DaWay's PFS Way of the Kirin (Inactive)

Game Master DaWay

Understood

after Kyra gives her reply Master Iko, turns to the lot of you and asks, So tell me why would the Way of the Kirin want to ally themselves with the westerners of the Pathfinder Society?

I had hoped I would get a chance to tell you of her! Our Beloved Dawnflower holds many virtues dear, that seem to be dear to you here in the Land of the Rising Sun. She is the embodiment of Light and Truth. She is compassionate to those who have lost their way, and are repentant. But for those without remorse, she is a cleansing flame! Those of us in her service are expected to honor her, not only with spells of protection and flame, but also to wield a blade to protect the defenseless.

Worrying that she may have overstepped, calling her hosts defenseless, she adds... and to come to the aid of the righteous and vigilant wherever they may be!

With that, she attempts to restrain her ardor, and kneels more primly. (For those watching closely, however, it is clear she would prefer to jump up and smite something.)

How much do we know of the Way of the Kirin?

Ah, my young priestess, but was she not also responsible for the imprisonment of the Devourer, Rovagug, I believe he is called. How does your Dawnflower differ from my own deity, Shizuru, the empress of Heaven, goddess of ancestors, honor, the sun and swordplay?

It is a good thing my main character, a monk, is highly versed in all galorion religions

Virtually nothing.

Yes! You've heard of that epic battle? My Lady threw down the Great Beast in an epic battle to defend all of Golarion. There he was bound to suffer in the eternal torment in Her Everlight.

Forgive me that I do not know more of your honored Shizuru. But it seems to me that they have far more in common then they have differences. They both embody the might of the sun. They both favor bladed weapons, especially curved ones, in the fight for righteousness. They both smite the dishonorable and the wicked. If there are any small differences at all, it is that My Lady calls for patience and mercy and redemption if it is at all possible.

With that Kyra looks down. I am not sure I honor the Beloved Everlight as much as I should in that way. When I encounter those that would harm the innocent, my first instinct is to rend them, not to give the chance for mercy. It is difficult to discern sometimes, who has the chance for redemption. If the Golden League appears tonight, am I to wait until they commit an unforgivable act before attacking? And lose our advantage of surprise? Or can I take the word of honorable people such as yourselves, that they are beyond redemption?

Forgive my ignorance of your worthy organization, but Lady Amara Li believes that our two parties would benefit greatly from an alliance and I trust her knowledge and judgement in this matter. The Pathfinder Society wishes to uncover relics and artifacts of history to be preserved. It is not about selling to the highest bidder, but rather to share with those that have a thirst for knowledge. Fung looks to his fellow Pathfinders for a little help.

Ah, it was my understanding that she cut open the world, and imprisoned him there but certainly she could not have done it alone. Who were her allies in this battle?

As I have said Shizuru is the Empress of Heaven, goddess of ancestors and the sun. She is also the goddess of honor and swordplay, and is the patron of samurai and other honorable swordfighters. Shizuru loves the moon god Tsukiyo, so much so that she returned him to life when he was slain by his brother Fumeiyoshi. The two lovers are rarely together, however, just as night and day are forever divided, but the two deities are able to rejoin, if only briefly, during rare solar eclipses—a sacred time for both faiths.

The Golden League are treacherous and dishonorable, if you wait for them to commit an unforgivable act you will be dead for while you meet on in honorable combat another two will stab you in the back.

He turns Fung Xi ...And what is your role in this Society, Master Monk?

Sorry for the mythology talk, it is just something I enjoy doing in game. Though ironically I don't play many divine characters.

Lord Tsueno, I am still relatively low-ranking in the Society as I learn my way through the hazards of one mission to the next. I have helped defend a village from bandits so that we could receive a blessing for the Braid of a Thousand Masters. I helped to save a Tian scholar from the hands of a pirate in the Northern Varisian city of Riddleport. I have even visited the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment, rooting out a demon who was corrupting it. All of it I have done in the name of the Lantern Lodge of the Pathfinder Society, Fung Xi looks to Amara Li, I owe Lady Amara much for giving me purpose when she found me in Goka.

Fung smiles sheepishly, I guess once I was released from Master Tao's training, I really had no purpose. All I had known was a small hut, and my brothers and sisters in training.

Valeros sets himself up in his assigned place, in his fine Kimono. He looks uncomfortable, and keeps losing focus on what is happening to listen for sounds of approaching danger. He looks like he was about to say something to Master Iko's question, but he stops when more intelligent members of the party give better explanations.

