Group Logs: Seraphim Sword

[Ebiris]

[16:46] <Ebiris> After mollifying Elanee with promises that she'll be paid in the morning, Nihasa takes her maimed harlot upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms in order to have some fun while learning more about what happened to her former workplace, leaving Inuga alone in the library once more... at least for a few moments before an orange striped tabby cat suddenly materialises out of thin air in the middle of the library.
[16:48] * Inuga blinks in surprise. "I don't recall ordering a cat," she muses drily, standing up.
[16:48] * Demara lets out a decidedly unhappy mewling, before shrugging off the spell and morphing back into a succubus, as it should be.
[16:50] * Inuga smirks. 'Well, what have you been up to?' she sends to her comrade.
[16:51] <Ebiris> Demara finds this easily accomplished, and while 'Mary's' clothes fit a bit snugly on her, unlike her magic items which shift to fit her correct proportions, everything appears to be as it should. Her wings did just rip through the back of her blouse, but the sleeves are enough to keep it on and preserve whatever modesty she feels is appropriate.
[16:54] <Demara> "Nothing good," With a distinct scowl, Demara goes to the nearest chair and sits down. "I think we may be compromised."
[16:55] <Inuga> Inuga's face creases into a decidedly unladylike scowl of her own. "Shit." She sits on the edge of the desk, fingers drumming restlessly on the wood. "What happened?"
[16:56] <Demara> "It's complicated." Letting a hand run over her face "I had gone along with Mary well enough until her practice, when I attempted to scan the thoughts of one of the men there. It turns out he had clerical training of some sort, as he was able to resist it, detect it and cast a spell to discern what I was. What was worse...as he let it slip to another, despite my efforts, this other was a paladin...that was not very much a paladin."
[16:58] * Inuga raises an eyebrow at this last line. "Oh? Explain."
[16:59] <Demara> "I charmed the same blabbermouthed mortal to protect me...and he did, even when the warrior killed him to get at me. Further, his aura was quite strange. It was like the good in him was dying out."
[16:59] <Demara> "But make no mistake, he wanted me dead. Very dead. I had no choice but to flee, as I didn't want the attention a pitched battle would add."
[17:01] * Inuga considers this. "Corrupted by the devils, or one of them in disguise?" she muses. "Either way, it's quite clear we need him dead...though by now he's probably alerted all his associates in the church. Damnation."
[17:03] <Demara> "That was my suspicion. I think we chanced onto another group's plotting, or a particularly irritating unrelated incident. However, there's a little more than that."
[17:05] * Inuga waits and listens.
[17:06] <Demara> "He cut through a mortal in front of everyone. Perhaps his own cover is blown now. On the othe rhand, it would be foolish to assume that even if it is that at least Mary's parents won't connected this back to us. Also, as I fled, I ran into a third complication." Demara takes a breath there, "Some sort of hag, who both helped me...and honestly ended up spooking me enough to flee."
[17:07] <Inuga> "Helped you? How?"
[17:09] <Demara> "I fled into the alleys. As I did, she came up onto me. She healed the sword wound I took...and also ensorcelled me, attempted to command me and turned me into a cat. Her magic was potent enough to break through, too. I had the feeling she was trying to pry informatino from me."
[17:12] * Inuga frowns. "Not encouraging, though better than her trying to kill you, I suppose. The breach in your cover needs to be dealt with immediately. Is there any chance the identity of 'Mary' can be reestablished? Anyone investigating will certainly come here for answers otherwise."
[17:13] <Demara> "I could try to return and act the scared lamb...but..." Thinking, "Many saw me wounded. My wound being gone would be hard to explain away, but not impossible. Even then...if anyone asked questions or cast simple spells, they'd be able to discern the matter. If they come in intelligent force, I'd have to openly flee or even risk getting neutralised."
[17:15] * Inuga considers this. "My mental barriers are better than most," she concedes. "I could lie as needed and no one could determine the truth or my intentions. That aloso might arouse suspicion, I suppose, but...better them being confused than Mary exposed as a demon, no?"
[17:17] <Demara> "It may be worth an attempt," Demara agrees. "My own efforts have fallen entirely too flat."
[17:18] * Inuga takes a moment to send a message to Nihasa. 'Hate to interrupt your fun, but Demara was attacked by a paladin in the city and we may be compromised.' She summarizes the other succubus's story for Nihasa's benefit. 'If you could make some excuse about forgetting something, the two of us are in the study.'
[17:19] * Nihasa enters the room with a slightly hurried, but determined gait, shifting her clothes around for better comfort as she goes.
[17:19] <Nihasa> "The hells happened now?"
[17:32] <Nihasa> "Ahh...ha.. Well, obviously, we need damage control. Is the Mary persona totally blown? If not, we need to get you back to her home.."
[17:34] <Demara> "I don't think I can salvage this myself. If you want to try..." Demara curtly nods to Inuga.
[17:34] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow.
[17:35] <Inuga> "I think we have to try. Sooner or later, someone will come asking Kitami if Mary simply disappears. I can at least take your place for whatever kind of interrogation they feel is necessary upon Mary's return." She smiles. "Any of their detection spells will be quite useless on me."
[17:37] <Nihasa> "That bad? Hm.. I do suppose the clerics will come calling, and things *are* weighted in Inuga's favor, in that case.. It might work out.. You'll have to tade stories exactly, though.. And attribute any non-consistancies with the trauma of suddenly being attacked by a one of your mentors.."
[17:38] <Inuga> "Essentially, yes. Demara? I'll need to know as much as you can tell me about Mary and her life in the city, please."
[17:40] * Demara nods and gets into it, telling Inuga all the relevant informatoin.
[17:41] * Inuga listens and learns everything she can about the girl she'll soon be impersonating.
[17:43] <Nihasa> "Any idea about this old woman? If nothing else, I can begin looking for her.. Unless you think it'd be wiser to have me stay here.."
[17:44] * Inuga shrugs. "It couldn't hurt to know her intentions. She seemed to know what Demara was, after all. I'd suggest charming the tart upstairs to keep her pacified first, of course."
[17:45] * Nihasa grins.
[17:46] <Nihasa> "I've already done that. She was putting up a little too much argument, so I made her more agreeable."
[17:48] * Inuga chuckles. "Very good." She turns to Demara. "I suppose you'll have to be Kitami if anyone comes looking for her while I'm gone. I doubt I'll be able to slip away until nightfall, assuming everything goes well even. We can switch places then, I suppose?"
[17:50] * Demara nods dutifully. "That will work well enough."
[17:55] <Inuga> "It's simple enough an act. Behave as though you're entitled to whatever your depraved heart desires and everyone will kowtow. Arisa is in a guest room being serviced by the gardener; I'd suggest you leave the two of them to their mutual corruption. One of the maids, Albany, should show up at Kitami's bedroom sometime during the night. She's pliable enough; just show her a good time. The others shouldn't ask questions; charm the
[17:55] <Inuga> "Now...I suppose I'll need to show wearing whatever Mary was last seen wearing. And I'll have to appear wounded, as well." She grimaces at this.
[17:56] <Inuga> *charm them at will."
[18:03] * Inuga turns to Demara. "You know where and how 'Mary' was wounded, so you'll have to do the honor, I suppose."
[18:06] <Nihasa> "I'm also going to need a good description of the crone and where you were when you met.. I'll start there, I suppose. If I don't come across anything on her, we might have to write off finding her. Might have to wait until she comes after one of us again."
[18:07] <Demara> "Very well," Demara rises. "I will then."
[18:09] * Inuga nods and waits calmly for Demara to deliver the strike. This *is* for a greater purpose, however unpleasant it might be!
[18:11] * Demara goes to Inuga, and drawing out a dagger she took from the cultists, slowly and carefully makes a shallow but hopefully accurate looking wound.
[18:12] <Ebiris> OOC: did you take a silver one or the iron one?
[18:13] <Demara> OOC: Silver one, thinking on it. Which means strike, I'll just use my rapier instead.
[18:16] <Ebiris> OOC: describe it and roll damage? We'll assume Inuga lets you make the hit.
[18:23] * Demara thinks. "We'll need a good greatsword or slashing weapon to do it."
[18:25] * Inuga shrugs. "I'm sure Kitami had such weapons on the grounds. The study had several on display, I believe?"
[18:29] <Demara> "Then let's go and do this," Demara says, rising.
[18:30] * Inuga takes Demara to the study upstairs. No time to waste!
[18:31] <Ebiris> Heading upstairs, the duo pass Clara who raises an eyebrow at the odd pair but wisely chooses not to comment. Inside the study itself, about the closest thing to a weapon present is a sharp letter opener. Seems to be made of steel, at least.
[18:32] * Demara eyes it, eyes Inuga and gets to work on her shoulder. No point in dragging this out now.
[18:32] * Nihasa follows after them, pausing to smile at Clara and patting her gently on the cheek.
[18:34] <Ebiris> Clara gives Nihasa a somewhat unhappy look, but doesn't protest. Meanwhile Demara digs and cuts away at Inuga's shoulder, carving out a respectable wound there to quite a lot of pain on the other succubus' part. Also got quite a lot of blood all over that nice dress she'd been wearing ever since leaving the Abyss.
[18:34] <Ebiris> OOC: 10 damage to Inuga
[18:37] * Inuga grimaces but doesn't let out any noises of discomfort. Think of the greater good, right? The work done, she stands again. "Demara? I'll need Mary's clothes. Take anything you like from Kitami's wardrobe, for your part."
[18:38] * Demara obligingly discards Mary's clothing, "As you wish. Good luck."
[18:41] * Inuga changes into Mary's clothes, changing her form into that of the dead girl to complete the disguise. She takes the time to leave behind any personal items that would seem out of place; she should appear nothing but a scared, wounded girl when she shows up again in the city. She also takes a moment to deactivate her innate translation ability--one less thing for them to detect.
[18:44] <Ebiris> Inuga is soon so changed, now wearing Mary's torn up clothing and still bleeding from the gouge Demara hacked into her shoulder. Someone's going to have to clean up that mess she's dripping, at this rate.
[18:45] * Inuga pauses to go ethereal--even charmed, the servants don't need to see 'Mary' on the grounds. "Alright, I'm going now. Demara? I doubt you'll need to do much here in the meantime. Enjoy yourself with Albany--the girl seems half in love with Kitami. Satisfy in her bed and she'll do anything for us, I'm sure. I suggest you charm all others into submission immediately. Farewell for now."
[18:45] <Inuga> So saying, she opts to teleport outside the mansion to avoid leaving a trail of blood.
[18:46] <Ebiris> OOC: teleporting where?
[18:46] <Inuga> OOC: I suppose into a street outside? Some out of the way nook people aren't likely to spot blood. Actually 'porting in jumps across the city is the best way to make sure I don't leave a trail. Does that work?
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: you have to know where you're teleporting to - since you haven't left the mansion, you can only teleport to places visible from its windows, which by default are somewhat exposed.
[18:49] <Demara> OOC: Couldn't I just teleport her somewhere decent and then teleport back?
[18:49] <Inuga> OOC: I second this query!
[18:49] <Ebiris> OOC: no, you can't take passengers with your teleport SLA. Just self + 50lbs of stuff.
[18:50] <Inuga> OOC: Fudge. Well, if there's a convenient bush or something in view, well 'port there for starters.
[18:50] <Ebiris> Inuga teleports, reappearing in the bushes of her neighbours garden! Luckily no one's around to take note.
[18:52] * Inuga immediately slips into ethereal form and starts her invisible journey across the city. First, find the area of backstreets described by Demara. From there, she can materialize again and stagger back to Mary's parents, or the church.
[18:55] <Ebiris> Heading in a straight line in the direction Demara gave is all she can do, with how little visibility there is on the ethereal plane. As she thinks she's getting closer, she can't help but notice more of a hubbub from the people around, people discussing the paladin who was just arrested, wondering what set him off like that,
[18:55] <Ebiris> while others are walking around with more purpose evident, asking if anyone's seen a wounded girl matching Mary's description.
[19:00] <Inuga> So, how best to play this? She decides to find a nook on a sidestreet, a quiet place for "Mary" to rest her poor, ravaged body, that one of the searchers could see if they just happen to glance the right way.
[19:03] <Ebiris> This is done without incident, colour and vibrancy returning to her vision - at least as much as lamplight allows. A moment passes before she can see someone pointing in her direction and asking, "Is that her?" to someone out of sight.
[19:05] * Inuga glances up at the query, blinking woozily in the dim light. Oh, she's so hurt and weary, she just can't make sense of anything going on around her. Someone help this poor girl!
[19:08] <Ebiris> A man in chainmail appears, holding a glowing mace up to shed better light than provided by the city's lamps. "Mary! Thank Pelor you're alright!" he gasps in relief, hurrying over. "Let me get that..." he begins, starting to cast a spell in a language that Inuga has the unfamiliar experience of not recognising.
[19:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+5
[19:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{8}
[19:13] <Ebiris> Inuga's wound seals up as he rests a gauntleted hand on her shoulder as the spell is completed, only a light bruising left. "There, lets get you back to the temple - your parents have already been called for."
[19:13] * Inuga assumes this is a simple healing spell, and opts to not resist it in any way. As Mary, she cringes and pulls back a little. "You...you're not bringing me back to Sir Proust, are you?" she whimpers. "He, he killed Sigmund, and then he tried to kill me!"
[19:14] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[19:15] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24
[19:15] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{27}
[19:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:15] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}
[19:15] <Ebiris> "No," the man sounds pained as he gently but firmly guides Inuga out onto the street. "Proust has been arrested. I don't understand any of what's happened, but the important thing is that you're safe. He won't be able to hurt you, again."
[19:16] <Inuga> "A-alright..." Inuga submits meekly and lets the man guide her along. She peers nervously around every corner and into every pool of shadow, seemingly afraid that big mean paladin will come for her again at any moment!
[19:18] <Ebiris> Fortunately no big burly men appear to try and have their way with Inuga's currently oh so delicate form. The other searchers seem to relax, a few following along as you're led towards Pelor's temple, though no one presses the meek and scared little girl with questions.
[19:20] * Inuga complies totally as she's led "back" to the church. She makes sure to shiver noticeably as she catches sight of the place. See, what that horrible Proust did to Mary's fragile psyche! Such a blessed place is now tied in with mental trauama.
[19:22] <Ebiris> The man escorting you gives you a presumably reassuring pat on the back as he takes you in through the front door - no sign of the training ground where it all happened from this side, anyway. Ahead lies the temple proper, lit with golden radiance that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere - several people clustered by the altar turn at the new arrivals, including two that Inuga recognises from Demara's descriptions as Mary's parents.
[19:23] * Inuga makes sure that her beleaguered countenance is simply *suffused* with grief upon seeing her parents again. "Mom! Dad!" she cries as she rushes forward.
[19:23] <Inuga> OOC: relief, not grief. Argh.
[19:25] <Ebiris> As soon as she crosses the threshold, Inuga feels a sudden spark... there's no divine blasts of power to smite her, nor does any servant of Pelor manifest to decry her presence, but all the same there's a palpable feeling that something has noted her presence. Something very unkind to her ilk.
[19:27] * Inuga doesn't have any choice but to go through with things now. She suppresses any reaction to this and does her best to keep up the act of the traumatized adolescent.
[19:27] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[19:28] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24
[19:28] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{42}
[19:28] <Ebiris> OOC: make a disguise check, too, while we're at it
[19:29] <Ebiris> OOC: remember the +10 from your change self thing
[19:29] <Inuga> roll 1d20+20+10
[19:29] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+20+10 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{44}
[19:30] <Ebiris> "Mary! Oh, thank Pelor you're safe!" the woman, who does look a bit like an older variant of Inuga's current form, gasps in relief, rushing over to hug her while her husband follows more sedately, throwing suspicious looks at the various priests.
[19:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[19:31] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
[19:31] <Ebiris> OOC: make a listen check?
[19:31] * Inuga weeps openly, practically whimpering as she clutches her mother. "Muh-mom...he tried to kill me..."
[19:32] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21 for listening
[19:32] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+21 for listening --> [ 1d20=3 ]{24}
[19:34] -> *Inuga* With her keen ears, Inuga can hear one of the priests whispering to another even from across the room. "Transmutation. There might be something there."
[19:36] <Ebiris> "It's alright, dear, shhh," the woman hushes, smoothing Inuga's hair. "I always did know there was something off about that man. You remember when our old dog used to always growl at him?"
[19:36] -> *Inuga* You can't put your finger on it exactly, but there's something off in this woman's behaviour... you're not sure exactly what, but it sets you on edge.
[19:38] * Inuga nods, wiping tears from her cheeks. "Yeah..." she sounds distracted, as though still working through the trauma mentally. "We we're just practicing...Sigmund said there was something weird about Proust's aura, and, and...Proust just stabbed him! And he tried to kill me for seeing it! Oh, mum..." She glances around nervously. "I think I want to go home..."
[19:39] <Ebiris> "Oh my Gods..." the woman lets go of Inuga and stumbles backwards, falling on her rear as she looks at Inuga in pure horror. "It's true... you're not my daughter."
[19:43] * Inuga does her absolute best to look shocked. Mouth agape, tears streaming down, she falls to her kness and pleads with her mother. "Mo, what...what are you saying? Please don't leave me alone. I don't feel safe here any more!"
[19:43] <Inuga> *Mom, what
[19:45] <Ebiris> "We've never owned a dog, you... you thing!" the woman shrieks in anguish as she clambers to her feet while the clerics close in, blocking off the exit. "This is K-Kitami's doing, isn't it?" she gets out, words tumbling forth in a torrent. "She took my daughter and sent you to replace her? What did you do with Mary?!"
[19:49] <Inuga> "Mom, wait, I..." Can't the woman tell Mary simply wasn't listening? She's working through some serious internal problems here; if she just happened to not really be listening to something her mom said...well, it's not her fault, is it? Surely her mom can see that Mary's just too shell-shocked to be blamed for missing something like that? "Please, Mom, you're all I have left..."
[19:50] <Ebiris> OOC: sure, make a bluff check
[19:50] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24 lady luck be kind!
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 lady luck be kind! --> [ 1d20=5 ]{29}
[19:58] <Ebiris> "Dear, she was just confused, don't you think you're over-reacting - I think you're all making a terrible mistake," Mary's father pronounces, giving everyone except Inuga a scathing look.
[19:58] <Ebiris> The mother just shakes her head in numb horror, seemingly unable to find any words.
[19:58] <Ebiris> "We could keep asking her questions?" one of the clerics - an older woman wearing white robes with golden trim rather than any armour, suggests. "When's her birthday, when are her friends' birthdays, that sort of thing. How many more tests will it take? I don't know what went wrong in Proust's head, but it doesn't mean we should overlook the strangeness right in front of us."
[20:03] * Inuga is a pathetic heap on the floor by this point. Truly, how could anyone suspect this poor creature of anything? "Why me?" she cries. "Sir Proust *killed* someone. Sigmund said there was something wrong with his aura, and then Proust *killed* him. Why aren't you asking him these questions? I'm afraid just being here, because of him..." Clearly Mary is just a victim here. Anyone listening can hear that, right?
[20:06] <Ebiris> "Proust is rotting in jail and will likely be executed unless we can straighten this out," the priestess snaps. "I can at least bring Sigmund back, but Proust will face only Pelor's judgement. Now, lets settle this once and for all - Acolyte," she turns to the younger priest next to her, "Fetch me one of the True Seeing scrolls. Then we'll really know."
[20:10] <Ebiris> The priest obediently scurries out of a side door while Mary's father continues to protest. "This is insane - she's already been traumatised enough by you people and still you continue? What is wrong with you all?!" he rails against the church.
[20:13] * Inuga turns to "Mom," turning on the charm as only a succubus can! "Mom, dad's right...can't we just leave?" She stares at the woman with wide, red-rimmed eyes. How could anyone turn away from this, their own flesh and blood. (OOC: Yep, boosted charm--checked and I have one shot left of Empower--DC 26).
[20:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:14] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{20}
[20:15] <Ebiris> While Inuga is sure that her charm is functioning at peak efficiency, something appears to be blocking it, just like when she first charmed Grom.
[20:16] <Ebiris> "Not until I know for sure..." the woman replies weakly, looking uncertainly between her 'daughter', her husband, and the priestess.
[20:18] * Inuga waits for just a moment longer, to see if Mary's father's appeal, at least, has any effect on Mary's mother...but, alas, it is not to be. Seems like it's time to flee and alert the others before a raid comes down on Kitami's place. Without further hesitation, Inuga teleports to the street outside.
[20:19] <Ebiris> Inuga vanishes! And reappears on the street to much surprise from a young couple walking along that she just manifested directly in front of. At least none of the other pedestrians seem to have been looking in her direction when she appeared.
[20:20] * Inuga immediately goes ethereal and *runs* back to the mansion as fast as she possibly can, meaning to port back inside to the study when she's close enough.
[20:20] <Ebiris> OOC: there's no range limit on teleport.
[20:20] <Inuga> OOC Strike that, then.
[20:21] * Inuga instead 'ports directly back to the study from whence she initially came, quickly sending out a mental call for her comrades.
[20:21] <Ebiris> OOC: go ahead and reply, Demara and Nihasa
[20:22] * Demara enters into the study, "Bad?" she asks in a single word, looking Inuga over.
[20:22] <Inuga> "Worse," Inuga breathes.
[20:22] * Nihasa enters in shortly after Demara.
[20:23] <Inuga> "We need to evacuate and assume new identities immediately. The priests seemed disinterested in Proust and only wanted to pry into 'Mary's' true identity. Likely the devil's have widely infiltrated the order. I'm sure they'll be coming here soon. We need to kill anyone who knows too much and leave."
[20:25] <Nihasa> "Fun-fun. Seems like things were stacked against us more than we had anticipated.. Most of the servants will have to be killed.. One or two might be salvagable, but that's a risk.."
[20:27] <Inuga> "Possibly too much of one. Though charmed, I doubt any will leave with us *and* be of any use in the long run. Of course, I am open to suggestions. Arisa will almost certainly need to be killed, of course. She knows there's at least one fiend among us, and she herself is known outside as well."
[20:29] <Nihasa> "All of them, then. That's not a major concern, excepting Arisa.. We'll need to find Grom, too, just to be safe. The real concern now is where to relocate to.."
[20:30] <Demara> "Kill them all," Demara agrees, "And quickly. I suspect we'll have company sooner than later, if they're so determined.
[20:30] <Demara> "
[20:31] <Inuga> "Unfortunately I have no leads in that regard. I'd been planning on exploiting the social connections of Kitami's husband when he returned, but that plan's worthless now." She nods. "Arisa must be dealt with first. The others are helpless."
[20:32] * Nihasa nods.
[20:32] * Inuga adds. "She should be in her bedroom, enjoying the attentions of Kitami's gardener. Kiss her and drain her immediately, I say."
[20:33] <Nihasa> "Jaunt into her room and catch her by surprise? She seemed pretty resistant to anything overt, so she might react badly to someone just walking in."
[20:33] <Inuga> "I agree. We shouldn't give her a chance to react."
[20:34] * Inuga takes a moment to shapeshift back into Kitami, to allay suspicion amonst the staff as well as Arisa.
[20:35] * Nihasa nods.
[20:35] <Ebiris> Mary's clothes don't fit so well on Kitami, but it does emphasise certain womanly attributes quite nicely.
[20:35] <Nihasa> "I'll go with you, just in case."
[20:36] * Nihasa shifts to Etheral Jaunt form and waits to follow Inuga.
[20:36] * Inuga goes ethereal and heads for Arisa's room, then. She pauses just outside to listen and see if the woman is properly engaged, as expected. She'll certainly be in no condition to put up a fight if she's in bed with Raul.
[20:37] <Ebiris> Everything is quiet inside...
[20:38] <Inuga> Well, that doesn't tell us much. Inuga just heads right in, assuming Nihasa will follow. It's not like Arisa could see them anyway, right?
[20:38] * Nihasa enters into the room at a different angle, keeping fair space between herself and Inuga, just to be safe..
[20:38] <Ebiris> Inside it's dark, not that that matters to succubi, with Arisa visible sleeping on the bed with her dog curled up by her feet.
[20:40] * Nihasa positions herself over the dog, ready to stomp on the dog's throat and grapple it at Inuga's signal.
[20:40] * Inuga maneuvers around the bed to lean over the sleeping mage, intending to plant the characteristic succubus kiss upon the woman and drain her life force. 'Now,' she sends to Nihasa as she embraces Arisa.
[20:41] <Ebiris> OOC: surprise round go. Nihasa can coup (roll critical hit damage for an unarmed strike) while Inuga kisses.
[20:42] * Inuga presses her lips against Arisa's and kisses her *ever* so softly.
[20:43] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13 DC for suggestion to keep kissing?
[20:43] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+13 DC for suggestion to keep kissing? --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
[20:44] <Nihasa> roll 2d3+2x6
[20:44] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d3+2x6 --> error: malformed expression
[20:44] <Ebiris> OOC: do the 2xstrmod in your head, so 2d3+12
[20:44] <Nihasa> roll 2d3+12
[20:44] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d3+12 --> [ 2d3=6 ]{18}
[20:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 needs a 20
[20:44] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+7 needs a 20 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{13}
[20:45] <Ebiris> With a sickening crack, Nihasas's heel drives through the dog's neck and snaps its neck in an instant. Meanwhile Arisa's eyes fly open in alarm as her lifeforce starts to be sucked away!
[20:45] <Ebiris> OOC: init
[20:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 dead theurge gal
[20:45] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+2 dead theurge gal --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
[20:46] <Nihasa> roll d20+5 (just incase something crazy happens)
[20:46] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+5 (just incase something crazy happens) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{21}
[20:47] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[20:47] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{11}
[20:48] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa, you've just killed the dog and Inuga and Arisa are currently 'grappling'. Your go.
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[20:51] * Nihasa dives towards the fun in the bed to join the roll in the hay, positioning herself to grab Arisa and hold her down.
[20:51] <Nihasa> roll d20+23
[20:51] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+23 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{25}
[20:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:51] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{20}
[20:52] <Ebiris> OOC: you've grappled her. You can do damage if you want, or simply hold her down.
[20:52] * Nihasa simply snuggles up to her, laying a few playful kisses on her neck and ear and just lets Inuga have her fun.
[20:53] <Ebiris> Arisa squeals in alarm through Inuga's mouth as she desperately squirms to break free!
[20:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[20:54] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa wins on a 1, she's not getting free.
[20:54] <Ebiris> But despite all her struggles, she finds herself utterly trapped!
[20:54] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[20:55] * Inuga smiles. "I'm sorry, Arisa dear. I just couldn't help myself." She leans in for another kiss, drawing her unwilling paramour ever closer to oblivion.
[20:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[20:55] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{15}
[20:56] <Ebiris> Arisa's resolve falters, her eyes glazing over as she starts to weakly return Inuga's kiss even as the life is sapped out of her...
[20:56] <Ebiris> OOC: I'll declare combat over, feel free to describe all the gory details as you finish her off.
[20:57] <Inuga> "That's better," Inuga murmurs. "You should enjoy your last moments. Why go out in flash of bitterness and horror? This is much more fun." Under other circumstances, Inuga would be glad to take her time and enjoy this, but who knows when Pelor's band will show up? she gives the mage one last kiss as she drains her soul completely.
[20:59] <Ebiris> "Ehlonna... forgive me..." Arisa manages to murmur blankly into Inuga's welcoming lips as the last of her life is sucked away, leaving an empty husk in its place...
[21:00] * Nihasa disentangles herself from the corpse and gets off the bed, waiting for Inuga.
[21:01] * Inuga stands up. No time to enjoy the afterglow. She'll take a quick look through Arisa's things to see if there's anything of use, and then, to Nihasa: 'Servants next, I think? And the guards outside, of course. We should call them in, but perhaps after the servants are dealt with."
[21:02] * Nihasa hums to herself as she throws the sheets away from Arisa's body.
[21:02] <Nihasa> "She was such an annoyance for a mere human.."
[21:02] <Ebiris> In Arisa's backpack Inuga can see a leather-bound tome, a few rolled up scrolls, a smooth and narrow wooden stick, and a pouch filled with coins.
[21:03] * Nihasa strips off the clothing from Arisa's lower body, leaving her underwear hanging off of one foot, then picks up the dog's corpse and places it suitably between Arisa's legs.
[21:04] <Nihasa> "There we are. On to the servants. You want Clara or the butler?"
[21:04] <Ebiris> Nihasa's juvenile prank goes without incident, the murdered druid and her animal companion suitably posed.
[21:04] * Inuga nods. "Indeed. Righteous prig." She tosses the woman's things into the backpack and just takes it all. She'll look at it more closely later. "Oh, either or. Neither should put up any resistance. They're used to being used."
[21:05] <Inuga> "Split up and take whoever we find, I think. We don't have time to waste."
[21:05] * Nihasa nods.
[21:06] <Ebiris> OOC: I'll summarise, but to clarify, are you going to kiss thema ll to death or do it with violence?
[21:06] <Ebiris> OOC: and will you leave anyone alive?
[21:07] <Nihasa> OOC: I'll kiss them unless they fight, then it's violence. And I suppose I'm going to slam a suggestion for trust on the whore and egress to her house.
[21:08] <Ebiris> OOC: so Elanee gets to live? You can't really suggest 'trust me', though - it has to be a concrete course of action
[21:08] * Inuga decides, on a whim, to bring poor, besotted Albany with her. The girl's malleable enough. Anyone else she finds will be seduced and drained without delay.
[21:08] <Nihasa> OOC: 'Lead us to your house without trouble' sound solid enough?
[21:08] <Ebiris> OOC: she can do that
[21:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 DC on suggestion?
[21:09] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+6 DC on suggestion? --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[21:09] <Ebiris> OOC: not that
[21:09] <Nihasa> OOC: DC 21.
[21:10] <Ebiris> OOC: Actually, lets RP it a bit, but we won't bother rolling dice for anyone you kill. Easier to keep everything coherent that way.
[21:11] <Ebiris> Exiting Arisa's room, Nihasa and Inuga have the top floor to themselves for the moment - Elanee is presumably in another guestroom, but no one else is evident nearby.
[21:12] * Inuga first goes to Kitami's room. Albany was supposed to be be there tonight, so perhaps she will be waiting already. If not, she'll head downstairs and check the servants' quarters. She relays this to Nihasa mentally.
[21:13] <Ebiris> Kitami's room is empty. Heading towards the servants quarters, Inuga can hear some rather familiar noises to a succubus, as there sounds to be coitus underway in Clara's room.
[21:13] * Nihasa sends her agreement to Inuga: 'Alright, I'll start searching the servants' quarters. Be sure to grab anything that might be useful, anything valuable.'
[21:14] * Inuga checks the other rooms first, to see if anyone is actually sleeping. She also makes sure to grab a set of clean, commoner's clothes if possible, for the escape later. Taking anything of Kitami's could prove hazardous.
[21:15] <Ebiris> Inuga finds one of the guards asleep in one of the empty quarters, but no one else is around.
[21:16] <Ebiris> How he sleeps with that racket is another question...
[21:17] * Inuga takes advantage of his prone state to try and drain him to death while he sleeps.
[21:17] * Nihasa grins and approaches the guard with Inuga, following the same tactic as with Arisa.
[21:17] <Ebiris> This is easily done - he doesn't even wake up, a single kiss is all it takes to drain away his insignificant lifeforce.
[21:18] <Inuga> That's that, then. No, to go ethereal and slip into Clara's room. She signals for Nihasa to follow.
[21:18] * Nihasa shifts into Etheral and follows..
[21:20] <Ebiris> In this room is quite a sight to see - Clara is on the bed along with Klaus and Raul, enthusiastically getting double-penetrated by the pair of them as she bounces atop the gardener while the head butler takes her from behind. She's quite vocal in her appreciation, even as Klaus spends a lot of time spanking her and calling her unpleasant names.
[21:21] * Inuga pauses a moment. 'Kitami *did* have them quite throughly on the path to corruption. It's a shame to leave all this," she sends to Nihasa. "'Ah well. Let's make this quick. We haven't a lot of time.'
[21:21] * Nihasa shifts back into the material world, assuming her true form and driving her clawed hand towards Raul's throat.
[21:22] * Inuga follows Nihasa's lead and goes for Klaus.
[21:23] <Ebiris> It takes a single claw strike to have the half-elf gardener bleeding to death, unable to do anything to resist. Clara lets out a scream of pure unadultarated terror at this, scrambling backwards and knocking Klaus off the bed as both men exit out of her with wet sucking noises. Klaus barely has time to react to his poor landing before Inuga is upon him, ripping and tearing his flesh to shreds before he can resist at all!
[21:23] * Nihasa follows her strike by grabbing Clara by the throat and picking her up off of the ground, dangling her in the air.
[21:24] * Inuga pauses a moment to wipe her hand off on the sheets, and then heads out to look for whoever's left. 'She's yours' she tells Nihasa.
[21:24] <Nihasa> "You, I liked, girl. And for that, I'll make your death as plesant as I can."
[21:25] <Ebiris> That shuts up her screaming as she now can't breathe, the voluptous maid now dangling in the air as her toes struggle to scrape the ground and find some footing. Her hands try to pull Nihasa's claws away but her strength is just not up to the task.
[21:25] * Nihasa smiles softly at the girl as she pulls her towards her and kisses her, draining her life away.
[21:25] <Inuga> OOC: Oh, meant to note that I formshifted back to Kitami as I left the room. >.>
[21:26] <Ebiris> Clara manages to last slightly longer than the guard, but even as her skillful tongue begins to play along with Nihasa's, she abruptly goes slack as the life finally leaves her.
[21:26] <Ebiris> Inuga sees Albany come running in the direction of the kitchen, fear writ all over her face.
[21:28] * Nihasa sighs and murmurs Malcanthet's name to herself as she tosses Clara's body ontop of the gardener, wiping her hand clean on the sheets as she watches the life drain out of Raul's eyes, along with his blood. She then shifts back into the form of Kitami's sister as she leaves the room to catch up with Inuga.
[21:29] <Inuga> "Albany!" Inuga says, sounding relieved as she rushes forward to take the girl in her arms. "I'm afraid enemies of my husband are taking advantage of absence to ransack the manor. The guards have dealt with some of them, but we must leave at once. Come along, girl!" Her voice simply demands compliance.
[21:30] * Nihasa heads upstairs to collect Elanee, mentally preparing the suggestion along the way.
[21:30] <Ebiris> "Mistress, I heard screaming..." Albany begins, wringing her hands worriedly before she catches sight of all the blood on the two women and pales. "Yes, Mistress," she nods as Inuga's stark commands interrupt her thoughts. "Anyone trying to harm you will have to go through me!"
[21:31] * Nihasa smiles at Albany.
[21:31] <Ebiris> Elanee is found in her room, having redressed herself and looking rather impatient. At least the mansion is big enough for her not to have heard the screaming. "So, haven't forgotten me after all?" she asks acidly.
[21:32] * Inuga nods curtly. "Very good. I knew I could rely on you, my girl." With that, she goes to the kitchen to grab the healing potions there and toss them into Arisa's backpack. She decides to listen in on Albany's thoughts as she goes (OOC: For kicks, DT, DC 22).
[21:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20-1
[21:32] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20-1 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{16}
[21:33] <Ebiris> Albany is wondering who could have possibly attacked them, and how long it will take before they show up and doubtless slay her mercilessly. She wishes she'd never taken this job oh so much.
[21:33] <Nihasa> "A rather large problem came up, Elanee. Nobles tend to have enemies, Merchant Nobles even more. Kitami's husband took most of the guard retainer with him on his trip. His enemies have decided to take advantage of that. We have to go. Now. We need you to take us to your house, without any trouble."
[21:33] <Nihasa> OOC: cue for suggestion.
[21:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[21:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
[21:34] <Ebiris> "Dammit, why'd I have to get wrapped up in this mess?" Elanee asks irritably as she gets up and starts for the door. "Alright then, lets hurry - but if you dawdle I'm leaving you behind!"
[21:35] <Nihasa> "That won't be a concern. We need to get my sister before we leave. Let's go."
[21:35] <Inuga> Her business in the kitchen done, Inuga takes a moment to change from Mary's wrecked clothes to something plainer (OOC: I'm assuming I grabbed servant's clothes from their quarters as specified?)--taking care to ensure Albany gets a good look at Kitami's naked body, of course--before heading back out to meet up with Nihasa.
[21:36] <Nihasa> OOC: I want to hit her with DT
[21:36] <Ebiris> OOC: hit who?
[21:36] <Nihasa> OOC: Elanee
[21:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[21:36] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
[21:37] <Nihasa> OOC: DC was 20.
[21:37] <Ebiris> Elanee is currently very focused on leading Nihasa to her house. The thought consumes her and blocks out most other conscious activity.
[21:37] <Ebiris> "Mistress, is there really time for this?" Albany asks, sounding pained as she looks this way and that while Inuga changes, imagining an assassin lunging out of the shadows at any moment.
[21:38] <Inuga> "You'll be safe as long as you're with me, dear," she says. "You trust me, don't you?" she says with a bewitching smile as she makes for the front of the house. There should be another guard to deal with, and nothing more. Setting fire to the place as they leave might not be a bad idea. She sends this suggestion to Nihasa.
[21:39] <Ebiris> At the front of the house they find Demara waiting, and no sign of the remaining guard, since she already dealt with him.
[21:41] * Nihasa heads towards the front door, knocking over every lamp and candle she finds along the way.
[21:41] <Nihasa> "No reason to let them get what they want, is there Elanee?"
[21:41] <Ebiris> Albany wonders what the hell Kitami's horrible sister is doing, but sure isn't going to ask.
[21:41] <Ebiris> "Yeah, whatever, lets get out of here," Elanee replies curtly, not wasting any time in leaving.
[21:42] * Inuga nods to Demara and waits for Nihasa to show up with her companion. As soon as the group is together, she's leaving.

