PbP Gameday VII: PFS Scenario #9-06: The Shores of Heaven [Tier 1-5] (Inactive)

Game Master Stiehle

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Knowing a fair bit about these demons, Covadil attempts to use that to his advantage. "You're not even a real kalavakus demon, you're just a piece of wood. Where are your razor sharp horns, for example? They don't look sharp enough to tear through paper, let alone armor or flesh."

Apologies if I caused confusion! You can definitely attack, just wanted to make sure you know what Orneal was asking of you and how to implement it using game mechanics.

Hayden's CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The Pathfinders have great success in belittling the demon, and they hear the cheers and laughter of children as Laktharis shrinks in size, his voice becoming more and more tinny and weak until he is nearly the size of a gnome and sounds like an angry chipmunk!

Still, the demon moves toward Elris, launching a net at the Warpriest. (Ranged 'Touch' Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 = Miss!) And the shrill screams of Laktharis draws more laughter from the unseen children as the net sails over his head.

Player’s Map - Slide #2

No problem with that healing plan, Hayden. That brings Covadil to 15 of 17 and Elris to 7 of 8 and you dropped 10 HP. A single charge brings you to within 2 HP of full and no more charges are needed as this combat is nearly over. The demon is as humiliated as you can get, so you can make regular attacks against it now. Party is up! There are no other combatants, I was accidentally reading off the higher subtier notes when I rolled that initiative for them.

Garrick continues deriding the demon and encouraging his companions, while moving forward a bit and readying his sword.

Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

"A net?" Elris asks almost confused by such a mundane weapon.

Before he moves he recites a quick prayer to Ragathiel.

"Grant me your wrath and virtue as I seek vengeance for it's victims."

5-foot step forward.
Demon Bane Boon: +2 to attack against a demon. Swift Action. 1/Per Scenario.

CI Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

CI Light Steel Shield Bash: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 8
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 14
Critical Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 9

Hayden walks forward and fires an arrow at the demon.

Attack (bless, IC): 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 13
Damage (IC): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Ecthelien will also join in the barrage

” So much for your feeble plans.“

A bolt of force springs from his hand

Magic missile : 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Covadil steps forward and strikes at the belittled demon.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 + 2 = 16

The Pathfinders combine their attacks to put an end to Laktharis, and as the air in the courtyard wavers and then disappears with a pop, they find themselves transported back to the Garden of Laughter. Children are clapping and cheering as Oneol approaches with a wide smile. “That was very well done indeed!” He exclaims as he stoops down to pick up a puppet now only two feet tall. The impotent demon continues to shout commands and orders to release him immediately in his squeaky voice, but this only draws laughter from the angel, who holds out Laktharis for you to take, even as Ammoch shuffles forward, still wheedling and pleading for mercy.

Oneal rewards the Pathfinders with six well-crafted marionettes and hands them ”a prop I sometimes use in other performances,” which turns out to be a mithral heavy steel shield. Even as the Pathfinders are gathering to head to the Angel’s Wing to meet with Zepha, they are approached by an angel that appears mostly human – though with skin tinged purple and insectile wings – with the lower body of a giant bee. She is leading a familiar figure, none other than Valais - or her separated soul at any rate.

Greetings, I am a Hivetender of the empyreal lord Andoletta. Zepha requested assistance in locating your mutual friend through diviniation, and I was able to locate her wandering the slopes of Heaven. I am saddened to say she is badly damaged and has no memories of her former life. However, I do believe I can heal her, with your help.” The Hivetender explains that she will take Valais to her home and prepare a batch of nectar – but she requires flowers that can be found on the slopes of Heaven near where Valais was wandering. The angel asks you to gather as many of the flowers that you can find, and then bring them to her home. ”Time is of the essence, for you have been summoned for your trial at the library in three hours’ time. Akarah knows where I live, and will bring you to my home when you have done all you can to find the flowers I require. Go now, and tarry not!”

The Hivetender buzzes away with Valais in tow, and Akarah bobs along beside your group, leading you to the slopes of Heaven, which are filled with a wide variety of flowers. So many!! The helpful lantern archon describes what he can of the natural ecology of the flowers you seek, but it is up to the Pathfinders to find them...

NPCs - Slide #1

More skill checks, though each of you can make only ONE check to determine success or failure. Everyone can roll, or some of you can Aid Another if you’d like, but make sure you have enough lead rolls to give yourselves a chance to succeed. You will need to succeed at two checks in order to find the needed flowers so that the Hivetender can make the honey needed to restore Valais.

