pool all around her motionless and cooling nude corpse. Bruises mar her wrists and hips, as if she was forcefully restrained and otherwise abused before her demise.
[17:06] <Ebiris> Three others are present, all humans. They're quite attractive, each of them naked except for a black hooded robe which hangs open, displaying their feminine attributes for all to see. Each carries a ceremonial dagger, though only one of them is bloodied. The two with unbloodied daggers look upon the demons with shocked awe, while the last seems more composed.
[17:06] <Ebiris> "See! Our Queen has rewarded our sacrifice with four of her favoured servants!" she proclaims, wild eyes seen below the edge of her hood. "Malcanthet still favours us!"
[17:09] * Demara does not say a word, instead merely looking at the death branded mortals in front of her.
[17:10] * Inuga takes a look around the chamber, approving of the sacrifice in theory but not giving much else any thought since these mortals are fodder by the command of Malcanthet herself. She stifles a yawn. "Well, I suppose you could look at it that way. We're merely going to kill you, as opposed to torturing you and *then* killing you. You should feel honored."
[17:11] * Nihasa smirks and approaches the one with the bloody dagger.
[17:11] <Teresa> "Kitami, was it?" Teresa asks the one with the bloodied ceremonial dagger as Nihasa comes closer to her.
[17:11] <Ebiris> "Wh-what?" the summoner on the right gasps, her legs shaking. "They're supposed to be our servants!" she cries with an accusing look at the one with the bloody dagger.
[17:12] * Nihasa snaps forward and attempts to grab the wrists of the one with the bloody dagger.
[17:12] <Ebiris> "They're just posturing," 'Kitami' spits with a scornful look at her companion. "Now-" she then cuts off as Nihasa clearly attacks.
[17:12] <Ebiris> OOC: initiative
[17:12] <Nihasa> roll d20+5
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+5 and gets 18." [d20=13]
[17:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 Kitami
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 Kitami and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[17:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 Saeki
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 Saeki and gets 11." [1d20=10]
[17:13] <Demara> roll 1d20+3
[17:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 Rika
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23." [1d20=20]
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 Rika and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[17:13] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[17:15] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[17:15] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20 and gets 6." [1d20=6]
[17:17] <Ebiris> "Perhaps some punishment is in order for this one," Kitami spits as she steps back, her pale purple eyes blazing fury at Nihasa as she gestures and chants arcane words!
[17:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[17:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 27." [1d20=19]
[17:17] <Ebiris> OOC: fort save, Nihasa
[17:18] <Nihasa> roll d20+12
[17:18] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+12 and gets 29." [d20=17]
[17:18] <Ebiris> Nihasa's eyes start to mist over for an instant as the spell hits her, but she blinks and the effect is gone, her vision unclouded!
[17:18] <Ebiris> OOC: Go Demara
[17:19] <Demara> OOC: How far am I from the oppositions?
[17:19] <Ebiris> OOC: you're 15 feet from Kitami, 5 feet from the girl on the left, and 10 from the one on the right.
[17:20] * Demara glances at the close, unreacting girl to the left. Without her defenses up, it'll be like carving up a child. Perfect. With a teasing smile as her rapier comes forth, Demara goes to work on her, dancing about in a flurry of jabs!
[17:20] <Demara> OOC - Strike.
[17:21] * Demara glances at the close, unreacting girl to the left. Without her defenses up, it'll be like carving up a child. Perfect. With a teasing smile as her claws come forth to rip her apart!
[17:21] <Demara> roll 1d20+10
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+10 and gets 24." [1d20=14]
[17:21] <Demara> roll 1d20+10
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[17:21] <Ebiris> OOC: 2 hits
[17:21] <Demara> roll 2d6+2+4d6
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 2d6+2+4d6 and gets 27." [2d6=6, 5][4d6=6, 2, 1, 5]
[17:23] <Ebiris> Despite Demara's alluring appearance, she proves to be nonetheless deadly as she rakes a claw down the girl's chest before plunging the other set into her throat! She gurgles a pathetic scream before collapsing to the cold stone floor, as dead as the sacrifice she just made.
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[17:23] <Ebiris> OOC: Go Nihasa
[17:23] * Nihasa grabs at Kitami as she gets in range, intent on bringing her to the ground.
[17:23] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 35." [d20=18]
[17:24] <Ebiris> OOC: hit, grapple checks
[17:24] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Kitami
[17:24] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Kitami and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[17:25] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[17:25] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+21 and gets 28." [d20=7]
[17:25] <Ebiris> OOC: you've grappled her. You can now either damage her (roll normal claw damage) or kiss her, at your choice.
[17:26] * Nihasa locks lips with her prey with small smirk and hungry eyes.
[17:27] <Ebiris> OOC: what's your suggestion DC?
[17:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[17:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[17:29] <Ebiris> Kitami seems caught off guard by this, her hood falling back to reveal a head full of silky blonde hair as her eyes widen in alarm before they narrow in bliss as the succubus' kiss takes its corrupting effect on her, the cultist's struggles weakening as she surrenders to Nihasa's embrace.
[17:29] <Ebiris> OOC: Go Teresa
[17:30] * Teresa glides over to the mortal to her right, the claymore appearing in her hands. "Find glory in being a sacrifice for our queen," she whispers, lips almost brushing against the woman's ear, before she draws her head back and the massive sword swings down on the mortal's head.
[17:30] <Teresa> roll 1d20+14
[17:30] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+14 and gets 21." [1d20=7]
[17:30] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[17:30] <Teresa> roll 2d6+4+1d6
[17:30] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 2d6+4+1d6 and gets 20." [2d6=5, 5][1d6=6]
[17:32] <Ebiris> The maiden(?) screams as Teresa's sword carves a ruinous path through her exposed and nubile form, tears spilling from her eyes as she sees the fate of her companions and her own impending demise. "It wasn't supposed to be like this!" she sobs pathetically, somehow managing to utter some arcane words even through her hiccoughs as she gestures in the tiny space between her and Teresa.
[17:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16." [1d20=7]
[17:32] <Ebiris> But whatever spell she was trying to cast fizzles into nothingness, and with a heaving sob, she turns to flee, her robes falling right off her as she runs to the closed doorway!
[17:33] <Ebiris> OOC: you get an AoO
[17:33] <Teresa> roll 1d20+14 sure
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+14 sure and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[17:33] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[17:34] <Teresa> "There is no escape," Teresa intones, sword swinging at the fleeing woman's exposed neck.
[17:34] <Teresa> roll 2d6+4
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 2d6+4 and gets 13." [2d6=4, 5]
[17:35] <Ebiris> She's not quite decapitated, but a chunk of flesh is gouged from her neck as she tumbles to the floor before even getting a few feet away, falling in a twitching and heavily bleeding heap mere inches from the sacrifical victim.
[17:35] <Demara> "Is this it?" Demara asks from over her slaughtered prey.
[17:35] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga's turn, although combat's effectively over.
[17:37] * Inuga steps around the pools of blood and frowns at the slain mortals. "Pitiful. If this was our Queen's servant on this plane, we were sent just in time."
[17:38] <Teresa> "It wasn't bad, for a mortal," Teresa muses, looking down at the sacrifice. "And she certainly had zeal."
[17:38] <Ebiris> Kitami seems sadly oblivious to her plight as she returns Nihasa's kiss with ardent passion! Her skin pales even at this act, causing the hot flush of arousal to stand out even more against her flesh.
[17:39] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara, if you want to stab Kitami or anything... I could just declare free action if you want to wait on Nihasa killing her.
[17:39] <Demara> OOC: Iddy can, I suppose. I got one and there's no need to dirty myself with as econd.
[17:41] * Nihasa spins Kitami around and pins her to the ground, taking special care to drive her leg in between Kitami's and gently kissing her along her jaw and ear.
[17:43] <Ebiris> Kitami doesn't resist in the least, her will utterly sapped by Nihasa's mind numbing caresses - even her pained cries at the rough treatment carry a throaty hint of bliss as she surrenders herself utterly to her impending demise.
[17:45] * Nihasa continues to have her pinned while rubbing her thigh between Kitami's legs and whispers in her ear, "Our Queen, she is waiting for your devotion.. Swear yourself to her again, here... And go into her embrace.."
[17:46] * Nihasa increases the pressure of her pin one last time, crushing the life out of her
[17:47] <Ebiris> "Ahhn..." Kitami gasps weakly, "Malcanthet, my Queen, I sw-" she manages before there's a sickening crunch at Nihasa's sudden increase in pressure, the cultist abruptly going utterly limp as she's slain.
[17:47] * Nihasa sighs contentedly as she stands up with a slight shiver and a happy smile.
[17:47] <Nihasa> "So, what's next?"
[17:47] <Ebiris> She also has a wet thigh.
[17:48] <Ebiris> The room you are in is mostly bare except for the corpses and a few golden candelbras to provide illumination. The heavy black-painted door blocks the only visible exit, with a key seen hanging from a hook next to its frame.
[17:49] <Teresa> "The husband," Teresa suggests, turning to Inuga. "Perhaps you would like to assume the wife's form and seek him out around the house?"
[17:49] * Demara clears her throat, eyeing the scene with a slight amusement. "See where we are? Perhaps they'll have something useful around here, unlike themselves."
[17:50] * Inuga peers up at the ceiling. "I gather our late and unlamented summoner has a husband about somehwere? We may wish to exploit him for the purpose of establishing ourselves here. At the least, he should know the lay of the land, so to speak."
[17:51] <Nihasa> "Mm, indeed. The husband should be our primary target. Using him, we can intergrate into the city as we choose. He should, at the very least, be able to tell us the lay of the city."
[17:53] * Nihasa reaches down to Kitami's corpse and snatch up the dagger, inspecting it as she uses the corpses cloak to clean her thigh off.
[17:53] * Inuga nods to Teresa. "It would be the safest way of approaching him."
[17:54] <Ebiris> It's a very high quality dagger, a bright sheen of silver seen once the blood has been cleaned off.
[17:55] <Nihasa> "What are the other major concerns we need information on? The churches and the guards' suspicions, I imagine?"
[17:56] * Inuga pauses a moment to assume the form of the late Kitami (without the broken neck, of course). She maintains her current attire, as it looks fitting enough for a noble. "Absolutely," she says to Nihasa. "Any other established cults should be our primary concern, I think."
[17:56] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow at the dagger and absently offers it to Inuga..
[17:57] <Nihasa> "And of the criminal society of this city? Shall we dabble with them, or ignore them for the time being?"
[17:58] * Inuga accepts the dagger with a curt nod. "They'll be more easily swayed than anyone else here, I imagine," she speculates. "They could have their uses."
[17:58] <Demara> "We can use them if needed." Demara agrees with Inuga, smothering a scowl. "Shall we? The smell of these incompetents irritates me."
[17:58] * Nihasa inclines her head to Inuga.
[17:59] <Nihasa> "They would also be the best source of information for other cults, I imagine."
[17:59] <Teresa> "Lead the way," Teresa tells Inuga, waiting for her to move outside. "We'll figure out the rest as we go."
[18:00] * Nihasa wanders around the chamber and picks up the other two daggers, inspecting them as well, before securing one for herself and offering one to Demara.
[18:00] * Inuga nods in agreement, to both. "Let us leave the stench of their failure behind us then," she says to Demara, heading to the heavy black door.
[18:00] * Demara eyes the dagger and takes it, giving it a once over before putting it away.
[18:00] <Ebiris> Nihasa finds another silver dagger identical to the first, while the last, dropped by the cultist that Teresa fell, is oddly made of steel. Still fine quality, nonetheless.
[18:01] <Nihasa> "We *will* have to do something about that, eventually. That room could be useful if we ever need a secure place to summon another."
[18:01] * Nihasa pockets the steel one for herself.
[18:03] <Ebiris> As Demara approaches the door, her sharp ears can detect noise from outside. Sounds like someone wearing heavy metal armour of some sort is approaching. The others can detect the noise easily enough, too.
[18:04] * Teresa becomes ethereal at that, awaiting.
[18:04] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow at the noise and glances at the others.
[18:05] * Inuga takes the key hanging by the door, but pauses on hearing the approach of armed backup. "Shall I try and talk our way past these ones?" she asks, as Kitami.
[18:05] * Nihasa Inuga's lead and takes the form of one of the other dead cultists.
[18:05] * Demara follows suit, deciding to morph into the third cultist.
[18:05] <Nihasa> "Let us see who it is, first. Talk, if possible. The more dead, the more suspicion."
[18:06] <Ebiris> Nihasa takes the form of the slight blonde haired cultist with her throat ripped out, while Demara now looks like the lithe redhead currently bleeding out next to the sacrifice.
[18:07] <Ebiris> As they do this, they can hear the noise stop. It still sounds some ways away, as if coming from down a long corridor.
[18:07] * Inuga nods and opens the door, meaning to make her way into whatever passage waits outside before the approaching backup can see the carnage inside. *That* wouldn't do at all.
[18:09] <Ebiris> Exiting, Inuga can see she's in a long and unlit hallway. A dark lamp sits on a small table next to the door, while the corridor extends about eighty feet before two passages are seen on either side, with some stairs leading up just a bit beyond that. (more)
[18:12] <Ebiris> At the junction, she can see two people. One is a blonde-haired human woman, dressed in a modest but somewhat elaborate green skirt and jacket and holding a glowing quarterstaff. Besides her... a troll? He doesn't walk with the stooped gait of one, but his vast size and bestial features certainly do mark him. He wears a suit of spiked black platemail and carries an enormous black axe. Just behind them is a grey-furred dog... or perhaps a wolf.
[18:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23." [1d20=13]
[18:12] <Ebiris> or perhaps a wolf.
[18:13] <Ebiris> The human taps the giant's side and points in Inuga's direction, and she can see him hefting his enormous axe while the woman begins casting a spell!
[18:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+2
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+2 and gets 6." [1d4=4]
[18:14] <Ebiris> And where there was one, now there are seven of her!
[18:18] <Inuga> "One of you take the lamp amd light it," she murmurs to her comrades. The real Kitami likely wouldn't have been able to see in the dark. She then strides down the corridor as though she owned the place--which "Kitami" does, no? At least...that was the plan. A troll certainly isn't characteristic of a noble's hired help! This folks clearly mean business, so it's time to turn on the charm and tell this troll exactly how he'd be rew
[18:18] <Inuga> be rewarded for switching sides!
[18:20] <Ebiris> "Kitami!" the woman calls even as she hangs back a bit behind her large companion. "We've come for Mary - we know you kidnapped her, and you'd better not have harmed her!"
[18:25] * Teresa follows at Inuga's side, not really understanding the remark about the lamp, but willing to bid her time.
[18:27] <Ebiris> As Teresa comes into view, the large armoured figure leers at her, while the woman (all seven of her) gasp in horror. "So, it's true - you consort with demons, after all!"
[18:27] <Ebiris> OOC: strike
[18:27] <Ebiris> Teresa glides forward, unseen by all...
[18:28] * Inuga ignores the woman's challenge. She'll obviously need to be dealt with, and her big lug of a companion provides a nice way of doing so! Employing the innate wiles of her kind, Inuga whispers seductive invitations to the troll, soft and hushed but oddly clearly audible.
[18:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[18:30] <Ebiris> The armoured figure seems oddly unmoved by Inuga's invitation, while his companion scowls. "You think we didn't prepare against your stupid enchantments? Fine, then, if it has to be that way, we'll do to you what we did to your guards upstairs!"
[18:30] <Ebiris> OOC: initiative
[18:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 big dude
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 big dude and gets 13." [1d20=11]
[18:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 caster
[18:30] <Nihasa> roll d20+5
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+5 and gets 21." [d20=16]
[18:30] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20 and gets 9." [1d20=9]
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 caster and gets 21." [1d20=19]
[18:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 canine
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 canine and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[18:31] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[18:32] <Demara> roll 1d20+3
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+3 and gets 17." [1d20=14]
[18:32] <Ebiris> OOC: the enemies are clustered about 50 feet from Teresa and Inuga. Demara and Nihasa are back in the sacrifical chamber about 90 feet from them.
[18:33] <Teresa> OOC: Didn't I get 22?
[18:40] * Teresa flies down the corridor, pausing a short distance away from the dog before making her presence known. "Surrender," she tells the mage quietly, "and your deaths will be quick."
[18:42] * Nihasa teleports behind the troll and prepares herself to go hand to hand with something significantly larger than herself... Again.
[18:43] <Teresa> *from the caster
[18:44] <Ebiris> The mage gasps as Teresa appears. "A demon?!" she cries in alarm, while the dog turns to growl at Nihasa. "Your allies won't help you, though!" she proclaims bravely, casting a spell that causes thick strands of some strange rubbery green plant-material to blast forth at both Teresa and Inuga!
[18:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 ranged touch on Teresa
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 ranged touch on Teresa and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[18:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 ranged touch on Inuga
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 ranged touch on Inuga and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[18:45] <Ebiris> OOC: touch ACs?
[18:45] <Teresa> OOC: 13
[18:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 grapple on Teresa (make an opposed roll)
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 grapple on Teresa (make an opposed roll) and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[18:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 grapple on Inuga (make an opposed roll)
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 grapple on Inuga (make an opposed roll) and gets 30." [1d20=19]
[18:46] <Teresa> roll 1d20+13
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+13 and gets 21." [1d20=8]
[18:48] <Inuga> roll 1d20+9
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26." [1d20=17]
[18:48] <Ebiris> Teresa expertly cuts the substance apart with a single stroke of her blade before it can reach her, but Inuga isn't so lucky, finding herself suddenly bound in the supple but strong strands that pin her arms to her sides!