[Ebiris]

[16:11] <Ebiris> After Nihasa tipped over a few oil-filled lanterns to start a fire in the hallway, the three demons plus two clueless mortals fled from Kitami's mansion of death. The fire only just starting to spread and not enough to catch any real attention from a distance by the time they pass the gate. "This way, come on," Elanee instructs curtly, heading down the hill towards the more crowded streets of the city interior.
[16:12] * Nihasa takes position at the back of the line, constantly looking behind the group for anyone following..
[16:13] * Inuga follows along, keeping her head down (the sooner she gets a chance to assume a less conspicuous identity, the better, but she can't do it with the mortals around) and her mind tuned into the thoughts of her lackey.
[16:13] * Demara follows along, keeping her head down but letting her eyes sweep.
[16:14] -> *Inuga* Albany thinks Kitami's husband is going to flip his lid when he gets back, and is terrified whomever attacked the mansion will come after them. She's glad Kitami's horrible sister is bringing up the rear and therefore most likely to die first, in that case.
[16:14] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa and Demara can make spot checks
[16:15] <Nihasa> roll d20+16 for spot
[16:15] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+16 for spot and gets 34." [d20=18]
[16:17] <Demara> roll 1d20+16
[16:17] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+16 and gets 30." [1d20=14]
[16:18] <Demara> OOC - +5 to my roll. Sorry, still fuzzy brained.
[16:23] <Ebiris> Not dallying much, the party makes good time on their journey - Elanee seems to know her way around well enough as she instinctively keeps to the smaller side streets and alleys, avoiding more populated areas as they cross town towards the more seedy areas.
[16:23] <Ebiris> Unfortunately, this does carry its own problems. While no dogs of the church or town guards appear to harry your progress, the group do find themselves confronted with three unkempt looking young men - two humans and a half-orc, by the looks of them. They're lightly armed and armoured, clearly thugs rather than seasoned warriors. "What's this? A bunch of delicate maidens wandering through our turf?" one asks.
[16:23] <Ebiris> "Not safe," the half-orc grunts. "They could come to a spot of bother."
[16:23] <Ebiris> "Indeed," the third smiles widely, baring a mouthful of rotten teeth at the group. "But I'm sure we could escort these lovely flowers to safety if they were to show some appreciation."
[16:23] -> *Nihasa* While walking along, you happen to catch sight of two men discreetly stepping out of a connecting alley about forty feet back, doing their best to hide in the shadows.
[16:24] * Demara takes a moment then and there, sending to Inuga. 'Two more behind us,' Demara says laconically.
[16:25] <Inuga> 'Fabulous,' Inuga sends Nihasa and Demara. 'If it was just the three, we could take them aside and drain them quietly...suggestions on how to split them up?'
[16:26] * Nihasa smiles invintly to them, mentally sending to Demara and Inuga: 'I've seen two behind us. I'll take care of the orc-kind. Do what you can with the others, I'll help after I'm done.'
[16:26] * Nihasa approaches the half-orc, swaying her hips and using every other trick she knows to keep them off balance and focused on her.
[16:27] <Nihasa> "Indeed they might... Perhaps we could use your help to be sure nothing... too terrible happens, hmm?"
[16:28] <Ebiris> "This one seems to know the score," the half-orc grins, leering at Nihasa as all of the thugs seem to relax. Albany cringes back behind Inuga while Elanee hesitates. She wants to lead Nihasa to her house thanks to the single-mindedness of the suggestion in her, but she's not about to risk her neck for it.
[16:28] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check, Nihasa
[16:28] * Inuga flashes her winningest smile at one of the humans. Worried, her? Certainly not. "Ah, and a concerned citizen arrives just in time to guide us poor lost souls to somewhere safe and secluded. Truly the gods are with us tonight."
[16:29] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[16:29] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 26." [d20=9]
[16:29] <Ebiris> OOC: you can go ahead and attack if you want, Nihasa, they're not expecting trouble from you
[16:30] * Nihasa snaps her fist out at the half-orc's throat, the sultry smile never once leaving her lips as she keeps her eyes locked with the orc's.
[16:30] * Demara waits and watches for now. Her services may be needed soon...or not, but it wouldn't do to b surprised.
[16:30] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[16:30] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 21." [d20=4]
[16:30] <Ebiris> OOC: hit, roll unarmed strike damage
[16:31] <Nihasa> roll d3+6
[16:31] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+6 and gets 8." [d3=2]
[16:31] <Ebiris> "Gh-hrk!" the half-orc gurgles in pain, his eyes bugging out at the sudden attack. "You bitch!" he rasps, voice coming out all wrong as he goes for his weapon, the other thugs following suit!
[16:31] <Ebiris> OOC: init
[16:32] <Nihasa> roll d20+5
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+5 and gets 25." [d20=20]
[16:32] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20 and gets 19." [1d20=19]
[16:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 shadow 1
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 shadow 1 and gets 3." [1d20=1]
[16:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 shadow 2
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 shadow 2 and gets 17." [1d20=15]
[16:32] <Demara> roll 1d20+3
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[16:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 human 1
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 human 1 and gets 11." [1d20=10]
[16:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 human 2
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 human 2 and gets 6." [1d20=5]
[16:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 half-orc
[16:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 half-orc and gets 12." [1d20=10]
[16:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 elanee
[16:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 elanee and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[16:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 albany
[16:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 albany and gets 11." [1d20=11]
[16:34] <Ebiris> OOC: Go Nihasa
[16:36] * Nihasa snaps her fists out in a fast succession of three shots to the orc's throat, enjoying the feel of her knuckles slamming into flesh.
[16:36] <Nihasa> roll d20+17 #1
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 #1 and gets 30." [d20=13]
[16:36] <Nihasa> roll d20+17 #2
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 #2 and gets 37." [d20=20]
[16:36] <Nihasa> roll d20+17 #3
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 #3 and gets 31." [d20=14]
[16:36] <Ebiris> OOC: crit check on attack #2
[16:36] <Nihasa> roll d20+17 check
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 check and gets 26." [d20=9]
[16:36] <Ebiris> OOC: 2 hits and 1 crit
[16:36] <Nihasa> roll d3+6
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+6 and gets 7." [d3=1]
[16:37] <Nihasa> roll d3+12
[16:37] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+12 and gets 14." [d3=2]
[16:37] <Nihasa> roll d3+6
[16:37] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+6 and gets 9." [d3=3]
[16:39] <Ebiris> Nihasa's fists easily penetrate the clumsy orc's guard, pummelling his throat and neck into a bloodied raw ruin! Gurgling as his eyes roll up, he collapses and swiftly gasps out his last breaths from the trauma.
[16:40] <Ebiris> Elanee is likewise quick now that things have turned violent, as she produces a small dagger from her sarong and hurls it at the man standing by Nihasa who's currently gaping at what just happened to his buddy!
[16:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[16:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21." [1d20=14]
[16:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+2d6
[16:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+2d6 and gets 10." [1d4=2][2d6=6, 2]
[16:41] <Ebiris> He recoils as the dagger embeds itself through his leather armour and into his shoulder, a hand instinctively going to the wound. "Fuck! We've got some live ones, here," he grunts in agony.
[16:41] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[16:44] * Inuga isn't getting involved in the fighting. She turns to give Albany a confident grin. "You'll be safest staying with me. Let my friends handle the vermin," and then address one human thug of the original trio that remains unharmed. "It'd be best if you stood down now," she coos sweetly. "Unless you *also* fancy having your throat crushed by a girl."
[16:45] <Inuga> OOC: Going on total defence, +4 to AC, huzzah.
[16:45] <Ebiris> OOC: make an intimidate check?
[16:46] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21 fear me foolish mortal?
[16:46] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 fear me foolish mortal? and gets 27." [1d20=6]
[16:47] <Ebiris> "Ghh... fuck! Fucking kill you, fucking whore!" the one with the dagger in his shoulder spits and curses invective at the group, while his companion takes a half step back.
[16:47] <Ebiris> "Shit, this is too much for us," he mutters.
[16:48] -> *Demara* the guy you saw hiding looks to be turning around and heading in the other direction, retreating around the corner.
[16:48] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara
[16:49] * Demara easily advances forward, focusing her dodging and offensive operations against this irritating whore caller. True or not, he really should suffer for that. Putting on a diseffected front, Demara goes to skewer him!
[16:49] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[16:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[16:49] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[16:49] <Demara> roll 1d6+2
[16:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2 and gets 6." [1d6=4]
[16:50] <Ebiris> OOC: he's flat footed, so you can sneak attack
[16:50] <Demara> roll 2d6
[16:50] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=6, 3]
[16:51] <Ebiris> Between the blood loss from his existing wound and Demara snaking her flexible rapier beneath his armour and through his stomach, the thug collapses, clutching his stomach in agony as his lifesblood leaks out...
[16:52] <Ebiris> "Screw this, I don't want to die!" the last remaining hooligan blurts out, turning to flee down the alley at a full out run!
[16:52] <Ebiris> Albany cringes behind Inuga, but seems to relax a bit now that the fight seems won...
[16:52] <Ebiris> OOC: fight's basically over, so free action
[16:53] * Nihasa shifts her energies and teleports in front of the fleeing man, ready to strike as she materializes.
[16:54] * Inuga sends to Demara: 'They had companions behind us, no? I don't think anyone should be allowed to escape to spread word of this. We should kill them if at all possible.'
[16:54] * Demara flicks her blade clean, glancing about to make sure no more irritations are around.
[16:54] <Ebiris> He stumbles as Nihasa appears, shifting to the right in hopes of slipping around her!
[16:54] <Ebiris> OOC: you get an attack of opportunity
[16:54] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check, Demara
[16:55] <Nihasa> roll d20+17
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+17 and gets 27." [d20=10]
[16:55] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[16:56] <Demara> roll 1d20+21
[16:56] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+21 and gets 36." [1d20=15]
[16:57] -> *Demara* No sign of anyone else in the alleyway, looks like those two who were coming up to flank you have retreated.
[16:58] <Nihasa> roll d20+23
[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+23 and gets 39." [d20=16]
[16:59] <Ebiris> OOC: you have him, you can roll unarmed damage to pummel him, or give him a kiss.
[16:59] * Demara hurries along, seeing if she can catch up and get them invisual sight into that alley.
[17:00] <Ebiris> "What the..." Elanee stares at where Nihasa just vanished from, while Albany mutely does the same.
[17:00] * Nihasa slams into the man, taking him to the ground before pinning him under her and slamming her fists into him.
[17:00] <Ebiris> Rushing around the corner, Demara can see two men standing there, leaning against the wall. Both turn in alarm at her arrival. "Hey, we don't want no trouble!" one insists, holding up empty palms.
[17:00] <Nihasa> roll d3+6
[17:00] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d3+6 and gets 8." [d3=2]
[17:01] * Demara smiles softly, "That's good," Demara approaches, eyes here and there. "Just like you didn't want to cause us trouble, hm?"
[17:01] <Ebiris> He buckles under Nihasa's assault, swiftly beaten to a bloody pulp and left for dead!
[17:02] <Ebiris> "Where the fuck did she go?!" Elanee demands, staring bug-eyed, before she stops at the sounds of fists on flesh coming from the darkness of the alley ahead.
[17:03] <Ebiris> "That's right, we was just going to make sure those bad men didn't hurt you, but since you handled yourself, we didn't need to do nothin', right?" the man smiles gamely at Demara, backing away a few steps.
[17:03] * Inuga pauses a moment to reassure her mortal companions. "I did say you'd be safe if you stayed with me." She wanders over to the slain thugs, nudging one recumbent figure with her foot and eyeing them for anything worth taking (not that they're likely to have much). "Chasing down one of those rats," she says to Elanee. "She'll be back in a moment."
[17:04] <Ebiris> Elanee grunts and follows Inuga to retrieve her dagger. "Why didn't she do that to any of the people that attacked your house, then?" she asks, scowling.
[17:04] <Demara> "Oh, there's one more thing..." Demara's rapier is out, a glint in her eyes. OOC - I intend to finish the job here if possible.
[17:05] * Nihasa raises herself off the cooling body and heads back towards the group, catching the end of Elanee's question.
[17:05] <Ebiris> Inuga finds that they have few valuables - a few silver and copper pieces on each of them. One has a gold ring, that's about it. As far as weapons go, they had rather rusty looking daggers, except for the orc who had a handaxe.
[17:05] <Ebiris> OOC: init, Demara
[17:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[17:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[17:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[17:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 8." [1d20=6]
[17:06] <Demara> roll 1d20+3
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[17:06] <Nihasa> "Because, dear, we didn't know how many there were, or how many more were comming. Fighting off a few street thugs is one thing.. A coordinated attacking force of greater numbers is quite another."
[17:07] * Inuga turns to Elanee. "We did not face petty thugs at my house," she says, collecting the money. "*My* enemies are much more competent than this filth."
[17:07] <Ebiris> "Stay back!" one of the thugs pulls out a dagger and holds it up between himself and Demara.
[17:07] <Ebiris> "Whatever," Elanee mutters sourly. "Lets just hurry up so we can get to my house." At that she starts stalking down the alleyway, ignoring the fact that Demara just went missing.
[17:08] <Nihasa> "Elanee, wait. Demara isn't here.."
[17:08] * Inuga sends to Nihasa: 'Demara went to finish the two behind us. You may wish to assist her.'
[17:09] * Demara saunters forward, just starting to slowly dance and move about. The onew ho hasn't attacked yet is first, getting a pointed thrust!
[17:09] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 (Dodge on the dagger guy)
[17:09] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 (Dodge on the dagger guy) and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[17:09] * Nihasa returns to Inuga: 'Got it. Keep these two here.'
[17:09] <Ebiris> "Gods, you're the one who's all 'take me to your damn house' and now you're stalling?" Elanee complains bitterly as she nonetheless waits.
[17:09] <Demara> roll 1d6+2+2d6 Mr. Flatfooted says ow.
[17:09] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2+2d6 Mr. Flatfooted says ow. and gets 15." [1d6=6][2d6=1, 6]
[17:10] * Nihasa shifts her energies again and teleports to Demara's side, fists at the ready..
[17:10] <Inuga> "A moment, Elanee," Inuga says as Nihasa. "We can't have any witnesses spreading word of our location."
[17:10] <Inuga> *says as Nihasa leaves
[17:10] <Ebiris> "Oww, fuck!" the other one pulls out his dagger after Demara gouges into his kidneys, the pair swiftly shifting positions to flank the succubus and attack her in unison!
[17:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[17:10] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[17:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[17:10] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[17:11] <Ebiris> But she parries both away with contemptous ease!
[17:11] <Ebiris> OOC: Go Demara
[17:12] * Demara begins the dance in earnest now, swiping away with a glittering savagery in her eyes! OOC - Dodg eon the unwounded one.
[17:12] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 wounded one first
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 wounded one first and gets 17." [1d20=6]
[17:12] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[17:12] <Demara> roll 1d6+2
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2 and gets 4." [1d6=2]
[17:12] <Nihasa> OOC: Strike my last lines.
[17:12] <Ebiris> He staggers from Demara's attack, blood starting to flow freely from his wounds, but he's not down just yet!
[17:13] <Demara> roll 1d20+6 once again Mr. Wounded!
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 once again Mr. Wounded! and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[17:13] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[17:13] <Demara> roll 1d6+2
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2 and gets 4." [1d6=2]
[17:14] <Ebiris> This final stab is enough, prompting the thug to collapse, blood pooling around him as his wounds become too much to stand!
[17:15] <Ebiris> His companion curses. "Damn you, you're not going to kill me as well!" he insists, stepping back from Demara and pulling out a small clay jar which he hurls at her!
[17:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[17:15] <Ebiris> OOC: touch AC?
[17:16] <Demara> OOC - Well into the twenties.
[17:17] <Ebiris> The jar splashes on the ground, causing a fire to erupt around it, licking Demara's toes but not enough to harm her at all past her fiendish resistance. The man currently bleeding to death at her feet isn't so lucky, however.
[17:18] * Demara just smiles as she darts forward for him! "Why don't you try begging? Beg on your hands and knees and I may not deliver a killing blow!" With that, she strikes at him once more! OOC - Did he 5ft or move more than that?
[17:18] <Ebiris> OOC: just 5ft, so you can full attack
[17:19] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 I will!
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 I will! and gets 14." [1d20=3]
[17:19] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[17:21] <Ebiris> Both of Demara's attacks miss, however, prompting the man to regain some of his composure! "Looks like your luck is starting to run out," he jeers, stabbing out for the succubus' stomach!
[17:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 6." [1d20=1]
[17:21] <Ebiris> But he stumbles with overextending himself and almost falls right on top of her!
[17:22] * Demara deepens her smile at that, before deciding some chastisement is in order. Yes...let's...! With that, her rapier flashes out twice more!
[17:22] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[17:22] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16." [1d20=5]
[17:22] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[17:22] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
[17:22] <Ebiris> OOC: 1 hit
[17:22] <Demara> roll 1d6+2
[17:22] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2 and gets 5." [1d6=3]
[17:23] <Ebiris> This time Demara draws blood, flicking her blade over his forearm and prompting a wince as he draws back, before he lunges straight at her neck!
[17:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 29." [1d20=20]
[17:23] <Ebiris> OOC: sense motive check
[17:23] <Demara> roll 1d20+4
[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17." [1d20=13]
[17:24] <Ebiris> But it was a feint! Shifting his blade just as Demara brings up her guard, he instead goes for her exposed belly!
[17:25] <Ebiris> OOC: that was a standard action, but you'll be flat footed next round, so your go.
[17:25] <Demara> OOC: Does that effect my attacks at all?
[17:25] <Ebiris> OOC: no, just your AC
[17:26] * Demara takes this chance to strike back, thrusting twice once more!
[17:26] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[17:26] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[17:26] <Demara> OOC - Rapiers are 18-20, aren't they?
[17:26] <Ebiris> OOC: 18's a crit threat, yes
[17:26] <Demara> OOC - Yes, they are, I wrote it on my sheet. DUr.
[17:26] <Demara> roll 1d20+6 crit check
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 crit check and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[17:26] <Ebiris> OOC: hit and a crit
[17:26] <Demara> roll 3d6+6
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 3d6+6 and gets 17." [3d6=2, 5, 4]
[17:27] <Ebiris> Alas, before he can take advantage of the opening he gained, Demara runs him through! Gurgling in agony, he slips off her blade and collapses over the dying flames of his alchemist's fire.
[17:28] <Demara> Hmph, and here she wanted to play with him a little longer. Ah well, it can't be helped. Kneeling down, she delivers an extra thrust to his neck, to ensure that he's indeed gone for a more infernal climate.
[17:29] <Ebiris> His dying gurgles are stifled by Demara's efficient execution, this thug no longer able to prowl the night and prey on the innocent thanks to her heroic act.
[17:30] * Demara does the same to the other, before going to rejoin her allies.
[17:30] <Ebiris> "Can we go, now?" Elanee asks impatiently once the merry band is reunited.
[17:31] * Inuga nods. "Yes, let's waste no more time here," she says, taking the opportunity to read her underling's thoughts once again (not that there's likely to be much there beyond fear and confusion).
[17:32] -> *Inuga* Albany is currently shit scared of Nihasa, and hoping she's never noticed the fact that Albany hates her. She doesn't want to get pummelled to death.
[17:34] * Nihasa nods and motions to Elanee, taking her position at the rear of the group again..
[17:35] <Ebiris> Mercifully no one interrupts the journey further before Elanee finally reaches her abode. It's a tiny little hovel on the second floor of a dirty tenement building, accessed via an external staircase. Unlocking the door, she leads the group into her rather cramped two-room residence, taking a moment to light up a lamp once inside.
[17:36] <Ebiris> "So, now what?" Elanee asks once everyone's inside the cluttered sitting room/kitchen, there only being two chairs for anyone to sit on, and Elanee takes one.
[17:39] * Inuga pauses inside to glance around the apartment. Naturally, she takes the other chair. "We wait until morning," she says dismissively. "We can assess the damage done by the listening to the gossip on the streets at that time." Meanwhile, she sends to her fellow succubi: 'So, suggestions? Any luck finding a way to infiltrate Dharport's underworld?"'
[17:41] * Nihasa returns to Inuga: 'Not much. We need to find Teresa, and quick. She needs to know what happened. I can make some money easily enough in the fighting rings, but beyond that, we've got nothing. Again.'
[17:41] * Nihasa nods to Inuga's verbal comments.
[17:41] <Nihasa> "Indeed. Places to sleep and some food would be enjoyable for now. Tomorrow, the real work begins."
[17:42] <Ebiris> Albany stands primly behind Inuga as she sits, clinging to the simple routine of servility even in the face of all this upheaval.
[17:42] <Ebiris> "Well I hope you enjoy sleeping on the floor, because that's all I've got to offer," Elanee mutters irritably.
[17:45] * Nihasa sits on the armrest of Elanee's chair and leans against the back.
[17:45] <Ebiris> "Still haven't even got paid," the harlot goes on bitterly, shifting away from Nihasa.
[17:46] * Nihasa sighs, and sends to Inuga: 'We have enough to at least shut her up about this for the night?'
[17:46] * Inuga smirks. "We'll persevere," she says. Then, to Nihasa and Demara: 'First priority is finding Teresa. There will no doubt be quite a crowd around Kitami's house on the morrow. Perhaps someone could loiter there and keep an eye out for her? Also, Nihasa, I do have some jewelry if your wench simply must be paid."
[17:47] * Nihasa casually flicks Elanee's ear.
[17:48] <Nihasa> "We were just attacked, Elanee. Multiple times. I know you want to be paid, but at least be realistic for the night. Once we get things sorted in the morning, we'll give you what you're owed."
[17:48] <Ebiris> It's a bit hard since she has her head wrapped up. She still flinches anyway. "Fine, you do that. I'm going to bed," she mutters darkly, getting up and heading to the only other door.
[17:49] * Nihasa narrows her eyes slighty and focuses on getting into Elanee's thoughts..
[17:49] <Nihasa> OOC: DC 20.
[17:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:50] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[17:51] -> *Nihasa* She thinks you're a bunch of dangerous retards and she hopes you'll find somewhere else to be, soon, but is too scared to say anything directly. She also really fucking hates who you keep invading her personal space.
[17:51] <Ebiris> Elanee opens the door, steps through, and closes it behind her, leaving the succubi plus maid all alone...
[17:53] * Nihasa sends to Inuga: 'Oi, mortals can be so annoying. I suppose I can go in there and kill her, but I doubt your pet would react well to that.. I could mollify her, I suppose.. Cheapest piece of jewlery you have right now?'
[17:54] * Inuga sends to Nihasa: 'Oh, let's see...' She fishes out a gold ring worth maybe 5GP or so. 'I imagine this should shut her up for now.' "Here," she says out loud. "For your friend."
[17:57] <Nihasa> "Thanks, sis. I suppose this will be enough to smooth out her ruffled feathers.. She has been unfairly dragged into this.."
[17:57] <Ebiris> Elanee does seem a bit mollified by the jewellery, and so the three succubi plus maid settle in for the night on the harlot's living room floor, even if only one of them actually needs to sleep...
[17:58] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara, make a will save at -10
[17:59] <Demara> roll 1d20+1
[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+1 and gets 10." [1d20=9]
[18:01] <Ebiris> It's very late at night, or likely in the early hours of the following morning, Elanee and Albany both sound asleep while the succubi simply relax and wait, when...
[18:01] <Ebiris> OOC: listen checks
[18:01] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[18:01] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 and gets 24." [1d20=3]
[18:02] <Demara> roll 1d20+17
[18:02] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+17 and gets 18." [1d20=1]
[18:02] <Nihasa> roll d20+16
[18:02] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+16 and gets 17." [d20=1]
[18:04] -> *Inuga* As you sit and wait, you can hear something from outside, the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Sounds like three people. While there was a fair amount of noise earlier in the night from people coming and going, it's been preternaturally silent for the past two hours at least, so it's noticably by virtue of that.
[18:05] * Inuga sends to Nihasa and Demara: 'We've got company. Three people coming up the stairs, first traffic in a few hours.'
[18:05] * Demara readies her weapon, just in case.
[18:06] * Nihasa sends back a mental nod and rises up to her feet, not moving from a crouch, but orienting towards the door and preparing..
[18:07] <Inuga> 'Either side of the door, perhaps? Hit them from both sides if they bust in?' She herself makes ready to lunge at anyone coming directly inside, meaning to draw someone into The Kiss if necessary and possible.
[18:07] <Ebiris> As the trio ready themselves, they can hear an ever so faint scratching on the door. It stops after a second.
[18:07] -> *Inuga* You can just barely hear it, but someone outside the door just whispered, "Knock, knock." Sounded like a woman.
[18:08] * Demara readies herseelf as well, to spring into action! OOC - Can I cast a spell first?
[18:08] <Ebiris> OOC: you have time for that, sure.
[18:08] * Nihasa sends to Inuga: 'Demara and I will strike first. Deal with anything after that, including our mortals, if need be..'
[18:09] * Demara casts True Strike, so that her next blow strikes true indeed.
[18:09] * Inuga sidles over to the door, hearing a faint voice outside. "Who is it?" she hisses, aiming for the tone of a harried working girl not in the mood for visitors. She raises one hand, signalling her comrades to stand ready just in case.
[18:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 14." [1d20=8]
[18:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[18:10] * Nihasa tighens her fist, readying to strike out..
[18:15] <Ebiris> "Pest control!" a gleeful female voice calls in return as the door buckles for a second before promptly shattering inwards, splintering all over Inuga! Outside you can see a petite human woman - perhaps even a girl, wearing a loose green dress, although straps of leather are seen circling her skin from the neckline. She has an enormous crossbow strapped to her waist, clearly far too big for someone of her stature to wield.
[18:15] <Ebiris> She's flanked by men who could be twins, oddly baby-ish faces and bald heads, with sunken beady eyes. They each wear grimy overcoats.
[18:15] <Ebiris> OOC: You can react, but free actions only.
[18:19] * Inuga stands up straight, proud and haughty before this rude girl. "And just who in the hells do you think you are?" she demands imperiously. "Did our benefactor not pay the rent?"
[18:20] <Nihasa> "Or are you here to help with our little slumber party?"
[18:23] <Ebiris> "Hells? You're perceptive, aren't you?" the girl replies cheerfully. "I don't even need to ask who in the Abyss you are, though, but I suppose it's not fair that I can see your real form while you remain blindly ignorant, is it?"
[18:23] <Ebiris> At that, she grabs hold of her dress and promptly rips it off, tossing the garment to the side! In the brief instant where she's obscured from view, however, she changes - though her stature and proportions are much the same, her skin turns a pale shade of blue and a set of blood-red feathred wings erupt from her back! Only strategically placed strips of leather binding her flesh provide any semblance of modesty.
[18:23] <Ebiris> Beside her, the two men leer as they likewise contort and shift, doubling in size as their clothes vanish to be replaced with thick iron plate-mail that seems bolted into their flesh, causing rust-coloured ichor to spill forth, and even disgusting maggots that are seen wriggling through the gaps in their armour! Each also seems to grasp hold of wickedly barbed polearms that appeared along with their armour during the change.
[18:27] * Inuga smirks. "Devils," she mutters dismissively. "You have a curious concept of 'fair,' though I confess I'll take what I can get at the moment."
[18:28] <Ebiris> OOC: lets roll init, since banter seems to be over
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 erinyes
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 erinyes and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 orthon 1
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 orthon 1 and gets 2." [1d20=1]
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 orthon 2
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 orthon 2 and gets 16." [1d20=15]
[18:28] <Nihasa_> roll d20+5
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+5 and gets 25." [d20=20]
[18:28] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20 and gets 17." [1d20=17]
[18:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 albany if it matters
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 albany if it matters and gets 5." [1d20=5]
[18:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 elanee if it matters
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 elanee if it matters and gets 5." [1d20=2]
[18:29] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 demara since she's afk
[18:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 demara since she's afk and gets 17." [1d20=14]
[18:32] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa, you're up
[18:34] * Nihasa_ shoots forward with a audible snarl at the Erinyes, aiming to slam into her and take her to the ground for grapple.
[18:35] <Nihasa_> roll d20+17
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+17 and gets 33." [d20=16]
[18:36] <Ebiris> OOC: hit, grapple check
[18:36] <Nihasa_> roll d20+23
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+23 and gets 26." [d20=3]
[18:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 erinyes
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 erinyes and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[18:36] <Ebiris> OOC: she's grappled, you can either attack her or kiss her
[18:36] <Ebiris> OOC: if you attack just roll damage
[18:38] * Nihasa_ grins at the devil before laying a nice, long, satisfying kiss on her. (DC 21)
[18:39] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 27." [1d20=15]
[18:40] <Ebiris> "Oh, gross!" the erinyes whines as Nihasa presses her unwelcome affections, having burst forward with speed enough to surprise all the baatezu before they could react! "Get her off me! Who knows where she's been!" she continues in this vein, trying to push Nihasa away.
[18:40] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[18:42] * Demara glides forward, hoping to strike true against the left Orthon and draw their fire! (Dodge on left Orthon that I'm attacking.)
[18:42] <Demara> roll 1d20+26 (-5 CE)
[18:42] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+26 (-5 CE) and gets 27." [1d20=1]
[18:42] <Ebiris> Demara finds her rapier merely clangs off the devil's armour without penetrating!
[18:45] * Inuga draws a lungful of air and shrieks the most penetrating cry she can manage, going for maximum pitch and volume. These devils think they can attack out in the open like this? We'll see about that. "DEVILS!" she yells. "SOMEONE CALL THE GUARD, DEVILS ARE IN THE CITY!"
[18:46] <Ebiris> "Yeah! And someone should do something about these demons, too!" the erinyes joins in sarcastically, before adding under her breath, "Bitch," even as she tries to pry Nihasa off her.
[18:47] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the rightmost Orthon swings its polearm at Nihasa, intending to cut her off the other devil if necessary, before catching Demara on the end of his swing!
[18:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 Nihasa
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 Nihasa and gets 22." [1d20=8]
[18:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Nihasa
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Nihasa and gets 10." [1d20=1]
[18:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Demara
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Demara and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[18:47] <Ebiris> OOC: flat footed AC, Nihasa?
[18:48] <Nihasa_> OOC: 22.
[18:48] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+9 and gets 14." [2d6=1, 4]
[18:53] <Ebiris> While Demara is able to nimbly duck, Nihasa has nowhere to go as her back is raked and ruined by the horribly barbed hellspear! The erinyes takes advantage of this distraction, trying to shove away and to freedom.
[18:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+16 and gets 26." [1d20=10]
[18:54] <Ebiris> OOC: grapple check, Nihasa
[18:54] <Nihasa_> roll d20+23
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+23 and gets 29." [d20=6]
[18:55] <Ebiris> But Nihasa's grip is just too tight! "Urgh, damn, strong grip for a bedroom fiend," the erinyes grunts as her efforts come to naught.
[18:55] <Ebiris> Back in the apartment itself, Albany sleepily sits up at all the noise and looks towards the door, blinking owlishly as she tries to process just what's going on.
[18:55] <Nihasa_> "What can I say? I like to keep my partners close."
[18:56] * Nihasa_ licks the Erinyes' earlobe, just to piss her off.
[18:56] <Ebiris> "Good idea," the other orthon grunts as it hacks down at Nihasa's close and unguarded back!
[18:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 Nihasa
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 Nihasa and gets 31." [1d20=17]
[18:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Nihasa
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Nihasa and gets 17." [1d20=8]
[18:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Demara
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Demara and gets 28." [1d20=19]
[18:56] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+9 and gets 15." [2d6=4, 2]
[18:57] <Ebiris> Nihasa continues to suffer yet more tearing wounds to her delicate flesh, although Demara at least avoids taking any injury herself in the whirling melee!
[18:57] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[18:58] * Nihasa_ moves in to kiss the Erinyes again, hoping it weakens her this time so she can deal with other problems.
[18:58] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[18:58] <Demara> "She's cute," As she dodges a backslash from a spear, Demara looks to the Erinyes. "Save some of kissing her for me!"
[18:59] <Ebiris> "Ewww!" the erinyes spits in disgust as she wriggles her head away after Nihasa's unwanted kiss. "This is not how things were meant to go at all!"
[18:59] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[19:00] <Nihasa_> "Come now, dear girl, as you said, the bedroom is what I specialize in.. Let me teach you a few things.."
[19:02] <Demara> Demara figures that it's time to try something a little more sneaky. If the Erinyes hates this sort of thing..."Oh, go touch yourself," she says to the left side Orthon! OOC - Suggestion, DC 23 on the left Orthon. Dodg eon him as well.
[19:05] <Demara> OOc - Strike then.
[19:07] <Demara> Demara figures that it's time to try something a little more sneaky. If the Erinyes hates this sort of thing..."Oh, come at me! Come and get me!," she says to the left side Orthon! OOC - Suggestion, DC 23 on the left Orthon. Dodg eon him as well.
[19:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[19:08] <Ebiris> The orthon remains mostly intent on hacking at Nihasa and merely harrying Demara.
[19:08] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga?
[19:10] <Nihasa_> Inuga focuses her energy, calling out to her fellow demon-kind, hoping to pull a Vrock to their aid!
[19:10] <Nihasa_> roll d100
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d100 and gets 45." [d100=45]
[19:11] <Ebiris> Alas, Inuga finds that her popularity must be on the wane, for no Vrocks come to answer her desperate plea!
[19:11] <Ebiris> Oblivious to all this, the Orthon continues supporting his superior by prying Nihasa off with a very sharp object!
[19:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 Nihasa
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 Nihasa and gets 32." [1d20=18]
[19:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Nihasa
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Nihasa and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[19:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Demara
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Demara and gets 16." [1d20=7]
[19:12] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+9 and gets 14." [2d6=4, 1]
[19:13] <Ebiris> Nihasa is starting to take a pretty horrible beating from all this, while the erinyes scowls and closes her eyes briefly. "Should've done this from the start..."
[19:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 24." [1d20=9]
[19:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 42." [1d100=42]
[19:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d4
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4 and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[19:14] <Ebiris> At this, a pair of ugly devils with long scraggly beards that look like scrubbing pads, and tough looking green skin promptly manifest inside Elanee's home next to Inuga and Demara! This gets Albany's attention, and she emits an ear-splitting screech while backing away to the wall.
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[19:15] <Ebiris> The other Orthon continues dilligently hacking away at Nihasa. "This one's tough," he grunts irritably.
[19:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 Nihasa
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 Nihasa and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[19:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Nihasa
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Nihasa and gets 15." [1d20=6]
[19:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 Demara
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 Demara and gets 18." [1d20=9]
[19:15] <Ebiris> But he finds all of his attacks are rebuffed, missing outright or batted away!
[19:15] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[19:16] * Nihasa_ grins at the woman beneath her.
[19:16] <Nihasa_> "Two can play that."
[19:16] * Nihasa_ also calls out for aid from her fellow demons.
[19:16] <Nihasa_> roll d100
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d100 and gets 71." [d100=71]
[19:17] <Ebiris> OOC: you have to make a concentration check, first
[19:17] <Ebiris> OOC: but that failed anyway, so who cares
[19:17] <Nihasa_> roll d20+12
[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+12 and gets 19." [d20=7]
[19:17] <Ebiris> OOC: Well... since that failed, your attempt isn't used up, actually. So you can try again later.
[19:18] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[19:20] * Demara scowls a little, but it can't be helped. This situation is degenerating rapidly, so Demara attempts to summon aid!
[19:20] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[19:20] <Demara> roll 1d100
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d100 and gets 61." [1d100=61]
[19:21] <Ebiris> Unfortunately no screeching Vrocks manifest themselves to assist the three tanar'ri, leaving them with nothing but their own wits and strength to overcome this obstacle.
[19:30] <Nihasa_> Inuga focuses on one of the Orthons attacking Nihasa, speaking a suggestion to it: "Attack the one with the raiper!"
[19:31] <Nihasa_> roll d20+12
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+12 and gets 22." [d20=10]
[19:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 DC 27
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 DC 27 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[19:32] <Ebiris> The Orthon Inuga just spoke to seems to shrug and proceed to lay into Demara, only catching Nihasa with an idle cleave of his wildly lunging glaive/spear!
[19:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 Demara
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+16 Demara and gets 31." [1d20=15]
[19:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Demara
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Demara and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[19:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Nihasa
[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Nihasa and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[19:32] <Ebiris> OOC: AC, Demara?
[19:32] <Demara> OOC - 35.
[19:33] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+9 and gets 12." [2d6=1, 2]
[19:33] <Ebiris> "No, you idiot, focus on the skank I've got on top of me!" the erinyes howls indignantly as Demara adroitly sidesteps and parries the two attacks. Though Nihasa isn't so lucky as she finds even a neglectful attack made as an afterthought can still hurt!
[19:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 33." [1d20=18]
[19:34] <Ebiris> OOC: grapple check, Nihasa
[19:34] <Nihasa_> roll d20+23
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa_ rolls d20+23 and gets 37." [d20=14]
[19:34] <Ebiris> She makes a solid effort at pushing her overly eager partner away, but finds she just can't quite detach her so easily!
[19:35] <Ebiris> Meanwhile, the barbazu next to Demara lunges past her with his glaive towards Nihasa, while the other one focuses its efforts on Inuga!
[19:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Nihasa
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Nihasa and gets 22." [1d20=11]
[19:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Nihasa
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Nihasa and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[19:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Inuga
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Inuga and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[19:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Inuga
[19:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Inuga and gets 14." [1d20=8]
[19:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+3
[19:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d10+3 and gets 10." [1d10=7]
[19:37] <Ebiris> While Inuga ducks her head under a vicious swipe, Nihasa continues to be assailed every which way, this time suffering a horrific wound that tore out an important vein or artery somewhere as blood starts to drain ever more rapidly from the succubus!
[19:38] <Ebiris> Albany continues screaming as running footsteps of armoured figures are heard in the distance getting closer, while Elanee steps out of the bedroom clad only in a thick housegown. "What in the... oh shit, not again!" she shrieks.
[19:38] <Ebiris> The remaining orthon at least keeps its focus fully on Nihasa, cleaving viciously into her back!
[19:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 Nihasa
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+16 Nihasa and gets 31." [1d20=15]
[19:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Nihasa
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Nihasa and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[19:39] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Demara
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 Demara and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[19:39] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+9 and gets 18." [2d6=5, 4]
[19:40] <Ebiris> Again Nihasa finds herself torn up and bloodied further! Her vision starts to swim from the abuse she's taken, even as she doggedly clings on to the reluctant baatezu!
[19:40] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[19:42] * Nihasa_ sends to Demara and Inuga: 'I can't take much more.. I'm teleporting to where we got attacked earlier. Meet there.'
[19:42] * Nihasa_ focuses her energies and teleports away.
[19:42] <Ebiris> OOC: concentration check, DC 27
[19:43] <Nihasa_> roll d20+12
[19:43] <Nihasa_> OOC: No bot.
[19:43] <Ebiris> OOC: goddammit
[19:43] <Nihasa_> roll d20+12
[19:43] <Nihasa_> roll d20+12
[19:43] <Ebiris> OOC: you need to say 1d20
[19:43] <Nihasa_> roll 1d20+12
[19:44] <Nihasa_> 1d20+12
[19:44] <Ebiris> OOC: huh
[19:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[19:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:45] <Nihasa_> roll 1d20+12
[19:45] <Succubibot> Nihasa_ rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
[19:46] <Ebiris> Nihasa focuses as she tries to teleport away... only to find herself right where she was! "You're not seeming so eager anymore, are you?" the erinyes notes with a certain savage glee quite evident in her voice.
[19:46] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[19:47] * Demara sighs in frusturation, before attempting to etherial herself.
[19:47] <Ebiris> OOC: concentration check if you want to cast defensively
[19:48] <Demara> OOC: No need, unless they roll well I'm fine. Dodge on the left Orthon.
[19:48] <Ebiris> As Demara focuses inwards, she finds herself abruptly attacked on all sides by devils keen to take advantage of her distraction!
[19:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 left orthon
[19:48] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 left orthon --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
[19:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 left orthon crit check
[19:48] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 left orthon crit check --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
[19:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 right orthon
[19:48] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 right orthon --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
[19:49] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 barbazu
[19:49] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+10 barbazu --> [ 1d20=18 ]{28}
[19:49] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[19:49] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+9 --> [ 2d6=10 ]{19}
[19:49] <Ebiris> OOC: concentration check, DC 29
[19:49] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[19:49] <Succubibot> Demara rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{12}
[19:50] <Ebiris> Demara's distraction costs her dearly, as she's stabbed viciously in the gut by one of the orthons, disrupting her efforts severely! Meanwhile Nihasa starts bleeding copiously from her myriad wounds, especially the one given to her by the barbazu.
[19:51] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[19:51] <Nihasa_> Inuga, seeing the desperation in her two fellow demons, follows their lead and tries to go etheral to escape.
[19:52] <Ebiris> OOC: concentration check for her, too, if she wants to cast defensively
[19:52] <Nihasa_> roll 1d20+12
[19:52] <Succubibot> Nihasa_ rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{16}
[19:52] <Ebiris> Inuga can't quite focus enough as she tries to escape while still avoiding any stabs from the barbazu pressing her!
[19:53] <Ebiris> The suggestioned Orthon keeps on attacking Demara now that blood has been drawn, sensing weakness!
[19:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 Demara
[19:53] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 Demara --> [ 1d20=15 ]{31}
[19:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Demara
[19:53] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 Demara --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
[19:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Nihasa
[19:53] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 Nihasa --> [ 1d20=16 ]{27}
[19:53] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+9
[19:53] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+9 --> [ 2d6=10 ]{19}
[19:55] <Ebiris> While Demara is quite safe, the same cannot be said for Nihasa who finally goes limp from the abuse she's taken, sliding bloodily off the unhappy erinyes. Who's demeanour does brighten considerably at this! "About damn time!" she chirps, stepping away from Demara and levelling her oversized crossbow at the succubus. "Eat hellfire, bitch!"
[19:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12 touch attack
[19:55] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+12 touch attack --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
[19:55] <Demara> OOC - Touch AC is 25.
[19:56] <Ebiris> But Demara is able to jump up in the nick of time, leading the bolt of blazing infernal fire to gouge out a section of the ground beneath her without causing any injury! The Barbazu behind her steps away so it can bring its glaive to bear on her back, however, while the other continues to harry Inuga!
[19:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Demara
[19:56] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 Demara --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
[19:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Demara
[19:56] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+6 Demara --> [ 1d20=8 ]{14}
[19:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Inuga
[19:56] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 Inuga --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
[19:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 Inuga crit check
[19:57] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 Inuga crit check --> [ 1d20=16 ]{27}
[19:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Inuga
[19:57] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+6 Inuga --> [ 1d20=17 ]{23}
[19:57] <Ebiris> roll 4d10+12
[19:57] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 4d10+12 --> [ 4d10=17 ]{29}
[19:58] <Ebiris> Demara remains alert enough to parry the blows with her rapier, but Inuga isn't so lucky, finding herself nearly gutted by a single terrible stroke!
[20:00] <Ebiris> "Follow me, out the window!" Elanee yells to Albany as she rushes back into the bedroom, Kitami's maid not hesitating in the least as she bolts after the harlot, leaving her mistress to her fate!
[20:00] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the erinyes cocks her head, before frowning. "Shit, lets hurry this up, people!" she encourages the other devils.
[20:00] <Ebiris> The other Orthon briefly nods to the petite fallen angel, before continuing to lay into Demara with a vengeance!
[20:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[20:01] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
[20:01] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[20:01] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{17}
[20:01] <Ebiris> Though his efforts are useless against the arcane duellist of the abyss! Nihasa can't do much more than bleed to death as her 'sisters' fight for their very lives!
[20:01] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[20:02] <Demara> OOC - Can I 5ft step to minimize AoOs?
[20:03] <Ebiris> OOC: you're hemmed in, see ascii map in #e
[20:05] * Demara attempts to go etherial again, hoping it works better thi stime! OOC - Triggering AoOs and hoping no one crits.
[20:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 dodge Orthon
[20:06] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 dodge Orthon --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[20:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[20:06] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{28}
[20:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[20:06] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
[20:06] <Demara> OOC - I still get a move action afater I activate it?
[20:06] <Ebiris> Demara focuses on escaping to the ethereal plane, dodging the diabolical attacks sent her way with spiteful ease... and yet, she finds herself blocked! Something simply isn't letting her escape with this method!
[20:06] <Ebiris> OOC: yeah, you used a standard, you have a move left
[20:08] * Demara attempts to move backwards and tumble past what's blocking the way towards the window.
[20:08] <Demara> roll 1d20+8
[20:08] <Succubibot> Demara rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{21}
[20:09] <Ebiris> Demara finds herself blocked by the barbazu before she can get very far at all, though at least it already exploited one opening during her attempted ethereal jaunt and can't hit her again, now.
[20:09] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga
[20:11] <Nihasa_> Inuga attempts to charge past the Barbazu fighting her towards the bedroom, hoping to flee.
[20:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 aoo
[20:11] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 aoo --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
[20:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+3
[20:11] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d10+3 --> [ 1d10=4 ]{7}
[20:13] <Ebiris> Inuga takes a slash on the side, still bleeding painfully from the wounds she's taken already, but she gets past the barbazu and into the bedroom! Here she can see Elanee giving a resistant Albany a shove out the window. "The fall'l hurt a lot less than what they'll do! You want to end up looking like me?" she insists.
[20:14] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the Orthons continue mauling Demara with savage glee!
[20:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[20:14] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{30}
[20:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[20:14] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{14}
[20:14] <Ebiris> Not that it does them any good.
[20:15] <Ebiris> "Can you just sit still and die, now?" the erinyes asks petulantly as she blasts Demara with hellfire. "We're going to have to let you go if this keeps up, and that means we'll just have to come back tomorrow, and none of us want that, right?"
[20:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12 touch
[20:15] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+12 touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
[20:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 touch
[20:15] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+7 touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
[20:15] <Ebiris> roll 2d6
[20:15] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
[20:15] <Demara> Even as she winces, Demara sighs. "This isn't working so well for either of us. How about we call it off and try again tomorrow night?" she asks. Hell, worth as hot at this point.
[20:16] <Demara> "Both us are obviously part of more than what's just here, but the churches are going to shit bricks if they catch wind of both of our types here."
[20:17] <Ebiris> The hellfire burns Demara mightily, scorching through her resistance as if it wasn't even there! No flames of the abyss could hope to match this for pure torment as it causes her flesh to bubble and churn!
[20:18] <Ebiris> "Ah, screw it," the erinyes glances down at the alley leading towards the more well-lit street. "At least we killed Miss Grabby," she gives Nihasa an idle kick. "Yeah, time for us to bail. Hope a paladin comes along and kills you, though!" she gives Demara a sunny smile before glancing at the Orthons. "Kill the interference, will ya?"
[20:19] <Ebiris> At that, both of the barbazu retreat towards the far wall of Elanee's apartment, away from the door...
[20:19] <Ebiris> OOC: you can AoO the one next to you if you want, Demara
[20:19] <Demara> OOC: No. Even if it's a bluff there's no point in spoiling it. This is my best option left, let's see if she's serious.
[20:20] <Ebiris> As they reach the far wall, the two bearded devils promptly vanish away into the aether...
[20:21] <Ebiris> Meanwhile Elanee finally succeeds in shoving Albany out of the window with an alarmed shriek from the maid.
[20:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d6
[20:21] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
[20:21] <Ebiris> "Ahhh, my leg! I broke it!" she's heard wailing. "Oh! Guards! Help!" she then adds.
[20:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[20:22] <Succubibot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{24}
[20:23] <Ebiris> Elanee herself seems to jump out with far less fanfare, but she does start yelling as well, her voice carrying from the street. "It's those fucking devils again! They're in my house!"
[20:23] <Ebiris> Nihasa continues to bleed to death while the erinyes looks impatiently between her two large armoured companions.
[20:23] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga
[20:26] * Demara glances at Nihasa. Damnable. The entire thing is damnable...this entire trip has been ill fortuned. For now, there's nothing to do but fall back and away to the window and then teleport to safety.
[20:26] <Ebiris> OOC: teleporting where?
[20:26] <Nihasa_> Inuga takes her cues from Demara and heads towards the window.
[20:27] <Demara> OOC: Somewhere in the alleys. Near where we killed those thugs, but not too close.
[20:27] <Demara> OOC: In case irritations are there.
[20:27] <Ebiris> Demara reaches the window unmolested, then attempts to teleport... and this time it works! Rematerialising in the dark and mercifully empty alleys, she is safe for the moment!
[20:28] <Nihasa_> Inuga follows after Demara, teleporting after her.
[20:28] <Ebiris> Inuga also completes her teleport successfully, though her barbazu inflicted wound continues to ooze fiendish blood quite painfully...
[20:29] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[20:29] <Succubibot> Demara rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{19}
[20:33] -> *Demara* Demara has heard of items called Luckstones that supposedl