Indeed Honorable ambassador, the Kirin and the Lantern lodge have common grounds. They are both a force for good, they are both honorable as they can be considering their respective difficulties, and both of them seek to provide stability to the inner sea region, and both are enemies of the golden league

You are correct Master Khalida, however I do not represent the inner sea region, my interests rest solely in the dragon empire. Which the badge of honor of the Lantern Lodge represents, correct?

Turning to the group he poses the question, Since Master Fung Xi has elaborated on his exploits what would you say that your greatest accomplishment has been since serving the Pathfinder Society?

Looking briefly at his Venture-Captain, Fung speaks solemnly, My greatest accomplishment was returning Lady Amara Li's family jade katana to her and thereby restoring her family's honor.

Since I am running a pregen, I will tell of a tale from the character I plan on applying this scenario credit to...

"I don't know how great it is compared to the other, but on a mission to the Mangi expanse, my essence was trenasported into a giant iron guardian, which allowed me to best a gigantic charucha however you spell the monkey humanoids , keeping the outpost the Pathfinders had established safe from harm.

Those all sound quite honorable. Though I am unsure whether that is the man or organization. What are the rewards for honorable service within the Society.

Thanks for the challenge! My personal Knowledge (Golarion Religion) check was a bit low, so I had to take ten.

I have had the opportunity to serve with the Grand Lodge several times. Most recently I had the chance to help prevent an invasion of Absalom by a plague of vile undead.

But I fear I am talking too much. I think we would all love to hear of the exploits of the noble Way of the Kirin.

"Why does honor need to be rewarded?" Valeros asks. "Seems to me it isn't really honor if you're only doing it to be rewarded. We do what we do for many different reasons. The Pathfinders gave me an opportunity to see the world and I've seen a lot of things, and that's what I've always wanted to do, so that's why I do it. I'm a good man. Maybe not a perfect man. The Society has never asked me to do anything against my conscience or my honor." he says.

Lord Tsueno, forgive my rudeness, but an organization is incapable of honor, but it is the leadership, the monk looks first to Amara Li, then to his fellow Pathfinders, and its members that have the honor. Judge us by our honor, for we are representatives of the Pathfinder Society. Know that should you ever need us, we would be more than willing to help.

Fung then takes a deep breath, As for your second question, well, we keep what we earn in the field, and have the backing of the Society and its resources as we should need, based on our standing within the organization, he looks to his new friends, Though, I think that the greatest benefit that the Society gives us are the friends that we make.

As for myself and fellow pathfinders, we are opposed to the Cult of Lissala who are trying to awaken the Runelord of Sloth, They have located the last component they need in an old thassilonian ruin in order to accomplish this feat.

Past dead are honorable ambassador but speaking for myself i'd rather talk about what we want to accomplish for the future. for the generations about to be born in this world.

You were saying that you represented the dragon empire faction. With the good service the Lantern lodge has provided in the inner sea. The kirin is allied to the pathfinders could use is wealth, resources, experience in order to keep the peace in the Empire.

Kyra your question about the Kirin is noted however that PDF is on my lap top and I am currently at my last day of work so that will have to wait till tomorrow.

Amara nods in approval at all the answers given. Iko Tsuneo then continues on his line of questions, You mentioned your field work, and honor is its own reward which I am glad you said, but are you allowed other alliegences while employed as a Pathfinder. To country, to family, or ideal?

I hope you guys are enjoying the bit of role play as much as I am. If not let me know. He only has about 3 topics left to discuss.

I have to hit a conference for most of the day today, so I'm not sure when I'll get to post. If anything goes crazy, feel free to run Ezren as needed. Thanks.

Allowed.. well you are indeed allowed. there are Andoran, Cheliax, Grand Lodge, Lantern Lodge, Osirion, Qadira, Sczarni, Shadow Lodge, Silver Crusade and Taldor. Some promote moral conduct, some other have strong ties to countries, some to family, other to duty of the society and one is dedicated to the protection of fellow pathfinder.

Some pathfinder seek to better themselves, some for glory, other to honor, some for knowledge and some for gold.

But all pathfinders are seekers...

As far as viewing things from the top of the structure, Captain Amarali -Dono head of the Lantern Lodge for the Inner Sea would be more suited to answer your private concern.

"I agree with Mr. Khalida. That info should come from our Venture Captain, rather than us. I would not feel comfortable answering for her."

For the sake of keeping post short i am not reposting the blurb of each factions, but Al suresh does indeed provide a brief overview of each of them.

Fung nods in agreement with Al Suresh and Ezren.

Hmm, I see, well how does the Society treat it's allies. It seems as though that Shadow lodge you mention just seeks to monkey wrench it's operation, and the Szcarni doesn't seem to uphold the ideals of your organization.

