085: They do it over there (but we don't do it here)

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> The day of the event draws up at last, and everyone gathers in the foyer of the temple dressed to make an impression. Masuko is wearing ceremonial armor, somewhat flashy for his usual style, but functional; January is dressed in her usual dandyish style; Verda has been persuaded to don an austere man's suit; and Crier, somewhat to the chagrin of her companions, has opted to wear nothing but the magical veil provided to her by Franceska. The fiery band of silk flutters around her body in an infinite loop, obscuring only with care her most private anatomy. As it turns out, Crier's network of scars seems to cover her entire body. There is also waiting for you at the entrance of the building a familiar erinyes, summoned at Rosemund's behest. Shandria is wearing a tasteful black dress.
* Franceska has come wearing a silver dress fit for royalty that would not make her crown seem out of place, and plenty of jewelry besides. The rapier at her side is purely ornamental, as the true weapon she carries is being worn in a magical ring, ready to be summoned at a moment's notice.
<Steph> Stephanie has tied a pink ribbon to her tail and another to one of her horns. They provide a saccharine twist to her black-and-crimson qipao, depicting a stylized image of a bloody lake. Her favourite knives are tucked away, and perhaps she won't need them tonight. "Oh, wonderful! You made it!" she exclaims, walking towards the erinyes with a charitable impression of enthusiasm.
* Franceska shakes her head somewhere between disapproval and just plain confusion, and sidles up to Crier. "How is it to wear that in public?" she asks curiously.
<El-Cideon> "Please, I wouldn't miss it," Shandria says with an eager flutter of her wings. "It can only enhance my social profile to appear at such an event."
<El-Cideon> "I can feel everybody's eyes on me everywhere," Crier says excitedly, going on to admit quietly, "but the disapproving looks are the best ones."
<Julia> After a fascinating exploration of fiendish fashion, Julia has taken a relatively restrained approach... which has her looking a bit like the recently arrived erinyes, with her ankle-length black dress that goes straight up to her neck, leaving her shoulders bare with long black gloves fitted tight over her hands and arms. Her armour is in her haversack which has been placed carefully in
<Julia> Bedford's closed mouth, with him given stern instructions to murder anyone that tries to steal it.
<Steph> "Exposure being the most important thing, right?" Stephanie twitches a little. "So, I want you to do me a favour tonight. Can you talk up my unmatched fighting prowess? As far as mortals go, I'm pretty much the best I know. See," she muses. "I'm looking to score a job!"
<El-Cideon> Rosemund has taken to following Julia's lead here, opting for something respectable that doesn't show much skin--though her dress is necessarily backless.
<El-Cideon> "It would help if I knew a little more about what you've killed," Shandria prompts. "If you could give me a succinct list?"
<Franceska> "An interesting thought," Franceska muses. "Although I probably couldn't get away with wearing it back on Solata."
<El-Cideon> "Maybe they just need more exposure to get them used to this kind of thing?" Crier suggests with a demonstrative stretch.
<Steph> Surely her companions won't mind if Stephanie pretends she single-handedly slew some of their most dangerous foes. "Lately, I've killed a bunch of vrocks and a goristo, running this con around a weird tower in Pandemonium," replies Stephanie, pursing her lips. "There was this vampiress we took down, too, right in the heart of her lair. Franzy's wearing her crown. I've killed a fallen angel,
<Steph> too- name was Meandar, he ended up in this labyrinth in the Abyss, but we stomped him into nothing! Countless humans. I guess some were pretty tough, but not tough enough. And-" She jerks a finger at Julia's pet. "That thing, too. When it was alive, of course. They're never as tough after they die once."
<Franceska> "Maybe," Franceska allows. "There must be some reason I kept it all this time, and it wasn't so it could gather up dust."
<Julia> "Sometimes they're tougher," Julia pouts.
<Steph> "Oh. I guess they just don't seem as dangerous to me because they're under your iron grip!"
<Julia> "Well, you're right about Bedford anyway," she sighs. "It's the zombies that get the most out of it, really."
<El-Cideon> "You should try it some time, it's a very liberating experience," Crier suggests. Masuko clears his throat to try and divert the conversation from the subject of Crier's near-nakedness. "We are prepared to leave?" he asks Franceska for confirmation.
<Franceska> "Oh? Yes. Certainly."
<El-Cideon> Shandria nods along. "That's a respectable list. I see you're making good use of your defeated foes as well, very practical," she says with a gesture to Bedford.
<Julia> "Oh yes, yesterday's enemy is today's friend," Julia says, patting Bedford's flank.
