Act Three (IC)

[DebbieD]

Enter...if you wish to be seen associating with someone who stands so low

[Ridai]

~I do.~ Roxana enters, floating in as she is wont to do, closing the door behind her, until she is close to the sitting erinyes. A moment of silence passes, just looking at Sabrina. Many moments have been shared in the past, hearing about her many triumphs and the occasional frustrations and troubles when she was with Lythala or her, or both. Sabrina's subordinate in official matters of the court, one of her lovers in private. But such a blow to her sense of self-worth is foreign to the erinyes, and passionate creatures as their kind are, such a blow is felt stronger still. Gently, Sabrina is taken into Roxana's arms, head resting against her chest.

"The mistress is on edge and expects much of you. A mistake was made. Tempers ran high. Consequences followed. It hurts, and what's done is done," Roxana speaks softly. "It will hurt for some time still, and it will not be easy to mend. Such is the nature of your devotion to our mistress." A pause, still holding Sabrina, one hand stroking her hair. "And that devotion will be what will mend the wound, ever so slowly. Finding the answers. Undoing the demons. Retrieving the gem. Done for our mistress and her great cause. Done with the will that led to the rise of Askaretha and her ascension to where she is now. But not now, not like this." Gently, Roxana moves Sabrina back just enough to look her in the eyes, showing that warm, saintly smile that would seem so out of place on any other devil's face.

"Rest with me. Let me calm your mind and take away the pain for a while. I will be by your side, and if you desire, I will show you the way, as much as I can."

[DebbieD]

I would appreciate some rest and calm right now. I do not understand what is happening between Askaretha and myself.

[Ridai]

Bit by bit, Roxana relieves Sabrina of her weapons, her boots, her cloak. Laying down on the erinyes' bed, Sabrina finds herself once more in the brachina's embrace, and enclosed by her soft black angel-like wings. Her touches have a soothing rhythm to them, seemingly reaching deeper than just the body.

"You are the one closest to our mistress, Sabrina. I cannot claim to know her mind or heart in the slightest, but I would be surprised if you were not always the first one on her mind to accomplish greatness with and to place her trust in. But with such favor, a potential fall from her grace is long indeed for you. Deserved or not, I feel you tasted Askaretha's disappointment for the first time, and she is a woman who demands excellence from all who serve her. Perhaps her meteoric rise and being at the cusp of even grander greatness puts her under a lot of pressure, and the invasion and theft shook her, lashing out at the one she perhaps hoped would prevent such a loss, returning, in her mind, nearly empty-handed only making this worse. Perhaps she pushed you away deliberately so you can find answers and the demons away from the spotlight, free to pursue this goal as you wish, only to feel her trust did not pay off. I cannot say. No amount of pondering and doubt will lead you to an answer before you see this task through, only drive you deeper into despair. That is why I am here. To not let you do this to yourself. And if Lythala were here, she would do the same." Roxana just lets Sabrina focus on her voice and touches for a while, smiling softly when she finishes. When it came to Sabrina, Lythala and Roxana were always as one, acting in perfect harmony despite their disparate personalities and approaches, so different from the snotty other brachinas and the jealous other erinyes.

[DebbieD]

If that is indeed the case, then our return to favor lies with the next demon we think we know the location of, the succubus.

[Ridai]

"That it does. All we need is to find her and get the drop on her, and I will handle the rest. We will have answers, we will have removed another troublesome demon, and Askaretha will get the results she needs."

[DebbieD]

Sabrina teleports the group back to Kroy, in the abandoned alley they had landed in before.

[MikelaC1]

Having chosen to teleport to a more abandoned alley, the group is actually on the outskirts of Kroy, but close enough to see the lighted spires and towers of the casinos, nightclubs and temples. Kroy is unique in all of Daystor's cities, not only in terms of the numbers of casinos but also in that every religion has a temple (albeit some rather small and remote) in the city...in a world where the "luck of the gods" is not merely a loser's lament and is a definable, summonable thing, any temple can do some business.

