Temple of Extraordinary Empyreal Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Arkwright

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Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk will pull his hand out and do what he should have done first, check for traps.

Perception check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

Ealasaid admires the beautiful planar landscape for a moment, then return with the others.

What next?


Kazmuk discovers a rather nasty trap inside the turtle, with two parts to it; one to gently prick an inserted hand and administer some sort of poison, and another another deeper inside with blades poised to make a nasty cut at a questing finger.

It doesn't take a genius to guess this as the source of the monks' missing fingers.

Gastidem looks on concernedly. "Is something the matter?"

DC 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Sense Motive to recognize liar liar pants on fire


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

Does he have all his fingers?


Yes.


AC 20, FF 19, Touch 12; Hp: 34/57; Saves: Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +7; CMD 24; Perception +11

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Sense motive.

Karthan steps away from his perch and looms over the halfling.

"Something you want to share with us? Fun's fun but if my bearded friend here leaves with less of himself than he had on your account I can't promise I'll stay the peaceful man I try ever so hard to be."


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Has Kazmuk actually been poisoned?

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Assuming Kazmuk hasn't been too badly affected by any poison ...

Kazmuk does his level best to sucker punch the little monk.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

And with a roll like that probably misses.

Kazmuk roars, "Deceive people into sticking their hands in a trap that will chop their fingers off will you? You're no follower of Korada, you're a [insert obscenity in Dwarven] imposter!"


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

I don't think that halflings can physically do that..., thinks Rose as Kazmuk assaults the halfling. Though I wonder if the little bastard wasn't actually placed here by someone in the temple to teach people not to trust everything someone says...

Aaand the idea appears in my head.

A sinister look appears in Rose's eyes as she turns towards the fray. She clears her throat, gesturing to everyone to pay attention to her. "Darlings, if you can let me propose something. I believe that Korada has granted me an inspiration how to resolve this situation. I say, let the halfling retake the test of Korada's sight. If he succeeds, we let him be. If not, then I, as Korada's instrument, would have provided the punishment for mislabeling petty trickery for inspiration and enlightenment. I would consider it a test to see if he's worthy of Korada's sight."

An intently evil grin lights up on her face, as she turns and stares at the halfling, Evil Eye, targeting saves and casts Blindness. DC 17 Fort, -2 on the Save, and me regretting not taking the Misfortune Hex.


Gastidem yelps and bursts into frightened tears as he barely dodges a blow and then

1d20 ⇒ 11

suddenly has his vision blinded by Rose's spell, a white pallor covering his irises.

"I I It was just some fun oh god I didn't mean to hurt you please great sirs please please please don't hurt me..." He snivels and cries.


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk says, "If you told us what was really going on here it might lessen the pain you will feel."


"I... it's just a trick I came up with. All the monks here are so high and mighty... One fake test and they get all embarrassed and ashamed." He can't resist an evil little laugh.

"Dakang caught me doing it, he just laughed, and let me be; go ask him!"


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

You despicable little liar - Ealasaid grab the halfling hand - You better told us E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G if you like to keep all of your fingers


"I... I... I..." he tries to back away, dragging his hand out of Ealasaid's grip. "I'm a pilgrim! Of of of Korada! You can't threaten me or Dakang or the others will speak up! Just... just let me go, and everything will be fine, yes?" He tries for a smile. "I know nothing more, honest!"


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk says, "If you are a true pilgrim of Korada then I am an elf. Now that it has been established by your own words that cutting off small parts of somebody's body is fun, contemplate all the fun you can experience. You have 10 fingers, 10 toes, ... and another small body part a monk has no need for. I have an axe. You will tell us what is really going on here or you will have all the fun you can handle."


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

Oh, look what I started. They are quite intimidating, indeed. Well, better to be feared than loved, as they say...

"I believe that he will reconsider his approach towards other people now. Threatening him with further violence gives no goal, except perhaps your entertainment. And I believe that the violent rubbish isn't what we're here for. Let us go and proceed to the service."

She then turns to the halfling and says in a cold tone, "Consider yourself lucky. It is much easier for your sight to be restored than the monks' fingers to be regrown. Your... inconvinience is a lesson to teach you that violence shouldn't be a source of joy."

And if it is for Dakang, I sure hope the monks haven't picked up his attitude towards life...

Are you guys being serious, or just scaring the little arse? I can't tell.


