Teresa's Logs: Zweihander

[Ebiris]

[19:55] <Ebiris> Early morning in Dharport, the air hangs cold and damp while the ground remains slick from the rains of last night. But despite all that, the city teems with life. A bustle of people from all stripes and numerous races come and go down wide cobbled streets, going here and there on whatever business they have, while others set up their stalls to hawk goods to the populace.
[19:55] <Ebiris> Yet more simply find a busy spot to proselytize, sing, or otherwise entertain, whether for the reward of a few coppers or the satisfaction of spreading the good word. Finding her bed-partner of the night before at the same tavern she left him at earlier, Teresa sees that Lantis has done a servicable job of cleaning up, wearing a different set of silk clothes from what he wore last night - clean, mercifully.
[19:55] <Ebiris> He looks a bit haggard and tired, but still keeps a rather self-satisfied smile on his face, one that brightens further when Teresa returns to meet him. "My sweet Teresa," he bows courteously to her, "Though we were apart scant hours, each minute felt like a weight upon my heart. It gives me immense pleasure to lay eyes upon your beauty once more."
[19:58] * Teresa kisses him on the cheek as he raises his head from the bow. "I'm touched. And quite flattered, I must say."
[20:02] <Ebiris> "You flatter me merely with your radiant presence, if my words can hope to have the same effect on you, so much the better," he returns, linking his arm with the succubus' as he starts to lead her out of the tavern. "Now, you mentioned earlier - and you'll forgive me if my memory is hazy, for you did offer a most copious distraction at the time," he grins briefly, "That you wished for me to escort you around this fair city?"
[20:05] <Teresa> "I did," Teresa agrees. "I came into town when it was already dark, not to mention raining terribly. I suppose that if I were to look for employment, I should be able to find something easily enough, but I like to acquaint myself with the places I intend to stay at for a while." She smiles at him. "And the company matters quite a bit while exploring, wouldn't you agree?"
[20:11] <Ebiris> "And I shall endeavour to live up to your expectations!" he swears. "Though I am merely passing through, I always make it a point to familiarise myself deeply with my surroundings - one never knows when it might be useful, whether in dodging the blades of maddened assassins, or rendering service to a lady who has inflammed my passions. And none has ever inflammed them quite as much as you have, lovely Teresa, I assure you."
[20:11] <Ebiris> Indeed, perhaps swept away by his own words, Lantis turns into the demonic blackguard, pressing her against one of the pillars holding up the Blue Boar's balcony, his hot breath tickling her ear while he makes his lovestruck declaration, before he cups her cheek and tilts her lips up to meet his own in a very ardent public display of affection.
[20:15] * Teresa returns the kiss eagerly, before pulling away just enough to place a finger across his lips. "Ah, but the sooner I've familiarized myself with my surroundings, the sooner I'll be free of any pressing obligations," she whispers to Lantis.
[20:18] <Ebiris> "Of course," he whispers heatedly, pulling back with clear reluctance. "Forgive this humble bard for his impertinence... I merely allowed myself to be swept away in the moment." Still holding Teresa rather close, he starts walking once more down the wide, tree studded street. "Now, is there aught in particular my love would like to familiarise herself with, first?"
[20:20] <Teresa> "The law, as it so happens," she tells him thoughtfully. "In my line of work, it's always nice to know the situation on that end. Then, the notable powers; I don't have much passion for politics, so avoiding it altogether would be a good first step as I settle down for the time being." She glances at him. "Would it be enough for a start, Lantis?"
[20:24] <Ebiris> "We do think alike, my sweet," the elf smiles at Teresa's words. "Such entanglements with laws and politics can prove to be a dreadful bore. Yet they have a way of creeping up on you no matter where you are. Come, let us go to the Lawmarket - or as the stuffy bureaucrats call it, the Government District, so that in future you will know to avoid it."
[20:27] <Teresa> "Quite sensible," Teresa agrees. "Would I need a license of some kind to work in any official capacity in Dharport? I know some places can be quite uptight about regulating every aspect of life."
[20:30] <Ebiris> "It depends what one means by 'official capacity'," Lantis replies, easily leading Teresa through the throngs of people passing this way and that without so much as a bump. Seems like you're heading for the Southwest of the city, based on the Sun's position. "Based on the fantastically large blade you carry, I would presume you are not looking for work as a court scribe, hmm?"
[20:32] * Teresa takes note of the route and her relative location to the tavern, of course. "I'm thinking... bodyguard. For one of the nicer nobles, perhaps? It's been a while since I did that, and it would allow me to easily make money while staying here for the near future."
[20:36] <Ebiris> "There's no need for any license for that, I believe - and even if there were, any noble employer could surely furnish you with one," Lantis replies after a moment's thought. "Sounds dreadfully dull, though."
[20:39] <Teresa> "I can find other ways to entertain myself," Teresa muses with a smile. "Of course, a more interesting job offer could well be around the corner."
[20:44] <Ebiris> "I hope so - such pedestrian employment seems a poor fit for you, my dear," your paramour agrees as you're led up a winding slope towards a cluster of the gleamingly clean tall buildings in a baroque style, parts of them seeming to sparkle in the morning sun with gold ornamentation. The people you're passing here seem both well dressed and well fed, frequently adorned with expensive looking jewellery.
[20:44] <Ebiris> There's also a noticable increase in armed and armoured guards visible, a lot of which eye the duo as they pass.
[20:45] * Teresa eyes them back, but doesn't linger on unless she spots someone practically glowing with goodness.
[20:50] <Ebiris> A few people here and there radiate faint righteousness to Teresa's fell senses, none of them generally looking out of place with their surroundings. As you finally crest the hill, you find yourself on a large square plaza surrounded by the elaborate buildings of high office. There's a lot of pigeons here, it has to be said.
[20:50] <Ebiris> "Here we are," Lantis sweeps his free arm to encompass the view, "Where laws are bought and sold, for the betterment of the merchant princes who rule this city by right of coin." He doesn't sound overly impressed.
[20:51] * Teresa doesn't look all that impressed herself. "What happens if one of those princes attempts to buy too much in a short period of time?" she wonders curiously.
[20:53] <Ebiris> The elf emits an amused chuckle while tracing his fingers around Teresa's midriff. "Too much? I'll wager those are two words never uttered together by these people."
[20:55] <Teresa> "Interesting. So whenever one buys favorable conditions for himself, the others are not far behind to outbid him, I take it? Where does all this money go?"
[21:02] <Ebiris> "It circulates," Lantis leans in, his face right next to Teresa's as he points out a boyish looking half-elf bedecked in rich blue finery. "Lets say Lord Bluerobe there wants to get... I don't know, lets say a reduction of the duty on blue silk. He'll bribe Lord Baldhead over there," he now points out a angry looking and human with a shiny head striding out of one of the nearby buildings, "To support the motion."
[21:02] <Ebiris> "Flush with his newfound wealth, Lord Baldhead decides to show off by purchasing a fancy title for his Mistress, so he bribes Chancellor Bignose over there," he now points to a beak-faced man that's just walking over to greet the earlier seen half-elf, "To create some new gentrified title to bestow. Chancellor Bignose is thrilled, since he needs the money to pay off his debts to Lord Bluerobe after his last business venture sunk."
[21:02] <Ebiris> "And so the circle of life is complete," the elf nods in apparent satisfaction with his summary.
[21:05] * Teresa laughs in true amusement. "I'm glad we came here, if only for this explanation on the workings of government," she confides in Lantis. "And I suppose that if the city wants to get something actually done, it happens elsewhere? At the garrison, or subcontracted to some temple?"
[21:09] <Ebiris> "Oh, no, the government is perfectly capable of doing whatever it wants, it just tends to require a liberal application of gold to speed things along," Lantis shakes his head, smiling at Teresa's mirth.
[21:09] <Ebiris> "Most of the rulers here worship only coin, and so have little time for the churches that cater to the commoners. And as for the garrison, who do you think pays for all the excellently crafted weapons and armour you see ornamenting Dharport's finest?"
[21:10] <Teresa> "One of the lords, when they find themselves with an influx of funds and no mistress?"
[21:13] <Ebiris> Now it's Lantis' turn to laugh. "After a fashion, my sweet. But in the case of paying the soldiery, it all happens in the open, unlike the clandestine bribes and favours that go into deciding what to legislate."
[21:13] <Teresa> "I should hope so." Teresa looks around, studying the area. "Well, I believe I've seen enough of this place. What's next?"
[21:19] <Ebiris> "Perhaps the bazaar?" Lantis suggests after a moment's consideration.
[21:19] <Ebiris> "Always something to see or buy there - I myself often spend my days there, regaling others with song so that I may afford a meal and roof over my head come sundown. Though, of course, escorting you takes precedence over such mundane concerns, so you need not worry about me abandoning you," he reassures, his fingers tracing around Teresa's back as he links arms with her once more.
[21:21] * Teresa allows herself to be lead to the bazaar, leaning into his touch. "How long have you spent in the Dharport?"
[21:25] <Ebiris> "Just under three weeks," he replies as you cross the plaza and start heading down another slope, now East towards the sea. "I passed through it once before, about fifty years ago. It's a wonder how much it's changed in such a time..."
[21:26] <Teresa> "For the better?" she asks curiously, admiring the sights along her way.
[21:33] <Ebiris> "I'd say so," he smiles. "It was so quiet, before, barely worth stopping for a few nights. Now there's so much more of a buzz in the city - so many fascinating people to meet, as well," he briefly squeezes Teresa's hand at that.
[21:33] <Ebiris> Walking along you can see a few signboards for services on either side of the street, mostly scribes, accountants, advocates, even a cartographer. Down at the bottom of this slope, you can see some sort of blackstone obelisk mounted on a large square plinth with writing engraved all over its sides, several further streets branching off around it.
[21:34] * Teresa nods at the obelisk she sees ahead, before glancing at Lantis. "Was that here fifty years ago, or is it another of those changes for the better in the city?"
[21:40] <Ebiris> "It's new - a monument to a great victory of the surface races against my people's shameful cousins that dwell beneath our very feet," Lantis nods. "That black rock itself was taken from a despoiled temple of Lolth as a trophy to mark the victory... Have you not heard of the siege of Ust Lilna?""
[21:44] <Teresa> "I'm ashamed to admit that my education focused more on the martial. And, as I'm sure you've discovered by now, I try to stay away from conflicts from the start rather than involving myself. In cases such as this, it's an unfortunate drawback."
[21:47] <Ebiris> "No matter," Lantis gives Teresa an affectionate pat on the small of her back, "For a fresh audience is the best kind. If you will permit me, I would be glad to tell you the tale." As you approach closer, Teresa can note that the jet black rock is actually glowing - it's very faint compared to the morning sun, but there's a faint spectral luminescence it gives off in shifting hues of green and purple.
[21:48] <Teresa> "Was that--" She glances at Lantis and back at the obelisk. "Did it just seem to... glow? Or was it a trick of the light?" she asks, sounding puzzled.
[21:51] <Ebiris> "Ah..." for a moment, the normally verbose elf seems caught off guard. "I have heard the stories say that it gives off light only visible to the eyes of those who dwell out of sight of the sun..." he trails off, giving Teresa a speculative look.
[21:57] <Teresa> "The sun likes me just fine," Teresa returns, raising her eyes skywards while she smiles. She returns them to Lantis soon enough. "Strange." She shakes her head. "In any case, you were about to tell me the tale of how a temple of Lolth was sacked?"

[Ebiris]

[19:09] <Ebiris> After hearing a thrilling tale of how the massed forces of Dharport penetrated the very heart of the Underdark and invaded the Drow city in a display of heroism never seen since, followed by an exceptionally brutal (though no worse than they deserved) sacking of Ust Lilna before they were forced to retreat in the face of a Drow counterattack, Lantis finishes giving Teresa an entertaining tour of the city.
[19:09] <Ebiris> As to her questions regarding cosying up with the nobles as a hired sword, the elf waves off such concerns with a blithe affirmation that he doesn't concern himself with such pedestrian affairs, leaving the succubus to make her own enquiries. She doesn't find out much regarding bodyguard vacancies directly, but a friendly guard does tell her of a minor panic at the Torbes estate today that he heard of on the grapevine.
[19:09] <Ebiris> From the sounds of it, he surmises, they might be looking for some additional security in the near future.
[19:11] * Teresa decides it's as good a lead as any. First, however, she must find out where such an estate is, and then whatever's known about the family and any affiliation it might have with the resident churches.
[19:11] <Ebiris> OOC: gather info #2
[19:12] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22." [1d20=11]
[19:14] <Ebiris> The estate is found easily enough - it's not too far from Kitami's, actually. Earl Laurence Torbes is apparently a follower of St Cuthbert, but not particularly pious - he attends temple services now and then and makes the odd donation, but isn't really wrapped up tightly with the church. His wife, Rika Torbes follows his lead from all indications.
[19:16] <Ebiris> They only recently got married - Rika is far younger and the whole thing seems slightly scandalous to most. No children have been borne, yet.
[19:17] <Teresa> Sounds like quite an entertaining place! Teresa makes her way over to the estate in her human guise, eager to meet with Earl Torbes.
[19:20] <Ebiris> At the gate Teresa finds herself confronted by a human man dressed in a shiny breastplate and carrying a halberd. Up the path through the expansive garden she can see a similarly equipped man at the front door. "Afternoon, Miss," he courteously nods to the blackguard from his sheltered little guard post as she approaches..
[19:24] <Teresa> "Hello there," Teresa greets him pleasantly. "I've heard that there might be an opening here for someone of my skills, and so I've come to inquire about a job. Whom should I talk to about this?"
[19:27] <Ebiris> He raises an eyebrow, gaze travelling towards the greatsword on Teresa's back. "Just so we're all clear, what kind of skills are you talking about?" he asks, tone becoming a bit more professional.
[19:30] <Teresa> "I can handle myself in quite a few situations," she tells him with a smile, "but my interests lie in protecting and serving, as it so happens. If I could get a stay in job doing that, it would please me quite a bit."
[19:32] <Ebiris> "Hmph, you've come at an appropriate time for that sort of thing, I suppose. Wait here?" he asks, going to open the gate.
[19:33] <Teresa> "Of course," Teresa responds, waiting at the requested place.
[19:37] <Ebiris> He walks up the path and briefly talks to the guard at the front door, who then goes inside the stately manor. A few moments later said guard comes out, they converse a bit more, and the gate guard finally returns. "Just head on inside, the butler will show you to the Earl," he tells her.
[19:38] <Teresa> "My thanks," Teresa tells him, her smile becoming warmer as she passes him on her way indoors.
[19:41] <Ebiris> Once inside the mansion - it's a lot bigger than Kitami's one can't help but notice, Teresa is met by a portly little halfling in a richly tailored black servant's uniform. "Good afternoon, ma'am," he greets her with an oddly deep, sonorous voice, seeming to size her up with his eyes. "I understand you're looking for employment as a guard at this estate?"
[19:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13." [1d20=1]
[19:45] <Teresa> "A personal bodyguard would suit both myself and the master of the estate far better, I believe," Teresa responds to him. "If my claims of qualifying for the position rather well are not enough, I'm certain there would be a way for me to... prove myself and my skills to the Earl?"
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Perhaps, perhaps," he nods. "If you'll follow me, then?" At that, he leads Teresa through the expansive mansion and into a room with walls covered in severed heads of various preserved creatures - some merely animals or wild beasts, others most definitely sentient, though perhaps much maligned. No demons, at least. There's also a guard just outside the room, who nods to you both as you enter.
[19:52] <Ebiris> By the fireplace stands a large, almost egg-shaped, man with long curly brown hair dressed in a blue silk jacket and rather tight white pants. "You want to work as a guard here, girl?" he asks without pre-amble, scrutinising the succubus. "Well, we'll start with introductions. You have the pleasure of addressing Laurence Wilmwheet Torbes, Earl of Mercaton. Who might you be?" he asks brusquely.
[19:57] <Teresa> "Teresa, my lord," she says, approaching a few steps before bowing deeply to the earl. "It would be my supreme pleasure to serve you directly, protecting you and yours from any harm, executing your orders professionally and with the utmost obedience."
[20:02] <Ebiris> "Hmm. You talk well enough," the Earl nods approvingly. "But how are your skills, I wonder? You say you're a warrior?"
[20:05] * Teresa takes a step back, slowly withdrawing her sword and holding it out parallel to the ground. "This blade is not for show, my lord. Is there a way you would have me prove my credentials?"
[20:09] <Ebiris> "Oh, why not. Should be a good show, either way," Earl Torbes grins briefly, before his expression twists into one of displeasure. "Something to keep me occupied while the Watch runs around uselessly, anyway," he grunts. "Lets step outside, shall we?"
[20:10] * Teresa does not comment on this Watch business, filing it away for later. "As you wish, my lord," she agrees, inclining her head.
[20:18] <Ebiris> With the short butler leading the way, and the halberd wielding guard following, all four make their way outside through a side door. "Now, what do you think, Balno?" the Earl asks his butler. "A lion, perhaps? Or mayhap a wolf?"
[20:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 20." [1d20=5]
[20:24] <Ebiris> "She seems confident. I think a lion will do," the halfling nods.
[20:24] <Ebiris> "Good show!" Earl Torbes replies brightly. "Why don't you stand over there, my dear," he gestures to an empty space of lawn ahead, "And we'll get things started. Don't worry about holding back, it'll just be a summoned monster, so no harm done. Though it might be less kind to you, I'd wager!" he laughs.
[20:27] <Teresa> "Then I will end this swiftly, my lord," Teresa promises with another of her smiles, this one directed to her potential employer. She makes her way to the indicated space, shifting her grip on her greatsword into a more comfortable one, and readies herself for the appearance of this summoned beast.
[20:33] <Ebiris> "Right ho, then!" the spherical noble nods, gesturing forward before a creature suddenly manifests itself twenty feet away from the blackguard! It's a lion, a proudly maned snarling king of the jungle - this one seems almost alight with divine luminescence, its mane sparkling brightly despite the drab afternoon! It roars at Teresa, baring a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth, canines as big as her thumb!
[20:33] <Ebiris> OOC: init
[20:33] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3 sure!
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+3 sure! and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[20:33] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 get in the car
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 get in the car and gets 14." [1d20=11]
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
[20:34] <Ebiris> Not wasting any time, the lion charges forward, springing off the ground to clear the last ten feet through the air and hurl itself bodily at the demon, claws and teeth ready for the kill!
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+8
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8." [1d20=4]
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26." [1d20=17]
[20:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+9
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21." [1d20=12]
[20:36] <Ebiris> OOC: AC?
[20:36] <Teresa> OOC: 28
[20:37] <Teresa> OOC: 25 flat footed
[20:37] <Ebiris> OOC: you're both prepped, so not flat footed
[20:38] <Ebiris> The lion finds its frenzied assault is easily battered away by Teresa's skillful parries, and those claws that do get through can't find purchase through her armour - the one does manage to slash down her thigh and tear up her leather skirt, it can't really penetrate her toughened tanar'ri skin!
[20:39] <Ebiris> OOC: your turn
[20:41] <Teresa> "Disappear from before my eyes," Teresa bids it, gathering her energy in the tip of her blade before she lashes out with the claymore, a straight stab into the lion's gut followed by an upwards slash at its chest, and a final strike aiming to sever the summoned animal's head from its shoulders!
[20:42] <Teresa> roll 1d20+14
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+14 and gets 16." [1d20=2]
[20:42] <Teresa> roll 1d20+9
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+9 and gets 13." [1d20=4]
[20:42] <Teresa> roll 1d20+4 hah
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+4 hah and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[20:42] <Ebiris> OOC: 2 hits. Is your sword magic?
[20:42] <Teresa> OOC: A glorious +1
[20:43] <Ebiris> OOC: then you beat its DR. Go nuts.
[20:43] <Teresa> roll 4d6+8+22
[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 4d6+8+22 and gets 44." [4d6=6, 1, 6, 1]
[20:45] <Ebiris> Teresa finds the lion discorporating before her very eyes as she rips her sword through its chest, the decapitation an unnecessary gesture. "You're hired!" the earl blurts out before it's even vanished, while the other two observers look on with obvious respect.
[20:47] <Teresa> "I'm honored and delighted, milord," Teresa tells him, flicking her sword at the grass before resheathing it.
[20:50] <Ebiris> "Good, good," Earl Torbes rubs his hands together. "Why don't we step inside again and we can discuss your retainer? Balno, have quarters prepared for the new addition to our staff, will you?"
[20:51] <Ebiris> "By your leave, Sir," the halfling bows and heads off towards another part of the mansion as the Earl leads Teresa back to the trophy room.
[20:53] <Teresa> "Certainly," Teresa agrees, smiling once more as she is lead back indoors. "Are there any special duties that my job would include beyond the protection of your lordship and any immediate family?"
[20:58] <Ebiris> "I might, actually," the Earl nods as he sits down on a reinforced armchair by the fireplace. "You see, my wife went missing last night - no one's seen hide nor hair of her. I've hired a wizard to try and locate her, but he won't have the blasted spells ready till tomorrow. If, as I fear, she's been abducted, your skills could be vital in rescuing her."
[21:00] <Teresa> "I see," Teresa says, the smile giving way to a light frown. "Is her abductor known to you, my lord?"
[21:01] <Ebiris> "If they were I wouldn't need the damn overpriced wizard!" he replies in exasparation, his wide face becoming ruddy with indignation. "It's like she just vanished - nobody here at the mansion's seen her since yesterday evening, and no one saw her leave."
[21:03] <Teresa> "My blade is yours, Earl Torbes," Teresa tells him solemnly. "Direct it as you will."
[21:06] <Ebiris> "Good, good," he pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and pats his perspiring forehead, seeming to calm down. "That's the sort of attitude I like from my staff. Now, as to compensation, in addition to room and board, I can offer you fifty gold pieces a week - from what I've seen of your skill, you're more than worth it."
[21:08] * Teresa inclines her head in silent agreement, waiting for him to continue.
[21:14] <Ebiris> "I don't doubt your weapon and armour are sufficient already, so there's no need to replace those, but I'll have Balno send for a seamstress so we can get you a proper uniform. I rather like your idea of staying close on hand as a personal bodyguard - most would just think a woman such as yourself to be a vain decoration, which will make your lethality all the more telling when called upon to defend me," he continues.
[21:14] <Ebiris> "No telling if whomever took my wife might take a shot at me too, after all."
[21:16] <Teresa> "If those villains who dared steal away your wife underestimate this sword," Teresa says, glancing over her shoulder at the hilt of her claymore, "then it shall be the last thing they'll do in their wretched life, milord. Is this what you wish of me, then? To stand by until such a uniform is made ready?"
[21:20] <Ebiris> "Yes," he nods. "I'll have one of the servants show you around - you won't need to shadow me inside my own home, just when I'm having visitors or when I go out and about," he chuckles softly to himself, as if amused by some hidden joke. "Any more questions?"
[21:22] <Teresa> "Both the situation and the job are quite clear, milord," Teresa tells him, shaking her head lightly. "I will await the moment that you call upon me."
[21:23] <Ebiris> OOC: any immediate plans, now?
[21:24] <Teresa> OOC: DT a servant unless it'd be best to skip ahead to plot
[21:25] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 DC?
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 DC? and gets 16." [1d20=13]
[21:25] <Ebiris> OOC: moot
[21:26] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check while we're at it
[21:27] <Teresa> OOC: I'd totally take 10 for 30 if I can
[21:27] <Ebiris> OOC: why not
[21:33] <Ebiris> The servant giving Teresa the tour is named Mallory, a talkative and matronly older woman with her dark red hair pulled back in a severe bun. Her thoughts are simple enough to read, focused on her job, she thinks Teresa's a sweet looking young girl who could stand to eat a bit more in her opinion, and she hopes she'll enjoy working here. Nothing earth-shattering at all, really.
[21:33] <Ebiris> It's in one of the many sitting rooms that Teresa happens to spot a painting given pride of place on the wall opposite the door. It shows her new employer dressed in silk finery much as she just saw him wearing, and seated next to an slender young redhead in a voluminous white gown. Teresa happens to recognise the woman in the painting, as she was one of the first people she saw upon arriving on the Prime.
[21:33] <Ebiris> Notably, she can clearly remember hacking her sword into said woman's neck and killing her.
[21:36] * Teresa is quite amused by the irony, though she takes care not to show any outwards signs of it. Still, she realizes as her amusement fades somewhat, the next day a wizard would have a spell of divination of some sort, ready to track down that cold corpse of a wife.
[21:36] <Teresa> As soon as it's nightfall, she really should make an effort to inform the others about this, and dispose of the woman's remains, if Inuga hadn't done so already.
[21:37] * Teresa does try and steer conversation towards the earl's other employees and guests in an attempt to see if she can find out who this mage is, or assess the abilities of the other occupants of the manor.
[21:44] <Ebiris> From both conversation and mindreading, Teresa gets some information. Mallory thinks the Earl is a bit of a buffoon, and can't really see him as the cut-throat businessman he likes to portray himself as. Nonetheless she loves him dearly, because he's amusing and rather harmless, and she considers herself lucky to work for him.
[21:44] <Ebiris> From her thoughts and words, none of the other staff are anything special - she describes them all nicely enough, but nothing really stands out as attention-getting. The guards seem mostly here for a free ride considering she's never seen them raise their weapons in anger - though that dreadful business with Lady Torbes might change that.
[21:44] <Ebiris> She doesn't much like Lady Torbes. Think she's a gold-digger and she's probably just run off after bilking the Earl for what she could. Good riddance. Said thoughts for once don't come close to her glowing and appreciative description of the woman.
[21:48] * Teresa makes sure to nod at all the right places, not giving a sign that she finds Mallory's words anything but the truth, even as a puzzled expression comes onto her face. "Earl Torbes is a powerful mage in his own right, isn't he?" she asks the woman. "I didn't think of it until now, but he mentioned hiring a wizard recently, unless I was mistaken. Doesn't this sound a bit strange?"
[21:49] <Ebiris> She blinks in surprise, stopping to regard Teresa. "Child, wherever did you get such a fool idea?" she asks. Inwardly she's indeed thinking Teresa must be very foolish indeed, the Earl doesn't know a single cantrip.
[21:52] <Teresa> "Why, all those trophies of dangerous animals and wild beasts," Teresa responds, sounding a bit embarrassed and flushing lightly accordingly. "You mean the Earl hunted them all with steel, and not magic?"
[21:53] <Ebiris> Mallory laughs and slaps her thigh. "He hunted them with gold is more like it!" She can at least understand why Teresa assumes he would have used magic if he did fight monsters, the image of Earl Torbes in armour and swinging a sword is priceless.
[21:56] <Teresa> "Right, of course," Teresa says, changing the subject quite overtly as her apparent embarrassment remains insistently. "Could you tell me more about the Lady Torbes, then? How she met the Earl, and if she had any close friends who might know more about this unfortunate situation?"
[21:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17." [1d20=13]
[21:59] <Ebiris> "You shouldn't talk about her in past tense like that!" Mallory hushes quickly, making some sort of semi-circular gesture over her chest. "Bad luck it is!" She's mostly worried someone might overhear, since she really wouldn't mind if Rika really was laying dead in a ditch, somewhere.
[22:03] * Teresa opens her mouth in surprise, before closing it, nodding at Mallory. "You misunderstood. I meant any friends from the time she met the Earl or before that, someone whom he might have overlooked but she might still be keeping in touch with. After thinking it over, hearing about any of their mutual friends or any current ones of the lady could prove useful as well."
[22:07] <Ebiris> "All I know is she came here with a troupe of actors and caught the Earl's eye," Actors being code for 'thieves' she's certain. "They all left a few months ago, though. She's seemed a bit lonely, to be honest." Probably ran off to rejoin her merry band of thieves after getting what she could out of the poor naive Earl.
[22:11] * Teresa nods solemnly. "What a shame. I will try to do something about that once the lady is found safe and sound, if she allows me to."
[22:13] <Ebiris> Hopefully she won't ever be found - to her credit, Mallory at least feels a little bit guilty for such thoughts, but that doesn't stop them. "Perhaps she'll relate better to a young girl like yourself, yes," she smiles nicely to Teresa, resuming the tour.

