Pathfinder 1E IC - Tideruler: The Fall of Laholt

[Shayuri]

"You're one to lecture me in shame?" Aranel inquires dryly. "Come to your senses. I, and these humans, are here to unravel the mystery of the sickness. You and yours will benefit from our efforts. There is no shame to be had here."

Their reaction does seem a little strange, she muses to herself. Nymphs could be territorial, but were rarely modest.

"If you wish to dress, feel free to do so. We will wait."

 

[KahlessNestor]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

“Alas, our apologies, dear beauty,” Daxio said, giving a gallant bow to the nymphs. “We were told only that you were here, not that you were in such a...natural state.” There was a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes as he tried to catch a peek here and there, flashing the beautiful nymphs a handsome smile. “Alas, if I were only a bard, I would sing of your beauty. Unfortunately, all I can do is offer humble and sincere admiration, and a token gift.”

With a flourish of his hand, he magically produced a water lily and leaned down to send it floating through the water toward the bashful nymph.

“As the lovely Aranal has said, we come to aid such beautiful maidens as yourself in your plight. Goliath and Alanor have sent us hither.”

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Diplomacy: 1D20+24 = [14]+24 = 38
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10 Ref: 10 Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

 

[jmucchiello]

Zyara's eyes can't help but roll.

 

[Archon Basileus]

The nymphs' attitudes towards the arrivals change as they listen to Aranel's admonestations and Daxio's flatteries. They do set out to dress, but do so on a slow, provocative tone. And in doing so they leave no quarter for doubt, for they are skilled in the arts of charisma, indeed. The gestures might be both inviting and challenging, depending on the eyes set upon them. To Daxio, they seem to promise pleasures still unamed, but to Aranel a sense of lazy provocation is the lay of the coreography.

"You are here on accout of the disease... Hardly a plague, I'd say!" - one of them mocks. "The feeble-minded have acquired it. It surely comes as no surprise that the most travelled among us were the first to be targeted." - she continues, covering hips and bosom as slowly as possible.

"I'd say it's not the case... Surely those affected might be the ones closely related to that dreadful castle" - a second one speaks her mind. "I heard that all the afflicted were, at one point or another, in the presence of the priestess" - her glance is filled with despise, and targets Aranel first.

"Oh, please..." - a third one begins. "You only say that out of hate for the priestess... Solely because..." - a cursing look from the second one and the third one swallowed her words. "Well, who's to know what caused this... I heard the human lords cursed the castle... The bowels of that monstrosity are now festering with disease and decay... All because of their demise when we entered this place"

"Who's to know anything..." - the first one starts over. "If there's a curse, it affects those too lazy or too lenient to compromise. It might be a curse, but spoken by the mouth of our dead youth, the elfic beauty sacrificed in the stone..."
[MENTION=87106]MetaVoid[/MENTION] [MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=4936]Shayuri[/MENTION] [MENTION=6801311]KahlessNestor[/MENTION] [MENTION=813]jmucchiello[/MENTION]

 

[KahlessNestor]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

Daxio leaned against a low stone wall, taking great pleasure in the slow dressing of the beautiful nymphs, catch the eye of one here and there, flashing his trademark smile. At one point he said, “Allow me,” and got up to help with a particularly stubborn garment, giving a gentle caress of bare skin, a brush of lips on shoulder, before stepping back.

“The castle, you say? And who is this priestess? What has she done to offend such beauty?” He gave a pout. “And what were those afflicted expected to compromise on?” he asked.

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10 Ref: 10 Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

 

[jmucchiello]

Zyara was enjoying the show until Daxio jumped up to help. Now she fears she might end up with a repetitive stress injury in her eye muscles.

 

[Shayuri]

When Daxio distracts the 'second' nymph, Aranel gestures to the third.

"You there, come over here. There's something I'd like to ask you."

Ideally, once separated from the somewhat domineering one, she'd have more to say.

 

[jmucchiello]

Zyara quietly interposes herself between the 'second' nymph and the nymph Aranel waved over. She hopes to help Aranel isolate the nymph.