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Much as Kazmuk might be tempted to do some impromptu surgery, the trick is to fight evil without becoming evil. So Kazumuk's threats at this point are pretty much just for show. We really need to find out what's going on, and laying massive intimidation on the weasel seemed the best way to do it.


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

Rose saved your fingers... - Ealasaid release the halfling


Do me a favor, and next time you make threats for show like that, roll a bluff check too.

"I... I've told you all I can, honest!"

Sense Motive agrees


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk sighs. Then he grabs the monk by the shoulders and spins him around a few times. Letting the monk go he says, "So let's see the service."


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

I agree with Kaz


Leaving Gastidem behind in the garden, the group of Pathfinders re-enter the temple and follow a procession of monks through into the temple's chapel. The room is beautiful in its fulfillment of purpose as well as for sheer aesthetics. The ceiling is thirty feet high, with tall windows glazed a pale violet peering out onto the freshly trimmed garden. Prayer maets cover the floor, with an empty, elaborate stone font near the south-western end of the chapel. The monks assemble then drop to the prayer mats in well-practiced poses of meditation and comfort, and they gesture to you to do the same. Some mouth surprised gratitude at how much better the gardens look right now.

After you do so, an obese human man steps confidently up to the podium on the high balcony of the chapel. He is draped in layers of cloth trimmed with small bells that jingle lightly as he moves. The man’s bald head is surrounded by a thin fringe of gray hair, but the lower half of his face is wrapped in a white silk scarf stitched with a line of unusual angle-symbols.

His face under the scarf twitches in what seems to be a smile as he begins to speak in a deep, booming voice that resounds around the chamber.

"Welcome, brothers, sisters, and of course our visitors. It is my great pleasure to extend Korada's greetings to you, and I do hope you will feel welcome to our temple. Now, to free the body and thus free the mind, let us begin Korada's contortions, starting from the second degree..."

He leads the congregation in a small series of meditative stretches before launching into a lengthy sermon about Korada's holy city of Vantian, City of Open Windows, whose sacred residents are eternally engaged in prayer and maintenance of the city, and the extraordinary works and example these people represent.


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

For a man who's supposed to be ascetic, he does seem quite fat...

Rose will sit and pay attention to the sermon, trying to find any differences between what she knows about Korada and what Dakang says about Korada. As the party's being adressed, she'll give him a polite bow, not wanting to interrupt him.

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15when necessary.


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk will try a Sense Motive check on Dakang as he gives his sermon.

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11


K. Planes

To Kazmuk, Dakang seems rapt and impassioned about what he is speaking about.


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Rose takes a look at the monks around her, studying their reception of the daily service.
Sense Motive if possible: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

After the service is done, I suggest we try and talk to Dakang about the crypts. Alone if possible. We managed to do everything else, so we can go into the pseudo-mercenary violent rubbish if necessary.


Rose does not remember anything about the name Vantian.

The monks are split between honest appreciation of the service and mild boredom at the routine.

Dakang finishes his sermon, and instructs the congregation to "assume the symbols of celestial silence and contemplation, in Korada's name." Around you, one by one, the monks produce vials of ink and begin marking each other's faces with the angle-symbol on Dakang's scarf. One or two monks silently come up to you all with brush and ink and offer to daub you with the same symbol.

K. Religion for the symbol


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Hm, I need to find an excuse not to take the face paint... Symbols have power...

Turning to the monk, Rose smiles at him and says, "Could you tell me more about this symbol, darling? What does it represent?", in a tone, loud enough for Dakang to hear, if she feels that it's socially appropriate to speak up loudly.

If necessary, Sense Motive for analyzing a social situation: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

I'm trying to make the rolls during my turn, so that we don't bog down the game. If that's a problem, please tell me and I'll stop.


The monks are all remaining silent, so speaking loudly is ill-advised; speaking very quietly, the nearest monk looks a little surprised and whispers of it representing silence and contemplation.

No problem at all.

Rose does not recognize the symbol, and notes that receiving the symbol is optional.


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

Rose smiles apologetically and refuses the symbol. As soon as the contemplative ritual is finished, she'll try and approach Dakang to speak with him.


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk will refuse taking the symbol. He will simply say, "I can't take your symbol. I am dedicated to Desna."


They nod understandingly and move away from Rose and Kazmuk.