[Ebiris]

[11:18] <Ebiris> After completing her tour of the estate, Mallory shows Teresa to a small and rather bare bedroom in the servant's wing. "This one's empty, ever since Miukel retired, so it should do for you," she smiles. "Little bit empty right now, but I'm sure you'll spruce it up with a personal touch in no time."
[11:19] <Teresa> "Thank you," Teresa responds, easily returning the smile. "I'm sure I will."
[11:21] <Ebiris> "Anyway, you missed dinner, but feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen - there's normally plenty of leftovers around, anyway. I'll let you get settled," the matronly woman concludes as she leaves Teresa to her own devices...
[11:24] <Teresa> The smile disappears once the woman has left, giving way to a far more neutral expression as Teresa seeks to familiarize herself with the room and its contents. Though bare, it would be useful to know if it holds any other pairs of clothing, for instance.
[11:24] <Ebiris> OOC: search check
[11:25] <Teresa> roll 1d20+2
[11:25] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{5}
[11:26] <Ebiris> Within the closet, Teresa finds two pairs of black pants, one white shirt, a dress jacket, and a pair of wellington boots. Within the footlocker at the base of the bed, she also finds several folded sheets of linen. That's about it.
[11:31] <Teresa> That happens to be plenty. Getting out of her armor takes a bit of effort, but she has the time, and her sword joins it in the closet. As Teresa doesn't intend to go looking for the thieves's guild with the same appearance she holds at present, it would be a shame to have her clothing, of all things, to be her downfall.
[11:31] <Teresa> Sadly, this means her sword would have to stay behind, but that shouldn't be a problem either. With that in mind, she puts on the outfit available to her through her employer's generosity.
[11:34] <Ebiris> The clothes don't fit so well on Teresa's gloriously feminine form - due to the lack of a belt, the pants hang very loosely off her waist, while the shirt drapes off her shoulders while still managing to be too tight around her chest. The boots also happen to be several sizes too big.
[11:38] * Teresa tucks away her few scrolls and wands, before shifting her form into one that would fit the clothes far better, making them appear plausibly hers.
[11:39] <Ebiris> It's simplicity itself for the succubus to adjust her proportions to better fit her current attire. She looks rather mannish in build, afterwards, but the clothes now fit her quite comfortably.
[11:43] <Teresa> It would do, Teresa decides, adjusting her looks to prevent recognition before attempting to turn etherial and walk outside the mansion by taking the shortest route that doesn't lead near the Earl's rooms.
[11:45] <Ebiris> She doesn't so much walk as glide while ethereal, but regardless Teresa is able to exit the mansion quite easily. Outside the grounds she can see streets and buildings in hazy greyscale, everything lost in opaque mists past sixty feet.
[11:50] <Teresa> That may be so, but Teresa had walked this way normally just a short while ago, and knows the terrain enough to guide herself to a small, out of the way alley. Her intent is simple -- to observe whether anyone is occupying it at present, and whether there's sufficient cover for her to become material once more and walk out.
[11:52] <Ebiris> Drifting into one of the alleyways further down the hill, Teresa rounds a snaking corner that seems to provide cover - she can see far enough in all directions to spot walls before her vision is lost in the ethereal fog, and no one else lingers nearby.
[11:54] * Teresa appears there, not wasting too much time. In worst case, she would just have to deal with any ramifications.
[11:55] <Ebiris> Returning to the vibrancy of the material plane, Teresa can now see that twilight is settling in, the sun nearly set. Still no one appears present to question her sudden appearance out of thin air.
[11:57] * Teresa belongs there and acts like it, starting to walk towards the seedier part of town. If she is to gather any information on the group she intends to meet, that seems like the right place to start.
[11:58] <Ebiris> OOC: lay out how you plan to gather info and what specifically you'll be asking?
[12:01] <Teresa> Asking for the thieves's guild outright sounds like a losing proposition. However, keeping an eye and an ear out for anyone mentioning Bell Masque might work, as would expressing vague, guarded displeasure with the overly lawful bent of the city and seeing who, if anyone, bites.
[12:02] <Ebiris> OOC: okay, make a gather info check?
[12:03] <Teresa> OOC: Taking 10 for 21?
[12:14] <Ebiris> A few people respond to Teresa's implications with vague grumblings of their own, but it doesn't go much farther than that. At one point she gets collared by an overly enthusiastic sea captain near the docks who spends upwards of an hour talking her ear off about all the various tarriffs he has to pay just to keep business above board.
[12:14] <Ebiris> The night is starting to drag on with little to show for it when she does her something that catches her attention. By one of the warehouses by the docks, she can hear whispered conversation from amongst several crates, only her attuned demonic ears letting her hear.
[12:14] <Ebiris> "Fuckers are bleeding me dry - it'd be cheaper to go legit," a hoarse voice complains bitterly.
[12:14] <Ebiris> "That's the cost of doing business under Bell Masque's purview," the other replies in a soft and sibilant voice. "Besides, I don't think it's possible to sell Black Lotus legitimately. A shame, since it turns such a nice profit, doesn't it?"
[12:18] * Teresa fades from view, gliding over to get a better look and listen in from a closer position.
[12:24] <Ebiris> Approaching through the ethereal plane, Teresa passes through the maze of stacked crates to find two men talking amongst them. The first is a grizzled older man with stubby graying hair and tattoos all over his exposed arms, wearing only a vest and pants with a bandana over his head. The other is younger, with a feathered hat perched jauntily upon his head and studded leather armour visible below his long-tailed black jacket.
[12:24] <Ebiris> "Tch, not as much profit as in other cities. Still, I know my business, and I'm not one to cross your types," the older man grumbles, detaching a small pouch from his belt and holding it out to his companion.
[12:24] <Ebiris> Hefting the bag, the man in the hat grins rakishly and slips it into his coat and out of sight. "I trust you," he replies in response to the questioning look he gets.
[12:27] <Teresa> It seems she's found her lead to Bell Masque, Teresa muses. But she has no idea how highly-placed he is in their hierarchy, so relying on him from the start doesn't seem like a winning proposition. She decides to see if she could tail him while etherial once he leaves, and see where it brings her.
[12:29] <Ebiris> "Now, I'm sure you've got customers waiting, so go and see to their needs with our blessings," the man in the hat smiles, making a shooing gesture.
[12:29] <Ebiris> "Aye. Good day to ye, then," the sailor grunts, shambling off through the maze of crates. Once he's left, the other man takes out the bag from his coat and opens it up to take a look inside.
[12:31] <Teresa> It seems sensible, as trust only goes so far. Teresa resolves to wait and see what happens with the younger man, deciding not to risk trying to make contact yet unless it seems she can't keep up with him when he leaves.
[12:34] <Ebiris> After poking his finger inside the bag briefly, he nods in apparent satisfaction and tightens the drawstring before putting it back in his coat. Leaning back against the crates, he looks upwards and tilts his hat back to gaze at the sky, waiting for a few minutes before he finally departs, walking at a leisurely pace from out of the crate stacks and heading towards the street leading back into the city and away from the warehouses.
[12:35] * Teresa follows, keeping near him as there is no real need to hide, being on a whole different plane.
[12:40] <Ebiris> Strolling along through still somewhat busy streets, he turns down an alleyway after a while before promptly being confronted by three muscular men - a human, a dwarf, and an orc - who look about to go for their weapons before relaxing as they get a look at the interloper.
[12:40] <Ebiris> "Evening, gentlemen," Teresa's quarry tips his hat to them, getting polite if strained greetings in return, before he walks past them with no further interaction. The three watch him go, seeming somewhat tense...
[12:43] * Teresa marks their faces as she passes them by. Should her efforts fail initially, she could try finding them to get the information she desires at that time. For now, however, she still intends to see where the man is headed.
[12:48] <Ebiris> He continues on for a few more minutes, the alleys far less populated than the main streets and finding no interruptions to his progress, before he stops in a small courtyard festooned with washing lines criss-crossing overhead.
[12:48] <Ebiris> Looking around briefly, he seems satisfied before settling in beneath a balcony and retreating into the shadows, doing a passable job of hiding himself - though it's somewhat moot since Teresa happens to be looking right at him the whole time.
[12:49] <Teresa> At least it seems she hasn't been discovered, but unless this group either has mages or has prepared for fiends stalking them in advance, Teresa can't really blame their security. She decides to give it some time, and see what if anything her target intends to do in this place.
[12:53] <Ebiris> After fifteen minutes Teresa can see that her quarry is starting to look rather bored and impatient, but he still continues lurking in the shadows waiting on who knows what...
[12:55] * Teresa decides to give him another quarter hour. If he's that impatient, something is likely to happen soon.
[13:01] <Ebiris> Another five or so minutes pass before the tedium is finally interrupted. Dropping down from the balcony directly in front of him, a lithe woman appears wearing black pants and a leather jacket. She makes not a sound as her booted feet alight softly on the ground, tossing back her severely pulled back ponytail as she straightens. "Boo," she says in amused deadpan.
[13:02] * Teresa uses the opportunity to take a good look of the woman, and of her friend's reaction to her appearance.
[13:07] <Ebiris> "Gwah..." the man starts, stepping out of the shadows finally. "And here I was hoping to surprise you when you wandered in, Helena... You're late," he grumbles.
[13:07] <Ebiris> "Yeah, got distracted by my sister - she's got a job for me, tonight, so lets keep this brief," the woman - Helena, replies. Angling around for a better view, Teresa can see that she's very thin, with a plain face that seems more likely to scowl than smile - not helped by her unflattering hairstyle.
[13:07] <Ebiris> Holding out her hand, the woman produces a crystal statuette of a mermaid upon a rock surrounded by waves and sea foam, seemingly from thin air. "Gaudy thing," she remarks unkindly, "Can't imagine why anyone would pay money for it, but I'm no art critic."
[13:11] <Teresa> If negotiations go badly, perhaps she could use her knowledge of what that man is here to purchase to her advantage, Teresa muses, not interfering with the proceedings.
[13:14] <Ebiris> "No appreciation for beauty, my dear? Colour me surprised," the man jibes back as he reaches into his coat and tosses a small pouch over, which Helena easily catches with her free hand.
[13:14] <Ebiris> Manipulating the drawstring, she peers inside before nodding. "That's what real beauty looks like," she replies, before handing over the statuette. "Now I'll let you get back to practicing your hiding skills... or whatever it was you were doing all hunched up in the shadows, there."
[11:23] <Teresa> Waiting for her, whether he knows it or not, Teresa muses as she waits for Helena to leave. In the meantime, she scouts out surrounding area for a hiding place of her own, so that she wouldn't just appear out of thin air.
[11:24] <Ebiris> The man in the hat takes out another bag from beneath his coat and opens it to carefully deposit the statue within while Helena departs, swiftly becoming lost to Teresa's sight. There's plenty of places to hide around here - beneath awnings, behind hanging linen, on top of balconies, or even just around a corner.
[11:26] <Teresa> Just around the corner is enough, Teresa decides, her reemergence on Prime coinciding with a hopefully subtle probe at the man's thoughts.
[11:26] <Teresa> OOC: Detect Thoughts, DC23
[11:28] <Ebiris> OOC: if you're around the corner you won't have line of sight, so you'll have to either reveal yourself or attempt hide/move silently before using any SLAs on him
[11:29] <Teresa> OOC: Just as I clear the corner, then
[11:30] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[11:30] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{22}
[11:32] <Ebiris> He's currently hoping that the statue doesn't get damaged in his bag while he's carrying it, and grateful that he doesn't have to take it far. Then he spots Teresa, notices that he doesn't recognise her, and wonders just what a strange woman is doing wandering these alleys late at night.
[11:34] <Teresa> "Though you must be busy, would you have a moment or two to spare for me?" Teresa asks him, approaching. "It just might be worth your while."
[11:37] <Ebiris> Well, perhaps she's looking for work, the man thinks. Or it could just be a ruse, so no sense being too trusting. He steps out of the shadows and tips his hat to Teresa after securing his bag. "My dear, a moment I can spare, for I find myself curious as to what you speak of," he replies smoothly.
[11:40] <Teresa> "Here I was, eager to make my mark on this city as I arrived, only to find the environment far too stifling," she says with regret. "I was about ready to despair, when I heard that there were likeminded individuals here after all." Smiling, she takes a few more graceful steps closer. "Would you possibly be interested to explore what a mutually-benefitial relationship could do for us?"
[11:46] <Ebiris> "Ah, and perhaps a good thing you did hear of us," he nods, smiling. This is familiar territory, now, he thinks. "For we don't take kindly to freelancers working under our noses here in Dharport. But if you were to join our guild of... talented and like-minded individuals, you would have our blessings and support. In exchange for a modest cut of all your proceeds, of course."
[11:46] <Ebiris> He gives Teresa an appraising look, and seems to approve that she isn't obviously bearing a weapon. "But of course, in all the excitement of a first meeting, my manners have fled. My name is Julius - might I know yours?"
[11:48] <Teresa> "Clare," she provides smoothly. "And it is entirely my fault. As I was the one to address you first, I should have introduced myself at the outset."
[11:52] <Ebiris> "A pleasure, Clare," he returns. "Now, we don't just let anyone into our midst here, so I believe a test is traditionally called for." Already he's starting to wrack his mind for various leads he could send you off on as some busywork to see what you're made of, depending on your skills. "Tell me, where do your interests lie?"
[11:55] <Teresa> "You could say I specialize in exploration, the more challenging a destination to get into, the better," she responds, a note of amusement making its way into her words.
[11:56] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplomacy check?
[11:57] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[11:57] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{48}
[12:02] <Ebiris> "Hmm..." he briefly considers a few minor baubles and trinkets people have expressed an interest in, before settling on something more practical. It's not a job he'd ordinarily risk on a newbie, but something about Clare impresses him. "Very well, I have just the thing for you! A wizard named Fediblio recently took delivery of some Pandomonic Silver."
[12:02] <Ebiris> "Likely he'll use it for some dull arcane experiments, but we have contacts who can put it to far better use. If you can get a hold of the silver, I'll be pleased to welcome you into our organisation - and of course pay you well for services rendered." It's not a small job, so he'll probably have to get a magic item or something to cover this one.
[12:05] * Teresa nods thoughtfully. "A wizard, you say? Sounds like a worthy target. What can you tell me about him, his defenses and habits? It would take longer to gather the information on my own, which would in turn delay the entire affair."
[12:13] <Ebiris> "Of course, of course," Julius nods, happy to provide all the information he has if it'll help Clare succeed. "He's a reclusive wizard of no small power - said to know seventh circle spells, so I'd suggest running if he catches you. He lives in a tower built in the forest a few miles from the city - you can see it from the North walls."
[12:13] <Ebiris> "He has an apprentice named William who he normally sends into the city to collect supplies, while staying within the tower himself most of the time. He does occassionally have people visit him to purchase magical items or consultations on magely matters, and by all accounts he's a pleasant host."
[12:13] <Ebiris> "Still, considering what mages can do to track people down, I'd suggest you don't visit him openly in hopes of pilfering the silver during your stay. Now, he doesn't have a familiar, which should make things easier for you, but he does have a golem which he keeps on the ground floor of the tower. Likely there are other magical defences in play, too."
[12:13] <Ebiris> "He usually gives ward tokens to visitors that make them safe from those defences. You might be able to pilfer one from his apprentice, if you can catch him outside the tower."
[12:16] <Teresa> "Would you happen to have a description of this William's features, so I do not confuse him with a guest?" Teresa asks. "And as for the silver, though I don't suppose it would be common knowledge where the wizard is keeping it, would you know how much of it he possesses?"
[12:24] <Ebiris> "About twenty-five pounds of it - the more you can get, the better," Julius replies. "It looks like normal silver except semi-molten - you'll see it moving slowly if you watch it for a while. Then there's the faint screaming sound it gives off, which is hard to miss." He nods, adjusting his hat slightly.
[12:24] <Ebiris> "As for the apprentice, young William is a teenage human boy, with short and curly brown hair and brown eyes. He's about half a foot shorter than I am, and he usually wears brown robes with a red trim. Every couple of days he comes into the city to buy supplies, so you could either catch him at the gates or around the marketplace."
[12:24] <Ebiris> Julius smiles slightly as he recalls the time someone managed to steal a magic ring right off William's finger while he was shopping. Poor boy probably caught hell for that when his master found out.
[12:27] <Teresa> "He will likely be the way in," Teresa agrees, "which makes it my best bet to wait for him. I take it that waiting for a couple of days until he leaves the tower's safety is an acceptable time frame?"
[12:31] <Ebiris> "Naturally the sooner the better, but there's no sense rushing in and getting caught without accomplishing anything, is there?" Julius asks reasonably. "Carry out the task in whichever manner you see fit, and once you're done come and find me by the Dark Elf obelisk an hour after sundown?"
[12:33] * Teresa nods once again, more curtly this time. "I'll spend tomorrow on preparations, and if all works in my favor, I'll meet you there the day after tomorrow."
[12:35] <Ebiris> "I'll be eagerly awaiting it." And so will Georg, he thinks. This should give Bell Masque just what it needs in case any devils start interfering with its business. "Do be careful, my dear."
[12:37] <Teresa> "Of course," she says smoothly. "It's been a pleasure, Julius." Giving him another smile, Teresa heads further into the alley, intending to become ethereal once more as soon as she clears the corner and return to observe Julius.
[12:41] <Ebiris> He lingers for a minute or so after Teresa leaves before he starts walking down the same alley Helena left by, earlier. After a short walk, he reaches a tavern by the main street and heads inside.
[12:43] <Teresa> Though she is immaterial for all intents and purposes, Teresa decides to peer inside through a window rather than follow him, to see where Julius is headed next. Or, perhaps, who he is meeting.
[12:47] <Ebiris> It's a rather quiet place, from the looks of things. There's a card game taking place at one table, a few other patrons scattered around and nursing drinks as they converse - all eyes turn to the door briefly, then relax as Julius enters.
[12:47] <Ebiris> He makes his way up to the bar and takes out the mermaid statue, sliding it across to the bartender who takes a brief look at it and nods before placing it under the bar. Then he goes to sit at the card game, seemingly welcomed by the others and dealt a hand.
[12:49] * Teresa decides to spend some time here, observing and listening in. Having a face to match to Georg's name would be useful.
[12:55] <Ebiris> Money changes hands frequently during the game, no one seeming to be especially more lucky than anyone else. From the conversation, Georg doesn't come up. The main thrust seems to be discussion over what happened at the temple of Pelor earlier today, when one of the paladins apparently went crazy and killed a cleric then ran off chasing a little girl before getting arrested.
[12:55] <Ebiris> No one here seems to like Proust, as the paladin is identified, but the whole thing is vastly out of character for him - as much as a jackass as he might be in the eyes of thieves and rogues, they still know a pillar of the community when they see one.
[12:57] <Teresa> Well, that certainly sounds ominous. Of course, just because one of them was trying to infiltrate the temple as a girl doesn't mean this paladin went out of his way trying to kill her, but it certainly is something Teresa should check up on. Georg would have to wait. For now, she goes to find a quiet, isolated place to materialize just long enough to teleport over to Kitami's summoning chamber.