[Ebiris]

Nihasa returns to Die Sapphire Woman

[Ebiris]

[16:32] <Ebiris> Teleporting safely to the thankfully quiet and dark alleyways of Dharport's seedier side, Demara and Inuga find brief respite from their enemies. But even in this, trouble still plagues them - a persistent bleeding wound mars Inuga's gut, draining her life away at an alarming rate. Unless they can do something to mend it, Demara just might find herself all alone in these unforgiving surroundings...
[16:32] <Demara> OOC - How much would I know a bout an INfernal Wound?
[16:33] <Ebiris> OOC: knowledge planes?
[16:33] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[16:33] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[16:34] -> *Demara* Not much. All you know is that this bleeding is unnatural (more so than your fiendish existence, anyway).
[16:35] <Demara> "That bleeding isn't right," Demara observes once her eyes sweep the alley an dthen Inuga. "It doesn't seem to be stopping."
[16:37] * Inuga nods. "I might need to see a healer...as much as I hate to put myself in the hands of humans right now."
[16:37] <Demara> "Unless yo uhave any healing potions?" Demara asks pointedly.
[16:38] * Inuga nods again, and fishes around in Arisa's pack in search of a potion. "I have a few I took from Kitami's mansion. It'll have to do for now."
[16:39] <Ebiris> As she searches, Inuga does find a few labelled potions - three marked cure light wounds and one cure serious wounds. Her stomach continues to throb painfully throughout, making her feel faint.
[16:41] <Inuga> Cure Serious Wounds sounds like the better option! Inuga downs the potion while she's still conscious.
[16:41] <Ebiris> OOC: roll 1d20+5 (+5 for the caster level of the potion)
[16:42] <Inuga> roll 1d20+5
[16:42] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19." [1d20=14]
[16:42] <Ebiris> OOC: that passed, roll 3d8+5 for how many hp you recover
[16:42] <Inuga> roll 3d8+5 for healz
[16:42] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 3d8+5 for healz and gets 14." [3d8=2, 3, 4]
[16:43] <Ebiris> As she knocks back the potion, Inuga feels her wounds seal up and mend, some degree of vigour returning. She still feels rather raw and sore around where she was cut open, but should be able to recover naturally, now.
[16:45] * Inuga breathes easier now. "Better," she says to Demara. "I think we should get off the streets, though. Any ideas?"
[16:47] <Demara> "Do you have any human money? An inn room would suffice." Demara glacnes around again. "We'll need to find Teresa now, sooner than later."
[16:48] <Inuga> "I have a few coins, and some jewelry we can seel. I agree that finding Teresa is top priority, but I haven't a clue where she is."
[16:48] <Inuga> *sell
[16:49] <Demara> "WE've lost our base of operations, found two seperate hostile forces, and the enemies have ways of tracking us," Demara lists those off with ag rim amusement, "We need to find a way, fast."
[16:54] <Inuga> "Well, Kitami's mansion is likely to be a source of gossip and macabre sightseeing in the morning. There's a good chance we can her there. I haven't any clue where she'd be right now, though." Inuga takes a moment to adjust her appearance to something less conspicuous than the late Kitami, adopting the form of a buxom brunette, doe-eyed with pouty lips.
[16:55] <Ebiris> While her attributes are easily shifted, Inuga can't quite do much about the large rip over the midsection of her maid outfit, or all the blood staining its formerly pristine white apron. At least it doesn't show much against the black...
[16:56] * Demara shifts into a demure form as well, bland blonde hair and apperances. "It's possible. It's also possible parties we'd rather not see will be there, too."
[16:58] * Inuga nods. "But I haven't any other idea how to find her, so it may be a necessary risk. In any event, I think we should be off the streets as soon as possible. I don't think there's anything more we can do tonight."
[16:58] <Demara> "Yes, let's go then," Demara agrees.
[17:03] <Ebiris> Heading directly out of the alleys and onto the main street, the dynamic duo search for an inn to rest their weary heads in. The streets are devoid of pedestrians, although they do see a likely homeless person huddled up under some blankets in the doorway of a grimy looking bakery. No sign of any guards in the immediate vicinity...
[17:07] * Inuga pauses to examine the vagrant. The transient would be quite easy to dispose of, if he has anything Inuga could use. Like, say, clothes that aren't notably torn and bloodstained.
[17:09] <Ebiris> It's impossible to see his clothes, since he's wrapped up almost all over in blankets as he sits hunched by the doorway under what meagre shelter it offers.  His face is barely visible, topped by a messy crown of curly brown hair, breathing shallowly and evenly as he sleeps. Looks rather young, and rather healthy for a vagrant.
[17:12] <Inuga> A young *and* healthy bum? After the night's events, Inuga can't help but be a little suspicious of anything out of the ordinary. She opts to pass the man by and continue looking for shelter.
[17:15] <Ebiris> Exploring Dharport after dark in search of shelter, Inuga and Demara leave the suspicious seeming drifter behind. Heading in the direction away from Elanee's home, they soon find what looks like an inn by the signboard and still illuminated window at the end of the street ahead.
[17:15] <Ebiris> As they approach, they can also see a fire burning in an alleyway to the side, two older men in threadbare clothes warming themselves beside it. Their conversation, if any, goes unheard, but occassional wracking coughs issue forth from both.
[17:18] * Inuga doesn't take time out for these vagrants either, instead opting to go right inside the inn. The fewer people that get a good look at her right now, the better.
[17:21] <Ebiris> The signboard of this inn features an axe buried into the side of a nonplussed looking dairy cow. Entering without impediment, the duo find themselves in a nearly empty common room, the great fireplace burning at a low ember. By the bar sits the only occupant, a thin to the point of emanciated half-elf seemingly engrossed in a book he holds.
[17:21] <Ebiris> Looking up wearily at the sound of the door, he opens his mouth to speak before his eyes suddenly widen. "By the Gods! Are you two alright?" he asks, standing up and putting his book on the counter.
[17:26] * Inuga makes sure to look suitably put-upon and victimized, but admirably stalwart despite her grim circumstances, with just a hint of vulnerability mixed in to charm men's hearts. "Jumped by thugs in the street," she says in explanation. "They got worse than they gave, thanks to my friend here." She gestures to Demara.
[17:27] <Demara> Demara nods curtly, "She's not seriously injured, but we do need a room to rest in after that."
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga, make a diplomacy check?
[17:29] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30
[17:29] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+30 and gets 50." [1d20=20]
[17:30] <Ebiris> "Good," he sounds relieved, "It's six silver pieces for a two bed room, normally, but since we have one free that probably isn't going to go to any use, tonight, it's on the house." He walks around to the other side of the counter and collects a set of keys. "It's room 4, up the stairs and second on the right."
[17:33] * Inuga smiles warmly. "Thank you ever so much for your hospitality. If you could...would you not speak of our arrival here? If word got around, friends of these thugs might seek us out for revenge."
[17:34] <Ebiris> "I won't say a word," he promises earnestly as he hands the keys over to Inuga.
[17:36] * Inuga nods. "Thank you so much, kind sir. We are in your debt. If...I could ask another favor of you, is there any way I could acquire a fresh set of clothes at this late hour?"
[17:38] <Ebiris> He seems to think for a second. "I think we have some old clothes in the laundry from a guest who left them behind and never came back - if you want to just go up to your room, I'll come up with them in a minute or two?" he suggests.
[17:39] * Inuga gives him a warm smile. "Thank you, that would be magnificent." She takes a moment to peer in on the man's thoughts (OOC: DC 22) before heading to her room.
[17:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[17:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 16." [1d20=12]
[17:41] -> *Inuga* He's hoping he might just accidentally catch you half-naked as you change out of your current clothes when he shows up, and then sexiness will ensue. It's a forlorn hope, but one that entertains him vastly.
[17:44] <Ebiris> Heading upstairs, Inuga and Demara find their room as promised. Two soft and clean beds with a nightstand and hamper each, and a lantern at the door which could be easily lit with a flame from one of the lanterns in the hallway.
[17:47] * Inuga does so, then removes her ruined clothes and slips between the sheets of one bed. 'The innkeeper fancies me,' she sends to Demara. 'I think I may indulge his desire to keep myself entertained tonight. The distraction would be most wlecome under the circumstances.'
[17:48] <Demara> 'As you wish,' Demara replies. 'If you do, send word if you have trouble.'
[17:52] <Inuga> 'Of course,' Inuga returns, waiting for her new wardrobe to arrive.
[17:53] <Ebiris> As promised, after nearly two minutes there's a soft knock on the door.
[17:55] * Inuga rises with just one of the sheets wrapped around her body. She cracks the door to peer outside, making sure to "accidentally" let the sheet slip a little as she opens it wider, quickly herself up and then flash the innkeep a flustered grin.
[17:57] <Ebiris> He blushes and stares for a noticable second before embarrassedly raising his gaze to studiously meet Inuga's eyes. "Ah, didn't meant to disturb you," he manages apologetically, holding out some neatly folded clothes. Hard to tell exactly what they're like in this state, but they're very brown, in any case. "They might not fit perfectly, but better than what you had on, before, right?"
[17:59] * Inuga nods, blushing as well, then takes the clothes in her free hand and places them on the bed. "Thank you, good sir. Your kindness means a lot to me." She looks down for a moment. "I feel like I owe you something for all this..."
[18:02] <Ebiris> "Really, just happy to help," he puffs out his reedy chest momentarily, his eyes starting to wander downwards despite his efforts at appearing heroic.
[18:02] * Demara idly looks the man over, but snorts. Not the time for her...there'll be times and places later. Besides, it would be rude.
[18:04] * Inuga shakes her head. "Such kindness should be rewarded," she purrs. "I'd be happy to...show my gratitude, if you like..."
[18:05] <Ebiris> "Well..." he briefly looks over Inuga's shoulder to give Demara a wondering and faintly hopeful look, before his attention returns to Inuga and her vast... tracts of land. "It would be rude of me to refuse such an offer, I suppose," he grins.
[18:08] <Inuga> "It would indeed," Inuga chirps. She gives Demara a nod in parting and slips past the innkeep into the hallway, still with just the sheet wrapped around her, making sure to just barely brush across his body in passing. "Well, lead on..." she says with an alluring smile.
[18:12] <Ebiris> Lead on he does... While his performance isn't the best in the world, Inuga is able to coax forth some very enthusiastic efforts from him in her own quest for distraction. Eventually he staggers off, drained of certain fluids if not life force, and Inuga rejoins Demara for the rest of the evening until morning.
[18:12] <Ebiris> The clothes provided are simple and sturdy peasant garb - one dress and one set of pants and a tunic, and aren't too hard to adjust to fit for both succubi.
[18:15] * Inuga opts for the dress, leaving the pants and tunic to her comrade. "Well...any ideas for our next move?" she asks Demara as the two listen to the sounds of the city waking up around them. "It's pretty clear Pelor's church is already infiltrated, and our best bet at infiltrating the aristocracy died with the identity of Kitami. I think the city's underworld should prove our best option now."
[18:17] <Demara> "We have one little useful man here, should we need a hiding place again," Demara considers that slowly. "Beyond that, I think we need to head for that full bore. With the loss of Nihasa, we're even weaker here and our enemies are growing disturbingly powerful."
[18:20] * Inuga nods. "True. I'll remember this place in the event of a similar flight in the future...though of course I'll endeavor to make sure this isn't necessary. Perhaps we could ask our host for information on the local criminal element? Feed him some sob story about chasing a fiance from the countryside into the city, he's got mixed up with the gangs, and so on."
[18:25] <Demara> "Go ahead. He's already in your back pocket," Demara chuckles ever so drolly. "He might know at least a little, or direct us to someone who can be manipulated."
[18:28] <Inuga> "Of course. I'll introduce you as my older sister who simply insisted on following her foolish sibling to the city for her own good, which has clearly proven a wise decision. Let's waste no more time, then." She leaves the bedroom and looks for the innkeep, meaning to continue peering in on his thoughts as she talks to him.
[18:29] <Ebiris> Out of your free room and downstairs do the two succubi go, finding that the inn's common room is now moderately busy with several patrons enjoying breakfast. A gnomish serving girl bustles amidst the tables, while a short (is there any other kind?) dwarf with a thick red beard mans the counter.
[18:31] <Ebiris> One might even say he 'dwarfs' the counter, but that also has an odd double meaning that is entirely inappropriate for this situation. The counter is far bigger than he is.
[18:31] * Inuga heads for the dwarf. "Excuse me, good sir? The man who stood at the counter overnight, is he still here?"
[18:33] <Ebiris> "Eh?" the dwarf looks up gruffly. "Y'mean Covis?" he asks, the name matching the one the half-elf asked you to call him mid-coitus last night (or earlier this morning, technically). "He's went home. Shift's over. Why? Whaddaya want with him?"
[18:35] * Demara hangs back a little, taking in the inn's patrons. Is there anyone interesting or standing out?
[18:36] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check, Demara?
[18:37] <Inuga> "I was hoping for some information..." she starts. Well, may as well try her story out on the dwarf, see if he knows anything useful. "I'm looking for my fiance," she starts, the tale sounding awkward and embarassing for this country girl to relate to a stranger. "He came to the city to seek his fortune, but he's vanished. His last letters spoke of trouble with the Dharport gangs. I...I came to look for him."
[18:37] <Demara> roll 1d20+21
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+21 and gets 25." [1d20=4]
[18:37] <Inuga> OOC: Also, DT on the dwarf, DC 22.
[18:39] -> *Demara* Most of the patrons seem fairly nondescript and dull, really. You do spot a human man with close cropped black hair wearing dark clothing who occassionally glances around furtively - he looks away quickly when meeting your eyes at one point, and seems to be checking that a pouch on his belt is there every few seconds.
[18:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[18:40] * Demara eyes the man in black, idly trying to detect his thoughts, and sending a quiet hope to Her Majesty that this one isn't so strongly minded as well.
[18:40] <Demara> OOC: DC 23.
[18:42] <Ebiris> The dwarf blinks and frowns for a second, ignoring Inuga as he looks around at all the other patrons suspiciously, then returns his attention back to Inuga who finds her efforts to read his mind are rebuffed. "Lassie, if yer man's in trouble with those kinds of characters, you'd best just be forgetting about him and heading back to your village or wherever ye came from," he advises gruffly.
[18:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:42] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16." [1d20=15]
[18:44] -> *Demara* The man is worried, that's plain as day. He's wishing time would pass more quickly so he can meet someone called Sullivan and get rid of the Black Lotus extract he's carrying. Outlandish scenarios involving guards and adventurers suddenly accosting him keep playing out in his head.
[18:44] * Inuga shakes her head. "I came to this city to find him and I'll not leave until I've done so. It's my life to risk, so if you could tell me anything you know about the local gangs, or direct me to someone who knows more, I would appreciate it." She makes another attempt to listen in on his thoughts as she speaks.
[18:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[18:45] <Demara> 'Excuse me for a few,' Demara sends to Nihasa. 'I: may have something.' With that, Demara begins to walk towards this skittery man, but tosses a charm to him as she does. No need to give him any chance to flee.
[18:46] <Demara> OOC: DC 24.
[18:46] <Ebiris> OOC: diplo check, Inuga.
[18:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[18:47] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+30 and gets 46." [1d20=16]
[18:50] <Ebiris> The dwarf frowns and scratches his head. "That's the second time..." he mutters under his breath. "Look, Ah willnae be responsible fer you getting yerself sold intae bondage or somethin' like that. This is a reputable establishment, and we dinnae deal with their types. If yer dead set on it, though... There's a tavern called the Five Cups over near the docks. Someone there might ken about that sort of thing."
[18:51] <Ebiris> The man looks up at Demara, but seems to relax slightly as her charm takes effect, giving her a friendly nod in greeting.
[18:51] <Demara> "Do you mind if I join you," she asks diplomatically, with a tempting smile on her face, all while keeping up on his thoughts.
[18:52] -> *As* worried and paranoid as he is, he thinks Demara has a trustworthy face. And very nice curves, to boot.
[18:52] * Inuga nods. "Thank you, sir." She places one of the silver coins she liberated from the thugs last night on the counter for the dwarf's trouble, then turns to join Demara.
[18:52] <Ebiris> "If you want," he offers with a slight jittery smile. "Name's Bertram," he introduces himself.
[18:53] <Ebiris> "Aye," the dwarf nods gruffly, pocketing the silver and turning his attention away from Inuga.
[18:54] <Demara> "Bertram." Smiling back to him, "I'm surprised you're sitting alone here."
[18:54] <Ebiris> "Why's that?" he asks, briefly looking around as if to confirm he is indeed alone, before glancing suspiciously at the approaching form of Inuga.
[18:55] -> *He* doesn't think as warmly towards Inuga as he does towards you, and is concerned this could be a trap.
[18:55] <Inuga> 'The innkeep directed me to an establishment called the Five Cups,' Inuga sends to Demara. 'Shall I join you at your table, or would it frighten away your new friend?'
[18:56] <Demara> 'I'm not sure. He's thinking he has some Black Lotus Extract and he's waiting to trade it off. This could be useful in a few ways.'
[18:57] <Inuga> 'I'll wait outside, then,' Inuga returns, exiting the inn.
[18:59] <Ebiris> Heading out onto the street, Inuga can see the sun rising over the rooftops to the East, people coming and going as they set up stalls and begin their tired mortal routines for another day, a small gang of unkempt children tossing a ball around and dodging the adults as they pass...
[19:00] <Demara> "Oh, you look like a fun, interesting sort..." Demara leans a little closer. "That you'd have the women all over you."
[19:01] <Ebiris> Mellowing out as Inuga departs, Betram gives Demara a smile. "Yeah, well, haven't been in town too long. Seems like I've made a good start already, haven't I?" he asks, looking currently demure blonde succubus over appreciatively.
[19:01] * Inuga meanders about aimlessly, faking interest in the wares of shopkeeps setting up stalls and generally just keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious.
[19:02] <Demara> With a smile right back, "Yes..." she murmurs, blushing. "I'm sorry, but can I ask you a small favor?"
[19:04] <Ebiris> "You can ask," the man replies amusedly.
[19:04] -> *Demara* He's thinking some very ungentlemanly thoughts about just what he can 'give' you.
[19:05] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check, Inuga
[19:05] <Demara> "I..." Bowing her head, "My friend and I recently ran into problems and we're short on money. If I could borrow a few silver coins...I'd make it very worth your while."
[19:06] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21 for looking at stuff
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 for looking at stuff and gets 32." [1d20=11]
[19:07] <Ebiris> OOC: charisma check for you, Demara, also
[19:08] -> *Inuga* While wandering around, you happen to notice that one of the 'playing' children just picked a man's pocket while bumping into him seemingly by accident. The man doesn't seem to notice and just gives the kid a pat on the head as he moves on.
[19:09] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 17." [1d20=6]
[19:09] -> *Demara* He's thinking he'd be lucky to get a girl like you for several gold in a brothel, so this sounds like an amazing deal if he understands you right. Which he thinks he does.
[19:09] <Ebiris> "Oh. I think I might be able to spare a few coins... just what did you have in mind?" the man asks, leaning over the table towards Demara.
[19:10] * Inuga makes a note to steer clear of the rambunctious children--or at least keep a tight hold on Arisa's pack while around them--but otherwise waits placidly for her companion.
[19:10] <Demara> Demara merely blushes. She stands up, looking to the door. "Ample rewards."
[19:10] <Ebiris> Forewarned is forearmed, and Inuga has little trouble keeping her distance whenever the children start to meander in her direction.
[19:11] -> *Demara* This sounds like an *excellent* way to kill the time before meeting Sullivan, he thinks.
[19:11] <Ebiris> "Say no more," he grins, leaving a few copper coins on the table and leaving his half eaten breakfast as he rises.
[19:12] * Demara nods and leads him out. REally, what she needs is somewhere secluded now. Secluded and private, and preferably without witnesses.
[19:13] <Ebiris> Dharport's streets are riddled with herringbone like alleys splintering off them in a messy tangle, as Demara saw yesterday. It shouldn't be hard at all to just lead him down one and around a few corners to find some quiet privacy.
[19:13] <Ebiris> And so Bertram and Demara exit the... axed cow? Whatever the inn is called, anyway. Inuga is waiting placidly outside not far from the door.
[19:13] * Inuga smiles to Demara when she emerges from the inn. 'Mind the children,' she sends to the other succubus. 'They're pickpockets. What's the plan?'
[19:14] * Demara does just that, looking to find...privacy. 'Of course. I'm going to ...suggest to him better courses and see if he'll go along with that. If not, well...who misses a poison peddler?'
[19:16] * Inuga falls in line a step behind Demara, flashing the man a reassuring smile. If he still seems jittery, she'll just Charm him.
[19:17] <Ebiris> "Eh..." he does turn to look in Inuga's direction as she sidles up, the beginnings of a frown forming...
[19:17] <Demara> "Yes," Demara turns to Inuga, turning to here. "What do you want?"
[19:17] <Demara> 'Let it go. He's jittery.'
[19:18] <Inuga> 'Certainly,' Inuga sends, backing off without a word. Clearly she's not wanted here!
[19:18] <Ebiris> "What was all that about?" Bertram grumbles as he walks along with Demara down the nearest alleyway.
[19:18] <Demara> "I don't really know..." Demara blushes, "Let's just forget about her."
[19:20] <Ebiris> "Gladly," he agrees, turning around a bend in the alleyway and then guiding Demara towards an inset stairway leading to a basement doorway. "Here should do," he decides after a brief look around, before a hand reaches up to grasp Demara's breast as he pulls the succubus close for a kiss with his other hand still on her back.
[19:23] * Demara returns it, activing her soul draining powers, as well as attempting to implant a simple suggestion: Keep going at this.
[19:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 and gets 14." [1d20=14]
[19:23] <Demara> OOC: DC's 24.
[19:24] <Demara> OOC: Not like i tmattered there, likely.
[19:25] <Ebiris> Even as his lifeforce is drained away, the poor foolish mortal doesn't seem to care as he's consumed with lust. Driven purely by his own desires, he shows Demara little concern at all as he squeezes and mauls her chest while pressing his affections, lips locked in an embrace forged of abyssal torment.
[19:26] * Demara simply keeps it up then, happy to send him off this mortal coil, while meanwhile keeping her ears open around her. It wouldn't do to get ambushed, even if incredibly unlikely.
[19:26] <Ebiris> OOC: listen check
[19:26] <Demara> roll 1d20+17
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+17 and gets 26." [1d20=9]
[19:29] <Ebiris> Demara can hear the bustling sounds of the wakening city from the nearby street, but no intruders come to interrupt as she drives her pray closer and closer to the edge, Bertram's mind lost to all other concerns as he shoves her against the wall with what dwindling strength he has left, grinding himself lustfully against her as he violates her mouth with decadant abandon.
[19:29] <Ebiris> All too soon it's all over, the poison peddler's final climactic release coming just as the last wisps of life are drawn out through Demara's skilled lips, leaving naught but an empty and used husk in place.
[19:30] * Demara is all business now, bending down to search his remnants carefully. Even if she's not in danger from it, wasting that poison by accident would be tragic.
[19:33] <Ebiris> Within the pouch he guarded so carefully, Demara finds it filled two thirds full with fine black powder - there's likely enough for five or six doses of poison, there. Besides that, she finds another pouch, this one filled with coins of various denominations. Aside from his clothes, the only other thing of immediate value to be seen is a finely made short sword in a sheath belted to his waist.
[19:33] <Ebiris> Near his other sword, which remains stiff even in death, a visible stain spreading around his pants in its vicinity.
[19:34] <Demara> Can Demara take the short sword and hide it reasonably under her clothes or what not?
[19:35] <Ebiris> She could probably strap it to her thigh underneath her pants without much difficulty.
[19:36] * Demara takes the poison, bag of coins and sword, going to secure them on her person and not flaunt them at all. AFter, she'll shapechange to appear as a man with brown hair and sharp features. On the short side to fit into her clothes, though.
[19:37] <Ebiris> A moment later and Demara is so changed into a handsome, if rather short, man. Bertram simply lays dead on the ground, a slowly cooling corpse with a painfully ecstatic look locked onto his features.
[19:39] * Demara frowns. Ah well, it can't be helped. With that, Demara departs through the allies, looking to approach just enough to message Inuga safely.
[19:40] <Ebiris> Reaching the section that leads onto the street, Demara can see Inuga easily enough as her fellow demon placidly waits for her return.
[19:41] <Demara> 'It's done. Shall we meet up at that tavern then?'
[19:42] <Inuga> 'Certainly. The Five Cups, I was told, by the docks.'
[19:43] <Demara> Without a visible indication, Demara heads that way, taking her time and making sure not to take the same path at Inuga. Oh, and obviously keeping an eye out for any bothersome pickpockets, just in case. Children aren't the only ones that could do it, and losing her recently gotten gains would be bothersome.
[19:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:44] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
[19:45] * Inuga makes her own way to the establishment, sticking to heavily-populated thoroughfares and keeping an eye out for anyone following her or otherwise giving her undue attention.
[19:46] <Ebiris> No one molests either succubus en route, and after about fifteen minutes searching, they find their goal, a dingy looking tavern with painted over windows. A signboard above the door shows five upside down cups, with one partially lifted to reveal a gold nugget beneath.
[19:48] <Inuga> 'Lovely little stinkhole, isn't it?' Inuga, cultural anthropologist, sends to Demara. 'Do you have a plan to go with your new facade?'
[19:48] <Demara> 'Just mixing it up in case anyone tries to put pieces together,' Demara answers back. 'Lead on.'
[19:50] * Inuga enters the tavern, pausing inside the doorway to take a good look around and, of course, let the locals get a good look at her, because the type of person that frequents this alesink aren't likely to pass up the opportunity.
[19:51] <Ebiris> OOC: make a charisma check, Inuga
[19:52] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[19:52] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{28}
[19:57] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Inuga finds that the tavern is fairly small, and almost empty right now - there are two men and a woman playing cards at one of the table, and all turn to look at the door, hands going to visible weapons on their persons. "We're closed," the woman - a severe faced but still somewhat young human with black hair pulled tightly back in a ponytail - says with a scowl, only for one of her companions to interrupt.
[19:57] <Ebiris> "You shouldn't be so rude, Helena," the wide-faced man gives Inuga a smile. "But it looks like you've lost your way - something we can help you with?"
[20:01] <Inuga> "I didn't see a sign out front," Inuga responds airily to the woman. She nods to the helpful man. "A drink would be a nice start," she says with a grin, sitting on the edge of an empty table with a proprietary air about her. She opens her mind to the wide-faced fellow as she awaits a response.
[20:01] <Inuga> OOC: DT, DC 22, yadda yadda yadda.
[20:02] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:02] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[20:05] <Ebiris> The woman gives her companion a contemptous snort, dismissing the two new arrivals from her attention, but at least the men seem somewhat friendly. The helpful man shakes his head, "Well, this establishment really is closed - we're just friends of the owner, so can't really serve you. Why don't you try Chen's Bistro down the street?" he gestures in the direction of the good side of town.
[20:05] -> *Inuga* He thinks you're probably just a clueless out of towner, but since you're so pretty he's inclined to be forgiiving and shoo you out gently.
[20:09] <Inuga> "As a matter of fact, it's the owner I'm looking for. I've been told that he and I have some business interests in common. Perhaps you could tell me where to find him at this hour? Is he on the premises?" Not wanting to waste too much time on lackeys, Inuga decides to charm the man into being more cooperative (OOC: DC 24).
[20:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:09] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
[20:10] <Ebiris> "Oh, well that's different. We might be able to help you after all," he nods, getting up. "Who sent you our way?"
[20:10] -> *Inuga* He thinks you could be out of town 'experts' looking to pay your respects to the guild.
[20:12] <Ebiris> The woman swivels around in her chair to regard Demara and Inuga, before her eyes settle on the former.
[20:13] <Inuga> "I'd rather tell that to the man I was sent to see," she says, searching her memory for anything she might have heard that would make it easier to fake being a rep from an outside syndicate.
[20:13] <Demara> "Hm?" Demara asks mostly plainly.
[20:17] <Ebiris> "Believe you were asked a question," the woman identified as Helena drawls, eyeing Demara.
[20:17] <Ebiris> "And what man would that be?" the wide-faced fellow asks probingly.
[20:17] -> *He's* still curious who exactly sent you here, and wonders just who you want to speak with. Several names flit through his mind - Julius, Essex, Fernan, and Gunter, before he just gives up on guessing and waits for your answer.
[20:17] -> *Inuga* He's still curious who exactly sent you here, and wonders just who you want to speak with. Several names flit through his mind - Julius, Essex, Fernan, and Gunter, before he just gives up on guessing and waits for your answer.
[20:19] <Inuga> "I need to speak with Julius," Inuga says, taking a name at random from the man's head. She decides to listen in on the hostile woman's thoughts as well. If she can listen to more than one at a time, that is. (OOC: DC 24).
[20:19] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[20:19] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{16}
[20:19] <Demara> "A friend." Demara says curtly. "I'm with her."
[20:23] <Ebiris> "Julius isn't here right now. He normally stops by a few hours after sundown to spend some time here, you could catch him then," the man replies trustingly to Inuga.
[20:23] -> *Inuga* Helena thinks you're annoyingly pretty, but she's mostly focusing on your companion since the quiet ones tend to be more dangerous. She's identified about four different ways she could kill 'him' quite swiftly, and is mentally playing them out, even if she likely won't need to. Better safe than sorry, she thinks.
[20:25] <Inuga> "Of course," Inuga says with a smile. "Is there anywhere you'd recommend passing the time until sundown? Perhaps someplace I can explore similar business ventures until Julius is ready?" she asks, listening in on the man again.
[20:26] * Inuga also sends to Demara: 'The woman is imagining killing you right now--terribly shocking, I know--but doesn't intend to do so unless necessary.'
[20:26] <Demara> 'In a hateful way, or is she that kind of pervert?' Demara asks back blandly, keeping her face plain.
[20:27] * Inuga sends Demara the mental equivalent of a shrug. 'She's security. She thinks it's her job.'
[20:27] <Ebiris> "Best if you cool your heels until you've paid your respects," the man returns. "Wouldn't want you to step on anyone's toes, after all. We'll make sure to let him know you stopped by, though - what name shall we give him?"
[20:27] -> *Inuga* He doesn't even expect your real name, here. That's just how thieves work, and no problem for him.
[20:28] <Demara> 'Ah, I'd hate to have to kill her if she's competent. We can't kill everyone who wants us dead, it's not productive, even if it's fun.'
[20:29] * Inuga considers this for a moment. "Tysha," she says. "Thank you for your time."
[20:29] <Ebiris> "Not a problem Tysha," he nods with a smile. "You keep your nose clean out there."
[20:30] <Inuga> 'Quite so,' she sends to Demara. 'Especially since we mean to use these people.' Then, to the man: "Of course. I'll return in the evening."
[20:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:32] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=23 ]{23}
[20:34] <Ebiris> The rest of the day passes easily enough for the demonic duo, wiling away the hours, perhaps by exploring the forbidden love between two succubi, or perhaps just doing nothing much at all. The world may never know. In any case, it's well after sundown when they return to the Five Cups, finding its painted over windows leaking some light out, and enough noise from within to indicate it is currently open for business.
[20:36] * Inuga enters as ostentatiously as before, scanning the patrons for those she met before and otherwise looking for anything unusual, dangerous, or dangerously unusual.
[20:36] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[20:36] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[20:36] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{39}
[20:37] * Demara follows along as well, staying in step with Inuga, and keeping her own eyes open as well.
[20:40] <Ebiris> There aren't that many people inside - only eight or so, including the barkeep. All are armed, Inuga notes, mostly light blades but a few hand crossbows in evidence, and most are wearing armour of some sort, generally light stuff worn beneath clothing. Without fail, everyone turns to look at the doorway with tense expressions, hands shifting to allow easy access to their weapons.
[20:42] * Inuga is all smiles as she saunters through the crowd right up to the barkeep. "Is Julius in?" she asks casually, listening in on his thoughts as usual.
[20:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[20:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{17}
[20:44] <Ebiris> "Who wants to know?" the bartender asks impassively, wiping a dirty mug with an equally dirty rag.
[20:44] -> *Inuga* He thinks that your appearance matches the description given earlier for Tysha that he was to pass on to Julius.
[20:45] <Inuga> "Tysha," Inuga purrs.
[20:49] <Ebiris> "And you've found me," a devilishly handsome man with sharp features that rival Demara's current look notes as he gets up from his card game and leans on the bar next to Inuga, getting a nod from the bartender. He wears a hat with a colourful feather through it, and a long-tailed black jacket over dark studded leather armour.
[20:49] <Ebiris> "I was told you might show up, my dear. Along with your companion of few words," he briefly nods towards Demara. "So what can I do for you?"
[20:50] <Demara> Demara ever so slightly nods tback to him, but otherwise eyes him once. On a random hunch, she detects good about.
[20:50] -> *Demara* Not a trace of goodness to be found in this den of scum and villainy.
[20:52] * Inuga instantly taps into Julius's mind to sort out just what kind of business he's in. "I was sent by someone considering a mutually beneficial business arrangement," she says, setting off the dry opener with a warm grin.
[20:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[20:52] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
[20:54] -> *Inuga* Julius is rather curious at the fact that he's had two new contacts approach him in the same number of days, but assumes it must be the price he pays for being so flamboyant and noticable.
[20:55] <Ebiris> "Really? You'll have to tell me who's been dropping my name so brazenly," he asks, giving Inuga an engaging smile as he tries to wheedle information out of her.
[20:59] <Inuga> "Could we talk in private?" Inuga asks, folding her arms across her stomach and drawing attention to her breasts. "I'm quite prepared to grant certain...incentives in conjunction with reaching an agreement."
[21:00] <Ebiris> "Certainly, I was about to suggest the same before we got down to the real business," Julius agrees readily, cheerfully taking a quick glance at Inuga's proferred goods. "But lets not mix business with pleasure, shall we?" he concludes with a dashing smile as he offers the succubus his hand.
[21:00] -> *Inuga* He thinks you have a fantastic rack but there'll be time for that later. He can seduce you when not on guild business, after all.
[21:01] <Demara> 'Going alone?' Demara sends, as she continues to keep her strong, silent and watchful guise up.
[21:02] <Inuga> "Of course," Inuga says, graciously accepting the man's hand. "All things in their due time." She gives a parting nod to Demara. 'Mingle and learn what you can. The man's a representative of some "guild," hopefully I'll learn which before he asks me about it! I'll call if I need you.'
[21:07] <Ebiris> His hand is covered by a smooth glove of soft leather, but his grip is firm yet gentle as he gallantly leads Inuga through the rear door and then into a side room, nodding to a large and overly muscled half-orc in chainmail who seems to be guarding this section. The room he leads you into isn't too big, just a desk, a padded couch, a few wooden chairs, and a wardrobe.
[21:07] <Ebiris> "Now, my dear Tysha," he begins, gesturing for her to take the couch, "What sort of arrangement are you looking to form with us?"
[21:10] * Inuga immediately attempts to charm the man (OOC: what the hell, let's use Boost Spell-Like to make the DC26), since she can't fake things forever. "The people I represent are looking to establish themselves in this town. You and your business have been identified as a suitable point of entry into Dharport." She keeps listening in on his thoughts here, even if the charm doesn't work, hoping this'll provoke thoughts of his busin
[21:11] <Inuga> *business.
[21:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[21:12] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{25}
[21:14] -> *Inuga* He's not sure about how you speak of it as a 'point of entry' since it implies a less than equitable arrangement. You've either got very powerful backing, or you're painfully naive. Still, he hopes you can get something worked out, since you seem nice. And again, fantastic rack. He could stick his head between those puppies for hours.
[21:15] <Ebiris> "Well, before we go any further, just who do you represent?" Julius asks as he takes a seat on one of the chairs, facing the couch against the wall. "It sounds like you've done your homework on us, at least, but you're an unknown here."
[21:20] * Inuga sits down on the couch, laying on her side and propping herself up on an elbow. She decides to check his aura as she speaks (OOC: Detect Good) because hey, it doesn't hurt to look. "I represent someone very powerful, someone willing to reward generously those who help her and her humble servants." She starts. Then: "Dharport is riven with competing interests, that much is obvious to me already--
[21:20] <Inuga> "--so indulge me for a moment: how do you think you and your organization fare at present? Who stands in the way between you and greater prosperity?"
[21:26] <Ebiris> Not a shred of goodness in him that Inuga can see as she makes herself comfortable. "You speak in mysterious terms, my dear, when a simple answer would suffice. But to your question? Bell Masque reigns supreme in Dharport's hidden side, for even the rulers of the city recognise the valuable services we can provide for the right price."
[21:26] -> *Inuga* Much as he appreciates the view, his mind seems more focused on the questions you raise. Bell Masque has a very solid grip on the underworld, but lately adventurers and do-gooders have been poking their noses in with increasing frequency, to say nothing about the alarm generated by recent activities of devils.
[21:32] * Inuga smiles enigmatically. "Is that so? I've heard otherwise. Heard of some self-righteous adventurers and the like interfering in your affairs." She shrugs. "Certainly you can handle the occasional band of do-gooders, but...what about a more organized menace? One of the churches perhaps? Are you really so powerful as to resist such organizations? And--
[21:33] <Inuga> "--this is not all I have heard. Strange disturbances in the night, inhuman creatures killing in the streets. Perhaps even devils? Are you and your compatriots not disturbed by these events?" She keeps on listening to his thoughts, specifically for his reaction to dealing with devils and the like.
[21:38] <Ebiris> "You are well informed," he smiles approvingly. "Yes, it is true that obstacles such as you describe are increasing in frequency, but we will endure. One can never be rid of the shadow, after all, can they?" Leaning forward and propping his chin up in his palm with elbow resting on his knee, he regards Inuga's face, currently ignoring her other fun attributes. "But if you wish to aid us... what do you have to offer, my dear?"
[21:38] -> *Inuga* He's thinking of plans they've got in place for dealing with devils. The church of Nerull seems to feature in this, as well as something called pandomonic silver. While they haven't struck directly at Bell Masque, the guild did receive protection money from some of their targets, so most think a confrontation is inevitable.
[21:43] <Inuga> "Extensive knowledge and experience of devils. My people and I have had our fair share of problems with such wretched beings and wish to see them exterminated. Surely *that* is a motivation you can agree with? It's to our mutual benefit to see that this happens--"
[21:46] <Inuga> "--we have magical and martial talents at our disposal, whose aid you will receive during and after the extermination of these monsters, as well as a variety of delightful bonuses." At the end of this little shpiel, Inuga attempts to compel the charmed mortal into agreement magically.
[21:46] <Inuga> OOC: Using the Fiend of Corruption version of Suggestion with Boost Spell-Like. DC 27.
[21:46] <Inuga> OOC: I guess 29, since he's charmed.
[21:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 he gets a penalty to his roll against DC 27, so lets hope for a 20
[21:47] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 he gets a penalty to his roll against DC 27, so lets hope for a 20 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
[21:47] <Ebiris> OOC: missing the zero on the end, Rei-chan
[21:48] <Ebiris> OOC: for your suggestion you've got to actually suggest a particular course of action - you've given him an incentive but not said exactly what you want from him. So do so, now?
[21:49] * Inuga attempts to sway the man into agreeing to her proposition of mutual aid in exterminating the devils, or at least doing his best to convince his cohorts and superiors that doing so is beneficial to the Belle Masque.
[21:49] <Ebiris> OOC: you've actually got to verbalise it out loud, but lets just assume you did.
[21:50] <Inuga> OOC: Yes, let's. >.>
[21:52] <Ebiris> "You make a compelling case," Julius admits approvingly. "And indeed, many among us have felt a growing sense of alarm at the brazen activities of these fiends. Yes, I believe we can work together, after all," he takes off his feathered hat as he rises, bowing with a flourish towards Inuga. "May this be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship."
[21:58] * Inuga smiles. "Excellent," she says with a toss of her hair. "I thought you could be reasoned with. As a gesture of trust, I will say that our dealings in the city thus far have led me to be believe the Church of Pelor itself has been infiltrated by devils. Has your intelligence suggested such?"
[22:04] <Ebiris> "There was that odd business with Proust," Julius nods as he replaces his hat and sits back down. "From what I understand he won't be executed since they church raised the priest he killed. Could be they're making their move on Pelor, true."
[22:04] <Ebiris> "There's also been a disturbing rise in militance from Boccob's Church - they claim they wiped out some demon cult that was infiltrating the city last month, but they've been harassing a lot of people ever since then, and ingratiating themselves further with the authorities to get more power to do so."
[22:06] -> *Inuga* As he explains all this, Julius is thinking about how to pass on this new alliance to his own superiors. The ultimate leader of Bell Masque is a person called Lune who doesn't much trust outsiders, but he's hoping if he vouches then something can be worked out.
[22:07] * Inuga nods. "Interesting. The devils do seem to be making much headway in infiltrating Dharport's infrastructure. Dislodging them will not be easy, but the Belle Masque will firmly entranched in its place once this is done. Now...no doubt you have others within your organization whom you must inform of this arrangement?"
[22:08] <Ebiris> "It's as you say, my dear," he returns. "For the level of cooperation you're talking about, it will have to go through at the highest level. Where are you staying? Someone will contact you once a meeting with my superiors can be arranged."
[22:10] <Inuga> "I've recently vacated quarters. I was to find new ones after the conclusion of our meeting, but perhaps you could recommend lodging close by?"
[22:12] -> *Inuga* He briefly toys with the idea of inviting you to share his own bed, but considers the idea inappropriate when he has work to be doing. Perhaps some other time.
[22:12] <Ebiris> "There's not much to recommend in this part of town if you're wanting somewhere clean and comfortable," he admits. "Why not try the Beef Hatchet, about a quarter of a mile that way," he points in the direction of the inn you stayed at last night.
[22:13] <Inuga> "Of course, and thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you again," she says with a knowing smile as she rises from the couch.