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: go Demara
[18:52] * Demara smiles and teleports to near the woman and dog. She tosses her hair back, "Just try it," she says, rapier drawn.
[18:55] <Ebiris> All seven of the women look back at Demara and scowls. "Grom, if you please?" she tosses her head towards her large companion, who grins savagely.
[18:55] <Ebiris> "They're pretty for demons. Think we can take one alive?" he asks, his voice harsh and guttural as he swings his axe down at Demara!
[18:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 30." [1d20=15]
[18:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11." [1d20=1]
[18:55] <Ebiris> OOC: AC?
[18:56] <Demara> OOC - 35.
[18:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 critfail check, have to get back in the habit for these
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 critfail check, have to get back in the habit for these and gets 28." [1d20=18]
[18:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 99." [1d100=99]
[18:57] <Ebiris> OOC: you can make a sunder attempt on his axe if you want, Demara
[18:59] <Demara> OOC: Sure. How does it work, I never remember Sunder.
[18:59] <Ebiris> OOC: just make an attack roll, you have no mods
[18:59] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[19:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+25
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+25 and gets 31." [1d20=6]
[19:00] <Ebiris> His first strike just misses, which seems to surprise him enough that he badly overextends the next, the haft of his axe making an easy target for Demara's rapier. Nonetheless, he twists it aside to make her blade only glance off, scowling as he regains his footing. "Nimble, aren't you?"
[19:00] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[19:01] <Demara> Laughing as the blow misses, "Aren't you pathetic? You can't even lay a hand on me, and you had a clean shot!"
[19:03] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+12 and gets 29." [1d20=17]
[19:03] <Ebiris> OOC: success, teleport where you please
[19:05] * Inuga defies her attacker by easily teleporting out of her bonds (which, in either circumstances, might provide an entertaining experience, but *not* when adventurers are trying to kill you!) She hangs back for now, close enough to move in and help her teammtes when necessary at least.
[19:07] <Ebiris> Growling fiercely, the grey canine ignores Inuga as she manifests nearby, instead shifting to the side and pouncing at Nihasa, fangs bared!
[19:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[19:07] <Ebiris> OOC: AC?
[19:08] <Nihasa> OOC: -23
[19:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 make a strength check, Nihasa
[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 make a strength check, Nihasa and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[19:08] <Nihasa> roll d20+6
[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+6 and gets 26." [d20=20]
[19:09] <Ebiris> The dog latches on solidly to Nihasa's arm, but finds its fangs can't really puncture her demonic flesh, while its attempt to drag her to the ground is sadly no match for her own strength!
[19:09] <Ebiris> OOC: Teresa
[19:10] * Teresa decides to engage the caster directly, closing the distance between them with a few steady steps. "Taking one alive might be an entertaining idea, for as long as they last," she muses, as her sword seeks to cut cleanly through the mage's shoulder. "Will you consider it?"
[19:10] <Teresa> roll 1d20+16
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+16 and gets 33." [1d20=17]
[19:10] <Teresa> roll 1d7
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d7 and gets 2." [1d7=2]
[19:10] <Teresa> roll 1d20+16 cleave
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+16 cleave and gets 30." [1d20=14]
[19:10] <Teresa> roll 1d6
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[19:11] <Ebiris> *Twhip*, with a single powerful slash, Teresa annihilates two of the illusory duplicates of the mage, prompting a look of alarm from her - and she was already looking pretty shocked when Inuga teleported. "You're no ordinary succubi!" she gasps.
[19:11] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[19:12] <Teresa> "Would you like to find out more for yourself?" Teresa offers, tilting her head ever so slightly.
[19:12] * Nihasa lunges at the troll, attempting to engage it in grappling!
[19:12] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 31." [d20=14]
[19:12] <Ebiris> OOC: success, opposed grapple checks
[19:12] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+21 and gets 36." [d20=15]
[19:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 and gets 30." [1d20=13]
[19:13] <Ebiris> OOC: you can kiss or do claw damage, now
[19:14] * Nihasa shifts her weight and slams him into the ground, pinning him down.
[19:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 make another grapple check to see if you succeed
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 make another grapple check to see if you succeed and gets 30." [1d20=13]
[19:15] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+21 and gets 30." [d20=9]
[19:16] <Ebiris> OOC: higher mod wins, he's pinned. You've got one more grapple check left, which you could use to try and damage him (in addition to the free damage from when the grapple started)
[19:17] * Nihasa stabs her clawed hand into the troll, attempting to gouge out a chunk of flesh.
[19:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 check #3
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 check #3 and gets 35." [1d20=18]
[19:17] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+21 and gets 39." [d20=18]
[19:18] <Ebiris> OOC: roll damage from 2 claw hits
[19:19] <Nihasa> roll d6+18
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d6+18 and gets 19." [d6=1]
[19:19] <Nihasa> roll d6+18
[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d6+18 and gets 20." [d6=2]
[19:19] <Ebiris> OOC: 18? wtf, how did you pull that?
[19:20] <Nihasa> OOC: Uh, unless I did my math wrong. I figured it was right since you didn't say anything about the charsheet..
[19:21] <Ebiris> OOC: just explain how you're getting +18 to damage? I haven't really audited them.
[19:21] <Nihasa> OOC: Think I did it wrong.
[19:21] <Nihasa> roll d6+7
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d6+7 and gets 8." [d6=1]
[19:21] <Nihasa> roll d6+7
[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d6+7 and gets 11." [d6=4]
[19:24] <Ebiris> OOC: wait, just remembered, you're in the form of the human cultist, so you lack claws. It'd be 1d3 unarmed damage. but since you rolled below 3 on your first two rolls I'll just use them.
[19:25] <Ebiris> The large figure seems terribly surprised when the skinny blonde girl hurls herself at him, but not half as surprised as he looks when she barrels him to the ground with a flurry of sickening punches that are sure to leave bruises even underneath his intimidating spiked armour!
[19:26] <Ebiris> Trapped between some rather unfriendly succubi and with her partner otherwise indisposed, the human mage is now starting to look rather concerned as she attempts to cast a spell without dropping her guard against her many foes!
[19:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26." [1d20=18]
[19:28] <Ebiris> She succeeds! A cloud of glittering dust suddenly descends all over Teresa and the section of hall immediately behind her!
[19:28] <Ebiris> OOC: will save, Teresa
[19:29] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[19:29] <Ebiris> Teresa does look ever so pretty with her new sparkly highlights, but she appears otherwise unbothered. "Oh, fiddlesticks!" the blonde curses, looking around in near panic.
[19:29] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara
[19:29] * Teresa brushes her silvery hair behind her ear, admiring the glitters. "Not bad," she comments, before returning her attention on the mage.
[19:31] <Demara> OOC: Am I flanking anyone or the like for Sneak Attacks?
[19:31] <Ebiris> OOC: flanking the mage. Big dude is also flat footed.
[19:31] <Teresa> OOC: Go for the dude, the mage has images?
[19:32] <Demara> OOC: Okay.
[19:33] * Demara keeps her head high as her rapier dances out at the big man(thing)! Her smiles spreads all over Demara's face, laugher gushing out. "Hopeless! You couldn't injure a worm!"
[19:33] <Demara> roll 1d20+10 (-1 CE)
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+10 (-1 CE) and gets 23." [1d20=13]
[19:33] <Demara> roll 1d20+5 (-1 CE)
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+5 (-1 CE) and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[19:34] <Ebiris> OOC: 1 hit
[19:34] <Demara> roll 1d6+2+2d6
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2+2d6 and gets 14." [1d6=2][2d6=5, 5]
[19:35] <Ebiris> The giant figure grunts in pain as Demara stabs him through the gaps in his armour, still strugging with Nihasa's tight embrace. "Arisa, if you've got a plan, now would be a good time, dammit!" he grunts, trying to shake her off.
[19:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 opposed grapple to break pin
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 opposed grapple to break pin and gets 31." [1d20=14]
[19:35] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:36] <Ebiris> OOC: Hatbot, you fail
[19:36] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:36] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+21 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{30}
[19:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 now check to end grapple
[19:36] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 now check to end grapple --> [ 1d20=18 ]{35}
[19:37] <Nihasa> roll d20+21
[19:37] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+21 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{38}
[19:37] <Ebiris> With a roar, the giant man surges to his feet despite Nihasa's tender attentions, but he finds he can't disentangle her entirely, no matter how hard he shoves!
[19:37] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[19:42] <Inuga> "Arisa, is that your name?" Inuga coos. "Your friend's unharmed. There's really no need for you to struggle, is there? I'm sure we can forgive you if you stand down now...and so will Mary. I can't guarantee her safety if you cause us *too* much trouble, though..."
[19:42] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[19:42] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24
[19:42] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{43}
[19:43] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[19:43] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[19:44] <Ebiris> "Uh..." Arisa looks worriedly at Grom and then at the many foes outnumbering and so far outfighting them. "Perhaps we can talk this out, after all?" she manages, all six of her looking towards 'Kitami' in desperation.
[19:47] <Ebiris> OOC: five of her
[19:50] <Inuga> "It *would* be for the best," Inuga continues. "You did break into my home after all," she says, sounding so very injured at this offense, "and it's in your best interest to take every advantage I offer you. And Mary's, of course. Now, drop your weapons and your defenses, please. I do not wish to ask another time."
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Zaff, down," Arisa orders, sounding defeated as she drops her glowing quarterstaff, her duplicates winking away to leave just one of her. The dog growls unhappily but nonetheless backs off from Nihasa.
[19:52] <Ebiris> "If we're not fighting I'm not sure if I mind this..." Grom grunts as Nihasa continues to hang off of him. "But the kid better be okay."
[19:54] * Nihasa shifts her hold into something slightly more.. intimate.. with Grom and gives him a sly smirk, but does not release him from a suitable hold.
[19:55] <Ebiris> Nihasa does find herself a bit startled when Grom slowly shrinks down to more managable dimensions, his equipment following suit. Still, this does make him easier to hold onto. "What have you done with Mary, Kitami?" Arisa asks, glaring at Inuga wearily. "If you've hurt her, even killing me and Grom isn't going to save you."
[19:56] <Teresa> "Who sent you here?" Teresa asks Arisa, sword lowered for the time being.
[19:56] <Inuga> "Oh, she is," Inuga reassures the adventurers, "and she will continue to be so as long as you cooperate." She steps closer to Arisa. "I'll let you see her soon enough. But first, I wonder if you could tell me...who else knows you're here?" And with that, she reaches out with her mind and instincts, trying to render the mage more pliable.
[19:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{26}
[19:57] <Ebiris> OOC: DC?
[19:57] * Teresa looks into the brute's thoughts, knowing that he is listening, and would likely think of this.
[19:57] <Inuga> roll 1d20+15
[19:57] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{34}
[19:57] <Teresa> OOC: DC would be 23
[19:58] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 DC, Teresa?
[19:58] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 DC, Teresa? --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
[19:58] <Teresa> OOC: So close! And yet, 23
[19:59] <Demara> "Hmph," Slowly lowering her blade, Demara grows quiet. It's a pity, she was just starting to dance.
[20:01] -> *Teresa* He's thinking that his current situation isn't so bad, but he's worried what'll happen in a few minutes when Arisa's protection from evil spell runs out and you guys are free to mindrape him.
[20:03] <Teresa> 'Hmph. Protection from evil. And they think it'll save them,' Teresa communicates to her allies, not showing a visible change even as she repeats, "Who sent you?"
[20:03] <Ebiris> Arisa's mouth opens and words tumble forth seemingly even before she has a chance to think. "The two guards we knocked out upstairs and Veronica Braun."

[Ebiris]

[17:00] <Ebiris> In the lower levels of Lady Kitami's mansion, an odd standoff occurs as four succubi parlay with the two adventurers who so very nearly disrupted their summoning. Nearby stairs lead upwards, while two doors are on either side of the corridor where everyone is clustered - one is closed while the other opens into a rather opulently decorated lounge, filled with plush furniture and decadent art.
[17:00] <Ebiris> The corridor extends further in the other direction, mercifully into darkness that prevents anyone seeing the scene of carnage and murder in the ritual chamber itself. The only illumination comes from the fitful glow of a quarterstaff laying on the ground, lighting up a beaten looking human woman who stands above it, glaring weakly at Inuga.
[17:00] <Ebiris> Of her companions, the dog skulks low to the ground, shifting nervously with its ears flattened as it looks between Inuga and Demara, while the armoured orc named Grom stands unresisting in Nihasa's vice-like embrace, beady eyes suspiciously looking between the seemingly human cultists, and Teresa's obviously demonic appearance.
[17:05] <Teresa> "I believe you made the smart choice, and were going to cooperate," Teresa reminds the pair. "Who sent you here? This Veronica Brown?"
[17:06] <Ebiris> "Yes," the woman known as Arisa turns and eyes Teresa with obvious loathing. "She wanted us to look into the disappearance of her daughter - which you've already admitted to being responsible for," she adds, glancing back at Inuga.
[17:08] <Teresa> "And for whose sake you are cooperating, lest the poor thing be harmed," Teresa muses. "Wouldn't that be a terrible shame?"
[17:10] <Inuga> "Mary has not suffered at my hands, and nor would I wish her to. She's my guest, that is all. Veronica makes too much of things, and I daresay she must have some vendetta against me to make such harsh allegations and send armed adventurers into my very home to carry it out."
[17:11] <Ebiris> "You think you'll live very long if she's been hurt?" Arisa snaps. "Leaving aside what will happen regarding your pet demon, the Brauns will certainly bring down the wrath of Pelor's inquisition upon you, even if you've bested Grom and I."
[17:13] <Ebiris> "Why'd you kidnap the kid, anyway?" Grom asks, shifting a bit in Nihasa's grip. "You haven't even asked for a ransom."
[17:13] * Teresa takes a step forward, caressing Arisa's chin lightly. "So much misdirected anger. Can you not find better ways to channel your energy?"
[17:14] <Inuga> "'Pelor?' And what interest could this person have in me? My taste in friends aside, I assure you that I mean nothing but the best for Dharport." She ignores Grom's question for now.
[17:15] <Inuga> (Strike that).
[17:17] <Teresa> 'Wouldn't it be a shame if, during this misbegotten rescue attempt, the wolf tore the child to barely-recognizeable shreds?' Teresa thinks to her allies. 'Unless someone would like to infiltrate Pelor's zealots in her stead.'
[17:18] <Inuga> "I have nothing to fear from any inquisition," Inuga responds, ignoring Grom's question for now. "My odd taste in friends aside, I assure ou I mean nothing but the best for Dharport."
[17:18] <Demara> "Still..." Demara lingers on the world, while meanwhile, 'Not a bad idea.'
[17:18] <Ebiris> Arisa visibly flinches at the contact with Teresa, before she tries to keep all her focus on Inuga. "By kidnapping children and consorting with fiends?" she asks balefully.
[17:19] <Inuga> 'An excellent suggestion,' Inuga sends to her allies.
[17:21] <Inuga> "'Fiend.' Hah. You would hold such biased opinions if you knew her as closely as I do. She thinks only of the pleasure and well-being of our fellow citizens." She nods to Teresa. "Isn't that right?"
[17:21] <Inuga> *would not
[17:24] <Teresa> "There is much benefit in... consorting with fiends," Teresa whispers to Arisa, wrapping her arms around Arisa's neck at Inuga's words. "Quite. Only the pleasure."
[17:25] * Demara eyes the wolf briefly, while mentally activating the magic to change the wolf's disposition to something far more...agreeable to her.
[17:26] <Ebiris> The human woman shivers at the fiendish embrace, her eyes looking furiously upon Inuga. "I may have stopped fighting, but do not test me - call your pet to heel," she hisses.
[17:26] <Ebiris> OOC: DC?
[17:26] <Demara> OOC: 25.
[17:26] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12." [1d20=10]
[17:27] <Ebiris> The dog still seems rather fearful and agitated, but now most of its attention goes towards Inuga and Nihasa.
[17:28] -> *Teresa* Grom's thinking that the battle might be about to start up again with how Arisa's acting. He doesn't particularly like their chances, but will fight if she does.
[17:29] <Teresa> 'It might be best if you called me off now, thus cementing your power over your pet,' Teresa cautions Inuga.
[17:30] * Demara smiles and silkily glides over to the wolf, running a hand over it's head. "Shhh. No need to be afraid," she says to it, cooing.
[17:30] * Inuga nods to Arisa. "Alright, if it will make you more comfortable. Teresa? Leave the woman alone for now. Poor creature finds your company distressing for some reason."
[17:31] <Ebiris> The dog doesn't protest Demara's petting, indeed nudging its head into her hand in a canine comfort-seeking gesture.
[17:31] <Teresa> Sighing theatrically, Teresa raises her hands, sliding back a few paces. She gives Grom a contemplating gaze, then. "Perhaps your friend would be more willing to consort with me?" she wonders out loud.
[17:32] <Ebiris> "If you can pry this one off of me, by all means," Grom replies in his thick, guttural speech, a glance given towards Nihasa who still clings possessively to his muscular bulk.
[17:32] <Ebiris> Arisa sighs, seeming to be taking a moment to regain her compusure. "What do you want, Kitami?" she finally asks bluntly.
