thetwo Test Thread

[Tassadar]

The character sheet, to be updated here for future reference.

Spoiler

Name: Nadia
Class: Warrior
Race: Fey Lord (+4 Body, -4 Mind, +8 Spirit, get Ironbane)

Body: 54
Mind: 10
Spirit: 32

Hit Points (HP): 75
Pleasure to Orgasm (PP): 53
Spirit Energy (EP): 79
Speed: 34
Dodge: 48
Armor: 0
Resistance: 33

Experience: 38 (Spent 38)
Corruption: 68

Talents:
Strong of Spirit
Strong of Mind
Two Weapon Fighter (attack with two weapons at a -4 penalty to attack and damage rolls)
Natural Spirit (Spirit Warrior: Flight and Power Surge)
Skill with Bastard Swords (+12 to attack rolls with bastard swords)
Resistant (+6 Resistance)
Quick (+12 Speed)
Greater Energy Pool (+15 Max EP)
Skilled (Rend, Whriling Death, Crippling Shot)
Grapple Expert (+12 Grapple)


Flaws:
Ironbane: Cannot use metal armor or guns. Takes double damage from weapons made of iron.
Mutated (Tight, Multi-Orgasmic, Wings)
Mutated (Glowing Skin, Fetish, Tight)
Sensitive (+4 to pleasure taken)

Mutations:
Tight: The character deals +2 pleasure to your opponent during penetrative sex. Can be taken up to 3 times. (thetwo) Taken twice, so +4 to partners pleasure.
*Wings: The character gains small vestigial wings, resulting in a -1 to Stealth and Speed. A character with this mutation does not take falling damage from a height of less than 30 feet.
*Glowing Skin - Your character shines slightly in the dark, making them more visible but granting them light to see by. The character gets +2 to Perception, but a -2 to Stealth.
*Multi-orgasmic: After an orgasm you return to only Total - 10 of your maximum PP. (thetwo)
Fetish (Energy drain) : Whenever Nadias soul is fed off of, she begins taking +10 to her pleasure rolls.
Warped: The character has become partially supernatural, so much so that they can corrupt others. Half of any pleasure dealt by the character is also forced on their partner as corruption.
Skyclad - You feel uncomfortable when wearing any sort of clothing or armor and take a -2 penalty to all non-damage rolls when not nude (save for belts or other gear). (maikochan)


Skills:
Rend{Activated}: When wielding two weapons at once, you can take -6 on both attack rolls so that, if you hit with both weapons in the same round, you deal an additional 2d12 damage to your target. Requires: Two Weapon Fighter.

Whirling Death{Activated}: Gain +10 to Dodge and damage per hit, but lose 5 HP each round for as long as this remains active. Can be deactivated at any time, but automatically turns off once combat ends. Requires: Two Weapon Fighter.

Crippling Shot{Activated}: When using a ranged weapon, you can take a -10 on the to-hit in order to stun the target if it fails an opposed Resistance check against you. Requires: Body 20+.


Spirit Ceiling: 13
Powers:
Flight: Self explanatory. Costs 3 + X energy to activate, and X energy per turn to maintain. Can move 5X feet per round. The user can carry another person with them.
Power Surge: The user sends forth a cone or ball of energy, dealing massive damage to massed enemies. Costs X to activate, and deals (1d6 + 1) x X damage to all creatures within a 10 foot radius of any spot within 150 feet of the caster, or all creatures within a 30 foot 90 degree cone, originating from the user.


Inventory:
Bow: 2d6 + Body/3 damage, (+52) [2d6 + 17] {120 foot range, 1 shot before reload, reload time 0 rounds}
Khazidea (Bastard Sword) (+60) [2d10 + 22]
Phantomfang (Bastard Sword) (+60) [2d10 + 22]
4x darkhearts
100 denarii

Bio/Description:
Nadia is the child of an angelic mother and a human father, a non to unusual occurence for her kind. She young for her kind, barely over twenty years old, and for an immortal, she was woefully inexperienced. As a member of the Fey, and an angel to boot, Nadia was in line to become a being of incredible power, but hadn't got there yet when she first encountered demons. At first, she'd fought them fiercly and with incredible skill for one her age, but eventually, she bit off more than she could chew. She was captured by a group of succubi, who took turns draining her essence. For days, she was subjected to sexual tortures, as the demons worked their dark fantasies upon her, but even as she resisted with all of her iron will, she began to enjoy the feel of her angelic spirit being fed upon by her captors. She never gave in, however, denying her captors the pleasure of breaking her, or bearing any of their sinful spawn, and eventually she was rescued by her kin. Several years later, she still remembered her captivity with a degree of fondness that disturbed her, though she had consciously avoided sexual contact ever since then.

