The Pathfinder Valais Durant has led a troubled existence, ever since the demon-worshipping former venture-captain Thurl fused her body with parts from two demons. Pathfinder agents destroyed one of the demons, bringing some solace to Valais and allowing her to resume a somewhat normal life. However, the remaining demon's essence recently asserted control in an event that could have resulted in great bloodshed were it not for Valais's quick thinking. If the Pathfinders are to restore her to her original form, they need help, and the Society has just a contact who can escort them into the libraries of Heaven itself to uncover a powerful healing ritual. Navigating the customs and laws of Heaven is only the first of the challenges that faces the PCs, for they seek to purge demonic forces from Valais without raising the ire of Heaven's inhabitants or risking the fate of her soul.
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You see an elf, pale of skin and hair. He obviously spends more time indoors in the company of dusty tombs than in the wilds hunting or singing.
Ecthelien paces the floor waiting for the assembly of the team to address the current 'situation'. He just hopes there will be a chance to see some real power of the mystic arts.
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A grizzled, warn looking man wanders in. He carries an unstrung bowstave with the Dawnflower's symbol branded into it. The man walks with a small limp. He sees the elf and nods to him. "Good day. My name is Sir Hayden Greyrun. I assume you were summoned too."
He limps farther into the room. "Well, this has better be good."
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"'Arcane knowledge and mystic arts.' Sounds impressive, Ecthelien. Am I pronouncing that right? Sorry, my elven is rusty. My mother says I sound like bullfrog speaking the high language." He smiles.
"I'm afraid I have a little less to offer. I mostly use this to send arrows in the wind. The Dawnflower is the ones that guides them to the target. But I do know how to stitch up some wounds too." He chuckles. You surmise Sir Hayden must be being modest. Even Taldor doesn't offer knighthoods to just anyone.
The Pathfinders have gathered in the Grand Lodge in one of the finely appointed offices that many of them have come to know well. At the appointed hour of the summons, right on time, a tall man with dark hair and an impressive mustache enters the room, taking a moment to survey those gathered before gesturing. “Greetings, Pathfinders. Please sit and make yourselves at ease,” says Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, beckoning towards the chairs before his desk, behind which he takes a seat himself. Moving in behind Ambrus, then taking a place just over his right shoulder is a handsome woman clad in heavy armor. Ollysta Zadrian, faction leader of the Silver Crusade, gazes at you all with a cool, stern expression.
Valsin continues. “You have been selected to carry out a special assignment—one that is close to the heart of many Pathfinders. Several years ago, the Pathfinder Society sent a team to investigate the lodge of Venture-Captain Thurl. We had long suspected him of shady dealings, but none of us had knowledge of the true depths of Thurl’s depravity. The investigative team disappeared entirely. We sent another group of Pathfinders to follow up, this time with greater care. Amid the many horrors uncovered beneath Thurl’s lodge, these Pathfinders uncovered a single survivor from the first Pathfinder team—Valais Durant.” Ambrus’ dark eyes grow hard and his expression is twisted in a combination of pain and anger as he continues. ”Thurl had twisted her in both mind and body, melding her flesh with that of babau and kalavakus demons. Although some feel that this demonic influence has made Valais dangerous, I am unwilling to abandon an agent in need. She’s not eager to go out in public in her condition, so she’s been keeping busy doing research and cataloging work here in the Grand Lodge. Everything was going about as well as could be expected, and her fellow researchers mostly learned to look past her tendency to mutter strange things under her breath.” He pauses then, and lets out a gusty sigh. ”Or at least they had, until she suddenly ran out into the middle of a combat training exercise and attacked with lethal force, all the while begging her fellow agents to stop her.” Valsin shakes his head in dismay, clearly upset and momentarily unable to continue.
At this, Ollysta Zadrian steps forward, “We owe Valais a great debt for the trials she has endured, and a path to her full freedom from demonic influence may yet be available. Recently, a group of Pathfinders helped Valais confront the kalavakus demon that Thurl used to augment her flesh. Killing the fiend seemed to restore some measure of control to Valais and ease her suffering. While the Pathfinders were inside the demon’s lair, they also rescued an azata named Kitarlo. From him, we learned of a new route to salvation for Valais. Kitarlo believes that the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture in Heaven holds a ritual that could cleanse Valais. Kitarlo has called in favors and gained temporary access the great library. Your mission is to travel with him and escort Valais through the very gates of Heaven itself. Once inside, you must seek out the ritual in the library and restore Valais to her normal self. We have already spoken to Valais and Kitarlo. They can fill you in on any further details.”