[Ebiris]

[17:53] <Ebiris> Teleporting back to Kitami's subterranean summoning/sacrifical chamber, Teresa finds that it's no longer as she left it - a damp smokey smell permeates the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood from the corpses all piled up in the corner, and water visibly drips from the ceiling and down the walls, large puddles collecting across the floor around her.
[17:57] * Teresa looks around in puzzlement for several long moments, even as she sends a mental call to Inuga, Demara and Nihasa.
[17:57] <Ebiris> None of them see fit to reply to her, if they're actually within range to start with.
[17:59] * Teresa goes ethereal at that, gliding out of the room and heading up the stairs to the ground level.
[18:02] <Ebiris> At the base of the staircase Teresa can see another large puddle collecting, and further up it seems like the staircase itself has collapsed downwards, becoming choked with debris from the library and masonry from further above. Not that this stops her in her ethereal state. Ascending to the ground floor itself, she finds herself in the gutted ruin of the library, massive scorched holes visible in the walls and ceiling.
[18:02] <Ebiris> What hasn't been burnt to cinders is instead waterlogged, from what she can see of the few items of ruined furnishings that are at least partly recognisable.
[18:06] * Teresa can't try to send another mental call to Inuga and the others, but she certainly can look in on the house's inhabitants. The only bedroom she's certain of being occupied is the one with Arisa, so she makes it her first target, heading there.
[18:11] <Ebiris> So she passes through more of the ruined house - the main stairwell has collapsed at the halfway point, making it exceptionally treacherous to traverse on foot, although not really a concern for Teresa in her current state. Up to the second floor, she enters the room claimed by Arisa, finding it similarly ruined -
[18:11] <Ebiris> although, laying amidst a pile of ash and soot she can see two unrecognisable corpses, one humanoid and looking like a charred black mummy. Atop it rests a likewise burnt body, this one of an animal with similar proportions as Arisa's dog, almost as if it had died shielding her from the flames...
[18:13] <Teresa> There is only one more stop here, then, as far as Teresa is concerned. She heads towards where Kitami's safe was supposed to be located, to see if the others took its contents with them as they left. Until she could rejoin them, if they're still alive at all, Teresa figures she could use all the information and resources she can get, and it promises both.
[18:16] <Ebiris> In the master bedroom, Teresa finds her goal. The painting that once obscured it is gone, altough fragments of its metal frame still hang on the wall, twisted and blackened. The door of the safe seems entirely intact, at least - it's about a foot wide and half a foot tall, seemingly not big enough to contain much unless it extends deeper into the wall. A combination lock currently set to 0000 guards it from any thieves.
[18:17] * Teresa merely peers inside it, for starters, to see if there is in fact something of value there. It could be the reason the others left it in such a state.
[18:19] <Ebiris> Sticking her neck through the door of the safe is easily done, and Teresa finds it really is as small as it looks. Curiously, it contains nothing except a small cloth sack which is half folded over itself, resting neatly within.
[18:24] * Teresa withdraws into the room proper, and looks around for any weapons, be they decorative or improvised, that could be used in breaking through it.
[18:25] <Ebiris> Teresa recalls Inuga mentioning some whips and similar kinky implements in a box under the bed, but they're likely not what she had in mind, and the bed is currently a collapsed ruin, anyway. Down in the downstairs sitting room there were a few suits of armour with decorative swords and polearms, she remembers.
[18:31] * Teresa decides to materialize in the room briefly, and test whether she can remain there safely for a limited time or the floor would give in. If that proves possible, then it would be time to try and work her wand of magic detection to check whether she would be getting into anything over her head with the safe.
[18:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 57." [1d100=57]
[18:33] <Ebiris> Upon returning to the material plane, Teresa feels the floorboards settle alarmingly beneath her feet with an audible creaking, but they don't collapse just yet...
[18:33] <Teresa> roll 1d20+18 UMD on DM wand
[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+18 UMD on DM wand and gets 22." [1d20=4]
[18:34] <Teresa> Now having acquired magical sight, Teresa takes in the room anew.
[18:34] <Ebiris> Teresa can discern a moderate aura of magic coming from the safe, but nothing else is evident.
[18:37] * Teresa approaches a wall carefully, and leans over to the window slightly to glance outside, so she could better assess the situation there. If the floor begins to give out, however, she has decided to teleport back to the closet in her new employer's home, writing off Kitami's house at that point.
[18:38] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[18:38] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[18:38] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[18:40] <Ebiris> Peering out the window (or hole in the wall where it used to be), Teresa can see farther up the hill in this direction, more noble houses spread out in the distance - if she cranes her neck just right, she can even see Earl Torbes' estate, dark for the evening but still visible in the starlight.
[18:40] <Ebiris> She also sees a man with a lantern and a halberd walking by through Kitami's garden, keeping a respectful distance from the gutted mansion as he looks around attentively - his attention focused more on the ground level, mercifully.
[18:42] <Ebiris> He's about fifteen feet down, since that's the distance from the second floor to ground level, and about fifty or so feet away from the mansion's walls, the light of his lantern only just illuminating them.
[18:42] <Ebiris> From Teresa directly, he's about a hundred and fifty feet away.
[18:45] * Teresa looks for a dark spot within forty feet or so behind the man as she follows his current path with her eyes attentively, somewhere she could teleport over to and not have him or any of the neighbors notice her unless she gives herself away somehow.
[18:46] <Ebiris> Considering the walls surrounding the garden, it's not too likely any neighbours can see much within. He's just passing a wooden shed that Teresa could probably hide behind quite easily.
[18:48] * Teresa hides entirely and borrows Kitami's face, before calling upon the spell of Eagle's Splendor. Once that's been taken care of, she teleports over behind the wooden shed to appear in a crouch, prepared to try and scan the man's surface thoughts.
[18:48] <Ebiris> OOC: move silently check
[18:48] <Teresa> OOC: Am I actually moving?
[18:49] <Ebiris> OOC: well, if you're behind the shed, you'd have to move from out of it to get line of sight to him
[18:49] <Ebiris> OOC: you can teleport into the open and make a hide check instead
[18:49] <Teresa> OOC: It doesn't need line of sight, it's an area spell
[18:51] <Ebiris> Teresa detects the presence of a thinking behing ahead of her... and then he's gone as he continues walking and leaves the sixty feet range limit of her detection.
[18:52] * Teresa decides to try and trail him slowly, to keep the man just within range of the spell.
[18:52] <Teresa> roll 1d20+2
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+2 and gets 16." [1d20=14]
[18:52] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[18:53] <Teresa> OOC: DC of 25 on DT right now
[18:53] <Ebiris> He keeps walking, occassionally glancing from side to side... and behind.
[18:53] <Ebiris> OOC: hide check, to boot
[18:54] <Teresa> roll 1d20+2 black clothes at night are my hide check
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+2 black clothes at night are my hide check and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[18:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 I'm just adding +6 to your check rather than modding his for simplicity
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 I'm just adding +6 to your check rather than modding his for simplicity and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[18:56] <Ebiris> He doesn't seem to notice Teresa, thankfully. He's not especially bright nor stupid (int score of 10)...
[18:56] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[18:57] <Ebiris> And his thoughts are easily read. Right now he's thinking that he should've had something to eat earlier, before getting collared with this assignment. It's a very long night ahead, and he's starving.
[18:58] * Teresa follows briefly, trying to estimate whether he had been at it for long. And, incidentally, making certain there are no magical auras on him.
[19:00] <Ebiris> There is a faint source of magic emanating from his waist. He's visualising one of Ma Deakin's pork pies, right now. All hot and filling, just the thing he'd need to perk himself up on a night like this. Mmmm. Pie.
[19:06] <Teresa> Further investment here seems fairly pointless, sadly, and for little gain. It is with great regret that Teresa teleports back to the summoning room, where she fixes her appearance to one Earl Torbes would be more familiar with, and uses up one of her scrolls of Undetectable Alignment on herself as extra insurance.
[19:07] <Teresa> roll 1d20+18
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+18 and gets 23." [1d20=5]
[19:07] <Ebiris> Teresa soon finds herself so changed and masked.
[19:08] * Teresa then teleports back to the closet in her room at the Earl's estate. If it all goes according to his plan, she would find out everything she needs to know the next day, anyway.
[19:08] <Ebiris> The closet is very cramped, but somehow Teresa is able to fit herself within its confines.
[19:09] * Teresa opens it, taking a look around the room. If her actions had exposed her somehow, she would likely be finding it out now.
[19:10] <Ebiris> Her room looks much as she left it, which is also much as she found it, not having had time to add much of a personal touch.
[19:12] <Teresa> Time to surrender the initiative and see where her job takes her, then, Teresa decides. And stay out of the way of any mages other than her employer. Taking off her clothes and replacing them with a fresh outfit Teresa prepares by her bedside, she carries her armor and sword over to the head of the bed, leaning them against the wall, and merely lies in her bed counting the hours.
[19:17] <Ebiris> Tick. Tock. The hours pass readily enough for the ageless demon servant of Malcanthet, and soon enough the first rays of dawn begin peeking through her window. It's not long after that when the door opens and Mallory bustles in, before stopping in surprise. "Oh, there you are!" she blinks. "We all thought you'd vanished!"
[19:18] * Teresa sits up in the bed, holding the covers modestly to her chest. "I'm sorry to have worried you," she says, even as she looks into Mallory's thoughts to help her take control of the situation.
[19:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 15." [1d20=12]
[19:21] <Ebiris> The maid is wondering just where Teresa went gallivanting off to, last night. "So where did you go gallivanting off to, last night?" she asks. "You missed all the excitement with that big fire over at the Reese mansion."
[19:24] <Teresa> "There is... a bard," Teresa says with apparent difficulty, her eyes drifting away from Mallory's even as a healthy flush covers her face. "He is very handsome. I've met him a few days before coming into the Earl's household. As he had dismissed me for the rest of the day until morning, I--" She shrugs helplessly.
[19:24] <Teresa> "It's not really the kind of thing you can approach your new employer with first thing, is it? I didn't think it would be such a problem." And then-- "Fire? At a Reese mansion?"
[19:25] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[19:26] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[19:27] <Ebiris> Bard? Probably one of Rika's friends, Mallory thinks uncharitably as her mind automatically parses the term to equal thief. "You should at least tell someone if you're going to go off like that. For all we knew you could've been lying dead in a ditch, somewhere," she lectures, putting her hands on her hips.
[19:29] <Teresa> "I'm sorry," Teresa says, more than contrite. "Did it trouble the Earl himself? Am I going to be dismissed over this?" she asks dejectedly.
[19:31] <Ebiris> He'll probably just let it slide and start paying you from today instead of yesterday, the daft old softie, Mallory thinks. "You just might," she replies in a warning tone. "So I'd buck up if I were you, missy. Earl Torbes is a nice man, but not one to let himself be taken advantage of." Except by redheaded floozies.
[19:32] <Teresa> "I'm sorry," Teresa repeats, even as she wonders how to move the conversation to the topic of the fire. Perhaps if Mallory and she moved on to small talk, after the woman was properly mollified by her regret and shame?
[19:35] <Ebiris> "I'm not the one to apologise to," Mallory shakes her head. "Anyway, I was just coming in to tidy up, since I didn't know you were in - I'll let you be. You should speak to the Earl soon, though, but don't forget to drop by the kitchen for breakfast." Poor girl desperately needs some more meat on her bones, then she might find herself a decent hardworking man instead of one of those debauched 'actor' types.
[19:38] * Teresa nods at Mallory, and decides to try things that way. If everyone is gossiping about the fire, she might just hear something in the kitchens. Her regular outfit is already ready by the side of her bed, and she doesn't waste much time in putting it on, taking her sheathed sword along as well, although her armor remains in the room for the time being.
[19:38] <Teresa> With that taken care of, Teresa heads to the kitchens, as suggested.
[19:42] <Ebiris> Teresa reaches the kitchen without incident, finding a gnome in a chef's hat and white tunic is there, busily cooking. "Ah, you're the new girl, Teresa, aren't you?" he greets her with a smile from where he stands over the stove with the aid of a small wooden footstool. "Help yourself," he gestures to a countertop laden with a small buffet of rolls, sweetmeats, pastries, and a teaset. "I'm just making breakfast for his lordship. Name's Jimble."
[19:42] <Ebiris> Jimble."
[19:43] <Teresa> "Thanks." Teresa returns the smile. "I'm Teresa, yes. It is nice to meet you. Have you worked for the Earl long?"
[19:45] <Ebiris> "Oh, going on about twelve years, now," he nods after a moment's thought. "He's a good man, and one who appreciate's a good chef," he laughs, merrily slapping his own somewhat portly belly.
[19:47] * Teresa joins him, amused, and tries the food set out for her, settling for a couple of rolls and a pastry.
[19:49] <Ebiris> They're warm and freshly baked, altogether quite pleasant. Not really a match for the decadent delights of Malcanthet's realm, but still not bad at all. "Still, you'll probably have it easy being a guard here. Hasn't been a single robbery in all my years, at least," he goes on after your mirth has settled.
[19:52] <Teresa> Not an ideal opening, but she'd try to take it anyway. "Really?" Teresa says doubtfully. "Mallory just told me about some trouble at this Reese mansion. Though I suppose a fire doesn't have to equal burglary...."
[19:55] <Ebiris> "Oh, yes, we were all watching it last night, it was really quite impressive - flames as high as you like," Jimble gestures upwards. "I hope no one was hurt - I know Baronet Reese is out of the city right now, but his wife and their servants could have been in there."
[19:57] <Teresa> "That's terrible," Teresa agrees, placing her food aside. "So it just... burned to the ground? No one had a chance to do anything?"
[20:00] <Ebiris> "Oh, no, the fire brigade got onto it, and we could see people were conjuring water in the air above it as well, so at least it never had a chance to spread, but the place has been gutted. If you go outside and look to the South you'll be able to see for yourself," Jimble points to the door then returns to his cooking, "I expect the news will start doing the rounds this morning and we'll find out more about what exactly happened."
[20:03] * Teresa shakes her head slowly. "May it not become a terrible tragedy," she says, before standing up.
[20:03] <Teresa> "You are a very talented cook," Teresa compliments Jimble. "Would you be able to let me know where I could find Earl Torbes at this time?"
[20:06] <Ebiris> The gnome smiles at the compliment. "Not sure right now, but give it five or so minutes and he'll be in the dining room having his breakfast which I'm about finished making."
[20:07] <Teresa> "Then that would be the place to be," she agrees with him. "Would you like some help setting things up?"
[20:08] <Ebiris> "Oh, don't worry about that," he waves it off, "That's what the serving staff are for. Wouldn't be seemly for a guard to be serving food, would it?"
[20:11] <Teresa> "I suppose, if you're sure," Teresa muses, before smiling at him again. "I'll be off, then." Her destination is the dining room, and if it means waiting a few minutes before seeing her employer, what is that to an ageless being?
[20:14] <Ebiris> Not long at all! Flanked by his halfling retainer, Earl Torbes enters the dining room not long after Teresa does. "Ah, Teresa, good morning my dear," the earl greets her. "We'd wondered where you'd ran off to last night. Glad to see you're still with us, what."
[20:19] * Teresa bows deeply as he appears. "My most sincere apologies, Milord. I was... seeing a friend, and did not think to inform anyone. If you could overlook the incident, just this once, I guarantee it won't happen again!"
[20:19] <Teresa> Whether the Earl cares or not about the entire thing, her only source of input is that maid, and so Teresa attempts to act accordingly to a very real fear of dismissal to keep up appearances.
[20:22] <Ebiris> "Yes, well," Torbes sits himself down on a reinforced chair at the dining table as another maid enters and begins serving his breakfast, "A few adjustments are necessary as you get settled in. Just make sure to let someone know where you're going in future so you can be contacted - I'm paying you a handsome retainer to be on call at any time, after all."
[20:22] <Teresa> "It is as you say, Earl Torbes," Teresa agrees, her posture remorseful, but not to the point of fakery.
[20:24] <Ebiris> "Anyway, that's fine," the Earl goes on as he starts to eat his meal. "That wizard should be along shortly to do his scrying, so don't go too far, won't you?"
[20:27] <Teresa> "Of course," Teresa responds, straightening up. "I will go prepare, then. Shall I return here afterwards?"
[20:27] <Ebiris> "I'll send someone for you," the Earl replies dismissively.
[20:28] * Teresa bows once more, and departs for her room. If the promised outfit is there, she could use the time to change into it, before putting on her armor.
[20:30] <Ebiris> Teresa finds no snazzy new duds waiting for her, but her armour is at least present and correct.
[20:31] * Teresa puts it on carefully. If it takes time, then it takes time. Her current clothing has proven serviceable enough, when she's not trying to go against personal bitches of the Queen.
[20:32] <Ebiris> But isn't everyone her personal bitch? Anyway, time passes, minutes ticking by, and then stretching into an hour...
[20:35] <Teresa> Is Torbes's concept of 'shortly' similar to her own? Teresa can't really say. All she does know is that her best option right now is to play along and wait to be summoned.
[20:36] <Ebiris> Another half hour passes before there's a knock on the door.
[20:36] <Teresa> "Yes?" Teresa asks, standing up to face the door.
[20:37] <Ebiris> "Is that Teresa?" a woman's voice replies. "Mrs Mallory said I'd find you here, I'm Elona - I've come to take your measurements for your uniform. May I come in?"
[20:38] <Teresa> "Of course," Teresa allows, crossing the small room swiftly to open the door and step aside.
[20:40] <Ebiris> Opening the door, Teresa is confronted with a short middle-aged human woman with her black hair pulled back into a neat bun. She wears an elegant silk robe of gold and red sunbursts, likely serving as an advertisment to her own skill as a seamstress. "Good morning," she smiles, closing the door behind her. "You'll have to get out of that armour - have you ever had your measurements taken for fitted clothing before?"
[20:42] <Teresa> "Morning," Teresa returns the greeting, moving back towards the bed and fiddling with the straps of her armor even as she examines the woman casually. "Just give me a moment, then."
[20:43] <Ebiris> Elona patiently waits, opening her handbag to take out a measuring tape and notepad.
[20:44] * Teresa doesn't rush through the process, not wishing her only set of armor on this plane to be damaged. She takes it off efficiently, and lays it on the bed, before looking back at Elona expectantly.
[20:47] <Ebiris> The woman is quite brisk and businesslike, even as she does touch Teresa in a few intimate areas through her clothing as she takes her measurements and notes them all down. "There, that was the last one," she concludes with a smile after doing the succubus' inside leg. "You've got an excellent figure - I'm rather jealous."
[20:49] <Teresa> "It's not how I got the job!" Teresa responds quickly to that, sounding a tad defensive.
[20:50] <Ebiris> "Really? I'd think a healthy physique would be important for a warrior," Elona titters in reply as she puts away her things. "Please, I meant no offense. It was an honest compliment."
[20:52] <Teresa> "No, I-- I should apologize," Teresa says, shaking her head. And then, she asks, in a clear attempt to change the topic, "So when do you expect to have anything prepared?"
[20:54] <Ebiris> "I'll have it delivered first thing tomorrow morning," Elona promises. "The Earl's a good customer of mine, so I won't be dallying." Bowing briefly, she then excuses herself and heads for the door, "Good day to you, Miss."
[20:55] <Teresa> "Good day," Teresa bids her, wasting no time in putting her armor back on. It seems to be getting ridiculous, how often she seems to be getting in and out of her armor, and for entirely innocent reasons at that. However, she doubts the Earl would wait much longer before trying to go rescue his dear wife, and Teresa would like to be ready when the time comes.
[20:56] <Ebiris> Waiting is what Teresa does, it seems, another hour passing before her solitude is disturbed by another knock on the door.
[20:57] <Teresa> "Yes?"
[20:58] <Ebiris> The door opens, whomever it was seeming to take that as permission. And it's Mallory! The busybody housemaid wears a grave expression as she closes the door behind her. "You'd better sit down, dearie," she instructs, her voice hoarse.
[20:59] <Teresa> Confused, Teresa does as she's asked, waiting for the woman to speak.
[21:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19." [1d20=16]
[21:01] <Ebiris> "I just heard from Boydon, his Lordship sent him into town after that wizard left, and he just got back," Mallory looks around briefly in a furtive gesture, before leaning towards Teresa. "Lady Torbes is dead!" she whispers harshly.
[21:02] <Teresa> "No!" Teresa exclaims in very believable shock. "What-- what happened?"
[21:07] <Ebiris> "Apparently she was in the Reese mansion - but she wasn't killed by the fire! She'd been cut open, gutted like a fish!" Mallory explains with a certain lurid fascination. She wishes she could have seen it, but describing it in graphic detail almost makes up for it. "And that's not all, so was Lady Reese, and two other women, all lying there in some damp cellar. Oh, 'tis horrible to think about, isn't it?"
[21:10] * Teresa shakes her head in disbelief. "Dreadful!" she agrees readily with Mallory's words, personally amused at the woman's delicious hatred. And, at the same time, mildly confused for real, as she hadn't actually gutted Lady Torbes. "This is certain, then? The wizard told Earl Torbes so?"
[21:13] <Ebiris> She nods. He probably didn't use the phrase 'gutted like a fish' Mallory reckons, but poor Earl Torbes might not take so well to that particular phrasing. "The Earl's locked himself in his room to grieve, only after sending out Boydon to alert the authorities. They'll probably be pulling the bodies out of the mansion as we speak."

[Ebiris]