[Ebiris]

[17:37] <Ebiris> Returning to the same inn they spent the previous night at, Inuga and Demara find the same night clerk in charge. Inuga's myriad talents prove far too fantastic for him to justify charging the lovely duo, and so after a quick tumble beneath the counter, she's earned a roof over their heads for another night.
[17:37] <Ebiris> Retiring to their quarters, the pair are left to their own devices to wait either their contact with Bell Masque, or the promised return of the Baatezu pest control squad...
[17:40] * Inuga badly needs to acquire some better clothes, and says as much to her comrade. Her Bell Masque contact has been led to believe the succubus represents someone great and powerful; opulence speaks for itself, so she'd better look the part. That's a task for the morning, though. She has no plans for the rest of the night.
[17:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
[17:43] <Ebiris> OOC: make a listen check, Demara
[17:43] <Demara> roll 1d20+17
[17:43] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{28}
[17:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[17:45] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{20}
[17:45] <Ebiris> It's perhaps half an hour gone past midnight, everything quiet in the inn from all appearances, when...
[17:45] -> *Demara* You can hear someone creeping down the hallway towards your door, making an effort to stay quiet but not quite good enough against your ears.
[17:47] <Demara> Immediately, 'Someone's trying to creep towards us,' Demara sends to Inuga. 'Stand or flee?' Also, Demara takes a moment to look and see if there are any windows ore easy places of escape if need be.
[17:47] <Ebiris> There is a window, yes, overlooking the street outside.
[17:48] * Inuga sends back: 'Wait and see who it is. If it's the devils again, they already know who we are and we can 'port out once they try to force an entrance. If it's someone else...well, this could be interesting! Be ready for the worst, at any rate.'
[17:49] * Demara nods and creeps closer to the window, just in case there are more Orthons, keeping her ears open and waiting. Demara does take a moment to invoke Shield if possible, however.
[17:50] -> *Demara* As you cast your spell, the footsteps abruptly stop. You think they're about one door down from where you are, in the direction of the stairs.
[17:51] <Demara> 'It's stopped, about a door away from us,' Demara sends to Inuga tersely, listening and glancing outside the window, just in case they're going to be all nasty about this and pincer.
[17:51] * Inuga nods silently, waiting and listening.
[17:52] <Ebiris> A few seconds pass in tense silence, before Demara hears the footsteps resume and a second later there's a soft knocking at the door.
[17:54] * Inuga frowns. 'This whole situation is awfully familiar...' she sends ominously. Still, the fact remains that they can flee instantly if necessary. She sits on one of the beds and mumbles a sleepy "Whu...who 's it?"
[17:55] <Ebiris> "A friend of a friend," a low-pitched male voice replies, barely audible through the door. "You Tysha?"
[17:56] <Inuga> "I am," she says softly. "You have news for me?"
[17:57] <Ebiris> "The Faceless wants to speak with you. Tonight. I'm to take you to him," the voice replies tersely.
[17:59] <Inuga> 'Faceless?' she sends to Demara. 'That's a new one. Still...I dare not risk alienating the only potential ally we have right now. I mean to go.' "Of course," she says through the door.
[18:00] <Demara> 'If it's a trap, well...oh well.' Demara merely says, not pressing it.
[18:00] <Ebiris> "Get dressed and come on out, then. He doesn't like to be kept waiting," the voice prods.
[18:02] * Inuga grimaces. 'If it's a trap, then I'll flee like I did from the last one,' she sends to Demara. 'We've spent days here with nothing to show for it. We have to take some sort of risk.' She spends a moment "dressing," though she was already, really, and then opens the door.
[18:04] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Inuga finds herself groin to face with a halfling. Said little humanoid has greasy looking brown hair in dense curls, and wears leather armour... no shoes, though. A bandolier of dark coloured throwing daggers runs from his shoulder to hip. He looks up past Inuga's expansive bosom to meet her eyes, then nods a half second later. "Follow me," he instructs, stepping away from the door.
[18:05] * Inuga steps into the hallway as requested, waiting to be shown the way.
[18:06] * Demara follows behind Inuga, keeping her eyes open like a good male looking bodyguard should.
[18:08] <Ebiris> The halfling doesn't seem bothered by Demara's presence. Leading the duo down the hall - away from the stairs down to the common room, he instead opens a side door and heads down the stairs into a large kitchen, then exits via another doorway that opens out on the side-street, rather than the inn's main entrance.
[18:10] * Inuga keeps an eye out anyone or anything tracking them, but otherwise follows along placidly.
[18:10] <Inuga> *out for
[18:10] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[18:11] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[18:11] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{41}
[18:13] <Ebiris> Nothing seems to be following the trio - not even the rats escape Inuga's scrutiny, and they all seem perfectly innocent, at least as much as rodents can be. Your guide has little interest in conversation, and wordlessly guides the two succubi through the maze of alleys that fills Dharport... and without any interference from the few thugs and tramps that happen to litter these cramped side-streets.
[18:15] <Inuga> Well, that's somewhat encouraging. It looks more like an *official* escort that way, certainly.
[18:18] <Ebiris> After ten minutes or so, the nameless halfling stops outside what's advertised as an antique shop - though how much custom it gets tucked away in a seamy alley on the bad side of town is debatable. "In there, go down to the basement. The door's open," he instructs, standing to the side of the peeling wooden door and in front of the shop's only window, which is too stained with grime to give any hope of seeing within.
[18:19] * Inuga obliges, opening the door and heading insde. She assumes Demara will be allowed to go with her.
[18:20] <Inuga> *inside
[18:21] * Demara follows along as well.
[18:22] <Ebiris> Stepping inside, Inuga finds a largely cluttered shop, with shelves and display cases filled with all manner of random objects. Whether it's junk or valuable she couldn't say, but there's a lot of it. An open trapdoor is seen behind and to the side of the counter, while a closed door is on the opposite side. A candle burns on a stool beside the trapdoor, providing scant illumination.
[18:23] * Inuga takes the lantern, assuming it's meant for her use. Though the succubus can see in the dark, there's no need to let that much information out right now. As far as the Bell Masque is concerned, she's just an attractive human with good connections. She ignores the shop's other contents and heads downstairs.
[18:25] <Ebiris> It's not a lantern, just a single candle set on a saucer. Looking down the trapdoor, she can see a ladder descending almost straight down... except only for a few steps, for after the first few feet, vision is blocked by a wall of impenetrable darkness that not even her demonic vision can penetrate.
[18:27] <Inuga> ...Interesting. Not much point in taking the candle, then. She leaves it and carefully descends the ladder.
[18:29] <Ebiris> Descending downwards, Inuga doesn't feel anything untoward as her feet enter the black void, the ladder steps still spaced regularly and predictably... indeed, after her face crosses the threshold of the effect, she notices she can see perfectly back up what lies above, and for that matter what lies below - a small corridor a few feet below with a door at the end.
[18:29] * Demara follows along after Inuga.
[18:30] <Ebiris> Demara likewise passes through the strange black barrier without incident, letting the duo reach the bottom. There's hardly any light here, just a little from the candle above, but their darkvision functions well enough without it.
[18:31] * Inuga reaches bottom and walks towards the door, assuming it will be unlocked as suggested. She doesn't intend to knock--she's expected, after all, and someone with a patron as powerful as she's suggested hers is shouldn't need to knock! She does, of course, scan the hallway for any traps meant to ensnare the overconfident first.
[18:31] <Ebiris> OOC: search
[18:32] <Inuga> roll 1d20+13
[18:32] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
[18:33] -> *Inuga* You can see no noticable traps.
[18:33] <Ebiris> The corridor is only ten feet long, made of sturdy hewn stone with two small alcoves/shelves at the base of the ladder - though both lie empty. The door itself is made of sturdy looking wood, seeming in far better condition than the shop's front door.
[18:33] <Inuga> Alright then, onwards through the door.
[18:40] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Inuga makes her dramatic entrance! Here she finds herself in a large chamber - definitely taking up more than just the space directly below that small antique shop, with lit braziers at all four corners to provide generous lighting. As far as furniture goes, there's not much - a decent sized table with a half dozen chairs surrounding it dominates the rear, while several cabinets and chests line the walls,
[18:40] <Ebiris> along with a few bookcases. Your attention is mostly grabbed, however, by the figure standing in the centre. A vaguely humanoid and yet still formless figure, it looks like nothing else so much as a shadow given flesh... yet from the shadows it casts, it clearly is a real and physical being.
[18:40] <Ebiris> Planted on the front of the lump that would be its head lies an ornate white mask, bearing the design of a face locked into a despairing expression, its mouth a downturned frown while glittering jewel-like tears run down one of its cheeks.
[18:45] * Inuga nods politely. It takes more than a fruity costume to bother a woman like her! "Greetings," she says with a smile. "I am Tysha, as I am sure you have been informed. Shall I call you Lune?"
[18:48] <Ebiris> "Curious..." the figure speaks, its voice having an odd echoing quality to it - it's almost as if several voices are speaking at once, not quite perfectly synchronised. It's hard to even tell if its masculine or feminine, sitting comfortably within the androgynous range. "That is not a name I have ever used, but it is known to me. Were you expecting the one called Lune?"
[18:50] <Inuga> Well, drat. So much for impressing this person how well-informed "Tysha" is. "I considered it a possibility. Perhaps that was presumptuous of me. By what name should I refer to you, then?"
[18:54] <Ebiris> "Perhaps it was," the figure agrees with Inuga's assessment, briefly bowing its head forward politely, as if to show that it doesn't hold it against her - with no facial cues, and such a twisted mix of tone, its very hard to read its emotions. "Names have power, and so I prefer that mine remain unknown. You may refer to me by the name Bell Masque has given - The Faceless."
[18:59] <Inuga> "As you wish," Inuga says agreeably. "I take it my desire for a partnership against the devils invading Dharport has been conveyed to you. Are you in a position to tell me your organization's opinion on this matter?"
[19:01] <Ebiris> "I have received your words, and wish to hear more. What are your reasons for proposing this arrangement? What do you seek to gain from it? And what can you offer us? These questions demand answers before any agreement can be made," the Faceless explains as it straightens from its bow.
[19:05] <Inuga> "Those I represent have a longstanding desire to see devils exterminated wherever they may be found. This is our primary goal, though I will not lie to you and say that we do not also seek our own voice in Dharport. We do. We do not mean to usurp the Bell Masque, however. It is sufficient that an ally of ours is in a position of dominance in the city." (more)
[19:08] <Inuga> "With cooperation, I believe we can ensure that this happens. With the devils and their allies expunged from Dharport, the Bell Masque could easily expand to fill the vacuum. You will need assistance to bring this goal to fruition, however. The devils are well-established, perhaps moreso than you are aware." She smiles. "And we have a great deal of experience fighting them. You will need it."
[19:08] <Ebiris> OOC: diplomacy check
[19:08] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30
[19:08] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{38}
[19:13] <Ebiris> "You speak well on behalf of your cause, Tysha," the Faceless compliments with an approving bow. "Though the baatezu move in circles Bell Masque has no desire to fill in, the reverse may not be true. Your own talents may prove useful in dealing with this. You have not, however, said who it is that you represent. Though your words give some clue, I will not make any presumptous assumptions without hearing you speak clearly."
[19:17] <Inuga> "Naturally," Inuga concedes. "I would not expect you to make an alliance with an unknown force. I serve none other than Queen Malcanthet."
[19:21] <Ebiris> The Faceless nods briefly. "I had expected as much. I have had dealings with her servants before. Though the risks in dealing with the Abyss are plain, it does not mean that we cannot still benefit from one another. Thank you for being so candid, Tysha. Many would have tried to hide such an affiliation."
[19:22] <Inuga> "I see no need to do so. If I had done so, it would become plain later and only complicate our relationship."
[19:25] <Ebiris> "Indeed. I have little care for what happens to mens' souls in the hereafter, so long as nothing impedes with the success of Bell Masque. I will keep your secret safe," the Faceless promises.
[19:28] * Inuga nods. "Very good. Do you then see value in this partnership, as I do?"
[19:30] <Ebiris> "I do believe we can help one another, yes," the formless being replies. "Tell me, then, how do you propose to drive the devils out of this city?"
[19:35] <Inuga> "As I see it, two things are necessary: a means to sever them from their mortal pawns, and the manpower to resist an attack by the devils should they bring the fight to you. And I believe they will, in due time. As for the former goal? Their hold on the city is strong, but not complete. If you could expose this infernal connection through some means, I think it possible that unafiliated parties may strike them and do our work for
[19:35] <Inuga> for us." (more)
[19:37] <Inuga> "We consider it quite likely that the church of Pelor has been infiltrated by devils. This may prove a useful starting point. I and my comrades should also prove useful in swaying influential individuals throughout the city." She smiles. "Whatever their desire, we can provide it. As for resisting the devils through force...I confess that the number of my lady's servants in Dharport is presently low, but this condition is easily r
[19:38] <Inuga> remedied."
[19:40] <Ebiris> "Yes, we have our suspicions that certain parties have made their own arrangements with the baatezu, and word is spreading of the fiendish corruption within Dharport that spurs adventurers and mercenaries to descend upon the city. But no one has yet found where the devils themselves are lairing - if you could find out that, Tysha, I believe a solution would not be far behind."
[19:45] <Inuga> "I believe we are capable of bringing this to light. No doubt some of those humans in their service know of their shelter. Given time with one of them, and some privacy, I don't doubt that we could extract such information. Do you have a likely target in mind?"
[19:49] <Ebiris> "The church of Boccob has seen a notable shift in tone over the past month," the Faceless replies after a moment's consideration. "It is my belief that this was the starting point of the devil's infiltration. There is also suspicion that they have taken over the running of several brothels that were formerly under the purview of your Queen."
[19:49] <Ebiris> "I will leave such investigations in your no doubt capable hands. Should you learn anything, pass it on to Julius - I believe you've already left your mark upon him."
[19:54] * Inuga smirks at this. "Of course. And I can confirm that the devils have indeed usurped our position in many of the city's brothels. You may wish to tell your rank-and-file to beware such establishments if you believe it would do any good. I'll have a more thorough report of which brothels lie in infernal hands next time." (more)
[19:58] <Inuga> "In the meantime, I will make the church of Boccob the target of our investigations, and ask a small favor of you and your comrades: to fight an unnatural menace, you need unnatural forces. There are few of us here at present, but a few choice sacrifices can even the odds. I only ask that anyone you wish disposed of be sent to us. Is this request agreeable?"
[19:59] <Ebiris> OOC: diplo check
[19:59] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30 glad this isn't Hatebot
[19:59] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+30 glad this isn't Hatebot --> [ 1d20=4 ]{34}
[20:00] <Ebiris> The Faceless actually laughs at that, an oddly hypnotic sound as several voices join in a seeming thrum of mirth. "An interesting proposal. I will consider it, on an individual basis. Was there anything else?"
[20:02] * Inuga shakes her head. "This is sufficient for now. I thank you for your compliance and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership."
[20:05] <Ebiris> The creature nods at that. "Very well. Those who walk in shadow will know you as an ally, Tysha... though I suggest you avoid revealing our discussion, this night. Good night to you both."
[20:06] * Inuga nods one last time. "Of course. I can be relied upon for discretion in this matter. Farewell for now."

[Ebiris]

[19:03] * Demara takes these chances to look about. First, Demara transforms in a hard, bleak faced man, a couple of scars here and there. Once that's done, she'll go poke in less reputable places, very quietly asking about poison if it looks safe. She'll avoid anywhere too close to the Church of Pelor or back alleys in general. She'll also leave the poison she has in Inuga's safe keeping hands, just in case.
[19:04] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[19:04] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15." [1d20=4]
[19:08] <Ebiris> Demara doesn't have much luck at all after spending the whole morning making discreet enquiries. Most people rebuff 'him' quite brusquely, wanting nothing to do with that sort of thing as soon as he even raises the subject. The closest he gets to any progress is a rumour that someone on Ash Street is probably using poison because a lot of dead rats and cats have been showing up around there.
[19:12] <Demara> Nurturing a bad mood and not in the mindset to go chase after dead vermin, Demara decides to shift things up. She morphs into a slightly plain, pudgy looking man who clearly enjoys his meals too much.  She decides to do a basic circuit of things, not gathering any spefici tibdit of information, but instead trying to get a grasp of basic gossip around the city.
[19:27] <Ebiris> Demara overhears a few possibly interesting or relevant conversations as he explores the city.
[19:27] <Ebiris> A few merchants at the bazaar have a lengthy exchange about the sightings of devils within the city. Apparently more and more adventurers are starting to head towards Dharport, which is mostly good for business, but considering a lot of them tend to be just as bad in their own way as any monsters, the merchants aren't entirely optimistic.
[19:27] <Ebiris> A few posit that the church of Boccob will do something about it, since they dealt so effectively with those demon cultists recently.
[19:27] <Ebiris> At a tavern near the city centre, Demara also spots one of Mary's friends - Rochelle, he thinks. The girl seems somewhat subdued, but does briefly converse with some of the patrons when the subject of Sir Proust comes up. Apparently since Sigmund was raised from the sale of the paladin's assets, no charges are being pressed, and Sir Proust has taken a leave of absence from the church so he can perform a pilgrimage and atone for his crime.
[19:27] <Ebiris> Near the docks he hears a few workers chatting as they take a break from unloading a ship. Apparently, from what they're saying, there's a rather worrying infestation of vermin starting to boil out of the sewers around here, and they're worried that something nasty might have taken up residence to get the bugs so worked up.
[19:30] * Demara notes Rochelle in the tavern and wants to intercept her as she leaves, if possible.
[19:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
[19:32] <Ebiris> OOC: Going to loiter inside the tavern and follow her out or wait for her outside?
[19:32] <Demara> OOC: Latter, ideally. Take a good look outside, like someone who's just lingering a bit and stretching.
[19:35] <Ebiris> In her overweight but mostly nondescript masculine form, Demara waits. It's a fairly long one, but after an hour and a half, the effort bears fruit as the tall for her age teenage girl steps out of the tavern, an empty wicker basket dangling from one arm as she briefly looks around, her gaze sliding right over Demara without recognition, then starts walking purposefully down the street.
[19:37] <Demara> "Excuse me," Demara steps forward to Rochelle, keeping his voice low. Also, no point in doing this half cocked, so Demara charms the hell out of her, quite literally. (DC 25)
[19:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13." [1d20=12]
[19:39] <Ebiris> The slender brunette stops and turns to Demara, a welcoming smile on her face. "Something I can help you with, sir?" she asks politely.
[19:40] <Demara> "Aah..." Rubbing the back of his head, "I'm sorry, this really isn't any of my business...but are you alright, young lady?"
[19:40] <Demara> Once the charm seems to have settled in, Demara also attempts to scan her thoughts. (DC 23.)
[19:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[19:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 9." [1d20=8]
[19:42] <Ebiris> "I'm fine, than you for asking, though," Rochelle returns, though despite her pleasant and friendly demeanour she's notably not as exuberent as she was back when you first met her.
[19:43] <Demara> "Sorry, just...there was something off about you, like you're subdued." With a slight, sad smile. "It reminds me of someone I knew after they suffered a tragedy."
[19:47] <Ebiris> "I see..." the girl bites her lip momentarily, throwing a glance back to the tavern before refocusing on Demara. "Did they get better?" she asks hopefully.
[19:47] -> *Demara* As she speaks, her thoughts resolve into focus, the girl prodding herself to hurry and go get her shopping done, but curious and hopeful to see if any words of wisdom from a friendly stranger will make things better.
[19:49] <Demara> "Eventually. She had a very hard time of it, though..." Looking to her into the eyes, smiling at that, "Would you like to hear about it? It's a good story. Maybe...maybe it'll help cheer you up."
[19:51] <Ebiris> "Alright," the girl nods, "It won't take long, will it?" She then blushes at her faux pas, holding her free hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude, but I have to get us restocked in time for dinner," she hefts her basket then tilts her head back towards the tavern she just left.
[19:55] <Demara> "Hahahaha. No, that's fine," A twinkle flashes in Demara's eyes, warm and understanding. "It wouldn't do to have you be late, would it." Starting to walk down the street, "I have a cousin only a few years younger than me. Her name was Christina...when it happened, she was a beautiful lady of 15."
[19:57] -> *Demara* 'Wait, a few years younger than you? Fifteen? What the hell?' is what Rochelle is thinking. Albeit still tinted favourably towards Demara even as she wrestles with confusion over that.
[19:58] <Ebiris> Rochelle walks along with Demara, silent and respectful as she listens.
[20:00] <Demara> *had
[20:04] <Demara> "She had a boy she was sweet on..." Keeping his pace slow and sedate, "Gregory. A fine young man learning to be a blacksmith. The two were very close. However, one day, Gregory's father sent him to fetch something from a friend that lived several miles out of town. On the way back..." A shake of his head here, sad. "He didn't come home that night. That evening, we all searched for him with torched and lanterns. Despite being a young lady, Chr
[20:04] <Demara>  Despite being a young lady, Christina insisted on going along with them. Of course...she's the one who found him." There's a pause here, Demara's face going sad. "He'd been stabbed and robbed to death."
[20:05] <Ebiris> Rochelle nods her head slowly. "How terrible," she murmurs.
[20:05] -> *Demara* Still peanuts compared to what happened to Mary, she thinks with an internal shiver.
[20:08] <Demara> "It was worse. The road was supposed to be a safe one. Christina...she took it badly. She had to be carried home. For a week she was locked into her room, refusing to come out. Even when she was finally coaxed out for a funeral...she wasn't there. Not really. You could see it in the way she moved. She was trying to be strong, but she was torn apart inside. This is the moment where she reminds me of you, young lady."
[20:09] <Ebiris> "Um... I'm not that bad, really," Rochelle insists defensively, sounding a bit embarrassed.
[20:09] -> *Demara* It's not like she was in love with Mary, yuck, she thinks with an altogether different mental shiver.
[20:16] <Demara> "I hope so," The merchant goes on. "For a long time, she acted like that. But...it was like a poison. She kept thinking about it and it niggled and naggled at her. Until she was willing to do something about it."
[20:18] <Ebiris> "What did she do?" the girl asks curiously.
[20:19] <Demara> "On one hand, she was happya gain now that she had stopped just brooding. That's the part I want to pass onto you," Looking to her, "Accepting it...and in theory moving on." With his own smile becoming sadder, "However, Christina was rather foolish. She decided to learn how to swordfight and seek revenge."
[20:22] <Ebiris> "Ah," Rochelle nods understandingly. "My friend was into that sort of thing, too."
[20:22] -> *Demara* For all the good it did her, she reflects.
[20:23] <Demara> "Yes..." Shaking his head, "It means well...but those sort are..." With a moment, "That sort of life is asking to die early. She did before her 18th birthday." Sobering, "Yes, you need to move on, but revenge and resisting...it's a dead path. It's better to accept these things and continue on with your life. Did she...did she end up thes ame way because of that?"
[20:25] <Ebiris> "I don't think so. I think she was probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time... I don't really know what happened, exactly," she admits, honestly professing her ignorance. "There's nothing someone like me can do about it, anyway. I'm just an ordinary girl."
[20:27] <Demara> "Yes. Living a life like that is fine. There's no shame in being normal. Now, taking up arms and avenging...yes, I see you understand. Good."
[20:30] <Ebiris> The girl nods, giving Demara a smile. "Thank you, anyway. You're a kind person... oh, I never even got your name," she belatedly realises. "I'm Rochelle Pellin."
[20:34] <Demara> "Alexander Adamson," he flashes a toothy smile at her. "Be well, young lady."
[20:34] <Demara> "Oh," and he adds as an afterthought. "One thing."
[20:36] <Ebiris> "Yes?" she asks politely.
[20:38] <Demara> "Your friend...she's not coming back?" he asks delicately. "I confess, I overheard you mentioning the return of another in passing, a Sigmund."
[20:42] <Ebiris> Rochelle shakes her head. "No... her family aren't that rich," she replies sadly.
[20:42] -> *Demara* She thinks it's rather cruel, and they should just take the money out of the estate of that evil woman who killed her.
[20:42] <Demara> "How much would it cost?" 'Alexander' asks quietly.
[20:46] <Ebiris> She shrugs. "Thousands of gold. More money than I'd ever see, that's for sure. Besides, the priests say it doesn't always work... I guess she might even be happy, if she's with Pelor, now," she concludes with a melancholy sigh. "Listen, Mr Adamson, you've been really nice, but I should get going - my father will be upset if I'm late back with the shopping."
[20:47] <Demara> Mmm, sounds like she's already given up. Oh well, this was productive enough. "Good day to you," he nods, turning away from her an walking. Oh yes. Ideas for now, Demara things. After all, there may be time for fun as events unfold.
[20:51] <Ebiris> "And to you," she nods, heading off in her own direction.

[Ebiris]

[17:16] * Inuga spends her morning making the rounds of the local marketplaces, restaraunts and taverns, shifting her appearance on a regular basis to avoid leaving any kind of trail, trying to turn up anything she can about the church of Boccob: where their churches are, what they're all about, and any notable people she could potentially exploit within the organization.
[17:16] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[17:16] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{21}
[17:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=71 ]{71}
[17:26] <Ebiris> There is a single temple devoted to Boccob, Inuga finds, but it's a big one, easily rivalling Pelor's church in size and membership. That said, as a neutral deity, Boccob's faithful historically haven't had much of a big impact on the city - this makes them comparatively more popular than the more interfering Pelorites with the ruling class of Dharport.
[17:26] <Ebiris> Recently, however, the church has started to take a more active stance in defending Dharport, rooting out a cult of demon worshippers within the last month under the leadership of a paladin named Caerys, whom most people look up to as an exemplar of firm justice and righteousness. Concerned people asking about the devil situation have been assured by the church that they are investigating.
[17:26] <Ebiris> The church's head priest is an elderly half-elf named Kelvan, but he's been more reclusive as of late, deferring to the fiery Caerys. A new priestess named Eris has also been stepping up more often, and her great beauty and impassioned sermons have drawn many to the temple to hear her speak.
[17:31] * Inuga is quite ready to consider Caerys and Eris devils or their close allies; this Kelvan seems less likely to be in with the devils, what with him taking less an active role in Boccob's little crusade and being an old man besides. If there's a way into the organization, it's probably him. Inuga makes a note to listen specially for anything about him.
[17:32] <Ebiris> OOC: make another gather info check?
[17:33] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[17:33] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{22}
[17:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=98 ]{98}
[17:33] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check
[17:34] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[17:34] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{29}
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[17:35] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
[17:41] <Ebiris> It's a few hours after midday, Inuga having just finished up a conversation with a well heeled older gentleman who told her that Kelvan seems constantly tired and preoccupied on the few occassions he's seen in public, when she spots something that gets her attention. It's the flash of vivid green that does it, helping the young human woman stand out from the crowd as she walks down the street in Inuga's direction, about 150 feet away.
[17:41] <Ebiris> Looking more closely, her modest but well toned build and aggravatingly cherubic face help mark her out as the same erinyes she encountered the other evening, wearing her human-seeming guise. She seems unarmed at a glance from this distance, thankfully, and doesn't seem to be paying any particular attention to the succubus as she idly looks about while steadily approaching...
[17:43] <Inuga> Well now...Inuga isn't exactly fit to try and kill this devil by herself, but following her and observing her travels and her interactions with others could be very informative. Inuga does her best to look like just another peasant browsing for deals in the marketplace while keeping an eye out for the erinyes.
[17:46] <Ebiris> She keeps on walking, seemingly without a care in the world... except, by paying close attention, Inuga can see her betray herself. Though she tries to act casual, her eyes widen slightly as she catches sight of the succubus, now within one hundred feet. She doesn't slow her pace or do anything else, but her gaze keeps flicking surreptitiously towards Inuga.
[17:49] <Inuga> So much for being inconspicuous. Well, the erinyes can't really afford to attack her in the street in broad daylight, can she? One would hope the devils aren't that firmly in control, at least. Inuga decides to ignore her for now--or at least give the impression of being oblivious while monitoring the devil's movements.
[17:50] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check
[17:51] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24
[17:51] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{35}
[17:52] <Ebiris> The devil keeps on walking until she's past Inuga, then ever so casually turns and heads down an alleyway and out of sight.
[17:54] <Inuga> This is probably a trap...but it could be useful to follow her for a little while. If things get nasty, Inuga can always 'port out (hopefully). She heads to the alleyway, making sure to scan it for any obvious traps or ambush points before entering.
[17:55] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[17:55] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[17:55] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{40}
[17:56] <Ebiris> Reaching the alleyway, Inuga can see it extends barely fifteen feet before veering off to the left. No sign of the erinyes that she can see from here.
[17:58] <Inuga> Yeah, this is totally a trap. Oh well. Springing it could still be informative. She walks down the alleyway until the left turn, ready to teleport or go ethereal if necessary as she peeks around the corner.
[17:58] <Ebiris> OOC: make a hide check if you're trying to be stealthy
[17:59] <Inuga> OOC: Bah, no ranks in Hide. So what attributes modifies it? (If any).
[17:59] <Ebiris> OOC: dex
[17:59] <Inuga> roll 1d20+3
[17:59] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{17}
[18:07] <Ebiris> Peeking her head around the corner, Inuga can see an empty alley way that winds ahead for about thirty feet before reaching a t-junction. It's entirely unoccupied... for a few seconds, before the erinyes returns, this time with a friend.
[18:07] <Ebiris> The newcomer also looks human, and is even shorter than the erinyes, albeit blessed with a far fuller figure. She's wearing a simple looking black dress, seems to be made of silk, Inuga would wager, and it shows off her assets quite well.
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+30
[18:07] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{32}
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[18:07] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{25}
[18:09] <Ebiris> Neither are armed, it's easy to note, although the erinyes does have a coil of rope hanging off her belt at the waist.
[18:10] <Inuga> Does it seem like they've noticed Inuga yet? If not, she'll wait and listen. Otherwise...well, things are going to get interesting real fast.
[18:11] <Ebiris> After a brief examination of their surroundings, both of them lock eyes on Inuga's poking out head. The erinyes smirks triumphantly, and a second later her companion starts to smile as well.
[18:17] * Inuga doesn't care much for that smile. If the erinyes was alone, maybe something could be done, but Inuga isn't taking chances here. Time to 'port back to her room at the Beef Hatchet.
[18:17] <Ebiris> OOC: roll initiative
[18:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 erinyes
[18:18] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 erinyes --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
[18:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 ????
[18:18] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+8 ???? --> [ 1d20=2 ]{10}
[18:18] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[18:18] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[18:20] <Ebiris> While she drops a hand to the rope dangling over her hip, the erinyes doesn't quite act just yet, though her gaze is locked on Inuga.
[18:21] <Ebiris> Her companion, meanwhile, starts to incant a spell as she locks eyes with Inuga, the succubus feeling her will assailed even as a ray of green light lances out from the woman's fingertips straight at her!
[18:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[18:22] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{22}
[18:22] <Ebiris> OOC: what's your SR, Inuga?
[18:22] <Inuga> OOC: 23.
[18:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+23
[18:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+23 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{40}
[18:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[18:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{20}
[18:24] <Ebiris> But Inuga's fiendish resistance is too strong, her will remaining her own even as the green ray splashes harmlessly off her!
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[18:24] <Ebiris> The dark-haired woman scowls viciously as nothing seems to occur, prompting the erinyes to loosen her rope and hurl it at Inuga!
[18:25] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[18:25] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}
[18:25] <Ebiris> The rope seems to writhe and move all on its own as soon as it touches the succubus, immediately coiling around her form and tightening to hold her in place!
[18:27] <Inuga> Yep, it's definitely time to cut and run. Inuga focuses all her will on escaping her bonds and warping to a safer locale.
[18:27] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[18:27] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
[18:28] <Ebiris> No good, Inuga finds she can't quite focus enough while the rope cuts off her circulation and pinches places better left unpinched!
[18:33] <Ebiris> "That was my only dimensional anchor spell prepared, try to charm her - we need her alive!" the spellcaster spits out in infernal, understood perfectly by Inuga thanks to her innate capacity for languages. Casting another spell, she approaches the bound succubus and reaches out to plant a finger on her chest, the appendage crackling with dark energy!
[18:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+23 touch attack
[18:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+23 touch attack --> [ 1d20=5 ]{28}
[18:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12 SR
[18:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 SR --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[18:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 SR x2
[18:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 SR x2 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{24}
[18:34] <Ebiris> OOC: make a will save
[18:34] <Ebiris> OOC: +5 bonus
[18:34] <Inuga> roll 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter goes here
[18:34] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter goes here --> [ 1d20=11 ]{27}
[18:35] <Ebiris> Again Inuga's fiendish defences stymie all of her foe's efforts, while the erinyes makes her own attempt. "I promise we won't hurt you... much," she simpers girlishly.
[18:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 SR
[18:35] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 SR --> [ 1d20=2 ]{11}
[18:35] <Ebiris> But her own attempt is knocked away like it was nothing!
[18:35] <Ebiris> OOC: your go
[18:37] * Inuga doesn't dignify the vile erinyes' taunt with a response. It's time to get *out* of here. She tries to teleport again.
[18:37] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[18:37] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
[18:38] <Ebiris> And this time she succeeds! Leaving the alleyway behind, Inuga reappears safe and sound in her hard earned room at the inn where she never has to spend a coin.
[18:40] * Inuga heaves a sigh of relief once she's safe and sound in her quarters again. That was too close...still, she proved remarkably resilient to the devils' mind-games. This gives her a little confidence should she face one alone, but dealing with two of them? No. (Though she suspects the black-haired woman was a mortal and will keep an eye out for herin the future).
[18:42] * Demara enters into the room, a vaguely amused expression on her face. "Hm?" she asks aloud as she enters. "Did yo usay something?"
[18:48] * Inuga massages her throat. "I can think of a few things I'd like to say," she admits with a sour expression. "I ran into our friendly erinyes in the streets."
[18:48] * Demara scowls. "I assume she hasn't caught the first trip back into the Hells, either?"
[18:50] * Inuga shakes her head. "No. She had someone else with her, or I might have tried. Some human spellcaster, I think. I'm not much use when outnumbered."
[18:51] <Demara> "Mph. Did you find anything usefl, at least?" Demara asks, mood plummeting.
[18:53] * Inuga sits down on the bed, adopting her "Tysha" disguise just in case someone blunders into the room. "A little. I looked into the church of Boccob. A paladin by the name of Caerys has been leading them against our queen's servants of late, along with a priestess named Eris. I have little doubt these two are devils or their servants. The high priest is an elderly man named Kelvan, who's been reclusive as of late. I think if the
[18:54] <Inuga> I think if there's a safe way into the church, it lies with him."
[18:55] <Demara> "Then perhaps we can work on that?" Demara considers. "It's something, and could even be our own power base."
[18:57] * Inuga nods. "I'd intended to look into his whereabouts when the erinyes caught my attention. I was a fool to follow her, but at least I was able to escape before she could make me her pet." Inuga shudders visibly at the thought.
[19:07] * Demara nods. "Hah. A horrible fate."
[19:09] <Inuga> "Quite," Inuga agrees. "Have you learned anything of value on your own? If not, I'd suggest canvasing those brothels not under infernal control and making them our own. I also wish to find out more about this Kelvan, where he lives and when he goes out and so on, in order to arrange a 'chance' meeting."
[19:10] * Demara nods. "I shall, then."
[19:11] <Inuga> "Shall we stay together for now?" Inuga muses. "Knowing that devils prowl the streets as well. We may accomplish more on our own, of course."
[19:19] <Demara> "Not for now," Demara says after a moment.
[19:22] * Inuga decides to pursue another angle for now, then--recruiting from the brothels. Staying well away from those purported to have recently had a change in ownership, of course.
[19:25] <Ebiris> Before her untimely demise, Nihasa had made reference to three brothels she'd heard about that have recently shut down for one reason or another then re-opened. The Moonlit Maiden (where Elanee worked), the Naughty Nymph, and Madame Lil's. Fortunately, prostitution is quite legal in Dharport, and all the brothels operate above board and in plain view, so it doesn't take much for Inuga to find a few candidates.
[19:25] <Ebiris> OOC: rather than me listing several meaningless names, how about you declare the area you're looking for - high class places, scummy places, vanilla places, or fetish places?
[19:27] * Inuga opts for the last category first. It just stands to reason that their owners would be more likely to be sympathetic to Malcnathet's followers, no? Failing any leads in that quarter, she'll look into low-brow establishments, seeking to consolidate the alliance with Dharport's underclass begun with the Bell Masque.
[19:34] <Ebiris> Madame Lil's is the most popular sado-masochism dungeon in the city. it's only real competition in that particular arena being a smaller establishment simply named Whiplash.
[19:34] <Ebiris> For more low quality houses of ill repute, there's the First Port, which serves as a gambling hall and tavern, mostly, but the girls working there provide enough services for it to count as a brothel, and the Blushing Wench, which is a rather run-down building that charges far less than its competitors, though most think it's still not worth it.
[19:36] <Inuga> The brief closure and reopening of Madame Lil's make it an unwise choice, Inuga thinks, so Whiplash sounds like the first stop. She mentally files away First Port and Blushing Wench for later.
[19:42] <Ebiris> Whiplash is slightly hidden away, nestled inbetween a tavern and bookbinders, not far from the Government District. A signboard advertises its presence, with stairs leading down below ground. A blonde elfmaid stands by the entrance, wearing what looks like half of a dress, while other parts of her exposed form are clad in tight black leather. Somehow she still manages to look haughty even while sweeping the entrance with a broom.
[19:43] * Inuga nods pleasantly to the elf and descends the stairs with the air of one who has every right to be here.
[19:47] <Ebiris> She returns the nod with a wicked smile, but doesn't interfere with Inuga as she descends the stairs, finding a door on her left that opens into a pleasant wood-panelled room, several attractive women, mostly humans and elves, in various states of undress lounging about on the plush furniture. It certainly doesn't seem very dungeon-like from here, but there are two corridors branching off with additional doors seen farther down.
[19:48] <Inuga> Bah, perhaps she should've asked the woman out front to be introduced to the management. Well, it couldn't hurt to take a moment to listen to any idle chatter that might be going on.
[19:54] <Ebiris> Any chatter that might have been occuring stops as all eyes turn towards Inuga. There's a brief moment of palpable consideration before a tanned and muscular human woman with closely cropped blonde hair gets up and approaches with a confident smirk. "You look lost," she begins, her voice somewhat rough and uncultured. "Only bad girls come here..."
[19:54] <Ebiris> Reaching Inuga, she brazenly reaches out to trace a fingertip around her stomach, trailing upwards towards the underside of her heavy breasts. "So, are you a bad girl?" she concludes, leaning down as her imposing height puts her nearly a foot above the succubus.
[19:56] * Inuga chuckles. "I can be when it suits me," she acknowledges, letting the woman get as much a feel as she likes. "For now, I require a meeting with the proprietor. Perhaps I'll have time to play afterwards."
[19:59] <Ebiris> The harlot draws her hand back, seeming disappointed. "Laya, will you go tell the Mistress that she has an unexpected guest?" she asks one of the other prostitutes, prompting a delicate looking human girl to get up languidly and head off down one of the branching corridors. "What are you wanting with her, anyway?" she then asks Inuga, stepping back to give her her personal space.
[20:02] <Inuga> "I have a proposition of sorts. That's all I need say for now. Whether it's something she needs to share with the rest of her staff is her decision," she says, idly scanning the human's mind for amusement while she waits.
[20:02] <Inuga> OOC: DC 22.
[20:02] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:02] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[20:05] <Ebiris> The muscled woman frowns slightly, looking around briefly before her attention returns to Inuga. "Was that you?" she asks, brow furrowed.
[20:05] * Inuga raises an eyebrow, all wounded innocence. "Was what me?"
[20:05] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[20:05] <Inuga> roll 1d20+24
[20:05] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{26}
[20:11] <Ebiris> She shakes her head, backing off towards the other harlots who're looking on curiously. "Nothing," she replies, seeming to put it aside. Before this can go any further, however, the one identified as Laya returns, followed by an older but still attractive human woman, her dark brown hair having a few flecks of grey in it, but her overall figure showing few ravages of age, and her skin still smooth.
[20:11] <Ebiris> She's dressed far more modestly than the whores, everything important covered up quite decently, although still emphasising the goods nonetheless. "Welcome to my establishment," she greets Inuga, her tone sounding faintly upper class. "Is there something you require that my staff cannot satisfy?"
[20:12] <Ebiris> [20:11] <Ebiris> She shakes her head, backing off towards the other harlots who're looking on curiously. "Nothing," she replies, seeming to put it aside. Before this can go any further, however, the one identified as Laya returns, followed by an older but still attractive human woman, her dark brown hair having a few flecks of grey in it, but her overall figure showing few ravages of age, and her skin still smooth.
[20:12] <Ebiris> [20:11] <Ebiris> She's dressed far more modestly than the whores, everything important covered up quite decently, although still emphasising the goods nonetheless. "Welcome to my establishment," she greets Inuga, her tone sounding faintly upper class. "Is there something you require that my staff cannot satisfy?"
[20:14] <Inuga_> "Perhaps," Inuga concedes with a respectful nod. "It was necessary for me to speak with someone in a position of authority. May we speak in private?"
[20:17] <Ebiris> "Very well, if you'll follow me?" she asks, gesturing Inuga forward as she starts heading back the way she came.
[20:17] <Inuga> "Of course," Inuga says, following the woman.
[20:20] <Ebiris> There's several doors on either side and at the far end of this corridor, and the woman enters the first one, leading Inuga into a stone-walled square chamber with a rack, various manacles on the walls, an odd wooden triangular apparatus like the one Kitami had, a cage in the corner, and several wooden cabinets.
[20:20] <Ebiris> "I was dealing with something else in my office and hadn't tidied up, but we can be assured of privacy in her just as well," the madame goes on blandly. "Now, what can I do for you, Miss...?"
[20:22] <Inuga> "Tysha will do," Inuga says, taking a moment to scan the woman's aura for any traces of goodness as she speaks. "And what may I call you?"
[20:22] <Inuga> OOC: Detect Good.
[20:25] <Ebiris> "You wanted me in particular without even knowing who I am?" the woman replies dryly, shaking her head in faint amusement. "Morghan will do, in that case."
[20:25] -> *Inuga* no sign of goodness.
[20:29] * Inuga grins. "Very well, Morghan. I shall not waste time bandying about the point: I assume you have heard of the recent closure and reopening of several Dharport brothels? As you are in the same business, I have no doubt this concerns you." Inuga also takes this opportunity to peer into Morghan's mind. (OOC: DT with Boost Spell-like, DC 24).
[20:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[20:31] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{16}
[20:33] <Ebiris> "I'm confident we can take care of ourselves," Morghan returns calmly. "We have less in common with those establishments than you might think."
[20:35] -> *Inuga* 'For one thing, we don't murder our clientele,' she thinks.
[20:37] <Inuga> "This is more true than you know," Inuga says. "But the agents replacing the ownership of these establishments, and the force behind them, are more dangerous than you suspect, and they will not stop until the whole of Dharport is under their thumb. I think it only a matter of time before they turn their attention to your place of business." (more)
[20:38] * Inuga glances around the room. "As we clearly share some mutual interests, I thought it only right to warn you...and offer a partnership that will help preserve your independance as well as mine own."
[20:39] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplo check
[20:39] <Inuga> roll 1d20+30
[20:39] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{50}
[20:41] -> *Inuga* She's not sure it's entirely necessary, but you seem sincere enough to her, and it's a very good argument. She doesn't even know who she should be worried about, but she's worried now!
[20:42] <Ebiris> "Thank you for the warning," Morghan moves to lean against the rack, seeming to relax a bit. "What sort of partnership are you proposing, though?"
[20:47] <Inuga> "I should tell you first who it is that seeks to control this city. The recent takeover of brothels was done with infernal support. Devils, Morghan. Dharport has been drawn into an unearthly war. This may sound outlandish, but I assure you it is true. As for whom I represent, and what I can offer you...well, you're an intelligent woman. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks. (more)
[20:48] <Inuga> "The devils seek only servants. *I* seek allies."
[20:51] -> *Inuga* Morghan briefly entertains the happy thought that you're a fluffy servant of love and justice. It's brutally quashed by cold reality, however, leaving her deeply distressed as she comes to the realisation that you're almost certainly a demon.
[20:52] <Ebiris> "What..." she pauses, backing away slightly as her previous relaxation evaporates. "What exactly can you offer, then?" she asks.
[20:56] <Inuga> "In regards to defending your establishment as a whole, we can help if you are attacked by infernal forces. Devils are implacable foes." She smirks. "But fortunately I and my kind know them well. Of course, I would not make any such offer without including very personalized rewards for those burdened with making the decision to join us." She weaves her fingers together and rests her chin atop them, sitting her elbows on the desk
[20:56] <Inuga> "Tell me, Morghan, what is it you desire above all things?"
[20:59] -> *Inuga* She briefly has the irritated thought that any affiliation with you is going to all but guarantee the devils' attention, whereas she'd probably escape notice normally. Your question distracts her, however, causing her to start thinking...
[21:04] <Ebiris> "What do I desire above all else?" the madame looks a bit put off and distracted as she nonetheless thinks about Inuga's question. "I'd like to have power," she then admits plainly. "In here I can dominate men and women of all stripes, even those who rule this city, but it's nothing more than an interlude, a facade. Out there I'm just a semi-respectable harlot," she gestures vaguely upwards.
[21:10] * Inuga smiles. "Of course. Her majesty Malcanthet has always had a great respect for those who make their living sating such necessary human desires, as you do. Any who aid us in the defense of Dharport will be well-placed to take the position of those civil leaders deposed for following the devils. I can ensure that you will be among them, and rule in fact as well as in the dungeon. (more)
[21:13] <Inuga> "If left unchecked, the devils will in time consume all. You will be better with us than alone. If you would but give me your hand for a moment, I will give you a taste of the power you could enjoy. Fear not, I mean you no harm." Inuga extends one hand, palm up, meaning to imbue the woman with a temporary, but energizing boost to her personality (OOC: Fiend's Favor for CHA, if she takes the offer).
[21:18] <Ebiris> She hesitates, but only for a second, before she reaches out and clasps Inuga's hand. The effect is instantaneous, albeit subtle. While physically unchanged, there's a definite sparkle about Morghana that wasn't there before, something that makes her seem more assured and appealing.
[21:18] <Ebiris> She seems to notice as well, allowing her fingers to entwine with Inuga's as she breathes in deeply, tracing her free hand up her body before resting it on a flushed cheek. "What did you do?" she asks, marvelling in rapture.
[21:20] -> *Inuga* She actually feels startlingly turned on by what just happened, somehow feeling younger and more sensual than she has in years. Most of her doubts about you are shoved off to the side, now, although really they hadn't been very strong from the start.
[21:21] * Inuga shrugs. "Merely a token of esteem for you and your work," she says. "Marvelous isn't it? For a time, you may find that others fall at your feet to fulfill your desires. Only for a time, but this and more await you if you choose to help us." She leans in close, a warm smile on her face. "I trust you will make the right decision."
[21:23] <Ebiris> "I think so, yes," Morghan nods agreeably. "What sort of help will you be needing, though?"
[21:25] <Inuga> "The infestation within your city goes deep. At least one of your major churches now counts devils among its ranks, if not two, and I have little doubt your government is similarly riddled with disease. I need to know who we can trust and who will need to be cleansed. I believe you can help me with this. Men say much in the company of a woman that they aught not. Anything strange, any clue at all, I hope you will pass on to me.(
[21:27] <Inuga> "In time, we can also train you and trustworthy members of your staff to summon others of my kind when needed. We will need numbers of such people to bolster our numbers."
[21:28] -> *Inuga* She thinks this sounds simple enough, and is therefore relieved.
[21:28] <Ebiris> "I think we should be able to manage that... our clients often confess their darkest sins while under our care, after all," she replies with a sultry smile.
[21:33] <Inuga> "Very good," Inuga says with a grin. "I thought I could rely on you to do what's best for your city. And yourself, of course." She clasps the woman's hand between her own, caressing it for a moment. "I have other appointments this afternoon as well, but...perhaps I could take some time to celebrate our agreement, if you like," she murmurs, pressing Morghan's hand to Inuga's chest.
[21:38] <Ebiris> "An excellent way to seal the deal," the harlot agrees, gently pressing her palm on Inuga's bosom as her dextrous fingers delicately tease the succubus through the fabric of her dress. "What's your preference? Top or bottom?"
[21:38] -> *Inuga* She's not normally into women, but doesn't have much problem satisfying female clients. However, the thought of doing a succubus (which she highly suspects you are) has her highly expectant of learning some new things that might even surprise her.
[21:40] <Inuga> "Oh, top I think. For today. I have much to teach even one as experienced as yourself. Perhaps another day I'll leave myself at your mercy..."