One check must be made among any of the following (to know how to identify the proper flowers):
Knowledge (Nature)
Knowledge (The Planes)
Survival
Diplomacy

The second check must be made between one of the following two (in order to actually find the flowers you need):
Perception
Heal

Again, each of you only gets a single roll, so discuss who is rolling for the first list, and who will roll for the second list. So three of you can roll your own checks from the first list and hope one of you succeeds, and the other three can roll from the second list. Or four and two, or five and one. As well, if any of you want to 'Aid Another', that's fine as well - just know that you will be taking away a roll that might otherwise spell the difference between success and failure...

Garrick hears a gruff dwarven voice ring through his mind:
Surely, there's some locals who know what these plants look like, lad. Ask around.

Guiding Spirit
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Laughing to himself that strolling around looking for flowers to pick is not the usual way that he ends up spending a mission, Covadil nevertheless appreciates that it's not every day that you get to visit heaven. Why not stop and smell the flowers, even if just for a moment.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Hayden tries to catch anyone nearby to ask them about the flowers.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Perception aid : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

”Those can probably be found near areas of transition shade“

The Pathfinders run across several folk wandering the slopes of Heaven, enjoying the peace and serenity of the place, and Garrick's earnest and honest demeanor gets the group more than enough help in finding an area where the flowers tend to grow. Between Covadil's keen eyes and Ecthelien's assistance, they are able to find what they seek, and Akarah cheers their success, then leads them to the Hivetender's home some distance away.

The angelic bee-creature finishes the honey and feeds it to the listless soul of Valais, who instantly livens up and regains some of her former memories. She tearfully thanks the Pathfinders for their efforts. The Hivetender smiles at the woman, then turns back to the party with a more somber expression. "It is now time for you to face your trial at the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture. I believe you to be good in your hearts, despite the terrible evil that you released upon Heaven. I hope that your efforts to make up for your mistake will be taken into consideration. Follow Akarah now, and good luck to you, Pathfinders.”

Cheerful as always, the lantern archon leads the Pathfinders back to the library, and along the way you run into Kitarlo, who smiles at Valais, though he seems preoccupied with the coming trial. "When you are questioned, be honest when you speak of your reasons for coming here, and tell all that you can recall of what you did to make amends for what occurred. I apologize for my own part, for I had no idea of what the ritual would do."

Arriving at the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture, Akarah leads them to a room where the shield archon Altha the Scrivener is pondering over the ritual books. As the group files into the chamber, Altha indicates a row of six chairs lined up before him, signaling for the Pathfinders to each find a seat. He directs Kitarlo to take a chair further back, in the corner of the room well away from the others, and then Altha moves to stand at a podium in the center of the circular chamber, addressing the room in his booming voice. “Kitarlo, you are here as an observer, and I expect you to remain quiet and sit patiently until these proceedings have reached their conclusion. As for you, mortals, the time has come to form a proper account of what has happened here. From the evidence I have gathered, it seems most likely that you have come here with noble designs, but good intentions alone are insufficient. Mortals often show a careless disregard for order and a weakness toward evil influence. The vast halls of this library could never contain the accounts of all of the times that these tendencies have led to ruin - from the scale of individual souls to the fate of nations and beyond. On your world of Golarion, mortal sins share some of the blame for the recent surge in fiendish incursions, from the creation of the Worldwound to the fall of Cheliax under devilish influence to the growing strength of qlippoth forces in Tianjing. A soul that seeks righteousness should remain ever wary of the costs and effects of its actions. And so, to that end, I ask each of you: what have been your actions since you first arrived in Heaven? Begin with your entry through the Gates.”

NPCs - Slide #1

This will require Diplomacy checks for five phases of the trial, with the following caveat:
Each PC must take the 'lead' in speaking in one of the trial phases, making a Diplomacy check before any player can roll a second time. The first post will be presumed to be the 'lead' roll, and I will allow others to roll 'aid another' checks, so long as you speak words in-character to assist the lead character in his or her explanation. So when you post, be sure to speak in-character and roll a Diplomacy check. For example, in the first phase, Ecthelien posts his response first and is thus makes the 'lead' Diplomacy check (so long as he speaks in-character to answer Altha's question), and all others that post thereafter can make Diplomacy 'Aid Another' checks. But Ecthelien cannot take lead again in any of the other four phases of the trial, as each phase must have a different lead. As I said, whoever posts first is going to be the 'lead' roll, with others posting after providing assistance, so there is no need to define whether you are making the lead roll or assisting. If the first player to post in further phases has already taken the lead, I'll take the next post (and Diplomacy check) as the lead. Obviously there are six players and five phases of the trial, so one of you won't be taking the lead, though you can still 'Aid Another' by posting at some point. Hopefully you're all clear on how this will work, don't hesitate to ask for further explanation in the Discussion tab, if needed. Good luck, Pathfinders!