[17:38] * Inuga smiles. "I merely want all the people of Dharport to live together in blissful harmony. Just like you, I imagine. You say I should fear the inquisition? I say our goals are not so truly different. Save that I don't kill en masse, of course. It's so easy for someone to become overzealous in the name of 'justice,' as inquisitors are wont to do. Why, look at us!"(more)
[17:38] * Demara takes a moment, petting the wolf while she activates her mental energies towards Arisa. Time to see what's going on in that head of hers! (Detect thoughts, DC 23 will.)
[17:39] <Inuga> "You have forcibly entered my home, beaten my guards, who committed no sin and merely sought to do their jobs, yet here we stand talking peaceably. How many others would be so forgiving?"
[17:39] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[17:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 and gets 28." [1d20=14]
[17:39] * Inuga takes a moment to beam a thought to Teresa: 'Feel free to take Nihasa's place if Grom would find you more agreeable. Don't let him wriggle out in the transition, of course.'
[17:40] -> *Demara* Arisa is very intelligent (int 18), but you cannot probe her thoughts.
[17:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[17:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 and gets 24." [1d20=10]
[17:41] <Ebiris> Arisa flinches for a second, then looks around warily. "Is that why you're still casting spells on me?" she asks darkly.
[17:42] <Teresa> "Spells? And which spell, pray tell, has been cast upon you?" Teresa asks her with a smile.
[17:42] * Inuga feigns confusion. "I did nothing to you, Arisa, nor did my companions. I certainly gave no commands, did I? You suspect us overly much, I think, that you leap at shadows."
[17:43] <Demara> "Perhaps so. The exertion is getting to her?" With a soft smile, "Why don't you sit down then? Rest a little. Your paranoia is running away with your senses."
[17:44] * Inuga nods in agreement. "We have quite a nice lounge through the door here. Wouldn't you feel better talking this over in comfort?"
[17:45] <Ebiris> Arisa scowls, shooting Teresa a very annoyed look. "I couldn't tell exactly what it was since you did it without incantation or gesture - commendable skill, if it was cast by Kitami, but not surprising at all if it was one of your... talents. But I felt it," she replies suspiciously.
[17:46] <Teresa> "Perhaps what you feel for me is not caused by magic after all?" Teresa suggests.
[17:46] <Ebiris> "Look, how about we try and sort this out like reasonable people?" Grom suggests as Arisa seems close to resuming hostilities, her temper visibly flaring at Teresa's taunting innuendo. "You have the girl, we want the girl. There must be something you want, some arrangement that can be made?"
[17:48] <Teresa> "I don't know about the Mistress, but all I want is to be accepted. Can you find it in your hearts to do that?"
[17:50] * Inuga sighs. "Really, Arisa." She gestures to the sitting room. "Sit, calm your temper. We needn't be enemies, truly."
[17:52] <Ebiris> "Stop toying with us and say what you really want, damn you!" Arisa snaps, ignoring Teresa. "Why did you kidnap Mary, and what will make you release her?"
[17:55] * Demara just smiles at Arisa, but waits for the others. It's their toy, after all.
[17:57] <Inuga> "'Kidnap' is such a loaded word. I said Mary was my guest, and so she is. She found virtue in my cause, and so may you if you can calm your foolish temper. It was no doubt her nettlesome mother who proliferated this notion of 'kidnapping.' If *we* made threats regarding Mary's safety, I assure it was what was needed to calm *you* down." She lays on the disapproval pretty thick here--Arisa broke into *her* home, after all!
[17:59] <Ebiris> "You'll forgive me if I remain skeptical until I hear it from Mary herself, hmmm?" Arisa counters, the disapproval seeming to wash right over her.
[18:00] -> *Teresa* Grom seems to think you guys are pretty full of bullshit, but still hopes Arisa can calm down enough to work out some sort of deal for Mary's release.
[18:01] <Teresa> 'Demara could be asked to fetch the child,' Teresa suggests to the others. "And once you had, will you leave, only to return with that inquisition?" she inquires from Arisa.
[18:02] <Inuga> 'Very good,' Inuga beams to the others. 'Demara, will you go...retrieve "Mary?"'
[18:03] <Ebiris> Arisa opens her mouth and then stops, cocking her head. "I'd be a complete fool not to, and you'd be quite right to disbelieve any assurances I gave... A demon isn't something I can just ignore, even if she is only for... personal amusement."
[18:04] * Demara turns and goes to retreive 'Mary'.
[18:04] <Teresa> "I'm not without a will of my own," Teresa says, looking suitably upset. "It is a precious chance to be around mortals, away from the dreariness of... well, the abyss seems to say it all, doesn't it? I would like to respectfully request that Mistress Kitami gains some sort of guarantee that her new friends would not try to send me away."
[18:05] <Inuga> "Personal amusement is not be frowned upon, I think. Everyone must relax once in a while, after all. Now..." She turns to Demara. "Will you fetch Mary?" She turns back to Arisa. "The girl was sleeping quite peacfully upstairs before you barged in. I have no doubt she's got quite a fright from all the noise."
[18:06] -> *Teresa* Grom is thinking 'That wasn't what the guard said...' after Inuga's statement.
[18:07] <Teresa> "There is no need to play games here, Mistress," Teresa interjects at that. "The girl is not upstairs. Please, just deal with these two honestly, so we can remain together!"
[18:07] <Ebiris> Arisa looks to Teresa with some surprise at her outburst, but doesn't say anything.
[18:07] <Teresa> 'And Kitami should have hired less talkative guards,' Teresa adds telepathically.
[18:10] * Inuga pauses for a moment, but decides to make the most of the situation. She nods sympathetically to Teresa and puts an arm around her shoulder for a moment in a touching display of empathy. See, demons have feelings too! What feeling human being would want to slaughter this poor creature, who's just glad to be away from hell itself for whatever short while? "Very well. Go fetch her?" she says to Demara.
[18:10] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga or Teresa, whoever has the better score can make a diplomacy check
[18:11] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30 diplo is go.
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+30 diplo is go. and gets 44." [1d20=14]
[18:13] <Ebiris> Arisa's demeanour does seem to relax a bit from all of Inuga's assurances as well as her heartwarming display of sympathy for the devil (or demon, as the case may be). "Okay... if Mary is safe, I'll hold my tongue about your... hobbies. But her family may not be so understanding."
[18:16] <Teresa> "You've mentioned them before," Teresa says, having every expectation to be clueless about the situation. "They run a temple, then?"
[18:17] <Inuga> "Her family should understand that Mary has her own life to lead and her own decisions to make. I do know that parenting is a tricky balance between tyranny and indulgence but, well, all parents have to let their children go their own way eventually, no? In any case, you'll hear it from Mary soon enough." She subsides and lets Arisa answer Teresa's ignorant query, as such info would help all of them.
[18:18] <Ebiris> "No... but they are very close to the church of Pelor, and have highly ranked friends there," Arisa tells Teresa. "Mary had intended to train as a paladin... which is why this 'change of heart' of hers will not be received well."
[18:19] <Teresa> "Children often give chances where adults would not," Teresa responds to that. "You may see befriending someone like myself and becoming a paladin as inherent opposites, but I am grateful such is not the case for Mary."
[18:21] * Inuga nods approvingly at Teresa's calm rationalism. "Inquisitors may find this a shock, but sometimes the best way to deal with 'fiends' is simply to talk to them on fair terms, you see?"
[18:22] <Ebiris> "I'm going to check her over for any sign that her mind has been clouded before I'm completely satisfied," Arisa warns levelly. "A demon's definition of fair runs contrary to most mortal expectations, after all."
[18:24] * Teresa raises her hands once again submissively. "If the Mistress agrees, I have no cause to stop you."
[18:24] * Inuga nods. "Of course. It's in everyone's best interests that we be open and reasonable here, after all."
[18:25] <Teresa> "Why hire you?" Teresa asks suddenly. "Why not come themselves, or go to the Temple of Pelor, if they have such connections? I don't understand."
[18:27] <Ebiris> "Just so we understand each other," Arisa nods, seemingly satisfied. Then, looking towards Teresa, "They had no cause to suspect you until after I was involved. But I did make sure to report my findings before coming here, just in case Grom and I failed."
[18:29] <Teresa> "They suspect me?" Teresa asks, taken aback. "Are we that commonplace in Dharport?"
[18:29] <Ebiris> "'You' in general, meaning all four of you," the blonde replies, rolling her eyes.
[18:30] <Inuga> 'Perhaps we should ask if the followers of Pelor have unearthed other evil cults in Dharport,' Inuga sends to Teresa. 'Any hints about the devils in town would be most valuable.'
[18:31] <Teresa> 'They are lying, as it so happens,' Teresa comments mentally. 'I believe they came here impulsively, following a trail.'
[18:32] <Inuga> 'Excellent!' Inuga sends. 'They told no one at all?'
[18:32] <Teresa> "And what of yourself, then?" Teresa asks. "Are you a personal friend of Mary's parents? I'm afraid I didn't hear about you from her, if that is so."
[18:35] <Ebiris> "I'm a friend of the family," Arisa answers guardedly. "Mary's a good girl, which is why I find the idea of her running away to join a... a demon cult, very out of character."
[18:37] <Teresa> 'Perhaps,' Teresa responds, frowning mentally. 'I believe it is time for me to go fetch Mary. Would you like to command it, "Mistress"?'
[18:38] * Inuga nods. "See to it. Poor thing must have taken quite a fright from all this disturbance."
[18:39] * Teresa gives Arisa a smile, before flying in the direction Demara had left.
[18:39] <Ebiris> "Didn't that other girl already go after her?" Grom asks in confusion as Teresa flies off.
[18:40] <Ebiris> "Yes... why would two be required?" Arisa briefly seems to be tensing for something, before she glances at Nihasa still draped all over Grom and relaxes, seemingly abandoning whatever she'd been thinking about doing.
[18:41] * Inuga waves this away. "Oh, she's probably got caught up worrying about the guards you trounced on the way in. She is such a good girl, as you say."
[18:42] <Ebiris> "They'll wake up with sore heads in the morning," Arisa blithely dismisses the concern.
[18:45] * Teresa glances into the room, looking around for "Mary".
[18:46] * Demara is there, having cleaned up and hidden the bodies behind curtains. She has polymorphed into Mary, replete with that bit of plumpness that didn't look lik eit was going away easily, even after being gutted like a pig.
[18:48] * Teresa waves her over. "Did you break this?" she asks, before shaking her head. "Never mind. It will be cleaned up. Let's go and meet two very nice people, Mary. Are you up for that?"
[18:50] <Demara> "Yes," Mary smiles with faux innocence, "Lead on."
[18:53] * Teresa takes her hand, and leads the way to the others slowly.
[18:53] <Ebiris> OOC: make a disguise check, Demara
[18:54] <Demara> roll 1d20+28
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[18:54] <Demara> OOC: +2 more.
[18:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+23
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+23 and gets 29." [1d20=6]
[18:55] <Ebiris> "Mary, are you alright?" Arisa asks, taking a half-step forward as the two succubi approach.
[18:56] <Demara> Mary affects a slight blush as she looks at Arisa. "I'm fine," She says to her.
[18:57] <Ebiris> "Wait... what are you wearing?" Arisa blinks, looking vaguely appalled as 'Mary' approaches wearing a black robe of sheer silk that lacks any clasps to hold it together at the front and prevent anyone getting an eyeful of the nude flesh beneath. "Did they make you dress like this?"
[18:58] <Teresa> "What's wrong with the robe?" Teresa asks in what might well be genuine surprise.
[18:58] <Ebiris> "Nothing if she was a few years older," Grom mutters, prompting a brief glare from Arisa.
[18:59] <Demara> "I like it," Mary blushes hotter, though she looks Arisa in the eye. "It's...very nice, don't you think?"
[18:59] * Teresa smiles at that. "It looks very pretty," she comments.
[19:00] <Inuga> "We didn't 'make' her do anything she didn't wish to do, Arisa. As I said."
[19:01] <Ebiris> "I can't really say that I do," the modestly attired spellcaster replies. "Now, I'm going to cast a spell to make sure that your thoughts are your own, Mary," she cautions, though she looks straight at Inuga as she says this. Meanwhile the dog pads forward a few steps towards Mary, sniffing curiously.
[19:01] * Demara reaches out, petting the dog absently.
[19:02] <Ebiris> Arisa begins to cast her spell!
[19:02] * Teresa remains next to Demara, but doesn't interrupt Arisa.
[19:03] <Ebiris> That done, she looks over the apparent child with a critical eye.
[19:04] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[19:04] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[19:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[19:07] <Ebiris> "Mmmm..." Arisa looks somewhat troubled. "Nothing, as far as I can tell..." she gives Mary a pleading look, "Why are you staying with these... people, Mary?" she shoots Teresa a glare as she says 'people'.
[19:07] * Teresa looks hurt at that glare.
[19:08] * Inuga stays silent and lets "Mary" handle things from here.
[19:10] <Demara> "...I like this," Mary approaches a little closer, looking up at Arisa with wide, wet eyes. "I really do. I felt trapped in before, pinned in. But like this, I'm not!" With a growing, confident smile, "I'm happy."
[19:10] <Ebiris> "Happy doing what?" Arisa asks, sounding pained.
[19:13] * Demara smiles demurely, yet with a twinkle to her eyes. "Do you want to know? I can tell you..."
[19:17] <Ebiris> Arisa shakes her head sadly. "That answer is bad enough..." she straightens up and glares at Inuga. "Have you no shame?! She's only a child, you degenerate!"
[19:18] <Demara> "I'm an adult, thank you very much!" Mary protests.
[19:19] * Teresa puts an arm over Mary's shoulders. "Maybe you really don't know?" she voices, glancing at Grom curiously. "Could that be why you reject something so natural?"
[19:19] <Demara> "Maybe she's...envious," Mary starts to smile as well, despite the shown pique over the slight.
[19:21] * Inuga shakes her head at Arisa, clearly confused at how the woman can be so olbivious and uncomprehending. "I simply allowed her to make her own decisions." she turns to Grom. Time to put the guy on the spot. "Do you really find this as distasteful as Arisa professes to?"
[19:22] <Ebiris> "Oh, that's rich. A demon lecturing me over what's natural?" Arisa laughs bitterly. Sighing and trying to collect herself, she crouches down to be on 'Mary's' level once more. "Listen, Mary, I know it seems exciting and makes you feel grown up, but these people are abusing you - you'll have plenty of time for things like this in a few years, but right now is too soon."
[19:23] <Ebiris> "Lady, the girl's on the wrong side of puberty for anyone with a normal brain," Grom replies to Inuga, not seeming overly impressed with these developments.
[19:24] * Teresa moves elegantly to drape herself over Arisa, as the latter talks to Demara. "Then would that make you just the right age?" she whispers into the woman's ear.
[19:24] <Demara> In answer, Mary lays a soft, probing kiss on Arisa's lips. "I am grown up...and this is what I want to do. If you care about me at all, just let me do what I want?"
[19:26] <Ebiris> Arisa's lips remain clenched shut, although her attempt to pull back is stymied by Teresa laying herself over her back. "This is wrong..." she hisses bitterly. "Can't any of you see that?"
[19:27] <Demara> "Can't you see that you're the only one that thinks so?" Mary says innocently.
[19:28] * Inuga shakes her head sadly. There's none so blind as those that will not see! "Only from your limited perspective, Arisa. There's a grander world than you've known."
[19:29] <Ebiris> "The only one in this madhouse!" the blonde fires back, eliciting an indignant noise from Grom. "You think anyone outside of this coven would see it as anything short of abuse? You've manipulated an innocent girl into your plaything!" she fiercely accuses Inuga.
[19:29] <Teresa> "Forcing people is wrong," Teresa says softly, playing with Arisa's hair. "That is why I'm restraining myself, but you need only to say the word and I'll show you that nothing is wrong about this."
[19:32] <Ebiris> "That's what this is all about, isn't it?" Arisa asks Teresa, tilting her head towards the succubus and keeping her lips out of Mary's reach. "Okay... what if I let you keep me prisoner, will you send Mary home, then?" she asks desperately.
[19:33] <Teresa> "A prisoner is such a dirty word," Teresa laments. "Would you like to remain as the Mistress's guest, and my special friend, of your own free will?"
[19:35] * Inuga considers this. "Well, it is an interesting offer. If you stayed here for some time, I'm sure you'd see the truth of my words, Arisa. You would be treated with the utmost respect, I assure you. Mary? What do you think?"
[19:35] <Ebiris> This close, Teresa can almost hear the sound of Arisa's teeth grinding as she wrestles with this dilemma for a few seconds. "Yes. Let Grom go, and he can take her home. I'll stay here, if that's what it takes," she offers, sounding exhausted and beaten.
[19:36] * Teresa sliders her hand down Arisa's cheek, her touch feather-like. "You've made the right choice," she tells the woman. "You will love it here."
[19:38] * Inuga nods. "I'm glad we could come to a peaceful arrangement. Thank you for cooperating with us, Arisa." She makes sure to lay on the warmth and gratitude here.
[19:40] <Ebiris> "It seems I've been left little choice, Ehlonna preserve me," Arisa replies tiredly, shivering at Teresa's gentle caress.
[19:41] * Demara simply bows her head, agreeing.
[19:43] -> *Teresa* Grom seems to be debating whether he should attempt a rescue afterwards or honour Arisa's word. He's trying to figure out what she herself wants but isn't sure.
