She's a Japanese exorcist. She's a Polish bogeyman. They fight crime!

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> "Kindred spirit? I wasn't aware Catholicism had taken off in Japan," Paula says with a smile. "And you're surely speaking of Nicolas." She shrugs. "That is not news to me. His interests are never anything but unhealthy. Exactly what kind of help are you offering?"
* Nadia_Chekova drifts close enough to overhear Yomi's conversation but doesn't contribute, feeling ill at ease with getting friendly with such a nice seeming person if she's going to end up betraying her. It's not really the same as seducing a mark before robbing him.
<El-Cideon> Rena takes a seat on one of the benches near the entrance of the church, idly looking around at the stained-glass windows. At the back of the church, near the alter, a balding, bearded priest appears and begins tidying up the place, sweeping.
<Yomi> "It would help if I knew just why he wanted you gone so badly. I don't suppose you have any idea, there?"
* Erin tries hard not to flitter around looking at things, instead remaining seated in a pew; there's no need to be close, with such little noise to distract her from the conversation.
<El-Cideon> "Oh, that's simple enough. He is in the business of destroying lives, and I try to make sure people know better than to buy into it. Worse, I try to provide people the knowledge and skills to find gainful employment in less unsavory pursuits than he offers. He can't abide competition, you see."
<Yomi> "So what happens when he decides to remove the competition altogether?"
<El-Cideon> Paula looks around, especially glancing back at the priest and speaking once it seems clear he's not eavesdropping. "That's a very specific question, isn't it? Is he planning something? How do you know about this?"
<Yomi> "Are you sure you don't want to speak somewhere more private?" Yomi inquires.
* Nadia_Chekova decides to go and sit next to Rena rather than butting in on Yomi and Paula as they go somewhere more private.
<El-Cideon> Paula considers this for a moment. Another glance around. "We can talk at my apartment. It's not far from here, and my work for the afternoon is finished anyway. Follow me?"
<Yomi> "Certainly," Yomi agrees.
<El-Cideon> A nod, and Paula walks out of the church with Yomi in tow. She walks down a couple blocks and enters a lopsided tenement with several windows boarded up. She walks up a floor and opens a door at the end of the hall. Apparently she didn't bother to lock up. It's not hard to see why: there's not much here. (more)
* Nadia_Chekova (~eb@95.146.1.96) Quit (Ping timeout)
<El-Cideon> Bed. Dresser. Open cabinet with some food in it. That's about it. There's no kitchen, even. It's decidedly humble. Paula pulls out a rickety wooden chair for you. "Alright. Go ahead."

~

<Erin> Whilst Yomi and Paula venture away from the church, Erin mooches towards the front of the church. "She is certainly something," she remarks, glancing after their retreating backs. "More likely benign than baneful, I'd guess. This place has a good atmosphere."
<Nadia_Chekova> "It seems that way," Nadia agrees with a grunt, still lowering her tone to sound more masculine for the benefit of any eavesdroppers. "A pity Mr Wlodarczyk did not simply take the original deal."
<El-Cideon> "Father was never very fond of religion," Rena says. "I do not really see the point of it either. The buildings are rather pretty, though."
<Erin> "It is the way of demons. He's a man who has what you want," remarks Erin. "The more badly you need it, the more he can ask. The very picture of a 'criminal businessman', but what he wishes to trade for is not simply gold or services, but souls and morals..."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Hmm..." Nadia looks around the humble church, thinking of her own sins that would almost certainly see her consigned to hell if the good book is true. "I never gave religion much thought, but if demons are real then what else?" She frowns and looks down at her clasped hands between her knees, "It is a heavy subject to ponder, and not one I have pondered before."
<Erin> "...ah, Rena. Religion is born- and used- for many things. Scripture is born out of messages from beyond the world, the iron hands of tyrants, and the despair who try to make sense of death."
<Erin> *despair of those who try to make sense of death.
<El-Cideon> "I don't know. Just because one strange thing is true doesn't mean al strange things are true." Rena shrugs. "I don't usually think about things that far away anyway."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Hmph. There are so many different religions anyway. They can't all be true," the thought gives Nadia a little comfort, but her culture causes christianity to loom large in her psyche despite such reasonable objections. "But even so... what will happen when we die? Is there anything afterwards?"
<El-Cideon> Another shrug. "We could've asked the man in Zanzibar if he hadn't turned into a monster."
