02-25-2015, 01:42 PM
Dio shuddered there on the ground, the rage that was coursing through his form could only be called an incalculable wrath that dwarfed anything he had ever felt since Jojo had burned him alive in their manor. Slamming his fists against the ground he'd grit his teeth. He desperately wished to murder that damnable demon right here and now, every cell in his body, every atom of his being demanded that he stand up and beat that small man into the dirt for this offense. Yet his mind kept his actions in check.
He knew that if he were to advance here, that even if he called out his stand and revealed his secret ability to shatter time that he wouldn't be able to do any meaningful damage to that monster that was currently staring down the man on the stage. How unfair could a reality be that it contained such beasts, when in his home world he had been an unstoppable monster capable of conquering his world. Yet, he had been dragged here, and in spite of only suffering a minor set back in regards to his power he had discovered that he was nothing more than a low level player in this impossible world.
Yet, Dio Brando was not an alien to being in this situation. Though it pained him to admit he had suffered through countless humiliations to attain the position he had in his old world. Through his gambling he had made many enemies and they had forced him to endure being spit on, having his face rubbed into the dirt, and he had been beaten many times in the slums he had grown up in. Thus, Dio's mind was already working on turning this to his advantage as he would master his emotions, sitting up he'd work himself into the chair he had been in, a dark red stain in the center of his midriff where the blow had done incredible damage, yet, as it healed Dio would absorb the blood back into his body through his pores, an amazing spectacle as the garment would slowly absorb the fluid to aid in repairing his body, Dio taking a few more labored breaths before he could sit upright again in his chair. Though the damage hadn't been repaired, Dio's regeneration had gotten him back into a state where he was able to speak and act normally again. If he were to get in a fight though.. this damage would definitely set him back in regards to being able to deal with his foes. Yet, he had regained his composure, taking a moment to adjust his jacket he'd look at his companions before speaking.
"I hope this clarifies that I, Dio, was not lying to you earlier when I said we undead exist under the yoke of an inhospitable gathering of tyrants. With that said, I hope that my beating at the hand of a Demon doesn't diminish your belief in my ability. I am still more than capable of assisting the group with the Tarrasque. Now.. before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe you asked about the plan."
He said as he'd speak with gritted teeth, the pain was still intense. He had never expected that such deep and lasting damage could be done to this body he had cast off his humanity for. Even though his regeneration was much weaker than it had been back when he was at The Jojo's manor he had never thought it had been this impactful. He would have to use the omnilium in his veins to hone the regenerative ability if he wanted to keep his life in his future encounters with that devilish monster.
"The plan is to take advantage of a hidden ability I have, and use an array of bait and explosives to herd the monster into a location where it's size wont be as much of an advantage. I have a few locations already picked out based on the beast's most recently spotted locations. While I wont count on the dynamite or explosives being able to do significant damage to the beast, it should be enough to force it into a valley where we should be able to collapse the greater part of a mountain on the beast. Which while I also don't plan for that to kill it, should immoblize it enough for us to finish it off in reality safety. The issues with this plan are of course finding something alluring enough for the beast."
He'd say Dio raising a finger to continue detailing his plan when quite suddenly; his explanation was interrupted by a scream from the stage as Mephisto would unleash a roar of indignant rage. While Dio had ceased to pay attention to the stage, believing there to be nothing that the little vagrant could do to the host he was surprised by the amount of raw rage and hate he felt emanating from the stage at the moment. Even from across the room he felt the intense hatred coming off the demon forcing him to sweat.
"Turn him into a little girl?! Allow him to be taught by you as a form of punishment?! What kind of idiot do you take me to be? Never in all my years in presiding over Hell have I been so disrespected. Do you even know who you're speaking to when you dare to make a request like that after having cast my hand picked actors off the stage, attempting to mind control my guests, and now.. daring to disrespect me even more by having the utter gall to demand I gift you one of Dracula's servants so he could have an adventure with you?! If I were not at such a loss as to how you could be this stupid I would have killed you for far, far less than this. But you had a point earlier about arrogant beings and their power."