 

[Archon Basileus]

“The castle, you say? And who is this priestess? What has she done to offend such beauty?” He gave a pout. “And what were those afflicted expected to compromise on?” he asked.

The nymph seems to delight in the attention Daxio directs towards her. And that seems more than enough to loosen her lips.

"Gallena, the priestess, has been involved in this long, silent feud against Allanor's covenant. It comes as no surprise to me that he falls ill soon after she convinces him to partake in her purification rituals. It seems to be a common sight, if you ask me..." - she continues. "For the most part, Allanor and his group are inclined to build this place under elfic standards... Gallena has been calling people out to Demetria, her goddess. And Gallena resents those not inclined to follow her..." - a shadow falls over her face, and she says no more.

"You there, come over here. There's something I'd like to ask you."

The nymph follows Aranel, seemingly excited by the commotion. Their behavior seems quite juvenile, despite the graveness of the topics being flung around.

@Neurotic @MetaVoid @Shayuri @Charlotte of Oz [MENTION=6801311]KahlessNestor[/MENTION]

 

[MetaVoid]

An elf emerges from the water behind the fountain.

"Apologies for not coming forward earlier, strangers aren't common here. I believe we have a goal in common. My name is Arundiel. I'm also investigating isčezavanje, the wasting. We were just discussing it. Allanor is nearly gone."

 

[Shayuri]

Aranel leans closer to the nymph and says, "I'm most impressed with your knowledge of the castle and priestess," she says. "Very few we've talked to seem to know anything at all. You must be a very clever nymph."

"Why do you think the sickness comes from there?"

 

[MetaVoid]

The elf calmly steps out of the water and starts dressing after quickly drying himself. His face bears tattoos which is definitely uncommon for the race which praises beauty above all else. And his hair is completely white and cut short. He looks more like an old half-elf would than full-blooded elf. But there are no traces of age. The eyes are haunted, but he looks at the group openly. He even poses somewhat as he dresses, it is just not clear by his position if it is for Aranel or Daxio.

"So, have you discovered anything else or you'll follow me to the castle?"

 

[KahlessNestor]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

“Ah, the games of politics,” Daxio said with a long-suffering sigh as he draped his arm around the beautiful nymph. “And Gallena is at this castle? Did she have any other problems with Allanor? Why were they at odds?”

Another elf emerged from the water and introduced himself as another person investigating the curse.

“It seems we are gathering quite a party,” Daxio commented. He took note of the posing and a moment to appreciate it.

Religion check on Demetria: Religion: 1D20+24 = [3]+24 = 27

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10 Ref: 10 Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

 

[Archon Basileus]

The nymph follows through, now attempting to answer all questions about the castle. The other two seem to hold her in contempt for all the attention she suddenly receives - particularly after Aranel's compliments.

"I think no one speaks of it because in a way everyone benefits from her blessings" - she continues, with a proud tone to her juvenile voice. "Anyway, every time someone was affected, one of her apprentices would be found skulking around... Enough to raise suspitions, isn't it?" - she concludes, with a proud tone.

"Did you ever consider that they might be trying to help?" - another nymph interrupts. "They are healers, after all!"

"And not very capable ones, I'd say" - the accuser continues. "None of them has been healed so far, as everyone knows, and they haven't been able to make a single solid remark on what's going on... Not a common misstep for a century-old healer. Besides, the castle benefits largely from what's been happening... Now everyone has to seek out their help, no matter how innefective it is. Ever since this whole thing started, many a local decided to look for their guidance. I shouldn't have to remind you."

"As for Allanor, I only know he's been inclined to mingle with humans for a while... He's not the confrontational sort of elf... The priestess is..."

"A purist" - the slent nymph speaks out. "She resents the very proximity of humans." - she glances at both Daxio and the monk, a sorrowful expression upon her face.
[MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=87106]MetaVoid[/MENTION] [MENTION=6801311]KahlessNestor[/MENTION] [MENTION=6847138]Charlotte of Oz[/MENTION]

 

[jmucchiello]

"I'm sure that won't be an issue if he cares at all about healing the sick," Zyara says.