[Ridai]

Roxana conducts her careful investigation as she planned earlier.

Spoiler: OOC

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Once again, I refer to my last post before examining the key and teleporting away.

[MikelaC1]

Researching deviant sexual outlets, Roxana finds a number of interesting outlets. There are at least 3 succubi operating in either a Nocticulan brothel or on their own, and she also finds that there is a marilith operating out of the same Nocticulan temple, that one is a very expensive proposition. Theres even rumors of a beautiful harpy that operates on her own, she must represent some sort of mutation from the normal hag appearance of the creature.

[Ridai]

Roxana considers her findings, telepathically conversing with Sabrina.

~My impression of this Fearsome Foursome has been that they act on their own, and Mistress Askaretha seems to think they stole the gem for their own purposes. They also seem to be spreading across Daystor, instead of returning to a demon lord's base or holdings. Because of that, I want to exclude the Nocticulans and those working with Nocticulans from our findings. Sadly, this also removes all potential gathering spots, leaving individuals. We need to know more about this succubus first, trying to bring every independent succubus under our spell carries too much risk, and she could go by a non-demon identity. Do you know anything more about her? Or do you know someone who does so?~

[DebbieD]

If you can get me the names of the succubi, I can use my Limited Wish spell to mimic a Contact Other Plane. I dont know if I can ask if each one in turn is a member of the Fearsome Foursome, that might work, but if it doesnt, I have a line of questioning that should narrow it down.

[DebbieD]

The succubi likely hunt for victims clients in the casinos, that way, they can target either high-rollers, or some sap that got lucky and struck it rich. And given that the Bellagio is owned by the Three-Who-Are-One, they
would probably be the one to most tolerate the activities of a succubus, we should start there.

[Ridai]

Receiving knowledge through divine intervention, Roxana heads straight to the casino.

[DebbieD]

Sabrina takes the lead at the casino, trusting Roxana to play along. She heads into the bar, getting a cozy table for them. She orders drinks, and starts to almost make out with her. She continues to order drinks, while necking with Roxana, and after the 4th round of drinks, if she hasnt drawn any interest, she pays triple for the next round, with a look to the waiter that seems to say what do a pair of girls have to do to get some action around here?

[Ridai]

Roxana makes herself the perfect companion for Sabrina, heightening the desire evident between them, yet never making it performative. Those around them simply cannot help but take note of the couple. As the waiter receives the meaningful look, he only needs to let his eyes stray a little to take in Roxana as well. Luxurious, elegant, hardly a stranger to what they are seeking, and clearly affluent. Only the best will suffice, and the more... exotic, the better. Who knows? A good recommendation may lead to a little bonus down the line.

[MikelaC1]

It only takes until the third round of drinks before Sabrina and Roxana are approached, by a lady they would guess to be in her late 40s.
You ladies look to be having a good time, or maybe you are looking for an even better time? Or perhaps turn your obvious talents to something that could be very lucrative? Talents and looks like yours could make a lot of gold.

[Ridai]

~Immediately let me know when your true sight spots a succubus,~ Roxana telepaths to Sabrina, while the brachina's amazon exterior, half-entangled with her lover, looks to the lady.

"I could be persuaded to spread a little love with my craft here, and where I go, my dearest is always at my side. But we just arrived and are looking forward so very very much to finding that one hidden gem to make our night perfect." An idea seems to cross the amazon courtesan's mind. "Say, love... how are you feeling about a little demonstration of those talents you are looking for by me? Get a little taste as we get to know each other, and in exchange you give us a little tour, show us the truly special talent you have, my love and I see if our pick would like to spend the night with us, and who knows, we may just be negotiating a deal tomorrow?"

Roxana gives an angelic smile that could not possibly be more inviting.