Having composed himself, Ambrus chimes in. “One final thing,” his tone is as unyielding as granite, his expression bleak. “You are representing the Pathfinder Society, so acquit yourselves accordingly. Don’t do anything that even carries a whiff of evil, like casting evil spells. Archons and angels can be a judgmental lot, and it’s important that we make no new enemies in Heaven. So once again: no evil actions, no evil spells. I need you all to confirm for me that you’ve heard what I said.” His hard gaze fixes each of you sternly, clearly expecting a verbal confirmation.
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"Traveling to Heaven! What an hon-or!" Garrick's youthful voice squeaks and cracks a bit in his excitement.
"When do we leave? How will we get there? How will we know the ritual when we find it?"
Questions tumble out of his mouth in his enthusiasm before he blushes slightly and waits for the more seasoned agents to respond.
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"You want us to go to Heaven? And we get to search through the Library there?" Hayden begins to laugh. "You're joking, right?" The older man stops, suddenly looking nervous.
"We're going to be meeting angels and archons?" The knight can feel the eyes of judgement on him. "Got it, no evil spells, no evil whatsoever."
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Fascinating. So no evil spells. Can I assume invoking elements like fire or air are not considered evil? This should not be a problem
Ecthelien inventories his spells, scrolls and items and cannot imagine any would fall into this category to be an issue.
Visiting Heaven is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am surprised there are not more seasoned Pathfinders jumping at the chance.
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A mountain of a main walks in as the briefing begins. His dusky blonde ponytail and towering height makes it clear he is from the Land of The Linnorm Kings. He is clad in crimson scales and his shield bears a crest with a sword crossed over an angel's wing.
After the briefing concludes his gravely voice adds his own piece.
"Surprising restraint not cuttin down someone tainted by demonic powers. Heaven may agree but if my General of Vengeance has anythin ta say about it she'll be cured and killin some demons of her own!" he says concluding by pounding against his shield.
He then turns to his allies and shines a surprisingly friendly smile.
"Sorry I din't arrive for the pleasantries...all these smaller men from down south look alike. I figure I thought I ran into the Venture Captain at least three times."
He then holds out his large hand for each member to shake carefully testing their strength.
Ambrus nods at Garrick's questions. "You will be meeting with Kitarlo and Valais in a few minutes, they will answer any further questions you might have, and Kitarlo himself will perform the ritual to take you to Heaven." He glances at Sir Hayden and frowns slightly. "I assure you, this is no joke. And I ask that you treat this mission with all the delicacy and respect it deserves." Lastly, the venture captain addresses Ecthelien. "So long as you summon no evil outsiders, you should be fine." He gives Ollysta a nod, then stands. "Very well, Pathfinders. Head to the Room of Lions one floor down from here, I trust you know where it is? Your hosts await."
With those words of dismissal, the group leaves the venture captain's office and makes their way to a secluded room of the Grand Lodge where they find a crackling fire and two figures that wait for them on the comfortable couches near the hearth. One is a male raelis azata, a humanoid-shaped celestial creature with bronze skin, adorned in rune-covered robes who is missing an arm. The other is a woman, and it is difficult to maintain a passive expression as your eyes fall upon her visage. Her face is a twisted mask of demonic influence, with only a small portion of her former humanity showing. Thick horns jut forth from her long brown hair, but it is her one normal eye that draws your gaze after an instant of revulsion. A terrible resignation lies within that last bastion of her former human self, but there is also a tremendous hope that you see as well.
The azata Kitarlo is the first to speak, gesturing to the other couch and padded chairs as he smiles companionably. "Be seated Pathfinders and thank you for assisting us in this mission. Did you have any questions before we begin our journey?"
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
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Elris moves his hand instinctively to his blade seeing Valais for the first time...then he realizes this is the poor woman they are helping and his grip relaxes.