[19:44] <Inuga> "Well then, that's settled. You'll find the guest quarters quite comfortable, Arisa. And Mary? I'm sorry to see you go, but this is the most equitable arrangement for everyone here."
[19:45] <Ebiris> Nihasa finally slides off of Grom at this point, letting him go.
[19:46] * Teresa lets go of Arisa casually, showing that the woman is not being physically restrained in any way.
[19:48] <Ebiris> Arisa straightens up. "Grom, take Mary home, please," she asks, turning towards the half-orc. "Her parents can deal with her properly, I hope."
[19:49] <Ebiris> Grom nods slowly. "She'll need to wear something warmer than that if we're going out in this weather - where's your normal clothes, girl?" he asks 'Mary'.
[19:51] <Inuga> 'We'll be sure to send you back with something nice,' Inuga sends to Demara. 'A gift to show "Kitami's" goodwill. And a nice detour to take our time and properly condition Grom.'

[Ebiris]

[17:05] <Ebiris> After Arisa made her demon's bargain, the group ascended up from the basement into Kitami's library, finding a hidden door behind a bookcase that led down to her chamber of delights and ritual sacrifice. An unconscious human man in leather armour is seen slumped over by the doorway to the library, though a lack of blood indicates he was only beaten up, not killed.
[17:05] <Ebiris> Finding some clothes in a nearby guestroom, Demara makes herself more presentable before leaving with Grom into the windy and rainy night outside, leaving the three remaining disguised succubi and their reluctant guest...
[17:08] * Teresa doesn't leave Arisa alone much as they make their way to the library, hovering nearby and looking quite pleased. "What shall we do with our guest, now, Mistress?" she voices.
[17:09] <Ebiris> *two disguised succubi, one not so much
[17:09] <Ebiris> Arisa does seem visibly uncomfortable with Teresa's proximity, but seems to bear it with weary resignation.
[17:10] <Inuga> "The first thing to do is find her comfortable quarters, of course." She smiles to Arisa. "She's our *guest* after all, not a prisoner. We have pleasant guest rooms, Arisa, you needn't worry about being locked in shackles."
[17:11] <Teresa> "Unless you'd like to be," Teresa points out, leaning on the mage's shoulder.
[17:12] <Ebiris> "Better me than that poor girl..." the human sighs, shifting away so she's no longer offering support for Teresa.
[17:13] <Nihasa> "That poor girl is quite envious of your taking her place, I imagine. Look on the bright side: at least no one really got hurt."
[17:14] * Inuga nods. Well, the first thing to do is probably find a servant to find Arisa a room and lead everyone there...since none of the succubi know the layout of the house yet. She steps out into the hall to call for someone. Better take care of that guard, too--couldn't have Arisa see "Kitami" and her friends as being apathetic. She telepathically sends a request to see to him to her companions.
[17:16] <Ebiris> "Not physically, anyway," Arisa murmurs peering oddly at Inuga as she calls for her servants. No one seems to be replying, however...
[17:18] <Teresa> "Not physically," Teresa agrees, invading Arisa's personal space once more, if only to distract her from her undue scrutiny of Inuga. "Not at all. How is love wrong?"
[17:18] * Inuga frowns. "No one seems to be about," she says. "Must have been frightened off by you and your friends," she says to Arisa. "I mean, bringing a wolf indoors? It's no wonder they'd flee." She nods to Teresa. "See to the guard, will you? I hope Arisa and Grom didn't hurt him too badly. Poor fellow was just doing his job, after all."
[17:18] <Nihasa> "I'll tend to the poor man here."
[17:19] * Nihasa kneels down to the guard and gives him a quick once-over while shifting him to a more comfortable position.
[17:19] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check, Teresa
[17:19] * Teresa spreads out her wings, smiling at Arisa. "It seems we get to stay together a little longer, after all."
[17:19] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 27." [1d20=7]
[17:21] <Ebiris> "Love can be as dangerous as any other emotion," Arisa replies, seeming to recognise the futility in backing off from Teresa as she simply remains where she is as the succubus violates her personal bubble. "But is it really love when someone can't make informed consent?"
[17:23] <Ebiris> The guard has a large lump on the side of his head, but his breathing is regular enough. He'll probably wake up with a headache, but otherwise doesn't seem in any danger as far as Nihasa can tell.
[17:23] * Nihasa stands up from the guard with a sigh.
[17:23] <Nihasa> "He seems to be alright.. We should have something prepared for the headache he'll wake up with, though. No need in letting him suffer through it."
[17:23] * Inuga ignores the question. "Excuse me, Arisa, I need to track down the help. You'll be comfortable enough in my absence, I hope? You're in good company, I assure you."
[17:24] <Teresa> "Oh," Teresa says, blinking at that. "Age of consent. You humans have that, don't you? I suppose a few years could make quite the difference for a mayfly species." Teresa turns to smile at Inuga as the latter speaks. "I will keep our guest well-entertained, Mistress, have no fear."
[17:25] * Nihasa wanders over to Teresa and leans against her, resting one hand comfortably on Teresa's rump.
[17:25] <Ebiris> "Having trouble keeping track of your own staff?" Arisa gives Inuga a hooded look. "If it sets your mind at ease, neither I nor my 'wolf' troubled anyone besides the guards who protested our presence."
[17:25] <Nihasa> "WE will keep her suitably entertained."
[17:25] * Nihasa smirks.
[17:26] <Nihasa> "Yes, and I'm sure a servant comming across a downed guard might send them running as well, Arisa."
[17:26] <Inuga> "That is a comfort, yes," she says to Arisa, genuine concern and relief evident in her voice. Lady Kitami is a friend to all social classes! Anyway, she exits the room to take a look around the manor now.
[17:26] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga into #evildunes
----------------
[17:29] <Ebiris> Exiting the library, Inuga finds herself in a grand foyer, with curved sweeping staircases rising up to the second floor on one side, while a large wooden door lies to the other. Said door is currently half-open, allowing rain to spatter inside. Seems like neither Grom nor Demara cared to close it. Two doors are opposite her currently, while she can see a corridor running beneath the staircases.
[17:30] <Ebiris> After a few seconds, Nihasa joins her, carrying the unfortunately comatose guard.
[17:31] * Inuga decides to check the corridor below the stairs first. Where else would the servants hang out?
[17:32] <Ebiris> Heading that way, Inuga does find a kitchen and pantry on one side, opposite from the side the library was on, while servants quarters appear to be on the other side. No sign of the servants themselves, however...
[17:34] <Inuga> Even the servants' quarters are empty? Well...time to check upstairs, then. Perhaps they'd be hiding somewhere less obvious...or looting the place, thinking Kitami was about to be killed.
[17:36] <Ebiris> Upstairs Inuga goes! Here she finds several more sumptous bedrooms, as well as a combination study/game parlour, but there's still no sign of other inhabitants. However, everything does seem neatly kept and ordered, no sign of looting. Except one bedroom that's had a closet opened and some clothes spilled out of it by Demara in her quest for clothing.
[17:37] <Inuga> Hellfire. If the servants have fled, they may wind up spreading stories about the attack on the manor to the city. Well, there was still a door on the first floor that she hasn't checked, right? Time to head back down and look into that.
[17:38] <Nihasa> "Kitami, hold up."
[17:38] * Nihasa grunts as she shifts the guard into a more comfortable position.
[17:39] * Inuga stops and waits.
[17:40] * Nihasa strides up next to her.
[17:41] <Nihasa> "We figured it would be better for this fellow not to wake up and see Teresa as she is.. Need to find a place to set him down and wake him up."
[17:43] * Inuga nods. "There are bedrooms upstairs. All of them empty, I should note. I fear the servants may have fled."
[17:44] <Nihasa> "Tsch. Figures. Shut that door and lets set him in one of the rooms. Wake him and see if he knows anything. At the least, we can send him out to round up the other servants with an explination."
[17:45] * Inuga nods. Sensible enough a plan. She shuts the front door and then leads Nihasa to one of the bedrooms upstairs.
[17:47] <Ebiris> There are several bedrooms, one is clearly the 'master' bedroom, with a vast bed covered in silken sheets and a... mirror on the ceiling directly above it. The others are more modest, though still somewhat fancy affairs.
[17:48] * Inuga opts for one of the more modest ones right now.
[17:49] * Nihasa lays the guard out on the bed before look at him speculatively.
[17:49] <Nihasa> "What do we want to tell him?"
[17:50] <Ebiris> The guard is laid out peacefully on the bed. Still quite unconscious.
[17:52] <Inuga> "Thieves broke into the manor? Straightforward enough, I think, unless you've got a better idea." she shrugs. "He's just a guard. How intelligent does a human have to be for such a job? I'm sure we can persuade him that everything's alright through whatever means are required."
[17:53] <Nihasa> "Eh.. We need something better than that.. Arisa *is* going to be staying here, even if only temporarily. Rumors will get started if he sees one of the thieves walking around."
[17:56] <Inuga> "Well, for all we know he was in on Kitami's plans in the first place. I say we just wake him up and scan his mind while he's groggy."
[17:57] * Nihasa shrugs and nods, then leans over the guard and lightly smacks him awake.
[17:57] <Ebiris> The guard is smacked! This doesn't appear to do him much good, however, merely knocking his head to the side and causing his bearded jowls to jiggle a bit. He remains resolutely out of it.
[17:58] * Inuga sighs. "Cold water in the face usually works, no?"
[17:58] * Nihasa shrugs.
[18:01] * Nihasa looks around the room for a container of any kind.
[18:01] * Inuga figures it's worth a shot. She goes to the kitcehn to fetch a pitcher and, if there's no water stored there anywhere, will take a moment to fill it with rainwater before returning to the bedroom.
[18:01] <Ebiris> There's a flower vase by the window. Inuga also finds water readily available in the kitchen.
[18:02] <Inuga> Good enough! Inuga heaves the pitcher to send a splash of cold water into the guard's face.
[18:06] <Ebiris> Splash! He stirs a little, licking his lips and shifting his head, but stubbornly refuses to see the light.
[18:07] * Inuga rolls her eyes and gives him a kick in the ribs out of irritation. "Hop to it, man, I haven't got all night here!" she barks. Maybe the voice of authority will rouse him!
[18:08] <Ebiris> OOC: roll damage if you want to really kick him?
[18:09] <Inuga> OOC: Haha. Sure. What's my roll? 1d8?
[18:10] <Ebiris> OOC: 1d3 + str mod. Specify if you're doing lethal or nonlethal.
[18:10] <Inuga> roll 1d3 nonlethal, obviously.
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d3 nonlethal, obviously. and gets 1." [1d3=1]
[18:11] <Ebiris> The guard emits a pained grunt, rolling over from the force of Inuga's wrathful kick!
[18:14] * Nihasa sighs. "Oh for the love of.."
[18:15] <Inuga> "Wake up, blast you!" All the wiles of a succubus are useless against an unconscious man! Well, maybe a more intimate sort of attention would wake him? Inuga rolls him over on his back again, lays her body against his and plants a kiss on his cheek. What man wouldn't wake up to this?
[18:15] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow at Inuga.
[18:15] <Nihasa> "A mite bit lonesome?"
[18:16] * Inuga scowls at Nihasa. "This is work-related."
[18:16] <Ebiris> Inuga finds she has to hold his head steady to keep it from lolling bonelessly to the side and away from her warm lips, but no matter how much she writhes and titillates, he remains shamefully oblivious to her charms.
[18:16] <Nihasa> "Mmmm-hmmm. I'll bet."
[18:17] * Nihasa bends down and grabs a hold of the man's ear, drawing a breath in before bellowing at the top of her lungs.
[18:17] <Nihasa> "ON YOUR FEET, MAN!"
[18:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[18:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 and gets 19." [1d20=19]
[18:19] <Ebiris> He does shuffle a bit at the screaming, but still remains helplessly comatose.
[18:20] * Inuga sighs in frustration and leaves the comatose guard where he is. Maybe searching Kitami's bedroom will turn up something useful.
[18:20] <Ebiris> OOC: make a search check
[18:21] <Inuga> roll 1d20+13
[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+13 and gets 17." [1d20=4]
[18:24] * Nihasa sighs and follows Kitami, helping her search.
[18:25] <Ebiris> Not sure how useful it may be, but aside from the usual clothes and makeup, Inuga does find a locked jewellery box in one of the drawers, buried beneath various papers that seem to be shipping manifests. And in a box under the bed, she finds an assortment of jewelled silver chains and clamps, along with a whip and several lengths of thin silk rope.
[18:26] <Ebiris> As she searches, Inuga gets a message from Teresa asking if she has the information she needs.
[18:27] <Nihasa> "Seems dear Kitami brought her worship to her husband.."
[18:28] * Inuga nods in approval, and then looks at the shipping manifest. Wouldn't be a bad idea to know what kind of business she's in, after all.
[18:30] * Nihasa searches through the clothing, looking for something that might be functional enough to wear with her armor, yet of high enough quality to be suitable for being a friend of 'Kitami.'
[18:30] <Ebiris> Seems like Kitami's husband's company (Seaend Shipping) owns two merchant vessels that mostly run spices and textiles out of Dharport, and return with gold and wine from a port called Londosi.
[18:31] * Nihasa smirks and grabs the whip, laying it over Inuga's shoulder.
[18:32] <Nihasa> "Perhaps we can test out her toys ourselves, later?"
[18:32] <Inuga> Well, that's good enough for now. "Going to see about persuading our guest to heal the guard," she announces to Nihasa. She peers at the whip and raises an eyebrow. "Later, certainly," she adds with a grin. "Duty calls for now." So saying, she heads back to the library.
[18:34] * Nihasa eyes the whip and rope fondly, with a longing sigh, and then gains a wicked grin, sending a message to Teresa, as she follows Inuga.
----------------
[17:27] <Teresa> 'Could you take the guard into another room before he wakes up?' Teresa requests from Nihasa telepathically. 'It might be best if the servants don't see me this way.'
[17:29] * Nihasa moves away from Teresa and over to the guard, picking him in a fireman's carry.
[17:29] <Nihasa> "I suppose I should find a more comfortable place for this fellow to wake up. Waking up on the floor would be unpleasant, I'm sure."
[17:29] * Nihasa begins wandering off, only to throw a comment over her shoulder.
[17:30] <Teresa> "Of course," Teresa agrees with a smile.
[17:30] <Nihasa> "You two don't have *too* much fun without me, alright? Well.. At least tell me the details later!"
[17:30] <Ebiris> "Stronger than you look, aren't you?" Arisa asks as the currently diminuitive Nihasa hefts the guard with little effort, heading out after Inuga.
[17:30] * Nihasa smirks and continues on her way.
[17:31] <Teresa> "Magic is wonderful, isn't it?" Teresa asks Arisa, before her smile turns devious. "And now we're alone, it seems."
[17:33] <Ebiris> Arisa sighs deeply. "Lucky me. Is this the part where you magically compel me into your devoted pet and ravish me?"
[17:34] <Teresa> "Would you like me to?" Teresa counters with, taking Arisa's hand in hers. "I thought you were going to give me a chance."
[17:38] <Ebiris> "What I would *like* is of no import, here. Lets not mince words - I'm a hostage, nothing more. Don't insult me by pretending I have a choice in any of this," Arisa snaps, yanking her hand back.
[17:40] <Teresa> "But you did make a choice," Teresa is quick to remind her. "Without a magical influence on you. As a mage, I'm certain you're able to tell."
[17:43] <Ebiris> "I made a choice to put myself in harms way so that someone else would be spared. If there were any other options, I'd have taken them, believe me," the blonde argues back.
[17:44] <Teresa> "And the world is not fair," Teresa notes. "We don't always get to pick the option we would have liked to have. Is this really the first time in your life you've realized that?"
[17:46] <Ebiris> Arisa glares at Teresa. It looks more cute than menacing, but she still seems heartfelt enough about it. "Don't lecture me. I've got nothing more to say to you."
[17:48] <Teresa> "Don't be like that," Teresa asks, cupping Arisa's cheek. "We can talk about other things. Mistress is strangely tight-lipped about the city. I would like to learn more of what's outside these walls. Won't you tell me?"
[17:48] <Ebiris> OOC: diplo check
[17:48] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[17:48] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+29 and gets 33." [1d20=4]
[17:51] <Ebiris> "Clearly she's keeping you so your mouth can do something besides ask questions," Arisa barbs. "But fine, if it will satisfy your curiousity - it's a city of greedy merchants, just like your Mistress' oblivious husband. Not as much goodness as I'd like, but certainly enough law and rigidity to choke a demon's spirit."
[17:54] * Teresa lets the barb go past her without so much as a twitch. "Too much law can hardly be a good thing, as it oppresses the spirits of all inhabitants." Quirking an eyebrow, she adds, "Plus 'rigidity' doesn't seem to be a neutral term. Could it be that you disapprove, if only a little bit?"
[17:55] <Ebiris> "I believe in balance," Arisa allows, nodding her head as her tone becomes slightly less guarded. "I find the city to be a stifling environment, although anarchy is scarcely better."
[17:57] <Teresa> "Normally, I would disagree," Teresa admits, "but I am a guest, after all. Balance suits me far better than this stifling environment, or what passes for home." She pauses, as if to think, before asking, "So there's truly nothing to serve as a counter-balance?"
[17:59] <Ebiris> "Against the law, you mean?" Arisa seems thoughtful for a moment, then shakes her head. "Even what I've heard of the Bell Masque says they're a regimented lot, despite their criminal ways."