[Ebiris]

[17:06] <Ebiris> It's an instant and smooth transition. One moment Nihasa is standing in a ballroom on the 570th layer of the Abyss, the next she's... on a mountain, somewhere. Surrounded by other jagged peaks in all directions. It also happens to be snowing and blowing a quite unpleasant gale.
[17:07] * Nihasa growls viciously for a moment, and then sighs and takes stock of where she is and if she can see any civilization near by.
[17:09] <Ebiris> There's no sign of any life that she can see at a glance, but visibility isn't great thanks to the blizzard. It seems like she's in a ravine on a high mountain range, somewhere, sheer walls of ice and rock preventing her from seeing the horizon in any direction. It's also fairly dark, coming out of the twilight hours of the day.
[17:12] * Nihasa focuses her energies and teleports back into the city.. Near one of the only two places she can solidly remember: the place of her death.
[17:13] <Ebiris> OOC: how near are we talking, here?
[17:14] <Nihasa> OOC: The memory is fuzzy, so I only have a generalized idea of the location. That being the case, it's more of a crap shoot, so I'll leave it up to you.
[17:16] <Ebiris> Teleporting is easily done, allowing Nihasa to appear on the stairway outside Elanee's front door. Said door is still ripped off its hinges, and there's an odd Nihasa shaped dark stain in the woodwork right in front of it. The weather here is far more tolerable, only a slight misty drizzle, and no one seems to be around to take note of Nihasa's arrival.
[17:18] * Nihasa stares at the stain for a moment before rubbing it slightly with her foot and then walking down the stairs with a growl... First order of business is to find the others, as such, Nihasa sends out mental calls as she walks, looking for a place to get out of the rain, even if only for a little while.
[17:19] <Ebiris> OOC: just to clarify... you're just talking to everyone within 100 feet via telepathy?
[17:19] <Nihasa> OOC: I'm trying to call out to one of the others, specifically.
[17:20] <Ebiris> OOC: unless you know they're there and can focus on them, you can't really do that.
[17:20] <Nihasa> OOC: Ahh.. Uh, I'll just head for some place to get out of the rain for now, and then try to pick up rumors, then.
[17:22] <Ebiris> Leaving Elanee's dwelling place behind, Nihasa makes her way onto the main street. The rain seems to be keeping most indoors, but a pair of Dharport city guards are walking along in your direction.
[17:23] * Nihasa heads towards the guards and calls to them.
[17:24] <Nihasa> "Pardon me, I seem to be slightly lost.. I'm looking for an inn, to get out of the rain.."
[17:25] <Ebiris> The guards give Nihasa's elaborately dressed form a look of some concern. "You must be lost to have ended up in this part of town," one remarks. "We'll take you to an inn - it's not safe for a woman on her own to be walking around here, especially dressed like that."
[17:26] * Nihasa curtsies with a slight bow of her head to the men.
[17:26] <Nihasa> "Why, thank you.. It's good to see that the city guard has such good men in it.. All those terrible rumors of corrupt guards always worry everyone so."
[17:29] <Ebiris> "What rumours are those?" one of the guards, a younger man with black hair and sharp features asks, sounding offended as the pair fall in to flank Nihasa and lead her out of the slums.
[17:31] <Nihasa> "I suppose it would be nothing more than the usual slander.. Taking money, bullying citizens, things of that nature. I had always held hope that they weren't true.. You kind gentlemen are giving creedence to that."
[17:31] <Nihasa> roll d20+19 for sense motive
[17:31] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+19 for sense motive and gets 31." [d20=12]
[17:33] <Ebiris> "Anyone saying that needs a good punch in the mouth!" the talkative guard retorts fiercely. "We're risking our butts out here - you wouldn't believe some of the crap we're having to deal with, lately."
[17:33] -> *Nihasa* He sounds pretty earnest.
[17:34] <Nihasa> "Oh? Do tell me, Sir. I saw that house with a destroyed door further back.. Is that common in this area?"
[17:35] <Ebiris> "Could be a break-in," the other guard muses, stroking his greying beard. "We'd better go check it out once we drop you off. Where did you see it?"
[17:35] * Nihasa points down the road to where it was.
[17:36] <Nihasa> "Over there, a second story house. The door was completely destroyed!"
[17:38] <Ebiris> "Oh, that one," he relaxes. "Yeah, we know about that. There's nothing left for anyone to steal in there, anyway. The owner cleared out in a hurry."
[17:38] <Ebiris> "You don't want to know what happened there, anyway," the other guard adds with a slightly queasy look as you're led towards nicer surroundings, an inn visible at the far end of the street with the road curving around on either side.
[17:41] <Nihasa> "Oh? Hmm, if it's that bad- Oh! Oh, my, I just remembered, Sir! My friends told me that if I should get lost, to find the 'Beef Hatchet Inn!' Would you happen to know where that is?"
[17:46] <Ebiris> "That's it right there," the younger guard points to the sign of an unhappy looking dairy cow with an axe stuck in its back. "You should be safe enough from here on, but be more careful where you wander in the future."
[17:46] <Nihasa> "Ah, thank you, Sir!"
[17:46] * Nihasa turns and smiles at the guards, giving them a light kiss on the cheek as a reward before turning back and going inside.
[17:47] <Ebiris> The men both seem somewhat embarrased by the show of affection, wishing Nihasa safe travels as they turn and wander back to their patrol.
[17:48] * Nihasa enters into the inn, set on warming up and finding her team..
[17:50] <Ebiris> Heading inside the warm and well lit inn, Nihasa finds herself in a common room currently occupied by a book-reading half-elf at the counter, a pair of dwarves eating stew at one of the tables, and a human woman nursing a steaming hot drink by the fire. All of them happen to look up and stare a moment at the very overdressed new arrival.
[17:51] * Nihasa bows her head slightly and wanders over to the innkeeper..
[17:52] <Ebiris> He continues staring at Nihasa's attire for a moment before he manages to recall his manners. "Looking for a room, miss?" he asks pleasantly after his initial hesitation.
[17:53] <Nihasa> "Excuse me, sir.. I was told by my friends that I could find them here.. You wouldn't happen to know of two other women who are here together, would you?"
[17:55] <Ebiris> "Wh-what?" his cheeks burn slightly red, voice lowering. "N-no, I don't know anyone like that staying here..." he replies, avoiding Nihasa's gaze.
[17:55] -> *Nihasa* He's totally hiding something. Not very well.
[17:56] * Nihasa looks at him imploringly.
[17:56] <Ebiris> OOC: make a charisma check
[17:57] <Nihasa> roll d20+3
[17:57] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+3 and gets 6." [d20=3]
[17:57] <Nihasa> "Please, Sir! They're my friends! They told me to come find them here if I got lost! I.. I was wandering through the city just now, and had to have a pair of guards help me to make it this far!"
[17:58] <Ebiris> "I'm sorry, I... well, what do they look like? What are their names?" he asks, his hands fumbling for the guest register. "Maybe I can check if they've visited, but I don't think- I mean, they probably haven't."
[18:00] <Nihasa> "B-but.. They told me not to give their names.. I-I don't know what to do! Would.. Would it be alright if I just waited for a while, Sir?"
[18:03] <Ebiris> "Well, you can stay here for a little while. I suppose it would be cruel to send you back out into the rain..." the skinny half-elf replies, nervously pushing his floppy brown bangs from over his eyes. "But I don't know anything about these two women you're looking for."
[18:03] * Nihasa looks down and fidgets with her hands..
[18:03] <Nihasa> "I-I hope they are here.. I-I've got nothing else.."
[18:04] <Ebiris> The innkeep uncomofortably tries not to look in Nihasa's direction, picking up his book again.
[18:04] * Nihasa shuffles off and sits down to wait.. Mentally rantiing about the annoyance of mortals..
[18:04] <Ebiris> OOC: just going to sit still and wait?
[18:05] <Nihasa> OOC: Unless someone shows up that might give off some hint that it's one of the others, then I'll try telepathically.
[18:07] <Ebiris> An hour passes, the two dwarves and other woman heading up the stairs before a new arrival shows up, this one a rather young looking female gnome who enquires about a room for the night.
[18:08] * Nihasa stands up and walks back over to the innkeeper..
[18:09] <Nihasa> "S-sir.. I was wondering if I could ask you a favor... The rain has soaked me, and I'm rather cold.."
[18:09] * Nihasa fidgets and tugs at the collar of the dress, arching her back a bit..
[18:10] <Nihasa> "Would you have.. somewhere.. or something.. that could warm me up?"
[18:10] <Ebiris> The innkeepr briefly looks over at the roaring fire as he hands a set of keys over to the gnomish girl. "Fourth door on the left," he tells her as she departs upstairs.
[18:10] <Ebiris> OOC: make another charisma check
[18:11] <Nihasa> roll d20+3
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+3 and gets 15." [d20=12]
[18:11] <Ebiris> OOC: +4, remember.
[18:12] <Nihasa> OOC: No, +3. It was 16 before the +2.
[18:12] <Ebiris> OOC: yes, so 16 +2 becomes 18. Which is a +4 mod.
[18:14] <Nihasa> OOC: Okay, 16, then.
[18:15] <Ebiris> The innkeeper happens to stare at Nihasa's semi-exposed chest for perhaps more than is prudent. "If the fireplace isn't enough, I might be able to find you some spare clothes we have lying around," he offers, smiling slightly.
[18:15] <Nihasa> "I think I'd perfer to warm up rather more quickly than a fire can provide.."
[18:17] <Ebiris> "I... might be able to help with that, too," he adds, standing up and looking over Nihasa's damp and shivering form. "Why don't you come with me?" he offers, going to open the door behind the counter.
[18:17] * Nihasa wanders after him, a slight smile on her lips, but peers over her shoulder to see if anyone's paying undue attention..
[18:18] <Ebiris> There don't seem to be any witnesses right now, the common room entirely empty apart from the two of you.
[18:19] * Nihasa follows after him.. At the very least, she can regain some confidence in her looks and more appropriate clothes..
[18:24] <Ebiris> There's a short and dark corridor here, only some dim light spilling in from what looks like a kitchen at the opposite end after the door closes behind you, though having darkvision makes it unnecessary, anyway. Opening a side door, the half-elf leads Nihasa inside into what seems to be a laundry room, shuttered windows on the side and several wooden tubs with washboards in them, and a folded frame against the wall.
[18:24] <Ebiris> Several items of clothing seem to be folded on shelves. "We should have enough privacy to get you properly warmed up, here," the half-elf grins, wrapping his arms around Nihasa's waist just above where her heavily ruffled red silk skirt flares out widely over her legs.
[18:24] * Nihasa chuckles lightly and leans back, looking up at him.
[18:25] <Nihasa> "You know.. If my friends really *are* here, we can have some true fun. To be honest, we're more than just 'friends,' and I'm sure you know what that means.."
[18:26] * Nihasa reaches up and runs a hand along his face..
[18:28] <Ebiris> "Heh... I'm not surprised," he admits, pressing Nihasa half against a counter with an ironing board on top of it. "You're acting a lot like another guest here, she might be your friend, after all. The other one's a lot less fun, though. Pity..."
[18:29] <Nihasa> "She's probably just concerned about me, honestly.. I believe I can get her to relax..."
[18:29] * Nihasa begins shrugging out of her clothes..
[18:30] <Nihasa> "So, where are they? Mabye later tonight, they'll both be so elated at our reunion, we could all celebrate.."
[18:31] <Ebiris> Your new friend is all too happy to help in this endeavour, "Maybe, but how about we have a little fun together, first?" he asks eagerly, eyes drinking up Nihasa's nubile form with clear appreciation as he bounces slightly on his heels with anticipation.
[18:32] * Nihasa pats him on the cheek, trailing her hand lower.
[18:32] <Nihasa> "Just make sure I get my fun, too. There might be.. consequences, otherwise."
[18:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 22." [1d20=20]
[18:35] <Nihasa> roll d20+3
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Nihasa rolls d20+3 and gets 18." [d20=15]
[18:37] <Ebiris> Oh, Nihasa finds that she's more than satisfied. Someone has clearly been teaching this guy a thing or two about how to pleasure a woman - despite his somewhat feeble seeming appearance he has more than enough stamina to keep up. Nihasa actually has a bit of trouble taking the lead, no longer the creature of pure carnal bliss that she once was, but she still manages to fulfill her end of things well enough.
[18:37] <Ebiris> And so, after spending the best part of an hour in frenzied copulation, the two finally detach and redress (or find new clothes, should they want...)
[18:38] * Nihasa browses through the clothing, stretching languidly for the viewing pleasure of the innkeeper, and choosing something a bit more appropriate than a ballroom gown..
[18:40] <Ebiris> Nihasa finds a sturdy looking black skirt and dark grey tunic that should keep her sufficiently decent, although there's no underwear to be found, and nor was she furnished with any along with her ballgown. Breathing heavily as he puts his pants back on, the innkeeper leans against the wall. "Damn, you must be her friend, only she's ever been that good," he sighs in satisfaction.
[18:41] * Nihasa has no problem not having underwear, one less thing to worry about ripping out of when she transforms..
[18:41] <Nihasa> "As I said, show me to her, and the benefits would be.. significantly.. more enjoyable for all involved.."
[18:42] <Ebiris> "Well, we'll see how they react when I take you to them. What's your name... hah, can't believe we just did that without knowing that. I'm Covis," he introduces himself, opening the door once Nihasa's dressed herself.
[18:43] <Nihasa> ".... Nihasa, Inkeeper Clovis."
[18:44] <Ebiris> "Come on, I'll take you to them," he beckons her to follow...
[18:44] * Nihasa follows after him.
[18:50] <Ebiris> As the night wears on, Demara and Inuga lurk around their room in the Beef Hatchet, plotting vile and dastardly deeds as fits physical embodiments of purest hate and destruction...
[18:51] * Inuga contemplates acquiring a new wardrobe on the morrow, actually.
[18:54] * Demara idly considers going to do some killing. It's been a little slow on that front...or on the actual succubus part of things, too. Stupid mortal realms.
[18:54] <Ebiris> OOC: listen checks
[18:55] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 and gets 38." [1d20=17]
[18:55] <Demara> roll 1d20+17
[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+17 and gets 35." [1d20=18]
[18:57] <Ebiris> As the two plot matters of whether certain outfits make one's bum look big, and how many people to s/lay in the near future, the near silence of the inn (apart from the vocal sounds of enthusiastic fornication that were coming from downstairs for the past hour or so) are broken by the noise of footsteps coming up the hallway towards their door.
[18:58] * Demara smoothly rises, drawing her rapier. Oh Abyss, is it going to be one of those nights again?
[18:58] <Inuga> Inuga's eyes flit to the door, then to her companion. She sends to Demara: 'Someone coming our way. Stand ready.'
[18:58] <Demara> 'I noticed.' Demara sends back. 'Maybe it's just your friend, but...'
[19:00] <Ebiris> As the two mentally converse, there's a quiet knock on the door.
[19:01] <Inuga> "Yes?" Inuga mumbles from the bed, contriving to sound sleepy.
[19:01] <Ebiris> "It's Covis," the familiar voice of Inuga's 'friend' whispers through the wood panelling. "There's a woman called Nihasa here to see you both."
[19:03] * Inuga raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?" It's probably safe to assume this isn't an infernal trick, as none of the devils knew Nihasa's real name. It's still a surprise to see her back so early, but, she decides to crack the door open and get a look anyway.
[19:03] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Inuga happens to see the familiar face of the innkeeper as well as...
[19:05] * Nihasa stands there, with her small, conniving smile, all her features the same, but softer, mortal.. Human.. Her red hair still it's same, deep color, and the same hardened eyes of a brawler.
[19:07] * Inuga smiles broadly, more for the mortal's benefit than anything else. Yes, this *is* her old friend, no need for you to worry. To Nihasa (if that's who it really is--she certainly looks the part) she sends: 'Back already? I'm impressed. Who'd you lie with to manage that feat? My name in this form is presently Tysha, by the way.'
[19:07] <Demara> "..aaah." Demara raises an eyebrow, 'That was quick,' she sends to Nihasa.
[19:08] <Nihasa> "Tysha, dear. How good to see you again."
[19:08] <Ebiris> Covis looks relieved at the lack of displeasure from his favourite non-paying customer.
[19:09] * Inuga opens the door and embraces her friend in a carefully arranged display of human affection (again for the benefit of the mortal present. "Where have you been, dear? We were so worried about you."
[19:09] * Nihasa sends to both of them, 'Indeed. I had to submit to another leash to expidite things.. Teresa's little lillitu's friend, as it happens to be. Things have.. Changed, somewhat.'
[19:10] <Nihasa> "I was.. side tracked, and a bit lost. I had to rely on the help of some strangers to get here."
[19:11] * Inuga nods and smiles, looking from Nihasa to Covis. "Well, let me give praise for you clearly finding the *right* strangers, at least. Come in, won't you?" Then, telepathically: 'Unfortunate. Will this hinder our mission in any way?'
[19:11] <Demara> 'Ah.' Smiling as if she's found a lost friend, Demara hangs back for now and lets Inuga talk.
[19:12] * Nihasa walks in, sparing the inkeeper with a smile.
[19:12] <Nihasa> "Let us get comfortable, if you would, Clovis? We know where you are, if we need anything.."
[19:13] <Ebiris> "Ah, of course," Covis nods, looking a bit disappointed as he leaves the trio.
[19:13] * Inuga agrees with this. "Yes, please. Nihasa and I have much catching up to do. We're in your debt, of course. No doubt you'll have an idea of how we can repay it tomorrow night."
[19:13] * Nihasa responds to them, both, again: 'It might weaken us in some areas, but strengthen in others. I.. I'm no longer one of the Queen's own.. Rebirth had an.. unpleasant.. price.. I'm a Vrock, now..'
[19:14] <Ebiris> "I'll look forward to that," the innkeep grins widely as he closes the door. "Good night to you all."
[19:15] <Inuga> Inuga's expression goes blank for a moment. 'Well...you have my deepest regrets, of course. '
[19:16] <Demara> 'Yes. At least it wasn't worse,' Demara resist a long shudder of terror, instead shakin ginside.
[19:17] * Nihasa snorts and sends back, 'I'll make that Eryines bitch regret it.. Though I absolutely *lothe* this, I can't.. deny... that we needed a bit more muscle than we had before..'
[19:17] * Inuga agrees with this. 'I think we can at least give thanks for you acquiring a form that will be of us to our mission, of course. We will have a very nice surprise for the devils the next time we meet.'
[19:19] * Nihasa sends back, 'Yes.. But.. I.. Must ask for one selfish thing from you.. When this is done... Help me return to what I once was.'
[19:21] <Inuga> 'If we do that which we were commanded, it would only be fair for this to be your reward, yes. For now, we'd best make use of your new form in whatever way we can. That wretched erinyes tried to charm me when last we met. Said she wanted one of us alive. I think it only fair we take her and repay her the same courtesy.'
[19:21] <Demara> 'We really must kill her,' Demara agrees. 'I assume you've made plans for that, Nihasa?'
[19:22] * Nihasa gets a snarling smile, one of her teeth cutting into her lip and making her bleed a bit, 'I have.. I'm going to rip that little bitch's wings off and throw her in a cage.. And give her to the Queen, screaming. I think our Queen would enjoy having a new song bird, don't you?'
[19:25] <Inuga> 'It would be a fitting end for the bitch. To that end...I saw her in the street yesterday, so it's clear she goes about her business in human guise on a regular basis. I think it wise to prepare some manner of trap for the next time we see her. She will not expect a vrock, I think. Any ideas?'
[19:26] <Demara> 'Lure and smite with all we have? If she's willing to follow us, lure her into a trap?
[19:26] <Demara> OOC - Gah.
[19:26] <Demara> 'Lure and smite with all we have? If she's willing to follow us, lure her into a trap?' Demara considers this. 'We can perhaps overwhelm her before she can get fancy.'
[19:27] <Nihasa> 'Hmm.. It's.. Possible. We'd have to do it hard, and fast, before she has the chance to summon or flee.
[19:27] <Nihasa> '
[19:27] <Inuga> 'Absolutely,' Inuga agrees. 'The trouble is knowing when and where to find her. She used the same disguise both times I saw her, so we could ask around for someone of her description, but that may warn her of our intentions.'
[19:28] <Nihasa> 'Did you see her in the same general area? We could find her that way and overwhelm her at our lisure. If she's in the same area, that'll most likely be where they're based, also.'
[19:29] <Nihasa> 'Also, I know where we can find Teresa.'
[19:29] <Inuga> 'It's possible. And I was still in this area of the city, I believe. Of course, she also had a human spellcaster of some sort with her, and--oh? Do tell.'
[19:30] <Nihasa> 'She has, apparently, taken up with a human named Earl Torbes.'
[19:31] * Inuga considers this for a moment. 'Why do I know that name? Oh, Kitami's correspondence. Finding her should not be so difficult, then.'
[19:33] <Nihasa> 'Mmm.. It should be a simple matter then.. Gather Teresa, hunt her down. Teresa and Demara should be able to deal with her human pet easily enough, and the Erinyes will be for Inuga and me..'
[19:34] * Inuga nods in agreement. 'As for other matters...well, I admit I have not made the kind of progress I would like. I have brokered a partnership with a criminal organization known as the Bell Masque and enticed the owner of a fetish house to feed us personal information on her clients. Time will tell if this bears fruit.'
[19:36] * Nihasa nods, 'I can help, though not quite as effectively as I once could.. My form is locked to this ring. So long as I wear it, I'm human.. But it weakens me.. Significantly.'
[19:38] <Inuga> 'You can help rending our enemies asunder, something they sorely deserve at this juncture. Shall we rest and resolve to find Teresa in the morning, then?'
[19:40] <Nihasa> 'Indeed.. However, don't think because I've lost my true form, I'm any less interested in the flesh.. I gave your innkeeper pet a good go-around before we came here.. You've taught him some good things..'
[19:40] * Inuga laughs. 'Well, I am ever so concerned for the education of our inferiors, you know.'
[19:41] * Nihasa snorts. 'I could care less, as long as that education benefits me.'
[19:42] <Inuga> 'Well, if it resulted in you getting a hearty welcome back to this plane, I call it a good deal.'
[19:43] <Nihasa> 'Yes.. Well, I personally need a good night's rest. I've yet to recover from the rebirth.'
[19:43] * Inuga nods. 'This seems wise for us all. I have some healing potions pilfered from our late summoner if you need them.'
[19:44] <Nihasa> 'We'll see about it in the morning. For now, I've had a good lay, and I need a good bed.. Though, I suppose I wouldn't mind some company, either..'
[19:44] * Nihasa grins at the both of them.
[19:45] * Inuga is quite willing to provide this, of course. Anything to get her companion back on the up-and-up, you know?
[19:47] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara, make a will save with a -10 penalty
[19:47] <Ebiris> OOC: once I get a bot..
[19:48] <Demara> roll 1d20+1
[19:48] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{13}
[19:49] <Ebiris> OOC: spot checks, -5 for Inuga and Nihasa on account of 'distraction'
[19:49] <Inuga> roll 1d20+16
[19:49] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{20}
[19:49] <Nihasa> roll d20+13
[19:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+13 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
[19:50] <Demara> roll 1d20+21
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{39}
[19:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+35
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{51}
[19:53] <Ebiris> Inuga does her best to entertain Nihasa throughout the night while Demara is content to remain on the sidelines until morning finally comes...
[19:56] <Nihasa> roll 2d8+1
[19:56] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d8+1 --> [ 2d8=11 ]{12}
[20:01] <Ebiris> roll 8d10
[20:01] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 8d10 --> [ 8d10=30 ]{30}
[20:05] * Inuga takes a few minutes in the morning to finally glance over the objects she liberated from Arisa just before fleeing Kitami's mansion: stick, book, and scrolls.
[20:07] <Ebiris> The scrolls are all tightly rolled up parchment, tied with twine, the stick is just a smooth length of narrow wood about a foot long, while the book is a fairly thick leather-bound tome with no writing on the cover, held securely closed by a buckled strap.
[20:08] * Inuga decides to crack open the book and see what's inside. Who knows, maybe it was Arisa's journal! The innermost thoughts of a mortal could be...amusing, in the manner of scientist studying the behavior of an insect.
[20:10] <Ebiris> As soon as Inuga opens the book there is a flash of light as a glyph on the cover suddenly flares to life! With an angry "Moo!" a gigantic golden-hued bison springs into life next to the succubus, knocking over the other bed as it appears!
[20:11] <Ebiris> OOC: roll initiative
[20:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d20 celestial bison
[20:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20 celestial bison --> [ 1d20=12 ]{12}
[20:11] <Inuga> roll 1d20 god dammit all
[20:11] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20 god dammit all --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
[20:12] <Ebiris> OOC: since you beat it, why don't you just go ahead and try to charm it then we'll see if the other two are necessary?
[20:12] <Ebiris> OOC: make a CL check then tell me the DC?
[20:12] <Inuga> OOC: CL?
[20:13] <Ebiris> OOC: caster level. Yours is 12th.
[20:13] <Ebiris> OOC: so 1d20+12
[20:13] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[20:13] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
[20:14] <Inuga> OOC: Anyway, the DC would be 24, if it still matters.
[20:14] <Ebiris> OOC: Also go ahead and describe your reaction before I resolve the charm.
[20:15] * Inuga stumbling back in surprise, Inuga doesn't waste any time putting her innate charm to the test. The sooner this blasted bovine calms down, the better. (OOC: Actually, gonna use boost spell-like, so make that DC 26).
[20:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[20:15] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{10}
[20:16] <Ebiris> Huffing and scraping its front hooves against the floor, the bison looks about to charge... then abruptly calms down as its hit by Inuga's charm, proceeding to sit down on its haunches (causing a very worrying creaking from the floorboards) and look at the succubus with bovine adoration.
[20:17] <Inuga> "Good livestock, just relax...and try not to break the floorboards."
[20:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=53 ]{53}
[20:18] <Ebiris> The bison lets out an affectionate moo as the floor creaks and shifts below it, leaning forward to gently butt its head against Inuga's side.
[20:19] * Inuga pats it on the head, unsure of what to do. Or even how to speak to an enchanted piece of livestock. "Good cow! Just stay still. Please." She glances at her comrades. "...Any suggestions here?"
[20:20] <Demara> Completely surprised, Demara can do nothing but grin wickedly. "Seduce it?" she suggestions darkly.
[20:20] * Inuga scowls at Demara. "I'm not even going to dignigy that with a response."
[20:21] <Demara> "It wouldn't be any worse than, say, a balor..." Demara doesn't push it, chuckling.
[20:22] <Nihasa> "Er... Any idea how to dismiss it?"
[20:22] * Inuga takes a moment to look at the book. "Was it trapped, I wonder, or would this happen every time it was opened? I could see uses for the latter, in an emergency..." She looks at Nihasa. "...No idea, no. 'Get thee hence, cow?'"
[20:23] <Ebiris> At Inuga's words, the bison fades away and vanishes into the ether. The floorboards creak with relief as the pressure on them ceases.
[20:23] <Nihasa> "I suppose we could slaughter it and have the inkee-- I do not believe that worked."
[20:24] * Inuga breathes out in relief. "Well...that could've turned out worse."
[20:27] <Nihasa> "... Yes, yes it could have.. Think it expended the trap fully, though?"
[20:28] * Inuga decides to flip through the book now that the trap is sprung. "I hope so?" she says, idly scanning pages.
[20:28] <Nihasa> "Try this outside instead?"
[20:29] <Ebiris> Inuga finds the pages are filled with complicated formulae and geometric diagrams, none of it really making any sense to her.
[20:29] * Inuga gets bored rather quickly. "Well, this is useless. I suppose we can sell it."
[20:30] * Inuga glances at the scrolls. "Think these are safe?"
[20:31] <Nihasa> "I wouldn't try to find out in here."
[20:32] * Inuga nods in agreement and places everything back in the bag. "Well, shall we see about finding Teresa?"
[20:32] * Nihasa nods and stands, stretching.
[20:32] <Nihasa> "Maybe she can get us in with the Earl, as well."
[20:35] <Inuga> "Perhaps. Before we go, I think perhaps we should not obviously be travelling together. Take parallel streets to the same destination, stay in contact telepathically? Better chance of spotting any bothersome devils along the way, and it'll be easier to preserve the surprise that is your mere presence here."
[20:36] <Nihasa> "Mmmm.. One of you going etheral would help, too, I think.."
[20:37] * Inuga nods. "We could keep an eye on one another without being obvious about it, yes."
[20:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d3
[20:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d3 --> [ 1d3=3 ]{3}
[20:44] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa, make a spot check
[20:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+35
[20:45] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{54}
[20:45] <Nihasa> roll d20+18
[20:45] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+18 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{20}
[20:48] <Ebiris> Splitting up, the party all go their seperate ways down adjacent streets towards the noble district where Kitami's house once stood, which is all the way on the opposite side of the city from their current location at the edge of the slums. The streets are somewhat busy this misty morning, as Dharport wakes up and its citizenry go about their morning routines...
[20:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[20:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
[20:49] <Ebiris> OOC: make a listen check, Nihasa
[20:49] <Nihasa> roll d20+18
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+18 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{38}
[20:51] -> *Nihasa* As you're strolling along through the street, you happen to hear someone behind you, a woman with a soft voice incanting what sounds like a spell of some description...
[20:52] * Nihasa sends to her fellow demons, 'Someone behind me is casting a spell..'
[20:54] <Ebiris> And no sooner does Nihasa send that than she abruptly changes form, her clothes appearing in a rumpled pile at her feet- claws? Yes, it appears that Nihasa has turned into a Vrock. A fact that is not going unnoticed by those also walking this particular street.
[20:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d4
[20:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
[20:54] * Inuga rolles her eyes. 'Oh, fantastic. I'm heading your way just in case,' she sends, turning at the next junction.
[20:55] * Nihasa sends to both of them, 'She dispelled my polymorph! Stay back!'
[20:55] * Nihasa doesn't even pause before leaping into the air and taking flight..
[20:55] * Inuga does so, continuing to go about her silly mortal business, seemingly oblivious of what's going on just a street over (until the screams reach her, of course).
[20:55] <Ebiris> OOC: lets roll initiative, here. Demara and Inuga can as well if they plan on participating at all.
[20:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 ????
[20:56] <Nihasa> roll d20+3
[20:56] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+8 ???? --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
[20:56] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+3 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{12}
[20:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 ???2
[20:56] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 ???2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
[20:56] <Inuga> roll 1d20 GET READY TO BE CHARM, FUCKERS
[20:56] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20 GET READY TO BE CHARM, FUCKERS --> [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
[20:58] <Demara> roll 1d20+3
[20:58] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
[21:00] <Ebiris> As most people scream and scatter from the revealed demon, a strident female voice calls from down the street behind Nihasa. "Hold, demon! And prepare to face the holy judgement of Boccob!"
[21:01] <Ebiris> OOC: she's holding, your turn Nihasa
[21:01] * Nihasa continues to fly away at an impressive speed..
[21:01] <Ebiris> OOC: flying straight up? Along the ground? Give me something to work with, here.
[21:02] <Nihasa> OOC: Eh, I'll change it, actually, hold on.
[21:02] * Nihasa spins at the call and dives at her target, looking to impale the bitch on her talons.
[21:04] <Ebiris> Turning, Nihasa can see a tall woman with flowing blonde hair wearing a gleaming silvery breastplate, she holds what looks to be a bladed quarterstaff in a ready position as she stares resolutely at the onrushing fiend. Just behind and to the side of her stands another woman, a slender and short yet alarmingly voluptous figure with wavy reddish-black hair who lacks any weapons or armour but faces down the demon with no fear.
[21:04] <Ebiris> OOC: go ahead with your attack
[21:05] * Nihasa roars and unleases the first of her attacks as she drops!
[21:05] <Nihasa> roll d20+20 (talon 1)
[21:05] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+20 (talon 1) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}
[21:05] <Ebiris> OOC: crit check?
[21:06] <Nihasa> roll d20+20 (crit check)
[21:06] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+20 (crit check) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{29}
[21:06] <Ebiris> OOC: it is a critical hit
[21:07] <Nihasa> roll 2d6+10
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d6+10 --> [ 2d6=10 ]{20}
[21:10] <Ebiris> Nihasa strikes truly as she flies down at the proclaimed servant of Boccob, lashing her face with a wickedly barbed talon and causing a shower of blood to fly as she reels from the blow! "I'll take that out of your hide, bitch!" she snarls, blood pouring down the side of her face and one eye closed in a grimace of pain as she retaliates with a flurry of blows, her sword shimmering with divine power!
[21:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+18
[21:10] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{22}
[21:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+18
[21:10] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{32}
[21:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13
[21:10] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{31}
[21:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13
[21:10] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
[21:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[21:10] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{11}
[21:10] <Ebiris> OOC: AC?
[21:11] <Nihasa> OOC: 23.
[21:11] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+14+4d6+6d4 this is holy
[21:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2d8+14+4d6+6d4 this is holy --> [ 2d8=7 4d6=7 6d4=18 ]{46}
[21:13] <Ebiris> While Nihasa is able to dodge or parry most of the rapid strikes that follow, a couple do get through and tear through her unholy hide with utterly no resistance, leaving her reeling in agony as her flesh bubbles and burns from the contact!
[21:13] <Ebiris> The other woman steps back away from the melee and begins to incant another spell, causing a ray of green energy to lance forth at Nihasa!
[21:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[21:14] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[21:14] <Ebiris> OOC: Spell Resistance?
[21:14] <Nihasa> OOC: 19
[21:14] <Demara> OOC: Shouldn't it be higher?
[21:15] <Ebiris> The beam strikes Nihasa and causes her to briefly glow as she's surrounded by green energy that seems to sink into her, at least not causing any visible injury.
[21:15] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga and Demara, if you guys want to do anything...
[21:16] <Demara> OOC: How far away am I?
[21:16] <Ebiris> OOC: Lets say 90 feet away on the other side of a bunch of buildings on a parallel street?
[21:18] * Demara winces internally, but continues on her way.
[21:19] * Inuga swears profusely under her breath, hearing the commotion the next street over. She continues through the city, though, fleeing from the noise like any stupid, helpless mortal would. If Nihasa wants to sacrifice herself to by everyone else time, that's her choice.
[21:20] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa, your turn
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[21:21] * Nihasa roars as she goes berserk and activates her quickened Mirror Images abilities.
[21:21] * Nihasa then lashes out at the blonde with her full fury!
[21:22] <Nihasa> OOC: want me to just do it all in fast succession?
[21:22] <Ebiris> OOC: yeah, just roll them all at once, then roll all the damage at once.
[21:22] <Nihasa> roll 2#d20+24
[21:23] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d20+24 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{31}, [ 1d20=7 ]{31}
[21:23] <Ebiris> OOC: also, roll for your MI (1d4+4)
[21:23] <Nihasa> roll 1d4+4
[21:23] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 1d4+4 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{8}
[21:23] <Nihasa> roll d20+19 (claw 3)
[21:23] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+19 (claw 3) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{25}
[21:23] <Nihasa> roll 3#d20+20
[21:23] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3#d20+20 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}, [ 1d20=12 ]{32}, [ 1d20=2 ]{22}
[21:24] <Nihasa> roll d20+20 (crit)
[21:24] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+20 (crit) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{35}
[21:24] <Ebiris> OOC: 2 claw hits, crit on the bite, one talon hit
[21:24] <Nihasa> roll 2#3d6+10
[21:24] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#3d6+10 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{21}, [ 3d6=12 ]{22}
[21:25] <Nihasa> roll 2d8+10
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d8+10 --> [ 2d8=8 ]{18}
[21:25] <Nihasa> roll d6+5
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d6+5 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{9}
[21:27] <Ebiris> With her rage going all out, Nihasa attacks her foe in a demonic frenzy, ripping through her armour and rending flesh with ease as the woman is sent reeling from the assault. "It's nearly down - try to knock it out, I'll heal you!" the one hanging back encourages, causing the blonde to grit her teeth through the pain and lay into Nihasa with all she's got!
[21:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 nonlethal
[21:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 nonlethal --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
[21:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d9 MI
[21:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d9 MI --> [ 1d9=9 ]{9}
[21:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 nonlethal
[21:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 nonlethal --> [ 1d20=9 ]{23}
[21:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d8
[21:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{8}
[21:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{12}
[21:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
[21:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d7
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d7 --> [ 1d7=2 ]{2}
[21:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[21:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d6
[21:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
[21:30] <Ebiris> While several of Nihasa's images vanish to the assault, the real vrock remains frustratingly elusive to this attack! Meanwhile the other human casts a spell and steps in behind her companion to rest a hand on her shoulder, causing her to suddenly look fresh and revitalised, all her wounds mending in an instant!
[21:30] <Ebiris> Even as Nihasa registers this, however, her magic ring flares back to life, transforming her into a feeble, naked, bloodied, and extremely pissed off human.
[21:30] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara and Inuga still just moving away?
[21:32] <Demara> OOC: Unless Nihasa sends diferently, yes.
[21:32] <Ebiris> OOC: Okay, Nihasa, its your call, and your turn
[21:32] * Inuga keeps on moving. There doesn't seem much that could be done for a morphed and bloodied Nihasa, especially with the human healed.
[21:36] * Nihasa throws off her ring, returning to her true form as she throws out more Mirrior Images.
[21:38] * Nihasa takes a quick, darting step towards the caster and snaps her claw out at her face.
[21:38] <Nihasa> roll d20+24
[21:38] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+24 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{40}
[21:38] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[21:38] <Nihasa> roll 3d6+12
[21:38] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3d6+12 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{23}
[21:40] <Ebiris> Nihasa finds that the woman's skin is oddly resistant to her claws - she manages to ruin her good looks well enough, but the flesh simply didn't part with the same satisfying ease that she'd expect. "Ahhh!" she hisses, stumbling back and putting a hand to her bloodied face. "Remember, we need it alive," she grinds out, shooting Nihasa a positively murderous look through her fingers.
[21:40] <Nihasa> "I won't *let* you take me alive, *Human.*
[21:41] <Ebiris> "You can't hide behind those images forever, fiend!" the blonde calls bravely as she hacks into Nihasa with a further flurry of blows with the flat of her enchanted intending to put her down!
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{23}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{12}
[21:42] <Ebiris> OOC: belay that
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d9
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d9 --> [ 1d9=2 ]{2}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d8
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8 --> [ 1d8=4 ]{4}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{11}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{11}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d7
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d7 --> [ 1d7=3 ]{3}
[21:44] <Ebiris> Yet despite all her efforts, she can't seem to find the real Nihasa through the cloak of deceit and illusion she wears!
[21:46] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the dark-haired woman steps back, giving Nihasa a sickly grin as her flesh seems to knit together and mend of its own accord while she casts another spell...
[21:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22 casting defensively
[21:46] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+22 casting defensively --> [ 1d20=3 ]{25}
[21:46] <Ebiris> As she concludes her spell a grid of blue energy springs into life around her, thrumming in a way that makes Nihasa feel oddly sickened, though not enough to impair her in any fashion.
[21:47] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[21:48] * Nihasa throws out the last of her quickened Mirror Images as she attacks the brunette again..
[21:48] <Nihasa> roll 2#d20+24 (claws)
[21:48] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d20+24 (claws) --> [ 1d20=19 ]{43}, [ 1d20=11 ]{35}
[21:48] <Nihasa> roll d20+19 (claw)
[21:48] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+19 (claw) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{25}
[21:49] <Nihasa> roll 3#d20+22 (bite/talons)
[21:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3#d20+22 (bite/talons) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{38}, [ 1d20=6 ]{28}, [ 1d20=8 ]{30}
[21:49] <Ebiris> OOC: all hit
[21:49] <Nihasa> roll 3#3d6+12 (claws)
[21:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3#3d6+12 (claws) --> [ 3d6=9 ]{21}, [ 3d6=13 ]{25}, [ 3d6=12 ]{24}
[21:49] <Nihasa> roll d8+7 (bite)
[21:49] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d8+7 (bite) --> [ 1d8=1 ]{8}
[21:50] <Nihasa> roll #2d6+7 (talons)
[21:50] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : #2d6+7 (talons) --> error: malformed expression
[21:50] <Nihasa> roll 2#d6+7 (talons)
[21:50] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d6+7 (talons) --> [ 1d6=6 ]{13}, [ 1d6=2 ]{9}
[21:52] <Ebiris> The woman is horribly maimed by Nihasa's attack, though she still finds her slashes have some trouble really digging into her oddly tough flesh, it's nothing a little muscle doesn't fix - she's certainly not very good at dodging. "Caerys, dispel that mirror image, I'll put her down myself!" the apparent cleric cries out as she stumbles backwards from the beating she just took.
[21:53] <Ebiris> "On it!" the blonde replies, starting to cast her own spell...
[21:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 casting defensively
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 casting defensively --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[21:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 dispel check
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 dispel check --> [ 1d20=11 ]{21}
[21:58] <Ebiris> OOC: make a sense motive check, will you, Nihasa?
[21:58] <Nihasa> roll d20+18
[21:58] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+18 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{23}
[22:00] <Ebiris> But it fails to do much to Nihasa's images as the cleric scowls, her wounds continuing to regenerate. "I'll enjoy breaking you, demon," she promises in a whisper as she throws her head back and spreads her arms to the sky. "Archmage of the Deities, heed your servant's call and grant me the power to defeat this demon!" As she concludes this plea, she suddenly changes much as Nihasa did a moment ago, her clothes appearing in a pile at her feet.
[22:00] <Ebiris> Yet instead of a hideous vrock, something far different is revealed... A flawlessly figured woman standing nine feet tall replaces the diminuitive cleric, her skin a brilliant shade of emerald green. Hairless (entirely so, as her nude form attests) and sporting a magnificent set of golden feathered wings, the muscular celestial looks like she was carved out of granite, her blazing golden eyes staring pitilessly down at Nihasa. "The time of your judgement is now, fiend!" she intones.
[22:00] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[22:01] <Ebiris> "The time of your judgement is now, fiend!" she intones.
[22:02] <Ebiris> She still seems to show some scars from Nihasa's attacks, but the bleeding has stopped, and they look to be still fading.
[22:03] * Nihasa roars and launches at the brunette again, determined to take at least one of them down..
[22:04] <Nihasa> roll 2#d20+24 (claws)
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d20+24 (claws) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{25}, [ 1d20=16 ]{40}
[22:04] <Nihasa> roll d20+19
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+19 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{36}
[22:04] <Nihasa> roll 3#d20+22
[22:04] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3#d20+22 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}, [ 1d20=20 ]{42}, [ 1d20=2 ]{24}
[22:04] <Ebiris> OOC: 1 claw and 1 talon hit
[22:05] <Ebiris> OOC: crit check for the talon
[22:05] <Nihasa> OOC: Is that talon a crit check?
[22:05] <Nihasa> roll d20+22
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+22 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{39}
[22:05] <Ebiris> OOC: crit
[22:05] <Nihasa> roll 3d6+12
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3d6+12 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{26}
[22:05] <Nihasa> roll 2d6+12
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2d6+12 --> [ 2d6=3 ]{15}
[22:07] <Ebiris> Now Nihasa finds a more difficult challenge, her attacks mostly rebuffed by significantly tougher skin and the glowing blue warding that still surrounds her foe, yet she still manages to draw blood with two strikes, finding that the creature before her bleeds like anything else!
[22:07] <Nihasa> "Die, whore!"
[22:07] <Ebiris> "It's over for you, now, demon!" Caerys exults, shifting into position to flank Nihasa as her blades lash out in a flurry of attacks!
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{18}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{28}
[22:08] <Ebiris> OOC: belay that, again
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d9
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d9 --> [ 1d9=3 ]{3}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{33}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d8
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8 --> [ 1d8=4 ]{4}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{18}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d7
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d7 --> [ 1d7=3 ]{3}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d6
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[22:11] <Ebiris> Nihasa finds herself stripped of several of her images, while her emerald hued regenerating (but not at all trollish) foe strikes out with a solid punch at one of the vrocks, using her other arm to keep up a guard against retaliation!
[22:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{34}
[22:11] <Ebiris> roll 1d5
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d5 --> [ 1d5=4 ]{4}
[22:11] <Ebiris> OOC: Nihasa
[22:12] * Nihasa shifts her attacks, lashing out at the blonde human-looking girl...
[22:12] <Nihasa> "If I can't kill you, bitch, I'll take your pet first.."
[22:13] <Nihasa> roll 2#d20+24
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d20+24 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{40}, [ 1d20=1 ]{25}
[22:13] <Nihasa> roll d20+19
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+19 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{33}
[22:13] <Nihasa> roll 3#d20+22
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3#d20+22 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}, [ 1d20=10 ]{32}, [ 1d20=19 ]{41}
[22:13] <Ebiris> OOC: all hit except the critfail
[22:13] <Nihasa> roll 3d6+12
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3d6+12 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{22}
[22:13] <Nihasa> roll d8+5
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d8+5 --> [ 1d8=5 ]{10}
[22:14] <Nihasa> roll 2#d6+7
[22:14] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 2#d6+7 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{9}, [ 1d6=2 ]{9}
[22:14] <Ebiris> OOC: one more claw?
[22:14] <Nihasa> OOC: Forgot the +2 on the bite.
[22:14] <Nihasa> roll 3d6+12
[22:14] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : 3d6+12 --> [ 3d6=16 ]{28}
[22:16] <Ebiris> Again Caerys is ravaged by Nihasa's furious assault, bloodied and bruised by a series of claws and talons, not to mention a brutal peck that almost took out her eye! "You won't be killing anyone, today!" the blonde roars as she recovers her balance and counterattacks. "Just one solid hit, dammit!"
[22:16] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[22:16] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{22}
[22:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d4
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d4 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
[22:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+7+2d6+2d4 nonlethal
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8+7+2d6+2d4 nonlethal --> [ 1d8=3 2d6=4 2d4=5 ]{19}
[22:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{25}
[22:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d8+7+2d6+2d4 nonlethal
[22:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d8+7+2d6+2d4 nonlethal --> [ 1d8=2 2d6=7 2d4=4 ]{20}
[22:18] <Ebiris> And a solid hit she finds, her sword crashing into the real Nihasa and sending her reeling, before a follow up strikes the side of her head and the Vrock topples, knowing only darkness...