[19:23] <Teresa> "It's all so unbelievable," Teresa says, looking stupefied. "Just the other day, we were going to look for the Lady and rescue her...."
[19:27] <Ebiris> "She's a bit beyond rescuing, now," Mallory replies, drawing a half-circle over her heart. "Unless one of the priests at one of the temples can bring her back - I've heard of them doing that, before, but it doesn't always work." She dearly hopes it doesn't work in this case, if the Earl is so stupid as to waste effort on the attempt.
[19:27] -> *Teresa* You know that in participating in the ritual to summon you and your compatriots, she must have sworn her soul to Malcanthet. The Queen is highly unlikely to let anyone raise her.
[19:29] <Teresa> "Do you think the Earl would try it?"
[19:30] <Ebiris> "Might do," Mallory looks thoughtful as she mentally considers. Surely he should just count his blessings to be rid of her? But he is far too soft... "He can certainly afford the attempt, but he might decide it better not to defy the natural course of things," she concludes a bit hopefully.
[19:33] * Teresa nods slowly to that. "Yes, three is a natural course to things," she agrees somberly. "What happens next, then? We leave it all to the authorities, and take a step back?"
[19:37] <Ebiris> "I imagine they'll investigate to try and find who's responsible and bring them to justice," Mallory nods officiously as she secretly nurses a hope that said justice will involve pinning a medal to their chest. She at least feels a little bit guilty for these thoughts, but they come all the same. "Not really something for us to get involved in, I think."
[19:40] * Teresa looks doubtful. "As much as it shames me to admit it, I could step aside and let the guards handle the matter, since I didn't have a chance to know the Lady. But it's quite another matter for the Earl, isn't it? And for the rest of you here." Though the latter addition amuses her, Teresa doesn't show it. "Do you think I should investigate on my own, on his behalf?"
[19:42] <Ebiris> "Oh, no, no, no!" Mallory's reply is quick and very firm, surprising her a bit as she realises she's probably overplayed herself. "I mean, it could be very dangerous," she temporises with a smile. "You should just sit tight here where it's safe. I'm sure he wouldn't want to have to worry about you when he's already grieving."
[19:46] <Teresa> "You're too kind, to say that he would give me a second's thought in his situation," Teresa tells her, smiling slightly. "Are the authorities quite competent here?" she asks then, sounding mildly curious. "Do they have sufficient magic on their side? Or, perhaps, those churches you've mentioned previously readily give them a hand in their investigations?"
[19:48] <Ebiris> "Oh, I wouldn't know about such things - I'm a law abiding woman, after all!" Mallory laughs briefly, her thoughts confirming her ignorance. "But Dharport is a safe city, so I'm sure any murderers and other villains won't stay hidden for long."
[19:52] <Teresa> "I hope you're right," Teresa relents. "And if nothing bears fruit, there is also that wizard. If he found out about the Lady, he might discover the criminal as well." As she speaks, Teresa hopes to draw Mallory's thoughts in the direction of said wizard, in an attempt to learn more about him.
[19:55] <Ebiris> "Well, I think he had to use her Ladyship's hairbrush or something like that as a focus. I'm not sure he'll have anything to track the killer with," Mallory replies with an indulgent smile. Unless maybe they find the murder weapon? Well, she's no wizard, what does she know?
[19:59] * Teresa nods. "I suppose you're right," she says. "Well, we'll find out soon enough."
[20:00] <Ebiris> "Anyway, I just thought I should let you know. Things might be a bit dour around the place for the next few days." Though surely he can find some other floozy to distract himself with? At that, Mallory excuses herself, leaving Teresa to her own devices.
[20:03] * Teresa is halfway tempted to be that other floozy, no doubt driving Mallory into delicious levels of rage and seething, while cementing her position here. But the Earl might come under investigation if his wife's demon-worshipping habits came to light, and Teresa would just as well be a step away from all that, rather than in the spotlight.
[20:03] <Teresa> As things stand, she decides to wait a few hours. If there would be no news by then, she could just go mingle with the guards and find out the most recent gossip.
[20:04] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 32." [1d100=32]
[20:04] <Ebiris> The hours stretch by into the afternoon with no one coming to bother Teresa...
[20:06] * Teresa leaves the room, and heads over to the gate. There would have to be a guard on duty, and she could easily find out who has been coming and going that day.
[20:12] <Ebiris> At the gate, Teresa finds the same guard who was there when she came to apply for the job - Emmett, she recalls his name being dropped while she was being shown around. "Afternoon, Teresa," he greets her pleasantly enough, before lowering his voice. "Awful business with his Lordship's wife, don't you think?"
[20:15] <Teresa> "It is, Emmett," she agrees, inclining her head in greeting as she comes to lean against the gate, not quite stretching. She glances into his surface thoughts, continuing. "Certainly not what I expected to hear as I woke up this morning."
[20:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 22." [1d20=20]
[20:18] <Ebiris> "Well, I..." he stops and blinks, looking around briefly before returning his attention to Teresa. "Was that you?"
[20:21] * Teresa looks at him curiously, even as she tries again. "Was what me?"
[20:23] <Ebiris> "No, nothing, sorry," he shakes his head, still looking around in a faintly distracted manner, now. "Yeah, took us all by surprise," he murmurs, half paying attention.
[20:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[20:24] <Teresa> "I think the shock still hasn't worn off, fully," Teresa adds, shaking her head in solidarity. "Did you know the Lady Torbes well?"
[20:26] <Ebiris> "As well as you can know your employer, I suppose," he answers, his mind filled with paranoid wonderings about who just tried to cast a spell on him, even as he tries to rationalise it as just his imagination. "She always treated the staff well." He's not really feeling what he's saying, simply giving platitudes to keep the conversation going.
[20:28] <Teresa> "The Earl must be taking it the hardest," Teresa says, averting her eyes from Emmett, though she glances at him out the corner of her eye. "Does he have anyone to help him through this difficult time?"
[20:31] <Ebiris> "I heard he's secluded himself. Probably doesn't want everyone seeing him in pain, poor man," Emmett replies, his thoughts circling back to Teresa. Maybe it was her? Don't some wizards train to cast spells without all the mumbo jumbo? Especially ones that wear armour... But if he says anything and it's not her, he'll look like an idiot.
[20:31] <Ebiris> "It's his birthday next week, too. Wouldn't surprise me if he cancelled the party, though. Her Ladyship did most of the organising for it."
[20:33] * Teresa nods, listening. "It would be surprising if he had it, yes," she agrees. "Unless he decided to try and bring her back, of course. I would expect to see a celebration, in that case."
[20:36] <Ebiris> "It's not just about deciding - I heard once at church that something like nine out of ten people don't come back, even when given the chance," Emmett is briefly distracted by that, thinking of someone called Sigmund who was resurrected by Pelor's grace just this afternoon. That was truly miraculous, in his opinion, even with all the nastiness over what happened to him.
[20:40] <Teresa> "I had no idea," Teresa admits with a bit of shame creeping into her voice. "I suppose I just got carried away, thinking it would be that easy." She glances back at Emmett. "But in his position, you would at least try, right? I know Mallory thinks it might be best not to mess with what's natural, but that feels a bit like giving up without really trying and accepting fate."
[20:42] <Ebiris> "I'll bet she said that," Emmett snorts, deciding to just forget about the whatever it was. "Still, the Earl can afford to try if that's what he wishes," he concludes, deciding to move on quickly lest he say something about the old nanny that could get him in trouble.
[20:45] <Teresa> "Mallory must believe a lot in balance and nature, then, for her words to be that predictable?" Teresa asks curiously, returning to the topic of the maid.
[20:49] <Ebiris> He's briefly struck by the realisation that he doesn't even know if Mallory worships any deity at all. Still, it's obvious her comments had less to do with faith than dislike of Lady Torbes. "Well, when you get to her age you get pretty set in your ways," he replies diplomatically.
[20:51] <Teresa> "I suppose so," Teresa agrees, sounding somewhat doubtful, but lets the subject drop. "Have you been here since the morning, Emmett?" she asks, changing the topic.
[20:54] <Ebiris> "No, I just cover the afternoon from lunchtime until late at night," the guard replies. "You're lucky to be on a retainer and not have to do this sort of thing."
[20:55] <Teresa> "Normally, I'd agree," Teresa muses, reaching to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she leans more fully against the gate. "But at times like this, there is all this pent up energy, the desire to do something and nowhere to channel it all. Not even some menial chore to take my mind off things."
[20:59] <Ebiris> "Well, what do you normally do? I mean, just because you're on a retainer it shouldn't stop you, just so long as you're available if the Earl calls, right?" Emmett responds, turning to face Teresa fully and appreciating the view he garners in doing so.
[21:02] * Teresa shrugs, moving ever so slightly to accentuate that view without being obvious about it. "Explore the city I'm in," she responds, appearing to think about it. "Meet interesting new people. Maybe visit a temple to see how it differs from the next one. Test my skills against another, on the rare occasion I feel them wanting."
[21:05] <Ebiris> "Well, what's stopping you?" Emmett asks, deciding to be supportive to try and get on Teresa's good side. "You could go out there right now, see what sights and people there are to catch your interest."
[21:07] * Teresa looks undecided. "I'd love to, but... I'm not sure it would be right. What if the authorities send someone to talk to the Earl, or he needs to go visit someone? A wizard, a temple-- I wouldn't be there to do my job, then."
[21:09] <Ebiris> "Oh, I suppose so," Emmett decides it best not to be too supportive in case he screws over Teresa's job, since he doesn't know exactly what terms she's supposed to be available under. "And it'd probably be best not to ask the Earl in his state... maybe talk to Balno?"
[21:11] <Teresa> "That sounds like good advice," Teresa agrees, smiling at him. "Thanks, Emmett. I think I will!"
[21:13] <Ebiris> He thinks you have a nice smile. "Good on you, then," he nods encouragingly.
[21:15] * Teresa nods, and pushes away from the gate, stretching leisurely. Midway through it, Teresa pauses, and glances at Emmett. "This might be a silly question, but where would I find Balno at this time?"
[21:17] <Ebiris> "Honestly don't know, but if you ask around inside the house you'll probably catch up with him soon enough," the guard replies with a smile. He likes watching Teresa stretch.
[21:18] * Teresa gets the kinks out of her joints and, with a pleasant wave at the guard, heads back inside, intending to follow up on his advice and ask around the house.
[21:21] <Ebiris> After a brief runaround, Teresa finally catches up with the stocky little halfling in charge of running the house as he comes out of the wine cellar, just now closing the door with his back to the approaching demon.
[21:23] <Teresa> "I hope I'm not interrupting something," Teresa says, making certain her approach is suitably audible.
[21:24] <Ebiris> "I can spare a moment or two," Balno returns in his oddly lulling, deep voice as he turns to regard Teresa impassively. "How may I be of service?"
[21:28] <Teresa> "The waiting... it's just getting to me, in a not-so-good way," she says, frowning. "I mentally prepared myself for action ever since the Earl shared his plans with me the previous day, and now it's all just turning to tension." Her frown deepens. "I'm not sure how to best explain it. I'm not even sure it can be explained, unless you've done this line of work yourself and just understand."
[21:32] <Ebiris> "Yes," Balno replies simply. "It is a pity, but perhaps once we have learned more about those responsible, appropriate measures can be taken. Is that all?"
[21:34] <Teresa> "Is there anything I can do for the Earl right now? Something besides just standing by without an end in sight?" Teresa asks, somewhat desperately.
[21:38] <Ebiris> "They also serve, who only stand and wait," Balno recites, as if from memory. "Until we have information, any action would be premature. It would be best if you prepared yourself and waited until then."
[21:39] <Teresa> "When do you think it would happen? Could you tell me?" she requests. "If I had some sort of idea, even a vague estimate, it would be that much easier."
[21:41] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplomacy check
[21:41] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29 sure
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+29 sure and gets 37." [1d20=8]
[21:45] <Ebiris> "The Church of Boccob is assisting the guards with their investigation, and will perform their divinations tonight. Tomorrow we will know everything that can be magically divined regarding this matter," Balno replies, his dull brown eyes meeting Teresa's dead on.
[21:47] <Teresa> "Then the investigation is in good hands," Teresa says, seeming to visibly relax. "Thank you," she tells Balno. "In that case, would it be alright if I stepped out for a few hours to take a walk around the city and wind down? I will be fully rested by the morning, of course, and ready to serve the Earl."
[21:48] <Ebiris> "Your services should not be required for today," the halfling replies simply.
[21:48] <Teresa> roll 1d20+7
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:50] * Teresa nods curtly. "Thank you for your time," she says, attempting to show him the respect she thinks only one being in the multiverse really deserves, and heads out to the gate once more, intending to ask the guard for directions.
[21:52] -> *Teresa* It does depend exactly how skilled the clerics there are, but in a city this large, and bearing in mind the church of Pelor offers resurrections and is of comparable stature in Dharport, they will almost certainly be capable of speaking with the dead. That spell is resisted by dead of differing alignment to the caster, however, so it might fail on the cultists - Mary's knowledge would likely be easy to pry out. (more)
[21:52] -> *Teresa* It's also possible that they could Commune with Boccob (or a servant) who has more information, though the spell is limited to yes/no answers. It's of the same level as raise dead, and likely only usable by the upper echelons of the clergy, so whether they actually go to the trouble in this case is debatable. Speak with Dead is almost certain to be used, though.

[Ebiris]

[19:39] <Ebiris> It isn't hard to find a nice bar close to her current place of employment, Teresa finds. Just a short walk down the road she happens across a place called Prost that's down in the basement of an upper class restaurant called Herman's. A jaunty sepia coloured sign advertises the bar at street level, with stairs leading down to the door inside.
[19:41] <Teresa> Since her understanding of how humans operate doesn't seem to be perfect, Teresa decides to spend some time in their company, heading inside.
[19:47] <Ebiris> Inside Teresa finds a somewhat large but still cosy and warm feeling establishment, a large wooden bar in the centre with booths and tables surrounding, and what looks like some sort of game room at the far end opposite the entrance. It's fairly quiet right now, two somewhat portly middle-aged men sat at the bar, one wearing what looks to be an official uniform of some sort, while a young man cleans glasses behind the bar.
[19:49] * Teresa approaches the pair, taking a seat to the side of the one with the uniform. "Good day," she greets the two, nodding at the barkeep.
[19:52] <Ebiris> The uniformed man seems somewhat engrossed in conversing with his apathetic seeming companion, only managing a distracted greeting while the other barely manages a grunt. "So y'see, when you do this," he cracks his knuckles, "That's actually gas popping!"
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Afternoon, miss," the bartender gives Teresa a guileless smile, his voice having a pleasing twang to it. "What can I get for you?"
[19:54] <Teresa> "Just water," she requests, giving the room a glance. "Did I come at a bad time?"
[19:57] <Ebiris> "Of course not," the bartender replies easily as he passes over a mug of water. "Why'd you think that?"
[19:59] * Teresa takes a sip, nodding to herself in satisfaction, before shrugging lightly. "I suppose because I came before the dinner rush? I'm accustomed to seeing more people around, that's all."
[20:02] <Ebiris> "We get a lot busier as the day goes on, we only just opened a little while ago. Of course," he chuckles and indicates the other two patrons, the officious looking one now explaining how it's possible to completely imobilise an assailant by performing some sort of arm grab, "Mr Davin and Mr Paulson were waiting outside the door even before I got here."
[20:07] <Teresa> "That wouldn't surprise me, no," Teresa responds, nodding. "I'm looking for someone who once impressed me with his skill with an axe. I heard he was in the city, and he likes to drink, so putting two and two together I was hoping to stumble upon him." Teresa finds herself shrugging again. "However, it just goes to show I shouldn't do things I'm not accustomed to."
[20:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 76." [1d100=76]
[20:12] <Ebiris> "I don't know about that, but Mrs Porcinelli looked pretty scary that one time she brought an axe in here," the bartender replies, eyes briefly widening and his cheeks paling as the memory seemingly proves quite frightful for him.
[20:12] <Ebiris> "You know, a lot of people think axes and swords are all that, but you know what's underestimated? The simple stick," the greying man in the blue uniform observes as he turns to Teresa. "One good poke, right in the solar plexus, and you'll have any would be murderer wishing he'd tried an easier target!"
[20:16] <Teresa> "It's not the weapon but how you use it, right?" Teresa responds with a smile. "And it was his skill, more than his choice of armament, that caught my eye. Since we were going to be in the same town, why not catch up? That's what I thought, anyway. How hard would it be to come across someone as large and green as he was?"
[20:21] <Ebiris> "Well, you'd probably find quite a few orcs working around the docks, lately," the bartender suggests with a smile.
[20:21] <Ebiris> "Orcs, nothing. What about trolls?" the talkative patron chimes in. "If you're talking big and green, they're the ones to talk about. Did you know that - contrary to popular opinion - they can be killed even without any fire or acid? Yep, the alchemists wouldn't want you to know this, but trolls need to breathe just like everyone else."
[20:21] <Ebiris> "All you need to do is knock one down, tie a rope around its neck while it's regenerating, then sit back and wait while nature takes its course."
[20:25] * Teresa almost chokes on her water, but manages to finish it without any embarrassing accidents. "Is that so?" she asks. "I never knew that. Well, it seems I've taken up enough of your time." Standing up, Teresa places the mug back on the counter, intending to leave.
[20:27] <Ebiris> "It's on the house," the bartender reassures Teresa as she sets down her empty mug.
[20:27] <Ebiris> "There's lots that the establishment would be happier if you didn't know," the other man continues. "I just try to spread the knowledge for the benefit of all - of course, that's why the keep me down. Ignorance is strength, hah!"
[20:29] * Teresa is certain to grace the bartender with a smile, and with a polite nod at the other two men, steps outside and back into the street. It seems like it wouldn't hurt to try the docks; it's clearly too early to hit the other bars, and she doesn't have better plans right now.
[20:31] <Ebiris> OOC: make a gather info check
[20:31] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 27." [1d20=16]
[20:31] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 71." [1d100=71]
[20:39] <Ebiris> It actually doesn't take too long for Teresa's efforts to bear some fruit. "You're looking for Grom?" a grizzled looking orcish dockworker asks, taking a break from his work to chat with the pretty lady. "Yeah, he's pretty well known around here. Used to be a marine, probably been on near every pirate hunting ship out of this harbour."
[20:39] <Ebiris> "Decided to try adventuring a while ago or something, and got pretty rich doing it. Saw him last week for the first time in months, going around with some human wizard."
[20:41] <Teresa> "Oh yes," Teresa agrees. "I think I remember her as well. Going around with a large staff, right?"
[20:43] <Ebiris> "Looked like a stick more than one of those fancy wizard's staffs, I suppose, but she had that bookish look about her. Probably not that good at it, but he might keep her around for other reasons," the man replies, his grin splitting wider as he laughs boistrously and slaps his thigh.
[20:47] <Teresa> "I don't think my skills would lose to hers," Teresa responds with a huff. "And I would be more than ready to teach her of it, if things came to that."
[20:50] <Ebiris> "Interested in him that way?" the orc asks, his amusement giving way to surprise. "Most human women get pretty squeamish, although I suppose you're better than elves. What's so special about Grom, though?" he asks, briefly looking down at his own scarred, muscled, and very green form.
[20:53] <Teresa> "The way he used his axe, I would have to say," Teresa says with a smile. "It was very memorable. I don't suppose you'll be able to help us get reacquainted? I'm not sure I made the right impression when we met, and would love the chance to correct it."
[20:57] <Ebiris> "He likes to visit the Blistered Kraken. I don't know where he's actually staying while in town, though," your informant provides with a shrug.
[20:58] <Teresa> "Maybe our paths will cross there, then," Teresa tells him, seeming excited at the propsect. "I don't suppose you could tell me how to get there?"
[21:01] <Ebiris> "Surely," the dockworker proceeds to give Teresa fairly simple directions to an inn on the other side of the docks, just out of sight from where she is right now.
[21:03] * Teresa thanks him, and travels towards the inn, intending to glance inside through any windows if the inn has them next to the entrance.
[21:07] <Ebiris> Teresa finds that the windows are frosted over, and altogether rather grime-encrusted, so she can't see in them that well. The door is open, though, letting her see inside from there quite easily. It looks a lot busier than the last bar she visited, numerous sailors and dockworkers partaking of liquid refreshment and carousing around.
[21:08] * Teresa tries to slip inside with far less fanfare than she usually gets at such places, looking for an out of the way table that would allow her to keep an eye on the room.
[21:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[21:09] <Ebiris> The place is busy enough, and has sufficient foot traffic, that one new arrival isn't especially noticable. She can find an empty table at one of the far corners without much difficulty.
[21:10] * Teresa does that, and looks around for any orcish customers, especially those resembling Grom.
[21:11] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[21:11] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 22." [1d20=2]
[21:15] <Ebiris> Teresa spots three orcish seeming types from her inspection. There's two overly muscled types arm wrestling a few tables away, surrounded by jeering onlookers. One is too bald to be Grom, the other looks a bit similar but his skin is noticably greyer in cast than Arisa's partner was hued. The remaining half-orc happens to be a female waitress, so she can be safely discounted.
[21:17] <Teresa> An orcish waitress is a good start, as far as Teresa is concerned. Anonimity has its moments, but she decides to signal said waitress and see if she can't get a better idea of where she might find Grom. And peer into the waitress's thoughts once she nears, of course.
[21:19] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[21:21] -> *Teresa* The waitress is nursing an unpleasant headache and is actively counting the minutes till her shift ends, while occassionally allowing thoughts of murdering anyone who gets too loud.
[21:22] <Ebiris> "What can I get you?" the orcish waitress asks in a guttural snarl as she stops by Teresa's table, her muscled and astoundingly busty figure somewhat marred by copious body hair, not to mention a very pig-like face.
[21:25] <Teresa> "Would you be able to spare me a few moments?" Teresa asks her reasonably quietly. "There is someone I would like very much to see again, and if you could help me reunite with him, it would be quite rewarding."
[21:30] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplomacy check
[21:31] <Ebiris> OOC: oh, wait. Bot.
[21:31] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[21:31] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{36}
[21:33] -> *Teresa* She doesn't really have the time or the patience for this shit, but since you're quiet and polite she's willing to hear you out.
[21:34] <Ebiris> "Who're you looking for, then?" the woman with a heritage unusually rich in species diversity asks, looking around the inn's common room as she stands over Teresa's table.
[21:35] <Teresa> "Grom," Teresa tells her. "Our paths crossed before, and I won't bore you with the details, but I have wanted to meet him again ever since. And having heard that he's in town, I figured it would be my chance."
[21:37] -> *Teresa* She's ever so grateful that you're not burdening her with whatever detailed sob story she doesn't give a shit about.
[21:38] <Ebiris> "He was in here last night. Maybe he'll be back tonight?" the waitress shrugs. "You buying anything?"
[21:41] <Teresa> "It wouldn't do for me to get drunk before I've seen him," Teresa says, frowning. "I suppose I'll be back. When would be a good time?" As she speaks, Teresa decides to try and charm the waitress outright, to prevent word of her questions from reaching Grom, should he come in before her.
[21:42] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
[21:43] -> *Teresa* You notice that her attitude towards you doesn't actually change even as the charm takes hold.
[21:43] <Ebiris> "I'd say probably after dark," she shrugs in reply.
[21:44] * Teresa nods, standing up. "I'll return then," she promises. "I want to surprise Grom, if I can manage it. And I won't forget your help."
[21:45] <Ebiris> "Yeah, yeah," the waitress waves Teresa off, resuming her rounds.
[21:48] <Teresa> Interesting, but maybe it will bear fruit, Teresa muses as she leaves the tavern. As there is still light out, she decides to go and loiter near the city gate for a while, and see if she can spot William. But not too close to bother the guards, of course.
[21:50] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[21:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
[21:56] <Ebiris> OOC: make a hide check, and a spot check
[21:56] <Teresa> roll 1d20+2
[21:56] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[21:56] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}
[21:56] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{33}
[21:57] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+14
[21:57] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{25}
[22:00] <Ebiris> Loitering around like the avatar of pure malevolence and whimsy that she is, Teresa happens to see all manner of people coming and going from the city over the next few hours. Most are of little interest to her, really, but then as the afternoon wears on she happens to notice two familiar forms coming around the corner and up the street towards the gate. It's Arisa and Grom!
[22:00] <Ebiris> Although they rather abruptly change direction and head down a side street shortly after coming into view, leaving Teresa's field of vision.
[22:03] * Teresa follows them, as quickly as she can without making a fuss. How annoying, if true.
[22:04] <Ebiris> Scurrying over as casually as she can, Teresa turns around the same street... but there's no sign of her quarry. Like much of Dharport, however, there are numerous alleys snaking off the sides throughout, however.
[22:08] * Teresa decides to pick the first alley she comes across, hoping that she might be able to spot the two.
[22:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[22:09] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=15 ]{15}
[22:12] <Ebiris> Teresa is in luck! Looking down said alleyway she can just see a flash of blonde hair as the female spellcaster ducks around the corner. Though her current attire is far less distinctive than what she was wearing last time, merely a simple brown short sleeved tunic and skirt with a white undershirt, her overall appearance looks much the same otherwise from the brief glimpse caught.
[22:14] * Teresa closes the distance, not intending on letting Arisa get away.
[22:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[22:15] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=28 ]{28}
[22:18] <Ebiris> Teresa can hear Arisa's voice around the corner, sounding like she's casting a spell of some sort. Then, as she actually rounds it, she finds the Arisa just taking her hand off Grom, the two looking back to meet her gaze with their own expressions of alarm.
[22:19] * Teresa comes to a surprised stop of her own, shock showing on her face as she looks at the pair, most specifically at whatever weapons they seem to have on them. "So it was you after all," she says slowly, not wasting any time in trying to glance into Grom's thoughts.
[22:19] <Ebiris> OOC: roll initiative
[22:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Grom
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+2 Grom --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
[22:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 Arisa
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1 Arisa --> [ 1d20=9 ]{10}
[22:20] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{4}
[22:21] <Ebiris> Arisa is entirely unarmed, but Grom has a greataxe. It looks a lot less fancy than the one he had when you first met him, though, made of simple iron and looking a bit battered and nicked.
[22:22] <Ebiris> "That's my line!" Arisa replies, stepping back behind Grom and proceeding to cast another spell which causes several strands of ropey seaweed to erupt from her hands straight at Teresa!
[22:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 ranged touch
[22:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+4 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
[22:23] <Teresa> OOC: Touch ac of 13
[22:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 grapple check
[22:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+10 grapple check --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[22:24] <Teresa> roll 1d20+13
[22:24] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{20}
[22:25] <Ebiris> Teresa finds herself in a similar situation as Inuga once was in briefly, as the slick mass slaps into her form and wraps around, pinning her arms to her sides and holding her fast!
[22:26] <Ebiris> Drawing his new axe, Grom steps close to Teresa and swings! "Not going to get fooled again!" he growls as he brings the axe down on the demon!
[22:27] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
[22:27] <Teresa> OOC: AC 28, 3 from dex
[22:27] <Ebiris> However, it only clangs off her armour, not able to penetrate to any real effect.
[22:29] <Teresa> "What happened?" Teresa asks, struggling in the ropes as she attempts to get away and appear on Arisa's other side. "Who killed you?"
[22:29] <Teresa> roll 1d20+17
[22:29] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{27}
[22:30] <Ebiris> Blinking out of her confinement, Teresa reappears on the other side of Arisa.
[22:30] <Ebiris> OOC: going to take a move action or anything?
[22:30] * Teresa draws her weapon, but doesn't aim it at Arisa, looking wary. "I'll defend myself if I have to. Will you make me do it?"
[22:33] <Ebiris> "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... you get the idea," Arisa replies with a glare as she steps away from the succubus and reaches over towards Grom, casting another spell that makes his muscles bulge even more beneath the chainmail he's currently wearing.
[22:35] <Ebiris> OOC: strike that.
[22:35] <Ebiris> "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... you get the idea," Arisa replies with a glare as she steps away from the succubus and raises up her hands as if to incant another spell, but waits for a second with a glance towards her orcish companion.
[22:36] <Teresa> "Fine," Teresa says darkly. "I had nothing to do with it, and even if a turn in the afterlife didn't clue you in to that, there's little I can do here. And I suppose I wouldn't be in a very pleasant disposition after dying, either. But since you have no intention of working with me now that I'm free, I have only one chance left at survival. Don't think too badly of me for this, would you?"
[22:37] <Ebiris> Whirling around, Grom snarls at Teresa and then surges towards her with another axe blow, and no sooner does he complete the attack than Arisa completes her spell, causing the half-orc to blur with motion as he instantly recovers and unleashes a follow up strike!
[22:37] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+18
[22:37] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{21}
[22:37] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:37] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{24}
[22:38] <Ebiris> But Teresa is able to deftly parry both strikes, her own guard remaining more than enough to fend off these attacks!
[22:38] * Teresa steps towards the mage, ignoring her orish companion for the time being, and unleashes a trio of strikes at her with a darkly-glowing blade.
[22:39] <Teresa> roll 1d20+14
[22:39] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[22:39] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20 smite
[22:39] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+20 smite --> [ 1d20=6 ]{26}
[22:40] <Teresa> roll 1d20+4
[22:40] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
[22:40] <Ebiris> OOC: 3 hits
[22:40] <Teresa> OOC: Roll separately?
[22:40] <Ebiris> OOC: she lacks DR.
[22:40] <Teresa> roll 6d6+12+33+5
[22:40] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 6d6+12+33+5 --> [ 6d6=23 ]{73}
[22:42] <Ebiris> OOC: go ahead and cleave, sure
[22:42] <Teresa> roll 1d20+4
[22:42] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[22:42] <Teresa> roll 1d20+4 laf
[22:42] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+4 laf --> [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
[22:42] <Ebiris> OOC: regular hit
[22:42] <Ebiris> OOC: wait!
[22:42] <Ebiris> OOC: he charged, crit.
[22:43] <Teresa> roll 4d6+8+11
[22:43] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 4d6+8+11 --> [ 4d6=10 ]{29}
[22:44] <Ebiris> Arisa screams as she's almost instantly reduced to a ravaged and torn apart corpse under Teresa's brutal art, rejoining Ehlonna scant hours after leaving her embrace. With a contemptous backswing, Teresa proceeds to gouge out a hunk of flesh from Grom, his chainmail offering little protection against her silvered blade!
[22:46] <Ebiris> "Fuck!" Grom snarls. "What kind of demon are you?!" he demands even as he retaliates against Teresa with all the fury he can muster!
[22:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:46] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{18}
[22:46] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[22:47] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
[22:47] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 crit check
[22:47] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+11 crit check --> [ 1d20=18 ]{29}
[22:47] <Ebiris> roll 3d12+33
[22:47] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 3d12+33 --> [ 3d12=16 ]{49}
[22:49] <Ebiris> While Teresa parries away the first, Grom proceeds to power through her guard with his follow up, raking a gash through her armour and rending the flesh beneath! "So you can bleed after all? Good," the beady-eyed orc grins savagely.
[22:50] * Teresa moves to a more defensive stance as she refuses to give him the satisfaction of seeing pain on her face. "A succubus, you idiot," she tells him. "I never wanted to have to fight. Why the hell did you two have to insist on it?"
[22:50] <Teresa> Her strikes may not be as sure now, but her blade still glows, ready to bring down her nemesis.
[22:50] <Teresa> roll 1d20+10
[22:50] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{24}
[22:50] <Teresa> roll 1d20+5
[22:50] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{25}
[22:51] <Teresa> roll 1d20+5
[22:51] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
[22:51] <Teresa> roll 1d20
[22:51] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{20}
[22:51] <Teresa> roll 1d20 wow
[22:51] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20 wow --> [ 1d20=14 ]{14}
[22:51] <Ebiris> OOC: three hits. Rei-chan likes you.
[22:52] <Teresa> roll 6d6+12+33 what's not to like?
[22:52] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 6d6+12+33 what's not to like? --> [ 6d6=17 ]{62}
[22:55] <Ebiris> Teresa lays into Grom like an abyssal maelstrom, easily penetrating his defences even as she keeps her own up. Yet despite suffering such horrendous abuse, despite the blood that pours freely from all his surely fatal wounds, the furious half-orc stays on his feet! "I'm taking you with me!" he roars, delivering a vicious horizontal axeswing even as he teeters unsteadily, surely only kept up by will alone!
[22:55] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+16
[22:55] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{18}
[22:56] <Ebiris> Yet it falls short, causing Grom to stumble and open his guard, surely about to meet his end, now...
[22:56] <Teresa> "Not today," Teresa tells him, still wary despite Grom apparently being one foot in the grave after all.
[22:57] <Teresa> roll 1d20+10
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
[22:57] <Teresa> roll 1d20+10 wow, just wow
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+10 wow, just wow --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
[22:57] <Teresa> roll 6d6+12+11
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 6d6+12+11 --> [ 6d6=26 ]{49}
[22:58] <Teresa> roll 4d6+8+11
[22:58] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 4d6+8+11 --> [ 4d6=13 ]{32}
[22:58] <Ebiris> With a single heavy slash, Teresa cleanly seperates Grom's head from his shoulders, no amount of will and endurance able to keep him up after that. His bulky form totters and collapses to the ground as his head smacks into the alley wall with a sickening wet thump.
[22:59] <Teresa> First thing's first. Teresa makes sure Grom's mouth is ruined with a single follow-up stab, and then does the same to Arisa, prior to cutting through what still keeps the mage's head attached to her shoulders.
[23:02] <Ebiris> As Teresa ruthlessly sets about violating Arisa's mouth with something long and hard, a man rounds the corner at a run. "What's-" he begins before his jaw drops at the sight of the two mangled (and getting even more mangled even as he watches) corpses and Teresa's visibly wounded form. "By the Gods!" he gapes, appalled. Teresa can note the sound of more rushing footsteps coming in her direction.
[23:12] <Teresa> With a brief glance at the witness, Teresa commits his features to memory and flees down the other end of the alley, intending to go ethereal at the bend, when it could be reasonably assumed by any pursuers from a distance that she just ducked behind a corner.
[23:13] <Ebiris> Teresa runs off and vanishes into the ethereal plane, the witness not seeming in any mood to pursue her. He actually takes a step back, even as two other men run into view, one another civilian by his looks, while the other is an armed and armoured guard.
[23:15] * Teresa takes a look to make sure no one was actually further down the alley to spot anything, before moving back towards the scene, trying to overlay the walls of the buildings for the most part, so that even someone with the ability to see her in that state wouldn't easily spot her on a casual glance. For now, she wants to hear what the witness has to say to the guard, if anything,
[23:15] <Teresa> and any details about his name and place of residence.
[23:18] <Ebiris> "It was a woman with blonde hair and a greatsword, she ran that way!" the witness blurts out, prompting the guard to run off in pursuit while another two guards come into view. One runs off after the first while the other ushers the civilians away from the bodies.
[23:19] * Teresa stays for a minute to see if there's been any change. She doesn't really expect any clerics to get here that soon.
[23:22] <Ebiris> The witness manages to give a brief description of Teresa - blonde hair, average height, average build... it seems he was too distracted by the blood and gore to take note of her otherworldy beauty or anything like that. The guard even sounds a bit frustrated as he asks if there were any distinguishing marks, but all the witness can say is that it happened too fast and he was too shocked to take much in.
[23:22] <Ebiris> Meanwhile the other two guards come trudging back, commenting that the blood trail ends abruptly just around the corner, and they theorise some sort of magic is probably at work.
[23:23] <Teresa> That would have to be enough. Teresa retreats further through several houses, searching for one whose inhabitants don't seem to be in.
[23:24] <Ebiris> This doesn't take long, Teresa passing through several small and similarly furnished terraced houses before she finds one that's entirely empty of occupants.
[23:25] <Teresa> First thing's first, Teresa decides as she locks herself in whatever passes for a bathroom in that house. She uses what little healing ability she has to seal her wound as much as she can, before cleaning herself off and changing into her spare, identical outfit.
[23:25] <Teresa> roll 1d8+5
[23:25] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{6}
[23:26] * Teresa decides to rely on her wand of curing to get herself to much better shape, before moving anywhere.
[23:26] <Ebiris> The healing doesn't do much for Teresa's pain, but it does at least seal up the wound on the surface enough to prevent further bleeding. Still looks rather discoloured.
[23:26] <Teresa> roll 1d20+18 UMD
[23:26] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+18 UMD --> [ 1d20=11 ]{29}
[23:26] <Teresa> roll 1d8+1
[23:26] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=4 ]{5}
[23:27] <Teresa> roll 1d8+1
[23:27] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{4}
[23:27] <Teresa> roll 1d8+1
[23:27] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{9}
[23:29] <Teresa> Deciding that it's enough, Teresa cleans her torn outfit, storing it away, and then tries to erase any signs of her being there. Once that's been taken care of, she teleports back to a dark alley near Earl Torbes's mansion that she had previously used as a target.
[23:30] <Ebiris> Teresa teleports into position without incident, no one around to comment on her abrupt arrival from the ether.
[23:31] * Teresa walks out of the alley and towards the gate.