Shortly after combating the demons at Artmirst, Nadia reached her twentieth year, and her powers began to develop in full. Her physical strength began to increase rapidly, and her ability to manipulate her energies began to come in. She still hadn't learned much in the way of controlling it, however, and neither had she yet learned to control outside forces in the form of magic. For the moment, she traveled across the lands, staying largely in the wilderness and among her Fey kindred, looking for ways to test herself so as to improve.

Appearance wise, Nadia is tall for a woman, about six feet in height, and fairly muscular. Her skin was a perfect, white creamy color, and completely unblemished despite her years of combat. Her breasts were impressive, but not overly large, sitting at full C-cups and tipped with tiny pink nipples. Her body was muscular, but she also had an appealingly rounded rear end. Her hair was dark red, and fell in loose curls to her shoulders. Her eyes were a deep sky blue. Her most apparent feature, however, were her pair of white feathered wings, which, while not yet large enough to allow her to fly, were growing extremely well.

She normally wore a simple white robe, slitted at the legs up to her thighs and fairly open at her chest. She kept a bow, which was normally left unstrung at her hip, with a quiver at her other hip. A pair of long swords hung over her back, crossed so that they were easier to draw and didn't interfere with her ability to move. Each had received a flavorful name, and had been gifts from her human father, though they possessed no power of their own as yet.



EXP record:
Spent 26 exp, earned from assorted good deeds like murdering peoples babies.
Bought Skilled, and then 10 points of Spirit and 8 points of Body. Body went from 44 to 52, and Spirit went from 20 to 30
Bought +2 Spirit, +2 Body, and Grapple Expert.

The first post, PMed to me be thetwo

Spoiler

Nadia stood atop a boulder at the crest of a hill that elsewhere would be considered a mountain, but here was just the foothills of a greater mountain, and looked up. It was her first clear view of the city of Gods-Reach, and it was impressive. Perched atop that mountain was the city of the High Elves, and one of the greatest repositories of arcane knowledge in the world. For a young angel out to improve herself, there were few more tantalizing destinations.

But she would not reach it today. She was already in the shadow of the mountain, and it would only be an hour or two to sunset. Walking distances were difficult to judge in the wrinkled land of this mountainous country, but Nadia was fairly sure that it would be at least a full day's walk, and mostly uphill. At least it would be easier going down. And flying down... with wings, rather then magically aided flight, Nadia thought an older angel might easily make it from the city to her current vantage before sunset.

"Impressed? Most people are, their first time seeing Gods-Reach."

To the side of the rock stood another woman, naked as the day she was born. Her skin was evenly and lightly tan, which combined with her almost too idealized figure to put her among the most beautiful women Nadia had ever seen. She was also an angel, likely considerably older then Nadia, with wings that were fully developed for flight. She stood with an easy grace, and looked almost ready to dance as she turned to face the younger angel.

The woman had appeared silently, but she was unarmed and only smiled at the fearsomely armed young woman. She spoke again, with a voice that had a musical quality as if someone were ringing a bell in the distance with each word.

"I am called Lilith, and if you are bound for the City, you must know that you will not make it today. I offer you the hospitality of Petra, the small retreat that I run, for tonight or for as long as you wish to remain."

(And, my response to it: )

Nadias eyes passed over the icy mountains, and looked down on the long trail with open distaste. She hadn't yet grown enough to fly with her wings, and using magic to get there would leave her exhausted well before her she reached her destination. Her dark blue eyes turned back to the citadel atop the mountain, and then turned slightly to view the sky directly behind it, gazing upon the sunset, and the rainbow of colors it had begun to create as the sun slowly made its way down toward the horizon. The angel smiled then, thinking that, perhaps, the walk might not be so unpleasant. It had stormed the night before, coating the earth in fresh crystalline snow, which the young angel had danced across with unrestrained glee, as no normal cold could ever harm her as it would a mortal.