[Ebiris]

Nihasa returns to Die Sapphire Woman

[Ebiris]

[17:45] <Ebiris> Each walking on different streets on either side of where Nihasa was heading, Inuga and Demara press on towards the estate of Earl Torbes, hearing panicked shouts even after Nihasa's last telepathic message urging them both to stay away. Some people are actually heading in the direction of all the noise, speculating on the cause with ghoulish glee, while more sensible people make tracks in the opposite direction.
[17:46] <Inuga> 'Well, that was a moderate disaster,' Inuga sends to Demara, rather disheartened.
[17:47] <Demara> 'Moderate? Perhaps, though I'd prefer the term catastrophe.' Demara sighs internally. 'I do wonder if Glasya has found a way to manipulate luck and fate.'
[17:49] <Inuga> 'It wouldn't shock me,' Inuga returns. 'Who's the local deity of luck and fortune? Maybe we should check that church next.'
[17:51] <Demara> 'Norebo,' Demara answers smoothly. 'They have luck stones, I was thinking of investigating myself.'
[17:52] <Inuga> 'Maybe it would behoove us to buy a few,' Inuga responds sourly. 'I'll consider almost anything ny this point.'
[17:52] <Ebiris> The noise and chaos fades into the background as the two succubi continue making tracks without actually running, though it's starting to sound like things are dying down back there, anyway.
[17:54] <Demara> 'Indeed.' Demara thinks, 'Perhaps we'll have angels coming from the heavens next, who just happen to land in front of us. I would not be surprised to see a Solar in all of it's idiocy spawn righ tthere,' Demara glances ahead as she walks.
[17:55] * Inuga sends a noncommittal noise in response, eager to find their lost comrade as soon as possible.
[17:57] <Ebiris> No solars appear to molest the duo as they finally reach the noble district, the gutted and burnt out ruins of Kitami's manor a striking visual feature. Of course, none of them actually got an address for where exactly Earl Torbes lives...
[17:59] <Demara> 'So where is this Earl?' Demara asks.
[18:00] * Inuga takes a moment to slip into a shadowed alcove and adopt a new persona, that of some plan and forgettable blonde. No need to let whatever happens here be traced back to "Tysha." 'That's a good question,' she sends to Demara. 'Perhaps we can pose as Dharport locals gawking at the ruins of Kitami's house and ask questions about the neighborhood?'
[18:01] * Demara does the same, taking a bland look like a serving girl once she can slip into the shadows unseen. 'Yes, that should work.'
[18:04] <Ebiris> The area is well patrolled by Dharport city guards, as well as what looks to be private guards given their different uniforms but similar armament, not to mention a number of random pedestrians, most looking like servants coming and going with the morning shop.
[18:05] * Inuga keeps an eye out for anyone resembling Teresa, in case she's still in her same human form.
[18:05] <Ebiris> No sign of Teresa in the immediate vicinity.
[18:10] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 and aid me, Inuga?
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and aid me, Inuga? and gets 14." [1d20=3]
[18:10] * Demara asks around for Earl Torbes' manshion.
[18:11] <Ebiris> Demara is furnished with directions from the first guard she accosts, pointing to a mansion about twice as big as Kitami's and not too far away.
[18:12] <Demara> 'Shall we then?' Demara begins to head towards that mansion.
[18:13] <Inuga> 'Indeed,' Inuga responds, accompanying Demara.
[18:14] <Ebiris> Approaching up the road towards the mansion, the duo can see a single guard manning the iron-wrought gate, a path leading up through a pleasant looking garden towards the large manor itself.
[18:20] * Inuga strolls up to the guard, maintaining a rather meek and shy persona. "Excuse me, sir, we was wondering...what 'appened to that house over there?" she asks, pointing to the ruins of Kitami's house.
[18:22] <Ebiris> "The old Reese place?" he looks over. "Burnt down. Just a couple of nights ago, too. Quite a display it was."
[18:24] * Inuga turns to Demara. "Can you imagine that, in a posh neighborhood like this." Then, to the guard: "Was it thieves breakin' in and lootin' the place, good sir?" she asks, wide-eyed and hungry for gossip about her social betters.
[18:25] <Demara> "Horrible!" Demara simpers.
[18:26] <Ebiris> "Thieves wouldn't do something so stupid. No, they brought it on themselves," he leans forward and lowers his voice, "There's tales about that place that would make your blood curdle. Wouldn't surprise me if it's even haunted after all that happened."
[18:26] * Inuga shivers. "Ooh, tell me, sir! I do loves me a good ghost story, don't'cha know."
[18:28] <Ebiris> "Well, they..." he begins then seems to think better of it. "Actually, I probably shouldn't say any more. Not really my place, I mean," he amends, throwing a nervous glance back towards the Torbes mansion.
[18:31] * Inuga pouts. "Aww, you're a tease," she complains. "D'you feel alright, livin' next to a place like that? Must be gharstly. I'd have 'alf a mind to ask a priest in to consecrate me 'ouse were it me livin' here."
[18:35] <Ebiris> "Well, better that it's burnt down than standing, all things considered," he shrugs. "Besides, the place got picked clean, so probably if there was anything dangerous still there it would have been dealt with."
[18:38] * Inuga nods. "All the same, I'd want to hire a few extra hands if I was livin' next door to folks like that." She shrugs. "All the same, I'd love to hear about what went on there. Maybe you could tell me over a pint, away from your master's ears?" she suggests.
[18:39] <Ebiris> OOC: make a charisma check
[18:40] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 and gets 22." [1d20=12]
[18:42] <Ebiris> "Well..." he looks over Inuga for a moment, seeming to take in her appearance past the horrendous accent, and apparently approving. "I'm on duty till afternoon, but maybe we could have a few drinks at the Blue Boar then, and I can tell you a few tales?" he offers.
[18:46] * Inuga smiles. "Sure, that suits me fine. I'll look forward to hearin' whatever gossup you've got," she says, opting to listen in on the man's thoughts just in case he has anything notable floating about at the top of his mind.
[18:46] <Inuga> OOC: DT, DC 22.
[18:49] <Ebiris> "Until then," he nods...
[18:49] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9." [1d20=7]
[18:50] <Ebiris> OOC: just going to stand there and wait for DT to kick in?
[18:51] <Inuga> OOC: that would look strange. I'll turn around and start walking away as I listen in, if that works.
[18:51] <Ebiris> OOC: since it's a cone effect you have to be facing him
[18:51] <Inuga> OOC: In that case--
[18:52] * Inuga pauses to flash the man a shy smile, and she does a little curtsey before leaving (taking the moment to glean whatever she can from his mind before she turns away).
[18:53] -> *Inuga* He thinks you have a horrible sounding voice, but hopefully you'll be able to shut up while he regales you with his stories later on and are sufficiently impressed as to sleep with him. You're not marriage material or anything, but certainly worth a quick tumble.
[18:56] <Inuga> 'Well, that was mostly useless,' she sends to Demara as she walks away. 'I can meet up with him later and see what he knows or one of us can go etherreal and hope they've got no means of magical detection in there.'
[18:57] <Demara> 'Mmm.' Demara considers as they walk away. 'Do we know if they have any pet mages or the like?'
[18:57] <Inuga> 'Not yet,' she responds. 'I could probably find out over a meal with the man.'
[18:58] <Demara> 'Find out. If it's favorable we can try after?'
[18:59] <Inuga> 'Certainly,' Inuga agrees, not having much in the way of plans until meeting up with the man at the Blue Boar.
[19:03] * Demara intends to morph into yet another throwaway form and go gather information about what happened today with the street battle.
[19:04] * Inuga does the same, aiding Demara in her inquiries.
[19:05] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 then?
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 then? and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[19:05] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 and gets 23." [1d20=13]
[19:12] <Ebiris> Inuga and Demara find that the town is positively buzzing with news of the exciting battle between good and evil. Apparently Caerys and Eris of the church of Boccob unmasked the vile fiend when it was brazenly walking around Dharport's streets. The battle was extremely intense, as the demon used trickery and illusion to confound the two brave heroines, and very nearly killed Eris with its assault.
[19:12] <Ebiris> As things were looking at their worst, Eris cried out to Boccob for aid, and was rewarded with a stunning transformation into a giant green-skinned angel (a few people gleefully belabour the fact that said angelic vision was also naked and very well proportioned), at which point the demon was finally overcome.
[19:12] <Ebiris> After that, the angel that had seemingly possessed Eris decreed that a price must be paid for its aid, and vanished leaving no trace of Eris behind. Caerys herself used the bird-like demon's own magic ring to revert it back to its disguised human form and then took it back to the church where it could be safely confined while they questioned it to learn about any other demons lurking within Dharport.
[19:15] <Inuga> Well that's just fantastic. Inuga will have to get word to the Bell Masque sometime in the evening. In the meantime? Plunder that guard's mind for anything useful, past the info on to Demara telepathically and let her go ahead back to the Torbes residence to find Terea. She suggests as much to her comrade.
[19:16] * Demara agrees after some thought. 'It's our best chance.
[19:17] * Inuga nods and goes to the Blue Boar, finding a table and awaiting the arrival of Prince Charming.
[19:17] <Ebiris> OOC: where's Demara going to be?
[19:17] <Demara> OOC: I'm going to go discreetly kill time somewhere nearby.
[19:18] <Inuga> OOC: Yeah, I figured she could just adopt some generic guise and lurk a table or two away, then head out once I've passed her anything useful.
[19:20] <Ebiris> Making herself comfortable, Inuga still has to wait a few hours before her prey arrives, the guard now having changed into more casual clothing but still recognisable from his squashed looking nose and closely cropped black hair. Spotting the generic blonde form of Inuga, he makes his way over to her table.
[19:21] * Inuga waves and lifts a mug of ale she'd procured earlier. "Hello again! 'appy to be off the job, I take it?" she asks, again listening in on his thoughts (initiate DT again if it's not still in effect).
[19:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[19:24] <Ebiris> "Nice to take a load off," he agrees as he pulls up a chair. "Y'know, we never actually introduced ourselves, did we? My name's Alenko. What's yours?"
[19:26] <Inuga> "Oh, you can just call me Bette," she says, as if names were of passing importance. "Pleasure to meet you, Alenko. Have y'self some of this ale? 's got a nice kick."
[19:29] <Ebiris> He calls over the serving wench and is dutifully provided with some ale which he happily drinks. "Yeah, so you're interested in what happened at the Reese place, huh?" he asks, leaning on the table towards 'Bette'.
[19:29] -> *Inuga* He's idly wondering just where his life went wrong that he'd be considering seducing a strumpet such as yourself, but decides that in the grand scheme of things, a warm hole is a warm hole.
[19:30] * Inuga leans forward, clearly eager for any story about gruesome events befalling her social betters. "Oh, yes sir, I'm all ears."
[19:32] <Ebiris> "Well, it just so happens that the Reese's had... strange, interests. I'm not just talking about your usual noble eccentricities, they had themselves wrapped up in all sorts of nasty business," he begins in a conspiratorial tone.
[19:33] -> *Inuga* He wonders if he should use the past tense when Baronet Reese is still alive, but he probably won't be for long. He's also making an effort to avoid saying anything that could link the late Rika Torbes to all this.
[19:34] * Inuga nods. "Go on, go on! I bet the master of the 'ouse was takin' advantage of the womenfolk servin' 'im, eh?" she says, eyes wide.
[19:37] <Ebiris> "Wouldn't surprise me, as you'll see in a minute, but that's not the worst of it," he looks around briefly, satisfying himself that no one is listening too closely. "They were demon cultists, see. They'd kidnap innocent maidens just like yourself off the streets, then abuse and violate them in manners best left unsaid, before sacrificing their victims to the powers of the Abyss."
[19:37] -> *Inuga* He's wondering if you'll get off on the 'violating innocent maidens' part, considering your gleeful wonderings about taking advantange of the serving maidens.
[19:41] * Inuga gasps theatrically. "Consortin' with demons, y'say?" she breathes out. "Those rogues! Stealin' away poor young girls for their sick little games." she fans herself as if excited by this concept and takes a sip of her ale.
[19:45] <Ebiris> "Well, they got their comeuppance, as you can see. Thing is, though," he leans even closer, briefly looking around before locking eyes with Inuga, "That thing they summoned? That killed them all and burnt down the house? No one's found it, yet."
[19:45] -> *Inuga* He mentally congratulates himself on figuring out what buttons to push with you, and looks forward to shutting you up by filling your mouth with a beloved part of his anatomy.
[19:49] * Inuga shudders, rapping her fingers on the table nervously. "'orrible, just 'orrible," she says. "It could still be walkin' the streets for all we know. You can't feel safe livin' in a neighborhood where a beast like that roams free. If that lord of your's is a smart one, I'd wager 'e's got a few new hands around the place. I know I'd want a good strong man by my side."
[19:51] -> *Inuga* Or woman, he thinks, visualising someone who looks just like Teresa. He then entertains a brief sexual fantasy involving said vision of loveliness, but quickly dismisses her as out of his league (and pretty scary considering what she did to that summoned tiger). Luckily he has the far more attainable Bette right here!
[19:53] <Ebiris> "The Earl takes his security very seriously," he affirms. "Still, no telling what dangers I might have to face in protecting him. That's just the risks we men have to live with," he concludes stalwartly.
[19:56] * Inuga sends to Demara: 'He definitely knows Teresa, so she's almost certainly there. If the ox knows anything about a hired mage, he's not concerned about it. Mostly interested in violating poor little me. Isn't that a surprise?' She reaches forward and caresses the guard's hand. "It's a good thing we've got men like you around to watch out for us poor souls, Alenko."
[19:57] * Demara smiles ever so slightly. 'Good. We need to contact her then.'
[20:03] <Ebiris> He grins in reply. "Damn right. It's a rough and unrewarding job, but keeping folks safe is what I do. No telling what horrific plans that thing could have - been hearing about a lot of murders lately, so wouldn't surprise me if it's connected."
[20:06] * Inuga peers around, into the dark corners of the room and outside. "Oh, it's just terrible what this city's come to these days," she says. "I'm not sure I feel secure walkin' 'ome myself at times like this..." She lowers her voice, and leans in close. "Alenko, d'you think you could take me somewhere and keep me safe for a time?"
[20:07] -> *Inuga* He finds himself greatly pleased by how easy you are.
[20:09] <Ebiris> "I know just the thing to take your mind off your worries, Bette," he nods knowingly, taking Inuga's hand and getting up.
[20:12] * Inuga follows along, smiling demurely. Then, to Demara: 'Wasn't able to get a lot from the oaf, I'm afraid, but we do know Teresa's there, at least. I'll keep him entertained for a while--it's one less person you have to deal with at the Torbes place.'
[20:15] <Demara> 'Right. I'll go find her.' With that Demara rises, heading out of the Blue Boar.
[20:16] * Demara intends to sneak reasonably close to the Torbes estate and then go etherial once it's dark.

[Ebiris]

[13:44] <Ebiris> After having some harmless fun with Alenko, Inuga finds Demara waiting outside Earl Torbes' manor until nightfall before she dares to investigate, leaving the fiend of corruption with a few hours to kill before they hopefully reunite with dearest Teresa.
[13:46] <Inuga> First priority is checking in with the Bell Masque, so she heads over to the seedier side of town to meet with Julius.
[13:47] <Ebiris> Inuga reaches the Five Cups without incident, the dingy little tavern seeming to be open and ready for business this afternoon.
[13:48] * Inuga assumes her familiar "Tysha" persona before heading inside, then walks right up to the bad and asks for Julius (well, assuming he's not in plain sight).
[13:51] <Ebiris> The place is somewhat dead right now, just a half-orc drinking at the bar and a halfling sitting by himself in one of the corners seeming to be engaged in whittling a piece of wood with his dagger. "Tysha, right?" the walrus-mustached bartender grunts at the succubus. "Julius doesn't normally come here till late at night. If you want I can pass on a message."
[13:53] <Inuga> "Would you have any notion of where he could be found right now? This is a matter of some urgency."
[13:58] <Ebiris> "Could be anywhere, during the daytime anyway," the bartender replies unconcernedly, pouring a mug of watery ale and sliding it over to the half-orc. "What's the hurry, anyway?"
[14:03] <Inuga> "Our opponents have made a move," she says. "And we'd best prepare for the next before it's too late. I am loathe to say more out in the open, but suffice it to say that they may have more information about us then we'd like."
[14:08] <Ebiris> "Hmph," the bartender grunts apathetically. "You could try his house, I suppose. He likes to sleep late, although probably not this late. Best I can help you, though." He then proceeds to give directions to a house some distance away from here, well outside of the slums.
[14:10] * Inuga nods respectfully. "Good enough. Thank you, sir. Your help is appreciated." With anyone else, she'd give them the treat of a suggestive wink before leaving. But the bartender doesn't seem to give a damn about anything, so she just leaves. Once she's outside, she finds an empty alley in which to go ethereal (never hurts to be careful) and then sets out as directed.
[14:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[14:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
[14:15] <Ebiris> Gliding along through the pale grey mists of the ethereal plane it takes Inuga a while to reach her goal, but eventually she does. Number 12 Dragon Approach, where Julius supposedly resides, is a rather unremarkable terraced house, identical to all of its neighbours on this street. Rather narrow, with a door at the top of a short stairway and a single window to the right, which is currently shuttered.
[14:17] * Inuga decides to give him the human courtesy of knocking. She's not sure whether or not his superiors told him what Inuga really is, so she may as well act human for now. (Of course, she can still walk through the wall if he proves *too* heavy a sleeper).
[14:18] <Ebiris> Finding a place to materialise back onto the real world without being seen is easily done, and Inuga reaches the door easily enough, giving it a solid knock... which doesn't seem to garner any response.
[14:23] * Inuga sighs, and tries again, louder this time. Damned mortals and their weaknesses.
[14:23] <Ebiris> Doesn't sound like there's any activity coming from inside despite Inuga's fervently hopefuly knocking.
[14:25] <Inuga> Well, nothing for it, then. She'll have to go ethereal and just barge right in. If Julius gets a shock from finding her appearing inside his apartment unannounced, well, that's what he gets for oversleeping. Making sure there's no one around, she goes ethereal again and walks right through the front door.
[14:27] <Ebiris> Inuga duly enters without any resistance. Through the washed out greyscale of the ethereal plane, she can have a good look at the interior of Julius' home - it's small but has a certain homey quality to it, with furnishings and decorations that are tasteful without being ostentatious. A quick check of the hallway, main room, bedroom, closet, and bathroom yields no sign of anyone being present.
[14:30] <Inuga> Well, the man does work for a criminal organization. He might be the type to have a hidden room or two set up somewhere on the premises. Inuga decides to make a thorough search of the apartment for any such hidey-holes.
[14:31] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[14:31] <Inuga> roll 1d20+13
[14:31] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+13 and gets 32." [1d20=19]
[14:34] <Ebiris> Inuga does indeed find several such hidey-holes! In a small hollow hidden in the fireplace she finds a bag filled with dozens of tiny glittering gemstones of various types - diamonds, rubies, sapphires, all very high quality. And beneath a rug that one of the armchairs rests upon, she finds a trapdoor.
[14:38] * Inuga couldn't care less about the gemstones, and stealing from her allies would hardly help relations between them. The trapdoor is certainly of interest, though. She decides to open it--standing safely to one side while she does so in case Julius is the paranoid type and waiting with a crossbow or something.
[14:39] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[14:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 and gets 23." [1d20=6]
[14:39] <Ebiris> OOC: flat footed AC?
[14:42] <Ebiris> As she lifts the handle, a previously unnoticed spring mechanism triggers, causing a tiny needle to fly out of the trapdoor and stab her wrist! It's barely a scratch, but there seems to be some sort of clear viscous liquid clinging to the needle as it juts out of her flesh.
[14:42] <Inuga> OOC Same as normal. No DEX bonus for me.
[14:45] <Inuga> Charming. Well, this is clearly a good time to be immune to poison. The wound itself is nothing to worry about. "Juuuulius," she calls down sweetly into the room below. "It's your good friend Tysha. We have business to discuss and it can't wait for nightfall."
[14:46] <Ebiris> Looking down the now open trapdoor, Inuga can see a ladder descending into what looks to be a storage room of some sort, completely dark, which is of course no problem for her eyes. No reply comes to her sweet carolling voice, however.
[14:47] <Inuga> Bah. Could it be that he's really not home? How very...inconvenient. Oh well, may as well satisfy her curiosity and see what manner of illicit goods Julius is hiding. She climbs down the ladder.
[14:53] <Ebiris> Clambering down, Inuga finds herself in the subterranean basement, its walls lined with shelves and two racks of shelves set up in the middle of the room as well.
[14:53] <Ebiris> Seems to be all manner of things here, jewellery, objects of art such as statues and paintings, bars and ingots of gold, platinum, mithral, and adamantine bearing various seals, a few weapons and suits of armour of exquisite quality, and a number of closed boxes and sacks containing who knows what. All in all it's quite the little treasure trove.
[14:53] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check
[14:54] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21
[14:54] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 and gets 41." [1d20=20]
[14:58] -> *Inuga* You also spot some sort of greyish vine system covering the ceiling... one that's starting to move slightly.
[15:06] * Inuga peers up at the ceiling and decides that this isn't really the place to be right now, intriguing as Julius's pilfered wares are. Time to beat a hasty retreat and climb back up into the light.
[15:07] <Ebiris> Inuga manages to safely retreat before anything can come of her intrusion, returning to the ground floor without incident.
[15:08] * Inuga closes the trap door and replaces the rug, doing her best to make it look like no intrusion took place, then leaves the apartment the way she entered. Well, that was a fruitless endeavor.
[15:09] <Ebiris> Floating back out onto the street via the ethereal plane, Inuga leaves Julius' home behind...
[15:12] <Inuga> Given that Julius is her only real contact with the Bell Masque, this doesn't leave her with much to do. Well, failing any other leads, she can always drop by Whiplash and she if her friend there has any useful tidbits to pass on.
[15:15] <Ebiris> The brothel is easily reached, and descending down into the front room she finds a couple of half-dressed whores lounging around, one currently escorting a timid looking young man to one of the back rooms. No sign of Morghan at a glance, here.
[15:16] * Inuga asks around, then. It's her establishment, so presumably she's on the presmises somewhere.
[15:18] <Ebiris> Inuga happens to get knowing looks from the resident prostitutes, one delicate looking blonde elf wearing a white leather bodyglove answering her question. "She's in her office, sweetie. Why don't you cheer her up like you did, yesterday?" she offers with a wicked smile.
[15:20] * Inuga chuckles. "I might, at that." She returns the elf's knowing grin and makes for Morghan's office, rapping lightly on the door.
[15:21] <Ebiris> "Enter," the human woman's haughty voice calls after a second.
[15:23] * Inuga opens the doors and does as she's bidden, gracing Morghan with a sweet smile. "Such a commanding tone you have. I almost feel as though I aught enter on my knees."
[15:27] <Ebiris> Still flush with Inuga's demonic blessing from the previous day, she does have quite a commanding presence about her as she sets aside a ledger and tray filled with coins of various denominations. Still, her attitude does turn somewhat subservient towards Inuga she sees her guest. "If you're looking for such discipline I'd be happy to provide it," she smiles, standing up.
[15:27] <Ebiris> "Yesterday was..." she shivers appealingly at the memory, "Most enjoyable."
[15:30] * Inuga grins. "I do aim to please," she says, taking the seat opposite Morghan again. "I had a spare moment and wondered if you'd come across any bits of information I might find useful. Especially in regards to the church of Boccob, which particularly seems to suffer from infernal infestation."
[15:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[15:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[15:37] <Ebiris> "Boccob?" she sits down and thinks it over. "I've sometimes had to send my girls there for... curatives. They're less judgemental than the other big churches, and more reliable than the minor ones. I know that some of their number were involved in the raid on Madame Lil's - not that I shed any tears for the troubles of my competitors."
[15:37] <Ebiris> "That paladin of theirs, Caerys, I've seen her a few times around the city. Girl would make a fine dominatrix, I'd wager... Of course, you probably know all about what happened with her this morning, and that other demon? Half the city's talking about it."
[15:40] * Inuga raises an eyebrow. "Interesting. Madame Lil's is one of the establishments we know to be run by devils now. I think it a safe bet that any place Boccob's followers have 'cleansed' is now an infernal puppet. As for this morning's events--"(more)
[15:42] <Inuga> "--I don't suppose you or your girls have noticed any way to gain entrance to Boccob's church without arousing undue attention? It is true that they captured one of our number this morning, and she must be retrieved if at all possible. As for Caerys...well, I'd spit, but I wouldn't want to dirty your floor."
[15:43] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[15:43] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[15:46] <Ebiris> She hmms slightly, smoothing out her dress as she thinks and incidentally showing off her impressive bust. "I'm sure Elise has a brother or sister in the clergy there, though I'm not sure how close they are. She's not due in until dusk, but I can ask her when she appears," Morghan offers.
[15:47] * Inuga nods. "Please do. Any help you could offer in this matter would be generously rewarded."
[15:48] <Ebiris> "Very well. If you return this evening, I'll ensure Elise is ready to tell you everything she knows," the madame promises with a somewhat sinister smile.
[15:50] * Inuga chuckles. "Thank you, Morghan. It's been a pleasure, as always." She leans forward to plant a kiss on the woman's hand, then turns to leave. "Until later, then."