[18:01] * Teresa nods, before asking thoughtfully, "Bell Masque, Arisa?"
[18:04] <Ebiris> "The thieves guild," the mage provides. "I haven't really dealt with them, but I hear rumours. They're more organised and disciplined than your ordinary band of cut-throats."
[18:06] <Teresa> "It would make sense," Teresa muses, "fitting with what you said about the city." She looks into the mage's eyes, then, smiling once more. "What if I wanted to make more friends? There must be people just like Mistress, who wouldn't turn someone like me away!"
[18:07] <Ebiris> "I'm sure any of the brothels would be thrilled to make your acquaintance," Arisa replies dryly, cracking a faint smile.
[18:08] <Teresa> "Perhaps," Teresa allows, "yet don't you get tired of these pointless jabs? Have you really never faced discrimination based merely on your gender, on what you are and cannot change?"
[18:12] <Ebiris> "I was being serious, for I can't think of any who would honestly welcome a demon into their midst. A brothel madam might be foolish enough to risk it in order to gain something so exotic, however," Arisa retorts. "But I'm sure your Mistress knows better those who move in the same circles as she does."
[18:13] <Teresa> "I'll just have to change your mind," Teresa announces. "And then, perhaps, you could introduce me to your friends here?"
[18:17] <Ebiris> "After what happened to the last one?" Arisa raises a delicate eyebrow. "We'll see."
[18:19] <Teresa> "How can I make you believe me, then?" Teresa asks, curiousity and exasperation warring for dominance in her voice. "I've made my request that you choose to stay, and even though it was the only way I could think of to keep myself safe you probably resent me for that just a tiny bit. So what do I do, now? How do I put your fears at ease?"
[18:22] <Ebiris> Arisa cocks her head to the side, silent for a moment as she seems to be giving honest thought to Teresa's heartfelt query. "Give it time?" she suggests at last. "It seems I'll be here for a while, perhaps with time I'll adjust to the concept of a demon that seeks to do no harm? Words are cheap, after all."
[18:25] * Teresa smiles widely at that. "Time is something I have plenty of it, as it happens!" Even as she speaks, she sends a telepathic query to Inuga, asking her whether she has the information she needs right now. Or just checking whether the other succubus is within range, really.
[18:27] * Inuga sends back to Teresa: "Haven't found a lot yet. The building seems deserted and the guard won't wake up. I guess healing him might be necessary."
[18:30] <Teresa> 'Then our new friend could be of service, perhaps,' Teresa responds. 'I've made all the progress I wish with her at this time.' As she sends the message over, Teresa asks Arisa conversationally, "I only got to see a fraction of your magical ability. What is the extent of your abilities? Do you have a focus of some kind, or you prefer a more generalistic approach?"
[18:30] * Inuga responds: 'I'll be down to ask her momentarily.'
[18:35] * Nihasa sends to Teresa: 'Found some nice toys for you to use in training our new pet.. Seems dear Kitami had a soft spot for whips and rope.. Maybe some leather around the house, if we get lucky..'
[18:35] <Ebiris> "Specialisation breeds ignorance," Arisa replies. "Though clearly if my magic were better we would not be having this conversation," she concludes as Inuga and Nihasa return.
[18:36] * Teresa chooses not to respond to that, seeming to cow slightly the moment Inuga steps into the room.
[18:36] * Inuga returns to the library, and smiles on seeing that her friends seem to be getting along (that is, not killing each other). "Good to see the two of you getting on so agreeably," she says. "Now, Arisa...if I could trouble you for a humanitarian task? I'm afraid I haven't been able to rouse the guard you struck when you broke in. Could I trouble you to heal him for me?"
[18:38] <Ebiris> "Very well," Arisa nods. "Though I checked earlier, his life is in no danger - he should wake up tomorrow, regardless."
[18:40] * Inuga nods. "I'd simply feel better to see him up and about now. We left him in one of the beds upstairs, if you'd like to follow me?" She makes sure to add, before Arisa can grow wary again, "I don't mean to lure you into anything, it's simply the best place to leave a wounded man."
[18:42] <Ebiris> Nodding, Arisa follows Inuga upstairs, her dog skulking up along beside her.
[18:42] * Teresa waves at Inuga and Arisa as they leave.
[18:42] * Nihasa absently runs a hand over the dog's fur as he passes, staying with Teresa.
[18:43] * Inuga leads onwards to the bedroom, simply gesturing to the man on the bed when they get there.
[18:44] <Ebiris> The dog growls at Nihasa, but doesn't press things. Once upstairs, Arisa looks over the wet-faced man and shakes her head for a moment before incanting. "Ehlonna, hear your supplicant's call and bestow your mercy upon this unworthy soul," before tapping a hand on his head.
[18:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+5
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d8+5 and gets 8." [1d8=3]
[18:44] <Ebiris> Meanwhile Teresa goes exploring!
[18:44] <Ebiris> OOC: #evil
[18:47] <Ebiris> Almost immediately he stirs, eyes opening to regard his healer. "Aww, what now?" he groans in defeat, before he spots 'Kitami'. "M-mistress!" he immediately quails, sitting up straighter. "Forgive me, I didn't want to tell them about the secret passage, but they would have killed me, otherwise!" he exclaims, sounding absolutely terrified.
[18:51] <Inuga> "I pay you for discretion *and* security, you know," Inuga comments harshly, idly scanning the man's mind to see just how much he knows about Kitami's activities as well as how many servants the house usually keeps (OOC: Detect Thoughts, yes). "Nevertheless...as you can see, this was all something of a misunderstanding. Miss Arisa doesn't mean us any harm now."
[18:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 DC?
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 DC? and gets 19." [1d20=19]
[18:56] <Ebiris> OOC: what's your DC?
[18:56] <Inuga> OOC: Ack. What mod does DT call for?
[18:56] <Teresa> OOC: has to be 22
[18:57] <Teresa> OOC: Mine's 23 with my cha higher by 1
[19:01] -> *Inuga* The man is currently imagining himself being gelded by Kitami, though your words are inspiring some confusion thats mellowing out the shock value.
[19:01] <Ebiris> "Yes, a misunderstanding," Arisa repeats half-heartedly.
[19:05] <Ebiris> "So... I'm not in trouble?" the guard concludes lamely, looking ever so hopeful.
[19:05] <Inuga> "I'll consider your punishment another time," she continues. "Right now, I need your assistance. The servants seem to have fled in the confusion. I want you to track them down and assure them that things are well here and they can return." Yep, sending him out in the rain. Hopefully that'll sound harsh enough to not be out of character for the Kitami he knows. She keeps scanning his mind all the while, hoping he's calmed down enoug
[19:05] <Ebiris> "Ah... yes, ma'am," he nods, looking very unsure as he staggers to his feet.
[19:06] -> *Inuga* He's thinking this is an odd request, since Kitami gave all the servants the night off and told them to come back in the morning.
[19:07] <Ebiris> The guard scurries out, just as Nihasa enters with her own burden. He gives her a somewhat alarmed look, but doesn't linger around.
[19:08] <Inuga> "Ah, the other one," Inuga says with a nod. "Arisa, if you will?"
[19:09] <Ebiris> "The only other healing spell I have is an orison, I'm not sure if it'll be enough," Arisa admits.
[19:09] * Nihasa tosses the man onto the bed with a huff before turning to Arisa.
[19:09] <Nihasa> "Any others we should know about?"
[19:10] <Ebiris> "Those were the only two guards we saw coming in. Did you have any others?" Arisa replies innocently.
[19:10] * Inuga frowns. "Well, we'll let this one sleep it off, then. Gives me time to think of a more amusing punishment than sending him on a fool's errand out in the rain," she comments drily.
[19:10] * Nihasa growls at the woman.
[19:11] <Nihasa> "After trudging through the rain for this one, I'm in no mood to deal with your attitude, woman."
[19:12] <Inuga> "I'd advise you not to try her patience, Arisa," Inuga advises. "She's a tempestuous one. You are a guest here, but that doesn't give you free license to be rude."
[19:12] * Nihasa gains a wicked grin and cracks her knuckles.
[19:13] <Ebiris> "I'd just expect you would know your own security arrangements better than I would. I assure you I meant no offence," Arisa replies placatingly.
[19:13] <Nihasa> "I'm far less friendly after having carried a person through the cold rain, especially since I had to leave the nice *warm, dry* house."
[19:16] <Ebiris> "Oh, fine, if you're going to be like that," Arisa sighs, stepping close to Nihasa...
[19:16] * Nihasa narrows her eyes at her, shifting her weight to be ready..
[19:17] <Ebiris> Running a hand over Nihasa from top to bottom, Arisa doesn't quite touch the succubus, but is close enough for the warmth of her hand to be felt as Nihasa also feels all the moisture clinging to her from the rain vanishing with the pass of the mage's hand. "Happy, now?" she asks, stepping back.
[19:18] <Nihasa> "... Mollified, for now. I'll let you make it up to me, later."
[19:18] * Nihasa crosses her arms with a smirk, but doesn't totally relax.
[19:18] * Inuga smirks at this display. "Quite magnanimous of you, Arisa."
[19:19] <Ebiris> "You could have done the same, couldn't you?" Arisa replies to Inuga, seeming more to be studying Nihasa as she makes this observation.
[19:20] * Nihasa returns her stare, flatly this time, unblinking.
[19:21] <Ebiris> "Hmph," Arisa looks away after a second. "Well, what now, oh gracious hosts of mine?"
[19:22] * Inuga shrugs. "It's good to see you making amends for your transgression, is all. And I must confess that I wished to see your magic at work. If a woman is staying under my roof, I want to know everything about her, as I'm sure you can understand. Unless you'd like to tell me everything you're capable of, that is?" She leaves the question hanging in the air as she continues.
[19:22] <Nihasa> "Mmm.. Have we decided where she's sleeping for now?"
[19:23] <Ebiris> "You already saw my magic, earlier. If I had more powerful spells, I would have used them, then," Arisa points out.
[19:25] * Inuga smiles. "Perhaps. But I understand you a little better after seeing you use it to aid someone openly hostile to your presence. Now...Well...I think we can all agree that it's been a long night. We must decide on your quarters." She gestures to the room around them. "This bedroom will be satisfactory, I think." She grins. "I'm right down the hall if you need something."
[19:25] <Ebiris> Arisa blinks and looks down at the KO'd guard on the bed. "With *him*?"
[19:25] * Nihasa smirks.
[19:26] <Nihasa> "You can repay him for the unkindness of knocking him out by watching over him for the night."
[19:26] * Inuga waves this away. "Oh, we can move him. Unless you'd like him to stay, of course."
[19:27] <Ebiris> "Moving him would be nice," she replies flatly, crossing her arms below her well-hidden chest.
[19:28] * Inuga nods to Nihasa. "If I could impose on you once again?"
[19:28] <Nihasa> "This better not become a habit. I'm *not* a beast of burden, you know."
[19:28] * Nihasa reaches down and slings the man back over her shoulder.
----------------
[18:45] <Ebiris> Exiting the library, Teresa and Nihasa see two closed doors opposite them, as well as the large front door to the side, the floor just next to it still wet from rain that blew in while it was open.
[18:46] * Nihasa heads towards the closed double doors.
[18:46] * Teresa becomes ethereal just in case there is someone here who shouldn't see her, by chance, and peeks through through the double doors.
[18:46] <Nihasa> "So, did you get anywhere with her?"
[18:47] <Teresa> 'Only time will tell,' Teresa responds telepathically. 'But we have that, don't we?'
[18:47] <Nihasa> 'Indeed. Training a good pet takes time, but I get the feeling it'll be worth it with this one..'
[18:48] * Nihasa swings the door open and strides in, looking around.
[18:48] <Teresa> 'A nice distraction, if nothing else. And a fun experiment at the same time.'
[18:48] <Ebiris> Through the double doors, Teresa can see outside. It's a dark and stormy night, a meandering path leading down towards some open wrought iron gates at the other side of a well kept garden. There looks to be another unconscious guard near the end of the path, not far from the door.
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: which door, Nihasa?
[18:48] <Nihasa> OOC: one of the double doors.
[18:49] <Ebiris> OOC: again. Which one?
[18:49] <Ebiris> OOC: there are two. Left or right?
[18:49] <Nihasa> OOC: The left one.
[18:50] <Ebiris> Opening her chosen door, Nihasa finds herself in a large dining room. The places are unset, everything neatly locked away in the surrounding display cabinets showing various fine china. There are other doors leading to the right and the last room, and to the left towards the hall by the kitchen and pantry.
[18:50] * Teresa moves back into the house proper, headed after Nihasa. 'There is another guard outside. Someone should probably get him or we'll run out of servants before even starting.'
[18:51] <Teresa> And with that sent, she goes to take a look through the last unopened door.
[18:51] <Nihasa> 'Ugh. These humans are begining to annoy me. I'm not some beast of burden to carry their lowly carcasses around.'
[18:52] * Nihasa growls, but heads out to pick up the guard and carrying him up to the bedroom with the other.
[18:52] <Ebiris> Tersa finds through the last door is a sumptously decorated sitting room. There's a large fireplace, currently cold, with various paintings (more family friendly than the ones in the sitting room downstairs) and ornamental weapons and suits of armour displayed here and there.
[18:53] * Teresa shows amusement at Nihasa's grumbling, but doesn't respond. It is time to explore what was overlooked downstairs, for now.
[19:01] <Ebiris> There was only one room unseen downstairs where you were summoned, opposite the lasviciously decorated sitting room. Here Teresa finds a genuine dungeon, filled with various instruments for causing nonlethal pain and degradation. A set of manacles hangs off the opposite wall, while a large wooden triangular apparatus sits off to one side, dried blood visible running down its edges.
[19:01] <Ebiris> A whip that looks far sturdier and more painful than the one in the bedroom is displayed prominently on one of the walls, along with numerous imitation phalluses of various sizes.
[19:05] <Teresa> Kitami might have been a halfway decent worshipper after all. Teresa does find herself questioning the logic of killing her outright. Well, perhaps her queen knew best; it is moot now. She shifts into her human guise, becoming visible, and heads back upstairs towards the entrance.
[19:09] <Ebiris> As she exits the library, Teresa can just see the front door closing.
[19:10] * Teresa takes a look, opening it out of sheer curiousity.
[19:11] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Teresa can see the guard she saw earlier by the door of the library staggering down towards the gates. He's a lot less unconscious, now, but still seems unsteady on his feet.
[19:12] <Teresa> 'One of the guards seems to be getting away,' Teresa notes calmly to Inuga, her hand reaching for the hilt of her sword. 'Should I put a stop to that?'
[19:14] * Inuga sends to Teresa: 'Well, I told him to go find the servants; of course, reading his mind, it turns out Kitami sent them away for the night. I don't think you need to hurt him. It may be best to play my sending him out in the rain as one of Kitami's little head games.'
[19:15] <Teresa> 'If you think so,' Teresa allows, nevertheless relaxing. 'I'll go take a short walk around town. Back in an hour or so?'
[19:15] <Inuga> 'Of course."
[19:18] * Teresa departs after the man, following him from a distance while keeping the location of the mansion in mind. The rain doesn't really bother her, and all she needs to do is keep track of time as she takes a better look around at the neighborhood.

[Ebiris]

While Arisa cools her heels in one of the guest rooms, while the other three succubi explore the surrounding city, Inuga busies herself by searching Kitami's mansion for useful information on her station in society. This takes several hours, since it's a pretty big mansion, but by the end of it she's discovered a few things of use.

In the study, she finds an invitation from a Rika Torbes inviting Kitami and her husband to a ball being held to celebrate Earl Torbes' birthday - the date given for the event is a little over a week away. A reply from Kitami on her husband's stationary (which identifies her husband as Baronet Davos Reese, Order of the Gilded Laurel) confirms that both will attend, but has not yet been signed.

Little other correspondence is in evidence there, although in a wastebasket Inuga does find a torn up piece of paper which is easy enough to reassemble, revealing itself as a letter from a Saeki Inara, who refers to Kitami as her 'dearest elder sibling' and expresses how much she is looking forward to visiting and having fun together while the Baronet is on his trip to Mazten, and reminding Kitami to stock up on healing potions because last time she wasn't able to walk properly for days afterwards and it was a dreadful embarrassment. This letter is dated the day before yesterday.

In one of the servants quarters, she then finds a diary hidden beneath the mattress. It's rather dull reading... at first. After a few months charting the banal day to day existence of one Albany Hearthwist, things pick up when she takes employment as a maid at the Reese estate. A few days after starting her new job, an entry written in particularly shaky hand goes over how she had her chastity stolen by the good Baronet, and things only go worse from there. Seemingly afraid to make a fuss for fear of losing her job, she endures week after week of abuse and degradation from seemingly everyone in the mansion - indeed, often several at the same time. Oddly, she seems to develop an odd fixation on Kitami over the course of these events - something she herself seems to recognise as bizarre, but at the same time she feels powerless against the strong affection that the lady of the house seems able to inspire in her so easily, despite all the humiliation and pain she lays on.

That's about it as far as correspondence goes. In more tangible matters, Inuga does find several items that might be useful. In the kitchen, she finds a glass cabinet containing several helpfully labelled potions (4x Cure Light Wounds, 1x Cure Serious Wounds, 2x Lesser Restoration, 2x Remove Disease, 1x Neutralise Poison) and in the master bedroom she finds a hidden safe behind a painting of a seaside village - she can't find the key, however.