As she contemplated the hike, Nadia was broken from her reverie by the voice, and turned to her with a casual slide, and what she thought was a mystifying smile. To the other, clearly older angel, a fact that Nadia did not for a moment recognize, so captivated by her beauty was she, her smile likely looked more timid than impressive, but Nadia didn't abandon the expression. Not once did she reach for a weapon, even though she hadn't heard the other woman approaching, and at her words, Nadia bowed slightly, and replied in her best courtly voice, which probably sounded very stiff and slightly silly to the older angel; "Greetings, Lillith. I am called Nadia among those who live and die by the turning of the sun. I would be happy to accept your hospitality, for as long as you would give it or until I am called elsewhere." Nadia bowed again, her own cleavage showing from beneath her white robe, which she had taken to wearing in order to avoid just the type of lustful stare she was now unconsciously giving to Lillith.

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

If Lilith noticed Nadia's hungry stare, she did not acknowledge it beyond the faint smile she had displayed since meeting Nadia. "I am pleased to hear it. Come, Petra is but a few minutes walk to the east."

The woman started to turn, then froze in place, just for a moment. She was staring at Gods-Reach, and her smile was gone, replaced with... it was over too quickly for Nadia to be sure what the emotion had been. It had lasted just for an instant before she continued turning, her smile back in place as if it had never gone. "Petra is a pleasant little retreat, where people come who need some quiet time to themselves, and I am happy to provide it. We also provide healing, and sell certain wholesome potions, to those in the city."

On the short walk to the retreat, Lilith casually explained how Petra operated. Meals and a bed were provided to all those who asked, so long as they caused no trouble and helped out with the chores if they stayed more then a day or two. Those who were wealthy often donated a modest amount in return for this, but most of the money required to finance the retreat came from healing. The cost of healing was decided by Lilith based on what the person could afford, and for that price she offered two major benefits over healers in the city. Firstly, she offered a quiet place to recover. Secondly, she was strictly discrete, claiming that it was not her place to judge. The place tended to run a modest profit, and after a small part set aside against future loss the remainder was donated to charity.

During the walk, Lilith's smile did not slip a second time, though Nadia did notice that she seemed to glance at the city more often then chance would allow. Lilith also didn't seem to leave footprints on the snow, and she certainly never caused a leaf to rustle or a twig to snap. She left no trace at all of her passage. The only thing that kept Nadia from seriously wondering if the other woman was truly there was the feel of her hand on Nadia's arm, gently redirecting her around a young sapling that was growing up towards a gap left by a recently fallen pine. Around the next bend, she saw Petra.

The retreat was the size of a small town, a dozen or so buildings huddled together inside a low wooden wall. The wall seemed to be more to define the edge of the town then to be a defensive fortification. There were no towers, and the gate stood open, with no guards. The gate itself was solid enough, and the ten-foot-high wall was certainly sound, but trees grew with branches very nearly hanging over the wall, and Nadia was sure that any grown man could climb it unaided. It would probably do to keep out wildlife, at least, but no unmanned wall would do much against other men. Inside the wall, the only structure Nadia could identify immediately was a small chapel.

As the two angels walked inside, Nadia noticed more then a few people staring, though most recovered their senses after a moment. It might be for the unusual sight of a second angel, or it might be that even those who had seen her before were struck dumb by Lilith's beauty. Either way, the woman didn't seem to notice. It took Nadia a moment to realize that probably no more then one in ten people were human, the rest a typical mix of Fey with perhaps more Elves then one would usually expect. It took a longer moment to realize that easily two in three were women.

Lilith smiled at a young elf in a green dress, who came over and curtsied, blushing slightly. "Sarah, this is Nadia, who will be staying with us for a time. Find a room for her, and see that the kitchens send her a meal if she is hungry, there's a good child."

The older angel turned to Nadia, "I'm afraid that I have something that I must to do this night. I will speak with you again in the morning, after you have broken your fast."

With that, the woman turned and ran towards the wall, her sudden burst of speed contrasting sharply with the sedate pace she had set on the walk to the little retreat. Spreading her wings, the angel lifted off her feet. She ascended with several flaps of her enormous feathered wings and just barely cleared the wall before circling the town once, gaining altitude, and flying out of sight. Towards the city.

The elf gave an exasperated sigh. "Sometimes I don't... Please, I will show you to your room. Are you hungry?"

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia followed after Lillith and listened patiently, making comments when it seemed appropriate to do so, but otherwise doing little other than observing her surroundings and her guide. Particularly her guides perfectly formed rear, which her eyes kept resting on despite her blush-ridden attempts to keep them centered between Lilliths wings. As distracted as Nadia was, she didn't notice Petra until they were already practically on top of it, and glanced about the small village with a smile. It was refreshing to see a place that was so unconcerned with defense in this part of the world, as everywhere else had walls built to repel the outside world, which Nadia had always thought was counter-productive to attempts at peace.