<Steph> Stephanie nods. "Anyway, there's this one gith bodyguard chick, Calpernia, who's huge on proving yourself through competition in violence," continues Stephanie. "It's her job I want! Let's see if we can bait her into making a bad gamble."
<El-Cideon> Shandria nods. "The prideful are most easily manipulated in that way," she shares. Then Masuko ushers everyone outside, and it turns out this time transport has been arranged to your destination: carriages driven by still living nightmares wait to convey the party in safety from the always inhospitable elements of Minauros. You're ferried deep into the fiends' section of the city, past numerous sprawling mansions to one that glitters like gold and outdoes for size many a royal castle back on the material plane. At the gates is a platoon of bearded devils to dissuade uninvited ne'erdowells from crashing the party. Masuko introduces himself as present in service to the temple of Hextor and the rest of the party as his underlings, and is waved through along a long path lined with bare and twisted black trees.
<Julia> Bedford keeps pace with the nightmares on their journey, looming over them and reminding them that even if they reach greater heights, death comes for all. Once they disembark Julia sidles up to Masuko to ask, "Is there somewhere I should stable Bedford or can I just keep him on hand?"
<El-Cideon> "You can keep him at hand if you like," Masuko answers as you walk along. "The creature looks impressive enough, and in its current state can hardly foul the floor." Within the cavernous foyer, a male erinyes greeter directs you down corridors to the ballroom. Everything within the mansion is gilded and pearlescent, calculated to overawe with its gaudy opulence.
* Franceska takes note of the erinyes, in case she has need to disguise herself as him later on.
<Julia> And considering the size of some devils, he can fit in here much easier than he can back home! Smiling, Julia walks with a giant skeleton horse at her heel into the mansion.
<Steph> "You know, aren't lots of devils naked anyway?" notes Stephanie, falling back to walk alongside Crier.
<El-Cideon> "Yeah, you know, modesty doesn't really translate into Infernal," Crier admits. "I don't think there's even a word for it! If there is, it's a derogatory one. But it's different being a mortal around, them right? We're expected to be clothed all the time, so when we're suddenly not it makes us look, you know, vulnerable."
<Steph> "Right. But you know, if you open the gates to the empty fort, it looks terribly well defended, right?"
<El-Cideon> "That's a new expression for it," Crier muses aloud. You approach a towering set of double doors, from the other side of which emanates music and chatter. A pair of gilded golems sculpted to resemble fearsome devils dutifully haul open the doors at your approach to reveal a huge assembly hall. Red carpet over fine marble plays host to a veritable army of devils, mostly of middling and upper station, and associated attendants of lesser or mortal rank. A constant buzz of infernal gossip sizzles the air. Perched on a grand throne far across the room, engaged in conversation with lesser fiends, is a dire apparition: the master of the house, a pit fiend. Attractive mortal servants of various races patrol the grounds with trays of wine, and hanging from the ceiling not far from the throne is a large metal cage, its contents presently shrouded from view by a curtain.
<Franceska> "Alright, I'm a bit impressed," Franceska whispers to Masuko. "Do you mind if I tag along for any of the initial introductions?"
<Steph> Stephanie looks faintly aghast at the presence of the pit fiend- though the horde of high-ranked devils is certainly enough to give anyone pause by itself. She takes a deep breath.
<Julia> "Wait... wasn't he supposed to be a cornugon?" Julia murmurs to Stephanie.
<Steph> "Maybe he got promoted."
<Julia> "Lucky him."
<Steph> Stephanie shakes her head violently for a moment. "No, we're wrong, that's not who we're here for," she mutters, before perking up and looking around for their actual quarry!
<El-Cideon> "Not at all," Masuko says, pressing his way forward through the crowd and waving away offers of drink. "The bigshot's Hranth Besel," Crier explains to the others. "He's basically in charge of the city."
<El-Cideon> OOC: perception, Steph? It's a big crowd.
<Julia> "Ohh, right," Julia nods in dawning understanding.
<Steph> roll 1d20+18
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+18 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{37}
<El-Cideon> Stephanie sees that up on the dais, speaking with the master of the house, is a devil of nearly as impressive stature dressed in robes of white and gold; he is flanked by what looks like a metal minotaur and a human woman in armor, though details are difficult to discern at such a distance. Crowded round the foot of the dais is a small crowd including an elven man in robes, a human redhead practically glittering with jewelry, and a gith woman of indeterminate species wearing a simple dress not too different in style from Stephanie's own.
<El-Cideon> Masuko slips through the crowd delayed occasionally with the need to dispense greetings and respects to infernal VIPs before ending up in a line composed mostly of greater devils waiting to pay their respects to the local overlord.