* Nadia_Chekova shudders. Talking to Rena isn't very comforting. "Yes... I suppose we could. Whatever happens afterwards, I expect it's a lot worse than what we have now."
<Erin> "Of course there is! I cannot tell you precisely what, but the actions we take in life do have meaning," replies Erin, spreading her arms. "Don't fall into that trap- even worse, don't assume we're already doomed. That is a lie, a lie that encourages us to persue depravity."
<El-Cideon> "What makes you so sure, Erin?"
* Nadia_Chekova also looks at Erin expectantly for her to quantify her statement.
<Erin> "We truly do have souls, which accumulate karma from the actions we take through life. This is the core of many religions- and of magic, as well. It is not purely an intellectual exercise or science, you know, but harnessing the spirit."
<Erin> "Otherworldly beings seek to undermine our souls, as well. Demons are prevelant; to a one, they seek to undermine our souls and drag us down to whatever hell it is they inhabit."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Okay, so if you have bad karma the demons get you," Nadia summarises neutrally. "What if you have good karma?"
<Erin> "I believe there is a choice offered to those; one of rebirth, and one of joining with the spirits of all those who have departed," replies Erin. "Those of sufficient enlightenment may join the ranks of the Ascended Ones, who both shepherd these souls and send guidance back to Earth for those who still live."
<Nadia_Chekova> "You believe," Nadia repeats, "So it's merely taken on faith? Does anyone *know*?"
<El-Cideon> Rena nods. "If there's no way of knowing, then I just won't worry about it."
<Erin> "If you want a complete picture, there isn't one, just as nobody has completely explored many fields of science here," replies Erin. "Before I was distracted here, uncovering the truth was my life's work. Both through studying magic, and studying religion. But just because we don't know everything-"
<Erin> "-doesn't mean we don't know anything, or that it's not worth persuing!"
<Nadia_Chekova> "But isn't the only way to find out to die? At that point it becomes rrather academic," Nadia points out, swayed by Rena's persuasive charisma.
<Erin> "Perhaps, and yet it is not impossible to return from death," replies Erin. "There are truly foul rituals that can cause this to come about- you saw one for yourself. What if that is not the only method? Or what if it is possible to communicate with the beyond?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "In that case I'll defer to your magical expertise," Nadia bows her head, before standing up. "This conversation has grown overly depressing, however... I suppose I'll just have to try to put such thoughts from my head and avoid dying to find out more."
<El-Cideon> "Avoiding dying is a good plan," Rena says without humor or condescension. "I like this plan."
<Erin> "You could learn, you know," remarks Erin. "I used to educate acolytes. No theological background is necessary as long as your mind is quick, and you're willing to at least trust in the notion that you have a soul."
<El-Cideon> "Does everything have a soul?" Rena wonders abruptly.
<Nadia_Chekova> "The bible says that only humans do, but other religions say that everything does," Nadia tells Rena with a shrug, before turning to Erin. "Perhaps... it would be something to pass the time while we travel?"
<Erin> "Yes, but not of the same kind as that of a human," replies Erin. "Magical will is worked through spiritual connections to natural forces and things, and animistic religions believe all things possess a spirit in themselves. But those things can't make moral choices of their own..."
<Erin> "Certainly. I don't intend to preach. I really don't have all the answers, or even many. In the end, this is another science. Anything I believe can be disproved..."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Well, if nothing else then learning magic could be useful," Nadia smirks.
<Erin> "It is. Cooking becomes much easier when you don't need to use your hands to open the oven."
<Nadia_Chekova> Of course, with such talents augmenting her own, her karma may plummet further, but Nadia doesn't share that prediction. "I hope Yomi hasn't had her blood sucked out since she went away with that woman..."
<Erin> "I would fear for the creature that tried such a suicidal act."
<Nadia_Chekova> "A good point," Nadia nods agreeably. But nonetheless she reaches for the communications orb in her pocket and uses it to try and see what Yomi's current situation is.
* Merc-zzz is now known as Merc
* Nadia_Chekova turns off the orb as Yomi leaves Paula's abode. "She's on her way back," she reports, deciding to let Yomi explain what she chooses to rather than telling Rena and Erin what she saw and heard herself.

~

<Yomi> "Did you come here specifically to oppose Nicolas, or was it all a great coincidence?" Yomi asks, taking the proffered chair.