Anyone else?


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

Ealasaid refuses to take the symbol as gentle as her rough manners allow.


Male Elf Wizard 4 | AC [MA]: 13 [17], T 13 [13], FF 10 [14] | HP 16/22 | F +1, R +4, W +4 | INIT +3 | Lowlight Vision, Perc +6

Zinthar raises his arm, showing the monk the entwined fire and lighting tattoo. "Apologies, but I am already marked so I humbly decline."

This place gets stranger and stranger the longer we stay here. Curious.....

Knowledge (Rel): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20


The monks do not object and leave the group alone. As they walk away however, Zinthar thinks he recognizes the symbols etched upon their faces...

Recalling writings and documents of the corrupted and monstrous, he realizes that the symbol could almost be a bastardized image of a mosquito in profile, the symbol of Ghlaunder, demigod of parasites and disease. Whatever it is, it is not a symbol related to Korada.

Ghlaunder's followers often pose as clerics and priests of other deities to infiltrate small communities, spreading corruption from within and subtly moving the unknowing towards the worship of their god.

As the ceremony ends, the monks clear their faces and exit out the eastern door. Dakang leaves the balcony for his private quarters; a number of aasimar stand near the front room in discussion, possible avenues to a private audience with the man.


AC 20, FF 19, Touch 12; Hp: 34/57; Saves: Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +7; CMD 24; Perception +11

KArthan keeps guard. The incident with the halfling has made the already slightly paranoid gunman even more cautious.


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

As soon as there is nobody within earshot, Rose notions for the rest of the party to gather around her.

Whispering, she says, "I suppose now is as good a time as any to talk to Dakang. I believe that seeing how we went everywhere already, we have the logical desire to see the crypts as well. I have my extensive notes as proof that we're interested in their religion."

Assuming Zinthar shares his suspicions:

Rose's eyes widen for a brief moment, before she regains her senses. "Are you positive? That is a fitting explanation for the inaccuracies and the missing texts... I am open to suggestions as to how to proceed. Remember that he has been here for generations, according to Iatzu. Many of the monks could be knowing, rather than unknowing followers already..."


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

We would not hurt anyone by asking so lets do it


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk nods in agreement with Ealasaid.


With the monks filing out, you all approach the aasimar guardians and ask for an audience with Dakang. They confer with themselves before they all leave; Mical remains to speak with you.

"It is unusual for private audiences to be granted, particularly with fresh visitors, but... we may be able to compromise, if Dakang is willing. However, it would need to be on one condition." She frowns at you all severely. "Last night, there was an accident, with a statue in the northern corridor falling to the ground and hurting someone. We found traces of blood. We believe whoever was hurt was attempting to visit the crypt."

"We... we would ask you to ensure that everyone you talk to within the temple knows the seriousness with which we take Dakang's prohibitions; and that any who would show such grave disrespect for Dakang or Korada will likely be no longer welcome in the temple should they continue their disrespect."

"Are we understood?"


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

"Of course, dear", says Rose, patting Mical's hand. "We understand your concerns, and we would certaintly respect any and all prohibitions deemed worthy by you or Master Dakang. Our interest in the matter is simply academical, and regardless of what exotic rites you may or may not perform, we would never resort to any conclusions.", says Rose, smiling.

Diplomacy to put Mical at ease: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"About this accident, I can assure you, we know nothing about it. Was someone hurt? I can offer you some healing aid, if necessary. If you'd like, I can ask around the temple as a neutral party, so that I may provide you aid in this matter."

Bluff/Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

Kazmuk will simply keep his yap shut and try to look innocent.

Bluff check if needed.

Bluff check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Figures I'd roll low right now. :-(


Heh relax, the check is not needed.

Initially on her guard against you all, Mical is softened by Rose's words and nods. "We have searched and found no one hurt; evidently they took care of themselves. Master Dakang will see you now, please wait here."

After a few minutes, the guardians file in in front of the raised plinth. Most make cursory attempts to hide the fact that they are armed and armored, some do not bother. Above them, the corpulent mass of Dakang appears, looking down on you all. He nods to you benevolently.

"Ah, the outsiders. It is a pleasure. Rose, Kazmuk, Ealasaid, Zinthar and Karthan, I believe? I am Dakang, if you would not object to first names among ourselves. Tell me, from what you have seen, what do you think of Korada's glorious temple?"