"Many, many questions...but what can we expect seems ta be the biggest. Are we expected? We gonna be locked down or get ta move around? The basics." he gruffly says admiring his the holy symbol on his shield.
I wonder if I can catch a glimpse of Ragathiel himself!
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Divine domains are absolutely not my area of expertise. I surmise we would be best served by having a holy priest like Master Kayne here. I will defer to you for those theological queries.
Ecthelien stops to think of any additional questions to ask. Then forms a puzzled expression as he voices a concern or two.
I have a few.
If Kitarlo believes that the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture in Heaven holds a ritual that could cleanse Valais, why send us?
Would it not be more logical to send more prestigious or experienced agents?
Are we being sent into a situation where we are expendable?
Will we require any training or special materials beyond that found within the tome to perform any part of the ritual?
And do we need any extraordinary preparations either in transit or upon the return trip?
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A tall, darkly dressed half-elf, with long black hair and mournful blue eyes eventually catches up to and joins the group of adventurers. With a large sword sheathed at his hip, his appearance is only softened by the somewhat out of place looking broach in the shape of a cat pinned on his chest. Despite looking quite deeply scratched, it looks to be as polished as well as could be expected given it is most likely quite old. "Greetings. I am Covadil!" he says as he joins the group. "Please forgive my tardiness, I assure you that you have my full devotion to this very special and important mission."
A looks of astonishment then cross his face as he seems to full grasp the fact that a visit to Heaven itself was actually being discussed. "I..ah, no evil here. I...um, no further questions either." He seems to be a bit lost for words for the moment.
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Safa and Covadil are quickly sent off to join the others, who are speaking with Kitarlo and Valais. The azata is just answering Elris and Ecthelien. "We will need to explain our presence to the guardians that man the gate, but so long as we are respectful and honest, I do not anticipate problems. As for 'why me', well that is a question that many have asked when placed in a perilous situation. Let us just say that Venture Captain Ambrus has faith in your abilities, as do we."
Kitarlo smiles at Valais, who speaks in a throaty, cultured voice. “I too am concerned about our entrance to Heaven. Kitarlo assures me that as long as we obey the rules and stay where we belong, since we are not ourselves evil, we will not be punished. We could try sneaking and slithering our way in, but stealth and deception are likely to cause more problems than they solve.” When she speaks of the deceptive possibilities, her voice becomes sly and slithering for a moment, reptilian almost - and quite unlike her own voice.
The azata nods as though nothing untoward happened, and addresses Ecthelien's other concerns. "I will take care of the ritual, it is of no consequence to one such as myself. We will return the same way." Valais answers Hayden's query. "The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is one of the greatest libraries in all the planes, and it holds many precious secrets. For eons, the archons have collected tomes from the deepest oceans to the highest peaks and gathered them all inside the library.” Again her intonation shifts, becoming hoarse and ugly for a moment as she chokes out those two words in the middle of her answer.
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
Ecthelien - 14/14
Elris- 8/8
Garrick - 19/19
Safa - 22/22
Covadil - 17/17
Hayden - 21/21
Kitarlo smiles and nods at Garrick. "Ah! You speak of the ritual; to restore our friend Valais? Alas, that is why we must visit the library. We must have faith that the details shall be found there. Beyond that, I confess that I know nothing."
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"I am sure there are many other incredible books and knowledge to be learned from the Library. Are we allowed to browse while there...I assume they may have some rules as to what is consider forbidden knowledge for us, ah mere mortals to read?" Covadil seems torn between his instincts to do follow the rules and do the right thing and his desire to uncover hidden secrets and power wherever he can.
Kitarlo answers Hayden. "Weapons are allowed in Heaven, whether you take them is up to you." The azata smiles gently at Covadil's eagerness to browse the library. "Very likely we shall be busy searching for instructions on performing the needed ritual. If we have any extra time, I'm certain I won't be able to restrain your enthusiasm for research. I ask only that you focus first on the task at hand."
He glances at Valais and nods, and they both rise from the couch and Kitarlo speaks once more. "Now, everyone join hands and we shall soon find ourselves at the gates. From there, it is up to you. My own presence will of course be accepted, but likely you will need to explain yourselves to the guardians. Remember to be polite and honest."