<El-Cideon> Paula sits down on the bed, hands clasped in her lap. "I knew he was here. I didn't come just to be a thorn in his side, but I imagine that was inevitable when I sought to help these people find a better way of living."
* Yomi finds herself mildly incredulous as she hears this, but doesn't respond with her first reaction of 'You think?!'
<Yomi> "He wants you gone. I don't suppose you would be prepared to just up and leave?"
<El-Cideon> "I don't plan to. Why, do you think that I should? You speak as though you have very specific knowledge of his plans, Yomi. If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to take an interest in the affairs of a little Polish slum?"
<Yomi> "Due to affairs beyond my control, I ended up seeing Nicolas. Well, seeing is a misnomer here, I suppose. But he very much wanted to be rid of you, and was under the mistaken assumption that I would help him." She gives Paula a speculative look. "That was rather foolish of him. If I were to take sides, I'd much rather be on yours."
<El-Cideon> "Your support is comforting. and he probably thought he could make some use of you. This is as much as he thinks about other people, as far as I can tell. I wonder, did he ask you to kill me?"
<Yomi> "No," Yomi responds. "He merely wanted to run you out of town. However, I've seen strong evidence that suggests his goons killed a man who found himself heavily in debt, so I wouldn't put this past him." Balancing the rickety chair, Yomi leans forward, studying Paula.
<Yomi> "I think your only choices here are to leave or to fight back. If you do nothing and ignore the problem, perhaps Nicolas might send those goons after you. Perhaps he might send them during one of your classes."
<El-Cideon> "He has tried before. I let one of them live to bring word back to his master. I think perhaps Nicolas is afraid of me now. And it shocks me not at all to hear of him killing this man you speak of. Any excuse to take what little a man has left, he will use." She looks up at you. "If you spend any time in this area, please don't mention to others how I dealth with Nicolas's men. It does no one any good to know I'm capable of killing."
<El-Cideon> It does no one any good to know I'm capable of killing."
* Yomi should probably be surprised, but it just makes perfect sense however she looks at it. "Ah, has it? That's quite interesting. Since you are being so forthcoming, Paula, I don't suppose you could enlighten me on what you are, exactly?"
<El-Cideon> An enigmatic smile. "I can tell you've spent time asking around before coming to me. What do you think I am?"
<Yomi> "Not human."
<El-Cideon> A short laugh. "Some of those I assist whisper that I'm an angel. What makes *you* so sure?"
* Yomi doesn't laugh, stating clearly, "You glow very strongly, though I don't know about the angel part. If you are one, then you would be the first I've met."
<El-Cideon> Paula looks perplexed. "I'm not sure what you mean."
<Yomi> "Then both of us are equally confused," Yomi asserts with a shrug. "I'll tell you mine if you shared yours with me?"
<El-Cideon> "Mm. Well, you share your story first. You're my guest, after all."
<Yomi> "Doing that would allow you to tailor yours to fit my story if you so wished," Yomi says apologetically. "I'm only human, and I can't help but think I would have a certain amount of doubt remaining in that case. Plus I think I've gone through enough confidence-building measures on my part already, haven't I?"
<El-Cideon> Paula sighs. "Then we'll start with this. You've spent some time in town asking questions, haven't you? Before coming to me? Did anyone mention how long Nicolas has been operating?"
<Yomi> "I don't have that information," Yomi responds.
<El-Cideon> "He--or someone using the name, at least--has been in business, dominating this part of the city, for over a century. There's much speculation on how this is possible. I know the authorities, when they give any thought to the situation beyond how much they're being paid to look away, think 'Nicolas' is a series of bosses taking the same name in succession, or a front for another syndicate." (more)
<El-Cideon> "I don't think either of these ideas is true. His methods have been too consistent throughout that time. I mnow this because I was here when he started."
<El-Cideon> *I know this
<Yomi> Interesting! "And does Nicolas know this as well?"
<El-Cideon> "I'm certain he does. His men scared me out of town once, back then. I'm not leaving this time. Assuming Nicolas has been the same person throughout all this time, then he surely suspects I'm something more than I appear to be. which I am sure disturbs him in addition to my work."
<Yomi> "He fears the unknown, then? Quite sensible, all things considered," Yomi agrees.
<El-Cideon> "Yes. He knows this quite well, as I hear even his employees never set eyes on him."