The demon would say with a smile, his true form now revealed he stood at 12 ft tall, his features shift as his 9 heads would coalesce into a singular face, the features of which could only be described as impish, the demonic horns that extend from his head sprouting out to create the spitting image of a lord of hell, in fact. One could almost call his appearance stereotypical, the red skin, the cloak that billowed from his shoulders, everything. He was very much the ubiquitous lord of hell, and as he'd bare his fangs and raise a hand towards Inlumia, the digits alight with a dazzling array of magics he'd say.
"You called Dio arrogant, and while that may be true he at least had the intelligence to kowtow before an obviously superior being. While I hate his type invariably and in fact, have had nothing but ill planned for him from the moment he showed up at Castle Dracula pretending to be some grand superior being with his miniscule power. It is you who have proven to be a far larger thorn in my side in a few minutes than Dio has with his entire existence. Thus, I cast you out from here, and let it be known that if you are to ever return that you will be hunted by ever demon of hell I have at my disposal. Consider this a merciful act by virtue of the fact that I don't want to ruin my stage actors clothes by turning you into a shower of gore."
Then, the magics would take effect, Inlumia conjuring a dark magic shield that was shattered like it had never existed before he vanished as if he too had never existed, the dining room regaining some semblance of normalcy as the actors would once again take to the stage to play out the final act of the play, Mephisto again taking the form of the short and stocky man before dawdling off back to his seat, fuming almost comically as he'd go back to his table.
If Dio hadn't known before what Inlumia was planning, he knew now, and the look on his face could only be considered the rawest most pure form of disgust and hatred. To actually dare to request that he be turned into a young girl and made to prostitute himself for Inlumia. How dare he suggest that such a thing happen to he, Dio?! To have been so disrespected by a being who was very nearly on his level was a thing that Dio would never, ever, forget. In his heart Dio made a vow in that moment, that if he were to ever see Inlumia again he did not care if he lost his life in the process of breaking that man, taking everything from him and forcing him to beg as he had been made to beg before Mephisto before ultimately destroying him.
He had other things to tend to at the moment however, and gesturing towards a guest he would nod, the play had been delayed long enough that the guests were ready for deserts and wine to be rolled out. There was no reason to spare any expense at this point, and Dio had quite a bit of damage control to do in regards to a guest stumbling onto the stage and trying to mind control them. It was doubtless for Dio at least that these guests had their trust in Mephisto incredibly damaged by all of this, and that they would be reluctant to ever attend another party hosted by the Demon Lord in fear of more interruptions like the one that had happened here today. So at this point Dio had no option but to take responsibility and spare no expense in these final moments. He wanted these people so drunk and so pleased that the Inlumia events would seem nothing but an unpleasant dream to them in the future.
Thus, servants began to roll out their assigned platters, row after row of beautifully decorated carts adorned with gloriously articulated and engraved silver platters where brought discretely to each of the rows of guests, a gorgeous dinner hand prepared being served to everyone, a similar arrangement being brought to their own table, a blood based soup dish being offered to Dio as his appetizer and then a meat dish prepared for his main course. Aang was provided with yet more desserts, though it did seem as though the kitchen was unaware of his status as a vegetarian as there was a meat based jelly dish prepared for him on a small plate as one of his finishers. Homura was greeted be an array of cake samplers partnered with a light white wine. The wine making it quite clear that the kitchen did not care in the slightest about her apparent age and had instead judged her as an immortal.
Meanwhile Alain found himself rather forcefully introduced to both a seat, and a steak dinner. A rather bland affair as it was just steak and potatoes, but given his rather abrupt appearance the kitchen hadn't had any time to make him something specific. Nothing that can be done about it when you sneak in. That he got anything at all was an extension of Dio's good graces in light of the rather humiliating show that had happened before hand.
This was the finishing touch of the event, as it had initially been intended. A glorious meal with a beautifully tragic play that was intended to represent the "Death" of the event and the new life that was breathed into it to continue the cycle. However, his mind was less on the food and far more on the tasks that would need to be completed if they were to even dream of the Tarrasque being defeated.
So, polishing off his appetizer he would wipe his mouth a napkin before speaking, knowing that while he was finished with his opening course the others would still be eating their more substantial meals, and thus, he had plenty of time to explain without having to worry about creative input from the group.
