GM Bugman's #9-06 The Shores of Heaven (Inactive)

Game Master McBugman

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1-5.

The Pathfinder Valais Durant has lead 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.

Contents in The Shores of Heaven also contribute directly to the ongoing storyline of the Silver Crusade faction.

Written by Cole Kronewitter.

A familiar sight is found on the street corner outside the Grand Lodge. A street performer, wearing ornate parade armor dedicated to Shelyn... 2 large feathers waving in her hair.

The crowd is enthralled in her performance. A thrilling parable about the vanquishing of an undead lich by a brave warrior who pities the creature, even while ending its existance.

perform (oratory): 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (16) + 37 = 53

Her story concludes with a segway into Shelyn's relationship with her lost brother, and her hope to restore him to his true self.

In the crowd surrounding, a gnome cleric of Desna listens to the story told by Lya. A rarity for gnomes, much less himself, he doesn't babble or bounce. A tear comes to his eye as she speaks of the fall of Zon-Kuthon, and her patron's hopes of his restoration.

As she finishes her oration, he rushes forward, tackling her in a heartfelt hug. "That was beautiful!" he cries out, tears streaming from his eyes. "Their story is truly sad, is it not? One day she will return Dou-Bral to his place with her. I know it... it cannot be any other way, can it?"

Holding the hug for perhaps several moments too long, the gnome backs off and dusts himself off. He holds out his hand, saying, "Glastor Glitterhoff III. Priest of Desna!"

With that pronunciation, a flurry of butterflies surrounds the two!

"I've just been summoned to the Grand Lodge myself, for a new mission!" he says, showing off his wayfinder. "I love going on missions! So many things to see, and to learn!"

He pulls down his collar a bit to show of a tiny pair of dragonfly wings growing out of his neck. "On my last mission, I got to experience all sorts of interesting things. I got to try some ancient Thassalonian magics, as well, which gave me this BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL wings, though I just cannot seem to get them to let me fly!" At this, his face strains, and the tiny wings flap at a prodigious rate, but no lift is created. "See, they just don't quite work yes! But I'll keep trying! I know I'll get it some day!"

A grippli and a pig amble down the path towards Skyreach. The grippli's eyes grow wide with excitement when he sees a cloud of butterflies erupt from a small crowd.

"Whoooooa, Pig. Did you see that? Butterflies! Come, Pig. We must investigate this further."

The pair resume their slow walk. A grin stretches the grippli's face while the pig snorts a happy tune. "You are getting better, Pig. The time you have spent with the bards of the Society is paying off!" The pig gives a sharp grunt towards the grippli, before grumbling and pitching to and fro.

"Oh, Pig! You know I jest. What? Really. Must it come to that? sigh Fine." Pig emits a satisfied snort.

"I wonder what matter in the corporeal world the Society needs us, Pig. They know our talents lie within the spirit realms. I do so hope we one day get to realize our potential."

The grippli and pig continue on, forgetting all about the butterflies.

A stout halfling gasps in the practice yard of the Grand Lodge, running laps in shiny, new mithril. Occasionally he lets out a grunt and flings his bastard sword through the air, chuckling as it ricochets off of a practice dummy and flies back into his hand.

As he comes around for another lap, he lowers the visor on his iron helm and takes his sword in both hands, shouting loud in Infernal as he charges as a larger dummy, leaping into the air to strike it.

"TAKE THAT STUPID MOONBEAST! AHHHHHHHHH!"

Lya smiles at the Gnome in a slightly uncomfortable way. She pats his back lightly "There are many lessons in the old tales."

She cheerfully shakes his hand at her introduction. "Lya, Paladin of Shelyn. I too have a new mission up coming. Perhaps we have a chance to travel together."

A young ratfolk dressed in a leather coat ornamented in pouches, baubles, and various holsters walks past the street corner clearly engrossed in conversation with what looks to be a mirror, "No, I'm not sure why we'd be summoned. Yes, I'm sure it's quite exciting."

He stops for a moment as a sword flies past him and into a target dummy. As soon as it strikes and returns to the hand of the Halfling throwing it he continues on.

"You have all the available data, it's not my fault if you can't calculate a probably reason. No, why do you think that Moonbeasts are involved? Clear that from your available covariates, I have no idea where you get some of these ideas. Fine, you 'calculate', I'm going to enjoy my walk."

He stuffs the mirror into a side pouch and looks around at the excitement about him breathing deeply. I wonder where they'll send me this time, he thinks to himself.