<Yomi> "I've speculated that it is because he doesn't look human," Yomi muses, shrugging. "I suppose it could've been a far simpler reason, as you suggest."
<El-Cideon> "I don't actually know for sure. There *was* once someone more obviously normal who used that name. He led a gang of local thugs, much like Nicolas does now. Much less creative, not as intelligent, and definitely not as brutal as the boss we know now. One day, abruptly, he went strange, reclusive, shut himself up in his house and worked through others. That was when everything went really bad, turned into what you see now."
<El-Cideon> what you see now."
* Yomi blinks. "So it's a case of possession?"
<El-Cideon> "I don't actually know. It's possible. Those were strange times here--there were murders in the streets, too, horrible butcherings of men, limbs and parts strewn everywhere. They stopped when Nicolas went underground. Then we only had to deal with his gang killing people who didn't cooperate. I doubt Nicolas is human in a sense that means anything, anyway."
<Yomi> "I doubt it very much, either." Yomi studies Paula, briefly silent. "As as Nicolas was just starting out, a century ago, what were you doing at the time?"
<El-Cideon> "What I am doing now. I move from city to city, fostering goodwill and sensible living. I can't stay in one place for very long. It makes things difficult when you don't age."
<Yomi> "Which begs the question of when you started."
<El-Cideon> "Let's see..." Paula looks contemplative briefly. "Was it six hundred years ago? Perhaps seven. Memories blur sometimes."
* Yomi looks quite impressed. "That's quite the time to wander the Earth. Do you ever get bored or lonely?"
<El-Cideon> "I'm too busy to ever stop and feel that way."
<Yomi> To each, their own. "Are the people who call you an angel right?" she asks, returning them to the key topic.
<El-Cideon> "No. But I am pleased to let them think so."
<Yomi> "Anyone would be flattered by the comparison, I suppose," Yomi admits. "What does that leave us with, then?"
<El-Cideon> Paula's silent for a long moment. "This isn't something I tell people," she says eventually. "It's a question of survival. You have to promise not to share what I say with anyone. I *will* take it very badly if you go back on your word," she adds with some force.
<Yomi> "I don't see a problem with that."
<El-Cideon> "Not that I would expect most people to believe you if you said anything. But doubt is bad enough. So, tell me, do you know anything about slavic mythology? I should assume the answer is no, but you seem to be an unusual person."
<Yomi> "I might know some basics, but nothing truly obscure, and something tells me it would be the latter."
<El-Cideon> "Yes. A very long time ago, I used to be something else. Don't be alarmed. This is merely for demonstration." Paula stands up and extends one arm out to the side. Out of nowhere, a scythe flashes into existence. The blade seems to gleam with reflected sunlight even though little of that makes its way down the crumblig alleys of this neighborhood. (more)
<El-Cideon> "I had other names, before the Christians came. The Poles called me Poludnica, Lady Midday. I would walk the fields when the sun was at its height and ask stray peasants riddles. If they could not answer, I would strike their heads from their shoulders. In essence, I was a menace to frighten children into behaving. Things changed when the priests and the crusaders came, though." (more0
<El-Cideon> "For someone like me, faith is bread and water. When the stories began to die, so did I. I looked at all the churches being built, the people flocking to them, and I thought they could spare a few followers."
<Yomi> Yomi's eyes are drawn to the gleaming scythe. "So you survive by getting people to see you as their savior?"
<El-Cideon> "This is how I am still alive. I help the needy and desperate as much as I can, selflessly as a saint, give them enough hints that I am more than I appear to be, and let them make their own assumptions. They think I am angel? Very well, I may as well be one." She waves, and the scythe vanishes. "But you know, a strange thing happened when I had been doing this for some time. I started to enjoy it."
<Yomi> "The world outside Japan is quite strange. Our spirits tend to stick with what they do... well, so do our people, really," Yomi muses out loud, sounding pensive. "If anything, I think your way is more fun. Why do something for centuries that you don't get enjoyment or satisfaction from, right?"
<El-Cideon> Paula sits down again. "Yes, I think so too. And I have spent so much time working for these people that I feel as much one of them as anything else, by now. So...where do we go now? I admit, you must be at least as unusual as I'd thought since you can take such a story without batting an eye."