"With that said the first things we'll need to acquire in bulk is likely some form of dynamite, I'm unsure of what magical equivalents this world possesses, but judging by one of my earliest encounters with a Paladin any sort of detonated explosives we have will be more than capable of bringing down a few hundred thousand tons of rock down on our prey. Once immoblized we'll need a fair amount of fire to keep it from regenerating. If anyone here has any fire abilities please make me aware, we'll be using you for cauterization of wounds inflicted by the others. The bait for the monster will take the form of a herd of cattle that I'll be arranging the purchase of. We'll be directing the movement of the Tarrasque by appealing to the most basic nature of monsters, in that it simply must eat, and proteins that are difficult for it to obtain from the forest will be abundant in the herd."
He said, nodding in affirmation. He couldn't see any issue with this plan, he was a college educated man after all. He understood that even magical monsters needed the most basic proteins and calories to keep themselves moving, and while what you could process changed based on certain biological factors, such as his own vampirism, this Tarrasque had already been confirmed for a monster that devoured everything in it's path. Thus, using the only knowledge he had regarding the monster he had formulated this plan. However, there was far more to it than this.
"However, we wont just be walking into this. Alain, given you were so kind as to demonstrate your stealth abilities earlier I'll be assigning you to scouting duty. Once we find the beast we'll be monitoring it for a day, see how it reacts to stimuli in order to ensure that none of the techniques we use set it off. If we find out that it can sense our presence even while hidden we'll need to re-evaluate our strategy so we avoid becoming targets before we're completely ready to face this monster."
He'd say, turning to a servant and handing him the now empty bowl of blood, nodding to him before he'd return his gaze to the group, Dio's gaze deadly serious as he'd continue.
"A wise man never approaches a fight that he isn't 100% sure of winning. That is why I extended this free invitation to all primes for this party. To approach a monster like this without caution and without due preparations is asking to be annihilated, and while I have heard rumors of primes being able to resurrect I for one do not wish to test the good graces of the monster who summoned us here. Now, if you have any questions they'll need to wait."
He'd say smirking as he'd fasten his cloak around his neck, standing with a flourish that looked rather dramatic. It seemed that even with the beating he'd taken earlier Dio hadn't lost his flair for the dramatic, and with a self assured chuckle he'd turn towards the stage, the last of the actors leaving it and Dio taking this as his chance. Advancing towards the stage he'd say back to his "companions.
"Now watch as I, Dio, deliver a magnificent ending speech for this masquerade."
He'd walk towards the stage, directing one of the attendants to focus the light in the center. Dio walking up towards the stage as if he owned it in spite of the earlier embarrassment, not losing his confident stride for a second as he'd walk towards the stage and up the steps onto the performing area. As Dio stood above everyone he'd smile, this is the view he should be afforded, with every one looking up at him with either awe or veneration. Dio savored this. He did this knowing that the damnable Mephisto in the crowd was likely getting quite impatient with this whole affair and thus, would likely only afford Dio the briefest of graces for this speech.
"Friends, honored guests, and assembled representatives of clans both mighty and small. I would like to thank you for coming to me and Mephisto's little Masquerade. We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to allow us to entertain you. Now, with the play and the food out of the way I must bring your attention to a more serious matter. You see, I, Dio have been in The Pale Moors for just barely a few weeks now. However in my time here I have noticed a menace that has scoured the land from the very moment I set foot on this world. I'm sure many of you have heard of it, that vile beast that burns man and undead alike. The Tarrasque. This monster is the reason I have gathered so many primes here, and while I was woefully taken advantage of by a Prime who the owner of this honored mansion had to expel. The reason for their gathering should be obvious to all at this point in my speech, but it is now that I make the formal announcement.
"
He'd say his hand tossing his cape back for a dramatic flair before coming forward to form a clenched fist, a flame of passion in Dio's eyes as he would raise his voice. This was his moment, he had these beings who dared to call themselves nobility in his thrall now, and he would use this to catapult his fame in spite of what had transpired.
"I, Dio, will be hunting this monster. I will not rest until the Moors are free from it and once again people can live in peace without fear of being obliterated by a force that they can barely comprehend."
Then he'd gesture towards the table at which the Primes were arranged. He would give them due credit for now, after all, if he was to gather allies he needed those two do gooding fools to believe that they were fighting for that decrepit and foolish notion of justice. Besides, if things went south then he could just blame it on them. There was no reason to not have a few good scapegoats lying around.