Bubbling almost out of control, Glastor vigorously shakes Lya's hand. "Glad to meet you, yes indeed! Aasimar? Haven't had the chance to adventure with an aasimar before. No, that is something new for me! That would be splendorous!" babbles the gnome.

"You going to in to the Grand Lodge now? We can walk together. IreallylikeyourstoriesIhopethatIcanhearmoreofthemsoon!"

Fez enters the spacious office and finds a place to sit on the floor near the door. He pulls out his mirror again and starts fiddling with the image. He lets out a huge sigh and quietly mutters, "I told you to clear Moonbeasts out of the variables, what kind of assumptions are you working off of?!".

His shoulders slump as he begins fiddling harder with the mirror, "No, I don't think we're going to Leng - they'd never send us somewhere like that. It's that stupid Moonbeast in your algorithm again isn't it?" He smacks the side of the mirror hard twice. "What do you mean ouch? We both are fully aware that you can't feel pain."

With that he quietly waits for everybody to arrive, occasionally messing with something in the mirror, and occasionally staring off into space.

Grippli lets out a mighty yawn, scratching his ribs after. Small grunts accompany Pig's vigorous stretching. Both finish with a satisfied, "Ahhhhhh."

"Acorn, Pig? Good boy"

Pig crunches the proffered nut while Grippli scratches Pig's head.

"Pig, do you remember to what room we were summoned? That one? No? What about- No? Well, let us walk the halls until Grandfather shows us the portal of our desire."

The two strange little creatures wander the halls of Skyreach, peeking in various rooms, often shooed away. The gentle tap of a quarterstaff on polished stone breaking the silence.

Passing an open door, Grippli spies a ratfolk abusing a mirror. Pondering what this could mean, Grippli pauses. "Say, what has that mirror done to you to receive such abuse? Come, Pig. Let us talk with this ratfolk. Hello. I am Grippli. This is Pig. With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking?"

A tall and meticulously groomed man and a heavily armored woman make their way through the crowd outside of the Grand Lodge. They can easily be recognized as Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin and the Silver Crusade faction leader Ollysta Zadrian.

"Move along now! There's enough work to bury us all and if you're lacking I can scrounge up something strenuous an filthy. Those who have been summoned please report to your officers accordingly, otherwise get on with your days." Ambrus calls out to the crowd in an effort to disperse it from his path.

"You two, with me. You as well, inside to my office." With broad gestures the Venture-Captian singles out Lya, Glastor, and Corrin.

Leading you all through the lodge to his office, Ambrus nods to Fezier and Grippli who have already made their way in. "Greetings, Pathfinders. Please have a seat, one more should be joining us in a moment," he says, beckoning towards the chairs before his desk as he checks a timepiece. Ollysta Zadrian moves to lean against a bookshelf behind him, remaining silent and watching you all with a cool, stern expression.

Grippli walks over and starts lightly tapping Ollysta's armor.

The rat looks up with a toothy grin, "The name is Fez. Well really it's Fezier, but everybody just calls me Fez." He stands up.

"And this...this is my friend SCAI. It's not a mirror, it's a..." He looks the Grippli up and down before realizing that there's no way to describe things adquately, "...well I don't want to get too technical with you. It's a..." The Grippli can see the gears turning in the rat's head, "...a...it's haunted. Yeah, haunted." Fezier nods knowingly with a sly smile as if he's in on some kind of inside joke.

The screen quickly flashes the message, I'm not haunted you dolt. This causes Fezier to quickly pocket the mirror in a bandoleer.

When Ambrus and the rest of the crew walk in the ratfolk speaks once more, "Welcome friends. I am Fezier. You can call me Fez. Say...anybody know where we're going? I sure hope it's the Red Redoubt again."

A buzzing can be heard from a bandoleer pocket which prompts the rat to become flustered. Looking inside he whispers, "No, I said there are not Moonbeasts and we're not heading to Leng. I quite honestly have no clue where you got that idea."

Ollysta harmlessly smacks Grippli's hand away from her armor, "Lodge manners please, not swamp manners. Are you looking for something?"

The Venture-Captain sets down the timepiece and begins working his way through a stack of papers. "You are headed somewhere quite to the contrary of Leng, but I wish to not repeat myself. Familiarize yourselves for a moment as you wait."

"Am I looking for something? Yes. Yes, I am. Grace. Which must be too much to ask from you."