I'm presuming you've all mentioned your name at some point, not trying to suggest any sinister knowledge from him knowing them.


Half-elf AC 23 [21], FF 21 [19], Touch 13 [11]; Hp: 83[104]; Saves: Fort +11(+14), Ref +5, Will +7[+9]; CMD 22; Perception +12.

Not what I was expecting I admit -Ealasaid say directly.


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

"It is marvelous, Dakang. As a scholar, I am greatly interested in you and your story, however. All the monks here revere you as the wisest person they've ever met, and they said that you've been leading these souls down the path of Korada for many generations. Could you tell me more about yourself? Please do not treat this as an attempt to make a humble man like yourself vain, but I'd tell my colleagues back home about your wise ways.", says Rose quickly, trying to say it all before someone interrupts her speech.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Sense Motive to see if he's saying anything out of the ordinary: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17


Male Elf Wizard 4 | AC [MA]: 13 [17], T 13 [13], FF 10 [14] | HP 16/22 | F +1, R +4, W +4 | INIT +3 | Lowlight Vision, Perc +6

Zinthar is content to let Rose lead the conversation with the prophet for the moment. The wizard has never been much for subtlety so is fairly certain he would stick his foot in his mouth almost immediately.

But there are some questions I would love to see how he answers.....


Dakang smiles- it's hard to tell under that facescarf- but his voice is benevolent and pleased. "Why, young Scholar... it is not my practice to share much of my life; I do prefer to let Korada's words speak for me rather than offering my own life as some sort of example... but, well, I would be willing to spare a few details. I was born on the streets of Egorian to insignificant parentage..."

Dakang briefly outlines the story of his birth, his troubled youth, his discovery, respect and worship of Korada, his one true moment of enlightenment, then his decision to find and rejuvenate this old temple.

Rose detects nothing out of the ordinary in his speech.

"Now, young visitors, might I ask if there is anything you specifically wish to accomplish at Korada's great temple?"


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

"Why, we are travellers, and we study different faiths and places, and we wanted to take a look at Korada's teachings. We have gathered much information about your meditative techniques, your gardens and your library... About the library, I found the catalog of the books, and I found a great many of them missing. The ones I did find, however, granted significant insight into this temple.", Rose says, smiling at Dakang, and trying to lead a conversation.

Sense Motive when talking about the missing books: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
again, if possible

"I did however must admit, I came to talk to you for another reason. As one of my greatest goals is to make a catalog of faiths and deities of the worlds, I would like to ask your permission to venture in the crypts and document your burial rites. In every culture, funeral rites are one of the most diverse and complex of rites, and seeing how they all differ, they grant perhaps the deepest insight of the faith."


Nothing.

"...hrm. Korada's wisdom declares the dead sacrosanct, their places of burial similarly so... But if it is done in the name of sharing his wisdom, perhaps it could be done. Absoluteness is for the eternal and beyond; here on this messy plane, we must make compromises; this could be one I would be willing to make."

He nods, thinking a moment. "Of course, conditions would need to be imposed. Only a single person could examine the chamber, to minimize the disturbance; there is a small rite to Korada involving healing oils, they would need to cleanse themselves with them before they could enter... and given previous circumstances, I would need to insist that the rest of you all stay in the quarters assigned. Tonight could be a good time."

"Are you in agreement with these conditions?"


Female Half-Orc TN Half-Orc Arcanist 2 | Arcane Pool 4/5 | HP: 16/16 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Fl) | CMB: 0, CMD: 12 | F: +1, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +0

"I find them quite reasonable, Dakang, and while I can assure you that I had nothing to do with the accident, I understand your suspicions. If it isn't too much trouble, may I inquire more about this healing oil ritual that we require before entering?"

If I get let inside, perhaps Kazmuk or Karthan could sneak in there as well... While Ealasaid and Zinthar provide a suitable distraction... I wonder if the wizard isn't only good at explosions, and has a suitable illusion handy...


Male Dwarf Rogue/4 | AC 18, T 13, FF 15 | HP 0/35 | F +4, R +7, W +2 | INIT +5 | Senses 120 ft Darkvision, Perception +8, +10 vs traps

The way Dakang has the guards set up I'm not sure one could sneak in there without invisibility. But that spell has such a short duration I don't think it would work that well.

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