<Steph> Stephanie snaps her fingers. "There we go. She's the one," she says, before her eyes drift over to the cornugon. "And he's my boss-to-be, yup."
<Franceska> Since she likely won't have a better chance than this, Franceska does her best to follow Masuko's lead and study the various devils whose skin she could wear on a whim.
<El-Cideon> "Krae Nalus?" Shandria says in recognition. "Oh, you're shooting high after all."
<Steph> "He's the one. Got any goss on him?"
<Julia> Julia sticks close to Masuko for now, playing the dutiful attendant. "Do you think Jill's in the cornugon's retinue?" she asks Franceska, noting the woman in armour but not really being able to recognise her.
<El-Cideon> Franceska sees plenty of erinyes about, spiky bone devils doing their best to stifle their natural hostility, occasional hellcat blurs shadowing their masters, and a few more prestigious fiends at the rank of ice devil.
<El-Cideon> "Good soldiers," Shandria shares. "Strange hobbies. And lots of enemies, but that only means you're successful."
<Steph> "What sort of hobbies?" replies Stephanie, seeking out some infernal brew.
<Franceska> The ice devils are probably the top of what she can manage right now, but bone devils aren't bad. Still, erinyes have the benefit of having the closest body type to what she's used to. Decisions, decisions-- "Hmm? My first thought would be no," she admits to Julia. "But there is no harm in taking a closer look."
<El-Cideon> Stephanie obtains a glass of something that smokes while remaining ice cold. "Well, I don't have inside details," Shandria admits. "But I hear rumors about experiments of some sort? He's very interested in 'understanding mortals,' is the disreputable rumor." Shandria sounds as though she shares disdain for this pursuit which should not keep any respectable devil occupied more than a few minutes.
<Steph> "I suppose the range of mortals you encounter in Baator is actually quite low," muses Stephanie, sipping at the drink.
<El-Cideon> "It's only the very impressive ones that can live here and move about freely of their own will," Shandria agrees. Stephanie can't decide if her tongue is burning or freezing, possibly both. Probably good she has that fiendish resistance right now.
<El-Cideon> "Oh, look who it is!" a familiar voice rings out from behind, and with a muffled clatter of hooves, Valiska walks up to impose her presence upon Stephanie, Shandria and Rosemund at the back of the crowd while the rest advance slowly up the line.
<Julia> Julia is glad not to be recognised!
<Steph> "Here is another impressive one," mutters Stephanie, before turning to Valiska with a fang-bearing smile. "Ah, we meet again!"
<El-Cideon> The half-fiend centaur is wearing a flashy long dress that shows off her cleavage to gratuitous effect; her brother has opted for a sensible tuxedo. "Fancy meeting you here," Valiska says. "Why, we had no idea you were people of such importance."
<Steph> Stephanie glances at the dress in a kind of fascination; is that really comfortable to wear when you're half-horse? "It is a quirk of fate. However, due to sudden and unlucky changes in my professional situation, I decided that I ought to do as much networking as possible! Thus-" She curtseys politely. "Here I am~"
<El-Cideon> Those in line for the master's regards inch upwards, and passing them on the way down is the Krae Nalus and his two attendants. None pay immediate attention to Masuko or his group, but you are permitted a closer look at his human companion: she's middle-aged, dressed in solid, practical armor, with graying blond hair bound into a long braid and a stony, impassive look on features that might otherwise be more suited to warm expressions. From recreations and visions on the asylum at Azure, she should be recognizable, if now much more weathered.
<Julia> Julia restrains herself from exclaiming and poking Franceska, but it's a hard won thing!
<Franceska> Surprised just as much, Franceska contains her reaction to a pleased smile.
<El-Cideon> "Ah, have you come to some misfortune?" Grigori guesses. "Is there anything at all we could do to improve your professional situation?" he adds, in a voice implicit with the suggestion that any favors would expect the like in return.
<El-Cideon> Krae Nalus leaves Jill with the rest of his entourage at the foot of the dais, and then stalks off elsewhere with his metal bodyguard for infernal networking of his own. None of his other flunkies look keen to make small talk with the former paladin. Meanwhile, those with Masuko come into view of the upper steps in time to witness a gelugon properly bowing in obeisance before the menacing figure upon the throne.
<Steph> "Yes, it is all because of those jealous bi-" Stephanie coughs. "My, ah, let us not dwell on that. I would be grateful for a good word in the right spot," she muses, glancing briefly at Krae Nalus. "And, perhaps, an appropriate method by which to demonstrate my as-to-yet unwitnessed talents?"