[Ebiris]

[19:22] <Ebiris> Teresa doesn't get any sort of unusual reaction when she returns to Earl Torbes' estate, and the rest of the night passes without incident, the succubus able to rest peacefully. Eventually dawn comes, another day of hope and possibilities stretching out before her...
[19:23] * Teresa waits for a reasonable time people in the mansion wake up at, deciding to go to the kitchen for some breakfast and a dash of gossip, should there be any.
[19:25] <Teresa> roll 2d8+2
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 2d8+2 and gets 15." [2d8=6, 7]
[19:29] <Ebiris> Jimble is found in the kitchen along with one of the maids, a woman a few years younger and thinner than Mallory - the name Elbreth vaguely registers, and Teresa easily procures some breakfast. Both of the servants are happy to bid her good morning, interrupting their speculations on what the investigation into Lady Torbes' death will turn up.
[19:30] <Teresa> "Morning," Teresa responds, eating slowly but not really interjecting herself into the conversation.
[19:32] <Ebiris> Jimble seems to think Rika just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when someone decided to rub out Lady Kitami. Elbreth isn't so sure and seems to think there'll be an entirely innocent explanation, although she isn't really sure what that could possibly be.
[19:36] * Teresa has nothing to say in the face of such naivete, and bids the two farewell once she is done with her food. If they aren't talking about a sword-wielding maniac, she has some time, at least. Teresa intends to spend it in her room by waiting to see if Earl Torbes requires her services that day.
[19:36] <Ebiris> Teresa has an hour to spend in her room without interruption before there's a knock at the door.
[19:37] <Teresa> "Yes?" she asks, raising her voice just enough to carry the sound through. Being immortal, an hour is nothing to her, after all, not even enough to cause Teresa the slightest annoyance.
[19:39] <Ebiris> "Package came - it's your new uniform," a male voice carries back through the door. Teresa places it as Emmett, one of the other guards that she talked to at the gate yesterday.
[19:40] * Teresa makes her way to the door, opening it with a smile on her lips.
[19:43] <Ebiris> Indeed it is Emmett, greeting the succubus with his own smile. "Good morning," he greets her, holding out a soft looking hessian wrapped bundle tied with twine. "This just came in for you."
[19:45] <Teresa> "Ah, yes," Teresa says, accepting the package. "I was told it would arrive today." She steps back inside, her smile turning teasing. "I might need to be ready for the Earl soon. Would you like to help me with my uniform?"
[19:48] <Ebiris> He blushes in response, but manages to grin as he looks over Teresa. "They can be tricky to get into," he replies with a knowing chuckle. "Especially when you've got armour to consider as well."
[19:50] <Teresa> "Armor added to the equation, why, it would easily take half an hour to get just right," Teresa agrees.
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Half an hour..." he shakes his head, leaning closer towards Teresa, "It might take just as long with another pair of hands, but the time seems to pass more quickly when you're having fun."
[19:55] * Teresa leans closer herself, before seeming to recall something. "Ah, such a shame. I did promise to be on call this morning," she tells Emmett regretfully, appearing quite sincere. "A raincheck, perhaps, then?"
[19:58] <Ebiris> "You tease," he laughs, although his face does show sad disappointment as much as he tries to cover it up. "Go on, then, you'd better get changed," he tells her, wandering off with the tattered remnants of his masculine pride.
[19:58] <Teresa> He will recover, Teresa muses, and gets to the task of changing into the uniform prepared for her. It would be nice to see how her armor fits on top of it, too.
[20:02] <Ebiris> Teresa finds her uniform is not much more than a pair of pants and a tunic in dark maroon with navy blue highlights, and a similarly blue undershirt with gold trim. The cloth is very well stitched, feeling comfortable yet sturdy on Teresa - as she puts it on she notices leather padding stitched inside at certain points, presumably for a small degree of extra protection. It happens to fit very well, as it should since it was made to measure.
[20:03] <Ebiris> .
[20:05] <Teresa> Nice, reasonably comfortable for her disguise and best of all, distinctive enough from her original clothing. Teresa nods in satisfaction, and puts her armor on, stowing away her old outfit. She plans to wait a short while, perhaps another hour, but if nothing happens within that time, it would clearly be a sign to seek out the Earl.
[20:06] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[20:07] <Ebiris> An hour passes without further incident...
[20:08] * Teresa decides to go and try to find Balno, figuring that seeing the halfling would be better than bothering her employer too much without just cause.
[20:09] <Ebiris> Asking around, Teresa finds out from Mallory that Balno has been in the study with Earl Torbes for the past half hour, ever since they got the report delivered by the guard. She doesn't know the contents of said report, to her clearly obvious displeasure.
[20:10] * Teresa decides to loiter about the study for another hour, and see whether either man leaves it.
[20:12] <Ebiris> About twenty or so minutes later, the duo emerge. "Ah, good morning, Teresa," the egg-shaped earl greets her, sounding a bit shaken. From just behind his employer, the halfling regards Teresa with a neutral gaze.
[20:13] <Teresa> "It is, Earl Torbes," Teresa returns, bowing. She waits to see if he has anything to say to her, first.
[20:16] <Ebiris> "No... it isn't, not really," he replies, sounding depressed. "It seems I won't have any need for you to investigate my wife's disappearance, though I'm sure you've probably heard. Though perhaps..." he begins before trailing off and pausing, his eyes looking off at nothing in particular. "Well, nothing, at least for the moment. Excuse me," he concludes, starting to walk past Teresa with his butler following.
[20:19] <Teresa> "My condolences, Sire," Teresa says as he passes her, making no attempt to follow the pair. Instead, she returns to her room to wait. If she's right about her hunch, the halfling would come see her before too long. And if not... well, she'd tried to look for him once, and after enough time had passed, she could do so again. Hopefully, he wouldn't be with the earl by then.
[20:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 40." [1d100=40]
[20:23] <Ebiris> Teresa is left all on her lonesome as she hides in her room, no one coming to disturb her as minutes stretch into hours...
[20:24] * Teresa goes to look for Mallory, then. Apparently the earl needed more consoling than she anticipated, and the maid should know the relevant details anyway.
[20:26] <Ebiris> Mallory is found taking laundry down from clotheslines set up behind the mansion, grey overcast skies showing the likely reason why. According to her, Balno has been unusually tight-lipped about just what was said in the guards' report - something she's altogher rather piqued by.
[20:26] <Teresa> "And is Balno still with the Earl?" Teresa asks Mallory.
[20:28] <Ebiris> "No, the earl's retired to his chambers. Balno should be out and about, somewhere - I talked to him in the north wing's upper hallway just quarter of an hour ago," the maid replies.
[20:29] <Teresa> Thanking Mallory, Teresa decides to explore the north wing, asking for Balno as she goes.
[20:31] <Ebiris> This isn't hard, Teresa swiftly finding the dour little halfling as he sends another maid on her way with some changes to her grocery shopping. "Teresa," he gives the succubus a guarded nod as she approaches.
[20:32] * Teresa nods back. "I won't insult you by pretending I haven't heard the rumors," she starts with. "Is there anything I can do?"
[20:34] <Ebiris> "Not for the moment, no," Balno shakes his head. "In three day's time, though..."
[20:34] <Teresa> "Three days' time?" Teresa asks him, not even having to feign surprise. "Is that how long it would take to discover the Earl's enemies?"
[20:37] <Ebiris> "We already know. Three days is when they will return to Dharport," Balno replies blandly. "From what you've displayed so far, I don't expect you'll have a problem with what's required, Teresa."
[20:38] * Teresa nods curtly. "Though I haven't been here long, Earl Torbes is a very likeable employer. You can count on me."
[20:39] <Ebiris> OOC: how honest are you being when you say that?
[20:40] <Teresa> OOC: I will be very happy to slaughter his enemies
[20:41] <Ebiris> "That is satisfactory," Balno nods. "Until then, you may spend your time as you please."
[20:43] * Teresa nods once again, and departs for the comfort of her barren room. First on her order of business is to leave her armor and claymore behind, taking only her backpack along. Teresa doesn't really intend to fight again that day, whatever guise she might find herself in.
[20:51] <Teresa> Given that she's free to do what she wishes, Teresa changes into the more generic if somewhat ill-fitting clothes that awaited her in the room when she first got it, and heads outside into the city.
[20:51] <Teresa> Her first goal would be to find a dark alley with no curious onlookers, and use it to change into a girl barely out of her teens, before making an effort to dirty her clothing slightly to give them a more worn out look.
[20:52] <Ebiris> This is easily done, Teresa finding one of the hundreds of alleyways that riddle Dharport like diseased capillaries and purposefully ruining her clothes as she adopts the guise of an unwashed waif.
[20:54] <Teresa> She has a spare outfit anyway, and more back at the house. Not bothered by the state of her clothes in the slightest, the brunette adopts a slightly fearful expression and waits approximately ten minutes before leaving the alley, hunched over ever-so-slightly and casting her eyes about for signs of pursuit.
[20:56] <Ebiris> Teresa exits the alley onto a fairly quiet residential street, a few people coming and going while a small band of children toss a ball amongst each other nearby. Despite her paranoia, there seems to be no sign of pursuit.
[20:58] * Teresa keeps up with it, though not to such a heightened level that she would stand out as a raving lunatic. Rather, she explores the city now, concentrating on a poorer part of it.
[20:59] <Ebiris> It's a fairly long walk to the slummy section, but Teresa gets there easily enough...
[21:00] * Teresa is particularly interested in people who seem to be carrying weapons, or those shining more than others to her senses.
[21:00] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 80." [1d100=80]
[21:05] <Ebiris> OOC: make a will save
[21:06] <Ebiris> OOC: actually, wait, don't.
[21:06] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[21:08] <Ebiris> Teresa notes quite a few city guards on her travels, most armed with halberds and crossbows, though a few have sheathed longswords. A small proportion of said guards radiate faint goodness to her senses. Likewise, a decent number of random passersby radiate some level of goodness. The first one to really catch her eye is a human man who's browsing the bazaar near the edge of the slums.
[21:08] <Ebiris> He's young and strong looking, laughing a bit as he haggles and jokes with one of the vendors. Unarmed and unarmoured he may be, but he radiates a strong aura of goodness to Teresa's trained eye.
[21:12] * Teresa decides to follow the man, trailing him as he hangs around the bazaar and trying to see whether she would get a moment alone with him, or he intends to spend quite a bit of time browsing.
[21:15] <Ebiris> He doesn't spend that long. After concluding his business with the man at the vegetable stall he starts heading off with his purchases, heading into the slums.
[21:16] * Teresa waits for him to get far enough from the market before trying to put her charms on him.
[21:16] <Teresa> OOC: DC25
[21:17] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[21:18] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 28." [1d20=17]
[21:19] <Ebiris> The man stops dead as soon as Teresa exercises her charming abilities, looking around as he shifts his bag into one hand and gestures with his free hand, mumbling something...
[21:19] <Ebiris> OOC: how close are you?
[21:20] <Teresa> OOC: Max range for charm, so 50ft. If it's not working I'd move back.
[21:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[21:22] <Ebiris> As Teresa swiftly retreats, the man looks around suspiciously after casting his spell...
[21:22] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check if you're trying to look inconspicous, or a hide check if you're actively hiding.
[21:23] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20 no conspicuousness here
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 no conspicuousness here and gets 27." [1d20=7]
[21:23] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15." [1d20=3]
[21:25] <Ebiris> He doesn't seem to focus on Teresa, although a few other people are giving him odd looks as he casts another spell. "What's with all the mojo, Tore?" one man calls over.
[21:26] <Ebiris> "Someone just tried to cast an enchantment spell on me," Teresa's target answers. "You didn't see or hear anyone casting a spell just now? Besides me, I mean," he appends with faint embarrassment.
[21:26] * Teresa is actually elated, deep down. A mage, and with a bit of luck and persistence he might well go over to her side! But she doesn't appear to pay any attention to him, instead looking for an out of the way place to cast Eagle's Splendor without anyone noticing. If at all possible in such a situation.
[21:27] <Ebiris> The ubiquitous alleyways provide lots of cover for all sorts of nefarious goings on within Dharport.
[21:28] <Teresa> So they do. Teresa heads for one, making the process seem casual, and casts the spell once she's certain she won't be spotted.
[21:28] <Ebiris> Heading into the nearest alleyway and rounding a bend so she's out of sight of the main street, Teresa finds she has a moment of sufficient privacy to cast her spell, becoming more personable than ever!
[21:30] <Teresa> And just the way she likes it! She should have done that to begin with, really, but once again complacency was almost her downfall. Approaching the mouth of the alley but not peeking out, like any good waif out on the streets would do, Teresa tries to listen in on this Tore.
[21:32] <Ebiris> He's already retreated halfway down the street on his original course.
[21:33] * Teresa steps out into the street, heading that same way, only more sedately, while trying to see whether any of the people on the streets are still gossiping about this, as people sometimes do.
[21:35] <Ebiris> A few people are actually eyeing each other suspiciously as they make strained conversation about how someone in their midst could be trying to magically compel them to who knows what ends.
[21:36] <Teresa> How utterly horrible! Teresa moves past them, trying to guess at Tore's path, before ducking into another dark alley and going ethereal once she ensures she won't be overseen, intending to cut ahead through the ethereal plane and emerge in another alley, this one ahead of Tore. She certainly would like another try at this.
[21:37] <Ebiris> OOC: how far ahead are you getting?
[21:38] <Teresa> OOC: 3-4 rounds ahead of when Tore would come past my alley, should he continue his presence course and speed
[21:41] <Ebiris> Teresa finds that she has to utterly sprint, as movement on the ethereal plane is like moving through molasses, and it takes far too much effort just to match speed with her prey nevermind overtake him. Eventually she does, however, losing sight of Tore behind her in the endless grey mists as she reaches an alleyway about one hundred and fifty feet ahead of him (assuming he maintained the same pace).
[21:43] <Teresa> Teresa's hair turns brown and curly, her nose widening, and the rest of her features adjust themselves to this change. If there's anything she learnt from her previous lesson with Grom and Arisa, it's that it never hurts to use her shapeshifting abilities to create an infinite number of disguises.
[21:43] <Teresa> She can't really do much about her clothes at such short notice, but they are generic, dirty and ill-fitting. That would have to do. She waits for the moment Tore is to pass to cast her charm from the darkness of the alley, relying on her senses and ability to see perfectly under such conditions.
[21:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[21:44] <Ebiris> Teresa lays in wait to spring her trap... and waits. After half a minute she still hasn't seen her quarry pass by.
[21:45] * Teresa decides to peek out of the alley down the street.
[21:48] <Ebiris> Nope. No sign of him on the main street. There are, of course, numerous alleys he could have possibly gone down, as well as a branching street off to Teresa's left about a hundred feet away. Plus dozens of buildings he potentially might have gone into.
[21:50] * Teresa leaves the alley, headed down the street towards the intersection. She pays attention to the alleyways along her path, though outwardly Teresa attempts to maintain the illusion of knowing where she's going. If no sign of Tore appears, she intends to take a look at the branching street.
[21:54] <Ebiris> Heading towards the intersection, Teresa detects a strong good aura from one of the houses opposite said intersection. It's a two storey dwelling of brick and stone with a small stairway leading up to its front door and am iron fence on either side blocking an exposed pathway beneath. Looks more or less identical to the houses on either side and beyond.
[21:55] <Teresa> She's already gone this far, so she find a deserted place to become ethereal once more, and then floats towards the house, listening in for any sounds coming form it as she approaches.
[21:58] <Ebiris> OOC: listen check
[21:58] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 30." [1d20=10]
[22:01] <Ebiris> Teresa can hear the faint crackling of a fire from inside the house, and the sound of someone moving around and opening/closing doors.
[22:02] * Teresa decides to make her entrance, moving herself into the house and taking stock of it.
[22:06] <Ebiris> It's small and cramped, but very homey - all sorts of ornaments and knick-knacks scattered around to lend the impression that the place has been lived in for a long time. The furniture likewise seems rather old and worn, but nonetheless well cared for. In the front room/kitchen she can see Tore puttering around the kitchen - looks like he's making stew.
[22:08] * Teresa looks for a hiding place that would give her a few more seconds before she is found out should her first attempt fail, and teleports over there, before trying to charm Tore once more.
[22:09] <Teresa> OOC: DC27
[22:09] <Ebiris> OOC: so... you're walking away while ethereal, then returning to the prime, then teleporting in? Why not just... come out of ethereal right there?
[22:10] <Teresa> OOC: I thought I'd see more from Prime, but it doesn't really matter
[22:11] <Ebiris> OOC: well, either way, I guess.
[22:12] <Ebiris> Teresa teleports into Tore's front room, trying to hide while getting a clear view of him to work her wiles...
[22:12] <Ebiris> OOC: hide check
[22:12] <Teresa> OOC: Do I actually need line of sight, or just line of effect?
[22:12] <Ebiris> OOC: both
[22:13] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[22:13] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[22:13] <Ebiris> Unfortunately for her, he happens to catch sight of her lurking around his armchair in his peripheral vision. "What the-" he begins, turning...
[22:13] <Ebiris> OOC: initiative, I guess.
[22:14] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+3 and gets 20." [1d20=17]
[22:14] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21." [1d20=20]
[22:15] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft first of all
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+11 spellcraft first of all and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[22:15] <Ebiris> OOC: wait, there's a lot more than just the teleport to detect. List all your active spells and magic items carried?
[22:17] <Teresa> OOC: Two wands and three scrolls, Eagle's Splendor, change shape, tongues?
[22:17] <Ebiris> roll 8#1d20+11
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 8#1d20+11 and gets 180." [8#1d20+11 = 20, 21, 17, 27, 18, 20, 26, 31]
[22:18] <Ebiris> "What are you doing here?" Tore demands, drawing himself up as he turns to face Teresa, eyes widening in alarm.
[22:18] <Ebiris> OOC: he's holding, your go.
[22:19] <Teresa> It might still be possible to turn this around if she manages to charm him, of course, and Teresa tries that first.
[22:20] <Teresa> "I need your help," she tells him, focusing her inherent magic onto this single task.
[22:20] <Ebiris> As soon as Teresa starts to focus on her spell-like ability, Tore casts a spell of his own, causing a lance of shining light to arc out from his hand straight at her!
[22:20] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 SR
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 SR and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[22:21] <Ebiris> But it splashes harmlessly off Teresa's innate resistance, not harming her in the least!
[22:21] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 save vs charm
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 save vs charm and gets 17." [1d20=7]
[22:22] <Teresa> "There is no need for that," Teresa speaks, wincing at the lance. "I was overly eager, I understand, but the matter was very urgent!"
[22:23] <Ebiris> "What... what are you?" Tore stares as his spell fizzles, though he doesn't seem especially charmed, he does hesitate at Teresa's words.
[22:25] <Teresa> "I will think things through better if you do, too," Teresa suggests. "While this meeting started badly, there's nothing stopping us from reaching an understanding. But first, is there anyone else around? A guest you are expecting? What I have to say is for your ears only."
[22:26] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplomacy check, -10 penalty
[22:26] <Teresa> roll 1d20+21
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35." [1d20=14]
[22:29] <Ebiris> "That just makes you sound even more suspicious," Tore replies dubiously, though he restrains himself from attacking. "You're the one that tried to charm me outside, aren't you?"
[22:32] <Teresa> "Of course," Teresa admits. "We're all in grave danger, and I don't have the time to let you get to know me, first, before you could trust me." She frowns. "But maybe trust is overrated. Once you hear of my proposal, it might be enough on its own merits." Teresa glances towards the door. "I already asked you. Are we alone, and reasonably expect to be for the next quarter of an hour?"
[22:36] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18." [1d20=6]
[22:37] <Ebiris> "I make it a rule not to trust people who use magical compulsions. For all I know you're just waiting for a chance to try it again," Tore replies. "Why target me, anyway?"
[22:40] <Teresa> "I don't much like dealing with people who strike on sight for something that harmless, either," Teresa says with a sniff. "But isn't it obvious? Because of that lance, and because you could spot what I was doing. It seems I even underestimated you." Teresa shakes her head. "But that's not important. I need your help to save Dharport from the devils."
[22:41] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 13." [1d20=9]
[22:43] <Ebiris> "Oh... Vecna's teeth," he snarls in dawning realisation. "You're one of those demons, aren't you? The one that impersonated the little girl?"
[22:48] <Teresa> "I can truthfully say I'm not one of anything," Teresa says, appearing angry for the first time. "I'm all alone, and I have no resources, no support-- nothing! I've been abandoned here! I can't go back, and I can't stay, and my only option is to get them before they get me. I have done nothing wrong here!" She snarls herself. "But I got backstabbed anyway. I have nowhere else to turn to!"
[22:52] <Ebiris> "So you run off and try charming the first priest you meet while he's in the middle of making dinner?" he asks, gaping at Teresa's tale of woe, and seeming to drop is guard in his pure amazement and perhaps even a little pity. "You're not very good at this, are you?"
[22:56] <Teresa> "I never even wanted to do this," Teresa says piteously. "They sent me to kill the devils. Do I look like I could kill the devils?!" She shivers then. "But if I don't get even a single one, somehow...."
[22:56] <Teresa> Determination on her face, she pleads, "I can help, though! I have information, and-- and she already betrayed me, so I don't feel anything for that tentacled bitch that sent me here. What do you have to lose?!"
[23:01] <Ebiris> Tore holds up his fist and begins to mark off points, extending a finger each time. "My life. My soul. Probably my money since I doubt this would be cheap. My self respect. My mind if you keep up the whole charming thing... and look, that's me out of fingers already!" he waves his now fully extended hand around.
[23:01] <Ebiris> "Look, you seem like a sweet kid, but we both know that's some sort of disguise, and that demons are all about the lying. Besides, if my most powerful spell bounced right off you, it's not like I'd be much good at fighting devils, either," he concludes, sounding honestly apologetic beneath his brusqueness.
[23:05] <Teresa> "But you know stronger priests, don't you?" Teresa asks him. "That you can trust, and know for certain haven't been coopted by the devils? You don't seem to have much trouble keeping your mind, and I don't care about your money, life or soul, so it really comes down to your self respect.
[23:05] <Teresa> Is it worth the chance to rid Dharport of the devils? I'll be able to leave once they're gone, so it's a two-for-one deal, even!"
[23:08] <Ebiris> OOC: bluff check
[23:08] <Teresa> roll 1d20+22
[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+22 and gets 33." [1d20=11]
[23:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+12
[23:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+12 and gets 30." [1d20=18]
[23:10] <Ebiris> "Yes, but it would make more sense to get those stronger priests to kill you before worrying about any devils," Tore points out reasonably. "I mean, what's really the difference between demons and devils? I don't think one's especially better than the other."
[23:15] <Teresa> "I see," Teresa says icily. "Then I suppose all those 'seamstresses' getting reamed by bearded devils with their horrible glaives don't really count? At least I know I'm not here to horribly mutilate and murder people. And the difference lies in individuality; we have it. They don't.
[23:15] <Teresa> I can act... out of character, for what you would think of me, because I need to in order to get the cooperation of high-minded mortals, and the price of failure reminds me why I shouldn't stray. It's quite a powerful incentive."
[23:18] <Ebiris> "They count just as much as little girls who get horribly butchered and replaced with demonic imposters. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?" the blonde-haired priest asks, folding his arms over his expansive chest and giving Teresa a flat look.
[23:20] <Teresa> "I didn't kill any little girls or helped do it!" Teresa protests vehemently. "That's a trick question! I already said I had information to offer, but just because I 'know anything about that' doesn't make me culpable!"
[23:22] <Ebiris> He sighs and runs a hand through his scraggly hair for a moment. "Okay, fine. I'll hear you out. What information do you have? I can at least pass it along to people who can check it out."
[23:25] <Teresa> "Our enemy is Glasya," Teresa tells him instantly, watching for the priest's reaction before continuing.
[23:26] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1
[23:26] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 and gets 9." [1d20=8]
[23:27] <Ebiris> "Yeah, and you're working for Malcanthrope," Tore returns with a shrug. "What's the difference?"
[23:32] <Teresa> "The difference is that they're entrenched, and have no doubt used human sacrifices to summon more of their kind. Those bearded devils I've mentioned already, and Glasya's faithful wouldn naturally be behind the scenes. This entrenchment also means they have many mortals on their side."
[23:32] <Teresa> Teresa's face twists. "Clergy, too, so a few simple divinations would not be amiss when you choose a superior to talk to."