She smiled to the handful of people who seemed to be around, not at all bothered by their stares, though she suspected that many were directed at the nude angel that had led her here. For a second, a less charitable voice in Nadias mind thought of discarding her garments as well, but the angel quickly silenced that desire. Such grabs for attention were beneath her, after all. The higher number of women as compared to men was noted, but Nadia didn't have any comment or question on it, figuring that women were usually better healers, and as this place made most of its income through such magics, it only made sense that there were more women than men. She bowed slightly to the elven woman, and then turned to Lillith as the older angel addressed her. The woman ran forward and took off before she could ask what was the matter, and so Nadia turned toward Sarah and quirked an eyebrow, saying; "I would gladly accept your offer, madam. You are called Sarah, correct? My name is Nadia, as Lady Lillith said. I would also be glad for your company, if it would not offend."

Once more, Nadia tried her hand at being at once cordial and mystifying, as she saw other angels such as Lillith, but once more, she stumbled about it quite a bit.

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

The young elf looked startled at Nadia's request, and glanced at the treeline obscuring gods-reach before responding. Night was falling faster then one not native to the mountains would realize, and already a few early stars were visible overhead.

"Ah... yes, of course. The last bedroom on the left in that house over there should be suitable, Mistress Nadia. I'll just talk to the kitchens and have something ready for you in a minute or two."

With that, the brown-haired elf scurried off, her blush having if anything intensified since being called by Lilith. 'Over there' turned out to be a building in the style of an inn, at least in basic outline. Inside the door was a common room with a number of tables, deserted save for a couple talking quietly at a table in a corner. It was missing some features an experienced traveler would expect, however. No innkeeper greeted the newcomer, for example. And while there was a ball, it was small and unmanned, and there was no kitchen at all.

There was a another woman, this one apparently human, sitting on a stool near the stairway, reading a worn book. She was wearing an apron that presumably marked her as being there officially, as it were. She seemed completely uninterested in who might be coming or going from the building, or indeed coming anything at all, outside her book.

Up the stairs, Nadia found eight bedrooms, 3 of which had their doors ajar, including the last one on the left. Her assigned room was plain but comfortable. White sheets on the bed, glass panes in the window, even a small polished copper mirror above a washbasin full of clean water. The room's wardrobe and chest would more then serve to hold Nadia's things.

After a moment Sarah, who seemed to have her blush under control now, opened the door carrying a small tray and a goblet. "I'm afraid the kitchens are done with dinner for the night, but I've brought you some bread and fruit, and a glass of wine." She set these down on the room's nightstand, picking up the candle that had stood in the center.

"Was there anything else? I'd be happy to answer any questions I can." The elven woman cupped the candle close to her face and whispered something, and a small flame danced on the end of the wick. She set the candle back down on the nightstand, smiling.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia followed Sarah into the small building, offering the human woman who was reading a quick nod, regardless of whether or not she was noticed. As she headed up the stairs, Nadia glanced at each of the doors, looking into the open ones and quickly examining the closed ones.

As she entered the bedroom, Nadia glanced about at the simple but pleasant furnishings, and then looked back at the chest. After a moment, she released the belt around which her bow and arrows rested, and placed them inside of the wardrobe. She then removed her swords, and placed them inside of the piece of heavy furniture as well, before pulled the straps of her dress down over her shoulders. Her pure white garment slowly slid down her body as she held it, making sure that she didn't allow it to wrinkle too much. She was just finishing as the door opened, and Sarah walked in carrying her food just as Nadia was fully bent over, both her lower holes on full display and her rounded chest hanging below her. Nadia stared at the elf for a moment, smiling with a light blush on her face, and then straightened and accepted the food.

"That's perfectly alright, and I would be quite happy if you would stay here for a while." She set the tray down, and then sat upon the bed, still naked but seemingly unconcerned save for the blush that was barely visible on her face in the dim candlelight. She took a crust of bread and took a dainty bite out of it, and then said; "This is truly a very pleasant place to visit. Do you live here? How long has this place been here?"

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Sarah, for her part, managed not to react with too much shock to the visitor's state of undress. After all, this was hardly the first nude angel she had seen. Nevertheless, her blush slowly returned as it became clear that the white dress was not going back on. She took a seat on a simple chair opposite Nadia, so carefully avoiding even a brief glance at the woman's twin orbs that she might as well have stared.

"Ah, yes, I stopped here on my way to visit a relative in the city, and I loved it so much that I came back and asked what I could do to help. That was about a year ago. Petra is a great place to visit, and it's not a bad place to live, either, especially with the city close enough to visit."