Spoiler: Actions

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Using the witch's usual covert spellcasting, Roxana casts silvertongue on herself

Bluff to persuade the lady to get easy access to the casino and perhaps some info/eyes on whatever women the succubi are disguised as before engaging with them directly
(1d20+98)[110]

Also covertly casting detect magic to see if she is detecting any abjuration spells, or, in the case of the lady having a mind blank in place, no auras whatsoever

[MikelaC1]

Oh honey, dont even try, Ive seen so many dears like yourself, I might as well be immune Whether or not the woman is really immune or just overly confident enough to boast is not readily apparent, but Roxana has yet to see someone resist a spell, when she uses her witch secret to punch through. I can provide one of two options, I can hook you and your dearest up with a woman who will absolutely blow your minds in ways you have never experienced before...or you can join my service and use your talents to make a living beyond your imagination. Its clear she is a madam of some kind, how high in the food chain she is up for debate.

[DebbieD]

Succubus at 2 o'clock and she's looking at both us and possibly this woman who thinks she is the madam of the Bellagio

[Ridai]

~Very good. We may as well get the information from her directly about her competitors, because I very much doubt she is the one. And should that not be enough, well... we might soon have a madam very eager to woo us into her services with whatever we want to know once she hears back from her best girl. If you are not death warded, do not let her touch you, let my role act as a gatekeeper of who gets to be with her lover.~

"And we have heard many claims about pleasure we have never experienced before. That woman you are talking about wouldn't happen to be that darling looking so intently at us? Send her over to us. You will know how it went soon enough." Roxana motions towards the disguised succubus with her head, also casting a brief, smoldering glance to the woman.

[MikelaC1]

The woman crooks a finger, beckoning the woman to come forward, which she does, wearing a smile that would melt the heart and fire the loins of the hardest mortal...unfortunately, she has no idea of who (or what) she is dealing with.

My name is Aria, Hilda seems to think you would be looking for company of the most exotic kind?

[Ridai]

And Roxana returns the smile in kind. Part of her wonders if her love will take root like this already and make Aria's heart beat faster.

"Hello Aria. We are indeed. It is a special night for us, and I am looking for the perfect woman to share it with my dearest and me. And I would love to find out if you are." Clearly, Roxana's character wishes to acquire Aria's services... and additionally, the succubus feels like she herself might be in for a unique experience.

[MikelaC1]

Its obvious that Roxana's and Sabrina's charm is working on the succubus, the look on her face is a dead giveaway that her mind is racing through possibilities, and without even thinking about it, she moves to sit herself in between the two women. As Hilda moves off, Aria says I do have to tell you that I am what some people call an outsider and it can lead to potent reactions among mortals.

[Ridai]

Aria finds herself very close to Roxana. "Oh I hoped you were, love. We have our share of experience with outsiders, especially the Abyssal kind, and they are my favorite clients when I work. I love them, and they love me. And I love it even more when one finds her way to me when I am off-duty." There is a moment where Aria gets to consider this amazon woman actually being a courtesan for outsiders, and especially succubi. It sounds so ridiculous at first, yet it rings so true coming from her... and perhaps Aria wants this to be true as well. The next moment, the succubus finds herself drawn into a slow, sensual kiss, and her heart almost wants to explode, overcome with a feeling she may or may not have experienced yet, wanting to be with this amazon, wanting to worship everything about her, forever and ever. Roxana, technically, did not even lie about anything. This is hardly the first succubus whose eyes she opened to her love, and she cherishes every opportunity to turn a demon to her side. Demons fashion themselves masters of corruption, but they can be so vulnerable to one who has nearly perfected her craft.

To Sabrina, Roxana telepaths ~She knows my love now. Do you want answers immediately, or do I have time to make her a proper slave to my love, both to do our bidding in finding our target and as a future spy in this place and its circles? If you allow me, I can make it quick here in a couple of minutes, or thorough in a room in perhaps 20 to 30 minutes.~ The brachina does not wish to presume on behalf of Sabrina, and no doubt she rightfully despises demons. But Roxana loves to grow her garden, creating new opportunities for the future, and she does not make such a request lightly.