<Franceska> Watching him bow and scrape like that makes him all the more killable in Franceska's mind. Although for now, she keeps looking for a chance where she might introduce herself to Jill without drawing too much attention.
<El-Cideon> "Gratitude is always most welcome," Grigori says suggestively. Valiska more astutely follows Stephanie's gaze. "Oh, what exactly did you have in mind?" she asks. Shandria frowns a little as the siblings sidle in on favors previously asked of her.
<El-Cideon> The line moves along, and Masuko's group find themselves face to face with one of Hell's most fearsome manifestations. The great devil appears to acknowledge his mortal visitors with only the most perfunctory disdain as Masuko carries out the expected honors. "My lord," Masuko says with a deep bow that carefully and specifically avoids direct eye contact with the infernal overlord, "the god of tyranny presents his most effusive respects for your great victory upon the plane of Acheron. The routing of abyssal rabble is as always a source of satisfaction for my brethren and our benefactor."
<Julia> "Lower your head," Julia quietly instructs Bedford before she bows as well, a little lower than Masuko.
<Franceska> As only a part of the entourage, Franceska quite likely isn't expected to speak. She lowers her head much like Julia does, and she has to admit that she feel is a certain satisfaction from having devils kill demons on other planes.
<El-Cideon> With what might be interpreted as a bored expression upon his craggy face, the devil nods curtly. Before attendants wave Masuko and his group along, the devil notes Bedford with faint approval, "A fine steed."
<Steph> "A duel, perhaps, against another mortal of appropriate stature?" reflects Stephanie. "Any mortal here would do. I would be happy for a chance to show off, but I'm not certain how best to arrange it. Afterwards, I think we will have an in!" she adds, smiling briefly at Shandria.
<Julia> "Oh yes, my lord," Julia raises her head and smiles effusively. "He took some breaking, like any horse, but now he serves admirably!" But she doesn't linger, and follows Masuko away from the throne with Bedford trotting docilely after her.
<El-Cideon> It's with almost palpable relief that you leave the greater devil's presence, as an aura of unease and foreboding seemed to saturate the very air around it. By the time you rejoin the rest of the crowd down the stairs, Stephanie is engaged in conversation with a familiar pair of infernal siblings and Crier is off on her own happily fending off an array of crude double entendres.
<El-Cideon> "Oh, that should not be difficult," Shandria puts in competitively. "You only need to manufacture some minor mishap or remark that could be perceived as slight or insult."
<Franceska> "I think I'll go and say hello," Franceska tells Masuko and Julia quietly, before peeling off to make her way towards Krae Nalus's attendants, only stopping briefly to pick up a drink so she doesn't arrive empty-handed.
<Steph> "Oh, I see! Something like... 'please don't look at me with those eyes?'" says Stephanie, looking around to see if any likely-seeming mortal candidates are in range, or if she will have to settle for Grigori.
<El-Cideon> Jill stands at a slight distance from the rest of the group, and the mutual desire for a buffer zone is spacially obvious. The other human in the group--Scarlet, with the requisite mane of crimson hair, a highly revealing dress and seemingly a whole vault's worth of jewelry upon her--takes instant notice of Franceska's crown. "That is quite a fine piece," she says by way of greeting, with a hint of avarice.
<El-Cideon> There are a number of other mortals around, but Stephanie finds no others immediately paying attention to her. Most are dutifully scurrying after infernal masters.
<Franceska> "You have a keen eye," Franceska notes, smiling proudly. "It is one of a kind."
<Julia> Julia decides to just stake out a space for herself and Bedford, since crowding Jill probably wouldn't work. Though if needed she could go and distract the other attendants to get them out of the way, she'll keep an eye on Franceska in case it becomes needed.
<El-Cideon> "Is that so?" she asks. "Wherever did you acquire it?" Calpernia looks less than impressed by such finery and the elven mage is more obviously intrigued by what's wearing the crown. Jill offers only a silent, detached appraisal.
<Steph> Unproud people like that are no good, Stephanie concludes. "It sounds like a good plan," she decides, before stumbling over her own tail and planting the contents of her glass into Grigori's face. "Whoops!"
<El-Cideon> Thoroughly disregarding the immediately preceding conversation, Grigori flushes with anger and exclaims angrily at Stephanie, "How dare you, you clumsy oaf!" for all to hear. The mishap prompts a gay laugh from his sister.
<El-Cideon> Eyes in the nearby crowd swivel toward the outburst in curiosity.
<Franceska> "You tend to find opportunity while traveling the planes," Franceska responds vaguely. "Before long, you come to view any encounter as having the potential for more of the same."
<Steph> "Do you say I dare it, or do you say I'm clumsy?" asks Stephanie, grinning arrogantly up at him. "Which do you think it was, hmm?"