"These brave men and women are the heroes who shall be accompanying me in this quest, and while I am unsure if I will return. I do so knowing that my efforts will better The Pale Moors if I succeed, and thus,it is worth every drop of blood I shed in the pursuit of this goal. Thus it is with great pleasure that I announce the first Tarrasque Hunt. For this incredible task that I have laid before me I can only ask for your help, and of course. That you make me aware if any groups show up that are after the same goal."
He said with a smirk, now if anyone decided to interfere with his plan to become the most influential man among the common idiots in the moors he'd know within hours, whether by some poor courier, or by the whisper of a noble looking to stay on his side he now possessed the influence among the people through his faux sympathy. Even though Dio felt nothing for any of them he delighted in playing people like pawns, and with his false display of emotion the crowd was obviously moved, an applause meeting Dio's fantastic speech as he would take a bow before removing his mask, the first glimpse of Dio's face flooding over the crowd as they'd behold the face of their soon to be hero as he would speak once more.
"And with that announcement I officially declare The Masquerade over. You may take your masks if you are so inclined, those who do not wish to please leave them by the door with our esteemed butler Reaves."
As he would return the groups would gradually disperse, the masquerade at it's end and the people who had been here for what felt like an eternity finally taking off their masks, various undead and nobles from all verses chuckling as they'd proceed to their various carriages. Each discussing their favorite, or least favorite, part of the event and most people seemingly in high spirits.
However, Dio was not in such a great mood. A scowl on his face as he'd return back to the table where Mephisto was seated, Dio bowing as he'd say a few words that couldn't be overheard without some enhanced senses from the table before he'd return to the group of primes, still looking as dour as he had the moment he had stepped off the stage as he spoke.
"I will be joining you all at the crossings nearest this Manor in the next day. If you wish to stay here for the night I have been allowed to grant you permission to sleep in one of the rooms here in the manor. I however, will be indisposed of for the majority of the night. If you wish to see me and discuss any details, now is the best time. Otherwise you will have to wait until the sun is nearly on the horizon to speak to me, and even then. I will only be available in my private quarters."
He'd say, and it was quite obvious why he would be indisposed. It was apparent that Dio hadn't been able to talk his way out of the punishment for allowing that Inlumia fellow through the door, and that he was none too pleased about what was about to occur. However, he would endure, and for the sake of the group he would take questions and do what little brain storming he could with the time he was allowed by that damnable devil Mephisto.
He knew that if he were to advance here, that even if he called out his stand and revealed his secret ability to shatter time that he wouldn't be able to do any meaningful damage to that monster that was currently staring down the man on the stage. How unfair could a reality be that it contained such beasts, when in his home world he had been an unstoppable monster capable of conquering his world. Yet, he had been dragged here, and in spite of only suffering a minor set back in regards to his power he had discovered that he was nothing more than a low level player in this impossible world.
Yet, Dio Brando was not an alien to being in this situation. Though it pained him to admit he had suffered through countless humiliations to attain the position he had in his old world. Through his gambling he had made many enemies and they had forced him to endure being spit on, having his face rubbed into the dirt, and he had been beaten many times in the slums he had grown up in. Thus, Dio's mind was already working on turning this to his advantage as he would master his emotions, sitting up he'd work himself into the chair he had been in, a dark red stain in the center of his midriff where the blow had done incredible damage, yet, as it healed Dio would absorb the blood back into his body through his pores, an amazing spectacle as the garment would slowly absorb the fluid to aid in repairing his body, Dio taking a few more labored breaths before he could sit upright again in his chair. Though the damage hadn't been repaired, Dio's regeneration had gotten him back into a state where he was able to speak and act normally again. If he were to get in a fight though.. this damage would definitely set him back in regards to being able to deal with his foes. Yet, he had regained his composure, taking a moment to adjust his jacket he'd look at his companions before speaking.
"I hope this clarifies that I, Dio, was not lying to you earlier when I said we undead exist under the yoke of an inhospitable gathering of tyrants. With that said, I hope that my beating at the hand of a Demon doesn't diminish your belief in my ability. I am still more than capable of assisting the group with the Tarrasque. Now.. before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe you asked about the plan."