I'll get my lead out of the way, here.

Garrick steps forward to answer Altha's question, confident in the virtue of their mission.

"Please, sir. When we arrived in Heaven, we were greeted by the archon Peligos. After we introduced ourselves to him, we informed him it was our mission to try to purge one of our friends of corruption via a ritual that was known only in Heaven. The archon judged our words righteous and truthful and led us himself through the gates of Heaven."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Altha nods at Garrick's words. "Your story matches the report I was given. But what of the purification ritual? By your reckless efforts to purge your friend of her corruption, it appears you did not fully appreciate what you learned from the ritual books and unleashed a great evil upon Heaven. How do you answer that?"

NPCs - Slide #1

Garrick's roll was sufficient in itself to pass the first phase of the trial. Your group gets the impression that with each success, the shield archon will be more receptive to your defense in the later stages of the trial (i.e. you are getting a cumulative bonus to your rolls with each success.) Another player may answer Altha's pointed question for Phase 2 of the trial, and roll a Diplomacy check. As mentioned, others can 'aid another', but I need someone other than Garrick to make the lead roll. Whoever posts first will be deemed as the lead roll!

Hayden shakes his head. "We searched the entire library for those books, a difficult endeavor for us mortals. We took what we learned from each of them and performed various tests of faith, showing the dedication and sacrifice that we were willing to give to heal our friend. Each test of faith seemed to strengthen the ritual, so I believe the ritual was performed correctly."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Altha nods grudgingly at Hayden. “It is as you say, I have read these books as well, and it appears your individual sacrifices allowed your friend to shed the vile essences of the two demons from her soul, though it seems that the split and subsequent expelling were... unanticipated. But isn't it true that you bit off more than you could chew, to use a phrase common among mortal kind? Meddling in demonic affairs is not for the weak.”

The shield archon seems to be referencing the demons that escaped, and whether the Pathfinders were able to handle them in combat, specifically the dangerous babau demon they fought in the forest.

NPCs - Slide #1

Another fine roll! As before, another Diplomacy check is required for Phase 3 of your trial, someone other than Garrick or Hayden making the 'lead' roll. Again, the first player to post in-character with a Diplomacy check will be the one making the roll.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Covadil is the next to step forward. "Not at all. While we were of course concerned that we had inadvertently let evil loose upon Heaven, we wasted no time dealing with the demons. Choosing to deal with the babau first, we worked as a team and were able to quickly subdue the fiend. Even the great owl Skuroth acknowledged our efforts, commending the speed with which we dealt with the threat and giving us a gift as a token of his respect."

Roland adds to the discussion diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 1 = 19

Yes, there is indeed strength in numbers and cooperation. A tenet of our organization. Our synergy proved mighty beyond our individual abilities.

The shield archon smiles slightly as Covadil and Ecthelien speak of the defeat of the babau demon. “Perhaps your actions were pure, even though things went awry during the ritual. In fact, I have determined that the ritual is not yet complete. Bring forth the demon souls you have wrested from their abodes.”

When the Pathfinders drag out the babau and kalavakus souls, which mewl pitifully and beg for their lives, Altha gazes upon them with no mercy in his stony gaze. The archon unsheathes his blade and hands it over to the soul of Valais, who has been standing wordlessly nearby. With a sudden movement and a grim determination mirrored in her eyes, she executes the two demons, and in a flash of light she is drawn into the comatose body of Valais that lies on a blanket behind the shield archon. With a startled gasp, she sits up suddenly and looks around with a startled expression.

At a gesture from Altha, Kitarlo moves to her side and offers words of comfort as the archon turns his attention back to the Pathfinders. "Perhaps the healing of Valais was only secondary to your reasons for visiting Heaven? An excuse for cold-hearted mercenaries to loot artifacts or knowledge from the Library? What say you to that accusation?"

NPCs - Slide #1

Phase 4 of the trial requires another Diplomacy check, and you can speak of defeating the puppet demon and pointing out how you did so to the delight of the children.

Ecthelien defers to the more diplomatic as his cold logic seldom warms people to his side.

I need a Diplomacy roll from either Ecthelien, Safa or Elris as the 'lead'. Again, others that have already rolled can assist with an 'Aid Another'.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"What?! You take a priest of Ragathiel to be some petty thief? You are mad! Unless the information is how to better kill a demon then I am not really interested...but with how easily we dealt with that Kalavakus...maybe we can be the teachers? Made it a fool before crushing it." Elris says stomping his feet at the accusation. He growls and turns away from the archon.

"Insult me like that...Ragathiel help me before I strike out at this foolish thing." he mutters.