[Ebiris]

[15:20] <Ebiris> Leaving the imaginatively titled Whiplash behind, Inuga steps out into the wan sunshine bathing Dharport's streets this Autumnal afternoon, most of the people walking by conspicuously averting their gaze from the brothel's entrance as they go about their business while the succubus plots her next move...
[15:26] <Inuga> May as well work her way down the ladder! First port was one of the establishments turned up in her previous search, as Inuga recalls, so she'll use her spare time to hit that one.
[15:29] <Ebiris> It's actually somewhat hard to find the First Port, tucked away amidst the maze of slipways and warehouses clustered around the docks, but eventually Inuga finds it as the afternoon wears on, a ramshackle building that seems to have an upturned boat of some sort serving as its roof.
[15:29] <Ebiris> Even this early in the day a raucus din can be heard from within, while various scarred and shirtless men lurk around the shadows surrounding the building, almost all of them carrying visible weapons of some sort.
[15:33] * Inuga stays in her usual Tysha persona for the purpose of making contacts. Naturally, she's not very concerned about the various ruffians lurking around. She heads inside to look for the manager.
[15:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[15:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 43." [1d100=43]
[15:39] <Ebiris> The ruffians, on the other hand, seem quite concerned with her. As she approaches the establishment a trio of men approach her - two orcs or half-orcs and a human, they keep their hands near their weapons. "Eh, love, yer lookin' a bit lost," the human leers, practically salivating as he regards Inuga's form.
[15:39] <Ebiris> "Why not stay with us and have some fun?" one of his green-skinned companions adds in a coarse growl.
[15:43] <Inuga> "I know exactly where I am," Inuga says, her voice in acid tones. "And so do others, not that you'll see them until it's too late," she adds suggestively, casually peering at the nieghboring rooftops. "Find some washerwoman to ravage, I'm more trouble than you can deal with." Though there doesn't appear to be a clear leader in the group, she focuses on one of the orcs and tries to charm into realizing what a horrible idea assaul
[15:44] <Inuga> *assaulting her would be. (OOC: Charm, DC 24).
[15:44] <Ebiris> OOC: make an intimidate check while you're at it
[15:45] <Inuga> roll 1d20+21 fear me and so on
[15:45] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+21 fear me and so on and gets 38." [1d20=17]
[15:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[15:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13." [1d20=12]
[15:46] <Ebiris> They look suitably cowed, the human muttering something about Inuga's liklihood of carrying various infections under his breath as he slinks away without meeting her eyes. The charmed orc looks very apologetic, taking off the filthy bandanna from his head as he backs away with a mumbled, "Sorry for any trouble, ma'am."
[15:48] * Inuga chuckles. "Off course. See to it that your companions learn some better manners, if it's within your power." With that out of the way, she heads inside.
[15:52] <Ebiris> Without further interference Inuga heads inside, finding her nose and eyes assaulted by a pervasive acrid smoke that fills the air of this establishment - were she mortal it would surely make her head swim, but to a demon of the abyss it's really nothing at all. It's a rather large common room filled with randy sailor types all drinking, boasting, singing, and molesting the serving staff.
[15:52] <Ebiris> To one side there looks to be several gambling tables, people rolling dice or playing cards. A grizzled and heavyset looking dwarf leans on an enormous maul by the door, nodding good naturedly to Inuga as she enters. "Nice way o' dealin' with those limp-dicked sacks o' shite out there," he compliments her.
[15:53] * Inuga grins. "It's a gift," she says. "I don't suppose you could direct me to the owner?"
[15:54] <Ebiris> The dwarf's expression turns a bit more serious at that as he straightens up, regarding Inuga with more intent scrutiny. "Why ye wanting tae speak tae him for?" he asks gruffly.
[15:57] * Inuga shrugs. "It's a business matter," she says simply. Then, examining him more carefully (and making her scrutiny quite apparent). "Why so tense? Are you expecting trouble of some manner?" May as well listen in on his thoughts and make sure he's telling the truth (OOC: DT, DC 22).
[15:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[15:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15." [1d20=6]
[16:00] <Ebiris> "There's always trouble when someone wants tae speak tae him. Who sent ye?" the dwarf asks gruffly, grip tightening on the oversized hammer by his side.
[16:00] -> *Inuga* He's thinking that no one ever *wants* to speak to Krusk Fairhair. Anyone with a lick of sense stays the hell away from the crazy bastard.
[16:03] <Inuga> "Someone with an interest in keeping Dharport safe from pernicious outside influences." She discreetly mimes someone taking a mask off. Somehow, mentioning the Bell Masque in the midst of a crowded room seems a bad idea. "They prefer to remain nameless, but I'm sure you know who I mean."
[16:13] <Ebiris> "What the fuck? Is this another shakedown?" the dwarf glares at Inuga, hefting his maul. "Yer a bit early, lassie... Mr Fairhair is aboot through wi' paying ye what ye get a'ready. That's assumin' yer really one o' them and not just some chancer..."
[16:13] -> *Inuga* They paid their protection money last week and it's paid monthly. He thinks you're probably just bullshitting rather than really being part of the thieves guild - their representatives only ever come demanding protection money, since Mr Fairhair really doesn't like them and they tend to have accidents around him.
[16:15] <Inuga> "This isn't about payment," she says, calm and undeterred by threats of violence. "I have something more equitable to offer him this time. I think perhaps you should just let me speak to him myself," she suggests, turning on the charm at the same time to make sure this notion takes hold (OOC: DC 24).
[16:16] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[16:16] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 15." [1d20=6]
[16:19] <Ebiris> He relaxes a bit as Inuga works her seductive wiles on him. "Aye? Well, that could be different. A'right, go'an through that door," he gestures at a wooden door off in the corner past the gaming tables, "Knock and tell 'em Archie sent ye'. Just dinnae blame me if 'e isnae happy tae see ye."
[16:20] * Inuga proceeds as instructed, knocking and stating that, indeed, Archie Sent Her. As for his warning, well, she always takes full responsibility for her actions.
[16:26] <Ebiris> The door opens, revealing what could best be described as a waiting room, with benches along the sides and another door further on - Inuga can't help but notice the doors are very large, much bigger than most interior doors she's seen in Dharport's buildings. "What's this?" the man who opened the door asks - he's human and rather overweight, but still quite muscular.
[16:26] <Ebiris> "Has that grumpy little swine sent us some entertainment?" he asks as he regards Inuga. "Or come to ask for a job, little girl?" On one of the benches an orcish man looks up from where he's engaged in carving... something, out of a hunk of wood, though he seems content to let the other speak.
[16:28] <Inuga> "Maybe, if you're good little boys, I'll treat you to a smile later. You'd do best to let me through. I'm here to see Mr. Fairhair, not converse with chattal." Wretched underlings. Best to just take the easy way through this rabble (OOC: Charm on the human, DC 24, etc).
[16:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[16:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 21." [1d20=17]
[16:32] <Ebiris> "Go right on through," the man offers with a smile, stepping out of Inuga's way and gesturing to the far door. The half-orc snorts disgustedly at this but doesn't comment further.
[16:33] * Inuga does so, at least treating the (suddenly cooperative) human with a nice swish of her hips as she exits the anteroom into what is (hopefully) the proprietor's office beyond.
[16:37] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Inuga at last comes face to face with Krusk Fairhair, sat at a table and busily devouring an enormous shank of meat with his hands. He's enormous, a thickly set monster of a man, with oddly purple-ish skin covered in scars and tattoos.
[16:37] <Ebiris> His hair is a vibrant shock of blonde which falls back behind his head, and his eyes seem to glow slightly red as he looks up at Inuga's entrance. "What's this?" he asks gruffly. "I didn't ask for any whores."
[16:39] * Inuga isn't at all perturbed by the man's appearance, of course, having seen worse in the abyss. "Nor did you receive one," she says sweetly, immediately trying to pry his mind open for her inspection (DT, DC 22). "Consider me an emissary from a would'be business partner."
[16:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[16:40] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 and gets 24." [1d20=10]
[16:42] <Ebiris> "What the fuck?" he snarls, getting up and tossing his meal into the fire as Inuga finds his thoughts opaque to her. "Is that why you just tried to use a spell on me? Stupid fucking bitch..." he cracks his grease-encrusted knuckles, "I think you made a mistake coming here."
[16:42] <Ebiris> OOC: roll init
[16:42] <Inuga> roll 1d20
[16:42] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20 and gets 16." [1d20=16]
[16:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[16:42] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[16:44] <Ebiris> Shoving the table aside and into the wall with ease, Krusk advances towards Inuga with a hand outstretched to grab Inuga...
[16:44] <Ebiris> OOC: make a will save first
[16:44] <Inuga> roll 1d20+11
[16:44] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+11 and gets 13." [1d20=2]
[16:46] <Ebiris> Inuga finds herself overwhelmed by his terrifying raw presence as he approaches, a hand coming straight for her throat!
[16:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 melee touch
[16:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 melee touch and gets 23." [1d20=9]
[16:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[16:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 30." [1d20=8]
[16:46] <Ebiris> OOC: make a grapple check
[16:47] <Inuga> OOC: I always forget these rolls. >.< Is that d20+BAB?
[16:47] <Ebiris> OOC: + strength, yes. Don't forget your -2 penalty
[16:47] <Inuga> roll 1d20+7 to squirm away.
[16:47] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+7 to squirm away. and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[16:48] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+6
[16:48] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+6 and gets 10." [2d6=2, 2]
[16:49] <Ebiris> Wrapping an enormous filthy hand around Inuga's neck, she finds herself chokeslammed to the floor! it's a bone-jarring impact, but her innate fiendish resistance keeps her from suffering any real damage.
[16:52] * Inuga grimaces. Well, if he wants to get up close and personal, Inuga has her own tricks for that arena. She climbs to her feet and attempts to draw the man into her embrace, attempting to use her kiss to drain his resistance until he's easier to deal with.
[16:52] <Ebiris> OOC: make a grapple check
[16:52] <Inuga> roll 1d20+7
[16:52] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+7 and gets 24." [1d20=17]
[16:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[16:52] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 28." [1d20=6]
[16:53] <Ebiris> It's no good, Inuga finds herself held too tightly in Krusk's grip to actually get into position for anything naughty! Meanwhile, all this fuss has gotten the attention of the two guards outside...
[16:53] <Ebiris> "Hey, boss, maybe you should leave her alone?" the charmed human bravely speaks up in Inuga's defence!
[16:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[16:53] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 39." [1d100=39]
[16:55] <Ebiris> "Why don't you shut the fuck up, or I'll rip your head off next!" Krusk roars as he pummels Inuga with his free hand while still keeping her restrained.
[16:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 36." [1d20=14]
[16:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+17 and gets 19." [1d20=2]
[16:55] <Ebiris> OOC: you can't beat the first one, but make a grapple check against the second
[16:55] <Inuga> roll 1d20+7
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[16:55] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+6
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+6 and gets 10." [2d6=3, 1]
[16:55] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+6
[16:55] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+6 and gets 12." [2d6=2, 4]
[16:57] <Ebiris> But Inuga barely even feels the blows, only suffering a minor bruising to her abysally reinforced flesh! This does not escape Krusk's notice as he flexes his fingers after bashing them against her, "What the hell are you?" he asks in surprise, his grip not letting up.
[16:59] <Inuga> "I'd be glad to explain myself to you if you'd stop your foolish attempts at hurting me," Inuga says, focusing all her supernatural powers on subduing this mortal's mind.
[16:59] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10 for conentration
[16:59] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 for conentration and gets 20." [1d20=10]
[17:02] <Ebiris> Unfortunately her supernatural powers won't quite focus! "Bah, can take a look at yer innards once I'm done," Krusk returns, pulling out a dagger and trying to slide it between Inuga's ribs!
[17:02] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16." [1d20=5]
[17:03] <Ebiris> But it only glances off her flesh, failing to penetrate despite his efforts! Meanwhile the two guards look on, the half-orc with a certain amount of feral interest while the human seems quite distressed at this entire state of affairs, but too afraid of Krusk to come to Inuga's aid.
[17:04] <Inuga> "You'll find that I don't die easily," Inuga snarls, attempting to bewitch his mind once again.
[17:04] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10 for concentration
[17:04] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 for concentration and gets 21." [1d20=11]
[17:05] <Ebiris> Inuga couldn't bewitch a mouse in her current state. "Just keep struggling, you skinny bitch. I'd get bored, otherwise," Krusk replies as he tries stabbing Inuga again.
[17:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[17:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12." [1d20=6]
[17:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d6+6+2d6
[17:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6+6+2d6 and gets 17." [1d6=5][2d6=4, 2]
[17:07] <Ebiris> While it certainly hurts more than being punched, and does manage to draw some blood, Inuga's resistances still offer some modicum of protection from the assault!
[17:09] * Inuga manages to laugh in Krusk's face, despite an injury that would badly wound a normal woman. "Is that all you've got?" she taunts, making yet another attempt to marshall her supernatural energies.
[17:09] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10 concentration.
[17:09] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 concentration. and gets 27." [1d20=17]
[17:09] <Ebiris> OOC: make a caster level check
[17:10] <Ebiris> OOC: 1d20+12
[17:10] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[17:10] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18." [1d20=6]
[17:10] <Inuga> OOC: Using boost spell-like with the charm if that goes through.
[17:11] <Ebiris> Despite finally being able to focus her fiendish energies, Inuga finds that her charm is repelled, bouncing off Krusk like nothing at all!
[17:12] <Ebiris> "Gods, you really are a fiesty bitch, aren't you?" Krusk pants as he stabs Inuga some more. "I might keep you around at this rate - most women break too easily."
[17:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[17:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[17:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d4+6+2d6
[17:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d4+6+2d6 and gets 17." [1d4=4][2d6=4, 3]
[17:13] <Ebiris> Again Inuga takes a stab, this time in her soft underbelly, but it's certainly not beyond her ability to endure!
[17:15] * Inuga chuckles. "I can take this all day, you brutish oaf. May as well stop wasting your time and put me down." She twists herself 'round to look at Krusk's lackeys. "Slaughtering innocent women for fun...your boss is a charmer, isn't he?" She decides to try and bring the orc under her thumb too, because, what the hell.
[17:15] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10 concentration
[17:15] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+10 concentration and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[17:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[17:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+22 and gets 35." [1d20=13]
[17:18] <Ebiris> "Hah, I'm just getting started!" Krusk roars as he tosses the dagger aside and turns Inuga around in his massive grip, shoving her face first against the ground with her hips in the air and ripping her skirt off! The two guards both look somewhat offput at the turn this is taking, backing away from the scene awkwardly...
[17:21] <Inuga> "No!" Inuga squeals, putting up enough of the semblance of a fight to be convincing but not actually intent on going anywhere. "Help me, he's gone mad!" she cries to Krusk's guards.
[17:22] <Ebiris> "We... we should stop this..." the charmed guard mumbles weakly, while the half-orc gives him an incredulous look.
[17:22] <Ebiris> "Do you want to die?" he asks disbelievingly.
[17:24] <Ebiris> Laughing boistrously, Krusk fumbles behind Inuga, the succubus unable to see exactly what's transpiring - but she certainly feels it a second later as she's violently skewered from behind, driven harshly against the floor by the brutal force of her attacker! Were she not a demon explicitly built for this sort of activity, there'd surely be something torn back there...
[17:26] <Inuga> Alright, enough playing around with this brute. Energy-draining starts now! She doesn't want to kill him, but she *definitely* wants to make him weak and easy to control.
[17:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13
[17:27] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+13 and gets 32." [1d20=19]
[17:29] <Ebiris> Inuga feels energised as she absorbs the giant's lifeforce into her through the intimate contact as she's uncaringly raped and abused! Still pinning her roughly to the ground by the neck, she feels painful shudders up and down her spine from the rough treatment, Krusk either not noticing or not caring that he's being drained!
[17:32] * Inuga moans in an appropriately dismayed manner while drawing more of the foolish mortal 's lifeforce! She intends to keep this up until he's just a hair's breadth from death.
[17:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[17:35] <Ebiris> At this point Krusk seems fully taken in by Inuga's abyssal temptations, grabbing her by the hips as he pulls her upwards, putting her on full display to his two underlings as he bounces the poor demon atop his massive girth.
[17:35] <Ebiris> The two guards seem alternately repulsed and fascinated by the display, trying to avert their eyes yet unable to fully look away as Krusk proves he still has a lot of strength left in him despite what Inuga has stolen so far.
[17:37] <Inuga> Wow. She endeavors to look horrified for the sake of her poor charmed vassal, but really, she *is* getting quite a lot of energy from this fool. Nothing for it but to keep going until he can't move anymore.
[17:41] <Ebiris> It takes longer than she'd certainly expect, and Krusk blows his load rather early within the perfectly fitting sheath that is Inuga, but under her fiendish influence he manages to continue pounding her afterwards with just as much gusto until his movements finally start to slacken.
[17:41] <Ebiris> Clearly on the verge of a blissful death he falls forward, pressing Inuga into the ground once more and weakly thrusting between her spread legs with what little energy he has left...
[17:44] <Inuga> Well, that's enough of that. Inuga crawls out from under the man and covers herself up again. Well, drat. Now she'll need new clothes. She nudges Krusk with her foot. "Well, all finished?" she muses with a bored tone.
[17:48] <Ebiris> OOC: before you get that far
[17:48] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:48] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[17:48] <Ebiris> OOC: make a grapple check
[17:48] <Inuga> roll 1d20+9 (I presume Shaken is gone by now)
[17:48] * Hatbot --> "Inuga rolls 1d20+9 (I presume Shaken is gone by now) and gets 22." [1d20=13]
[17:50] <Ebiris> Krusk weakly paws at Inuga as she disengages from their coitus, but right now he's in no shape to do much of anything as he goes limp now that they're no longer joined. "Fuck me..." he gasps, his purplish skin now very pale, yet a grin remains on his drooling lips, "That was fantastic..."
[17:51] <Inuga> "You're welcome," Inuga spits with a roll of her eyes. She goes to sit on his desk. "Ready to listen to reason now, I hope?"
[17:52] <Ebiris> "Finish me off, first?" he asks hopefully, rolling over onto his back to show that one part of him remains somewhat energetic. "You two can beat it," he adds to the red-faced guards, who seem quite happy to retreat.
[17:56] <Inuga> "Maybe some other time," Inuga states apathetically. A shrug. "You get what you pay for, Krusk. Help me out and you can do what you like with me, but don't expect any more freebies."
[18:00] <Ebiris> He slowly clambers to his feet, seeming to finally notice just how drained he is. "Gods below... where did you learn to fuck like that? I can hardly stand."
[18:03] * Inuga smirks. "Well, you know, I think you almost got the idea, right there. And I do hope you're willing to negotiate now, if you ever want to be that happy again."
[18:04] <Ebiris> "Heh... alright," he leers at Inuga, focusing on her still exposed and despoiled private parts. "Never met a woman who can take what I dish out and smile about it afterwards."
[18:07] <Inuga> "I'm not like any woman you've ever met, trust me on that. As I'd meant to say, before you were struck by a fit of wantonness, I'm here with a business propsition of sorts. You pay protection money to the Bell Masque, I understand?"
[18:09] <Ebiris> "Greedy fuckers. I killed the first few messengers, but then they started messing up my staff. Bad for business," he grunts, leaning against the wall as the most visible indicator of his excitedness starts to finally calm down.
[18:11] * Inuga nods. "I don't work for the Bell Masque, but we do have certain interests in common. Interests that have led me to ally with them for the time being. Of course, I understand that you would like to gain more than 'protection,' from them. I can help see that you get it. Tell me, Kursk, what it is that you want?" She grins. "Apart from me, of course."
[18:13] <Ebiris> "I'm a simple man," he admits sounding oddly humble. "A good fuck and a good fight is all I care about," he concludes, leering at Inuga as a few twitches show that he could still do with a bit more of one or the other.
[18:15] * Inuga chuckles. "Well, I can help you with both, if you want, but for now I'd like to talk about the latter. Tell me, what do you know about the church of Boccob?"
[18:16] <Ebiris> He shrugs. "Guys in purple robes? Don't really care about religion," he replies apathetically.
[18:18] <Inuga> "You might find it worth your while to care about this one." She raises a hand. "Oh, I'm not a missionary. They've closed down several of the local cathouses lately and reopened them under 'new management.' Infernal management, actually. Boccob's backers are devils. So tell me, Kursk: how'd like to rough up some self-righteous preachers and protect your own business interests at the same time?"
[18:18] <Inuga> *how'd you like
[18:21] <Ebiris> "I remember this one dark elf bitch, priestess of their spider goddess or something..." Krusk's eyes get a faraway look as he reminisces, a line of drool trailing off his lips. Dismissing his reverie after a few twitches to show that these are good memories for him, he refocuses on Inuga, "But those Boccob guys've never bothered me, so why should I care about them?"
[18:25] <Inuga> "They might not have yet, but it's only a matter of time. The devil's intent is to have all of Dharport under their control. You may already be under the yoke of one master, but I assure you that this one will be much more unpleasant. Also, I'll reiterate that they have forcibly taken over several whorehouses as of late. You'd only be protecting yourself by striking early."(more)
[18:27] * Inuga hops off the desk and saunters over to Krusk, draping her arms around his neck. "And if that's not convincing enough for you...well, if you have any desire to have me again, I'll be much more available when once I've seen my enemies brought down a peg, you know?"
[18:30] <Ebiris> That gets Krusk to spring to attention, his manhood pressing against Inuga's thigh as she embraces him. "Hah, you're a master debator if ever I've met one," he laughs coarsely. "Finish me off and you've got a deal," he concludes, wrapping his own thickly muscled arms around her.
[18:34] * Inuga emits a mock sigh. "Ah, if I must," she says. "But I'll hold you to your word, you know. I'm a bad woman to cross..." And, it looks like Inuga has to subject herself to Krusk's attentions -again-. Well, it is pretty much what she was made for. She shows him a good time, but doesn't drain anything more (not wanting to kill him right now). If he's not going to come through on his end of the bargain, well, then she'll have
[18:35] <Inuga> *well, then she'll have to get nasty.
[18:37] <Ebiris> Fortunately it doesn't take long, with his stamina already so sapped, and afterwards he seems quite content. "Okay, so what do you want to do then? I mean, you can't just walk in the door of the temple and start hitting everyone, right?" he asks as he catches his breath, finally pulling his pants back up.
[18:41] * Inuga shakes her head. "I do have a friend inside who must be rescued posthaste, but no, that wouldn't do at all. I'm looking into the possibility of secret entrances to the temple. If I find out more, I'll return this evening. Perhaps you know some stout and stealthy fighters who wouldn't flinch at raiding a holy place with the right financial incentive?"(more)
[18:42] <Inuga> "In a more general vein...well, I have little doubt that an establishment such as yours is a hotbed of gossip. Anything juicy you hear, you pass it on to me."
[18:43] <Ebiris> "Stout or stealthy, pick one," he snorts in reply. "I'll see if any of the usual suspects want in on this, sure."
[18:45] * Inuga chuckles. "Stealth. I know not the entirety of the enemy forces, so it would be unwise to provoke a full-scale attack. I need to get in, rescue my friend, learn what I can and leave." She shrugs. "And perhaps snag a few pricey relics to compensate your friends."
[18:46] <Ebiris> "Alright..." he looks thoughtful for a moment before adding, "Hey, what's your name, anyway?"
[18:47] * Inuga laughs. "Do you always ask *after* two fucks? You can call me tysha," she says.
[18:48] <Ebiris> "Normally I don't ask at all," he snorts, starting to laugh before he winces and puts a hand on his chest, sagging back against the wall. "Normally don't get worked over that well, either," he adds tiredly.
[18:51] * Inuga nods. "Mmm, well, as I said, I'm not most women. I have other matters to check up on now, but I'm glad we could come to an arrangement. I'll return this evening if I have news about our plan against Boccob. In the meantime..." She trails off with a dark chuckle. "Get some rest after you've notified your friends."
[18:52] <Ebiris> He nods at that, although Inuga might note that she's entirely lacking in a skirt and her underwear if she even bothered wearing any has been torn to useless shreds. This could make appearing in polite company somewhat difficult.
[18:54] * Inuga pauses at the door. "Oh, Krusk...I don't suppose one of your girls has something I could take? Your affections have left my wardrobe somehwat the worse for wear."
[18:56] <Ebiris> Soon enough Inuga is provided with a rather flimsy and short but still functional skirt that manages to mostly cover up her privates and the mess Krusk made of them, leaving the succubus ready to face the world!
[18:57] <Inuga> Good enough! Now, if it's late enough, she needs to check in with Morghan and she if she's turned up a way to get into the Boccobite church.
[18:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[18:58] <Ebiris> Morghan seems somewhat dishevelled and out of sorts when Inuga returns to Whiplash, her charm now showing its vicious bite on the poor woman. Elise unfortunately knows nothing useful about secret passages and the like within the church of Boccob, only offering that she's heard stories about undead monsters that lurk in the sublevels of the church.
[19:01] <Inuga> Well, that's damned inconvenient. If at all possible, perhaps an exended talk with the girl could turn up the identity of someone who *would* know about such a secret entrance? Someone Inuga and her friends could find without much trouble?
[19:01] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 39." [1d100=39]
[19:02] <Ebiris> Elise suggests that the only people likely to know about any secret passages in the church of Boccob would be high ranking members of said church, or whomever built the building. She has no idea who built it.

[Ebiris]

[17:08] <Ebiris> As the sun creeps low and night slowly approaches while Demara waits for her preferred time to infiltrate Earl Torbes' estate, the succubus feels a peculiar tugging sensation, more in her mind than a physical feeling. She barely has time to register this at all before she's drawn away, instantly transported elsewhere.
[17:08] <Ebiris> It's a familiar feeling of being summoned, as Demara finds herself now standing behind a dark-skinned elf with a longsword who is currently battling a large ogre in hide armour and wielding a club. Several other drow are visible, battling the ogre, who seem to be engaged in protecting a human man wearing bloodied crimson robes adorned with Abyssal writings.
[17:08] <Ebiris> Instinctively, Demara knows that this man has summoned her, and she must protect him before any other considerations, but she is bound to follow any orders he gives - though she's still free to decide the best means of acting unless explicitly told what to do. She also knows that should he die while she remains summoned, his soul will instantly belong to her -
[17:08] <Ebiris> but only if she herself survives the full duration of the summoning.
[17:08] <Ebiris> "By my pact with Malcanthet, aid me, abyssal siren!" the human calls out desperately, clutching his side where a crossbow bolt protrudes out bloodily.
[17:08] <Ebiris> One of the Drow, a female dressed in a sheer spider-silk negligee sneers. "Fool! As if any demon can compare to the Spider Queen herself! Your alliances will not protect you from our wrath!"
[17:08] <Ebiris> OOC: it is your go, Demara
[17:10] <Demara> OOC: Does the ogre have reach on me?
[17:12] <Ebiris> OOC: you've got a drow between you and him, but he's big enough to theoretically hit you where you are. There's another two drow about thirty feet behind you, a male swordsman and the female who just spoke, with a crossbow wielding drow ten feet behind them. Another swordrow threatens your summoner fifteen feet behind the ogre.
[17:13] <Ebiris> All the participants in this melee stand atop a narrow walkway of black stone decorated with silvery spiderweb patterns above a yawning chasm, everything far too dark for Demara to see beyond the limits of her darkvision. Just barely visible behind the drow looks to be the entrance to some sort of building, but she cannot see the ceiling of whatever cave they're in.
[17:14] <Ebiris> Demara also notes she's in her 'natural' form rather than the disguise she had in Dharport.
[17:15] <Demara> Flexing her wings slightly, Demara smirks as she moves into attack the drow between her and the summoner. Taking off some of the pressure works best...she's sure he can get himself killed by the orge and crossbow bolts well enough anyway.
[17:15] <Ebiris> OOC: attacking the one you're adjacent to or the one threatening your summoner? Tumble to avoid AoOs if the latter.
[17:16] <Demara> roll 1d20+8
[17:16] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[17:17] <Demara> roll 1d20+10 (-1 CE)
[17:17] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+10 (-1 CE) and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[17:18] <Ebiris> Ducking and rolling away from the two combatants near her, Demara stabs out at the one menacing her summoner, but the nimble dark elf parries aside the rapier at the last second!
[17:18] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the one she started off next to stabs out at the ogre! "For the Spider Queen!"
[17:19] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[17:19] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[17:19] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10." [1d20=6]
[17:20] <Ebiris> But his blade merely bounces off the giant's thick hide, while further back the one with the crossbow approaches and fires at the wizard!
[17:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[17:20] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 20." [1d20=10]
[17:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:20] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
[17:21] <Ebiris> This crossbow bolt however manages to pass harmlessly right through the human! Meanwhile the ogre lets out a titanic roar of fury as he swings his club heavily at the nearest drow. "Me will crush you! Crush you to goo!"
[17:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12 -4pa
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 -4pa and gets 15." [1d20=3]
[17:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 -4pa
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 -4pa and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[17:21] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+21
[17:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d8+21 and gets 24." [2d8=1, 2]
[17:23] <Ebiris> A solid whack sends the dark elf reeling, but not out of the fight yet! Meanwhile the one between Demara and the wizard twirls around as he slashes out, once at the succubus and once at her summoner!
[17:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[17:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[17:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[17:23] <Ebiris> But in both cases he misses horribly, failing to connect!
[17:25] <Ebiris> "Spider Queen, hear me! Send forth one of your children to bar this thief's escape!" the priestess incants, starting to gesture her own spell while the remaining drow swordsman steps in front of her protectively.
[17:25] <Ebiris> "Use your powers to sow confusion in their ranks!" the wizard hisses at Demara, stepping back and gesturing at the Drow next to the ogre as a barrage of crimson missiles lance out to strike him!
[17:25] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:25] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18." [1d20=9]
[17:26] <Ebiris> roll 5d4+5
[17:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 5d4+5 and gets 19." [5d4=4, 3, 4, 2, 1]
[17:26] <Ebiris> That does it, the rapid succession of blows causing the dark elf to crumple over and fall, lurching off the edge of the precarious walkway and plummeting into the inky blackness below!
[17:28] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[17:29] * Demara hurries over thirty feet towards the swordsman and mage, getting close and letting Obscuring Mists come forth, cloaking the vision of those two in misty confusions.
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
[17:31] <Ebiris> The fog cloaks Demara's surroundings in mists, unable to see any of the combatants around her, but surely hindering them just as much!
[17:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[17:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[17:32] <Ebiris> "Me will crush your face!" is heard loudly from behind her, however, though the lack of any crushing noises afterwards puts lie to that.
[17:33] <Ebiris> roll 8#1d20+6
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 8#1d20+6 and gets 112." [8#1d20+6 = 14, 9, 12, 21, 8, 19, 10, 19]
[17:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[17:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13." [1d20=12]
[17:33] <Ebiris> roll 4#1d100
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 4#1d100 and gets 231." [4#1d100 = 99, 96, 33, 3]
[17:34] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+8
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6+8 and gets 17." [2d6=6, 3]
[17:34] <Ebiris> "Gaaah! Hells, get this thing off me!" comes a panicked shriek from your summoner a moment later...
[17:34] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[17:34] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[17:34] <Ebiris> roll 2#1d100
[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2#1d100 and gets 188." [2#1d100 = 96, 92]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 57." [1d100=57]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 crit check
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 crit check and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 just for fun
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 just for fun and gets 13." [1d20=2]
[17:35] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]
[17:35] <Ebiris> OOC: it's your turn, Demara
[17:36] * Demara is going to carefully advance forward, going to sow confusion by hopefully bothering one of the two drow caught in this fog.
[17:37] <Ebiris> Advancing forward another ten feet, Demara sees a form emerge from the pale mists, resolving into a sword-wielding dark-elf who's eyes widen in surprise as he likewise catches sight of her!
[17:37] <Ebiris> OOC: you're adjacent to him, he has partial concealment as do you, you have a standard action left
[17:38] * Demara takes the initiative and tries to stab him in the face!
[17:38] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[17:38] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[17:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 78." [1d100=78]
[17:38] <Ebiris> OOC: hit
[17:39] <Demara> roll 1d6+2
[17:39] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d6+2 and gets 7." [1d6=5]
[17:40] <Ebiris> Demara's rapier draws blood, a flash of dark-coloured liquid spurting from the puncturing wound she makes past his chain shirt!
[17:41] <Ebiris> "Why little man run! We just getting to good crushings!" the bestial ogre's voice bellows from beyond the fog.
[17:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+14 and gets 25." [1d20=11]
[17:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 13." [1d20=4]
[17:41] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+19
[17:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d8+19 and gets 27." [2d8=4, 4]
[17:42] <Ebiris> This is followed by a sickening wet splat and a gurgled scream of agony.
[17:43] <Ebiris> "Mistress, the demon is upon us!" the drow calls shakily as he tries to keep his guard up against Demara.
[17:43] <Ebiris> "So?" she asks sibilantly as she glides into view through the mists. "Whatever pets the human may summon are inconsequential," she concludes, reaching out with a hand that glows with an eerie black light.
[17:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[17:44] <Ebiris> Yet Demara is easily able to dodge the attempted touching!
[17:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[17:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[17:44] * Demara chuckles as the hand misses, but doesn't say a word otherwise.
[17:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[17:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 87." [1d100=87]
[17:45] <Ebiris> roll 1d6+4
[17:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6+4 and gets 7." [1d6=3]
[17:45] <Ebiris> "Owww! Oh Gods, kill this wretched spider, someone please!" a pained voice is heard echoing from the distance behind Demara.
[17:46] <Ebiris> Setting his face into a grim mask, the Drow swordsman focuses his attacks on Demara, trying to bash past her guard!
[17:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21." [1d20=12]
[17:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[17:46] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 15." [1d20=11]
[17:47] <Ebiris> But Demara is far too quick on her feet to be bothered by such trivial attacks.
[17:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[17:47] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 9." [1d20=3]
[17:47] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[17:49] * Demara shrugs. Ah well, the joy of some mortal not being specific. It's not her problem, after all. Instead, she turns attention to the priestess that presumed to strike her. Bitch.
[17:49] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[17:49] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 crit check?
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 crit check? and gets 29." [1d20=18]
[17:49] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[17:49] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[17:49] <Ebiris> OOC: crit
[17:49] <Demara> roll 2d6+4
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 2d6+4 and gets 11." [2d6=3, 4]
[17:51] <Ebiris> Demara's rapier easily stabs into the unarmoured priestess' toned stomach, drawing a spurt of blood for her efforts. "Aaaah!" she grimaces in pain, her non-glowing hand going to the wound. "I'll see you suffer an eternity for your presumption, succubus!"
[17:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14." [1d20=4]
[17:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[17:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d10+1
[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d10+1 and gets 11." [1d10=10]
[17:52] <Ebiris> There's a sharp and pained cry from your summoner in the distance before he falls silent.
[17:53] <Ebiris> "No! Little man was going to give Grudrunk shiny things! Me will crush you bad little elf!" an anguished cry from the ogre follows this...
[17:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[17:53] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+27
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d8+27 and gets 39." [2d8=4, 8]
[17:54] <Ebiris> Immediately followed by pounding footsteps, a bonecrunching crack, and a very short and cut off scream.
[17:54] <Ebiris> "So much for the thief," the priestess smirks as she steps away from Demara, starting to incant another spell. "And so much for you..."
[17:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[17:54] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18." [1d20=9]
[17:56] <Ebiris> The fog suddenly lifts, letting Demara see the crunched up drow warriors, victims of the furious looking ogre who stands over one of them... but no sign of her summoner, or the spider he complained about. But she's sure he still lives...
[17:56] <Ebiris> Then a second after that, the situation abruptly changes with Demara getting the firm sensation of her caller's demise. His soul, intangible yet all too real, feels very close to her right now...
[18:00] <Ebiris> "This one is nimble..." the drow curses, slashing his sword upwards to Demara's neck...
[18:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[18:00] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 22." [1d20=12]
[18:00] <Ebiris> OOC: sense motive check
[18:00] * Demara lets a slight smile curl on her face, even as she attemps to dodge!
[18:01] <Demara> roll 1d20+4
[18:01] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[18:01] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 you're flat footed
[18:01] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 you're flat footed and gets 13." [1d20=4]
[18:02] <Ebiris> He abruptly shifts direction, reversing his grip on the blade and stabbing down at Demara's chest... only to have his blade bounce worthlessly against her fiendishly tough skin!
[18:02] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[18:03] * Demara resists the urge to break into a big, fiendish smirk of triumph. Instead, "He may have been .... futile, but do you think I am?" With that, she advances onto the priest again, surging ahead slightly to attack her twice!
[18:03] <Demara> roll 1d20+11
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[18:03] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[18:03] <Ebiris> OOC: 2 hits
[18:03] <Demara> roll 2d6+4
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 1]
[18:05] <Ebiris> A few more shallow cuts mar the dark elf's ebony flesh, causing her to wince in pain, yet she keeps herself from crying out.
[18:05] <Ebiris> Bellowing a war cry, the ogre runs off into the distance and past the extent of Demara's darkvision...
[18:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[18:05] <Ebiris> roll 2d8+27
[18:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d8+27 and gets 31." [2d8=3, 1]
[18:06] <Ebiris> There's a crunching and splattering noise heard in the distance...
[18:07] <Ebiris> With her hand still 'glowing' with dark negative energy, the drow cleric thrusts her palm out towards Demara's stomach!
[18:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[18:08] <Ebiris> Yet its no good, the succubus able to dodge her attacks with consumnate ease.
[18:09] <Ebiris> "Mistress, I will destroy this one for you!" the last drow swears bravely as he again tries to deceive Demara with a rapid feint before moving in for his true target!
[18:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[18:09] <Ebiris> OOC: sense motive is moot
[18:10] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[18:10] <Ebiris> But despite his best efforts, he stumbles and misses horribly, eliciting a sneer from the other drow. "Worthless male! Your words are as empty as your head!"
[18:10] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara
[18:10] <Demara> OOC: Can I fly over to behind the priestess and attack her?
[18:11] <Ebiris> OOC: You could. Tumble to avoid AoOs and such.
[18:11] <Demara> OOC: Would the flatfooted part apply to the swordsman's AOO?
[18:12] <Ebiris> OOC: no, it only applies to his next melee attack after feinting, which he just took
[18:13] * Demara flies up and behind the priestess, using her height to her advantage, before sending a single stroke down at her!
[18:13] <Demara> roll 1d20+8 tumble
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+8 tumble and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[18:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 AoO for priestess
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 AoO for priestess and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[18:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 AoO for fighter
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 AoO for fighter and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[18:13] <Ebiris> Both take swings at Demara as she ascends, but both miss!
[18:14] <Demara> roll 1d20+7 (+1 fly, -5 CE just because)
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+7 (+1 fly, -5 CE just because) and gets 17." [1d20=10]
[18:14] <Demara> OOC: Also, calling dodge this round on th epriestess. I don't think I quite like her.
[18:15] <Ebiris> Keeping her guard firmly up, Demara's exploratory stab doesn't quite find the mark. Scowling, the priestess glances briefly at the swordsman and makes some sort of gesture with her free hand. Nodding shakily, he moves closer and stabs upwards at Demara's feet, seeming more interested in getting her off balance than scoring a meaningful blow.
[18:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 aid another
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 aid another and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[18:16] <Ebiris> The priestess takes the opportunity presented and lunges up to grab Demara's ankle, her composure seeming to slip by this point.
[18:16] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 14." [1d20=3]
[18:16] <Ebiris> Not that it does her any good at all.
[18:16] <Ebiris> OOC: Demara
[18:16] <Demara> Without saying a word - let them stew intheir own failure - Demara attacks the priestess twice more!
[18:17] <Demara> roll 1d20+8 (+1 fly, -4 CE, dodge on priestess)
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+8 (+1 fly, -4 CE, dodge on priestess) and gets 10." [1d20=2]
[18:17] <Demara> roll 1d20+3 (+1 fly, -4 CE, dodge on priestess)
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+3 (+1 fly, -4 CE, dodge on priestess) and gets 5." [1d20=2]
[18:17] <Ebiris> Demara's attacks have scantly any more luck, and the duo repeat their efforts again!
[18:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 aid
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 aid and gets 20." [1d20=11]
[18:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[18:19] <Ebiris> Their efforts continue to bear no fruit, and a moment later, Demara feels herself being pulled away once more, her summoning coming to an end... with a nice little bonus to show for her efforts.
[18:20] <Ebiris> Reappearing in Dharport in her disguised form exactly where she was when she left, Demara finds that despite the brief time she experienced, several hours must have passed, for the moon and stars shine brightly in the jet black sky above...
[18:23] <Demara> Ah well, that was fun and profitable. Time to go hunt for Tesera and see what happens. Etherial should handle the worst of it as she goes to poke around that mansion...
[18:25] <Ebiris> In the washed out greyscale of the ethereal plane, Demara approaches the mansion, seeing a bored but still quite awake guard standing at the gate beside a flaming torch, while the path winds up through well cultivated gardens towards the sprawling manor itself.
[18:27] * Demara heads past the guard and to the manor proper.
[18:29] <Ebiris> The mansion seems quite quiet at whatever late hour it happens to be, no one immediately visible as she passes through the front door, seeing a wide double staircase leading up to the second floor of the expansive hall she finds herself in, doors on either side and corridors stretching off ahead and to the sides. The lights are on, yet there's not a soul to be seen.
[18:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d6
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 and gets 5." [1d6=5]
[18:32] * Demara goes to start peeking into rooms and hunting around. No need for petty larceny or any complications, though. Just looking for Teresa.
[18:36] <Ebiris> After finding a kitchen and pantry much like the one in Kitami's mansion, a large dining room, and a trophy room filled with mounted heads of various fantastical beasts, Demara finally starts running into people's bedrooms. The first one has a gnome still awake and reading a book. The next has a sleeping human male, as does the one after that, and then a sleeping human female who's far too fat and old to be Teresa.
[18:36] <Ebiris> After that, however, she finds a beautiful human woman with silvery blonde hair laying on her bed with her eyes open despite the darkness. It's quite obviously Teresa's favoured 'mortal' form.
[18:37] * Demara shifts into a non demonic version of her normal apperance and ends the etherialness in Teresa's room. Mentally, 'Teresa?'
[18:39] * Teresa couldn't help her twitch, but that is the only cloud in her calm appearance as she attempts to estimate the distance between the two of them.
[18:39] <Ebiris> The room isn't that big. Probably six or eight feet at most.
[18:40] <Teresa> 'Remain there,' she bids the Demara-shaped mortal mentally. 'Who are you?'
[18:41] <Demara> Demara considers a moment, 'Demara.'
[18:42] * Teresa rolls her eyes. 'Of course you are. Prove it? Tell me something only she would know.'
[18:43] <Demara> 'WEa ll appeared together thanks to that degenerate noble woman and her cultists, the ones we killed and impersonated,'
[18:44] <Teresa> 'Passable enough,' Teresa muses with a mental snort. 'So. How could this humble, beautiful maiden be of help to you, Demara?'
[18:48] <Demara> 'We've lost contact with each other and much has happened.' With her own look ofa musement, 'We really should catch up, especially with what happened to Nihasa.'
[18:49] <Teresa> 'I'm all ears, and what lovely ears those are,' Teresa sends back, making herself comfortable in her bed.
[18:53] * Demara goes on to tell what's happened to Nihasa(Both times), the various devil problems and the Bell Masque issues.
[18:55] <Teresa> 'Hmph. I don't believe for a moment that celestials would be in league with the same temple that houses polymorphed devils,' Teresa comments. 'Nihasa's luck seems to be truly abysmal.'
[18:57] * Demara can't help but snicker at that. 'She does seem to have drawn the worst of fortune's wrath. Someone is playing someone, though I'm not quite sure which side is yet. Probably the devils, but...'
[18:59] <Teresa> 'Well, I've confirmed their presence within the temple of Boccob,' Teresa states decisively. 'Unless one of you was close enough to ascertain the true nature of this planetar, color me a skeptic, especially given what we have independantly learnt of their abilities to polymorph.
[18:59] <Teresa> This Eris... I can see her as a mortal mage quite easily, yes. Perhaps that hag you mentioned encountering, in a different form?'
[19:00] <Demara> 'Possible, I suppose,' Demara agrees to that. 'I'd not rule out two seperate sources...this city seems rife with evil. Just our luck, competition.'
[19:01] <Teresa> 'They are scum unworthy to be grouped along with us! Not competition, never competition!'
[19:01] <Demara> 'OF course,' Demara smiles easily to that, 'But...What areyou going to do now? Hold position?'
[19:05] <Teresa> 'This... changes things...' Teresa admits. 'I intend to make a public move against the temple of Boccob, but I can't do it this day. There are things I must prepare.' Her pretty face looks troubled. 'Do you know about the uses of pandomonic silver? The context is that it is harmful to devils, but I can't recall more from my studies.'
[19:06] <Ebiris> OOC: knowledge planes
[19:07] <Demara> roll 1d20+6
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demara rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25." [1d20=19]
[19:08] -> *Demara* Pandomonic Silver is a metal from the plane of Pandemonium, a place of chaos and evil adjacent to the Abyss. This particular metal has a strongly debilitating effect on creatures of law - anything with damage reduction normally bypassed by silver is sickened and possibly nauseated by the contact.
[19:10] <Demara> "It's from Pandemonium. It sickens lawful creatures as well as working as normal silver. The Bell Masque is trying to get some," With a faint, momentary smile, "It would be lovely to have."
[19:12] <Teresa> 'Let's go get it. Right now, in fact,' Teresa suggests. 'I know where it is, and we could keep some of it to ourselves while giving the rest to our allies on the devil-fighting front. Do you know where Inuga is?'
[19:13] <Demara> 'We have a base of operations,' Demara agrees. 'But let's clear it with her so as not to risk spoiling relations with our new allies.'
[19:15] <Teresa> 'Alright,' Teresa relents. 'In that case, would one of you be able to chat up the apprentice of the wizard holding onto all that delicious Pandemonium silver? I'm afraid my own abilities in that area had been curtailed recently.' Concealing a frown of irritation, Teresa proceeds to give all the information she has on the boy and his master, which is admittedly not much.
[19:32] * Demara listens and nods. 'It should be simple enough, yes.'
[19:33] <Teresa> 'Alright,' Teresa repeats. 'I will be working within the Church of Pelor. Try to avoid a confrontation with them, if you will.'
[19:35] <Demara> '...hah.' Demara laughs aloud at that. 'Taking a page from the devils?"
[19:37] <Teresa> Teresa's face twists in anger, before she smoothes it. 'Not as such, no. Picking my allies carefully. I think you should leave lest someone shows up to investigate the racket.' She lays back down on the bed, pretending to sleep.
[19:40] <Demara> 'Of course.' Resisting the urge to grin, 'Do give the Sun God's worshipper's my best.' With that, Demara passes back into the realm of the etherial.
[19:41] <Ebiris> Demara vanishes from sight, leaving Teresa all alone once more...
[19:43] * Demara intends to slink back outside and then return back to Inuga, nothing fancy.
[19:45] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga is off exploring people's private libraries, not that you know this. Where in particular are you going?
[19:46] <Demara> OOC: Back to the inn. I'll stay invisible and wait for her if need be and keep watch out.
[19:47] <Ebiris> Moving ethereally through the night, Demara reaches the Beef Hatchet, a dim light flickerng out the windows of the common room on the ground floor to show that it's open at this late hour.
[19:51] * Demara goes to check inside for Inuga. If she's not there, Demara will wait and checke very couple of hours in the meantime.
[19:53] <Ebiris> OOC: going to the room you've been staying at? Staying ethereal the whole time?
[19:53] <Demara> OOC: Yeah. I'm not really inclined to tip my hand if I do'nt ahve to.
[19:54] <Ebiris> Demara doesn't find Inuga, the room they shared last night with Nihasa entirely empty when she arrives.
[19:58] * Demara will hold positions and wait then.
[19:58] <Ebiris> ----------
[19:59] <Ebiris> Appearing in the rubbish strewn alleyway behind the Beef Hatchet, Nihasa desperately sends a telepathic plea for help to her two abyssal colleagues in the room she recalls sharing with them last night... only to have it go unanswered, naught but silence in her mind.
[20:00] * Nihasa sighs and looks at her ring, considering before slipping it on her finger..
[20:02] <Ebiris> Oddy, Nihasa actually feels slightly stronger than before once she shifts into her normally feeble seeming human form. She's still dreadfully out of sorts, covered in cuts and bruises which continually ooze blood - not least the from the gaping hole of an eye-socket left by that erinyes during her captivity.
[20:02] <Ebiris> She's also sadly lacking in clothing, starting to shiver in the cold night without any of her usual fiendish resistances to ward off the weather.
[20:03] * Nihasa shuffles around, looking for either a back door to the inn or some clothes..
[20:05] <Ebiris> There... are no clothes conveniently lying around the street. She does see a wooden-panelled back door, however, next to a pile of refuse overflowing from a half-broken crate.
[20:05] * Nihasa heads to the door and takes a moment to listen for anything beyond it.
[20:06] <Ebiris> OOC: listen check
[20:06] <Nihasa> OOC: That curse is still active, right? -4?
[20:06] <Ebiris> OOC: yes
[20:06] <Nihasa> roll d20+14
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+14 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
[20:07] -> *Nihasa* You can faintly hear a crackling fire somewhere past the door, but you can't hear any conversation or people moving around.
[20:07] * Nihasa tests the door to see if it's locked, and then enters as quietly as she can..
[20:08] <Ebiris> The door is indeed locked.
[20:09] * Nihasa grits her teeth and focuses her energy, teleporting into the room she shared with the two succubi..
[20:12] <Ebiris> Teleporting in without impediment, Nihasa finds the room neat and tidy, the beds having been made and clearly not slept in. It's very dark, not even starlight or moonlight coming in through the closed window, her solitary human eye having trouble adjusting to the pitch black.
[20:12] <Ebiris> For Demara, as she waits on the ethereal plane, she's suddenly startled by the arrival of Nihasa's human form - albeit now considerably brutalised compared to how it looked last night. She's covered in cuts and bruises all over her completely nude and exposed body, but the worst is her face - where her left eye once was is now naught but a gaping ruin of mangled flesh, that side of her face covered in dried blood.
[20:13] * Nihasa stumbles against the wall, and sits herself on the ground, taking a moment to rest..
[20:16] <Demara> 'Bad night?' Demara sends drily.
[20:17] <Ebiris> OOC: you can't use telepathy while ethereal
[20:17] <Ebiris> OOC: unless the target is ethereal too
[20:18] * Demara chooses to shift out of etehrialness. Once she has, 'Bad night?' Demara asks dryly.
[20:19] * Nihasa stares at her with her one eye half-lidded.
[20:20] <Demara> 'I'd offer to kiss and make it better, but...' Going to sit on the bed and patting it next to her, 'So, was it devils, was it fanatical mortals or was it something unplanned that did that to you?"
[20:20] <Nihasa> "Torture, polymorphing devils, and undead."
[20:21] * Nihasa heaves herself off the ground and stumbles a bit.
[20:21] <Nihasa> "Have any spare clothes? I need a bath and some patching up."
[20:21] <Demara> "Kinky, even for you," Laughing at that, "I think Inuga has some or can get some. She's gone right now, though."
[20:22] <Nihasa> "Joy. Mind seeing if you can get any from your innkeeper friend?"
[20:23] <Demara> "Just lie down," PAtting the bed again, "You need to wait for healing anyway."
[20:23] * Nihasa grunts and lays down on the bed, closing her one eye.
[20:23] <Nihasa> "Gonna need to find something to cover my eye now, too..."
[20:26] <Demara> 'Shall I go kill some pirates for you then?' Demara asks lightly.
[20:26] <Nihasa> "I would hope for something a bit more elegant than a shoddy eyepatch.
[20:29] * Demara chuckles a little more, but settles in to wait for Inuga.
[20:30] <Ebiris> OOC: you guys just going to kill time till she shows?
[20:30] <Nihasa> OOC: I'd probably nap, considering.
[20:30] <Demara> OOC: I'm going to keep ears/eyes open, but otherwise wait.
[20:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:30] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=25 ]{25}
[20:31] <Ebiris> ---------
[20:32] <Ebiris> Having spent the night fruitlessly searching people's libraries, Inuga has only been able to find a few pertinent facts about the temple of Boccob in various almanacs and guidebooks, but nothing especially juicy. But dawn draws ever closer, and people are starting to wake up in the homes she's searching, so perhaps its time she moved on herself?
[20:33] * Inuga pops into a backstreet near the inn and then walks around front, intending to walk through the front door and head to her room on foot just in case something's going on there (you never know, Demara could be back and entertaining the innkeep).
[20:36] <Ebiris> Walking in through the front door, Inuga sees a familiar face 'dwarfing' the counter, at least in one sense, and going over a ledger of some sort, but no one else is visible in the inn's common room.
[20:37] * Inuga just nods to the dwarf and continues on to her room.
[20:39] <Ebiris> The dwarf gives Inuga a vague grunt that could be construed as a greeting, but doesn't seem to be paying much attention. Up the stairs she goes, Inuga can see a young-ish gnome woman just coming out of one of the rooms down the hall. "Good morning!" she chirps, sounding far more friendly as she heads towards the stairs.
[20:40] * Inuga mumbles a bland greeting. She's not trying to be rude, of course, but after an unsuccessful night she's hardly in the mood to make idle chatter with mortals.
[20:41] <Ebiris> Luckily the gnome doesn't seem to want to stop and chat either, as she continues on past Inuga and out of sight.
[20:41] <Inuga> Onwards to her room, then, to see if Demara's come back with news.
[20:42] <Ebiris> The door... it is locked. From inside, Demara and Nihasa can hear someone trying the handle to their room door.
[20:42] * Nihasa growls and rolls out of bed, placing her hand on the ring, ready to pull it off and fight..
[20:43] * Demara readies her sword, the words to a spell on her lips.
[20:43] * Inuga knocks. "Anyone home?" she asks sweetly (more than she feels, that's for sure).
[20:44] * Nihasa slumps and groans a bit as she gets back into bed..
[20:47] <Nihasa> "Let her in, would you? Longer she's out there, more annoyed she's going to be.."
[20:48] * Demara gets up and goes to let Inuga in.
[20:48] <Inuga> "About time," Inuga starts on entering the room. "Were you busy with someone, or..."
[20:49] <Demara> "Lazy. It was a long night of summons and waiting for me." Demara goes baco to sitting on the bed.
[20:50] * Nihasa raises one hand into the air, giving a small wave to Inuga.
[20:50] <Nihasa> "Sorry. Long night of torture, devils, and undead for me."
[20:51] <Inuga> "Summons, eh? Anything fun?" Then she gets good look at Nihasa. "Oh, bless it all," she swears. "What *happened*?"
[20:53] <Nihasa> "That Celestial was a polymorphing devil. They took me to some underground crypt. Tortured me a bit. Tooth here, ear there, an eye, too. Then Jade sent me off to kill the head of their group, I suppose."
[20:53] <Demara> "No, not in particular," Demara holds her peace otherwise.
[20:54] <Nihasa> "We nearly killed each other, but she vanished. Found myself surrounded by Skeletal Mages, Mummies, and Wraiths. Or something close to Wraiths. Found a few jeweled coffins, also. Anything fun for you?"
[20:55] * Inuga frowns. "Well, at least you're free. Did you tell them anything?" she says, rummaging through the items pillaged from Arisa. "As for me, I met up with a brothel owner and persuaded him to lend us some muscle if we had to break into Boccob's place and rescue you. Good thing we don't have to now. That's about it for my side."
[20:56] <Nihasa> "Not sure.. A bit of it is fuzzy, and they had me charmed a time or two. Not sure if I let anything out I didn't want."
[20:59] <Inuga> Another frown. "Well, that's not encouraging. We should at least consider that our fledgling alliance with the Bell Masque might be known to our enemies now." She turns to Demara. "Any luck finding Teresa?"
[21:01] <Demara> "I did. I talked to her - she thinks she knwos where to get that silver." Demara answers.
[21:02] <Inuga> "Interesting. That could be greatly useful...do we have a plan for that?"
[21:06] <Demara> "She has some information, yes. An apprentence that can be manipulated," Demara considers it. "We'd need to plan."
[21:09] <Nihasa> "I'm going to need time to recover before I can help with anything.. Those Wraiths sapped my strength.. To the point that this human form feels stronger than my true form."
[21:11] * Inuga nods. "Of course. Something other sleeping with brothel owners would be quite invigorating right about now. As for you, Nihasa..." She retrieves the potions from Arisa's pack. "Take whichever of these you need to get back into shape. There is some healing, and some form of Restoration, as I recall."
[21:11] * Nihasa eyes them and reaches for them, drinking them down.
[21:13] * Nihasa drinks down a Restoration potion first, to see what effect it has..
[21:13] <Nihasa> roll d4
[21:13] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d4 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{4}
[21:13] <Ebiris> Nihasa... doesn't feel any different after that.
[21:14] <Nihasa> "Gonna shift forms to test this out.."
[21:14] * Nihasa gets off the bed and slips the ring off, then flexes her arms to test them..
[21:15] <Ebiris> The floor creaks ominously under Nihasa's full weight after she reverts to her true form. She still feels wretchedly enfeebled, but thinks she's a bit better than she was last night.
[21:16] <Nihasa> "Hmm.. That restored a fair bit.. Let me have the other one.."
[21:16] * Nihasa drinks down the second Restoration potion..
[21:16] <Nihasa> roll d4
[21:16] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
[21:17] * Nihasa flexes some more before putting the ring back on..
[21:17] <Ebiris> The floor creaks again, this time in relief, once Nihasa reverts to her petite human form.
[21:18] <Nihasa> "I still feel at less than half my normal strength.. But it's better than I was.. Still, I'll help in whatever way I can. I just need to get cleaned up, and clothed. I'll need a good amount of rest before I'm back to normal, however."
[21:19] <Inuga> "I'll see what I can do about procuring more potions, if that would help."
[21:20] <Nihasa> "Anything at all would. All I seem to do is get torn up and then get patched up by you two, now-a-days.."
[21:22] * Inuga shrugs. "Well, as long as you managed to kill something before you left, I wouldn't consider it a total loss."
[21:25] <Nihasa> "Eh, I killed one of those armored things we fought at the apartment.. I had the Erinyes hurting. Badly.. Almost had her, I think, before she ran off."
[21:27] <Inuga> "Well, that's something."
[21:28] <Nihasa> "She's fond of dragons, I know that much. It was the only thing she polymorphed into in our fight."
[21:30] <Inuga> "Oh, fantastic," Inuga deadpans. "Well, if you hurt her as badly as you say, perhaps she'll hesitate before attacking us again. And as I said, I believe I can wrangle some human fodder to help us if necessary."
[21:31] <Nihasa> "Don't forget, she knows I'm licking my wounds, too. She's got more resources than we do, and she knows it. She could be getting ready to take advantage of the situation."
[21:34] <Inuga> "Then we'd best hurry and get that silver as soon as possible. As for you, rest here while you can and I'll see about getting more potions."
[21:34] * Nihasa nods..
[21:35] <Nihasa> "Try to find me some clothes while you're at it, so I can bathe without walking around naked afterwards."
[21:36] * Inuga chuckles. "Of course."
[21:38] * Inuga will opt to track down a church of Nerull, given that it's one of few such institutions she knows she can trust right now, if the trio have no more planning to do right now.
[21:39] * Nihasa goes back to the bed and lays down, face first into the pillow, shifting to get comfortable.

