Kariel, Oracle of Korada's page

"What about it?" Kariel asked, smiling. "Our lives here on the mortal plane are just a brief pause in our existence. After that is paradise... or suffering. Are a few drinks, women, and drugs really worth giving up an eternity of something far better for? Besides, most of the gods won't say that you can't have fun while you're alive - they know your circumstances. All they really ask is that you try your best and don't give up. They won't try to stop you if you're totally determined to condemn yourself, but if you ever want something better than that, you'll always be given a chance."

Kariel merely gave them a kind smile. "I'm not available." she clarified. "But you know, there are much better things that are available for you if you want to have them." she drifted forward through the air, her feet just barely off the ground, then landed lightly in front of them. "It's better to be happy than sad, right? What kind of afterlife do you actually want to have?" she seemed honestly interested in hearing the answer.

Kariel perked up slightly as she listened to the conversation in the other room, and after passing the boy a silver coin, she followed after Devon and smiled at the men who had come inside.

"Greetings." she told them, a smile on her face. "Are there any questions I can answer for you? These churches are open to all who seek the comfort of the gods, and we're always happy to listen if you're troubled by something."

Diplomacy (Improve Relations): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

"Not precisely. The mister is quite correct - this isn't a real coin, though it is nice and shiny, isn't it?" she asked, smiling at the boy as she gently set one hand on his head and ruffled his hair. "Not everything that shines is valuable, though - but you'll do just fine if you develop a keen eye for value and learn to separate real gold from this fake stuff."

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Kariel was not the most observant person around - possibly because she was so focused on the gods that she forgot to notice the mundane world. That was, ah, less than convenient... but what could you do?

"Few things that glitter are gold." the Aasimar said, raising a hand in greeting as she saw Jhonas. "Still, children see more than we think. Can you ask him to find out where any other coins like it are coming from?" she asked, flexing her wings slightly. "If he's hesitant, I'll talk to him myself."

Well, it -is- the holidays. XD I'm still here - I just figured that this was their conversation, and Kariel is politely letting them have it.

Kariel simply lifted a hand and gestured towards the visitors, clearly offering them the opportunity to explain the matter in their own words before turning and giving a small wave to Sylee. She quite liked children - they were a spot of hope in a town that was, well, badly in need of such. Not as much as up by the Worldwound (or worse, Cheliax), but still...

Ack, sorry, holidays. I'm here!

"Here we are - as good a home as any." Kariel said as she lead the way inside, seeming to relax somewhat as she entered the holier grounds. That was a fundamental part of who she was, and it was difficult to imagine being different - though at least she could intellectually grasp that not everyone felt the same way, and dealing with that was part of the guidance Korada offered. "Father Padrick! There are some guests who'd like to discuss a few things with you!" she called.

I'm coming along. ^^

Yay!

"Indeed I do. He's a good man, and can usually offer at least some aid. I'll speak to him on your behalf." she said, nodding firmly and moving towards the door. Why stand around talking when you could act and make a difference in the world? Let's see, from here, the temple ought to be down that road...

Aaaaaaand there was the immediate moral quandary. Deterring theft was positive, of course, but doing it to return something that could potentially be used to harm others was... somewhat less positive. On the other hand, it was doubtful the presence of those chips within the facility would make a difference to anyone who wanted to gamble. Indeed, Saul would probably just have a few more made if he really needed to. Hmm. "Well, then... let us convince him to return them." she eventually agreed.

Know (Local) Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Kariel wasn't a native to the town, and wasn't at all familiar with the man in question. "I see. Well... there are ways of thwarting things like that." she mused. "Perhaps it would be best to install a gate, as a small room, so people cannot quickly flee without permission..." she began thinking, trying to see if she could picture a smooth and efficient way of making such a thing into a reality.

Kariel glanced towards the brawling men, but it seemed like that was already being taken care of, and she sighed in disappointment. Still, she did remain nearby, just in case Alfsigr needed help (or an extra hand with the healing).

Kariel had been about to move towards the bouncer to heal him, but Alfsigr had already begun doing that - and after a moment, the aasimar nodded, deciding that it was probably for the best. She did, however, keep a burst of misfortune ready to hurl at anyone who looked like they were truly trouble. "Did anyone see the attacker?" she asked.