After joining hands, the azata speaks powerful words of magic and suddenly the Pathfinders are elsewhere... Blinding light fills the air and then slowly fades. Golden fields of waist-high grass stretch out into the horizon, sighing with a sound like tinkling crystal. Ahead is a massive mountain surrounding by a glistening wall of diamond. “It is so beautiful,” Valais whispers, ”but also terrible to behold.”
After a moment or two, the baying of hounds fills the air. A pack of golden-haired wolves and a radiant humanoid figure with dark skin and a canine head approach the Pathfinders rapidly. The celestial wolves form a ring around the party as the hound archon strides past them, his resplendent golden armor gleams with sacred light and he speaks in a voice that rings out commandingly. “Hail and well met, travelers. I see that you are no heavenly souls passed on to the next life, which means you are visitors to Heaven. I have heard no news of your coming, however. What is your business inside the gates?”
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
Ecthelien - 14/14
Elris- 8/8
Garrick - 19/19
Hayden - 21/21
Covadil - 17/17
Safa - 22/22
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"Grass? That is...unexpected...is this the right place?" Elris begins to speak before the hounds are upon them. Reflexively he raises his shield to defend the others but relaxes at the introduction.
He looks to their guide to speak for them but introduces himself as well,
"Elris Kayne, warpriest of our General of Vengeance, Ragathiel! Sadly we arnt here for glory but ta help our cursed ally, Valais. The taint is strong and visible but I won't be lettin the curse send her wild...or I would be a disgrace to this crest so you need not worry! The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is our goal if we may get by...directions wouldn't hurt either." he says somewhat more formally than the group has heard before. He kneels behind his shield...crest presented.
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"You have no news of our coming? I thought it had been arranged?" Hayden looks to Kitarlo.
The grizzled veteran knight lifts a wooden symbol of Sarenrae, the Dawnflower. "I follow in the footsteps of the Dawnflower, that her light heal all wounds and redeem all those who seek her grace. We are here to heal one who has been cursed, and guide her body back to the light. Our companion, Valais, has suffered a terrible curse. We were told the Great Library holds a ritual to cleanse her. We petition to enter the Library to accompany her in seeking this ritual and witness her rebirth."
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Covadil also steps forward, a look of awe in his eyes. "Greetings...ah, O Heavenly One, I am Covadil. Very pleased to meet you! As Iomedae cast her cloak into the Pit of the Starstone and used it to walk across the gap, we too come with humble hearts and a pure purpose. We wish to help cleanse this worthy woman of her affliction and make her whole once again. Please, see that we speak truth and have no touch of evil upon us!"
Kitarlo smiles gently at Hayden. "I said no such thing, noble paladin - though I apologize if you misinterpreted my words. I told you that explaining my own presence is unnecessary, as I am a native of the outer planes. However, you are visitors, and Ambrus, Valais and I have faith that you will be able to adequately explain your presence here."
After several minutes of negotiation, during which the party is able to more than adequately provide sufficient evidence for their reasons to visit heaven, the lantern archon finally raises his hands in mock surrender and allows a small smile to erupt on his face, which is like watching a beam of sunlight erupt through darkened clouds. "Enough, noble visitors, you have convinced me. Be welcome, and allow me to introduce myself. I am Peligos. Please follow me, and I will escort you through the gates."
As they move closer to that achingly beautiful diamond wall, Kitarlo speaks softly. "You spoke nobly and well, do you see now that our faith in your abilities is well-placed? Worry not about our destination, for I am familiar with Heaven's Shore, which lies just beyond the wall." The gates of Heaven themselves are immense and appear to be crafted of pearl or the like. Other archons stand guard as well, including several other hound archons as well as a pair of trumpet archons - lithe and beautiful with silver hair and skin the color of marble as they soar above with their powerful white wings, radiating a sense of serenity that can be felt down to one's very soul. Peligos takes his leave of the Pathfinders as they move through the gates unhindered, finding themselves in the area apparently known as Heaven's Shore. Its streets are lined with lush, immaculately trimmed gardens and beautiful buildings. Statues of radiant celestial beings and fountains of crystal-clear water are common decorative accents. Grand staircases and sweeping ramps connect the district’s many terraces.