<Julia> Julia suddenly finds her attention quite diverted from watching Jill and Franceska!
<El-Cideon> Scarlet smiles in understanding. Her teeth are even and perfect. "Yes, that is so, isn't it? Have you a name, you sparkling creature?"
<El-Cideon> "Damn your arrogance," Grigori splutters in vain attempt to preserve his own. "If you insist on being the provocateur, very well. You should have chosen a mark of lesser dignity!" With a gesture, a spear appears in his hand, crackling with ice.
<Franceska> "Franceska," she introduces herself. "My, and you must be Scarlet. Tales of your radiance preceded you, though I must confess. They failed to truly do you justice."
<El-Cideon> "Words are never enough, are they?" Scarlet agrees. With an air of disinterest, she has the minor tact to introduce her companions: "Oh, and these are Calpernia, Shazzred, and Jill," she names them in turn.
<Steph> "Hey, hey. Make some space, unless you want his blood on your coats." Stephanie dances a step backwards, and a pair of softly glowing knives are in her hands. "Hey, I'll stop when it's too much, okay? It would be cruel to leave Viliska an only child," she adds, twirling a little on the spot.
<El-Cideon> Valiska somehow doesn't look too bothered by this prospect, and doesn't raise any objection to the proceedings. A crowd clears a circle around the two combatants, and all nearby eyes turn upon their match!
<El-Cideon> OOC: init, Steph
<Steph> roll 1d20+11
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{13}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+10 hatebots
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+10 1,0hatebots --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{15}
* El-Cideon changes topic to 'Grigori (15) > Steph (13)'
<El-Cideon> "Oh, please," Grigori rolls his eyes. "Perhaps *I'll* consider stopping once you've shown the proper respect. Until then--" He steps back and takes three quick jabs at Stephanie with his spear.
<Franceska> The elf gets a look of disdain truly worthy of any high-ranking devil residing in this place, while Jill's is one of detached interest, but soon Franceska's attention is back on Scarlet. "A pleasure, I'm sure," she murmurs.
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+26
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+26 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{27}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+21
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+21 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{41}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+16
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{20}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d8+17+1d6 cold also -1 DEX
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d8+17+1d6 1,0cold also -1 DEX --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 1d6=2 ]4,0{20}
<El-Cideon> As the spear pierces Stephanie's flesh, it leaves behind a spur of ice to impede her movements!
<El-Cideon> OOC: Steph's up
<Steph> Stephanie licks the trailing wound it left on her arm, before she steps forward, vanishes, and-
<Steph> roll 1d20+22 dagger1
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+22 1,0dagger1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{30}
<Steph> roll 1d20+22 dagger1
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+22 1,0dagger1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{36}
<Steph> roll 1d20+17 dagger1
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0dagger1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{30}
<Steph> roll 1d20+12 dagger1
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0dagger1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{26}
<Steph> roll 1d20+22 dagger2
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+22 1,0dagger2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{25}
<Steph> roll 1d20+22 dagger2
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+22 1,0dagger2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{28}
<Steph> roll 1d20+17 dagger2
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0dagger2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{21}
<Steph> roll 1d20+12 dagger2
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0dagger2 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{32}
<Julia> Deciding for some company, Julia sidles up to Rosemund. "So are you as happy about this as I am?" she asks, watching the brawl.
<Steph> OOC: Sorry, add 1 to all those rolls if he's evil, or -1 if he's not.
<El-Cideon> OOC: is this Steph's vs flatfooted tactical thing?
<Steph> OOC: Steph's invisible, and using a technique that gives +1 attack on each hand
<Steph> OOC: So he loses dex without uncanny dodge, yeah
<Steph> roll 1d20+12 also that last one is a crit, maybe.
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+12 1,0also that last one is a crit, maybe. --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{26}
<El-Cideon> OOC: in that case, all but the 21 hit
<El-Cideon> OOC: also crit
<Steph> OOC: I can roll a lot of dice, or he can explode
<El-Cideon> OOC: roll a lot of dice~
<Steph> OOC: Does he count as an evil outsider? <_<
<El-Cideon> OOC: yes
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=4 2d6=9 2d6=8 6d6=19 ]4,0{52}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 2d6=9 2d6=6 6d6=28 ]4,0{56}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 2d6=5 2d6=8 6d6=20 ]4,0{46}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=2 2d6=4 2d6=5 6d6=20 ]4,0{43}
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Steph> roll 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 2d6=10 2d6=7 6d6=20 ]4,0{50}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 2d6=7 2d6=10 6d6=17 ]4,0{47}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+10+2d6+2d6+2+6d6 --> 6,0[ 1d4=1 2d6=11 2d6=9 6d6=20 ]4,0{53}
<El-Cideon> "I do not think it would be the decent thing to say that I am happy about this," Rosemund says, going on to admit, "but I am certain that he put something unseemly in my drink at their house, so I will not be sad either if Stephanie kills him." As Grigori quickly evaporates into a red mist, Rosemund corrects: "When Stephanie kills him."