[Ebiris]

[18:59] <Ebiris> With the wind blowing fiercely while rain spatters down over the land, there's not really much of Dharport to see from the mansion - it seems to be set on a gently rising hill on one side of the city, with a few other estates of similar stature seen nearby.
[18:59] <Ebiris> Down the hill she can barely see much of the city itself with the rain and general lack of light - vague shadows of buildings with flickering lights here and there don't give much to go on, although a tall lighthouse is seen in the distance, some bright magical light atop it projecting out to sea.
[18:59] <Ebiris> At the edge of the garden, she can just see the fleeing guard close the wrought iron gate behind him as he starts down a cobbled path towards more densely packed buildings where the slope levels out.
[19:02] * Teresa decides to follow him for the time being. The names of Kitami's neighbors interest her to a degree, but for now she finds it more interesting to see where the guard would go.
[19:08] <Ebiris> The guard walks briskly, not looking back as he holds his arms tightly around his chain torso for warmth - he doesn't really look dressed for this weather. The street he moves onto is fairly wide, the odd tree seen here and there to presumably brighten things up a bit during the summer, although right now they're merely shaking skeletal remnants.
[19:08] <Ebiris> Seems to be a nice area, unsurprising this close to where the nobles seem to live. Various narrow alleyways snake off the main street at irregular intervals. In short order, the man stops at a rustic lodge-type building with a large balcony over the entrance. Its one of the few places showing light from within, and bears a signboard above the door showing a fattened boar with blue skin. Opening the door, he heads inside, closing it behind him.
[19:08] <Ebiris> closing it behind him.
[19:10] * Teresa gives it a bit of time, checking her appearance, and then enters the building herself as she adopts a fairly miserable expression.
[19:15] <Ebiris> Inside Teresa finds herself in a fairly large common room, though business does not seem especially brisk. Kitami's guard is seen on a stool by the roaring fire, giving the middle-aged serving wench a swat on her expansive rear as she walks past. A heavily built bald dwarf props up the bar, talking to the disinterested seeming barkeep who seems more busy cleaning the tankards.
[19:15] <Ebiris> The only other occupants are a young elf dressed in mud-caked clothes that may be silk beneath all the grime, humming a little ditty to himself as he restrings a lute, and two humans and a halfling playing a card game over in the corner.
[19:17] <Ebiris> The guard's attention at least is diverted from the serving wench when Teresa enters, as is the barkeep's - the dwarf doesn't seem to notice the shift in attention from his conversation partner, but then he didn't seem overly interested in the dwarf before, anyway.
[19:19] * Teresa lets her eyes go over the patrons, not paying the guard any special attention above the tavern's other occupants, before she makes her way over to the elf. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" she asks, indicating the spot next to him.
[19:23] <Ebiris> The elf looks up, his dark brown eyes looking over Teresa with appreciation before he speaks, "If it was I would surely have to eject the previous occupant to make room for a lovely maiden such as yourself, my dear," he replies, chuckling softly. "My name is Lantis Solbel, might I have the pleasure of yours?"
[19:25] <Teresa> "Teresa," she offers, thanking him with a smile as she sits down. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
[19:29] <Ebiris> "Teresa..." he repeats, smiling winsomely. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Pray tell, dear Teresa, what brings a fair lass such as yourself to this den of rogues at such a late hour?" Nearby you can hear the bartender snort, while his dwarven friend continues to prattle on about the legendary engravings of his clanhome.
[19:31] <Teresa> "The storm, I'm afraid," she says, laughing a bit. "A fairly mundane reason, wouldn't you say? I think I got lost, just a tiny bit, and then I couldn't find a place to get away from the rain."
[19:36] <Ebiris> "Some might call storms mundane, but not I," Lantis shakes his head sollemnly. "Not after witnessing the wrath of Vogan's stormcallers. Have you ever seen such, sweet Teresa? Wild men and women, at one with nature but no friends of the emerald forest I call home..."
[19:36] <Ebiris> "When slighted, their anger is terrible to behold, calling forth unnatural tempests out of clear skies, shrieking their outrage in cacaphonous concert with the howling of wind and clap of thunder... After witnessing a storm such as that, you'd be wise never to trust a gathering of dark clouds, and seek shelter at the first opportunity." he concludes gravely, his eyes meeting Teresa's with grim intensity.
[19:39] <Teresa> Teresa's eyes widen at the impromptu speech. "I'm afraid I haven't seen this," she tells Lantis. "Then is that also why you're here right now? Taking shelter from the dark clouds?"
[19:42] <Ebiris> His eyes sparkle. "Aye, perhaps. For it is true that I once gave grave offence to one of the Stormcallers by stealing away an unjust sacrifice that they had demanded from a poor human village. He cursed me for that, swearing that I would suffer the fate they would have inflicted upon that village..."
[19:42] <Ebiris> He glances meaningfully over to the door, "I've managed to keep one step ahead so far, but one never knows when Vogan's wrath could come calling..."
[19:46] <Teresa> "It sounds like quite the story," Teresa muses, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her left ear as she turns to face Lantis more fully. "Would you consider sharing more of it, perhaps over some wine?"
[19:49] <Ebiris> "Nothing would please me more," Lantis smiles warmly, gesturing to the barkeep. "Barnard, a bottle and two glasses of your Londosi Firewine - the seventy four vintage, if you please, my good man." Obligingly, the bartender reaches under the bar and produces a bottle and two goblets, before handing them to the serving wench who deposits the wine at your table by the bar.
[19:50] * Teresa takes the bottle, deciding to serve the wine to them both as Lantis talks.
[19:51] <Ebiris> "Ahh, excellent," Lantis nods in approval as Teresa pours their drinks, raising his goblet to her. "A toast, then - to sunny days!" he laughs, before taking a gulp. "Ahhh, a fine vintage if ever there was one."
[19:53] * Teresa raises a goblet to her lips, tasting of the wine. "To making friends," she toasts in turn.
[19:56] <Ebiris> The wine isn't really bad, but to the jaded palate of a demon used to the hedonistic delights of Shendilvari, it's really nothing close to special. "And perhaps more," the elf smiles, settling back in his chair.
[19:56] <Ebiris> "Now, it all happened two years ago, in a little human village on the edge of the Emerald Forest called Glinhome. I was simply passing by, bringing delight to the people with song and story, when a dark pall fell over this humble hamlet..."
[19:58] * Teresa returns the smile easily, listening intently to the tale.
[20:03] <Ebiris> And what a tale it is! Even Teresa can't help but be taken in by the story weaved by this elf, of openly defying the gods, gambling everything on a risky plan that could just as easily doom the village as save it, before he emerged triumphant and leaving the all powerful Stormcaller cursing in impotent fury.
[20:03] <Ebiris> By the time he finishes, the bottle is almost drunk dry, and Lantis smiles invitingly to Teresa as he stands up and offers his hand, "My dear, the hour draws late, but I have many more tales I could share. Perhaps we could retire to my room and continue our discussion in more comfort?"
[20:06] * Teresa takes his hand, demurely at first before her grip becomes stronger. She uses it to help her stand up as well, giving Lantis another smile. "Comfort and the heroics of battling against the gods themselves? It does sound tempting indeed."
[20:09] <Ebiris> "Ah, I merely tested myself against Vogan's servants that day, but I dare say the Master of Tempests would love to take his revenge for being denied what he considers his due," Lantis agrees, wrapping an arm around Teresa's waist as he leads her towards the stairs leading upwards.
[20:13] * Teresa leans against him ever so slightly as she walks. "You must be always on your guard, then, and deny him his petty revenge."
[20:16] <Ebiris> "Perhaps," he allows, tone slightly mirthful as the pair ascend, "But is not a life always on guard a sad thing? To lose my zeal would simply give my enemies another form of victory." Pausing outside one of the doors on the second floor, he crooks a finger beneath Teresa's chin, tilting her face upwards towards his own as his voice lowers, his lips approaching hers, "More important, I think, is to take pleasure in every moment of life..."
[20:18] * Teresa takes the initiative, meeting him halfway. "I couldn't agree more," she tells him breathlessly upon parting.
[20:25] <Ebiris> ---------

[Ebiris]

[14:57] <Ebiris> Only pausing to get some more appropriate attire from one of the guest rooms of Kitami's mansion - though it's a poor fit on Demara's current form - she and Grom depart into the blustery wind and rain of Dharport, the darkened city spread out before them past the edge of Kitami's not-so-secret garden.
[14:57] <Ebiris> Passing by another unconscious guard, the duo head out through the main gate, Grom lingering close to his seemingly young charge, though walking with a somewhat hurried pace.
[15:00] * Demara takes a far more relaxed saunter, just keeping pace for the moment and observing Grom.
[15:07] <Ebiris> Grom does occassionally glance at Demara. And sometimes back at the road behind them. But he doesn't seem especially eager to chat, merely hurrying along through the dark streets - the occassional armoured guard is seen bearing a torch, and the odd homeless person slumped over in an alley, but neither category causes any interruption to the journey.
[15:10] <Demara> As Grom goes, Demara silently decides to get to work. First, time to charm him. OOC - DC 24 Charm Monster.
[15:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[15:11] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[15:13] <Ebiris> "Nearly there," Grom speaks up shortly after you charm him. "Dunno what your parents will think if they know what you've been playing at with your new friends, though. Might want to keep that secret," he suggests.
[15:14] <Demara> "Mmmm. Oh, Grom," Glancing around, Demara slows. "Aaah, just a moment," she makes a show of wincing, kneeling down to rub her ankle. As she does, she idly begins to scan his thoughts. OOC - DC 23 detect thoughts.
[15:16] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[15:16] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6." [1d20=2]
[15:20] <Ebiris> He's hoping Mary's parents won't ask too many questions about what happened, and thinking he can just quickly drop you off then skedaddle. He's even debating forgoing payment, or at least waiting till Arisa's out of her current jam so she can deal with that stuff, since she knows your family better.
[15:20] <Ebiris> "Sore ankle?" he looks down sympathetically. "I'd carry you, but that'd probably hurt," he idly flicks a finger on one of the sharp armour spikes he wears. "Come on, not far to go now, anyway."
[15:25] * Demara rises, having decided on her course for now. "Of course," she murmurs, keeping a tab on his thoughts and following along.
[15:30] <Ebiris> He's mentally debating whether to try and rescue Arisa, since he's really unsure what she was planning with that - in his opinion - stupid deal. With such thoughts, the duo arrive at a finely built townhouse in a seemingly upscale area - there's a burbling fountain in the centre of the square just adjacent, and some nearby large buildings that might be churches. Stopping at the door, he spends a moment pounding his fist on it.
[15:32] * Demara bows her head and waits. Oh, this should be good.
[15:37] <Ebiris> It takes half a minute or so before the door opens to reveal a woman looking a bit like Mary, except older. She's short in comparison to Grom, but carries herself with a commanding presence that the orc lacks, even dressed in what looks like a houserobe. "Grom, you're back," she begins, before spotting the other person present. "Mary! Oh, thank the Gods you're safe!" she promptly steps forward and kneels down to hug the disguised succubus.
[15:38] <Ebiris> succubus.
[15:44] <Demara> "Mother..."  Demara murmurs, idly focusing detect thoughts on her now to see what she's thinking. Oh, sure, once she gets past thank god her 'daughter' is safe land it might be interesting.g
[15:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[15:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8." [1d20=4]
[15:48] <Ebiris> There's lots of overwhelming relief at her daughter's safety, yes. "Come on, lets get you in out of the rain," she ushers Demara into the hallway, while Grom awkwardly follows behind. "Dear! It's Mary!" she calls into the house, causing a tanned human male with dark brown hair to emerge from a neighbouring room.
[15:48] <Ebiris> "Mary! I knew Arisa and Grom would bring you back to us!" he exclaims happily, looking down with paternal affection.
[15:50] * Demara bows her head down again, this time focusing on the tanned man with detect thoughts. "It's good tos ee you again."
[15:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[15:50] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 3." [1d20=1]
[15:52] <Ebiris> Likewise, lots of relief. "You're okay, right?" the mother asks as she gives Demara a thorough examination, "She didn't hurt you, did she?"
[15:53] <Ebiris> OOC: disguise check?
[15:53] <Demara> roll 1d20+28
[15:53] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[15:54] <Ebiris> OOC: can't win even with bonuses, so nevermind that
[15:55] <Ebiris> OOC: anyway, feel free to respond
[15:57] <Demara> "No, of course she didn't hurt me," Demara keeps her head bowed. "I'm fine."
[15:59] <Ebiris> "That's good," the woman sighs in heartfelt relief. Her husband, however, seems to pick up on one problem.
[15:59] <Ebiris> "Grom, where's Arisa?" he asks, eyeing the somewhat bruised half-orc.
[16:00] <Ebiris> "Ah, she's... cleaning things up," Grom replies with some hesitancy. "I should... I should probably go back and help her. We can worry about payment later," he nods, backing away towards the door.
[16:01] <Demara> "She was so nice," Demara murmurs agreeably to that. "Mother, Father?"
[16:02] <Ebiris> "Yes, Arisa's a good friend," the woman agrees, neither of them seeming to protest as Grom opens the door and slips out. "What is it, sweetie?" she then asks, still smiling at her 'daughter'.
[16:09] <Demara> "Is anyone else here?" Demara asks.
[16:10] <Ebiris> "No..." Mary's mother cocks her head a bit curiously at Demara. "Why, sweetie?"
[16:15] <Demara> "Oh, I had just wondered if you had guests over," she murmurs.
[16:16] <Ebiris> "It's hard to feel hospitable when we're so worried about you, Mary," the mother replies, starting to gently guide Demara up the stairs. "Are you sure you're alright, though?"
[16:19] <Demara> Hmph. Easy info gathering won't be quite so easy then. But then again, no intereference. Idly turning on detect thoughts on her mother again as she follows, "Did anything happen while I was gone?"
[16:23] <Ebiris> Demara finds herself guided into one of the upstairs rooms, the woman collecting a lantern in the hall to light it as they enter. "Arisa dropped by to visit, but I suppose you know that already, don't you?" she smiles wanly, her thoughts starting to stray as she wonders what Grom meant by 'cleaning up', and deciding she's probably better not knowing.
[16:23] <Ebiris> The room they enter is an odd mish-mash of girly paraphenalia, and little models of armoured knights and a weathered looking wooden practice sword leaning against the nightstand.
[16:28] * Demara resists a chuckle. THIS is what a paladin to be's virginal room looks like? How utterly pathetic. "Of course, Mother. Ah, I'm tired," she says, looking to the bed, while keeping her thoughts detected. "But Grom was most helpful to us."
[16:28] <Demara> OOC - STrike.
[16:28] * Demara resists a chuckle. THIS is what a paladin to be's virginal room looks like? How utterly pathetic. "Of course, Mother. Ah, I'm tired," she says, looking to the bed, while keeping her thoughts detected. "But Grom was most helpful to me, wasn't he?"
[16:30] <Ebiris> "He's nicer than he looks, yes," Mary's mother smiles, thinking that he does actually look pretty scary. "Anyway, you just rest, sweetie. It's late and you've had a rough time. We'll talk in the morning." Leaving the lantern inside, she closes the door behind her as she leaves.
[16:31] <Demara> Demara goes to lie in the bed. Hm. It'll probably wont' be overly long before those two are asleep. For now, Demara decides to wait a bit. Also, does she have an idea of what time ti is?
[16:32] <Ebiris> OOC: if you have ranks in survival, now is the time to use them
[16:32] <Demara> OOC: Nope!
[16:33] <Ebiris> Demara has not a clue what the time is. It's dark, though, but it also appears to be wintertime, so that covers a lot of potentials.
[16:33] * Demara settles in to wait for a bit and listen, to see if she can hear when the house goes quiet and those two mortals are asleep.
[16:34] <Ebiris> It doesn't take too long, she can hear muffled conversation down the stairs for a few moments, before footsteps coming up and entering an adjacent room. All is quiet shortly after...
[16:35] * Demara waits a few minutes more than silently rises up. She'll start by a quick little search of this room, in case the brat had anything useful in it.
[16:36] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[16:36] <Demara> roll 1d20+9
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+9 and gets 28." [1d20=19]
[16:38] <Ebiris> There's not much of any relevance to a demon on a mission of corruption, really. Dolls, toys, storybooks... and field tactics manuals and guides to swordplay, too. About the most interesting thing she finds is two silver coins and fourteen coppers in the sock drawer.
[16:39] * Demara shrugs and takes the money. Mortal coin's not of any interest to her, but it could be useful. Next, she quietly sneaks out of her room and looks around the hall outside.
[16:39] <Ebiris> OOC: move silently
[16:39] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[16:39] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[16:41] <Ebiris> In the hallway she can see three other doors (one labelled 'toilet'), and stairs leading both up and down. The up stairs seem to lead to a trap-door in the ceiling.
[16:42] * Demara discreetly creeps down, going to the first non toilet door and cracking it open quietly.
[16:43] <Ebiris> roll 2#1d20
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2#1d20 and gets 38." [2#1d20 = 18, 20]
[16:44] <Ebiris> The door emits a soft creak as it's opened, and that seems to be enough, as she can see the two lumps beneath the bedcovers within the room shift, and the mother's head pokes up. "Mary, sweetie... is that you?" she asks, blinking blearily towards the door.