[Ebiris]

[13:01] <Ebiris> "Well, old Proust did seem to go pretty crazy and kill poor Sigmund," Tore admits, waggling his finger beside his head before abruptly stopping and pointing accusingly at Teresa. "But that happened when he ran into one of your kind. Might've even been you, for all I know."
[13:06] <Teresa> "It really wouldn't matter for the sake of a temporary alliance," Teresa tells him, "though no, I must say you really are the first priest I've 'ran into'." She doesn't really know what happened at that 'meeting' aside from the gossip, so she moves discussion elsewhere.
[13:06] <Teresa> "But what any impartial observer would note is how, in the face of both demon and devil threats, a single church boasting of neutrality has chosen to go after just one of them, to the point of turning a blind eye on the other. Curious, that, wouldn't you say?
[13:06] <Teresa> I don't suppose said church experienced a recent change of leadership, say within the last month or so? Or one of its leading members suddenly started exhibiting uncanny leadership capabilities?"
[13:10] <Teresa> OOC: Strike the last two lines, then
[13:12] <Teresa> "It really wouldn't matter for the sake of a temporary alliance," Teresa tells him, "though no, I must say you really are the first priest I've 'ran into'." She doesn't really know what happened at that 'meeting' aside from the gossip, so she moves discussion elsewhere. "There is a limit to how much I can say at this meeting, without assurances of my safety until the devils have been dealt with."
[13:17] <Ebiris> "I don't think I can give any assurances to a demon," Tore replies, taking the pot off his stove and setting it aside. "But if you're really sincere about this, how about we pay a visit to the temple. You won't be able to use charm magic on hallowed ground, and I'm sure someone will have a spell prepared that'll let us know if you're telling the truth."
[13:20] <Teresa> "Not just yet," Teresa tells him. "There's magic to counter said charm, as you well know. I'll need to meet someone higher up the chain, who can give those assurances you're not able to. Once we come to an understanding, we could take it from there."
[13:22] <Ebiris> "Yes, but my counter's going to run out sooner or later, and I'd like to get someone to dispel the charm you put on me before it does, so I'm going to visit the temple anyway," Tore replies with a crooked smile.
[13:26] <Teresa> "As a gesture of good will, I won't stop you," Teresa proposes. "Find someone trustworthy and with the authority necessary, and bring them to that drow obelisk at midnight. If I see more than you two, I'll just take that as my answer and leave." She frowns once more. "I suppose that'd let you keep your pride, as you've said, and the people you're supposed to serve will continue to die.
[13:26] <Teresa> I'll have to see if that's acceptable to you."
[13:30] <Ebiris> "Hmph. For what it's worth, you talk better than I'd expect for a demon. Like I'd know if it's all lies, though. I'm sure you can leave the same way you arrived," the fair-haired priest snorts grumpily as he goes to get his coat.
[13:34] <Teresa> "I can. And another thing, as proof of the seriousness of my offer. A name, the Moonlit Maiden," Teresa says, preparing to teleport back to the alley she waited for Tore in wait at. "There are more, if the meeting goes through."
[13:36] <Ebiris> "Pffh. Everyone knows what happened there," Tore grunts unhappily as he heads for the door.
[13:37] * Teresa disappears at that, content to let things take their course, now.
[13:44] * Teresa intends to find an empty house and change her clothes there, so she wouldn't look like a street rat anymore. And with clothing, her appearance and gender, to become a well-fed man in his early thirties, passable for a trader. From that point, Teresa intends to try a few inns, seeking out parties of inebriated customers and joining the conversation, steering it towards the churches of Dharport.
[13:44] <Teresa> The main ones, first, and then the minor ones. Reputation, history, notables and leaders -- if she is to meet one of them later, she would do well to know more about them. And if she had the time and resources for such an endeavor, she would surely try to take over a church; the other side did have time and resources, so if they had anyone halfway competent on their side, they might have seized control of one of the minor temples. Such kn
[13:44] <Teresa> they might have seized control of one of the minor temples. Such knowledge might reveal itself to her from the words of the humans living here.
[13:46] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[13:46] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 21." [1d20=10]
[14:01] <Ebiris> Spending the afternoon on this, Teresa learns a few things. There are three main churches active in Dharport; Pelor, Boccob, and St Cuthbert. The church of Pelor is historically the most active one, led by Radiant Servant Gwyneth, an older but still formidable woman, they work hard to spread Pelor's dogma and are most likely to offer free temple services to the needy, often sending their clerics off into the farming villages surrounding Dharport to see to their needs.
[14:01] <Ebiris> The biggest rumours about Pelor involve a paladin named Proust recently slaying one of the clerics while trying to attack a girl that was later revealed to be a demon in disguise. Said cleric was raised and Proust has left Dharport on a pilgrimage to atone, but the whole thing left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths.
[14:01] <Ebiris> The church of Boccob is probably the most popular with Dharport's ruling classes, not in terms of worship but in simple acceptance - they offer assistance to the authorities in dealing with magical matters, but are generally regarded as less 'pushy' than the other major churches - their congregation is correspondingly less noticably devout. Led by an elderly archpriest named Kelvan, he's starting to take a more backseat role and most suspect leadership will pass to a young firebrand named Eris.
[14:01] <Ebiris> Eris has been pushing the church to take a more active stand in protecting Dharport, and followers of Boccob played a notable part in rooting out a demon worshipping cult over the past month, led by a very popular paladin named Caerys - this is gaining the church a lot of new converts among the common folk.
[14:01] <Ebiris> The last major church, dedicated to Saint Cuthbert, is considered on the wane. Having trouble attracting youthful converts compared to the more dynamic faiths of Pelor and Boccob, though it still has many adherents among the nobility. Like Pelor, they often send priests out to the lands surrounding Dharport, though generally on a more militant bent, focused on battling bandits and monsters to protect the villages.
[14:01] <Ebiris> This also makes them popular with farmers, ensuring some supply of new members joining the faith. Their leader is Billet Tomas, a firm middle aged man who looks after his flock with a firm but caring hand. Thanks to tithes from the nobility, this is probably the richest of the major churches, though the other two are hardly poor.
[14:01] <Ebiris> Recently a band of clerics and adventurers in the service of St Cuthbert went down into the underdark near the city, and have not been heard from since. There have been murmurings of sending an expedition after them, but nothing has materialised yet.
[14:11] <Teresa> The information would suit her well, Teresa muses. Now satisfied with a rudimentary grasp of the situation, she decides to find out who, if anyone, investigated the unfortunate matter with the Moonlit Maiden. For Tore to say it was well-known, she would expect such an investigation to take place. And, of course, any information about other reasonably public devilish exploits would be welcome.
[14:12] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[14:12] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[14:20] <Ebiris> Chatting up a talkative guard, Teresa learns about this investigation. Apparently the guards were looking into it, with assistance from the church of Boccob, but turned up few leads - it's clear the Moonlit Maiden was a front for demon worshippers, since they found a sacrifical chamber in the basement filled with abyssal imagery, just like the one that the guards found on their raid on Madame Lil's.
[14:20] <Ebiris> Both have since re-opened under new management and staff, although apparently the Moonlit Maiden is having trouble getting customers since the devil attack was well known. The demon cultist prostitutes were apparently less advertised, so Madame Lil's is recovering quite nicely.
[14:20] <Ebiris> The idea of trying to scry on one of the devils who attacked the Moonlit Maiden was floated, but apparently they left absolutely nothing behind that could have been used as a focus - it seems they were all summoned solely for the attack, and no clues were left behind.
[14:20] <Ebiris> There was another devil sighting just last night, at a house in the slums - he doesn't know the full details, but it seems to have been the home of one of the prostitutes who worked at the Moonlit Maiden, and while the guards never found any devils by the time they showed up, they did find the semi-dissolved corpse of a succubus.
[14:25] <Teresa> Teresa files that information, and proceeds to wait until it is dark enough out until heading for the direction of the obelisk. She tries to recall whether there were any houses located some eighty feet from it with roof decorations she could reasonably hide behind, avoiding being seen from the street, figuring it would be an ideal place to teleport to and lie in wait.
[14:27] <Ebiris> There are several tall buildings surrounding the crossroads at which the obelisk stands, a few spires and gargoyles present to offer some degree of cover should anyone bother to crane their necks that high.
[14:28] <Teresa> Any one of them would do, if she could hide her entire form behind it, Teresa decides. The clerics, if they come, will likely have true sight and it would be a pain if they saw her form this early on.
[14:30] <Ebiris> OOC: make a hide check
[14:31] <Teresa> OOC: No bot
[14:31] <Teresa> roll 1d20+3
[14:32] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{17}
[14:32] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[14:32] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=89 ]{89}
[14:37] <Ebiris> The hours pass, Dharport descending into darkness and the streets below becoming quieter, only torch-bearing guards and the odd furtive looking pedestrian making their way visible below to Teresa's eyes - though, of course, she can't well see the crossroads while hiding on the other side of an empty belltower, she can at least see some of the other streets on her side below.
[14:39] * Teresa is waiting for midnight. Seeing priests or devils approach would be a bonus, but if nothing like that happens, she intends to merely wait in the same guise that met Tore previously.
[14:40] <Ebiris> roll 1d4
[14:40] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
[14:41] <Ebiris> Teresa doesn't see any noticably priestly or diabolical people on the streets below in the direction she's facing, as midnight surely draws near.
[14:43] * Teresa tries to keep the minor divination so useful for spotting clergy trained in the direction of the intersection. While it won't reach all the way towards her target, anyone approaching from a certain direction or straying a bit from the meeting point should be able to get spotted by her.
[14:44] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[14:44] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{74}
[14:47] <Ebiris> While the obelisk itself is too far away thanks to her altitude, Teresa can detect a faint good aura in the air above it, at a similar height to her own.
[14:50] <Teresa> "And who might you be?" Teresa asks the person the aura belongs to telepathically, using the same voice she had while meeting Tore.
[14:53] <Ebiris> 'That depends entirely who's asking,' a peevish sounding male 'voice' replies in Teresa's head. 'Although I can probably guess.'
[14:55] <Teresa> 'Precautions are nice and well,' Teresa responds, keeping her eyes on the aura and whether it remains on the same spot, 'but if this is all just one big charade, I could save us all quite a bit of time and leave.'
[14:58] <Ebiris> 'Well, that would be nice. It is such an unseemly hour to be up and about,' the voice admits lazily, the visible good aura staying right where it is. 'But really, you shouldn't even be talking to me. I'm just here in case things turn unpleasant. Stupid overhyped invisibility spell. No, not like anyone would ever look for a flying invisible man, it'd be perfect! Oh, what a fool I am...'
[14:58] <Ebiris> You're not quite sure if that last part was even meant for you, but it's heard all the same.
[15:00] <Teresa> 'Whom should I be talking to, then?' Teresa asks, making certain to fully look around her, in case the temple has more of them in positions near her. 'Things would go far smoother if you were to introduce me to your representative.'
[15:00] <Ebiris> No other good auras in any direction that Teresa can see.
[15:02] <Ebiris> 'What, you mean the ones standing right by the obelisk - likely a glowing obelisk at that, to your abyssal eyes - just like you asked them to?' the voice asks in an exasparated tone. 'You're the one wasting time by talking to the invisible flying man, so don't blame me for your mental shortcomings.'
[15:04] <Teresa> 'Seeing someone doesn't make me instantly learn their name,' Teresa speaks acidly into his mind. '"Hey you" sounds like an excellent way to start negotiations to you, I suppose?'
[15:07] <Ebiris> 'I suppose it would behoove me to point out that that's more or less what you just did with me,' he replies with a mental sigh that's more felt than heard. 'Look, I'm not here to negotiate with fiends, I'm here to unleash arcane fury if you prove to be untrustworthy. I thought you already knew the big lummox, anyway.'
[15:11] * Teresa doesn't grace it with a response, merely sending out 'Tore?' to the base of the tower, waiting for any answer. And listening with her normal senses, since being only eighty feet away during a quiet night might allow her to overhear something.
[15:12] <Ebiris> OOC: listen check
[15:12] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[15:12] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{24}
[15:14] <Ebiris> Teresa thinks she can hear something said from below, but can't make out exactly what. She does receive two replies, however, sadly intermixed and making it a bit hard to piece together who said what. 'Where are you?' 'Who is this?' seems to be the gist of each.
[15:17] <Teresa> 'Let's go with Flora,' Teresa returns to them both, continuing to listen.
[15:20] <Ebiris> Again Teresa can hear murmured conversation but the content is too quiet to make out. 'Show yourself, Flora,' a strong and vital sounding female voice demands.
[15:23] <Teresa> 'So that your invisible flying man can kill me and end this little get together?' she asks, sounding incredulous. 'I've actually abided by the terms discussed with Tore, unlike--' Cutting herself off abruptly, Teresa takes a quiet, deep breath.
[15:23] <Teresa> 'You're my best chance for survival, but not the only one. Can you guarantee my safety? Will you do it, for sufficient return? Let's start with those important questions, first.'
[15:27] <Ebiris> 'We can guarantee your safety if you abide by our terms - terms which we will enforce rather than trusting to the capricious whims of a tanar'ri,' the voice returns sternly and unapologetically. 'Trusting in your kind's goodwill is a quick path to ruin.'
[15:27] <Teresa> 'Let's hear those terms,' Teresa tells her.
[15:32] <Ebiris> 'You will show yourself before me and suppress your spell resistance while I place Pelor's mark upon you. The mark will be harmless - unless you use any charm or compulsion effect upon another, which will activate it. If you will submit to this, then we can come to an understanding. If not, we have nothing further to discuss,' the voice replies.
[15:36] * Teresa waits longer before responding, this time around, weighing the offer. Finally, she sends 'Fine' to all three of the clergy she knows for certain are present, and teleports down to the street, appearing ten feet away from the obelisk.
[15:40] <Ebiris> Standing before the vividly glowing obelisk, Teresa can see Tore wearing a breastplate and with a mace hanging from his belt, as well as an older woman with greying hair pinned back into a severe looking bun. She wears the white and gold robes of Pelor's church, though it does appear that she's wearing armour beneath. She looks over Teresa with a piercing gaze.
[15:40] <Ebiris> "Hmm, a pity I never had the chance to see the true form of the one that impersonated Mary," she observes, her true voice sounding far more old and tired than her mental one. "Was that you, after all? Or are there more of your kind here?"
[15:43] <Teresa> "Of course it wasn't me," Teresa says, sounding insulted. "You think I'd lie for the sake of lying?" A wry smile comes onto her face. "So, you hold all the cards, now. Is this where you betray me as well, just as my superiors and companions?"
[15:45] <Ebiris> "Betrayal from other demons? Oh, such a shock," the old woman deadpans while Tore smirks. "Treachery is not our way, fiend, though it may be better than you deserve. Anyway, hold still - this spell is a lengthy one," she warns as she prepares to start casting.
[15:47] <Teresa> "It might be best if you left yourself an out," Teresa notes calmly, not moving much. "There might come a time where you would want me to use those same powers you seek to seal, perhaps to prevent a devil worshipper from causing harm to innocents. If you require me to gain your permission for any such act, or of someone you trust enough, wouldn't it be better?"
[15:48] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplo check
[15:48] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[15:48] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{37}
[15:51] <Ebiris> The priestess chuckles a bit. "Perhaps so. I suppose I can allow a slight opening - I can always geas you if this turns out to be insufficient, after all. Using your powers of compulsion on other fiends will not incur Pelor's wrath," she amends as she starts to cast the spell.
[15:53] * Teresa nods curtly, otherwise keeping still. If she survives this ordeal, she will come out stronger, bizarrely enough. She never really used those powers except as shortcuts, after all, preferring to do things the old-fashioned way.
[15:55] <Ebiris> After several minutes she finally concludes her murmuring and gesticulating, reaching up to cup her hand at the back of Teresa's neck, where the succubus feels a softly burning pain as the mark is placed. "It is done," she concludes. "Don't think I trust you yet, Flora, but at least now we can negotiate without fear of losing our wills to your abyssal wiles."
[15:57] <Teresa> "Instant trust in me from you would have resulted in my own lost trust of my continued survival," Teresa notes, "as I would have bound my fate to a group of fools. These things take time, after all."
[16:53] <Ebiris> "Now then, to the matter at hand. What do you know of the baatezu presence in Dharport?" the Pelorite priestess asks, moving on rather than sparing any further pleasantries or banter.
[16:56] <Teresa> "You know of the devil attacks on the Moonlit Maiden and Madame Lil's, I presume?" Teresa starts with, before asking her, "Is that the extent of your knowledge, there?"
[16:58] <Ebiris> "All the city knows that one of those dens of vice was attacked by fiends," she narrows her eyes mistrustfully at Teresa. "But no one has said anything about such occuring at the other."
[17:00] <Teresa> "Then I assumed too much of your knowledge-gathering skills," Teresa says bluntly. "Would it interest you to learn that those places soon reopened under, shall we say, new management?" She puts emphasis on the last two words.
[17:01] <Ebiris> "Not as interested as I was when I learned about the proclivities of the old management," she replies just as bluntly. "Cease your prattling innuendo and get to the point, demon."
[17:05] <Teresa> "Raid those places?" Teresa suggests. "And the Naughty Nymph? It could be nothing, but if it were me leading those devils, what better place would be to hide their budding cult than at a place that had already been declared cleared of any fiendish influence?" She shrugs. "If you're not willing to take that extra step, then back me up as I infiltrate them and try to bring you the proof you need."
[17:08] <Ebiris> "Your words are empty without proof, and I will not take action against a legitimate business - loathesome as I might find said industry - without just cause," she shakes her head. "We will investigate - discreetly - but that is all we will do until any fiendish taint is revealed."
[17:08] <Ebiris> "The guards've been keeping a close eye on all the brothels ever since that Malcan-whatever cult got revealed, anyway. Wouldn't they have spotted it if something was up?" Tore asks, finally joining the conversation.
[17:11] <Teresa> "Because they're looking for a demon cult, which is fundamentally different from Glasya's?" Teresa asks him. "And because the masterminds can teleport?"
[17:13] <Ebiris> "Now there's a name to be reckoned with..." the priestess shakes her head slowly. "As devils go, she's not that much different from your ilk, or so I've heard. Still, if true, this is the first useful thing you've told me."
[17:16] * Teresa blinks. "I actually told it earlier, to Tore. I figured you'd know already." She shrugs again. "I suppose I should also repeat that the only devil sightings that's been had so far are of bearded devils, plural, I would say, to do the damage described. That's not a small operation ran on the side for Glasya's amusement.
[17:16] <Teresa> I've only been here for a short while, so any confirmed information I have is limited. But getting more is a matter of time, if you help me avoid their detection and support me should the devils strike."
[17:21] <Ebiris> Tore is given a somewhat sharp look, and ducks his head away guiltily. "Yes, well we've heard stories of others. Kytons and orthons, from the sounds of it. None of them seem appropriate to be masterminding any of this, however - though it seems you don't know who or what's in charge of the devils either, do you?" the older cleric asks probingly.
[17:24] <Teresa> "Not yet." Teresa allows a measure of urgency to show on her face. "But I promised you information and I can deliver on it. I'll die in the process if I have to, if that leads to their demise. Anything but failure, anything!"
[17:28] <Ebiris> "I suggest you find out something definitive if you want our aid, though for now I will make enquiries into Dharport's... houses of ill repute," she makes a somewhat disgusted face. "One last thing before you go, Flora," she takes out a small knife from a bag tied to her belt and offers it hilt first to the succubus. "I'd like a lock of your lovely silver hair. So I can find you if I have to."
[17:31] <Teresa> "And I would like a way to block myself from magical senses, so that I could deliver on that something definitive rather than conjuncture," Teresa counters. "Wouldn't my lovely hair be worth at least a few scrolls?"
[17:35] <Ebiris> OOC: make a diplo check
[17:35] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[17:35] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+29 and gets 48." [1d20=19]
[17:36] <Ebiris> "I'll have a few scrolls drawn up that should serve to mask your affiliation. Come to Pelor's temple after noon, tomorrow," she replies after thinking about it for a moment.
[17:38] <Teresa> "I'll be there," Teresa promises, stepping back. "Until tomorrow, then."
[17:40] <Ebiris> "You can pay right now, of course," she adds, still holding the knife out.
[17:42] * Teresa takes it after a bit of consideration, fulfilling her request. "Enjoy," she tells the priestess with an amused smile, before teleporting away.