<Julia> "That was quicker than even I expected..."
<El-Cideon> "Tsk," Valiska observes casually. "It appears I am now a sole heir. How tragic."
<Steph> When Stephanie flickers into view on the other side of the red mist, she's still licking at the wound on her arm; no doubt the only sign of blood on her. "Ow."
<El-Cideon> The icicle stuck in Stephanie momentarily explodes in a burst of icy shards--
<El-Cideon> roll 1d6 cold
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d6 1,0cold --> 6,0[ 1d6=2 ]4,0{2}
<El-Cideon> --but at least she can move freely again?
<El-Cideon> Stephanie's sterling feat of murder prompts a show of respectable applause from the surrounding onlookers!
<Steph> Looking up briefly, Stephanie quickly curtseys to the onlookers once again. She even retrieves the spear from the ground, then, and passes it to Shandria. "It's your win as much as mine, no?" she says, winking at her. "Let's go jobhunting!"
<El-Cideon> Scarlet gives the disturbance only brief acknowledgement, though Calpernia looks more interested to know what just happened. "So in whose company have you come here tonight, radiant one?" Scarlet asks.
<El-Cideon> Shandria looks at the spear appreciatively, with an experimental gesture turns it into a ring which she quickly dons, and then sticks very closely by the side of her generous benefactor.
<Franceska> "The god of tyranny was kind enough to extend me a pass," Franceska responds, likewise not paying any disturbances too much heed.
<Steph> Stephanie starts to pick her way towards Krae Nalus' group, humming a soft tune to herself along the way. That one good murder really cleared her head!
<El-Cideon> "Well, this has been an unexpectedly fruitful evening," Valiska admits to Julia as Stephanie marches off. "I'd be more than happy to put in a good word for you if you really still need help finding employers after that display."
<El-Cideon> "Is that so?" Scarlet asks. "I've always found them a rather dour sort. You show much more style than I'd expect of an associate. But I suppose they must have been useful in some way," she adds with a shrug. Calpernia looks up in interest as Stephanie and Shandria home in on the group.
<Julia> "I'm sorry, have we met?" Julia says with commendable nonchalance.
<Franceska> "Oh, I wouldn't say that," Franceska tells Scarlet mischievously, leaning in with a conspiratorial smile as if to impart some terribly valuable secret upon her. "Have you seen that woman running around in nothing but a flaming veil? I have it on good authority she has Hextor's favor as well."
<El-Cideon> Valiska looks nonplussed and a little annoyed at the rebuff, but this doesn't deter her from picking through Grigori's remains for valuables; from somewhere she produces an arrow to prod through the mess to avoid getting her hands dirty.
<Steph> "She's the one. Why don't you handle introductions?" suggests Stephanie, nudging Shandria.
<El-Cideon> "If you've the body for such attire, I see no harm in flaunting it," Scarlet says approvingly. "Ah, but perhaps she is a temple concubine or some such thing," she concludes reasonably.
<Franceska> "It's true, isn't it? But that just means there are all sorts mixed in with the dour and serious crowd."
<Julia> "Anything you want to do?" Julia asks Rosemund, feeling a little bored after the excitement of that fight. She briefly considers picking one herself, but her heart's just not in it.
<El-Cideon> Shandria looks at Calpernia, noting her obvious intrigue at the recent bout of violence. "You missed *quite* the striking act of murder just a moment ago, dear," she confirms for the gith's benefit. "Over in a flash. You should've been there!" She gives Stephanie an approving nod to indicate the responsible party.
<El-Cideon> "Go home, and maybe get drunk," Rosemund admits quietly. "Ah, I suppose we could find Crier. She was gathering all sorts of unwholesome looks from the crowd. I would not be comfortable if I was her!"
<Julia> "Shouldn't be hard to find," Julia says, glancing around for the nearly nude human.
<Steph> "He was looking at me the wrong way, and when I let him know-" Stephanie gives a tiny shrug. "Some people! They just leave you no choice!"
* Franceska gives Stephanie a disgusted look.
<El-Cideon> "For all that men might prattle about their ideals and standards, aren't they all beholden to the same fundamental desires in the end?" Scarlet agrees with Franceska. "You seem a sensible woman, if I may say so."
