Re: Just Smoke and Mirrors (Keylo)
It would be a while before Ayame opted to address the staff after they were, called in, even after they began looking to her for answers. For while the introductions were ongoing, behind the silver mask, the kitsune was already beginning the preparations for her act. Fluffy tail shrinking out of sight, perky fox ears flattening and vanishing altogether, she immediately began to study the elf that managed to catch her attention first (for she already was somewhat acquainted, desppite how... "boring" the game of Blackjack was). Every curve, every line...every contour of the table-maid's face, changing her appearance and voice to match. It was only when she felt satisfied with her imitation that she finally spoke, removing her mask and top hat as she finally introduced herself, answering with a voice...and face that belonged not to her. Pointy elven ears,
"Greetings. I am the Magnificent Marlome. Magician, entertainer, daredevil, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. More importantly, I am one of the last performers of yonder Friday night. The closing finale to a night of excitement and talent.
It would be at this time though, that her visage changed again, skin paling, hair turning green, pointy ears reverting, and finally small horns for the finishing touch. Necessary for a brief introduction or overview? Probably not. Stylish?... Depends on who you ask.
"But what need is there for a preemptive gathering of hired help for a mere stage act you might ask? Surely a street magician's tricks need only be taught a few hours before at best. That's because my dears, what I'm planning is not some mere displays of sleight of hand or illusionary magic. Oh no, what I have planned is a show like which Acheron has never seen.
From there, after she explained the premises of "The Great Escape", it would be then that Ayame come clean with her intentions...at least the ones she planned for now. Ideally, the two table maids, along with any other female hired help, would serve as a shroud of sorts for her at specified locations in her run. Disguises she might adopt, an artificial crowd where there wasn't one for her to blend into, and of course standard set-up crew who would plant outfits and the likes that the kitsune planned to change to and from along her run in locations preemptively so as to allow her more seamless transitions from location to location. Though as for the orc janitor... (which she'd transform into before addressing his role)
"Sadly, it's against the spirit of the performance for me to disguise myself as one such as you. However, instead I have another role for you to perform, well, as an alternative to dusting the stage clean and creating safe spot for me to appear at should you desire it. That is, for you to be a shield of sorts for me at specific times. Though probably less so here, I believe few care to tangle with a muscular orc and his woman no? Simply staying by my side while I ask, and look the most intimidating that you can be should serve to discourage some of the more faint-hearted pursuers, in addition to acting as yet another veil for my hunters to pierce. Though do note, I would also ask that no lasting physical harm be done to any of them of course, that'd be against the spirit of the show. Creative guile and deception is the name of the game here, not brute force."
Other male help would also, more likely than not, be given similar roles, that of serving as additional camoflauge and deterrents, so the magician would go on to explain. But once she finally was done, it would be then that she opted to redon the mask and hat... letting that fluffy tail out into plain sight again at last, and concluding with her "true" (as far as any of them knew) voice and a slight bow near the end.
"Time permitting, I'll have the details and such further refined before the start of the show. Assuming everything goes well though, I look forward to working with each of you during my stay here in Acheron~.
~~~~~~~~~
Ayame, after leaving the gambling parlor, would have taken time to change from her...magician's outfit, to a more casual appearance. Gone would the long black tailcoat, the fancy top hat, and so forth be. Instead, in their place, would be a short sleeved oriental priestess's robe. One that was loose, comfortable to wear, easy to slip on...and off as needed, secured mainly by a decorated sash around the waist. But most importantly complimented the physical form she had chosen to take, and her form of choice around town. Long flowing silver hair, devilish red eyes, a less voluptuous or abundant chest (mostly to avoid having to actually perform a wrap for her current outfit), and a smaller younger stature (though not too young). Enough to retain some semblance of mystery and elegance, but not enough she'd attract unneeded attention. It was best after all, if the Magnificent Marlome's identity was a bit ambiguous. No need to give room for people to try influencing future games from outside of the playing field.
But then again, for there to even be another "game", the preparations for the first one would have to be completed first. That being of course, a guided tour around town (one more detailed than a brief flight around). Then a preemptive visit to all the locations the owner had designated, to get a feel for them before she officially introduced herself when the time came. This course, meant she had to choose a guide from those available at this time.
...Human looking man in black chainmail, not exactly an appealing choice. Even if he wasn't another outsider like her, chances are he'd be one of the more...stringent types. The type that'd refuse a game of her's if one came to mind along the way. That and he'd probably charge more too.
...Typicial demoness with blue skin? Chances of being a native resident of Acheron? High. Safest pick to get what she wanted? Probably. Best to ask a demon about demon town after all, though...
Crimson skin, revealing clothes... and of course, demonic appearance and aura. That was an option too. Probably riskier given the appearance, though more entertaining than the human either way. Yet...did she really want to gamble again so soon?
And of course, heavily corrupted gruff. Corrupted fey. Gee, wonder where a trip with that one was going to end up? Not exactly up for tail collecting yet so... pass on that.
So in general, a toss up between the two demons, as it'd only make sense to ask a native resident around their "hometown" (if it could be called that). However, the question was which one? The "safe" blue one? Or the "dangerous" red one? Blue or red? To wake up from one's bed the next day blissfully ignorant of adventure? Or to go down the rabbit hole and see how far it leads?...
...Who was she kidding? Of course she'd pick the more dodgy option. What was life if she didn't live a little every now and then eh?
And with this in mind, she'd approach the scantily clad, crimson skinned woman, a foxy grin upon her face as she approached.
"Hello there. Would you happen to know where I might find a guide to show me around town?... I'm a bit new here you see, and I'd love for someone to give me the grand tour.
((Ayame's Current Appearance:
))