Grippli ignores what ever Ollysta does or says as he walks over to sit on a rug.

Lya gracefully follows the group, chatting with the small cleric.

She sits quietly waiting for the briefing to begin.

"See, I told you - no Moonbeasts."

The ratfolk smiles and Lya and Glastor and waits for the remaining adventurer to arrive.

Glastor bounces into the office, saying "Yes, sir, Mr. Venture-Captain, sir!". He unsuccessfully suppresses a giggle. He salures Ambrus Valsin, and takes a seat.

However, he remains in that seat only a moment. "Madam Zadrian, it is good to be serving the Silver Crusade again! What wonderful places do we get to go this time? Just recently I got to go to this really fun place where all these fleshwarped goblins were! Sadly, we had to kill some of them, but we saved some Pathfinders! And I got wings!"

He then notices Fezier's mirror and rushes over. "No, don't put that away, please! I haven't EVER seen a haunted mirror before. Can I see it? Can I talk to it? If it is really haunted, maybe I can exorcise it? I am sure Lya here, being a champion of goodness and all, would be willing to help?"

Glastor then asks... "What's a Moonbeast? Are they from a moon? Which moon are they from? Are they nice and cuddly and fun to play with?"

Fez leaves the mirror in the pouch where he placed it. He lets out a large sigh, "Did I say haunted mirror? I meant I'm just talking to myself again."

A buzzing noise can be heard from the pocket. The buzzing is ignored as Fez speaks over the top of it.

"So Mooonbeasts. They're from Leng, which isn't really a moon. I'm not sure I'd want to play with one though. I still don't know why she'd think it important to bring them up now. Weird."

"Who is she? Is that SCAI? WhatisthatbuzzinginyourpocketwhatisgoingwrongwhyhowcanIhelpcanIseeitnow?"

Stomping into the room, sweating in his armor, Corrin forgets that inside voices are a thing, his raspy voice ringing out.

"Moonbeasts are nothing to worry about. Took one out easy enough." Stopping with his hands on his hips, he surveys the room. "You all look... adequate, if another one of them shows up."

Looking over the desk to Ambrus, Corrin sighs, then looks to Zadrian.
"Hey! Nice armor!" he shouts, tapping a gauntlet against his own breastplate.

"She is nobody."

As if on cue Corrin bursts into the room. "Why look here, here's our new friend. Maybe he can tell you about Moonbeasts."

Fez finds another corner in which to hide.

In walks a man with red skin, and two small horns protruding from his temples. He is wearing glistening full plate, with a bright sword patterned on the front. He holds a helmet under one arm, a large sword hangs from his hip, and a large metal shield painted with the same design as his armor covers his back.

"Apologies for my late arrival. Lady Zadrian, I was under the impression we were meeting in your office, and it appears I was mistaken."

He turns to look at the rest of the group that is assembled, and gives a knowing nod to Grippli and Pig.

"For those of you that I have not had the pleasure of working with before: I am Arxus. Paladin of Iomedae. I will do my very best to bring you all back alive."

Zadrain smiles at Glastor's warm Gnome-ness, "Oh, somewhere you won't believe." She says with a grin. "I was pleased to see you assigned to this Glastor, another of our number will be joining you as well. You both have my full trust that this greater good can be carried out. We have a unique opportunity to show the extent of what the Society can achieve." As Arxus enters, Zadrain nods, "It is quite alright Arxus, I believe we were just going to begin."

At that Valsin looks up and scans the room. He promptly puts down the paperwork and begins to address you all. "Very good, let us begin. 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. 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. 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.

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, but it seems like you'll indeed find that grace after all Grippli." Zadrain finishes with a smirk.

"One final thing," Ambrus chimes in, "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."

Lya stands in awe at the announcement of going to heaven.

"you need not worry about evil acts from me. "

After Ambrus' big reveal, Fez stands with a dumbfounded look - his arms at his side and his jaw agape. Quickly regaining his composure, he mutters quietly, "Leng might have been better," before following up in a clear voice and a cheerful smile, ”I suppose, Brigh willing, an opportunity to research in the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture would make me the envy of everybody else in Numeria, or at least in my book club.”

After a moment thinking Fez continues, ”Now I consider myself a smart rat, but I’m always worried about those that consider themselves so far above me they’re going to judge every little thing I do, so could you be more specific on this whole, ‘no evil’ thing? Are we talking like, ‘hey Fez, if you make one little lie, you’ll live an eternity of torment’, or more of a ‘Murder is bad, here’s a lake of fire if you choose to go down that path’? Asking for a friend.” He casually, and quietly points at the Halfling across his chest, ensuring that Corrin doesn’t see it while mouthing, ”Cuz we all know where this stagecoach is headed.’