[Ebiris]

[13:49] <Ebiris> It's approaching an hour since Inuga and Demara left to procure supplies and hopefully something to speed Nihasa's recovery while the bloodied and currently polymorphed vrock recuperates in their appropriated room at the Beef Hatchet, when Nihasa can hear someone working the lock to the door, a scraping clack of metal as a key is inserted and turned...
[13:50] * Nihasa rolls off the bed, crouching behind it for cover, and placing her other hand on the ring, ready to pull it off at a second's notice..
[13:51] <Ebiris> OOC: actually hiding or just using the bed for cover?
[13:51] <Nihasa> OOC: I'll actually try to hide, but also for cover.
[13:52] <Ebiris> OOC: make a hide check, then
[13:53] <Nihasa> roll d20+3
[13:53] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+3 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{16}
[13:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[13:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}
[13:56] <Ebiris> The door opens, revealing a young human woman in a serving girl's uniform. She seems to be just taking a cursory glance over the room before her eyes alight on the blood-soaked and unmade bed Nihasa claimed as her own, a gasp suddenly escaping her lips. "By Boccob, what happened in-" she stops after taking a few steps inside, her eyes finding Nihasa.
[13:56] <Ebiris> "Oh, I thought this room was..." she begins apologetically before she trails off and stares at the vrock's ruined face in mixed sympathy and horror. "Gods, what happened to you?"
[13:59] <Nihasa> "A rather bad turn of luck. Who are you and what are you doing here?"
[14:00] <Ebiris> "I... I work here," she stammers out, embarrassedly averting her eyes from the nude and filthy being crouching behind the bed. "I thought this room was empty... ah, I'm sorry, I'll leave you alone!" she blurts out, moving to retreat back out of the door.
[14:01] <Nihasa> "...Wait. You work here? Then I've got something for you to do."
[14:02] <Ebiris> "Uh... yes?" she asks, half out with a hand on the door-knob, not quite looking at Nihasa.
[14:03] <Nihasa> "As you can tell, I'm having a rather.. Bad day. I need you to get me some clothes and bandages."
[14:04] <Ebiris> "Er... where from?" she asks, risking a glance back at Nihasa and briefly cringing before she looks away again.
[14:05] <Nihasa> "That would be the job, wouldn't it?"
[14:08] <Ebiris> "Well, I suppose if you have some money I could buy some for you?" she hazards in reply. "But, I mean, if your clothes are all bloody we do have a laundry service."
[14:11] <Nihasa> "Just bring one of the maid uniforms for now and something I can wash up with. I'm.. friends, shall we say, with the innkeeper here.. Once I'm decent, I'll take it up with him, and make sure he knows how much you went out of your way to help his customers, and how valuable you are to the inn."
[14:11] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check
[14:12] <Nihasa> roll d20+18
[14:12] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20+18 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{33}
[14:15] <Ebiris> "Um..." she bites her lip, looking unsure for a moment before she nods. "Okay then. I'll be back in a few minutes. I'll bring clean bedsheets as well."
[14:15] <Ebiris> At that she closes the door behind her, leaving Nihasa alone for the moment.
[14:17] * Nihasa grabs the bloody sheet and wraps it around herself, sitting on the edge of the bed, but keeping her hand on the ring, just in case..
[14:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[14:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
[14:18] <Ebiris> A few minutes later there's a knock on the door.
[14:18] <Nihasa> "Yes?"
[14:18] <Ebiris> "It's me again," the voice of the woman from before is recognised. "Can I come in?"
[14:19] <Nihasa> "Enter."
[14:21] <Ebiris> The door handle is turned and the door pushed, albeit to no effect since it's locked, which elicits a muffled curse from outside. The sound of something heavy being set down is then heard before the lock is manipulated and the door opens again, the serving girl grunting as she picks up a wooden washbasin that sloshes with water at the movement, several folded sheets draped over her shoulder.
[14:22] * Nihasa stands up, keeping the sheet around her, and closes the door behind the girl.
[14:24] <Ebiris> "Ooohf," she grunts again as she sets the basin down in the middle of the floor, putting a towel next to it and a dark blue dress to the side. "I'll just get the bed made then be out of your way," she tells Nihasa, proceeding to yank off the remaining sheets from the blood-encrusted bed.
[14:27] <Nihasa> "Mmm, thank you. I could use some help washing.. I'm rather sore and stiff, I can't quite reach my back."
[14:28] <Ebiris> "Er... um. That's a little bit more service than we normally provide here," the woman replies awkwardly, moving around the bed so it's between her and Nihasa. "You can wash once I'm out of here, or I can come back once you're decent."
[14:29] * Nihasa sighs.
[14:30] <Nihasa> "Calm yourself, woman. You act like I'm going to attack you or something. I just need some help getting cleaned up, and I'd rather have a fellow woman helping me than trying to do it myself and chancing some of these wounds re-opening."
[14:30] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplomacy check
[14:31] <Nihasa> roll d20
[14:31] <Rei-chan> Nihasa rolled : d20 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{7}
[14:34] <Ebiris> "I'm sorry, I'm not really comfortable washing a stranger... or even being in the room while you wash," she apologises. Setting the clean sheets by the windowsill, she bundles up the bloody ones she's gathered, sans what Nihasa is actually wearing, and starts heading for the door. "I'll come back in quarter of an hour."
[14:35] * Nihasa snorts at the woman as she leaves and starts cleaning herself up, careful of the open wounds.
[14:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[14:36] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
[14:37] <Ebiris> Nihasa manages to do a servicable job of cleaning herself, at least in the areas she can see - without a mirror it's hard to tell how her back and face are, though she does feel a lot of scabs and general soft wetness around her ravaged eye-socket, it hurts a lot to explore that area too deeply.
[14:39] * Nihasa grabs the towel and dries off as she finishes cleaning up and dresses herself..
[14:39] <Ebiris> The clothes provided are somewhat baggy and loose - and it's only a dress, lacking in any sort of underwear or footwear.
[14:41] * Nihasa grunts and shifts the dress around for a bit more comfort.. It's better than nothing, after all.. Nihasa then lies down on one of the other clean beds to wait for the maid to finish her duties..
[14:41] <Ebiris> She has a few minutes before there's another knock on the door.
[14:42] <Nihasa> "You can enter."
[14:43] <Ebiris> Again the door is unlocked before the woman comes in, sparing a glance at Nihasa and noticably wincing for a second before she averts her eyes and goes to resume making the bed she rested in last night. "If you don't mind me asking," she begins hesitantly, "What exactly happened to you?"
[14:46] <Nihasa> "Some people are trying to bite off more than they can chew. I actually came out on top."
[14:46] * Nihasa grins at the woman.
[14:49] <Ebiris> "Seems like every day you're hearing about people being assaulted and killed, somewhere in this town," she shakes her head sadly as she tucks in the sheets. "Someone really ought to do something."
[14:49] <Nihasa> "Maybe some people already are.."
[14:53] <Ebiris> "Maybe so, but you won't catch me walking down any dark alleys. Time was you'd be safe so long as you avoided the really bad areas and paid attention to your surroundings - at worst you might lose a few coins. Now you're just as likely to lose your life if you step off the main streets!" As she finishes making the bed and goes to tip the dark red water-filled basin out the window, she asks, "Was that what happened to you?"
[14:54] <Nihasa> "Something like that. But don't worry, I'm *fully* intent on finding those responsible and taking it out of their hides."
[14:56] <Ebiris> "Should go to the guard with that sort of thing," she tuts disapprovingly, gathering up all the used sheets. "If everyone's running around fighting vendettas and looking out for themselves, it'll be anarchy. Should leave that sort of thing to professionals."
[14:57] * Nihasa raises an eyebrow.
[14:58] <Nihasa> "I might just be one of those professionals, you know. Either way, the guards seem to need help, and sometimes it's that help that really gets things done."
[14:59] <Ebiris> She sighs at that. "Most people would count themselves lucky to be alive in your state, not go looking for more trouble. But that's your business, not mine," she concludes, heading for the door.
[14:59] <Nihasa> "Enjoy your day."
[15:00] * Nihasa waves sarcastically to her as she leaves.

[Ebiris]

[17:28] <Ebiris> Leaving the Beef Hatchet early the next morning while Nihasa recuperates alone, Demara and Inuga find a whole new day dawning, filled with hopes and dreams which they will no doubt do their best to quash on their quest to bring misery and anarchy to the city of Dharport...
[17:36] * Demara leads along, looking to gether information on this wizard, his tower or anything related and germaine.
[17:37] <Ebiris> OOC: make a gather info check
[17:37] <Inuga> roll 1d20+14
[17:37] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
[17:38] <Demara> roll 1d20+11 to aid
[17:38] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+11 to aid --> [ 1d20=7 ]{18}
[17:38] <Demara> OOC - +12, excuse me. Hardly matter.s
[17:44] <Ebiris> Asking around about the wizard Fediblio, the two succubi learn a thing or two that could be useful. He's a powerful conjurer, who's unable to cast either enchantment or evocation spells. Apparently he can cast eighth circle magic from reports given, and often takes commissions to craft or locate powerful or hard to find magic items.
[17:44] <Ebiris> Interestingly, his tower appears to be an unnecessary artifice, kept mostly for show. While he does entertain visitors there, and it does have its share of magical and physical defences, he actually resides within a permanent Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion accessible via a portal in the tower - though his apprentice does live in the tower.
[17:44] <Ebiris> Fediblio normally provides wardstones to visitors that ensure his golem will not attack them, nor will any other magical defences activate. Apparently a different wardstone is required to enter the portal, and he does not hand these out to anyone.
[17:46] <Inuga> Sounds like a hassle. Taking advantage of the man's apprentice and maybe getting a wardstone from him seems like the best bet for getting into the tower.
[17:49] <Inuga> "Where was the establishment that the boy was said to frequent?" Inuga asks of Demara. "I would also like to get some more potions for our wounded comrade while we're out."
[17:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=2 ]{2}
[17:50] <Demara> "Around the gates or the marketplace. I know what he looks like, so that should work," Demara decides.
[17:53] * Inuga nods. "Of course. Lead the way."
[17:54] <Demara> "It may takea  few days," Demara warns, "Did you want to gather those potions first?"
[17:55] <Inuga> "Of course. And...what was it, the church of Nerul that I heard intends to move against Boccob. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look there."
[18:02] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10 for info on Nerul
[18:02] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+10 for info on Nerul --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
[18:03] -> *Inuga* Inuga knows that Nerull is a god of pure evil and death, and is therefore extremely unpopular in any civilised lands. Asking openly about where one could worship him is going to look incredibly suspicious.
[18:06] <Inuga> ...Of course, Nerul being the thoroughly unpopular deity that he is, it's probably safer to wait until she's in the company of her underworld allies before asking about his followers. In the meantime, it would at least be useful to locate some small, neutral church where potions and the like could be purchased without the risk of a powerful clergy catching onto Inuga's true nature (I.E., not freaking Boccob).
[18:08] <Ebiris> The churches of Boccob, Pelor, and St. Cuthbert are the biggest and most well known churches in Dharport. Finding the clergy of any other deities would take some hunting, and they'd likely offer lesser services anyway.
[18:09] <Inuga> The first two are obviously out. St. Cuthbert might be useful, assuming Inuga can't recall anything that would make entering their church inadvisable.
[18:09] <Ebiris> OOC: another religion check?
[18:09] <Inuga> OOC: Yep.
[18:09] <Inuga> roll 1d20+10
[18:09] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{24}
[18:12] -> *Inuga* St. Cuthbert is a deity of law with slight goodly leanings, who's portfolio includes wisdom, common sense, discipline, zeal, truth, and honesty. Most of their temples of note will have enchantments that prevent any from speaking a lie within their walls.
[18:15] <Inuga> "St. cuthbert's appears to be our best option," Inuga muses out loud. "Enchanted to prevent visitors from lying, but I'm sure we can find creative ways around that restriction if we need to. Hopefully we can make our purchases and get out quickly." Without much else on the table at the moment, she sets out for the local church (presumably with Demara in tow).
[18:19] <Ebiris> The bascilla of St. Cuthbert is found in the Southwest of Dharport, on the opposite side of the government district from Pelor's temple. It's a large granite building carved in gothic style with statues of numerous probably holy humanoid figures and angels set into its walls. The large wooden doors are open to allow entrance, a small trickle of worshippers coming and going.
[18:24] * Demara hangs back outside, keeping a casual watch outside. Disguises as a normal, dumpy looking man, she shouldn't get much attention anyway.
[18:26] * Inuga_ takes a moment to find a secluded alcove and switch appearances first, to something plain and forgettable. Just in case this church has wards of some sort and she has to bolt, no need to ruin her usual identity. With that done, she wanders inside with the other worshippers.
[18:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13
[18:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{21}
[18:29] <Ebiris> Heading inside, Inuga can see the layout of the church interior isn't far off of what she found in Pelor's temple, though the statuary and symbols seen are notably more ornate. Doesn't seem to be any actual service in progress at the moment, just a few people milling around and chatting to the priests attired in white and red robes.
[18:30] * Inuga searches out an idle priest, meaning to inquire about buying potions. She means to be quite contrite and respectful throughout her stay here and hopefully attract no undue attention at all.
[18:33] <Ebiris> Finding an idle priest isn't hard, since they seem to outnumber the worshippers here. "Ah, child," an older human with ruddy cheeks smiles benevolently at Inuga, "You seek the blessings of St. Cuthbert in liquid form, do you?" he then laughs at his own joke before regarding Inuga expectantly.
[18:35] * Inuga nods politely. "Yes, Father. Potions for restoration and the removal of a curse if you have aught to sell."
[18:37] <Ebiris> His face falls, seeming almost disappointed for a moment before he picks up. "Yes, we do have both of those in stock. Of course, there is the small matter of the tithe in exchange..."
[18:39] <Inuga> Another nod. "Of course, Father. What manner of donation would be appropriate for four of restoration and one of curse removal?"
[18:42] <Ebiris> "Three hundred each for the lesser restorations, and seven hundred and fifty for remove curse... that would be one thousand ninehundred and fifty gold coins," he then laughs slightly, "Though platinum would surely be easier to carry, eh?"
[18:50] * Inuga smiles. "Of course, Father. If you could wait here a moment while I acquire the necessary funds? Obviously, a lady wouldn't carry that kind of wealth with her everywhere she goes, what with the streets as unsafe as they are these days?"
[18:52] <Ebiris> "You'd be surprised. Most of the people who come to buy potions seem quite capable of defending themselves," the priest observes, "But I'll set the potions aside for when you come back, of course."
[18:52] * Inuga nods respectfully. "Thank you very much. I'll return shortly." Then, she leaves the church. Time to find an empty alleyway and conjure up the payment!
[18:53] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=97 ]{97}
[19:01] <Ebiris> Inuga finds an alleyway some distance away from the church on a street snaking up around the hill leading to the government district, and ensconces herself just within while Demara keeps lookout outside...
[19:01] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check, Demara
[19:01] <Demara> roll 1d20+22
[19:01] <Rei-chan> Demara rolled : 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{31}
[19:04] -> *Demara* While glancing up the street towards the North, you happen to spot a distinctive green dressed wrapped around a distinctive girlish figure, the same one who abruptly transformed into an erinyes before attacking the group a few nights ago. She's about a hundred and fifty feet away and casually walking in your direction, inquisitive eyes peering this way and that as she strolls along.
[19:06] * Demara casually heads towards cover or an alley, just like a normal person who happens to be doing this or that, all while keeping an eye on the green wrapped woman. 'On guard. Trouble maker Erinyes is over there.'
[19:06] <Ebiris> OOC: you could duck into the same alley Inuga's inside, but if you do you won't be able to see down the street
[19:07] <Inuga> 'Oh really? Want to try taking her this time? If she's alone, that is.'
[19:07] <Demara> OOC: Ist here any easy cover, like storefronts or anything that could be used while looking innocent?
[19:07] <Demara> 'No.' Demara answers right back. 'It's too close to that temple and too likely to ruin our plans. There's no need to fight her right now. I'd rather have another withu s when we do it irregardless.'
[19:08] <Ebiris> This seems to be a mostly residential street, although there is a stall about forty feet from Demara in the same direction as the erinyes is approaching from, several tables set up under a wide awning festooned with fruits and vegetables. There's a few people clustered around it that Demara could easily insinuate herself amongst.
[19:09] <Inuga> 'It needn't come to a fight. We could charm her without any sign of violence. May as well keep an eye on her at any rate and see if an opportunity presents itself?'
[19:10] <Demara> 'If you want,' Demara says as she moves in the opposite direction the Erinyes is coming. No need to let her get any closer to her.
[19:10] * Inuga decides to wait in the alley for now and rely on Demara to rely updates. No need to let the erinyes spot both of them.
[19:11] <Ebiris> Demara starts to walk South down the street, towards the temple of St. Cuthbert in the distance, leaving Inuga alone.
[19:11] <Ebiris> OOC: are you going to look back to keep an eye on the devil?
[19:12] <Demara> OOC: Only occasionally, to keep tabs on her. Nothing too obvious if possible.
[19:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[19:12] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{22}
[19:13] <Ebiris> She seems to be just out for a casual stroll as far as any appearances give, although her eyes scan her surroundings quite thoroughly as she continues onwards, Demara just leaving her range of telepathy with Inuga while the baatezu is about fifty feet from passing the alleyway Inuga is down.
[19:16] * Demara keeps going, keeping her distance well ahead, and starting to look for alleyways again.
[19:18] <Ebiris> There aren't any alleys immediately nearby, since Inuga had to come away from this area before she found one. Demara would need to either double back or head down the street where it turns to the East in hopes of finding one to hide within.
[19:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[19:18] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{30}
[19:18] <Ebiris> OOC: Inuga, make a sense motive check?
[19:18] <Inuga> roll 1d20+16
[19:18] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[19:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[19:18] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
[19:19] * Demara keeps walking then to the east.
[19:19] <Ebiris> As Inuga focuses on conjuring precious gems out of thin air, she happens to spot the familiar girlish baatezu walking past... and almost stumbling as she glances down the alleyway, her eyes meeting with Inuga's for a split-second!
[19:22] <Inuga> Well, so much for the element of surprise. "Ah well, the jig is up. Care for a friendly chat?" she coos. (OOC: Assuming I can stop what I'm doing and switch to something else immediately, Boosted Charm Monster is ON, DC 26. Submit, you infernal bitch!)
[19:22] <Ebiris> OOC: roll initiative
[19:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
[19:22] <Inuga> roll 1d20 d'oh
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20 d'oh --> [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
[19:26] <Ebiris> She looked half about to turn around and head back the way she came from, but she stops at Inuga's words. Rather than speaking, however, Inuga hears the fiend's voice reverbating within her head. 'You would not believe the punishments I've had to endure because of your continued survival. But sure, let's try friendly...' she trails off, a smirk forming on her lips.
[19:26] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:26] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}
[19:26] <Ebiris> Nothing much happens, though.
[19:26] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[19:28] <Inuga> 'Oh, I don't know. We have plenty of imagination when it comes to punishment. Shall I tell you all about how inventive we are in the Abyss?' (OOC: Boosted Charm Monster, gogogo).
[19:28] <Ebiris> OOC: make a caster level check
[19:28] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:28] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
[19:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
[19:29] <Ebiris> As Demara starts heading up the incline to the East, she chances a glance back and sees that the erinyes has now stopped and is staring right down the alley Inuga was hiding inside.
[19:30] * Demara stops walking, turning back and keeping an eye on it. If she moves into the alley, Demara figures to just teleport in behind her and introduce her to all sorts of pointed nastiness. Not that an ugly Erinyes cow would know anything about pointed objects.
[19:31] <Ebiris> 'Maybe once you're more compliant. I'm sure you'll be more entertaining than that stupid bird,' she responds without moving her lips, continuing to stare at Inuga without moving.
[19:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:31] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
[19:31] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[19:33] <Inuga> 'Nihasa's a blunt creature, but she has her uses. I'm hoping you will too~' (OOC: Trying again, same thing. Also sending out a generic 'Hey, where are you?' to Demara, since Inuga probably doesn't know she's out of range).
[19:33] <Ebiris> OOC: make your caster level check
[19:34] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:34] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{24}
[19:34] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+17
[19:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{20}
[19:36] <Ebiris> No reply comes from Demara, as the erinyes seems to visibly relax. "You know, you do seem pretty competent," she finally speaks up verbally, her tone sounding as friendly as always but with a notable increase in sincerity. "Why don't you just come along peacefully? I can make sure you survive."
[19:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:36] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[19:39] * Inuga sticks to telepathy, thanks. 'Oh, I can survive well enough on my own, dearie. We all can. Maybe it's you who needs to think about cooperating? Our Nihasa wrought quite a lot of damage on your boss before escaping, I hear. Maybe you're worried about your plans coming to naught?' (OOC: Boosted FoC Suggestion for her to stop resisting and just spill the beans! DC 27, -2 to her since she's charmed. Also repeating the shout-o
[19:39] <Ebiris> OOC: caster level check
[19:39] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:39] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
[19:41] <Ebiris> "Yeah - she really had a lot of anger to work out on me after that," the erinyes admits, idly rubbing her posterior and wincing. "But I'm pretty sure the vrock got the worst of it. Eris is really formidable."
[19:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:41] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
[19:41] <Ebiris> OOC: will save
[19:41] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:41] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
[19:46] <Inuga> 'Is she? Why don't you tell me all about Eris? Really, we should stop this silly contest and just have a nice chat.' (OOC: Same thing as before. Will have two more shots of Boost Spell-like after this, and one of the FoC version of Suggestion).
[19:46] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:46] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
[19:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:46] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[19:51] <Ebiris> "You want to know about Eris? Actually, I was supposed to go and get her as soon as I ran into any of you. I don't think she'll be very happy when she finds out I was talking to you like this, but maybe if you join our side she'll let it slide?" the erinyes wonders, tapping a delicate finger against her rosy-pink lips. "I haven't known her long, she only summoned me a few days ago. Could be worse, I suppose."
[19:51] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:51] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
[19:51] <Ebiris> OOC: will save
[19:51] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:51] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[19:52] -> *Inuga* She's as much your best friend as you are hers. Oh, what a pair you'll be! Devil and demon, arm in arm forevermore!
[19:58] <Inuga> "Oh, I don't know if I could do that. I'd get in just as much trouble with my boss, you know, and Malcanthet could definitely give your Eris lessons. So I shan't be joining you, I'm afraid, at least until our two great nations are no longer at war. Maybe it's best we go our separate ways for now, lest we incur the ire of our superiors?" (OOC: Same deal as before. Suggestion? Let's go home and not mention this to our bosses).
[19:58] <Inuga> roll 1d20+12
[19:58] <Rei-chan> Inuga rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
[19:58] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[19:59] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
[20:01] <Ebiris> "Yes, I suppose you're right," she admits sadly. "My name's Celenu - when I get sent to attack your group again I'll try to make sure we focus on the others so you have a chance to escape, okay?" she adds with a smile. "You can thank me afterwards." At that she walks into the alleyway towards Inuga and vanishes from sight after taking a few steps in off the street.
[20:01] <Ebiris> From her vantage down the street, Demara can see the erinyes walking into Inuga's alleyway.
[20:01] <Inuga> "Sure thing. Goodbye, dear friend!" Inuga waves!
[20:02] * Demara wastes no time in teleporting in, to hopefully close a trap or at least bail out Inuga.
[20:02] <Ebiris> Demara vanishes from sight, reappearing just inside the alleyway! Where she finds an unharmed Inuga and no baatezu...
[20:02] <Inuga> "Oh, Demara! That was just Celenu," she says dismissively. "We were having a little chat, that's all."
[20:03] * Demara blinks. "Curious. You like her?"
[20:04] * Inuga shrugs. "Oh, she's not so bad. We could have some fun together if she weren't on the wrong side~"
[20:06] <Demara> "...." Demara can't resist smiling...or would, if it wasn't so utterly DISGUSTING. "Go buy your potions already," Demara shakes her head, "You can write her love poems later."
[20:07] * Inuga sighs. "Oh, alright. I do hope she doesn't get into trouble with Eris..." In the meantime, Inuga goes back to fabricating an appropriately sized diamond to trade at St. Cuthbert's. Nothing too outrageous, you know? Something just about the right size.
[20:07] <Ebiris> OOC: staying in the same alley?
[20:08] <Demara> OOC: I'm going to go vacate about now, I think. I don't really want to hang around an alley where charms have been thrown and I've TPed into.
[20:08] <Inuga> OOC: You know, it'd probably be best to warp back home and do it there. Just in case my good friend blurts out anything bad.
[20:09] <Ebiris> Teleporting back to the Beef Hatchet, the duo find Nihasa has apparently acquired some clothes from somewhere, but isn't too talkative as Inuga works on producing her diamond...
[20:15] * Inuga returns to St. Cuthbert's at last! This time with actual payment for the silly mortal priest.
[20:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+13
[20:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
[20:17] <Ebiris> Making her way unmolested to the temple, Inuga can find the priest she spoke to earlier without much difficulty. "Ah, you're back," he smiles in greeting. "Luckily no one's come along to buy up our potion stock while you were gone - it was four lesser restorations and one remove curse, wasn't it?"
[20:18] * Inuga nods. "Yes, Father. Will this be sufficient?" she asks, producing the diamond.
[20:20] <Ebiris> "Hmm... I'm no jeweller, but it looks like a fine stone," he nods in approval. "Just a moment, I know someone who can properly appraise it." And in short order another priest appears, this one very old and wrinkled, with a long white beard trailing down his chest and hairy tufts protruding from his nose and ears.
[20:20] <Ebiris> The first priest seems a bit embarrassed, but the second nonetheless produces an eyeglass and proceeds to scrutinise the diamond closely.
[20:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[20:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[20:21] <Ebiris> roll 2d6+3
[20:21] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2d6+3 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{8}
[20:21] * Inuga waits patiently. She's got nothing to be guilty of here, no sirree.
[20:22] <Ebiris> "Ohh, yes," the white-haired cleric nods. "Worth at least four thousand, I'd say. Good stone, what," he raps his knuckles against the diamond and chuckles before toddling off.
[20:24] <Ebiris> "Well, then," the first priest nods, "We'll take the diamond in exchange for the potions, and I believe we have some stones that should cover the difference. I'll be back in a moment," he nods before departing.
[20:24] <Inuga> "Four thousand?" Inuga breathes, clearly quite pleased at her unexpected good fortune. "Why, that's better than I'd thought. Thank you, sir." She waits patiently.
[20:26] <Ebiris> A few minutes later the priest returns with a small wicker basket. "The potions are all labelled, so you shouldn't have any problems, and the two sapphires in there are worth about a thousand each," he lowers his voice at the last part, offering the basket in exchange for her jewel.
[20:27] * Inuga hands it over, taking her ill-gotten gains! "Thank you very much, Father. Have a blessed day." She favors him with a charming smile and then leaves.
[20:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
[20:28] <Ebiris> Inuga makes a clean getaway, escaping out of the church without anyone crying out at her blatant chicanery.
[20:34] * Demara will hang around the market place and gate the next few days and hope to see this mage's appretence. Demara will use a few rotating disguises, but all will be pretty women.
[20:34] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
[20:35] <Ebiris> As the day draws to a close, Demara has little to show for her efforts, having deflected the advances of a few hopeful young men without seeing anyone matching the apprentice's description by the time the sun goes down...
[20:37] * Demara lightly curses but shrugs. Oh well, to wait and try another day?
[20:37] <Ebiris> And so she returns to join Inuga and Nihasa at the Beef Hatchet to spend the night, for tomorrow is indeed another day...