[Ebiris]

[19:13] <Ebiris> After getting up without any incident and spending a few idle hours lingering around Dharport's North Gate, Teresa observes the sun passing the midpoint of its journey across the sky, morning giving way to afternoon...
[19:19] <Teresa> She would have to try another day, then. Eventually, her quarry would venture into Dharport and she would be able to have a little chat with him. For now, Teresa is merely glad that no one saw through her most recent disguise -- black hair, a larger figure, and quite muscular, her noise looking slightly squashed. But her wonderings are over for now, as she has an appointment at the Temple of Pelor.
[19:19] <Teresa> For all she knows she would be attacked upon entry, but perhaps the humans are more savvy than she originally gave them credit for and would realize the usefulness in keeping her around for the time being.
[19:23] <Ebiris> Said church is easily found, a granite edifice of gleaming golden spires, the tallest of them bearing a massive radiant orb that mimics the sun. From its main doors a number of people are streaming out, a few white robed priests seen on the outskirts bidding the worshippers goodbye or engaging in conversation with those who linger a bit.
[19:25] <Teresa> Well, then. Tore mentioned truth spells and a ban on charm magic, but nothing that would shift her back to her normal form, or a beam of smiting sunlight courtesy of Pelor himself. Therefore, Teresa will try to seek entrance as one of the worshippers and see where that gets her.
[19:29] <Ebiris> The doors are open and welcoming, nothing to stop Teresa from entering. Right past the main entrance, she can see corridors both left and right, while the entrance to the hall of worship lies directly ahead. Inside is bathed with soft and gentle sunlight, seemingly coming from everywhere and nowhere but only within the hall.
[19:29] <Ebiris> The elderly priestess who Teresa spoke to last night is visible, talking to a very tall and heavily muscled figure in platemail, his skin deeply tanned and his blonde hair in a crew cut.
[19:31] * Teresa walks straight up to the priestess. And if she can overhear some of their discussion with her supernatural senses before they spot her, all the better.
[19:38] <Ebiris> Teresa's brazenly direct approach happens to get her the attention of both, the priestess giving her a momentary smile. "I'll be with you in a moment, child," she says, sounding far more pleasant than she did last night. The man stares at Teresa for a moment longer, a thick white scar visible over his left eye and cheek, though the eye itself seems uninjured.
[19:38] <Ebiris> "Anyway, as I was saying, you caught me too late, but tomorrow I should be able to seek Pelor's intercession in this matter," she tells the armoured figure.
[19:38] <Ebiris> "Good enough," he nods. "One more day won't hurt him any more, anyway," he snorts amusedly. "Until tomorrow, radiant one." With that, he turns and starts heading out of the temple, moving fluidly despite the heavy steel cladding he wears.
[19:40] <Teresa> "I hope I didn't interrupt anything," Teresa mentions, staring after the armored figure.
[19:42] <Ebiris> He heads directly out the door and soon out of sight, people parting around him easily enough. "We were just finishing up," the priestess assures her. "I don't believe I've seen you here before - I am Gwyneth, radiant servant of Pelor. Have you come seeking temple services?"
[19:43] <Teresa> "In a manner of speaking," Teresa tells her. "Is there anywhere private we can discuss them, perhaps?"
[19:45] <Ebiris> "Of course," she nods, gesturing to the side of the temple. "We have private chambers for discussing more delicate matters." Leading Teresa to an alcove, she opens one of the two doors there to reveal a small room with cushioned benches along the sides, lit by a single heatless torch on a wall sconce.
[19:48] * Teresa makes herself comfortable, and waits before Gwyneth has closed the door after them before speaking. "I've come for those scrolls I purchased last night, as well as bearing a proposal. I hoped that you would hear it out, as it involves just a tiny bit of your involvement in resolving our mutual problem."
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Oh." All of a sudden Gwyneth's demeanour becomes far less welcoming. "You. Before any of that, I'm going to cast a spell to ensure the veracity of your words - if you resist it, the next spell I cast will be to banish you back to the Abyss," she warns tersely.
[19:52] <Teresa> "Yes. Me." Teresa rolls her eyes. "Knock yourself out."
[19:53] <Ebiris> She proceeds to cast her spell...
[19:53] <Ebiris> OOC: will save if you want to take it
[19:53] * Teresa proceeds to eye her calmly. And hope she can trust in the humans' foolish honor codes.
[19:55] <Ebiris> After completing her spell, she nods in satisfaction and sits down across from Teresa. "Do you know anything about any Vrocks present within this city?" she asks, scrutinising the transformed succubus intently.
[19:57] * Teresa mulls over her answer, thinking back to any idle gossip the servants at the Earl's estate had to share at breakfast that day.
[19:59] <Teresa> "As you no doubt realize, I am not here alone. We both know this because a succubus corpse has been discovered recently. There are a couple more, if they still live after back-stabbing me, and each of them is capable of summoning a vrock. As, again, you surely are aware of. That is all I know on the subject of vrocks in Dharport, if there are any."
[20:01] <Ebiris> "So there are two more succubi besides yourself?" she mulls this over for a moment. "And you are not the one who impersonated Mary Braun when visiting this temple?"
[20:02] <Teresa> "Oh for the love of Mal--" Teresa sighs. "Must we keep on going over this? I have repeatedly said that it was not me and I doubt it would have made a difference in your dealings with me, so why would I bother lying?" She does smile afterwards, however. "Here's to hoping there are none left? Just desserts and all that!"
[20:04] <Ebiris> "Hmph," she seems rather nonplussed. "Just how did your 'companions' betray you, anyway?"
[20:05] <Teresa> "It's not that I don't want to talk about that painful period of my life," Teresa says, her voice showing the priestess her feelings on the matter, "but can we put that aside for now? We have devils to deal with, and I have a plan that I require your help with. Now, I can't really say it would net us devils, but what it could do is grant us allies.
[20:05] <Teresa> Are you ready to listen and find the inevitable flaws in it?"
[20:07] <Ebiris> "Indulge an old woman's curiousity, first," Gwyneth replies flatly.
[20:11] <Teresa> "They abandoned me and made sure to waste all of our resources that they didn't take with them, quite possibly out of spite," Teresa says, gritting her teeth. "The radiant sister bitch that sent me here hates my guts, I wouldn't put it past her to organize this just to see me fail."
[20:11] <Teresa> Recalling Arisa and how she was allowed to be raised so easily, Teresa can't help but add, "And I sometimes wonder if they did it in such a way as to frame me for everything with the mortal authorities."
[20:13] <Ebiris> "Sisterhood is such a heartwarming thing," Gwyneth muses sarcastically. "Very well, I'm done for the moment. Tell me your proposal."
[20:17] * Teresa is no longer smiling or otherwise in a pleasant mood, but she stretches out across the cushioned bench before continuing. "Excellent. It is quite simple, although even then, there might be a fatal flaw or two.
[20:17] <Teresa> You will cast a spell on me to allow me avoid the simple clerical divinations regarding my nature, and then scry on me as I go explore the other temples of note in Dharport. I may not be able to spot unusual magic or signs of corruption, but you could... even through my eyes, isn't that right?"
[20:25] <Ebiris> "I did not pray for any such spells today, I merely had one of the acolytes draw up a few scrolls as per our agreement. I could scry on you, but the spell doesn't let me see through your eyes, however," Gwyneth replies thoughtfully. "I would be able to detect magic and the presence of evil, but only for a brief period."
[20:29] <Teresa> "We could always try this tomorrow," Teresa offers. "That would give you a chance to ask Pelor for the right spells, as well as extend the duration with a few scrolls you can have your acolytes prepare. I really see no downside to this plan as far as you are concerned. You get to learn more about my skills, you get to vet the other temples and their notable priests,
[20:29] <Teresa> whom you could later approach with an offer of working against the devils, and you could actually end up discovering the devilish influence if I am right about this. Given that I find taking over a temple to be an excellent way for a foothold and your own experiences with your paladin, from what I've heard, it is not that far-fetched an idea.
[20:29] <Teresa> And, finally, you have plausible deniability if our efforts do get discovered. I'm sure you'll shed a few tears for me in such a case, of course."
[20:34] <Ebiris> "Hmph, it would not surprise me if you ran into a few people able to detect my scrying, but I'd like to see them try and kick up a fuss," Gwyneth mutters in dour amusement. "That said, why not just use the scrolls today? The duration's the same on that spell whether it's cast by a novice or a hierophant."
[20:34] <Ebiris> "It is a sound plan, and I'm curious as to what's going on at the church of Boccob, today - seeing it for myself would beat listening to rumours.."
[20:35] <Teresa> "Would you mind filling me in?" Teresa requests, sounding curious. "Are they to be our first target, then?"
[20:39] <Ebiris> "Bound to be more exciting than anything happening at the tomb of St Cuthbert. Since you are honestly ignorant, though - this morning a Vrock was found wandering the streets, disguised as a human."
[20:39] <Ebiris> "Two of Boccob's faithful dispelled the illusion and battled the demon - a very interesting battle, too, from all accounts - and took it back to their church for questioning once it had been rendered unconscious," Gwyneth explains, sounding rather interested in the whole affair.
[20:41] <Teresa> "I find it quite unlikely that the others had the means to polymorph a vrock or the inclination to summon it merely for such a purpose," Teresa muses. "The price is dire enough that I doubt one would be called upon outside of mortal, forgive the pun, peril."
[20:45] <Ebiris> "Perhaps some other demon lord has decided to make their own play on the city," Gwyneth muses, tapping a finger against her weathered chin. "Curiouser and curiouser. Regardless, I think Boccob's church would be a good place to start. The followers of St Cuthbert have been rather quiet of late - which admittedly could be suspicious by itself, but I've got a funny feeling about those Boccobites..."
[20:47] <Teresa> "If they don't provide anything interesting to pursue further, we could repeat the plan for St Cuthbert," Teresa agrees. "Alright. I suppose I've taken up enough of your time. Now, if I could only get my scrolls...." Teresa pauses suddenly. "I don't suppose you would have a spare shield and sword to complete my disguise? They needn't be too fancy."
[20:50] <Ebiris> "We're a church, not an armoury," Gwyneth harrumphs as she gets up, her old bones creaking with the movement. "Lots of people don't carry lethal weapons into church, I'm sure no one will think anything of the omission," she adds with a sarcastic bite.
[20:52] <Teresa> "Don't blame me if the entire thing falls apart because of this," Teresa responds with a snort, standing up herself. "So, where to, now?"
[20:54] <Ebiris> "I'll give you the scrolls I promised, then retire to somewhere I can comfortably rest my weary self while watching you from afar. Come on," she goes to open the door and exit back into the temple proper.
[20:55] * Teresa follows, studying the insides of the temple and the people gathered within.
[20:58] <Ebiris> There's a few robed clerics about along with plain-clothed visitors, the clergy focused on cleaning up after the noon service and talking with their congregants. The temple itself is very warmly lit, the ethereal sunshine making everything somehow look softer and more welcoming. Stepping up to a podium beside the altar, Gwyneth opens a drawer there and produces a rolled up parchment which she offers to Teresa.
[20:59] * Teresa takes the parchment and looks at Gwyneth expectantly.
[21:01] <Ebiris> "What are you waiting for, a kiss for good luck?" the grey-haired old priestess asks peevishly.
[21:02] <Teresa> "I would be delighted to," Teresa returns, turning to present her cheek to Gwyneth. "But kinky fun aside, I was certain we talked about scrolls. Which are plural."
[21:05] <Ebiris> "What, do you want me to tear it into neat bite-sized portions for you?" she asks incredulously. "There's three spells scribed on there, just unroll it as you go."
[21:07] * Teresa pouts, unrolling the scroll. "Does that mean no kiss?" she asks, trying to cast the spell with potentially hilarious results!
[21:07] <Teresa> roll 1d20+18
[21:07] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{23}
[21:08] <Ebiris> Teresa is able to cast the spell successfully, hopefully masking her malevolent nature from divination. Now if only she can resist the puppy-kicking urge to hide it from observation as well.
[21:09] <Ebiris> "You're not my type in so many ways, Flora," Gwyneth replies with a scratchy chuckle.
[21:10] <Teresa> "I could probably be," Teresa mentions casually. "It can't be that hard, your mortal imaginations are pretty sad with very few notable exceptions."
[21:14] <Ebiris> "And yet you just can't leave us alone," Gwyneth replies, a frown creasing her wrinkled brow. "Now please, go and stain some other temple with your presence, will you?"
[21:16] <Teresa> "Must be the mortal will to experiment that draws us," Teresa suggests helpfully. "Alright, then! I'll scout out a place to teleport near Boccob's temple and return here so you could cast your divinations. They would still hold if I teleported again, right?"
[21:18] <Ebiris> "Just go, I can cast it from here. It would take forever to catch up if you started teleporting," Gwyneth makes a shooing gesture.
[21:19] * Teresa blows her a kiss and leaves to find some of those every-present dark alleys near Boccob's temple, tucking the scroll in on her way out.
[21:21] <Ebiris> Teresa is unmolested on her journey, finding that the church of Boccob is in a somewhat less alley-strewn part of town near the government district. Nonetheless, there are still sufficient winding narrow streets for her to have her pick for whatever nefarious purposes she might have...
[21:21] <Ebiris> OOC: will save
[21:21] <Ebiris> OOC: -10
[21:22] <Teresa> OOC: I'll pass on the save and hope it's her spell and not zomg devils
[21:22] <Ebiris> OOC: carry on, then
[21:24] * Teresa is ready to proceed! While aware that a simple cantrip might possibly give her away, priests aren't likely to have true seeing precast, the way Gwyneth had while meeting her the first time, and she is warded from the harsher of the basic divinations, if the Pelor cleric was on the level. With those thoughts, Teresa walks into Boccob's temple.
[21:27] <Ebiris> Boccob's temple is somewhat less architecturally striking then Pelor's, seeming almost box-like and utilitarian, though at least brightened up by vast and magnificent stained glass windows displaying complicated geometric patterns. A decent number of people are seen coming and going - not as many as were seen leaving Pelor's temple when she arrived there, but probably more than were lingering around the place when she left.
[21:29] * Teresa is, of course, curious what her own meagre divination could provide here, even as she's merging with the people coming and going.
[21:30] <Ebiris> OOC: elaborate on your meagre divination, please?
[21:31] <Teresa> OOC: I'll detect the goodness in people!
[21:32] -> *Teresa* You can detect faint goodness from a number of the people milling around the temple, but nothing from within.
[21:34] <Teresa> Well, it was supposed to be some kind of weird neutral temple, Teresa muses, trying to listen in to a few conversations between the parishioners. Perhaps, if the topic is interesting enough, she might even join one.
[21:40] <Ebiris> Teresa hears a few scattered conversations here and there, most people animatedly discussing the fate of someone called Eris. From the gist of it, she made some sort of sacrifice this morning to summon Boccob's divine aid, but has since vanished and none of the clergy know if she's ever coming back.
[21:40] <Ebiris> Most people are rather upset by this prospect, but a few steadfastly maintain that she will return, pointing to the faith of Caerys who was there when it all happened.
[21:40] <Ebiris> Beyond that, there's some people expressing concern about the demon being held within the temple, hoping it won't get loose and wreak more havoc, and hoping the clergy hurry up and kill it after finding out everything it knows. Apparently it's very well secured deep within the catacombs, and unlikely to be capable of escaping past the wardings and bound guardians, though.
[21:42] <Teresa> That would be enough gossip for now, Teresa decides, heading into the temple proper. There must be some sections open to the general public, and she intends to loiter about them.
[21:46] <Ebiris> Entering inside, Teresa finds herself in what looks more like a library than a place of worship... unless said worship is focused upon knowledge. A large central atrium is filled with mingled worshippers and priests dressed in purple robes, a few also sporting armour and weapons - typically maces and quarterstaves.
[21:46] <Ebiris> On the two floors visible above encircling this area, she can see tall bookshelves stretching back out of sight, coloured light filtering in through the windows.
[21:47] -> *Teresa* Not a single person radiates good within the temple that you can see.
[21:49] * Teresa approaches an unoccupied priest, asking, "Excuse me, is Lady Caerys on temple grounds at the moment?" Might as well be direct and see where it gets her.
[21:52] <Ebiris> The nearest available priest is an older and somewhat portly man, forgoing any armour over his rotund frame, though a light mace does hang off his belt. "Ahh, I'm sorry, my child, but Lady Caerys is resting at the moment and cannot be disturbed." He smiles gently, "I'm sure you've heard, but she had a very trying morning."
[21:54] <Teresa> "Oh yes," Teresa agrees, nodding eagerly at his words. "My prayers are with the Lady Eris, of course. Surely, her heroic sacrifice will be rewarded, rather than punished!"
[21:56] <Ebiris> "I am sure she rests now with the Lord of all Magic," the priest agrees with a sad smile. "A shame, though, to lose one so young and gifted... she was an inspiration to us all."
[21:59] <Teresa> "So I've heard," Teresa says, seeming a bit sad herself. "She was on the right track for leadership, and had all the right skills for it. I was hoping to meet her and Lady Caerys and offer my service, to help do what I can for taking back Dharport from all threats. Her words of protecting the city were an inspiration to us all, indeed."
[22:02] <Ebiris> "If you want to come back tomorrow, I'm sure our fair Caerys will be up and about by then. Else I can pass on your well wishes to her when I see her myself," the priest offers genially. "She is not the type to remain idle for long," he adds with a fond smile.
[22:05] <Teresa> "I would be delighted if you passed them on," Teresa asks the priest, smiling again. "And, of course, if it's not too much trouble I would love to return on the morrow." She does adopt an expression of worry immediately afterwards. "But... remaining idle, you say. It is mere exhaustion, isn't it? That... that thing she fought hadn't harmed her any, did it?"
[22:05] <Teresa> With any luck, she would be able to hear the official story disseminated at the temple, and see how it differs from Gwyneth's version.
[22:08] <Ebiris> "It inflicted grevious wounds on her, yes - in fact, were it not for Eris's own healing magic, likely we would have lost them both. Though of course through Boccob's will we have mended her injuries again - it would not do to leave our champion wounded, after all," he nods. "She merely needs time to rest. Of all of us, she and Eris were closest..."

[Ebiris]