<El-Cideon> OOC: anyone interacting with Krae's gang can feel free to roll sense motive here
<Franceska> roll 1d20+15
<Rei-chan> 6,0Franceska rolled :6,0 1d20+15 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{20}
<Franceska> "I certainly like to think so," Franceska readily agrees.
<Steph> roll 1d20+14
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{17}
<El-Cideon> Jill looks sharply in Stephanie's direction the moment the tiefling speaks, and though she's plainly trying to suppress her reaction, both Stephanie and Franceska should be able to tell that Jill recognizes Stephanie's voice.
<El-Cideon> "Good girl," Calpernia says with surprising sensuality for someone so outwardly hard and humorless. "I've always thought there's something to be said for making the proper first impression. I should hardly expect anyone else here would dare take advantage of you now."
<Steph> "Damn straight. Well-" Stephanie flicks at her tail. "It really was over quickly, though. I don't think more than a couple dozen hardly noticed!"
<El-Cideon> Julia finds Crier conversing with a handmsome male erinyes she's picked out for attention from a crowd of lesser devils that hover around her with obvious carnal interest, though as their talk goes on more and more of the gang's mood seems to be subtly shifting toward jealousy of the one she's picked out for interest.
<El-Cideon> "You should announce yourself more clearly next time, then," Calpernia says. "I should've liked to have seen it, myself." Jill looks very closely at Stephanie, obviously recognizing her own former possession upon the tiefling but remaining a silent observer for now.
<Julia> "I think she's having fun and probably doesn't want to be interrupted," Julia admits as she spots Crier working her wiles.
<El-Cideon> "So what does this sensible woman do for her profession?" Scarlet asks Franceska.
<El-Cideon> "I do not see what part of that could be fun, but it does appear that you are correct," Rosemund grudgingly admits.
<Steph> Stephanie smiles. "You seem like a strong sort; I'd rather show the result of my tricks to you than the tricks themselves," she replies, extending a hand. "Stephanie."
<El-Cideon> "That sounds half a proposition," Calpernia says approvingly with inclined chin. Her grip is firm and strong.
<Franceska> "As might not perhaps be all that surprising, I deal with matters of law," Franceska responds. "It truly is another way of saying conflict resolution, and I tend to resolve it to the satisfaction of my clients." She places her hand over her chest, adding, "Ah, but I have a few hidden talents as well, for those savvy enough to take a closer look."
<El-Cideon> Scarlet examines Franceska with interest but doesn't seem obviously to grasp any hidden meaning here. "Well, we should all have our hobbies and our secrets," she agrees happily. "There's nothing more dangerous to an adversary than what he doesn't know about you, after all," she beams.
<Steph> "Care to provide the other half?" replies Stephanie. She returns the grip, though she is much more nimble than she is strong.
<El-Cideon> Calpernia stands straight with arms crossed over her midsection and appraises Stephanie seriously. "Perhaps so. What terms do you propose?"
<Franceska> "Some say they are the spice of life," Franceska happily agrees. "By the way you are asking, Scarlet, could it be that you might find yourself in need of the services of a sensible person with my skillset?"
<El-Cideon> "Our lord maintains an interest in unique and promising mortals," Scarlet allows. "Should I take it you're seeking professional entry to the household?"
<Franceska> "The thought has crossed my mind, that such an arrangement might be mutually beneficial."
<El-Cideon> Crier eventually rewards her would-be suitor with a chaste kiss, then turns away with suggestive promises of some later rendesvous. In her wake, as if motivated by some herd instinct, the crowd of other lesser devils closes in around the erinyes. The alert could hear weapons being unsheathed. "Are we having fun?" Crier cheerily asks Julia and Rosemund.
<El-Cideon> "I could speak to him," Scarlet says. "Baator's work has always found good utility in talented agents of the law."
<Julia> "There was some fun when Stephanie killed that annoying half-devil, but it's been a bit dry since then," Julia admits, peering over at the herd of devils. "I don't think you'll see your new friend again."
<Steph> "As you can see, when it comes to elegantly disposing of the trash, I'm not bad. But, regrettably, I've come to conclude that being alone is a slow death, so I'm looking out for stable employment. A yearly retainer, a place to live, and the protection of a strong household, both magical and by reputation... that's the kind of arrangement I'm looking to score."
<El-Cideon> Crier simply shrugs. "Whoops," she says, in an offhand manner.
* Franceska smiles at Scarlet, saying, "I would find myself quite grateful to my illustrious benefactor."