As you walk through the beautiful streets, you see an eclectic collection of strange creatures that stroll through the district. Denizens of Golarion mingle with those from other planets entirely, and Kitarlo speaks freely of what he knows, describing the many fantastic creatures you see and answering questions patiently. Inevitables from the lawful plane of Axis stride through the streets, their gleaming metallic bodies moving with perfect precision. Representatives from the neutral good plane of Nirvana have a strong presence as well, such as the beast-shaped agathions and a whole host of angels. "Heaven’s Shore is the mercantile district of Heaven, where mortals and other planar visitors can meet to trade with Heaven’s natives." The azata explains. "Members of nearly every non-fiendish race have visited Heaven’s Shore at one time or another and each have left their indelible marks upon the district’s eclectic culture and architecture."
And true to Kitarlo's words, you can see that some sections of Heaven’s Shore are kept in perpetual night for the comfort of visitors more accustomed to darkness, while other portions of the district provide accommodations for races of all shapes and sizes. After the Pathfinders have become somewhat acclimated to the wonders surrounding them, the azata tells them of where they are now headed. "We go to meet an old friend of mine at the Angel's Wing." During this time, Valais has remained silent, though it is evident from her eyes and expression that she is in awe of her surroundings, and perhaps nervous as well, given her outward appearance. But to your surprise, she has not drawn anything more than a few curious glances from those that are obviously native Golarians, and no stares of overt hostility or anger from any of the outsiders they have passed, despite the clearly demonic features she possesses in her current state. A testament to the noble good that the denizens of Heaven's Shore all possess, and perhaps as well to their confidence in the sanctity of this most holy of places.
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
Ecthelien - 14/14
Elris- 8/8
Garrick - 19/19
Hayden - 21/21
Covadil - 17/17
Safa - 22/22
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Covadil takes in the scenes with awe. So much to take in! "So this is the mercantile district, did you say? Where do the, ah...heavenly souls that have passed over to here permanently reside? If reside if even the right term for what they do here? What sort of lives do they lead and do they interact with visitors at all...I mean to say if that is information we can even be allowed to know, you know the mysteries of life and death and all that?"
Covadil's hand reflexively reaches out to touch the cat broach on his cloak, drawing back as if with a sting as his fingers touch it ever briefly. A look of reflection and perhaps longing crosses his face as he talks of those that have 'passed on'.
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Sir Hayden is taken aback at the sight of Heaven's Shore. "I...I never imagined Heaven would need a port!" He laughs. "I suppose even angels have trading needs, though I doubt there's the normal rowdy shenanigans. Is there a common currency?"
He appears impressed by the number of denizens of Nirvana. Then suddenly he looks to Kitarlo. "Would we have a place to stay here?"
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After appearing a bit shell-shocked at the first glance of Heaven, Garrick is apparently having a quiet, but animated, discussion with himself...Or maybe with his clothes? It's hard to tell.
"You would love it here, Shirota! Do you think Shizuru's domain is nearby? What?...Stop worrying Sam! Umie keeps telling you how forgiving everyone here is."
When he realizes he might be attracting some odd looks, Garrick flushes deeply and gives an embarrassed cough.
Kitarlo continues to answer questions, advising that the restaurant and library both are within the Heaven's Shore district and that they won't need accommodations, as their task will hopefully completed in but a single day. But the azata doesn't go into any further details even as you arrive at The Angel's Wing. True to its name, the restaurant has a winglike shape, as well as a slanted ceiling that tapers downward toward the wing’s tip. The tables and chairs close to the wing’s tip are sized for creatures under 1 foot tall, with the table height gradually increasing toward the wing’s base. Its walls are covered in a soft substance with the appearance of downy feathers, which can be freely molded to create additional seating. Groups of contented patrons talk quietly amongst themselves, enjoying the restaurant’s wonderful-smelling cuisine.
Kitarlo guides the PCs toward one of the patrons, a humanoid raven with golden eyes and flowing white robes. "Pathfinders, this is Zepha, an old friend who has agreed to assist us." The dark-feathered preceptor archon stands and bows, giving Kitarlo a wry look, though its eyes dance with good humor. "That is because I owe our mutual friend here a favor from long ago. Though in truth I too serve Andoletta as a guide at times, observing mortals and helping to steer them toward righteous decisions while allowing free will. So perhaps I would have helped in any case." Kitarlo laughs at this as introductions are made and Zepha sits down again, gesturing for the Pathfinders as well as Valais and Kitarlo to join them.