Spoiler: Actions

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Bluff to seduce the succubus and put her at ease (with motivate charisma)
(1d20+118)[135]

Then switch to determined caster and covertly cast Glendira's Enchantment, using her Greater Enchantress' Secret (now two uses remaining for the day) to punch through immunity. No save due to single target, CL check vs SR (1d20+48)[55]

Switch back to motivate charisma afterwards, naturally affecting both Roxana and Sabrina.

I know that higher level charms have a bigger effect in this setting, but I have never seen the results of Glendira's Enchantment (that I know of, anyway), so I am quite curious just how powerful it is.

[MikelaC1]

Roxana is pretty sure that Aria is completely under her spell, and would be willing to do just about anything for her and tell her anything as well.

[DebbieD]

Do as you wish with her, but dont expect me to participate. I'd rather lie with a lemure than a succubus Even telepathically, the distaste in Sabrina's opinion is almost palpatable.

[Ridai]

(That powerful, huh. Well then, that makes things rather straightforward.)

~Of course not. I would never request such a thing of you. Aria has taken very well to my love, so I shall delay any deepening for another time,~ Roxana lets Sabrina know.

"Now, my dear Aria... I believe you possess the gift of telepathy?" she asks Aria, establishing a telepathic connection, but making the succubus think it is her own. Sabrina can hear all Roxana asks and receives as an answer, but anything Sabrina says shall only be heard by Roxana.

~My dear, sweet Aria. I can feel your love for me. You are not the one we seek, but do not despair. We will have our time together, eventually. Know that my dearest is forbidden to you. You shall not touch her or even talk to her unless it is necessary, but know that her word weighs as much as mine. Anything we tell you or ask you to do shall be our secret, told to no one else. Do this for me, stay true to me, and our eventual time together shall be all the sweeter for it, my dear.~ Roxana waits for confirmation from the succubus. Telepathy tends to be faster than mere talking, but what little time passes, Roxana on the outside fills with idle chatting and the occasional kiss.

~First, tell us your real name, should it differ from Aria. Second, I want you to tell us about every other succubus that is active in the Bellagio, give us a mental image of what they look like when working here and what they are called. And among them, which of them you would call the most skilled and successful.~

[MikelaC1]

Its almost funny how the succubus is figuratively falling all over herself to tell Roxana everything she knows, she even makes up a few things in an attempt to impress her, however the telepathic link allows the brachina to separate truth from fiction.
To begin with, she tells Roxana her name, even trying to make sense of it causes Roxana some mental pain, and she knows that if she even tried to speak it, her tongue would probably literally burn with fire. The true name of a demon is a powerful and dangerous thing, even for those who have training in dealing with truenames, and seeing as Roxana has never even dabbled in the art, she doesnt want to risk it.
She doesnt seem too disappointed that she will not be able to touch or interact with Sabrina, enspelled by Roxana, she is the center of her universe right now.
When the subject of other succubi comes up, Roxana tells her that there are two others. The first one, named Karina, is a lot like her, but the second one, Tylia, is a bit different. For one thing, she doesnt work nearly as much as Aria or Karina, which is strange because she is stunningly beautiful when compared to them, and she has a lot more magic at her disposal than either of them. She confides to Roxana that Karina is quite weak willed compared to her and she knows that Tylia has laid a powerful charm on her....from the way she talks at times, Roxana would venture to guess that Aria has probably been charmed as well.

[Ridai]

Roxana spares Sabrina the mental strain of the true name. That was far more than she was asking for, more expecting the succubus to have assumed a cover identity, but apparently, Aria it is. ~Sabrina, the worst case has been confirmed. This Tylia is a witch. We have to be very, very careful, or we will end like Aria and Karina. Permanently.~

Since Aria is most likely charmed, which very much is something Roxana would have done in Tylia's place, Aria cannot be too involved in the proceedings. However, it also opens up Aria having an unknowing weakness for this Tylia. ~My dear, sweet Aria. I so very much wish to meet Tylia. I believe she would love to meet us as well. But I wish to make it a surprise for her. You remember how good it felt to first see us, don't you? I would not wish to rob her of that feeling, so remember, keep all this a secret. Now... how would we best go about meeting Tylia, and how do we recognize her?~