[16:45] <Demara> "...Sorry, Mother," 'Mary' says softly, closing the door. SHe keeps her voice low and weak, just like how a little child should likely sound, and then closes the door. After just a moment, she hurries along to the toilet room and goes in.
[16:47] <Ebiris> There are no cries of 'demon betrayer!' nor any pursuit, so it would seem she got away with it? The toilet appears to be little more than a wooden closet, a hole in the main feature seeming to drop straight down into murky blackness.
[16:48] * Demara waits a minute or two, before creeping back out into the main hallway.
[16:48] <Ebiris> Demara finds her progress unimpeded!
[16:48] * Demara goes to the third door and takes a peek, sneaking along!
[16:50] <Ebiris> Looking inside the third room, Mary can see another bedroom, this one unoccupied and altogether rather bare.
[16:50] <Ebiris> OOC: listen check
[16:51] <Demara> roll 1d20+17
[16:51] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+17 and gets 35." [1d20=18]
[16:51] <Ebiris> As she peers into this room, Demara can hear something coming up the stairs behind her. Whatever it is, it's very quiet and light-footed.
[16:53] * Demara slips into the room and almost entirely closes the door, using the chance to see and spy on whatever's coming up.
[16:53] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[16:54] <Demara> roll 1d20+21 and I have fun darkvision and the like, too.
[16:54] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+21 and I have fun darkvision and the like, too. and gets 36." [1d20=15]
[16:56] <Ebiris> Peeking through the crack in the door, Demara can see her sneaky shadow... is a cat. A rather fuzzy-furred stripy housecat that slinks its way up onto the second floor hallway and curls up on the carpet at the top of them.
[16:58] * Demara surpresses a sigh and then takes a moment to give this room a once over, just in case.
[16:58] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[16:58] <Demara> roll 1d20+9
[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22." [1d20=13]
[16:59] <Ebiris> The room is mostly bare, but Demara does happen to find a piece of dusty paper that had seemingly fallen behind the headboard of the bed. It's covered in draconic writing and arcane formula.
[17:00] * Demara takes a moment to invoke detect magic, just in case.
[17:01] <Ebiris> The paper radiates faint magic.
[17:02] * Demara pockets it for now and then goes to creep downstairs.
[17:04] <Ebiris> As she passes, the cat seems to rouse itself, butting its head against her calf as she steps foot on the stairs and purring loudly.
[17:05] * Demara keeps going downstairs, glancing at the cat. Unless this kitty's radiating magic, there's really no interest in it.
[17:06] <Ebiris> It's not magic. It follows her down a few steps then seems to give up as she ignores it and reaches the bottom of the stairs. Here she can see a two doors beside the front door she came in by.
[17:07] * Demara goes to check those two doors.
[17:09] <Ebiris> Door number one is opposite the front door, beneath the stairs, and happens to be locked. The other door opens into a sitting room with a large fireplace and several comfy looking chairs, as well as a writing desk to the rear. There's another door here, too, this one open and leading to a kitchen.
[17:11] <Demara> The locked room is interesting. Very interesting by it's very nature. Demara goes Ethereal, passing through the door.
[17:12] <Ebiris> Bypassing such mundane features as doors, Demara finds herself now in what appears to be an alchemist's lab - lots of beakers and jars and tubes and things like that. Several clay jars line one of the shelves, and she can detect two sources of faint magic from one of the drawers under the worktable.
[17:13] * Demara stays etherial and goes to check out the magical sources first, eyeing them as she gets closer.
[17:13] <Ebiris> OOC: spellcraft?
[17:15] <Demara> roll 1d20+5 don't Alicia
[17:15] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+5 don't Alicia and gets 20." [1d20=15]
[17:17] <Ebiris> Demara can detect conjuration from one and necromancy from the other.
[17:17] * Demara opens the drawer with conjuration, curious as to what's within.
[17:18] <Ebiris> They're both in the same drawer, actually. Opening it up, she finds a pair of scrolls covered in arcane writing much like the first one she found upstairs.
[17:18] * Demara scans to scrolls to see if she can figure out what spells they are.
[17:19] <Ebiris> OOC: spellcraft, 1 attempt per scroll
[17:19] <Demara> roll 1d20+5 conjuration
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+5 conjuration and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[17:19] <Demara> roll 1d20+5 necro
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+5 necro and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[17:20] <Ebiris> The conjuration scroll is lost upon her, being too hard to decipher. The necromantic one appears to be the spell 'Spectral Hand'.
[17:20] <Demara> Mmmm, useful enough. Demara takes both scrolls and then takes an inspection of the room. Are there any alchemical goods around? How capable is the laboratory? Are there any heavy stone or obviously lead lined boxes? Hell, Demara just searches the room flat out.
[17:21] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[17:21] <Demara> roll 1d20+9
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+9 and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[17:22] <Ebiris> Inside the clay jars on the shelf, Demara can see a thick syrupy liquid when she opens the top off one of the four present. There's nothing else terribly interesting to be found, beside what she's already acquired.
[17:23] * Demara peers at the liquid, wondering if she can tell what it is.
[17:25] <Ebiris> Lacking any skill with alchemy or cooking, Demara sadly can't tell from a visual inspection.
[17:25] * Demara shrugs. An alchemical laboratory could be useful, she supposes. Still...time to head out and do a quick search of the othe rtwo rooms, and see if there are any more locked doors or the like. Oh, and that writing desk, too.
[17:27] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[17:27] <Demara> roll 1d20+9
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18." [1d20=9]
[17:28] <Ebiris> The writing desk has lots of fancy inks and quills, a nice stock of paper, and one sheet which is partially covered with draconic gibberish and arcane formulae, but lacks any magic to mark it as special. Nothing else really jumps out at her as interesting. Though that cat shows up while she searches, padding over to start purring as it rubs its side against her shins.
[17:30] * Demara sighs and picks up the cat. It may not be helpful, but it's not a bad element of the disguise. Ignoring it beyond a few absent strokes to prevent it from being underfoot, Demara returns upstairs.
[17:32] <Ebiris> The cat happily curls up in Demara's grasp, purring quite happily.
----------
[14:24] <Ebiris> Leaving Inuga to putter around the mansion by herself, Nihasa goes to explore Dharport, looking for the seedier areas where her kind of people are more prevalent. With the nasty weather and late hour, there's not too much to be found, but one dingy tavern near the docks still seems fairly busy, and it's here that the succubus finds herself.
[14:24] <Ebiris> The patrons look a rowdy sort, tossing insults and rumours back and forth - to one side of the bar there's even an impromptu circle made for people to take turns fist-fighting each other, gold being passed back and forth on bets on the outcome. Nihasa herself draws her share of attention, leaving her with the feeling she might soon have to fend off (or encourage?) an aggressive suitor or two. But, as she settles herself into the establishment, she overhears something interesting.
[14:24] <Ebiris> "Yeah, I'd steer clear of the Moonlit Maiden if I were you, mate," one rat-like human says to a bulky and somewhat inebriated half-orc as he toys with a sharp dagger. "I was in there the other week, giving the girl a bit of the in and out, when all of a sudden these fucking bearded freaks with glaives started wrecking shit. I tossed the bitch at one to slow it down while I gave the place the laugh."
[14:24] <Ebiris> "Don't know if they've replaced the girls that got cut up, don't much care, either. Saw what happened to one of the bouncers that tried to fight one of the fuckers, and I wouldn't go near that place for all the pussy in the emerald forest. Place has bad karma."
[14:25] <Ebiris> establishment, she overhears something interesting.
[14:27] * Nihasa makes note of this man, and strides over towards a table near them, taking a seat and looking for a serving girl, keeping an ear on the man.
[14:29] <Ebiris> "I don't know," the half-orc doesn't sound entirely convinced. "I hear they're desperate for new bouncers, they'll pay a lot. Besides, I saw one of the girls working there when I passed..." he grins lewdly, "Benefits in kind, my friend. I think I could fight off a... bearded whatever the fuck it is, for one of those. Not afraid of some runty dwarf, that's for sure," he thumps his chest proudly.
[14:30] <Ebiris> "Naw, you ignorant fuck!" the human man stabs his dagger into the table. "They weren't fucking dwarves. They were devils! Bearded fucking devils! You want to tangle with the Nine Hells? That is some serious bad shit."
[14:31] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow at this, and pays a little more overt attention to the two, but continuing to scan the entire tavern.
[14:33] <Ebiris> A loud "Ooooh!" is heard from the people watching the fist-fight over in the corner as one of the participants is knocked out, crashing into a table. Nearby you hear one of the participants in a card game accusing the other of cheating. As for the two you're eavesdropping on? "Devils? What the hell's this city coming to. Why would devils attack a whorehouse?" the half-orc asks dumbly.
[14:34] * Nihasa starts to absently size up the people near the fighting ring: those waiting for their turn.
[14:36] <Ebiris> "Fuck if I know, but I don't wanna be there when it happens," rat-face replies bitterly. "Again." The fighting ring looks rather unimpressive - lots of people swaying unsteadily from too much drink, some overweight, others so skinny they probably haven't had a decent meal in weeks. None of them look even close to prime fighting candidates.
[14:37] * Nihasa smiles a bit to herself and turns to lock gazes with the rat-faced man, steady, but making sure to be non-threatening.
[14:41] <Ebiris> He's mostly looking down at the table where he's gouging out little chunks of wood with his dagger. Given the state of furniture here, it seems a common practice.
[14:41] <Ebiris> Orc-boy seems somewhat disappointed. "Still... maybe they won't attack again if they already attacked once? Like lightning?" he guesses, prompting his companion to look up in disgust, about to say something before he catches sight of Nihasa. Which prompts a leer to slowly blossom on his rodent-like features.
[14:42] * Nihasa fully grins at him and gets up, striding over to take a seat at their table, but making sure to be far enough out of immediate groping range.
[14:44] <Ebiris> Too late, for even before Nihasa can even pull her own seat out, he shifts his closer then reaches over to try and pull her into his lap. "Must be my lucky night," he observes while grabbing onto the succubus.
[14:44] * Nihasa shifts her weight, resisting his grabbing while tsk-ing at him.
[14:45] <Nihasa> "Now, now, let's not be in such a hurry.. A girl has to feel at least somewhat flattered, you know."
[14:47] <Ebiris> "Yeah, nice tits," the man replies, prompting a guffaw from his drinking companion. "You can drop the ice queen act. This isn't a place for good girls," he adds, suggestively drinking up Nihasa's current form.
[14:48] * Nihasa grabs his hand and forces it away from her before taking her seat.
[14:49] <Nihasa> "Oh, I'm aware of that. Never claimed to be one. I enjoy pleasure as much as anyone, but in this case we may have to put it off.. for a few minutes, at least.."
[14:49] * Nihasa smirks at them both.
[14:50] <Ebiris> "Ow!" he lets out an involuntary yelp, before looking around and glaring at his surroundings as if daring anyone to comment on his unmanly noise. "Fiesty, ain'tcha?" he asks, eyeing Nihasa with a bit more caution, now. The half-orc just contents himself with staring at her chest.
[14:50] * Nihasa leans back in her chair, purposely, continuing to grin.
[14:51] <Nihasa> "You'll find out later... If I get what I want, you get what you want.."
[14:52] <Ebiris> "Dunno what you want, but I can tell you what you need," the man replies, licking his chapped lips as he glares at Nihasa.
[14:53] <Nihasa> "What I need is for you to hold off on your games and open your ears for a moment."
[14:53] * Nihasa hardens her gaze, glaring at the man.
[14:53] <Ebiris> OOC: intimidate check, sure
[14:53] <Nihasa> roll d20+22
[14:53] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+22 and gets 36." [d20=14]
[14:55] <Ebiris> He shifts a bit uncomfortably, seeming to wilt under Nihasa's fierce gaze. "Alright, what the fuck do you want, Princess?" he mutters sullenly.
[14:58] <Nihasa> "'Your Majesty' or 'My Queen' will just fine.. Both here, and in private.. Now, this place you were talking about, the Moonlit Maiden.. I *was* thinking of getting work there, I had heard it was one of the better places to work, but what you said earlier worries me. What exactly happened, and has it happened anywhere else?"
[14:58] <Nihasa> will do just fine*
[14:58] * Nihasa also takes the chance to focus her mind on hearing his (detect thoughts).
[14:59] <Ebiris> OOC: DC?
[14:59] <Nihasa> OOC: DC 20
[15:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[15:00] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 14." [1d20=13]
[15:02] <Ebiris> He's currently recalling how he threw a terrified and shrieking naked girl at a fiendish creature - tall, thick beard that looks like a metal scrubbing pad, green skin, sharp teeth and bald head - and seeing a serrated glaive burst through her before he turned and dived out the second floor window.
[15:05] <Ebiris> "Fuck, I dunno, some fucking devils showed up and wrecked the place. Glad to get out with my life - been in a few scrapes, sure, but fiends are something else," he shakes his head, exhaling deeply at the memory. "Heard a few other brothels have shut down then re-opened, and the Gilded Clam got burnt down... fuck, that was a nice place, too."
[15:06] <Nihasa> "Which other ones? Are there rumors of the same kind from them?"
[15:12] <Ebiris> "Why you so interested, anyway?" the half-orc asks, leaning over the table - and getting a good view of Nihasa's cleavage in the bargain. "You don't need to work in a whorehouse, girl, I've got twenty gold right here for you if you crawl under the table here and give the chieftan some love," he laughs heartily, slapping a meaty hand on the table.
[15:12] <Ebiris> Meanwhile rat-face is thinking about the Naughty Nymph, which mysteriously shut down then re-opened half a week later last month, but with his favourite girl now gone he doesn't go there anymore. Another name flits through his consciousness; Madame Lil's, but he doesn't seem to dwell on it. Any reply is precluded by his companion's loud offer, anyway.
[15:13] * Nihasa glances at the orc, but dismisses him, blatently.
[15:13] <Nihasa> "I need steady work. Not ten seconds every now and then."
[15:15] <Ebiris> Rat-face snorts in amusement at that, while the half-orc colours indignantly. "Yeah, anyway, the Naughty Nymph went downhill after it changed management or whatever. I heard Madame Lil closed for redecorating or something, but that place is too fucking weird for me. I've never been."
[15:16] <Nihasa> "Oh? Weird how?"
[15:18] <Ebiris> "It's for guys that like women to whip them and that kinda shit," he cocks his head towards the half-orc, "You know. Little girly-men." Amazingly the green-skin doesn't seem to notice the implication.
[15:19] <Nihasa> "Ahhh... I understand.. What about these fiends you were talking about? Any other rumors or sightings of them?"
[15:21] <Ebiris> He shakes his head. "I don't make it my business to get involved with that shit. No one should," he punctuates that with a firm look at both Nihasa and the half-orc.
[15:22] <Nihasa> "Hmmm..."
[15:22] * Nihasa leans back in her chair again, but runs her foot up the rat-faced man's thigh while doing so..
[15:24] <Ebiris> "Now that's more like it," he starts to smile openly at Nihasa, while the half-orc looks between the two suspiciously.
[15:25] <Nihasa> "One last... Proposition.. I'm in need of some money, and I don't really feel right about taking it from you, after your being so helpful.. I happen to be a bit more than a whore. I like my share of fighting. How about we make a deal to win some money in the ring, and we'll split it, then go celebrate.. Together?"
[15:27] <Ebiris> He makes a face at that offer. "I don't want to have to look at a bruised up face when I'm fucking you," he replies.
[15:27] <Ebiris> "Just do her from behind and it's all good, you pussy!" the half-orc puts in. "Hell, if he won't I will," he adds, focusing on Nihasa.
[15:28] * Nihasa chuckles.
[15:29] <Nihasa> "I'm not quite that type of fighter. I like having skills that carry over into my other 'work.' You can either believe me and win what you want, or I can find someone else, and somewhere else, to celebrate."
[15:34] <Ebiris> He sighs and shakes his head. "From behind it is, then," he shrugs, getting to his feet. Then adding, "Where the fuck do you think you're going?" as the half-orc also gets up.
[15:34] <Ebiris> "I want some of that slut, too!" said orcish man replies, gesturing crudely at Nihasa. "Besides, just look at her, I bet you wouldn't be able to satisfy her, anyway!"
[15:35] <Nihasa> "Now, now, boys. Don't make a fuss. If things work out well enough, I just might introduce you to some friends of mine.."
[15:35] * Nihasa stands up and walks towards the fighting ring, swaying her hips as she goes.
[15:39] <Ebiris> Her two new 'friends' follow, petulantly shoving each other as they go, while Nihasa reaches the crowd of spectators just in time to see a grey-haired and toothless old man in tattered rags double over in wheezing agony as he takes a punch from an overweight shirtless man to the gut.
[15:40] <Ebiris> Most of the neighbouring spectators take their attention off the fight and on to Nihasa, however, the lucky few nearest showing no shame in using the crowd as an excuse to press against her. "Here to watch the fightin', girly?" one asks, exhaling his rancid breath over her as he grins.
[15:41] * Nihasa chuckles loudly.
[15:41] <Nihasa> "I'm here to fight."
[15:41] * Nihasa drives an eblow into the man's stomach, forcing him away from her.
[15:42] <Ebiris> OOC: roll attack?