Once she started talking, she relaxed a little. At least until she caught her gaze drifting downward, when she snapped her eyes back up to those of the angel.

"Petra has been here for... ages, I'm not sure exactly how long. But mistress Lilith is the second Matron, and she's been here a little over twenty years. Most of it was completely rebuilt after a fire just before mistress Lilith took over."

Spoiler

Perception (Nadia): 15

The young elf looked nervous as she finished speaking, her eyes darting, one of her hands alternately gripping her dress and relaxing. But in the candlelight, Nadia could just about convince herself that the woman's nipples were hard against her dress.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia, for her part, didn't attempt to actively tease Sarah, keeping herself in a comfortable position as she casually ate in front of her. She kept her legs crossed and made few motions other than to take food up to her mouth. She just smiled and listened at first, but as she saw Sarah becoming more comfortable, she said; "How long does it usually take to get to Gods-Reach from here?" She wasn't at all bothered by Sarahs eyes roaming her body, and a part of her even enjoyed the attention her nude body brought her, though the angel knew that such teasing was unhealthy.

"Twenty years you say? Do you know anything of this fire? Who caused it, and why, perhaps?" As she noticed the elfs hardened nipples beneath her dress, Nadia took a sip of wine, and some of it spilled onto her breast and rolled down to the tip, where it paused and slowly began to for a droplet. Sighing and setting aside her goblet, the angel took her breast in her hands and rolled her tongue against her pale flesh, licking the wine off of her breast down to the tip, which she sucked on momentarily. All cleaned off, and seemingly oblivious of any effects her actions had had on Sarah, Nadia took another sip, more carefully this time, and then said; "Thank you again for your hospitality, Lady Sarah. The food and wine are both quite good, excellent in fact. How do you get food here, if I may ask? Do you purchase it, or grow it yourselves? I know this climate isn't particularly kind to many edible growing things." After listening to the elfs response, and observing her, Nadia continued; "Who was the woman downstairs? The one reading the book? Is she a visitor, or does she live here?"

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

"Gods-Reach? Well, mistress Lilith could be there and back tonight, certainly, with time to spare. If you stick to the road and walk the whole way it'll take a good eight hours, maybe half that if you ride a horse or can jog for that long. Coming back is quicker of course, all down hill."

"Apparently someone got drunk and knocked over an oil lantern. It was a bit before my time."

Spoiler

Preceptoin (Nadia): 5

Sarah shifted on her chair, as if uncomfortable or even slightly angry, as the young angel licked her own breast. When the topic shifted to the quality of the food, the elven girl relaxed slightly.

"Thank you, I'll give your compliments to the kitchens. We try to grow what we can locally. We get especially good apples, and maple syrup, for example. The rest we buy off the merchants who come for the city." The elf was smiling by now, and leaning forward slightly. Not enough for Nadia to see down her dress, however. "The girl with the book? That's Anaya. She's here to let some kind of family troubles die down, just for a couple of months. She's the duty-maid at the moment. If you need anything in the night, she's the one to talk to."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

"Longer than I'd hoped, but not as long as I'd feared then. Does Lady Lillith often leave in such a hurry? She seemed highly distressed by something, even when she found me upon the mountain." After her display, Nadia looked for a moment concerned at Sarahs uncomfortable shifting, but as she seemed to regain her composure after Nadias mention of the food, the angel simply let it slip by and said; "I hope to try some tomorrow then! I do have something of a sweet tooth."

Smiling, Nadia continued; "I don't think I'll be needing anything more tonight, but I'll keep Lady Anaya in mind, just in case. Do you stay here as well? Or do you have a house somewhere? How many people live here, would you guess? I didn't see many, and most of those I did see were women."

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Sarah considers the first question for a moment before answering. "Mistress Lilith doesn't always explain exactly where she's going, but I haven't ever seen her leave quite so... abruptly. I can't imagine why."

"I share a small house with 3 others who intend to stay at least a year each. And you're right that there aren't many. I'd say something like twenty people live here semi-permanently? Maybe another ten or fifteen at a time who only intend to stay for a few months. The number of guests varies every day, but the most I've seen at once was about thirty. One of the more senior staff told me that there more then a hundred people here during a particularly nasty plague."

The elf pauses again to consider this last point, looking out the window in apparent curiosity. "I hadn't really thought about it, but you're right, there are a good few more women then men. Maybe the lifestyle just appeals to women more?" She turns back, and her gaze falls on Nadia's breasts, then drifts down further. Then she seems to realize what she's doing, and she stands up abruptly, her blush returning with a vengeance.