<Yomi> "I suppose this is my turn to tell you to not be alarmed?" Yomi voices, still in a reflective mood. "My job was to eliminate those who spread the taint of death and evil to the human world. Naturally, I've trained to recognize the nonhuman to protect Humanity. I haven't really came across any angels thus far, either, so I expected you to be a sort of spirit.
<Yomi> We tend to define them into harmful spirits, or demons, and into sacred beasts and gods, but I've always found that definition too arbitrary, myself. It always semeed like one of convenience, when we could bind something to do our bidding.
<Yomi> After spending time traveling the world, however, I began to think that actions matter more than one's nature. So I suppose it's a good thing you're not meeting my past, narrow-minded self."
<El-Cideon> "Yes. Yes, it is. Is that what brought you here? Your work?"
<Yomi> "It was a detour, since Nicolas has something that doesn't belong to him. But now, I think I'll be staying around for a while due to my work."
<El-Cideon> "Is that so? I have to ask--what does your training tel you about him?"
<Yomi> "His nature is demonic, without a doubt, and what I've learned of him completes the picture."
<El-Cideon> "Then what do you plan to do, by yourself? Or even with my help? The numbers that serve him are formidable. I work to give people an alternative and I loathe what he does, but I couldn't fight him off if I wanted to."
<Yomi> "Can you repeat the scythe trick with any other weapon?"
<El-Cideon> Paula shakes her head. "No, only this. In a way, it's a part of me. I am perilously close to mortal in many ways, I'm afraid."
<Yomi> "In that case, how about waiting here for a while? I'm not on my own, and I'll need to consult with the others before I commit to anything. I'll bring them along later today, if that works for you."
<El-Cideon> "How much will you tell them?" She sounds worried.
* Yomi considers this briefly. "Your true name will remain a secret, as you wanted. Anything else?"
<El-Cideon> "It's good enough, I think. I am not used to trusting people with this. Go. I'll wait here. I have much to think about nowe."
* Yomi stands up, and with a wave departs Paula's abode, returning to their hotel by way of the church, in case her companions are lingering by it still.
<El-Cideon> So everyone regroups at the hotel after Yomi's meeting concludes...
<Yomi> "Would anyone be shocked to know that Paula isn't an angel?" Yomi promptly asks.
* Nadia_Chekova wordlessly shakes her head.
<Erin> "It would have been poetic, but the world doesn't exist as verse."
<El-Cideon> Rena shakes her head. "I haven't seen any before, so maybe they don't exist."
<Yomi> "It's good to know that I'm not slipping. Now, I don't know if they exist or not, but Paula is a demon playing the part of an angel. It seems that she likes it, too, if you can believe that. Rarely have I been as surprised as while learning that."
<Nadia_Chekova> "So, are we going to tell Nicolas this?" Nadia asks, although she's pretty sure Yomi and Erin won't want to.
<El-Cideon> "He will give us what Nadia wants if we do, won't he?" Rena says.
<Yomi> "Nicolas is a demon that has been terrorizing these parts for over a century," Yomi points out. "If we don't stop him and merely continue on our way, why should we even try to oppose Masha's plan?"
<Erin> "If she's a demon, then... I suppose it would be better if she and Nicolas' ambitions destroyed one another, whatever they may be."
<El-Cideon> "I seem to meet a lot of demons since leaving home," Rena says. "But I am not sure I follow you, Yomi."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Isn't demon just a label? She isn't doing anything demonic, and hasn't done for some time. In an ideal world I'd rather she be around than him." She takes a deep breath. "I may be able to recover the aurora without surrendering Paula's secrets, although it would be far more difficult."
<Erin> "That she has spoken of. It is not as though demons advertise their nature; to exist in this world, concealment is essential," points out Erin. "Do you understand what sort of demon she is, Yomi?"
<Erin> *That we know of
<Yomi> "We took back Erin's book, you've had your revenge on Ivo and the Germans and their minions don't have anything else we want. We're trying to oppose them because we're doing the right thing, then, aren't we?" Yomi responds to Rena. At Nadia's words, she shrugs. "It is a label that accurately describes the origins of those beings. Paula is rather rare as far as they go."
<Yomi> "And yes, I believe I understand quite well both her nature and what lead to her change of heart."
<El-Cideon> "If you say so, Yomi. I don't know much about what's right. I know about what helps me and what does not. But you know more of the world than I do, so I'll follow you lead."