He said as he'd speak with gritted teeth, the pain was still intense. He had never expected that such deep and lasting damage could be done to this body he had cast off his humanity for. Even though his regeneration was much weaker than it had been back when he was at The Jojo's manor he had never thought it had been this impactful. He would have to use the omnilium in his veins to hone the regenerative ability if he wanted to keep his life in his future encounters with that devilish monster.
"The plan is to take advantage of a hidden ability I have, and use an array of bait and explosives to herd the monster into a location where it's size wont be as much of an advantage. I have a few locations already picked out based on the beast's most recently spotted locations. While I wont count on the dynamite or explosives being able to do significant damage to the beast, it should be enough to force it into a valley where we should be able to collapse the greater part of a mountain on the beast. Which while I also don't plan for that to kill it, should immoblize it enough for us to finish it off in reality safety. The issues with this plan are of course finding something alluring enough for the beast."
He'd say Dio raising a finger to continue detailing his plan when quite suddenly; his explanation was interrupted by a scream from the stage as Mephisto would unleash a roar of indignant rage. While Dio had ceased to pay attention to the stage, believing there to be nothing that the little vagrant could do to the host he was surprised by the amount of raw rage and hate he felt emanating from the stage at the moment. Even from across the room he felt the intense hatred coming off the demon forcing him to sweat.
"Turn him into a little girl?! Allow him to be taught by you as a form of punishment?! What kind of idiot do you take me to be? Never in all my years in presiding over Hell have I been so disrespected. Do you even know who you're speaking to when you dare to make a request like that after having cast my hand picked actors off the stage, attempting to mind control my guests, and now.. daring to disrespect me even more by having the utter gall to demand I gift you one of Dracula's servants so he could have an adventure with you?! If I were not at such a loss as to how you could be this stupid I would have killed you for far, far less than this. But you had a point earlier about arrogant beings and their power."
The demon would say with a smile, his true form now revealed he stood at 12 ft tall, his features shift as his 9 heads would coalesce into a singular face, the features of which could only be described as impish, the demonic horns that extend from his head sprouting out to create the spitting image of a lord of hell, in fact. One could almost call his appearance stereotypical, the red skin, the cloak that billowed from his shoulders, everything. He was very much the ubiquitous lord of hell, and as he'd bare his fangs and raise a hand towards Inlumia, the digits alight with a dazzling array of magics he'd say.
"You called Dio arrogant, and while that may be true he at least had the intelligence to kowtow before an obviously superior being. While I hate his type invariably and in fact, have had nothing but ill planned for him from the moment he showed up at Castle Dracula pretending to be some grand superior being with his miniscule power. It is you who have proven to be a far larger thorn in my side in a few minutes than Dio has with his entire existence. Thus, I cast you out from here, and let it be known that if you are to ever return that you will be hunted by ever demon of hell I have at my disposal. Consider this a merciful act by virtue of the fact that I don't want to ruin my stage actors clothes by turning you into a shower of gore."
Then, the magics would take effect, Inlumia conjuring a dark magic shield that was shattered like it had never existed before he vanished as if he too had never existed, the dining room regaining some semblance of normalcy as the actors would once again take to the stage to play out the final act of the play, Mephisto again taking the form of the short and stocky man before dawdling off back to his seat, fuming almost comically as he'd go back to his table.
If Dio hadn't known before what Inlumia was planning, he knew now, and the look on his face could only be considered the rawest most pure form of disgust and hatred. To actually dare to request that he be turned into a young girl and made to prostitute himself for Inlumia. How dare he suggest that such a thing happen to he, Dio?! To have been so disrespected by a being who was very nearly on his level was a thing that Dio would never, ever, forget. In his heart Dio made a vow in that moment, that if he were to ever see Inlumia again he did not care if he lost his life in the process of breaking that man, taking everything from him and forcing him to beg as he had been made to beg before Mephisto before ultimately destroying him.
He had other things to tend to at the moment however, and gesturing towards a guest he would nod, the play had been delayed long enough that the guests were ready for deserts and wine to be rolled out. There was no reason to spare any expense at this point, and Dio had quite a bit of damage control to do in regards to a guest stumbling onto the stage and trying to mind control them. It was doubtless for Dio at least that these guests had their trust in Mephisto incredibly damaged by all of this, and that they would be reluctant to ever attend another party hosted by the Demon Lord in fear of more interruptions like the one that had happened here today. So at this point Dio had no option but to take responsibility and spare no expense in these final moments. He wanted these people so drunk and so pleased that the Inlumia events would seem nothing but an unpleasant dream to them in the future.