"Was there... anything else?"

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia waited a moment after Sarah stood up, looking carefully at the elven woman, before saying; "I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I figured that you would be used to being around beautiful naked women by now. If there anything I could do to make it up to you? I think that's all the questions I have for now, other than: Would you like to show me around tomorrow morning? And share breakfast, perhaps?" Nadias words were delivered earnestly, and without any hint of lewd intent hinted at in her tone or posture, though the angel knew that what she'd said could easily be misconstrued as such.

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

If anything, Sarah seemed even more embarrassed as the angel apologized. "No, you didn't do anything wrong, I just shouldn't be such a huss... I mean, it's terribly unprofessional to sleep..." She took a deep breath, making her dress move in interesting ways. "I'd be happy to bring you breakfast tomorrow, but I think mistress Lilith wanted to talk to you after that. After that I could show you whatever you like, and I promise I'll do better, I was just... caught by surprise."

The young elf slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her before she embarassed herself further, leaving Nadia alone. By now it was well after full dark, and an overcast sky hid even the stars. It looked like snow. Neither the door nor the window had a lock.

Spoiler

Perception (Nadia): 3

When Nadia awoke in the morning, there was a bowl of porridge that smelled faintly of maple, an apple, and a glass of water on her nightstand. There was also a note, in a pleasant, feminine hand.

Mistress Nadia,
I hope you enjoy your breakfast. Normally breakfast in bed is reserved for people recovering from healing and extra special guests, but I really have to make up for my behavior last night. Mistress Lilith is very clear about how women can dress- or not - however they want, and it is the responsibility of each individual to control themselves.

Also, Mistress Lilith would like to see you in the infirmary as soon as you finish eating. She looks rather distressed, but wouldn't tell me why. After she is done with you, I'm sure I'd love to show you around town - I'll probably be around the chapel most of the afternoon.

-Sarah​

In the light of day, Nadia could see a large, low building out her window. It had lots of windows, and inside seemed to be a great many beds. For just a moment, she thought she could see a feathery wing through one, but then it was gone.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia watched Sarah go without further comment other than a pleasantly voiced; "Goodnight then, Sarah." As the door closed, Nadia sighed and then clambered under the covers, sleeping on her belly so as not to harm her wings.

When she awoke, and found breakfast prepared and a note from Sarah, Nadia read it first, sighing once more, before turning to her breakfast. She ate in silence, savoring the sweetened oatmeal first and then biting into the apple, and once she was finished, she down the glass of water and climbed out of bed. She went over to the wardrobe, and quickly donned her robe once more, but left her weapons where they hung. She took the tray, and headed downstairs, offering anyone she passed a smile and a greeting, and looking around for Anaya, or someone else in a similar position to give her tray to.

Once that was taken care of, Nadia headed out to the large building, figuring that that was probably where the infirmary was. She thought she'd spotted Lillith there, and the older angel had said that she wanted to speak to Nadia.

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

In the common room, Nadia found another woman sitting on the stool by the stairs and wearing the apron, who accepted Nadia's tray and placed it on the end of the short bar, which was unmanned at this time of day. There were a few more people in the common room this morning, all but one women. The duty maid seemed to notice Nadia's gaze, and responded to her unasked question. "It's not actually against any rules for men to be in here, but Mistress Lilith prefers to assign rooms as segregated by gender, except for married couples."

Nadia found that the big room was indeed the infirmary, a large clean room full of beds. There seemed to be quite a lot of activity, with a full dozen men and women in the process of making just about all of the beds. And only one bed was actually in use, an old woman of ""species who seemed to be sound asleep despite the bustle. Lilith was easy to spot, and when Nadia approached she immediately escorted Nadia out behind the building, in the narrow space between the back of the infirmary and the outer wall.

"I'm sorry for running off like that yesterday, Nadia, but I had to get to the city as quickly as possible. I sometimes have... premonitions. Visions of the future. Usually they're fairly vague, but sometimes they are helpful. I saw you looking up at gods reach yesterday morning, and found you well before nightfall, for example, and knew that it was important that you come to Petra, though I still do not know why. But while I was talking with you for the first time, I saw something even more important." The nude angel took a deep breath that somehow didn't seem all that erotic, before she went on.