<El-Cideon> "Our lord has two places for mortal blades," Calpernia says. "In legions on the front line of the war, or more prestigiously in his personal service. I should know of which caliber you are before presenting him with any such introduction. Shall we limit ourselves t one exchange of blows for demonstration's sake?" she suggests.
<El-Cideon> "Gratitude is a currency I appreciate," Scarlet concludes. "I shall have to speak to him when he rejoins uys."
<Franceska> Things seem to be going well, and so Franceska just keeps smiling at Scarlet while paying the occasional attention to Jill when she thinks she can get away with it.
<Steph> "Interesting." Stephanie flexes her palms. "I accept. You do not know how I fight, nor I you, so adding additional terms is not necessary."
<El-Cideon> "Of course," Calpernia admits. "Comprehending an opponent is part of the excitement of the enterprise," she adds with a tight smile. After wrangling the rest of the group out of the way to arrange a small circle of space for the two to spar in, she adopts a fighting pose, emptyhanded. "Have at you, then!"
<El-Cideon> OOC: init
<Steph> roll 1d20+11
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{22}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+9
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{26}
* El-Cideon changes topic to 'Calpernia (26) > Steph (22)'
<El-Cideon> Without further preamble, Calpernia immediately steps forward and launches a barrage of kicks and punches at Stephanie!
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+16
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+16
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+16
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{34}
<El-Cideon> roll 1d20+11
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{33}
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{24}
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{16}
<Steph> OOC: The first two hit.
<El-Cideon> roll 2d8+5
<El-Cideon> roll 2d8+5
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 2d8+5 --> 6,0[ 2d8=9 ]4,0{14}
<Rei-chan> 6,0El-Cideon rolled :6,0 2d8+5 --> 6,0[ 2d8=7 ]4,0{12}
<El-Cideon> OOC: also roll fort
<Steph> roll 1d20+17 I'm immune to stunning
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+17 1,0I'm immune to stunning --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{28}
<El-Cideon> OOC: irrelevant, then!
<El-Cideon> A blow that would stagger a normal person merely impacts painfully upon Stephanie's elemental physique!
<El-Cideon> OOC: Steph's up
<Steph> Stephanie fights back in kind, utilizing empty-handed blows that rain upon her opponent's chest and head!
<Steph> roll 1d20+19
<Steph> roll 1d20+19
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+19 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{28}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+19 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{34}
<Steph> roll 1d20+14
<Steph> roll 1d20+14
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{28}
<Steph> roll 1d20+9
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{18}
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{23}
<Steph> roll 1d20+9
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{26}
<El-Cideon> OOC: 34 hits
<Steph> roll 1d4+8
<Rei-chan> 6,0Steph rolled :6,0 1d4+8 --> 6,0[ 1d4=2 ]4,0{10}
<El-Cideon> Calpernia takes one blow to the midsection, and with a grunt steps back to conclude the match. "Resilient and persistent, but not accurate," Calpernia assesses clinically. "Your style suggests that you normally favor blades?" she infers.
<Steph> "You're certainly adept to infer that. I utilize a number of mystical tricks as well, but- if it's my raw ability you want to assess, then it has to be unarmed combat." Stephanie brushes of the wound, even as the bruises begin to rapidly fade. "But if that is insufficient for your requirements, shall I go all out next time?"
<El-Cideon> "I can assure you from experience that she is an extremely adept killer with weapons in hand," Shandria promises. This seems enough to sway Calpernia's mood. "You could be of some use," the gith admits. After a glance at Scarlet that seems to terminate in mutual agreement, she adds, "We can speak to our lord about arranging invitations for a proper application." Scarlet addes to both Franceska and Stephanie, "I believe we can make him interested enough for a personal interview."
<Steph> Hurray. "Wonderful!"
<Franceska> "Yes, quite so," Franceska agrees, quietly checking how Jill is taking this.
<El-Cideon> To judge by Jill's expression, this is a routine sort of conversation, but she does have the look of one trying concertedly not to visibly suggest anything at all.
<El-Cideon> "Where should we send for you when matters are arranged?" Scarlet asks.
<Franceska> Hasn't she been in Baator for over a decade? That's actually kind of sad, Franceska muses before Scarlet's question draws her drifting attention back. "I've been lucky enough to make living arrangements with the local temple of Hextor," Franceska tells Scarlet. "I believe it would be a simple matter to call upon me?"
<El-Cideon> "No doubt," Scarlet confirms with a gleaming smile. "And I believe I can guarantee you'll find your new quarters much more sumptuous if our lord decides to take you on staff." Calpernia concludes: "I'll speak to him at length upon our return home. I believe we should have an answer for you before long. He is ever so interested in unique individuals."
<El-Cideon> ~