 

[KahlessNestor]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

“Ah, alas. Perhaps this priestess just hasn’t met the right human,” Daxio said with a grin. “She hasn’t met me yet, after all.” He gave the nymphs a wink. “Is there a proper way to secure an audience with Gallena?” he asked. “I would hope she would not turn down assistance in this problem, even if it is from a human.” He looked to the others. “And his companions.”

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10 Ref: 10 Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

 

[Archon Basileus]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

“Ah, alas. Perhaps this priestess just hasn’t met the right human,” Daxio said with a grin. “She hasn’t met me yet, after all.” He gave the nymphs a wink. “Is there a proper way to secure an audience with Gallena?” he asked. “I would hope she would not turn down assistance in this problem, even if it is from a human.” He looked to the others. “And his companions.”

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10Ref: 10Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

"Well, we can put you in chains..." - says the wicked nymph, glancing at the elf that suddenly appeared from the waters as if asking for his permission.

 

[MetaVoid]

"I'm sure she already knows there are strangers in the city. They were bound to run into apprentice or three on the way here. She may not like it, but she cannot do anything about it. She may be uncooperative. But think about it this way. Best scenario: she is the originator of the wasting and will expose herself when new people catch it. Worst scenario: she doesn't do anything except ignore the humans."

The elf finishes dressing up and calls his runed staff "Bijesu!" which obediently floats to his hand. He looks at each new arriva, judging their character. He heard of some of them and mere fact they are here at Goliaths request means they are powerful. Probably bedecked in magic too. But he's not about to check in so crass manner as to ask the items to reveal their power.

He nods to each, sparing small smile for each of them.

"If you like playing bondage, I'm up for it. Aranel obviously wouldn't need anything like that. But it is true it would be easier with humans bound and muzzled."
Is that just a hint of coolness toward upstart race? Or a joke keeping with light banter?

[roll0]

 

[KahlessNestor]

Laholt/Alessia
Afternoon
Round 0

“Chains. Kinky and exciting,” Daxio said with a grin and wink. “Though bound and gagged would take some of the fun out of it. Can we not just go and request an audience?”

[sblock=Actions and Rolls]
Move:
Action:
[/sblock]

[sblock=Ministats]
HP: 122/122 NL: 0
AC: 19 FF: 14 T: 15
CMD: 20
Fort: 10 Ref: 10 Will: 13
Armed: Dagger
Arcane Reservoir: 9/15/day
Consume Spells: 5/5/day

Conditions:

Spells Prepared
0 (9): Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic
1 (4/4/5): Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Magic Missile, Vanish
2 (4/4/5): Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3 (4/4/4): Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4 (4/4/3): Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5 (4/4/2): Dominate Person, Hold Monster
6 (2/2/1): Mass Suggestion

Spell Book:
0: All
1: Burning Hands, Charm Person, Disguise Self, Enlarge Person, Featherfall, Grease, Liberating Command, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Silent Image, Vanish
2: Darkvision, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility
3: Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Suggestion, Fly
4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Confusion, Greater Invisibility
5: Dominate Person, Feeblemind, Hold Monster
6: Greater Dispel, Mass Suggestion
[/sblock]

 

[Archon Basileus]

The suggestive nymph answers Daxio with a sly, fascinated smile, as if she didn't quite expect such boldness from a mortal.

"She might be willing to listen if you send Aranel and the woman ahead." - another nymph says. "Aside from her sense of community around other elves, she holds you monks on high regard" - she glances at Zyara. "Besides, she might be inclined to listen, since you are here to help... Why would anyone hold it against you?" - she turns to the rest, with an obvious mocking tone to her voice.

"I'm sure our own male friend here would be glad to take you, if you are so inclined..." - says the last of the nymphs. "But I's still be mindful of my actions... You never know what you're getting into." - she smiles, and it's hard to tell if she banters, helps or threatens with her words.

[Ok, as far as Moss' perception, it is mostly up to @Neurotic to decide if he reveals himself or if he hides. If the latter, I'd need a stealth roll. ]

@Neurotic @Charlotte of Oz @KahlessNestor @Shayuri @MetaVoid