"I saw something vast and dark hanging over Gods-Reach, and possibly over the entire world in the immediate future. Maybe today, maybe next week, but certainly not much later then that. When we arrived at Petra, I gazed on the infirmary and realized what this vision must mean. Plague. I left as quickly as I could, to consult with the healers in the city, and make sure they were ready. And now I've begun my own preparations here. There isn't much I can do until I know the exact nature of the plague, aside from the fact that it must be magical in origin or it would have little chance of spreading in Gods-Reach."

"But I will do what I can without causing a panic. Re-making all the beds a little bit ahead of schedule won't cause too much of a stir, however they grumble, nor will topping up a few supplies. There's only one that might cause a problem, athelas. It does not keep well, and is nearly impossible to cultivate, so we don't keep any on hand, but it is a powerful healing agent, and certain to be of use whatever this plague turns out to be. But if anyone knew it was being gathered... well, our first defense against plague must be quarantine, and that isn't easy if everyone panics at this stage."

"This is where you come in, if you're willing. A few hours gathering and we will have enough to use in case of emergency, especially if any of our healers take ill in the initial wave of the plague, before we know how to treat it properly. I myself must stay here for a time, to ready certain other preparations, and keep people calm after my disappearance last night. If you are willing to stay and help afterward it would of course be appreciated, but if not then this alone would be a great boon to me."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia listened to Lilliths words with a carefully constructed look of concentration on her face, nodding when it seemed appropriate, thought truthfully the younger angel truly understood little of what her elder was saying. What she did understand, however, was that trouble seemed to be on the horizon, and that Lillith was telling her that she could be of aid in preventing it, or at the very least, lessening the damage caused by it.

Nadia nodded one last time, and then said; "Of course, Lady Lillith. Anything I can do to be of service, after the hospitality I have been shown here in Petra, you need but name it." She, as usual when speaking to Lillith, tried to seem very stern and calm, but once more came off as more than a little silly. Still, she would probably appreciate that she was agreeing, and Nadia had put on a better face for it this time, at least, her serious expression finally not seeming out of place. "Will there be danger? If so, I must collect my weapons, and I would like to speak to Lady Sarah before I depart, but otherwise, I am ready to go immediately. Where does this... Athelas, grow?"

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

If Lilith noticed Nadia's affected manner, she gave no indication of her feelings on the matter. Certainly Lilith herself didn't seem to put any great emphasis on formality.

"Athelas is extremely particular about where it grows, and at least partly magical in nature. You will need to walk south through the wilderness four or five miles, and you will come upon an area of much denser forest, far from the nearest trails. Look for the herb among the dense foliage along the edge of clearings. It will have a distinctive sweet smell, white, lily-like flowers, and large, thick leaves, almost shiny."

"It is the leaves of the plant that we want. Take no more then ten each from three or four plants. It is not exactly a delicate plant, but it is rare enough that actually killing one would be quite unfortunate."

"There are dangers in this part of the wood. Very few people enter, and it is said to be haunted. I doubt that myself, but it certainly is home to some of the more dangerous beasts of the wood, and I strongly believe that a few creatures tainted by demons have taken up residence there, though they avoid me at all costs. You are young yet, for our kind, but the weapons you carry are the reason I have brought this to you rather then one of the others that I might trust."

Lilith gazed off in the direction of gods-reach for a moment, but didn't seem to see anything portentous. "You may speak to... Sarah, if you wish, but this task is not one to be put off too long; I fear we may measure the time until the plague in hours. And do not tell her what I have told you. I will make an announcement in a few hours, once I have a few more preparations complete, but until then the best way to keep a secret is to tell nobody at all."

The great angel seemed to be amused by the notion that Sarah was a lady, though she forbore to make any comment on the subject.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia was slightly perplexed by Lilliths amusement, but as the older angel didn't mention it, neither would Nadia. If it was important, she'd likely find out sooner or later anyway, and if it wasn't, then it wasn't. No sense in being bothered by it when there was work to be done. Instead, Nadia bowed, and ominously recited; "White flowers and thick, shiny leaves, among dense foliage at the edges of clearings. Four to five miles South of here. Take no more than ten leaves per plant, at most." She spoke low, and quickly, and then, once Lillith had offered some form of acknowledgement, quietly continued; "I will tell no one of this, and will not dwell long with Lady Sarah. I only need to apologize to her, as I asked her to show me around today. Might you be able to point me toward the chapel? She said that that is where she would be waiting for me."