<El-Cideon> *your lead
<Yomi> "It really comes down to me believing Paula, and in not wishing a demon who hadn't changed his stripes to be allowed to operate so freely and menace an entire city," Yomi says. "I also think that we could come up with a plan to stop him. Would you like to give it a try?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "Think of it like this, Rena," Nadia suggests, her oft suppressed conscience nagging at her for once, "Someone like Paula could help us more than someone like Nicolas. Therefore we're better off having her around and not him."
<Erin> "The only texts  I have ever read where demons were extolled as a positive force, of any kind- all were written by the worst sort of cults. I admit my understanding is mostly academic, but I can't help but be suspicious. Manifold is the road to ruin.
<Erin> "But I can't deny she's doing good work here, at least for now, and anything that would prevent Nicolas from continuing his black work has my support." She taps her lip. "I may have Grace send someone here after we are done. Just to keep an eye on things. Just in case.
<Erin> "After all, it would only take one demon acting benevolently to disprove what is written."
<El-Cideon> "Well, he did have a lot of men and money. But if we can trust him less then I guess I see your point."
<Yomi> "Perhaps... I am somewhat at fault, here," Yomi admits with a frown. "While what I consider demons includes the demons of Christianity, it really describes far more nonhumans whose existence that religion simply ignores."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Ivo had a lot of men and money, too," Nadia points out. "Such things are the complete opposite of helpful when turned against us."
<Erin> "Demon is just a label," repeats Erin. "Even witches have been called that in the past. I certainly believe that forces of great malevolence exist. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they worked to give other beings a bad name."
<El-Cideon> "That sounds like a good reason to make sure he doesn't turn against us, Nadia. Is there something here that I don't understand?"
<Yomi> "Oh, it's quite justified... but that's not really relevant for now," Yomi says, shaking her head. "The plan I had in mind was fairly simple. Paula can summon a weapon to her with her willpower, and if you," she glances towards Erin, "could alter the way she looks and bring her along, it should even out the odds. I should be able to smash the mirror between Nicolas and us fairly easy, myself."
<Erin> "If she would allow me to draw upon her skin. The materials shouldn't be a problem," replies Erin. "But... attacking him in the middle of his sanctum? Even with my protections, it would be where he is strongest..."
<El-Cideon> "He did have many men with weapons there. And they took ours before we could speak to him."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I could have used that justification to avoid offending Hassan by rescuing you, Rena," Nadia points out to the morally challenged German. "All the rumours I have heard point to Nicolas as being very dangerous to everyone, not just those who cross him. Dealing with him is fraught with peril." Turning back to Yomi and Erin, "I would prefer something with a bit more finesse than simply walking in his front door and attacking."
<El-Cideon> Rena looks at Nadia, silent for a moment. And expressionless, of course, but that's almost always the case. "Yes. Yes, I'm sorry. I was wrong."
<Yomi> "We could try to draw him out, then," Yomi suggests. "We would have Paula's cooperation with anything that leads to stopping Nicolas. Unless you had a better idea?"
<Erin> "That would be better. He has no idea what Paula is. It is one idea to conceal her nature and surprise him with it, but what if we took the opposite approach? Present her as a being against which ordinary men would be useless. As a demon, he likely has a certain level of mystical might- we could compel him to intervene personally."
<Erin> "Outside his lair, he would be easier to deal with."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I wanted simply to sneak in and steal back what's rightfully mine," Nadia admits. "But if we're set on dealing with him permanently... Yes, I like the idea of luring him into an ambush."
<Yomi> "We can't really turn our back on something like that, can we?" Yomi asks. "Just like with Rena and Hassan, as you brought up. We have to do something."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Yes, I suppose you're right," Nadia agrees heavily. "So, tomorrow we arrange an ambush with Paula's cooperation, then report to Nicolas... hmm, I don't know magic, but something like her having to enter a state during the full moon during which she's invulnerable to mortal harm, but unable to otherwise act and vulnerable to magic? Would that sound plausible?"
<Yomi> "Only Doctor Ivo can tell for certain," Yomi says, raising her eyes towards Erin.
<Erin> "And silver, perhaps. If we frame her as an unusual breed of lycanthrope, it might be plausible..." replies Erin, raising a hand to her chin. "But how would we have determined her weaknesses.. ah, of course, the Tell! Our mysterious colleagues could have researched the details remotely."