Address the question by Kyra earlier and what the Kirin is...
Slightly more than a century ago, the Lung Wa Dynasty collapsed, plunging much of Tian Xia into chaos. During this time, a once-powerful military and trade organization known as the Way of the Kirin also crumbled and disappeared from the public eye. At the height of its power the Way of the Kirin held great wealth and had small private armies defending its interests. A century later, the Way has not entirely vanished, but the organization’s influence has waned to the extent where its very existence is kept secret for the sake of its remaining members. What remains is a shell of its former glory. The few extant members of Way of the Kirin have access to vast stores of wealth, information, and magic, but there are few we would trust to wield these resources.

Today those resources remain however the Kirin serves as a spiritual patron, reminding us about having a good heart and the will to defeat evil, though tempered by it's caution about middling directly in the everyday affairs of others.

I can not speak about the Szcarni as i have never been on any mission with its members. As for the shadow lodge, In 4710 ar, several fringe cells of the underground resistance movement broke off from the main body of the Shadow Lodge, and began a series of open attacks on the Grand Lodge and those loyal to it. The Decemvirate, recognizing that there was a real problem to be addressed, quelled the rebellion by bringing the Shadow Lodge back into the fold, acquiescing to some of their demands, and sending strike forces to hunt down and eliminate remaining cells of radical Shadow Lodge agents. Many remaining Shadow Lodge agents still feel the Decemvirate has further to go to remedy the injustices carried out in the Society's name, though they are glad to be in good standing with the Society once again—even if many also believe they were brought back into the Grand Lodge so the Ten could keep a closer eye on them. But while Shadow Lodge Pathfinders may not like the Decemvirate very much, they nevertheless want the Society to prosper, and do what they must to assist their fellow agents. They are known for their policy about leaving no pathfinder behind. GrandMaster Torch it's head is mostly known to be a great information gatherer.

Fung frowns a bit, I believe that the Shadow Lodge is misunderstood. It seems to have been born out of a mistrust of the leadership, the Decemvirate. The Shadow Lodge believed that sometimes the Decemvirate places the mission importance above that of its members, and they were formed to ensure that the agents of the Society are looked after, protected from blind ambition. In the beginning, some more zealous of the Shadow Lodge actually struck out against the Society, but that was settled almost two years ago, as I have been told.

The monk sighs and continues, after letting it sink in, Now the Szcarni, I am less sure about. I think that possibly the Decemvirate believed that the resourcefulness of the Szcarni would be beneficial, or perhaps, they felt that left unchecked, the Szcarni would significantly worse, I cannot say. I have not dealt much with them, though they seem to exemplify certain ideals, such as family.

As for how the Society treats its allies, I am unsure. I have not dealt with many of them as a lower ranking member, perhaps Lady Amara could lay out what should be expected.

Shadow Lodge is my second favorite faction, so you could see how devastating these turn of events have been on me? :p

You said ambassador that the way was a military and trade organization, but what was their values, objectives, goals and interest?

"I think the Shadow Lodge thing was a philosophical disagreement, but every time I was able to meet Grandmaster Torch, his concern has always been for the safety and wellbeing of the individual Pathfinder. I think all the factions inside the society have their own specialties and benefit the Society as a whole in different ways." Valeros says. "I don't know much about the Sczarni, but I've worked with Sczarni operatives before and while they are secretive, they allow the Society to get into places that might otherwise be closed to us."

As I have elaborated Master Suresh our interest now focus on seeking and defeating evil. As you most assuredly know this is not a cheap venture so our hands are in many pockets. As far as what we were, I ask you not to judge for good or for ill, do you judge a man just released from jail for his past crimes after he has paid his penance? What if that man went to jail for stealing bread to feed his children or killed defending those he loved? Is he perceived different now? For that matter how does the Society and Aspis Consortium differ. From an outsider perspective they might seem quite similiar. It is quite different when viewed from the inside out yes?

Lord Tsueno, I am sure that my friend meant no disrespect. History is a good indicator of a man or an organization, but it is by no means all. What matters in this case are your goals now. Seeking and defeating evil is a noble cause, and one that I support completely. I believe that the Society serves to protect, things of the past, and things of the present. The Aspis Consortium just cares for gain in both the arenas of money and power. Fung Xi seems resolute, yet the smile never wavers...

What distinguishes them from other trade groups is the size of their operations, and their willingness to do whatever is necessary to accomplish their goals. While it is not unknown for merchant groups to sell weapons to both sides in a conflict, the Consortium might take it further and actually have a hand in starting the strife to begin with.