They happen, and I hope everyone (including the animal - unless it was hostile?) is fine. ^^ Glad to see you're back, though!

Kariel - looking rather sympathetic after watching Alfsigr's efforts - eventually moved over to help her direct the line and encourage people to try drinks that were better for them than booze was.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

She could be very charming when she wanted to be. Such was her preferred method of improving the world.

The Aasimar girl sighed sadly at the sight, and whispered a small prayer before she moved back inside. "...As I said, I do believe people would prefer something positive to distract them." she suggested quietly.

Kariel wasted no time at all in pushing into the air, hoping to reach the monument before at least some of the birds did - if nothing else, she wanted to be able to ward them away and stop them from hurting each other more than they already had. Only when that was done - however successful (or not) it had been - did she return to the Golden Goblin.

Kariel tilted her head slightly, then took a deep breath. The sound that came out of her mouth wasn't a terribly common one, but it was one that the birds ought to recognize as a natural predator, something they'd best steer clear of. She wasn't actually searching for one of those, of course - merely trying to shock them out of their unusual behavior pattern and break them free of whatever had caught hold of their minds. She glanced towards the Blot as she did so, fixing her gaze on it as best she could. "..."

Where's the fun in hanging back? XD I'll go!

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

"We did. A moment, if you please." Kariel said diplomatically, striding in the direction of the noise and moving to investigate - though she was having a bit of trouble pinning down exactly what was happening.

"Make something that tastes good enough and they won't care if they're getting drunk or not." Kariel said, nodding - and very pleased at the lady's willingness to be creative. Even the smallest step in the right direction was to be treasured and valued, and she would do what she could to encourage people to move in the right direction.

Kariel nodded slightly. "I would appreciate having someone with a well-honed tongue." she explained. "There are many delightful flavors even amongst the mixes of ordinary drinks - it would be very nice if the Goblin could become known as a place to obtain delicious meals." She seemed... quite serious about her efforts to change the direction of the gambling hall. Perhaps not eliminating the gambling - not entirely - but certainly making it into a better facility overall.

Kariel tilted her head a bit as she listened to the red-haired woman, then turned her head towards Devon. "Congratulations." she said seriously. "I hope you can transform it from a home of vice into one that is truly worthwhile." Was she... making a joke of some kind? The twinkle in her eyes suggested so, at least.

Kariel quietly pocketed the money earned from serving drinks and livening up the atmosphere, even as she considered how best to improve the place they were in. Most of the gods didn't actually object to outright gambling, so long as it was done in moderation and didn't ruin someone's life. A few on the more lawful side were against it, of course, but a few who leaned chaos thought that success from luck was a marvelous thing. She sided with neither - her only hope was for as many people to live good lives as possible, and in truth, she wished that her deity wasn't even necessary.

For now, however, she simply sat on one of the chairs, carefully considering the results of the day. "You may want to offer a higher number of low-bid games." the aasimar girl suggested quietly. "If we see more events like today's hail, then people will probably look for a way to escape their fears a little more... and a high number of low-margin games may serve you better than trying to pick each visitor's pocket dry, particularly if they can enjoy other entertainment while they're here."

The night seemed like a relaxed one - so far, at least - and Kariel calmly continued serving drinks as she discreetly nudged the customers towards making better decisions about what to do with their time, their money... and ultimately their lives. Of course, it was doubtful that many of them would have life-changing revelations here, but great things could come from even the smallest seed put into a person's heart... and she would be more than satisfied with such planting.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

She couldn't quite put all of her heart into something like this, but natural charm and diplomatic skill meant that even at her worst, Kariel was generally quite nice for others to talk to... and as long as they weren't in a bad mood, she could probably talk them into doing the right thing. Besides, people who were enjoying their drinks were probably going to enjoy their whole visit...

Was it a little insane to be trying to convince people to visit for food and drinks instead of gambling? Perhaps... but even a small step in the right direction was a good place to start.