After issuing another bow, Nadia almost turned to leave, but then quickly said; "Is there anything in particular that the leaves must be carried? Even if they can travel safely, I have no pouch to carry them within. Might I acquire one somewhere?" Once that was sorted out, Nadia bowed again, and then turned and left the infirmary, heading over to meet Sarah. As soon as she saw the elven woman, Nadia offered her a slight bow, her cleavage showing slightly under the hem of her robes, and then offered an apologetic smile as she said; "It is good to you again, Sarah. I am sorry, but Lady Lillith has given me a task to complete, and I would like to see that it is done quickly. Would you be willing to postpone our day together until I return?"

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Lilith acknowledged Nadia's repetition of the instructions with a nod. "The chapel is the building with the steeple, just across town. You can't miss it." Lilith was already opening the door to the infirmary when Nadia asked her final question. "Of course, one moment."

The angel stepped into the infirmary and came out again a moment later, and handed a small leather bag to Nadia. "No special care is needed, except that they will begin to rapidly lose potency in not properly prepared within about 12 hours of picking. I'll have to do the preparation myself."

Nadia found the chapel with no trouble, and located Sarah at a desk in one of the back rooms. The young elf seemed to be looking at some paperwork, and smiled when she noticed Nadia. "Of course, if mistress Lilith needs you, then you must go." She looked back at the papers in front of you. "She has me going over the stock books this morning anyway. She does this sort of surprise inspection from time to time, and I must say I've already found several things we're a little low on. Yes, we will have to postpone our... tour, at least until afternoon."

The young elf seemed to be more in control of herself this morning, less obviously aroused at Nadia's presence, though that might have just been the addition of the robe. Before Nadia had even turned to go, Sarah's brow had wrinkled, and she was glaring at the papers as if they were a complex puzzle that she meant to solve through sheer force of will.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Nadia smiled back at Sarah, and continued; "Thank you for understanding. I hope to see you again, and that I didn't cause too much stress to you last night, or any strife between yourself and Lady Lillith. Perhaps I shall see you when I return. Good day." Issuing another bow, Nadia then turned and returned to the inn, getting her equipment stored back on her person, setting her quiver next to the pouch now at her waist.

Now prepared to leave, the angel sighed, and then went back outside. She glanced at the sun for a moment, finding which direction was East as it was still morning by her reckoning. Then, she started South, beginning her search for the Athelas plants.

 

[thetwo]

Re: thetwo Test Thread

Spoiler

HP = 59, PP = 42, EP = 62, Status = Downwind.

Rolls:

Spoiler

Encounter: 1d8 = 4 -> 2 wolves
Perception (Nadia): 19+2 = 21 vs 14 = 12+2 -> Nadia sees the wolves. (way to roll a 19, there.)
Perception (wolves): 11 vs 13 = -3+16 -> The wolves do not see Nadia.

Nadia easily finds South, and after nearly an hour of walking over rough country, the canopy noticeably thickens. Where before light dappled the ground and underbrush grew in frequent patches, now only a soft green glow lit the bare forest floor.

The young angel found herself moving carefully, an almost unnatural quiet engendering a similar desire in herself. And as she went deeper into the forest, it seemed to get worse. Within a few minutes, there was an almost palpable air of oppression. It wasn't obvious, and certainly wasn't directed, but Nadia found herself reaching over her shoulders frequently, loosening her blades in their scabbards.

Then, passing through a particularly dense thicket of trees, she found herself at the edge of a clearing, golden sunlight streaming down from above where a great oak tree had fallen, leaving a space where for a time at least undergrowth flourished. She took the opportunity to notice that the sun was almost dead above before making her way slowly around the edge, looking for the magical herb. About a quarter of the way around, a sudden sweet scent induced her to take a closer look, and sure enough she found the telltale flowers. There could be no doubt that this was the sought-after Athelas.

Nadia quickly collected some of the leaves, and resumed her search, encouraged by the find. Unfortunately, she found only one other plant. She would need to find another clearing if she hoped to bring the number of leaves Lilith had requested without stripping the plants bare.

Suddenly, Nadia froze. Glimpsed out of the corner of her eye, movement. A gray shape in the trees. Silently, Nadia stepped out of the clearing and behind a tree, and tried to get a better look. For a moment, nothing. Then through a gap in the trees she saw two large mountain wolves, and she could tell at a glance that they were tainted, a pair of large tentacles protruding from each one's back. They stopped and sniffed the air, and for a moment Nadia was sure they must have noticed her, but they seemed to have moved on.

It seemed possible that Nadia could stay put and they would just walk past her, if there were only these two and they didn't decide to enter the clearing. Then again, if she was going to attack, waiting until they saw her probably wasn't a great idea.