Once their food and drink orders have been taken (and the menu is quite vast, in order to satisfy all the many races that pass through the doors), the archon hands each of the Pathfinders a golden token that resembles an open book. "These will allow you access to the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture for a period of six hours only. Do not lose them." Zepha admonishes gently. Then the food and drink arrive and the preceptor archon asks them to speak of themselves and their journeys, listening intently to their stories.
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
Ecthelien - 14/14
Elris- 8/8
Garrick - 19/19
Hayden - 21/21
Covadil - 17/17
Safa - 22/22
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Elris has no hesitation in extolling the actions of those who closed the Worldwound especially Count Varian Jeggare and Radovan whom he helped in their mission...albeit in a smaller capacity.
"Every kind of foul creature imaginable inhabited that wasteland...it was an honor to help strike down countless demons. It felt as if Ragathiel was guiding my blade with every strike! Far better than just being a hired shield..." he calls out in fond memory with a fire in his eyes like he is reliving the battles.
He asks which dishes are favored by the angels and seeks to order them for his own tasting before continuing on with other stories of the Worldwound.
"I take it powerful beings like ya have some stories about demons too?"
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Safa looks mildly uncomfortable at first arriving. It might seem that she is shy to talk but more so she's just confused that this exists. She heard people talk about it but stories are stories where she comes from.
When addressed about the token she finally speaks, "I won't. I mean, we, we won't." she briefly smiles at the party assuming they feel the same.
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Hayden finds a spicy noodle dish that seems to be interesting and he decides to order it. He flips through the menu to see if there are any drinks stronger than tea.
He accepts the token with both hands, a sign of reverence. "A tale of our past? Sure. This is when I first met the Pathfinders and decided to join their ranks."
"I had learned that a noblewoman, Lady Salhar, had gone missing. I was searching for any clue to her whereabouts, but had come up empty. Little did I know a group of Pathfinders had been dispatched to find her as well. Well, the first thing they do is start a barfight! Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, and as I was tending to the wounded, they start questioning a man. Turns out he had kidnapped Lady Salhar and sold her into slavery! Can you imagine taking a noblewoman as a slave?"
"Well, the Pathfinders helped me follow the lead, and we managed to find the slave trader before the boat departed the city. Predictability, the gnoll slavers were not going to let her go, so we had to use force to make them see our way. I nearly got cut down when we were ambushed, but they helped me. A few well-placed arrows seemed to turn the tide and we rescued the Lady along with several others. I believe Lady Salhar has gone on to speak about her ordeal and lead an anti-slavery movement. We need more like her to lead people away from evil."
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Ecthelien stows his token safely away with a nod.
” I will ensure it is safe.“
He pauses as if recalling a painful memory
” on one mission we had to light the lantern with the Everflame, and a spirit stirs from its rest and rises up to thank them for putting an end to a menace of a giant undead. Apparently revenge and greed were strong motivation for this spirit .“
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Ecthelien stows his token safely away with a nod.
” I will ensure it is safe.“
He pauses as if recalling a painful memory
” on one mission we had to light the lantern with the Everflame, and a spirit stirs from its rest and rose up to thank us for putting an end to a menace of a giant undead. Apparently revenge and greed were strong motivation for this spirit .A very messy affair really. We are fortunate we were not all slain.“
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Covadil also partakes of the food, looking for items he's never tried before as his first preference.
"I was recently involved with many of my fellow Pathfinders is defeating some dragons who were causing imbalance in the neighbouring lands and then we all headed up north to the frozen lands to help complete a fallen hero's unfinished business and vanquish their age old foe. Feels like I was on that quest for so long that I seem to recall various parts of the mission happening over and over again as if I'd somehow been there and done some things more than once...quite disconerting, I have to admit!"
Zepha listens intently to the stories, speaking only sparingly but nodding and offering supportive words and congratulations at their many successes. At one point, Kitarlo gently teases Zepha for being so terse and attempts to goad the archon into conversation. This taunt inspires Zepha to good-naturedly shake his willow staff at Kitarlo, all the while chiding the azata to remember his manners and avoid “childish behavior.” When the PCs finish their meal, Zepha gathers up the party and leads them up the mountain toward the library.