People were often willing to fall into vice, and Kariel let out a small sigh - glancing upwards towards the cage where Old Scratch was kept as she waited. She wasn't interested in playing these games, but perhaps she could take a little time and get people interested in something besides the shadow that hung over this place.

With that - and quite calmly - she began selling drinks to the crowd... providing recommendations for the choices that weren't alcoholic but tasted good regardless. They'd make better judgments if they weren't inebriated.

I have nothing in particular I'd like to do right now.

Kariel tilted her head slightly. Somebody who had been attacked by ghouls, but hadn't actually become one? Or who had only changed part of the way? That was very unusual indeed... and she was rather concerned for the location of his soul. There wasn't nearly as much of a problem if it was just an animated head, but if the poor man was trapped inside...

Kariel merely inclined her head slightly after hearing the woman's words. "If something belongs to someone, then I do agree they have every right to retain it." she noted, glancing towards Saul. "But if you can come to an equatable arrangement for its use, I see no problems." she wouldn't actually encourage the woman to rejoin a house of vice - hence her choice of words - but she could encourage others to act in a way that befit decent people.

Kariel's ears perked up as she heard some rather irritated commentary coming from down below, and she descended down to the ground floor before lacing her fingers together behind her back. "Pardon me." Kariel said, greeting the woman. "If you're looking to obtain something from Mr. Vancaskerkin, I don't believe that yelling at him will accomplish much. You may find it easier to get what you want if you set aside your anger and approach this as a composed individual."

This was pretty much a habit for her. It was almost harder to not try to calm down the angry people she saw - her faith was focused on forgiveness, after all, and one could hardly do that before they'd set aside their negative feelings.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"Indeed I can." Kariel said, smiling at the question. She glanced over her shoulder to where her metallic wing - nowhere near aerodynamic - was spread, then landed lightly on the edge of the roof. "Ah, hello. Please be careful - I don't think I can catch two people at once." she added as Devon came up to the roof. "I do have some healing magic, but that won't help much if you snap your neck."

After the storm had stopped, Kariel waited for a few moments to be sure that it really was finished. Afterwards, she simply rose up in the air and began looking around, moving in Hans' direction when she saw him emerge in that direction. "Don't worry, I'll catch you if you fall." she said as she approached, touching down lightly a bit below him.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Kariel took a few moments to examine the odd weather... but shrugged. Maybe it was just a bad position to be in, but it didn't seem like she was going to learn anything just by watching from here. "I suppose I'll have to ask someone later on..." she mused. Still, at least the lack of screaming suggested this wasn't an immediate problem.

Kariel quickly moved under the nearest decent shelter as the weather began to get worse. With that, however, she peered out curiously - she was here to research the Blot, after all, and was very interested in whatever was going on.

Any checks we can make to learn more?

Kariel will be going about her usual business of preaching and trying to convert people - but will check in on the others occasionally to be sure things are going smoothly. If there are any problems happening, she'll be trying to smooth things over.

As dawn - such as it was - rose in the city, Kariel quietly sat with her legs crossed, deep inside the small building that served as Korada's church in this city of vice. Some were surprised that his faith would be here, but those were the people who understood him the least - after all, it wasn't the righteous who needed forgiveness. She sat there for a full hour, not changing her position as she focused her thoughts inward, mentally reviewing each of the people she'd encountered the day before. The owner's uncomfortable stares, the tart succubus-dressed woman, the violent intruders... she quietly worked to forgive all of them, setting aside negative emotions and working towards a more positive future.

When the morning ritual was over, the girl carefully stood up and stretched, flexing mind and body alike before taking breakfast, collecting her things, and heading out into the streets of the city. Today, hmm... she'd check on those at the gambling hall, and perhaps spend some time preaching nearby. There might be some people upset about the events of the night before, and she might just be able to convince them that their anger was only making things worse...

She was planning on checking up on things anyway - Old Scratch concerns her, though she doesn't have any banishing spells. Yet. XD But the hook helps - thanks!

Kariel simply curtsied politely and left, heading back to her church despite the offer of staying within the rooms. She had a place to live, after all, and didn't feel at all comfortable accepting such an offer from a place that was... well... a den of vice. The simple accommodations she already had were more than enough to satisfy her, though she'd probably go check on things in the morning...