[15:42] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[15:42] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 29." [d20=12]
[15:43] <Ebiris> OOC: damage, specify if lethal or non-lethal
[15:43] <Nihasa> roll 1d6+7 (non-leathal)
[15:43] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls 1d6+7 (non-leathal) and gets 12." [1d6=5]
[15:44] <Ebiris> "I'll fight you!" about ten different cries erupt at once, nearly all of the spectators clamouring for a chance to lay hands on the attractive young woman suddenly thrust into their midst. Except for the one she just elbowed, who gasps and keels over, eyes rolling up into his head, prompting much laughter and suggestions that he must have had too much to drink.
[15:45] <Nihasa> "Now, now.. I'll take on anyone who wants.. Let's just do this in an orderly fashion, shall we?"
[15:45] * Nihasa strides out into the ring.
[15:50] <Ebiris> That may be what Nihasa wants, but it seems her mere presence is too much for this band of drunk and 'ornery misfits, as several of them abruptly launch themselves at her, seeming far more interested in simply laying hands on her than actually fighting.
[15:50] <Ebiris> OOC: lets roll init, laff
[15:50] <Nihasa> roll d20+5
[15:50] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+5 and gets 6." [d20=1]
[15:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[15:50] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13." [1d20=11]
[15:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[15:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 15." [1d20=14]
[15:51] <Ebiris> roll 4#1d20
[15:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 4#1d20 and gets 26." [4#1d20 = 4, 19, 2, 1]
[15:53] <Ebiris> The first one wastes no time in lunging forward to grap onto Nihasa's oh so tempting body!
[15:53] <Ebiris> OOC: you get an AoO since he's trying to grapple
[15:55] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[15:55] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 21." [d20=4]
[15:55] <Ebiris> OOC: hit, damage, specify lethal or nonlethal
[15:56] <Nihasa> roll d3+7 (lethal)
[15:56] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+7 (lethal) and gets 8." [d3=1]
[15:57] <Ebiris> Nihasa expertly lays him out with a single punch, causing him to drop like a sack of bricks, blood pouring from his mouth. Too caught up in the moment to even care, the next one is already on Nihasa before she can react!
[15:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 melee touch
[15:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 melee touch and gets 6." [1d20=4]
[15:58] <Ebiris> But he stumbles over the fallen brawler, failing to grab a hold of what he craves even as the next shoves him aside! "Boobies!" he drools, hands going straight for Nihasa's chest!
[15:58] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 melee touch
[15:58] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 melee touch and gets 5." [1d20=3]
[15:58] <Ebiris> But again he fails to get a hold of the elusive temptress!
[15:58] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[16:00] * Nihasa snaps a fist out at the second one who tried to grab her, aiming for his temple.
[16:00] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[16:00] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 18." [d20=1]
[16:01] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[16:01] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 27." [d20=10]
[16:01] <Ebiris> OOC: miss. Going to take your iteratives?
[16:01] <Nihasa> OOC: Sure.
[16:02] <Ebiris> OOC: then...?
[16:04] * Nihasa turns to slam a fist into the third one that came after her..
[16:04] <Nihasa> roll d20+12
[16:04] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+12 and gets 16." [d20=4]
[16:04] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[16:04] <Nihasa> roll d3+7 (lethal)
[16:04] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+7 (lethal) and gets 10." [d3=3]
[16:05] <Ebiris> Another of the attackers is dropped by a punch which sends him down with an audible crack of bone!
[16:05] <Ebiris> OOC: attack #3
[16:06] * Nihasa turns back the second one who attacked her, letting fist fly with a snarl.
[16:06] <Nihasa> roll d20+7
[16:06] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+7 and gets 17." [d20=10]
[16:06] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[16:06] <Nihasa> roll d3+7 (lethal)
[16:06] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+7 (lethal) and gets 8." [d3=1]
[16:08] <Ebiris> Another stinky hobo is dropped by Nihasa's fists of fury, as the remainder of the attackers skid to a halt, suddenly seeming far less eager to try their luck. She does note she has the attention of a good portion of the tavern, now, but it's a very wary sort of attention. "Er... good moves, missus," one of the fighters manages respectfully as he withdraws.
[16:08] * Nihasa audibly growls at the tavern.
[16:09] <Nihasa> "As I said. We will have our fights *orderly.* Do you understand, you pathetic fools?"
[16:12] <Ebiris> "Hey, we don't want no trouble," one of the fighters, a rangy looking middle-aged man with scraggly hair, manages, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "We're just fighting for a few coppers and some fun. You're a pro, I respect that, but there's no point in us fighting someone with your skill."
[16:12] * Nihasa huffs.
[16:13] <Ebiris> There's a few nods from the others at that, while the ones Nihasa already dropped emit pained groans from the floor.
[16:13] <Ebiris> roll 3#1d100
[16:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 3#1d100 and gets 164." [3#1d100 = 42, 90, 32]
[16:14] <Nihasa> "I wasn't planning on fighting in this manner. But you just had to go overboard, didn't you? I *was* going to.. allow the fights getting restricted to grappling."
[16:17] <Nihasa> "In any case, you all have soured my mood rather.. significantly. I feel the need to work off my anger. Where do the stronger fighters have their ring at? I suggest you answer quickly, before I take my anger out on *you all.*"
[16:17] * Nihasa growls at the end of her sentence, with a snarl on her face.
[16:20] <Ebiris> "Go to the Thirsty Barnacle, that's where the psychos fight," one spits, before wiping his nose on the back of his hand. "We're just having fun, that's all," he adds sullenly.
[16:21] * Nihasa spits at his feet.
[16:22] <Nihasa> "You've no place to call others psychos, considering your fun just led you to gang up on a single woman. If I had been any lesser of a fighter, would you have stopped, scum?"
[16:23] * Nihasa snorts and begins to head out of the tavern, making it a point to step on the ones she downed.
[16:23] <Ebiris> Oddly enough, the two friends she made earlier don't follow Nihasa as she departs back into the rain.
[16:26] * Nihasa glances over her shoulder at the two.
[16:27] <Nihasa> "And? What do *you* want? Be assured, our proposition is *ended.* Neither of you so much as spoke up to aid me."
[16:27] * Nihasa continues walking as she speaks, heading towards the mansion.
[16:28] <Ebiris> Nihasa can't really see them as they seemed to have melded into the background of the tavern once things got hectic, and are nowhere in sight after she's left.
----------
[18:49] <Ebiris> It's still dark at the mansion when the four succubi regroup, Inuga having searched the building while the other three went off on their own errands. Arisa and her dog presumably sleep in one of the guest rooms while a KO'd guard enjoys another, and a few cooling corpses clutter up the summoning room, but otherwise they have the whole place to themselves!
[18:50] * Teresa stretches, before leaning against the wall as she observes the others. "The initial step went well enough, I think."
[18:51] <Nihasa> "Mmm.. Indeed. We do need to deal with the bodies soon, though. They'll begin smelling soon."
[18:53] <Teresa> "We could, once we've decided if we want to keep these forms or not. How about it?" She glances at Demara. "Would your disguise hold well enough with the parents?"
[18:53] <Demara> "The home of the human girl has a few useful things, mainly an alchemy laboratory," Demara adds. "I did. No suspicion at all. Also," She stops to take out the scrap of magical paper and the two scrolls she obtained. "A few useful tools."
[18:53] <Inuga> "I found a little about my new identity, at least. My husband is away on business, which gives us some time to sort things out here. And we most certainly do need to clear the offal in the basement. And we'll have to do that on our own, I'm afraid--while I suspect the help here was in on much of Kitami's hobbies, we obviously can't let them see her dead body."
[18:54] <Teresa> "Then we'll keep the identities and burn the evidence," Teresa decides, "unless there's any objection to that?"
[18:54] <Nihasa> "None here. Though, we know not who's form I have, do we?"
[18:55] <Teresa> "We don't really have to keep it, then," Teresa muses, "or wait and see if the returning servants recognize it."
[18:55] <Inuga> "One of you took the form of a dead cultist, no? I gather from Kitami's correspondence that her sister Saeki was here, though I couldn't tell you which of the dead she was."
[18:55] * Nihasa shrugs.
[18:56] <Nihasa> "We'll just have to rip it from one of their minds. Anyway, I have found some information on our dear little devils and their going-ons."
[18:56] * Inuga listens. "Do tell."
[18:57] <Nihasa> "I came across a filthy little human who personally saw a group of Barbazu in the city. Plucked the image right out of his little head."
[18:58] * Inuga grimaces. "Well, best we know about them sooner rather than later, I suspose. Do we know where they are?"
[18:59] <Nihasa> "He encountered them in a brothel. One 'Moonlit Maiden,' where they apparently were intent upon killing the local whores. Apparently, two other brothels have shut down, without reason, and reopened under 'new management' and missing one or more of their girls."
[18:59] <Teresa> "From chatting with our guest the other evening," Teresa adds thoughtfully, "there is a fairly prominent thieves's guild based in this city, going by the name of Bell Masque. It appears they are the only criminal elements with the clout and will to oppose this city's strong, lawful bent.
[18:59] <Teresa> I find it difficult to believe that devils would be behind them, so how about putting that little mortal organization to good use by turning it against them?"
[19:01] <Inuga> "An excellent suggestion, Teresa."
[19:02] <Nihasa> "Hmm.. Indeed, Teresa.. Mortal theives tend to have a taste for women, and I imagine they have more than a few connections inside them. Mortals develop loose lips, if it gets them the sex they want.. Predictably, losing this line of information will upset this guild in more ways than one. Especially if some of their operatives are the girls who have gone missing.."
[19:03] <Teresa> "If the devils know of us, they might be trying to limit our options with their attacks," Teresa muses. "It would, after all, be anyone's first choice for where to look for us."
[19:04] <Nihasa> "The other two whorehouses that have gone through noticable changes, from what I have found out, are the 'Naughty Nymph' and a delightful sounding place called 'Madame Lil's.' I think dear Kitami might have been a patron of the latter. Seems the place caters to those who enjoy hobbies that include whips."
[19:04] <Inuga> "Does anyone in particular wish to infiltrate this group? As for myself, the identity of Kitami looks to offer its own opportunities amonst the aristocracy."
[19:04] <Teresa> "My own plans consist of asking someone to show me the city," she says with a smile. "I believe I already have a suitable candidate for that. As such, it might be a waste to infiltrate the thieves's guild on my own."
[19:04] * Inuga raises an eyebrow at Nihasa's remark. "Oh? Perhaps I should make a visit to this Madame Lil's?"
[19:05] <Nihasa> "If for nothing more than pleasure, Inuga, by all means."
[19:05] * Nihasa smiles at Inuga.
[19:06] * Inuga chuckles. "Well, if you're right, who knows? She may have been a client already. Though I daresay it appears our good summoner was wont to take advantage of her own servants, so perhaps she didn't go to town for her entertainment."
[19:07] <Nihasa> "As for the theive's guild, I suppose I could, though it's not really my relm. The closest I might be able to get is into the pit fighting rings or as a strong arm for them. I've already been directed to the 'Thirsty Barnacle' as a center for such people."
[19:07] <Teresa> "I'm curious as to what 'Mary' could accomplish from her position," Teresa says, then. "Would it be possible to influence the clergy at this early stage?"
[19:09] <Demara> "I don't know yet." Demara answers after a moment, "Last night was purely the family being happy to see Mary again. I've not yet made contact with any clergy."
[19:10] <Teresa> "Would you need our support?"
[19:10] <Inuga> "At the very least, I'm sure it could get us valuable information on their organization."
[19:10] <Nihasa> "Hmm.. I'm not sure that's wise.. Once it gets wide spread as to just where she was, and why, they'll have their eyes on her for any sign of corruption. Clergy tend to be annoyingly paranoid over such things.. It might be the better bet to stave off on that and build up some good will for common knowledge, first."
[19:12] <Demara> "I doubt it, but I don't know how their clergy operates yet," Demara reports back before shaking her head. "It's too soon."
[19:13] <Inuga> "I think that it's worth the risk to get that knowledge of how they operate, at least."
[19:13] <Teresa> "There is another matter I want settled, then," Teresa says. "Am I to be a guest at this house, openly, in my human guise?"
[19:14] <Nihasa> "Indeed.. That may be the best choice. A new retainer found to increase personal security seeing as how dear Arisa and Grom so easily got in as they did?"
[19:15] <Inuga> "I don't see why not. If Kitami has guards willing to help her with a human sacrifice and help that endures sexual exploitation, I doubt they'll bat an eye at the lady of the house having a strange guest. Nihasa's idea seems sound to me."
[19:16] * Teresa nods. "As good a reason as any. I'll make an appearance some time in the afternoon, then, I think."
[19:16] * Nihasa nods.
[19:17] <Nihasa> "Also, if we can't figure out who I'm supposed to be quickly, I might need to take on a human guise of myself under a similar pretense. I conducted my.. information gathering in my current form, and I highly doubt that such is the norm for whoever this person was."
[19:18] <Teresa> "I suppose that today would be dedicated to gathering more information about the city and its inhabitants," Teresa proposes. "As there is no particular interest in seeking out Bell Masque, I'll try to do that myself." As Nihasa speaks, she opts to shrug. "You could always change your appearance as you will, leaving no trail to connect the dots."
[19:19] <Inuga> "This is quite true. You needn't appear as the same mortal at all times."
[19:20] <Nihasa> "Hmm.. Indeed.. Perhaps we could aid each other, actually.. Perhaps looking for the Ball Masque togeather, under the guise of sisters looking for information on our third sister would work? A third sister who couldn't handle adventuring and wound up working in a brothel, only to go missing?"
[19:22] * Inuga grins at this, being partial to leading people astray with tales of women in distress. "A perfect sob story to loosen some softhearted mortal's tongue, yes."
[19:23] * Nihasa nods.
[19:24] <Nihasa> "More importantly, I still have the image of the woman my informant was with when he threw her to her death and escaped, which gives us an established, known person to work with. Perhaps, if we get lucky, we could find someone who was more than partial to her, and more liable to help us."
[19:25] <Teresa> "Those that tend to frequent the brothels aren't likely to care," Teresa says doubtfully. "I like the idea of working together, but I don't think we need to connect ourselves this way. If one of us should fail, that would automatically disqualify the other's efforts as well."
[19:25] * Nihasa inclines her head.
[19:26] <Nihasa> "An extremely valid point.. Your suggestion?"
[19:27] <Teresa> "It should be feasible for you to look for your 'sister' this way," Teresa tells Nihasa. "I'll try another, unrelated angle. Of course, as we'll share any information we have, we should be able to advance towards our goal easily."
[19:30] <Nihasa> "Very well. Sowing the rumors of the Barbazu shouldn't be too difficult, since I heard them myself.. But does anyone have an idea on how to connect them with Glasya's cult?"
[19:31] <Teresa> "They're all devils. It shouldn't be difficult to present them as her footsoldiers," Teresa says, frowning. "The question is of whom we want this information leaked to."
[19:33] <Nihasa> "The church would be a viable route, however.. That might tip the hand too much. If they get it in their minds they have one devil cult infestation, a second cult isn't much of a jump. We'd need to lay some serious ground work before we play them, I would think.. The Masque certainly, if possible. Having a group of theives and assassins plauging them would hamstring them quite significantly."
[19:34] * Teresa nods at Nihasa's words. "If we do manage to discover their base of operations, another option is that Inuga could hire some adventurers to take care of them. It would be quite entertaining."
[19:34] * Nihasa grins.
[19:35] <Nihasa> "We could have dear Arisa and Grom oversee the hiring. That would be significantly amusing."
[19:35] <Teresa> "Speaking of Grom," Teresa says, turning serious. "What is the latest we have on him?"
[19:41] <Demara> "He left after dropping me off," Demara says.
[19:42] <Teresa> "He should still be smitten with Inuga for a week or so, but leaving a loose end like that bothers me. And yet, we can't really have Arisa and he together, here, until we can be certain of their devotion. So what do we do about him?"
[19:43] <Demara> "Despose of him, perhaps? He is a bothersome loose end." Demara shrugs her shoulder. "Or ensnare him fruther."
[19:43] * Teresa looks at Nihasa for comments.
[19:44] <Nihasa> "We could keep him seperate, but with just enough contact with Inuga to ensure his enthrall, in the mean time, we break Arisa? I would think having those two under heel would end up as a benefit. A decent past-time, in any case, if we have to lay low for a few days."
[19:44] <Teresa> "So the plan is to leave it to Inuga, for when he comes calling, and seek him out if it doesn't happen for a few days?"
[19:45] <Nihasa> "Something like that. Breaking Arisa shouldn't really be difficult. If we were inclined to, I'm sure we could walk upstairs and do so right now."
[19:46] * Teresa raises an eyebrow. "While leaving her an effective mage?"
[19:48] <Nihasa> "Indeed. A simple suggestion to make her a bit more amicable would be a stepping stone, not the corner stone. Simply use it to make her more receptive, but don't rely on it. Use it as an in to lay a more solid base with her."
[19:49] <Teresa> "I won't stop you if you wish to try that."
[19:49] <Nihasa> "I suppose I could, if you wish.. Though I might not be the best choice.."
[19:51] <Teresa> "Using a suggestion this way would interfere with my experiment," Teresa says with a frown. "Perhaps with the next person?"
[19:51] <Nihasa> "What experiment is that?"
[19:52] <Teresa> "To see if I can get to her, in my true guise, and with no mind-altering magic."
[19:52] * Nihasa chuckles.
[19:52] <Teresa> "It is quite the rare chance, since I don't intend to reveal myself to every peasant this city has."
[19:53] <Nihasa> "Indeed.. May I watch? I would find it most enjoyable.."
[19:54] * Nihasa smiles up innocently at Teresa.