As they climb the beautiful path, the archon presents the Pathfinders with six tiny loaves of bread as gifts, informing them that these treats also have healing properties (as a Cure Light Wounds potion). He also presents them with a bag that contains a gilded fruit, explaining the magical properties of the Alluring Golden Apple in detail.
After a couple of hours, the winding road tops a hill, revealing a sparkling building of nine towers. Built from shining white stone and ribbons of crystal, the intricate towers twist into beautiful shapes that would surely topple without magical support. “Welcome to the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture,” says Zepha, leading the way up a dizzying spiral stair into the heart of the nearest tower. Upon reaching the top, the archon holds open the door into the building with a kind smile and announces, “This is where I leave you. Good luck to you all in your endeavor.”
Entering the room beyond the door, you find a plain room adorned only by a stone altar covered with a open books. An orb of glowing light and spinning wire floats above and speaks in a pleasant voice. "Hello! My name is Akarah. Please present your token and let me know how I may be of assistance to you." The only way out of this room is through a portal on the far wall, though nothing but mist can be seen within.
Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1
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Ecthelien - 14/14
Elris- 8/8
Garrick - 19/19
Hayden - 21/21
Covadil - 17/17
Safa - 22/22
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Sir Hayden accepts the gifts, still a bit stunned about the whole trip. He's in awe at the sight of the library. So much knowledge in one place, and perhaps more about Heaven's history.
He presents his token to Akarah. "We are searching for a ritual to help our friend." He indicates Valias. "We believe the library holds it. Can you help us find the correct section?"
After collecting the tokens, Akarah seems to dance happily when Sir Hayden requests assistance, her voice excited and airy while her words are accentuated with flashes of brilliant light. "Of course, I am here to serve! A ritual, you say? And to restore your companion to her old self prior to demonic influence? Let me consult the catalogue... There!"
The lantern archon suddenly rattles off a list of six titles and guidance on how to reach them. Kitarlo also asks for books that will help in finding a means to regenerate his arm, though he circumspectly requests that Akarah provide him this information via a Sending spell, at which time he turns and apologizes to the Pathfinders. "I will leave you now to your own devices, while I pursue my own research along with Valais. Meet back here when you have found all six volumes or in six hours. Akarah will send me word when you are ready and we will see where we stand at that time." The pair quickly move through the portal and are gone in the next moment.
Stepping through the portal yourselves, you enter the library itself - which is a sight both wonderful and disheartening. Unfortunately, the angelic library was not designed to be easy for mortals to use, and many of the stacks in this tower (which seems to stretch impossibly for miles) either float through the air in swaying rows or are submerged beneath a pool of water ranging between ten to a hundred feet deep or more! In addition, the bookshelves appear to constantly rearrange themselves for unknown reasons, making the six volumes you seek even more problematic to find.
With neither Kitarlo nor Valais in sight, the Pathfinders know that they must call upon their own abilities whether as an individual or collectively to find the six needed books. And fast!
1) Locating a book takes 1 hour, whether as an individual or as a group. Remember you have six hours total in order to complete your research.
2) If more than one of you search for a particular volume, you must designate a 'lead' character for the skill check, with the others providing 'aid another' checks.
3) There can be only one 'lead' roll made at any one time. This is because on a failed skill check, another hour must be spent to locate the volume as it floats out of reach and relocates, finding a new home in the library.
4) Following are the names of the volumes you are seeking, as well as the appropriate skill check. If you would like use another skill to substitute, you can request that of me and I'll decide whether or not to allow it.
Title______________________________________________________________Location ________________________Check
The Luminous Libram_________________________________Floating bookshelf__________________Acrobatics
The Slates of Klador___________________________________Deep underwater_____________________Swim
Asaru’s Grimoire the Planes___________________________Inside a maze of shelves_______________INT
The Tome of Stars and Moons________________________Hidden among other books_________Perception
Elgar’s Forgotten Compendium_______________________Top of 100-foot shelf__________________Climb
Incunabulum of the Ages_____________________________Tucked in tight corner_____________Escape Artist