*Rubs chin* The way things are developing... I see Kariel having quite a few issues meshing in properly. However! I certainly don't want to derail the campaign or anything like that. Let's see... if Saul's looking at changing his place around a little, perhaps the faith of Korada could be tied in somehow (whether he's honest or lying)? At the very least, the aegis of the Lord of Peace might make people feel more at ease after a robbery attempt, and checking in on things would be a good excuse for Kariel to be around as-needed. XD

Or thereabouts. o.O I take my roleplaying seriously, but this is a cooperative game, and I don't want to drag anyone down just because of my own character's ideas about things. *Nods firmly* I'm also open to suggestions.

Kariel quietly pocketed the potion, with the intent of giving it to someone else who really needed it - and simply looked at the others as they each responded to the offer in their own way. Well, free will was important... even if she did have elements of her own to consider. She'd been quite serious before, though - she was always willing to help those who truly needed it, but it was always with an eye towards how her faith thought of things.

Kariel considered for just a moment before inclining her head slightly. "For any legitimate purpose, all you need to do is ask for help when it is needed." Notably, she didn't sign the contract - she worked for the church, after all, and couldn't accept another true employer at this time. However, anyone that needed real help - not merely workers supporting a den of vice - could certainly at least try asking for her assistance on given tasks.

"I suppose I can at least listen." Kariel said, though she didn't take him up on the offer of a drink. She hadn't entirely liked his gaze - and she did have a faith to support, after all, so anything along the lines of "dress unwholesomely for my customers and personal entertainment" was probably going to get rejected outright... of course, making assumptions about people was bad. Hence at least giving them a chance, in the same way the gods always did.

As the guards moved, Kariel quietly passed them the wand she'd picked up (noting it should be stored with his other belongings while he was being interrogated), then watched as numerous people left this particular house of sin. She turned back to the owner a moment later. "They did most of it. I just... encouraged a few of them to see the error of their ways." she said, smiling at him as she folded her wings behind her back, gleaming metal covering feathers. "Of course, it's always been true that the real winner in gambling is the house..."

Kariel kept the wand in her hand for now as she proceeded forward... and then, quite calmly, smiled and looked the offending wizard right in the eyes. "I would appreciate it if you could tell us everything about what you were trying to do tonight." she said calmly. "I'm sure you realize the situation you're in - and that cooperating with us will help you much more than being stubborn will. This is a chance to do the right thing and change your life for the better, so I hope you'll take it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

She could be very convincing when she was trying to put somebody back onto the right path.

Kariel glanced down at the wand she'd picked up, just to be completely certain that it wasn't going to be causing trouble.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

If they could keep the wizard occupied, she'd see about negotiating with him... although a part of her suspected that most of the negotiating would involve somebody's fist and his face. Sigh. Violence was occasionally the answer, but that didn't mean she had to be truly happy about it. For now, she was keeping an eye on the others - and planning to use the wand if it would be helpful (or necessary).

At 20 feet a round, yes. XD

Kariel hadn't risen very far - not high enough to be dangerous, at least - and she simply dropped to the ground before quickly striding forward picking up that wand if she's close enough to do so. However, she held back on her magic - there didn't seem to be any need for it now, though she was honestly sorrowful about what had gone on tonight. Still, perhaps people could see it as an opportunity to better themselves and move away from the darkness. For now, though, it was probably best to watch and wait.

All right, looks like we got through the mentioned Initiative order... so I guess we wait to see what's next for who goes when? XD

Kariel's wings spread slightly, flapped once... and she rose up into the air, out of melee range, apparently having no trouble at all. As she did so, she simply stared down at the man, putting everything she had into striking the fear of the gods into him.

Intimidate (Influence Attitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"I don't think you understand the situation you're in." she said as she looked down at him. "All your power and money is worth less than nothing to the gods. You are judged on who you are, and you're gravely mistaken if you believe I will simply stand by and allow you to hurt innocents. However..." her tone softened. "...The gods will always give another chance to those who honestly seek it, and even you can be accepted into paradise someday."