<Erin> "It's probably not right that she's unable to act," adds Erin. "More likely, a lycanthrope of goodly bent would willfully restrain itself during unwanted transformations. Perhaps she has some kind of hidden lair in which she lurks during those times..."
<Yomi> "With an application of disguise, it should even be possible to continue the charade," Yomi muses. "Although do lycanthropes live for centuries? It seems that they have crossed paths a bit over a century ago."
* Nadia_Chekova shrugs. This is where the magical experts are needed to concoct something plausible.
<Erin> "I don't think most get the chance too. There is only so much terrorizing humans will take before they strike back. All the verified lycanthropes I know of were slain by mortal hands."
<Yomi> "I never really came across one," Yomi says apologetically. "We could also include Paula in the planning, if you'd like. Maybe she has enough hands-on experience there."
<Nadia_Chekova> "We should strive to make it as authentic sounding as possible to ensure he takes the bait," Nadia nods.
<Erin> "It would be best to consult her before making a decision here, yes. It's rumoured she doesn't eat or drink, too, so.. some kind of.. lunar-photo-synthetic creature..." mumbles Erin. "There are so many things she could be, or be related to..."
<El-Cideon> OOC: okay, if folks are going disguised, anyone doing so roll it untrained and Nadia can roll to aid each of them in turn?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: I have +15 so don't have to roll for aid another
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: so just assume +2
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+4+2 Rena likes CHA-based rolls
* Hatbot --> "El-Cideon rolls 1d20+4+2 Rena likes CHA-based rolls and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
<Yomi> roll 1d20+3
* Hatbot --> "Yomi rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
<El-Cideon> So, Nadia helps the girls into another persona to throw off anyone trying to follow them. Yomi is apparently a natural at pretending to be someone else! Rena apparently doesn't understand the appeal of being someone who is not Rena and ultimately winds up with just a wig, but hey, it's something.
<El-Cideon> Leaving in turns, Nadia going out first, then Yomi and Rena, ultimately followed by Erin, everyone heads back to the slums to gather and meet Paula. The trip there is uneventful.
<Erin> "We seem to be in the clear," notes Erin, stepping inside the dilapadated apartment.
<El-Cideon> "I'm sorry there isn't much space," Paula says, looking everyone over. "I haven't much need of luxuries. Just sit wherever there's a flat surface."
<Yomi> "I've sat enough," Yomi says, choosing to stand by the door, leaning against the wall.
<El-Cideon> "Could you introduce yourselves? Yomi did not tell me much about you."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Nadia, Erin, Rena," Nadia offers, deciding to be up front. "We have decided to help you in getting rid of Nicolas, but in turn we need your help to accomplish this."
<Yomi> "We believe that by selling Nicolas a story we could draw him out of his well-guarded lair," Yomi adds.
<Erin> "It would be easiest if you could help us develop one, since by necessity it would be about your nature, Miss."
<El-Cideon> Paula nods. "I'd be glad to offer it, but what do you need me to do? ...Ah. Well, that will be difficult. It will have to be a terrific story, at least. Nicolas's appearance is a mystery for a reason. He does not leave his house. I can't recall hearing of him doing so, at least."
<Nadia_Chekova> "We want to try and convince him that you are a being invulnerable to mortal arms, who can only be harmed by magic - such as he might personally have - and that you are vulnerable at a certain time period which we will use to coordinate an ambush," Nadia explains.
<Erin> "Well, we believe he's some sort of demon, but if he was presented with a dangerous threat mortal men cannot handle, he might be compelled to deal with it personally," admits Erin. "But depending on his nature, this could be a flawed plan. Do you know much about him?"
<El-Cideon> "In the way of facts? No, not as much as I would like. I don't know how much Yomi told you, but I am sure the same entity has been operating as 'Nicolas' for over a hundred years. Most of what I know comes from observing his legendary brutality and tactics from afar, though."
<El-Cideon> "As for a period of vulnerability, well..." Paula looks guarded as she continues. "There *is* such a time and I would prefer not to face him during it. I am weaker in every way during the nighttime hours. If I'm going to face him, I would prefer it not be at after dark."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Of course not," Nadia shakes her head, "The vulnerability aspect is a complete ruse to lure him in. We want you to be at your best for any confrontation, of course."
<Yomi> "Which begs the question of which being in local folklore would be strongest during the night, yet able to walk freely during the day and not require food or drink."