[18:29] <Teresa> "Really?" Teresa asks, foregoing her original question at this revelation. "So they hit it off when they first met?"
[18:31] <Ebiris> "I'd think so," the cleric nods, albeit not sounding entirely certain. "At least they've been close for as long as both have been here."
[18:33] <Teresa> "Was that long?" Teresa asks next, looking apologetic. "Sometimes, when your heroes are right in front of you, you tend to forget they're people, too. It just occured to me how little I really knew about Ladies Caerys and Eris."
[18:37] <Ebiris> "Well, Caerys would probably prefer that. She likes to keep her private life private," the purple-robed priest admits, rubbing his chin. "Eris is... was," he corrects with a wince, "Always more open and talkative. She only joined us a few months ago, but made quite an impression in her time here."
[18:37] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[18:38] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 23." [1d20=3]
[18:38] <Ebiris> OOC: carry on
[18:40] * Teresa nods. "Where did Lady Eris come from?" she asks, acting curious once more. "I would figure someone as prominent would be well-known elsewhere as well. Just makes one wonder who ordained them and such...."
[18:45] <Ebiris> "She came from Wintvale, over in the Alkari Mountains. Caerys brought her back here herself after meeting her on her quest to slay Frisystex - though I'm sure you've heard all about that, at least," he chuckles slightly, looping his thumbs under through his belt.
[18:47] * Teresa gives an embarrassed, noncommittal smile to the priest. "Uh, well, once again, please give my wishes for a speedy recovery to Lady Caerys, if you will," she requests of him. "She does admirable work."
[18:48] <Ebiris> "I'm sure she'll be gratified to hear that," the man nods genially to Teresa.
[18:49] * Teresa returns the nod, and walks back outside, joining the line of perishioners. From there, her goal is to reach a nearby dark alley!
[18:51] <Ebiris> Teresa finds herself accosted before she even leaves the church! "Hi!" a chirpy female voice greets her, belonging to a young, probably teenaged, woman. She has soft reddish-brown hair and inquisitive eyes set into a rather cherubic face - despite her overall lithe, if short, appearance, puppy-fat manages to cling to her cheeks. "I overheard you talking to that priest - you want to meet Caerys, right?"
[18:53] <Teresa> "Oh?" Teresa asks in surprise, laying her eyes on the cherubic woman. "It would be an honor, certainly," she agrees, "but I would not dream of interrupting Lady Caerys's rest! Recovery is an important process!"
[18:55] <Ebiris> "Meeting someone like you might perk her up, actually. You're a warrior, right?" she asks, briefly eyeing Teresa's armour as she rocks back on her heels, hands clasped innocently behind her back.
[18:56] -> *Teresa* You're not quite sure what, but something about this girl rubs you the wrong way. Despite seeming friendly and curious, there's something... false, about her that you can't quite lay a finger on.
[18:57] <Teresa> "If there is anything I could do to help, most certainly!" Teresa agrees eagerly. She looks at the young woman doubtfully. "Forgive me for this question, however... but do you actually have the authority to get me there, when the priest I've spoken to forbade it in no uncertain terms?"
[18:59] <Ebiris> "Pffh, he's not her boss!" the girl snorts briefly, for a second showing a flicker of nastiness before she resumes smiling. "Caerys and I are good friends, so I could take you right to her - you look like someone who might even be able to help her, I think."
[19:00] <Teresa> "Oh?" Teresa asks again, smiling back at the girl. "I'm Undine. Who might you you be, friend of Caerys?"
[19:02] <Ebiris> "Celenu," she replies, briefly tugging up the ends of her emerald skirt as she drops into a pleasant curtsey. "Anyway," she briefly looks around shiftily at the other occupants of the temple before leaning up towards Teresa with a hand cupped by the side of her mouth, "Follow me, I'll show you the secret passage," she whispers conspiratorially.
[19:06] * Teresa looks tempted, but really knows better than to ignore her time-honed senses. Plus, this is deviating from the plan. She isn't actually here to meet Caerys, but to gather information on the temple. Coming face to face with a paladin without her sword or any weapon at all would be a losing proposition under the best of situations,
[19:06] <Teresa> and surrounded by unfriendly priests in an apparently-shielded temple isn't one of them. "I would like to, please believe that," she insists, "but I really must be going. Talking to that nice priest took more time than I thought it would, and my frail, sick aunt is waiting for me back home."
[19:08] <Ebiris> Celenu shows a brief flash of rage, her features starting to twist into a wholly unpleasant scowl before she plasters a grin on and beams up at Teresa. "Aww, that's a shame. I hope your aunt feels better, soon!" she gushes.
[19:10] <Teresa> "So do I!" Teresa beams back at the nice girl. "I hope her condition improves so that I could pay the temple and Lady Caerys a visit tomorrow. I will most certainly look you up at that time as well, Celenu, and perhaps we could have another pleasant talk together!" Nodding lightly in her direction without taking her eyes off the girl for a second, Teresa attempts to leave the temple.
[19:11] <Ebiris> OOC: so you're going to walk out of the temple backwards while watching Celenu?
[19:11] <Teresa> OOC: No. Just a few steps, then I'll turn and walk outside. But I have... spot!
[19:11] <Ebiris> OOC: by all means then, make a spot check
[19:12] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 40." [1d20=20]
[19:13] <Ebiris> Teresa sees Celenu scurrying out of sight behind some bookcases as she leaves... and is promptly assailed by a plethora of good auras the moment she steps beyond the temple doors.
[19:16] * Teresa wastes no time in going to that alley. Now, however, she is not too certain about an attempt to use ethereal jaunt to check up on the catacombs said to lie beneath the temple. In fact, assuming no one is around to spot her, she shifts her features into Flora's, and attempts to teleport to an alley near the temple of Pelor and head inside. And use this chance to see if auras are being blocked here.
[19:18] <Ebiris> Before any of that, Teresa happens to glance around as she's walking across the road outside the temple, and while idly turning her gaze upwards she spots Celenu hunched over behind a small wall on top of the roof of Boccob's temple, the girl looking down at the street below where Teresa walks.
[19:19] * Teresa would certainly attempt to find cover from the girl's gaze. Even if darkness wouldn't work, solid stone concealing her at the right angle would do the trick.
[19:20] <Ebiris> The street being somewhat open by its very nature, the nearest such cover would be by entering one of the alleyways between the buildings opposite the temple.
[19:21] <Teresa> Such is her goal. Walk straight, suddenly dart sideways into an alley. And she would even waiver the change of her features in lieu of teleporting straight away, as soon as she's reasonably hidden.
[19:22] <Ebiris> OOC: make a bluff check
[19:22] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 36." [1d20=16]
[19:23] <Ebiris> OOC: going to teleport as soon as you're in the alley and hidden from Celenu, or move deeper so you're hidden from everyone on the street?
[19:23] <Teresa> OOC: How long would it take to be hidden from everyone?
[19:24] <Ebiris> OOC: another round to get around a corner or behind some debris
[19:25] <Teresa> OOC: I'll take that round, then, okay
[19:26] <Ebiris> Walking along casually, Teresa elicits a few looks of surprise as she abruptly tenses and darts into the neighbouring alleyway, swiftly ducking behind some cover and teleporting away to perceived safety...
[19:28] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 28." [1d100=28]
[19:28] <Teresa> It's time to hope the alley she picked near Pelor's temple has no eyewitnesses!
[19:28] <Ebiris> "Eeeek!" Teresa suddenly hears an ear-splitting shriek of surprise right behind her as soon as she manifests in the dingy alleyway.
[19:30] * Teresa pulls the cloak tighter around her features, and disappears from sight once more, this time going ethereal and taking a look around at who exactly managed to spot her.
[19:31] <Ebiris> "Uwaah!" there's another exclamation of fright as Teresa vanishes, turning around to see an eldery woman in threadbare rags with wild and bushy grey hair. "A ghost, so it was..." she murmurs, shivering as she takes a half step away from where Teresa manifested.
[19:32] <Teresa> Better for her to think that. Teresa moves through the walls of the nearby houses to find another alley where she could emerge safely.
[19:32] <Ebiris> Teresa soon enough finds an empty section of alleyway to appear in.
[19:33] * Teresa does so, and takes her cloak off just in case the obviously crazy woman sees her again. Her features shift into Flora's, and she heads towards the temple of Pelor. And still trying to test her theory about temples blocking certain divinations.
[19:36] <Ebiris> The temple of Pelor is utterly saturated with disgustingly fuzzy sweetness, all sorts of deplorable do-gooders milling around inside and out, while the very structure itself seems to be suffused with radiant niceness.
[19:37] * Teresa allows thoughts of subverting the temple and its resident do-gooders tide her through as she looks for either Tore or Gwyneth. Finding one of them in the main hall would cut down on a lot of red tape.
[19:38] <Ebiris> There are a few priests around, and as luck would have it, Tore is one of them. He's currently sitting with a small group of young children, probably telling them jokes or something considering the delighted childish laughter that emanates from that direction.
[19:40] * Teresa waves at him with a smile to catch his attention as she approaches said group of children, while speaking into his mind, "Don't react badly, please. I'm here to see Gwyneth again and I don't want to make a scene."
[19:44] <Ebiris> He doesn't look especially thrilled to see you, but does get up. "Just a moment, boys and girls, I need to go summon Radiant Servant Gwyneth for this young lady," he tells the group around him. "When I get back you'll find out what happened to the ugly little dwarf."
[19:45] <Teresa> "So what's with the dwarf?" Teresa asks the kids, squatting down next to them, content to have Tore do the chore for her.
[19:46] <Ebiris> "I've heard this one before, but I'm not telling," a gangly looking girl with braided hair announces smugly.
[19:46] <Ebiris> "You know because you were the ugly little dwarf!" one of the boys replies, eliciting much laughter from the others while the teased girl flushes crimson.
[19:48] <Teresa> "They're just jealous," Teresa tells the girl, smiling warmly at her. "In just a few years, they'll be the ones blushing and looking away from you as the tables turn."
[19:49] <Ebiris> "That's right!" the girl seems emboldened by Teresa's show of support. "Because I'm a beautiful elf!" she preens, caressing her somewhat stringy hair. "You'll all see!"
[19:50] <Teresa> "You better be nice to your friend, or you'll regret it later," Teresa cautions the boys with a wink.
[19:52] <Ebiris> "Such a heartwarming moral," Gwyneth harrumphs dryly as she appears alongside Tore. "There might even be hope for you, yet, Flora."
[19:54] * Teresa snorts, straightening up, and patting the girl on her head. "If you say so," she tells Gwyneth. "Would you mind if we took it somewhere private, and by private I mean your quarters?"
[19:57] <Ebiris> The girl smiles at Teresa before giving her classmates a smug look. "My quarters? You're certainly presumptous. We can use the same alcove we spoke in earlier," Gwyneth returns firmly, gesturing to the side of the temple.
[19:57] <Teresa> "I have a pretty good reason, and it's not even the one you think," Teresa tells Gwyneth, before leaning closer and whispering into her ear, "Come on, I showed you mine. What are you afraid of?"
[20:01] <Ebiris> "It's not about fear, it's about irritation. One room's as good as any other," Gwyneth replies acerbicly. "I saw everything you did over at that other temple, so I'm not even sure what you want to tell me that I don't already know."
[20:03] <Teresa> "How about a compromise, then?" Teresa offers. "You surely must have an empty guest room here. Rent it out to me, and we could talk there. You would even be able to keep your precious privacy."
[20:04] <Ebiris> "We're a church, not a hotel," Gwyneth scowls in reply.
[20:05] * Teresa rolls her eyes. "And I'm under the employ of the church, in a way. Would it utterly kill you to accomodate me on such a small matter?"
[20:06] <Ebiris> OOC: diplo check
[20:06] <Teresa> roll 1d20+29
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{36}
[20:09] <Ebiris> "Next you'll be asking for a salary," Gwyneth grumbles unpleasantly. "Fine, come with me," she starts to amble towards a side door, her joints creaking audibly with the movement.
[20:09] <Teresa> "Now that you mention it," Teresa muses thoughtfully, following Gwyneth easily.
[20:14] <Ebiris> "Pelor, give me strength..." the old woman mutters almost inaudibly under her breath. Leading Teresa to the rear of the church, she heads up a wide curving staircase onto the second floor to a corridor with a row of doors on either side. She stops at the fourth one and opens the door, revealing a modest but rather cosy bedroom with the fitful afternoon sun streaming in through the window.
[20:14] <Ebiris> "I'll grant your request, but in return you'll have to accept a few more strings," she states, turning to face Teresa.
[20:14] <Teresa> "What kind of strings?" Teresa asks neutrally.
[20:19] <Ebiris> "A Quest," she pronounces, the capitalisation audible, "To protect the mortal inhabitants of this city from any and all fiendish corruption and physical harm. If I'm going to shelter you under Pelor's roof, I don't want anyone to say I didn't take proper precautions."
[20:21] <Teresa> "I'll need to think about it," Teresa says warily. "You can't be expecting an answer from me right away anyhow, so give me a day."
[20:23] <Ebiris> "It would have made a pleasant demonstration of your sincerity," Gwyneth replies with a snort. "Alright, so what did you want to talk about?"
[20:24] <Teresa> "The reason for my visit was to admit that my plan had a flaw," Teresa tells her, deciding to consider the Quest afterwards.
[20:24] <Teresa> "Not enough planning and inadequate understanding of scrying ended up giving us incomplete information. I would like to fix the latter, while I already have several ideas on how to improve the former, myself." She looks at Gwyneth expectantly. "How about treating me like a complete newcomer in the exciting field of divinations? I'll be a great student!"
[20:30] <Ebiris> "You think I'm here to make you laugh, don't you?" Gwyneth narrows her eyes. "To make funny sputtering noises when you waste my time with nonsense and evasion? Well, if you seek to prove your uselessness, you're doing a splendid job."
[20:32] <Teresa> "It must be a gift," Teresa admits. "Alright. More to the point, was Boccob's temple always shielded from the basic divinations? This one certainly isn't, so it made me wonder if that was something unique. And recent."
[20:34] <Ebiris> "I don't know what particular enchantments they have on their temple, those things tend to be kept secret. Whatever anti-divination measures they used didn't thwart me in the least, anyway," Gwyneth replies with a trace of smugness.
[20:34] * Teresa raises an eyebrow. "And how did my new friend, Celenu, seem to your senses?"
[20:35] <Ebiris> "Slightly less vile than you," Gwyneth replies flatly.
[20:36] * Teresa gives her a flat stare in return. "Alright, if I'm being serious, you might as well reciprocate. Do you mean that literally?"
[20:39] <Ebiris> "As I'm sure you know, given you possess the same ability in reverse, that spell only discriminates on the relative power of the individual. For all I know she could be twice the vicious underhanded monster you are in terms of thought and deed, but her aura marks her as being less potent than yourself. Which I'm sure that must fill you with pride," Gwyneth replies. "She was also under the effect of a polymorph spell."
[20:40] <Teresa> "Hmph. Don't presume to know me," Teresa tells her acidly. "Still, if nothing else, it shows my question was valid. I thought you had failed to sense anything about her, and was going to ask to borrow some holy water to go and try to expose her. She gave me... an off feeling. And rage doesn't go well with a smiling face."
[20:45] <Ebiris> "She was rather transparent, I thought. It certainly does point towards there being something disturbing at Boccob's church," Gwyneth admits. "Unfortunately it would be difficult for me to make any open accusations without proof, given recent events..."
[20:46] <Teresa> "I can teleport with quite a bit of holy water," Teresa muses. "It would be quite amusing to smash a glass container of it in the main reception area and see how many priests beging to steam." She smirks. "Something to consider, perhaps? They'll never expect that."
[20:50] <Ebiris> "We hardly have enough holy water to douse an entire room with. I think focusing on this Celenu... thing, is the best lead. She implied a close connection to Caerys, and while it could have just been a bluff to lure you somewhere else, it could also be an indication of how high this goes," Gwyneth replies, tapping her index finger against her leathery chin.
[20:51] <Teresa> "I agree," Teresa says at that. "A more mundane approach would involve trying to find a priest of Boccob outside the temple and inquire about this Celenu, and whether her claimed relationship with Caerys is true. And this brings me to my other problem, namely a lack of information.
[20:52] <Teresa> Do you know the story behind that Frisystex affair? I didn't, and in the chance the priest was tricking me, decided to retreat. I would rather avoid that in the future."
[20:56] <Ebiris> "Frisystex? Oh, that was an old white dragon that was terrorising the Alkari mountains, a few hundred miles away from here. Caerys went off and slew it - she was well regarded before then, but that really cemented her as a hero in people's minds. That's why we have to be very careful about accusing her of anything untoward, especially given the recent nasty business with one of our own paladins," Gwyneth explains somewhat unhappily.
[20:57] <Teresa> "How about working the Eris angle, then?" Teresa suggests. "Do you have contacts at... where was it, Wintvale? No idea where it is cause I flunked Prime geography." Teresa shrugs. "But you must have means of instant communication, right?"
[21:02] <Ebiris> "It's a small town on the foothills, mostly trades with creatures that mine the mountains, that's about all I know about it - it is very remote, after all. I don't have any contacts there, but you're the one that can teleport," Gwyneth points out.
[21:04] * Teresa happens to be wary of going too far away from the target her queen assigned to her, and merely nods noncommittally. "So I can. If you could prepare a description and a map or something, I'll attempt it later," she says, wishing to delay it for now. "Are you quite certain you won't tell me how long scrying lasts or how far one sees through it?"
[21:07] <Ebiris> "All you need to know is that I can sustain it for long enough. I can only see a few feet around you, though, so anything you want me to see you'll have to get close to," Gwyneth replies.
[21:09] <Teresa> "That was the important part, anyway," Teresa mutters. "Though if I do try and get a glance at the catacombs only to have your spell run out midway, I will be very cross." She shrugs. "And very dead, considering they must be heavily defended. In fact, let's not try this." Nodding to herself, Teresa asks, "What about teleporting? Can I do that to and from this room?"
[21:10] <Ebiris> "For the moment..." Gwyneth narrows her eyes. "Though after the performance your friend put on the other day, I'm considering rectifying that."
[21:12] <Teresa> "Friend? Please!" Teresa scoffs. "But you won't listen no matter how much I say this, truth spells nonwithstanding. In fact, it would be somewhat comforting to have a safe haven that devils can't teleport into after me, if you could make it selective."
[21:14] <Ebiris> "It can be made selective. Accept Pelor into your heart and you will see," Gwyneth's ancient face shows faint amusement, there.
[21:15] <Teresa> About to roll her eyes once more, Teresa pauses, blinking. "Something that just occured to me," Teresa muses, her eyes focusing on the priestess. "Gwyneth, why do you think that polymorphed devil sought me out? That was no mistake, and I was under the impression the spell concealing my aura could not be broken."
[21:16] <Ebiris> "And said spell is still active, yes," Gwyneth nods. "She must have used some other means to identify you."
[21:20] * Teresa frowns. "How annoying. Well. I'll take my leave, now, and please do leave me my privacy for the next few hours," she requests, brushing some imagined dust off her armor. "If you could accomodate me just a little bit further, however,
[21:20] <Teresa> it would be to our benefit if you could post a pair of armed and competent of your faithful right outside the door to this room and have them prevent anyone from coming in. Or killing me on a whim in this form if I don't have my spell on. If I really do have to teleport away from a devil ambush and they follow me, we could take our own captives that way, while I'll be safer with this backup."
[21:22] <Ebiris> "If you want sanctuary beneath Pelor's roof, you'll have to prove your sincerity," Gwyneth replies. "If all of what you've said is true, you've got nothing to be afraid of by proving it, after all."
[21:24] <Teresa> "I've risked a lot and gotten little in return thus far, and your attitude doesn't even try to conceal that you won't think anything of my death," Teresa returns warily. "Put yourself in my shoes and tell me how eager you'd be to get bound more and more for mere promises of protection."
[21:30] <Ebiris> "I'm not especially inclined to sugarcoat this," Gwyneth admits. "Every time we meet I'm half tempted to banish you back to the Abyss, Flora. It's only because the baatezu seem a more serious threat that I'm giving you any chance at all."
[21:30] <Ebiris> "But you are still a creature of deceit and trickery - this way, however, I will know beyond any doubt that you are no threat to me or my home, and then I can focus on the devils instead of watching my back against your inevitable betrayal."
[21:36] * Teresa laughs incredulously. "My inevitable betrayal?! Your intent to banish me as soon as I've outlived my usefulness is what's really keeping us from becoming the most effective team we could be! Deceit and trickery aside, don't paint me like some pathological liar who can't be trusted due to her nature.
[21:36] <Teresa> I can and I am controlling myself constantly even without that magical guarantee you want so much. I already told you I have a reason I must work with you, and nowhere am I required to sink a knife in your back merely because I could! Don't treat me the same as those devils or lesser, mindless demons! My will is stronger than my nature!"
[21:38] <Ebiris> OOC: make either a bluff or diplo check, whichever you feel is more appropriate
[21:41] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20 bluff
[21:41] <Rei-chan> Teresa rolled : 1d20+20 bluff --> [ 1d20=15 ]{35}
[21:46] <Ebiris> "Hmph," Gwyneth harrumphs, "You talk a good speech, I'll give you that. Alright, I'll forgo the insurance... for now. But if I hear a peep about you from anyone..." she trails off warningly. "I'm not going to put any guards up here, though, it would only raise suspicions. The temple is well fortified enough, anyway."
[21:49] * Teresa looks satisfied, and even a bit hopeful. "I'll need a key to lock the room, then, so no one accidentally enters it while I'm appearing. Publicly making it off limits would raise the same suspicions guards would, it feels."
[21:50] <Ebiris> Gwyneth turns to the door and takes a keyring with a single key on it off the coathanger there, and tosses it to Teresa. "So what do you intend to do, now?"
[21:53] <Teresa> "I have a special friend whom I've been neglecting, so I intend to go visit him," she tells the priestess. "After that... I'll try to find a cleric of Boccob out on the streets, as I've outlined earlier. Perhaps we'll have some luck and learn more about Celenu. I'll report to you tomorrow noon if nothing crucial comes up in the meantime,
[21:53] <Teresa> or ask the acolytes here to get you should valuable or time-sensitive information fall into my lap."
[21:54] <Ebiris> Gwyneth makes a face at the mention of a special friend, but nods at the conclusion. "Pelor go with you, then," she blesses the demonic blackguard, opening the door and exiting to leave Teresa alone.
[21:55] * Teresa thinks Gwyneth could use a special friend, herself, age be damned. But she's not about to voice such concerns, and merely locks the door as she leaves after the priestess, intending to head outside the regular way and do just as she'd said.

[Ebiris]

[12:17] <Teresa> As she has reached an understanding with Gwyneth for the time being, Teresa decides to leave the temple by the front doors, her cloak helpfully concealing her features from all but the most careful observer. She intends to observe whether she's being followed, before making her way to the area Lantis is staying at, ducking into one of those convenient alleys for the remainder of her preparations.
[12:18] <Ebiris> OOC: make a spot check
[12:19] <Teresa> roll 1d20+20
[12:19] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24." [1d20=4]
[12:20] <Ebiris> Teresa makes her way unmolested to one of Dharport's murderous alleyways not far from the Blue Boar where she had her memorable first encounter with the elven bard.
[12:23] <Teresa> Someone who would protect her if things went sour all of a sudden is a thing to be nurtured, Teresa believes. And she certainly hopes she was more memorable to him than the other way around. Shucking the cloak, Teresa bundles it before laying the cloak across her arm, shifting her features to look like her human Teresa guise. If no one is around to see her do this, of course.
[12:23] <Ebiris> The alleyway is quiet, most people seeming to instinctively avoid them as they walk the main streets of late.
[12:24] * Teresa exits the alley, heading for the Blue Boar.
[12:27] <Ebiris> The inn is found to be moderately busy this afternoon, over a dozen people scattered around the common room enjoying food and drink, although of Lantis there is no sign.
[12:28] <Teresa> There is no need to be particularly shy about it. Teresa approaches the barkeep, signaling him.
[12:31] <Ebiris> The barkeep nods briefly to Teresa as he finishes pouring two mugs of ale and hands them to the serving wench before he approaches the succubus. "What can I get you?" he asks with a smile.
[12:32] <Teresa> "Is Lantis in?" Teresa asks pleasantly. "It just so happens that I got a bit of time off work, and wanted to see how he was doing."
[12:36] <Ebiris> "That fancy-talking elf fella? He's been out all day," the barkeep replies. "Think he's over at the Buxton Theatre, some sort of performance or something," he shrugs apologetically at not being able to help further.
[12:39] <Teresa> It might be a chance to kill two birds with one stone, Teresa muses as she she smiles and thanks the barkeep, heading towards the theatre. All sorts of rumors might be picked up at the location, and if she is lucky, Teresa might even stumble across a priest of Boccob willing to shed a bit of light on that polymorphed acolyte.
[12:41] <Ebiris> Teresa reaches the theatre without incident, finding that a performance just started but she can still get in for four coppers. Or one silver if she wants a seat.
[12:44] * Teresa had expected an open-air performance, although in retrospect, she should have known better. "How long is the performance?" she asks instead.
[12:46] <Ebiris> "Two hours," the girl manning the door replies. "An epic tale of war, romance, and betrayal!"
[12:47] <Teresa> "It sounds tempting, but I'm only here to try and see one of the actors today," Teresa tells her with an apologetic shrug. "I'll be sure to visit another time."
[12:49] <Ebiris> "Your loss," the girl replies cheerily as someone else steps forward to pay the entrance fee and head inside, a brief glimpse of a bustling throng of an audience seen with a stage just visible past it, decorated like a stone castle. And then the door closes, Teresa cut off from the world of drama and escapism.
[12:53] <Teresa> Her life is a world of drama, recently, so she'll manage. Giving the girl another smile, Teresa goes to find a good place to change identities again, feeling it the time to become Undine. Afterwards, with her cloak back on, she would try and look for those Boccobites.
[12:53] <Teresa> Do priests normally walk through town with their symbols of status or robes? Teresa doesn't know, but it seems like a good idea to find out.
[12:53] <Ebiris> She hasn't seen many, and Tore certainly wasn't dressed like a priest when she saw him, but who knows, maybe she'll get lucky?
[12:54] <Ebiris> roll 1d100
[12:54] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 99." [1d100=99]
[13:00] <Ebiris> Teresa actually does get lucky in this regard, catching sight of a tall blonde woman with a deep purple cloak and wearing a gleaming silvery breastplate emblazoned with Boccob's symbol of a pentagram with an unblinking eye set inside. Across her back and sticking out from the side of her cloak on either side is what seems to be a bladed quarterstaff of some sort.
[13:00] <Ebiris> She's hard to miss, since in addition to her striking appearance, she's gathering a lot of attention from the people around, who call out good wishes and greetings which she returns with a dazzling smile as she strides purposefully through the city.
[13:04] <Teresa> That's not the kind of luck she wants, sadly. Even if she could somehow escape the paladin's scrutiny, any relationship she tries to build with Caerys is destined for a dead end given the apparent infiltration of her temple. Teresa merely switches tracks, and decides to spend some time asking people in a middle class residential neighbourhood about any priests of Boccob that might live there.
[13:04] <Teresa> The people near Tore's home certainly knew him, so it might work.
[13:05] <Ebiris> OOC: gather info check
[13:06] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[13:06] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[13:10] <Ebiris> Teresa has some more luck, as striking up conversation with a small group of youths kicking a ball around the street tells her that a cleric of Boccob lives in one of the nearby houses, one by the name of Gregan Demetori. He's apparently a bit of a recluse, but generally liked well enough by his neighbours.
[13:13] * Teresa decides to try the direct approach, going up to Gregan's door and knocking. She'll wait politely for a few moments if there is no response, before repeating the gesture more firmly.
[13:14] <Ebiris> There's no answer, and one of the helpful young boys calls over, "He'll be at church, probably!"
[13:15] <Teresa> "When is Gregan expected to be back, then?"
[13:17] <Ebiris> "He's normally back around dinnertime, but the church is really busy today, so he might stay there later," one youngster tells Teresa. "We went there earlier to see what all the fuss was about but we never even got to see the monster and it was boring."
[13:19] <Teresa> "I would imagine so," Teresa agrees, as she checks on the time, and how much of it she has before the theatre performance ends.
[13:19] <Ebiris> She spent a while hunting around for priests on the streets before she tried this tactic, so it's probably been over for a while.
[13:22] <Teresa> In such a case, she'll have to alter her plans slightly. She is mildly curious about the scarred, armored man she had seen converse with Gwyneth, and on the off chance that the priestess is making contingency plans for stabbing her in the back -- like she expects her to, really -- it might be helpful in learning his identity and affiliation.
[13:25] <Ebiris> OOC: go ahead and explain how you're going about this
[13:27] <Teresa> The armor and the way he carried himself make Teresa think of trying to chat up a few of the more bored-looking guards about the man. It needn't be much of a reason beyond idle curiousity at seeing such a splendid example of manliness. Should that fail, she could always try asking around the docks.
[13:28] <Ebiris> OOC: make a gather info check
[13:28] <Teresa> roll 1d20+11
[13:28] * Hatbot --> "Teresa rolls 1d20+11 and gets 29." [1d20=18]
[13:33] <Ebiris> As night begins to fall, Teresa strikes up conversation with a guard at the city gates who knows of whom she speaks. "Oh yeah, you're talking about Balter, right? He's a paladin of Heironeous, just arrived in the city this morning with a few of his friends - I heard about it from the guys who were guarding here earlier."
[13:33] <Ebiris> The young guard seems quite pleased as he goes on, "Imagine, having both him and Caerys helping to defend our city - those fiends had better watch out, now!"
[13:35] <Teresa> Well, that certainly answered her question. And there's a chance that her potential new friend, Gregan Demetori, is now back home so Teresa goes to try and see him.
[13:36] <Ebiris> It's getting quite dark by the time Teresa reaches Gregan's home, the children from earlier now nowhere to be seen and most of the homes on this street lit up. Gregan's, however, is not.
[13:38] * Teresa finds a place she will not be easily spotted from, and goes ethereal, deciding to take a look through Gregan's seemingly-empty home.
[13:40] <Ebiris> The house is indeed empty, no one currently hiding in the dark that Teresa can see. It's a rather nice house, at least, a fair bit bigger than Tore's, though still leagues away from the mansions of nobility that Teresa has been frequenting of late.
[13:42] <Teresa> Mildly annoyed, Teresa makes her way back, changing halfway to her regular human guise. Trying though it might be, caution has helped her before, and she will get her results soon enough. Perhaps the next morning, or on a teleport over to Eris's temple of origin.