Thus, servants began to roll out their assigned platters, row after row of beautifully decorated carts adorned with gloriously articulated and engraved silver platters where brought discretely to each of the rows of guests, a gorgeous dinner hand prepared being served to everyone, a similar arrangement being brought to their own table, a blood based soup dish being offered to Dio as his appetizer and then a meat dish prepared for his main course. Aang was provided with yet more desserts, though it did seem as though the kitchen was unaware of his status as a vegetarian as there was a meat based jelly dish prepared for him on a small plate as one of his finishers. Homura was greeted be an array of cake samplers partnered with a light white wine. The wine making it quite clear that the kitchen did not care in the slightest about her apparent age and had instead judged her as an immortal.
Meanwhile Alain found himself rather forcefully introduced to both a seat, and a steak dinner. A rather bland affair as it was just steak and potatoes, but given his rather abrupt appearance the kitchen hadn't had any time to make him something specific. Nothing that can be done about it when you sneak in. That he got anything at all was an extension of Dio's good graces in light of the rather humiliating show that had happened before hand.
This was the finishing touch of the event, as it had initially been intended. A glorious meal with a beautifully tragic play that was intended to represent the "Death" of the event and the new life that was breathed into it to continue the cycle. However, his mind was less on the food and far more on the tasks that would need to be completed if they were to even dream of the Tarrasque being defeated.
So, polishing off his appetizer he would wipe his mouth a napkin before speaking, knowing that while he was finished with his opening course the others would still be eating their more substantial meals, and thus, he had plenty of time to explain without having to worry about creative input from the group.
"With that said the first things we'll need to acquire in bulk is likely some form of dynamite, I'm unsure of what magical equivalents this world possesses, but judging by one of my earliest encounters with a Paladin any sort of detonated explosives we have will be more than capable of bringing down a few hundred thousand tons of rock down on our prey. Once immoblized we'll need a fair amount of fire to keep it from regenerating. If anyone here has any fire abilities please make me aware, we'll be using you for cauterization of wounds inflicted by the others. The bait for the monster will take the form of a herd of cattle that I'll be arranging the purchase of. We'll be directing the movement of the Tarrasque by appealing to the most basic nature of monsters, in that it simply must eat, and proteins that are difficult for it to obtain from the forest will be abundant in the herd."
He said, nodding in affirmation. He couldn't see any issue with this plan, he was a college educated man after all. He understood that even magical monsters needed the most basic proteins and calories to keep themselves moving, and while what you could process changed based on certain biological factors, such as his own vampirism, this Tarrasque had already been confirmed for a monster that devoured everything in it's path. Thus, using the only knowledge he had regarding the monster he had formulated this plan. However, there was far more to it than this.
"However, we wont just be walking into this. Alain, given you were so kind as to demonstrate your stealth abilities earlier I'll be assigning you to scouting duty. Once we find the beast we'll be monitoring it for a day, see how it reacts to stimuli in order to ensure that none of the techniques we use set it off. If we find out that it can sense our presence even while hidden we'll need to re-evaluate our strategy so we avoid becoming targets before we're completely ready to face this monster."
He'd say, turning to a servant and handing him the now empty bowl of blood, nodding to him before he'd return his gaze to the group, Dio's gaze deadly serious as he'd continue.
"A wise man never approaches a fight that he isn't 100% sure of winning. That is why I extended this free invitation to all primes for this party. To approach a monster like this without caution and without due preparations is asking to be annihilated, and while I have heard rumors of primes being able to resurrect I for one do not wish to test the good graces of the monster who summoned us here. Now, if you have any questions they'll need to wait."
He'd say smirking as he'd fasten his cloak around his neck, standing with a flourish that looked rather dramatic. It seemed that even with the beating he'd taken earlier Dio hadn't lost his flair for the dramatic, and with a self assured chuckle he'd turn towards the stage, the last of the actors leaving it and Dio taking this as his chance. Advancing towards the stage he'd say back to his "companions.
"Now watch as I, Dio, deliver a magnificent ending speech for this masquerade."