Sorry guys...a 1 isn't likely to be salvageable.

You never know what bonuses we are rolling with here. We can try to aid at least.

"As you can tell from our actions, we had no intentions other than helping our companion and vanquishing evil in the most decisive way possible. As Elris says, when we fought that puppet demon, did we not humiliate it and turn it into the laughing-stock of Heaven? While we are not all well-spoken, I can assure you that we are all righteous visitors, and wouldn't think of taking anything in Heaven that wasn't freely offered to us."

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Indeed, don't despair over a '1' when you've got a positive modifier, especially this late in the trial after you've accumulated three successes (each of which grant +2 cumulative bonuses) and you got a 'Favor Point' for your success in humiliating the demon, which is another +4, giving you a total of +10 even before those 'Aid Another' checks. Anybody else want to roll? By my math, you'll need just one more 'Aid Another' success to wrap up Phase 4...

"Indeed. Not only did we do these things to vanquish a demon, but also to show the children of heaven that there was nothing to fear from this little monster. The children now see the impotence of evil and can conquer their fears when faced with similar threats."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Safa doesn't feel diplomacy is her thing and keeps her mouth shut to prevent any issues from occurring.

Ecthelien will add his opinion

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Absolutely. Evil will be vanquished, to be certain.

LOL - your 1 makes my 2 look even worse!

Altha nods thoughtfully, but his gaze is still stern and unflinching. "So you maintain your story that healing Valais was your true motive for coming to Heaven? How am I to be convinced that your journey to this place was to restore her soul?" The shield archon seems to be prompting the Pathfinders to speak of how they assisted the Hiveminder in her efforts to unite Valais' soul with her memories just a couple short hours ago.

NPCs - Slide #1

One last Diplomacy check from either Ecthelien or Safa as the lead. Others can aid, as usual.

Ecthelien perks up after Altha continues with the questioning.

We understand your doubts. But healing Valais is most definitely our motive for coming to Heaven. If it were not, would we have risked ourselves working to collect those rare flowers for the Hivetender of the empyreal lord Andoletta in her efforts to unite Valais' soul with her memories?
It would have been more logical to have have given up if we did not intend to help.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

"Of course it is to aid Valais that we are here. We have nothing but compassion and respect for this woman, who has held a leadership position within our organisation and has demonstrated her selfless desires to help others on many an occasion. It is an honour to have been given the chance to help cure her of her terrible affliction and we needed no other motive!" Covadil can't restrain from contributing, even though he is confident Ecthelien has made a strong case on his own....even if he does let his passion show through just a little too much.

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"I am sorry that the accidental result of our ritual has colored your perceptions of us. I must say that most denizens of Heaven have been been very helpful and kind to us, and we've had several positive interactions with them. Several people even helped us find the ingredients for a tonic that helped further restore our friends."

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

As the Pathfinders speak of their latest efforts to restore Valais' soul, the archon finally allows a smile to touch his face, and it is like a bright dawn casting its light upon an icy landscape, an almost palpable warmth now radiating from the angel's stony features.

"It is as you say, and I find no trace of evil nor malicious purpose in your actions. You have not only proven your noble and good intentions with regard to Valais, but you have also demonstrated strong and righteous resolve in making amends for your unfortunate misstep." Turning to the focus of their ritual, Altha speaks to Valais. "Your own resiliency throughout this ordeal has been extraordinary. I invite you to travel to the peak of Heaven's mountain and enter the Garden there, where your spirit and body can be truly and fully restored."

Turning back to Pathfinders, the shield archon speaks final farewells, advising them to make their way back to the Gates with Kitarlo and soon thereafter the happy group is on their way back to the mortal realms. Kitarlo thanks the Pathfinders profusely for their efforts, apologizing again for the unanticipated and mixed results of the ritual, and he offers them a selection of rare books from his own private collection as well as a 'souvenir of Heaven', which turns out to be an Archon's Torch. Finally, Kitarlo also bids the group farewell, stating that he intends to follow up on several strong leads he found in the library that will help him to restore his missing arm.

After returning to the Pathfinder's Lodge in Absalom, a week later the group is summoned again to the Grand Lodge by Ambrus, who ushers them into the same room where they first met Valais. There, in front of the cheerfully burning fireplace, they find the woman herself, fully restored in body and mind and and much more as they soon learn. With gracious words and smiles for all involved in her restoration, the Pathfinders quickly learn that Valais' experience in the Garden imbued her with a fragment of heavenly essence, transforming her into an aasimar with radiant glowing hair. Valais promises that though she can never truly repay the Pathfinders for their assistance, she will find a way to repay them in the future.

THE END