<Erin> "A dhampyre, perhaps?... although they're only theoretical..."
<El-Cideon> "Well, the obvious answer is a werewolf. I wouldn't know what they at or drink, though. I thought they ate people?"
<Yomi> "How would you like to pretend being one?"
<Erin> "They don't have to. They only eat people because they regress to an extremely hungry mindset, and because they ARE people they're often AROUDN people- uh, but this is academic. A werewolf who chains herself up during her transformations was one of our ideas."
<El-Cideon> "How do you propose I go about doing that, I have to wonder?"
<El-Cideon> "Ah. Hm. Well."
<Yomi> "We could manufacture some sort of proof during the night by disguising you, and then convince him to take you out while you are obviously weakened from the ordeal the next day."
<Erin> "Uh, Yomi, I can't really manage a convincing werewolf disguise..." replies Erin, edgily. "Not one that would stand up to any kind of scrutiny. The basic human form is generally retained."
<El-Cideon> "And I would have to be seen in such a state for it to be convincing, wouldnit I? Seen by someone who would report back to him and who he trusts."
<Nadia_Chekova> "He did ask us to find out your nature - if we make the story plausible enough I'm sure we can convince him," Nadia posits an alternative. She's good at lying!
<Erin> "Perhaps if we were- ah, yes. We could pretend that you had turned on us for some reason."
<Yomi> "We could also supply some supporting evidence. Some sign of a werewolf's rampage, or the chains that purportedly restrain you? A location where we've discovered you go to for that?"
<El-Cideon> "It might work. He's undoubtedly already sure that I am something other than human, surely these specifics cannot be too unbelievable. Even this incentive I am not sure would be enough to bring him out, of course. He is, above all, *careful*. His first impulse it always to send others in his place."
<Yomi> "He might change his mind if the men he sends start disappearing."
<Nadia_Chekova> "He has already lost men sent after you. We must make clear that you are vulnerable only to magical means at this time... and hope he lacks a pet witch to send in his stead," Nadia suggests.
<El-Cideon> "He may. If his resources or income are threatened in some way that demand direct attention? He is a *businessman*, after all. Threaten one of his enterprises and he will react viscerally."
<Yomi> "So not only do we need to present it as something he needs to solve in person, but we might just come across evidence that suggests you're planning on expanding, or even taking over his turf?"
<El-Cideon> "I doubt he believes mine or anyone's motives are truly altruistic, so this might work. Ah, but how did you discover my plans? He will surely ask."
<Erin> "Interrogation of one of your confidantes, perhaps. Is there anyone else you have trusted like this?"
<Yomi> "You can't possibly keep anything of value in your apartment. I was thinking that we could stumble across your hidden abode?"
<El-Cideon> "Not like this, no. I have not made a habit of...plotting, or of telling anyone about my true nature. It's been necessary to my survival that no one ever have anything like proof about that. I work with Father Leon at the church on a regular basis, though. You could mention his name. It might be convincing."
<El-Cideon> "Hm. Perhaps, Yomi."
<Erin> "It would help if he vanished from public sight for a few days, but without filling him in on the details..."
<El-Cideon> "I...think I could persuade him to do that. He trusts me. I don't look forward to explaining later that I wanted him away in order to facilitate a murder, of course, even of someone as heinous as Nicolas. But this may help."
<Yomi> "Maybe it won't even come to that. If it really is a case of possession, do you think you could try some sort of exorcism, Erin?"
<Erin> "I don't know enough about him to try," replies Erin, shaking her head. "If we identified what kind of creature he is, I could give you a better answer."
<El-Cideon> "Again, this requires seeing him. To my knowledge, the only person that ever does so is that woman assistant of his."
<Erin> "Really... and does she ever leave the premises?" asks Erin, curiously.
<El-Cideon> "So the rumors say, at least. And even she only leaves to make inspections of his various business, or for emergencies."
<Yomi> "Even if he doesn't come in person, dealing with your threat to his enterprise is surely one such emergency. Whatever happens, we should come out ahead."
<El-Cideon> Paula nods. "How do you plan to do that? Disrupt his operations somehow?"
<Erin> "She wouldn't leave based on our encounter with you? I suppose if we are too convincing, she may find more reasons to stay in..."
<El-Cideon> "She might. I would expect her to go out before he does, really."
<El-Cideon> ~