He'd walk towards the stage, directing one of the attendants to focus the light in the center. Dio walking up towards the stage as if he owned it in spite of the earlier embarrassment, not losing his confident stride for a second as he'd walk towards the stage and up the steps onto the performing area. As Dio stood above everyone he'd smile, this is the view he should be afforded, with every one looking up at him with either awe or veneration. Dio savored this. He did this knowing that the damnable Mephisto in the crowd was likely getting quite impatient with this whole affair and thus, would likely only afford Dio the briefest of graces for this speech.
"Friends, honored guests, and assembled representatives of clans both mighty and small. I would like to thank you for coming to me and Mephisto's little Masquerade. We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to allow us to entertain you. Now, with the play and the food out of the way I must bring your attention to a more serious matter. You see, I, Dio have been in The Pale Moors for just barely a few weeks now. However in my time here I have noticed a menace that has scoured the land from the very moment I set foot on this world. I'm sure many of you have heard of it, that vile beast that burns man and undead alike. The Tarrasque. This monster is the reason I have gathered so many primes here, and while I was woefully taken advantage of by a Prime who the owner of this honored mansion had to expel. The reason for their gathering should be obvious to all at this point in my speech, but it is now that I make the formal announcement.
"
He'd say his hand tossing his cape back for a dramatic flair before coming forward to form a clenched fist, a flame of passion in Dio's eyes as he would raise his voice. This was his moment, he had these beings who dared to call themselves nobility in his thrall now, and he would use this to catapult his fame in spite of what had transpired.
"I, Dio, will be hunting this monster. I will not rest until the Moors are free from it and once again people can live in peace without fear of being obliterated by a force that they can barely comprehend."
Then he'd gesture towards the table at which the Primes were arranged. He would give them due credit for now, after all, if he was to gather allies he needed those two do gooding fools to believe that they were fighting for that decrepit and foolish notion of justice. Besides, if things went south then he could just blame it on them. There was no reason to not have a few good scapegoats lying around.
"These brave men and women are the heroes who shall be accompanying me in this quest, and while I am unsure if I will return. I do so knowing that my efforts will better The Pale Moors if I succeed, and thus,it is worth every drop of blood I shed in the pursuit of this goal. Thus it is with great pleasure that I announce the first Tarrasque Hunt. For this incredible task that I have laid before me I can only ask for your help, and of course. That you make me aware if any groups show up that are after the same goal."
He said with a smirk, now if anyone decided to interfere with his plan to become the most influential man among the common idiots in the moors he'd know within hours, whether by some poor courier, or by the whisper of a noble looking to stay on his side he now possessed the influence among the people through his faux sympathy. Even though Dio felt nothing for any of them he delighted in playing people like pawns, and with his false display of emotion the crowd was obviously moved, an applause meeting Dio's fantastic speech as he would take a bow before removing his mask, the first glimpse of Dio's face flooding over the crowd as they'd behold the face of their soon to be hero as he would speak once more.
"And with that announcement I officially declare The Masquerade over. You may take your masks if you are so inclined, those who do not wish to please leave them by the door with our esteemed butler Reaves."
As he would return the groups would gradually disperse, the masquerade at it's end and the people who had been here for what felt like an eternity finally taking off their masks, various undead and nobles from all verses chuckling as they'd proceed to their various carriages. Each discussing their favorite, or least favorite, part of the event and most people seemingly in high spirits.
However, Dio was not in such a great mood. A scowl on his face as he'd return back to the table where Mephisto was seated, Dio bowing as he'd say a few words that couldn't be overheard without some enhanced senses from the table before he'd return to the group of primes, still looking as dour as he had the moment he had stepped off the stage as he spoke.
"I will be joining you all at the crossings nearest this Manor in the next day. If you wish to stay here for the night I have been allowed to grant you permission to sleep in one of the rooms here in the manor. I however, will be indisposed of for the majority of the night. If you wish to see me and discuss any details, now is the best time. Otherwise you will have to wait until the sun is nearly on the horizon to speak to me, and even then. I will only be available in my private quarters."
He'd say, and it was quite obvious why he would be indisposed. It was apparent that Dio hadn't been able to talk his way out of the punishment for allowing that Inlumia fellow through the door, and that he was none too pleased about what was about to occur. However, he would endure, and for the sake of the group he would take questions and do what little brain storming he could with the time he was allowed by that damnable devil Mephisto.