I have been in a few undercover mission against them, and do have the badge and the words to prove what i am about to tell you. The are greatly helping the lissalan cult to reawaken the runelord of Sloth, and in the muwangui expense in Blodcove, a Silver agent used to run the local brothel as a cover for heavy drug trafficking. even going as far as poisoning the son of the expert apothecary in order to force him to work for them. They use every means possible to acquired wealth, power, and ancient knowledge to further the ambitions wealth of its ruling body: The Patron. They initiate strife and war to sell weapons to both sides. The create drought in regions to sell more grains. They kill all that oppose them and so on

Fung looks to Lady Amara for approval to be excused, then turns to Lord Tsueno, Please excuse me Lord Tsueno, I must attend to my duties.

Fung Xi leaves the room quietly and gracefully, once out of view, breaks into a run to the lighthouse, and up the stairs, taking them two or three at a time. Once at the top, he looks for possible trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Fung Xi arrives just in time to see the misty rain blocking direct view of the sunset. Slowly, the sky darkens with the coming night, only to start lightening again, perhaps a sign that the clouds are breaking to the south. A warm, reddish-orange glow brightens the horizon. But instead of fading like a normal sunset, it glows brighter and brighter. The glow isn’t the sunset—it’s coming from the pier.

Heading back down, Fung rushes down the stairs, out the lighthouse, and into the manor. We have company, friends. A ship seems to have landed at the pier. At least I think it is. There is a large light coming from there.

Ambassador Tsueno-sama, Captain Amara Li-dono are we expecting company?

Iko Tsuneo eyes flash with Anger and then as if some realization comes to fruition it becomes a steely determination. {b]That is likely my boat, and my men are likely dead. The Golden League has sought us out. Mistriss Amara, I can summon assistance though it will take quite sometime in order for it to arrive. May I have your assistance.[/b]

Amara agrees and turns to you, My most honorable agents, I urge you to stay behind and defend against the invaders. Buy us as much time as you can but do not place your lives in danger. When you are overwhelmed meet us down in the tunnels

And with that both Amara and Iko head down the secret passage in the fireplace into the lava tubes of the island.

Understood. Fung turns to the others, Let us show them the folly of their ways.

Understood Captain Amara li-dono

Turning toward everyone.

I apologize in advance to everyone should i be abrupt during battle.You all know what to do. Fung-Kun please barr the main gate. Valeros take your Archery post once you have done your armor. Everyone you know the plan.Ezren would you mind helping anyone who needs assistance with their armor?

Once that said he bow to the group. goes into the room where all the equipment is stored and procedes to get battle ready.

Ezren you wouldn't have a flying familiar by any chance? Fun-Kun once you have the enemy in sight, could you provide us with headcount while valeros shoot at them?

Roger that, Mr. Al Suresh! The monk speeds to the main doors, looking out, to see how much time they might have before the assailants cover the two mile distance, then with a small grunt, pushed the solid doors shut, sliding the thick wooden bar into place. Door barred!

Yessir, I will try to gather a headcount, once they get up close and personal.

You are waiting for an hour, for the march of a small army up the path to the lighthouse. The mass of torches lighting up the night sky almost appear to be one large mass of fire, creating a deep feeling of dread for the approaching battle.

Please tell me what you are doing with your time.

Al Suresh, it looks almost like there might be almost a hundred men! It's like the great firey dragon of legend! Fung double checks the traps, and starts setting the ones that have not been set yet.

Ah, so much for a peaceful tea ceremony. I was quite enjoying everyone's epic tales, especially yours, Master Tsuneo. But now it is time to show these cretins what it means to challenge the forces of light! When they are almost upon us, I will summon some flying creatures to aid us. Perhaps bats, considering the coming night.

With a brief pang, Kyra takes a moment to remove her kimono, leaving only her shining armor and battle gear.

"Alas, I do not have a familiar. I do have a scroll of fly that I can use, and I also have a bottle of oil that will make a weapon magical for a short period of time, if someone needs that.

After preparations are made, he pulls his wand of magic missles and heads to the top of the lighthouse with the archers. "I can Harry their approach with my wand. It's not super powerful, but I can hit one of them every six seconds or so."

Please do so then ezren.

After armor is one etc. Al Suresh will double check all the preparations that were made. and put all available furniture against the main door of the manor.

"Alright, Ezren, old buddy. Let's make them think twice about visiting this lovely seaside resort." Valeros says with a grin, his demeanor much more like himself now that it appears that violence might ensue.

Valeros rushes up the lighthouse stairs to the top where he readies his bow and peers out at the approaching enemies, waiting for them to present targets for him to fire at.