After the cheerful entrance into the conversation a scowl fills his ratlike features, ”But I want to be clear here. It sounds to me like we have a loaded cannon with no way to control where it’s pointed, the length of its fuse, or even whether or not we decide to load it. This doesn’t seem like a really good idea, so what are you providing us to ensure it doesn’t go off…um…accidentally?”

Arxus has a troubled expression on his face as he recalls his tumultuous youth growing up in Mendev, with obvious fiendish heritage, fighting every day to join and train with the paladins of Iomedae, to rid the land of demons. His expression hardens with determination and resolve as he speaks.

"You need not fear any evil acts from me. I sympathize with Valais', fighting against a demonic influence over your soul, and the drive to cleanse yourself and strive to do good. This is a most worthy cause. The eradication of demons and their influence has always been my solemn oath."

"Also, to help ensure that Valais' mind remains her own: do we know if Protection from Evil or Protection from Chaos appear to have any effect on her demonic influence? I would like to avoid, or quickly and nonviolently reconcile, any outbursts or loss of control that could occur."

"HA!" Corrin laughs, shaking his head. "Angels and Archons? That'll be easy. I'll keep everyone on the straight and narrow!"

"So what's the big deal with this library? We've got plenty of those. Should we be bringing some of these books back with us, if we don't have them already?"

Ambrus nods knowingly to Lya, "I was pleased to see you were back in Absalom as I picked agents for this, you were an obvious choice. Furthermore, it will be quite the opportunity to experience part of your heritage."

Turning to Fez's question, "I would expect them to be strict, but that some small and honest digressions may pass with only a scolding and warning. I can't say for certain, though Kitarlo as a native of the realm would be able to answer that for you much more thoroughly."

Zadrian starts shaking her head before Arxus can finish, "We've had no luck steaming the outbursts other than killing the kalavakus demon. Such protection spells cause some determent to her as she is bound to the creature, but the mutterings and recent instances of control appear to remain unchecked. I'm afraid Valais Durant is one of the biggest threats to her own salvation, something philosophers would say about us all I suppose."

"The library is one of the greatest libraries in all the planes, holding many unique tombs that exist nowhere else. I would not steal from this place, nor is it your mission to retrieve this information for our own knowledge. But, in the rare event that Heaven offers something, the Pathfinder Society will welcome the gift and knowledge with open arms." Ambrus Valsin then clears his throat as he starts again with objects on his desk. "Since we don't know when Valais will lash out again, it'd be best to not wait around. As I said, her and Kitarlo have much more knowledge on her state and the nature of Heaven. They wait in a secluded room behind my office and to the left." With that he removes a book and opens a hidden door within his bookshelf. "We believe in you, Pathfinders, make right what has for so long been wrong."

Through the passageway and to the left, there sits a one-armed humanoid-shaped celestial creature with bronze skin and is adorned in rune-covered robes. Next to him sits a frail and hideous horned being. One part human female and two parts demon, the stitched together blue and red skin has an odd lumpy muscle mass. She sulks from what can be assumed is physical pain and emotional exhaustion.

"Don't know when Valais will lash out again my furry ass, Fezier whispers only just loudly enough for himself and his colleagues to hear. "I can tell you exactly when it will happen - while she's under our care, that's when."

He quietly rolls his eyes before continuing to address Valsin, "Yes sir. You can count on me!"

After walking into the back room and seeing the hideous monstrosity before him Fezir thinks to himself, There's no way I'm letting her stab me in the back. I'll just put the Halfling between her and me at all times.

Turning to his colleagues he speaks quietly while glancing at the trio of holy symbols on Lya, Arxus, and Glastor, "Valsin seems to think you two know what you're doing - so I respect that. I can even see why the gnome was a good pick. You guys know your way around heaven or something?"

He looks at Corrin and Grippli, I'm guessing the rest of us have some other skills? I have to admit being more at home with Numerian technology and what comes out of Alkenstar than knowing my way around angels, azatas, and whenever else passes for good aligned outsiders these days. My research paper on Occult studies in Numerian practices was well received though, so I suspect Valsin read it and thinks my research skills suitable enough." He lets out a long sigh, "Cuz I sure ain't breaking us into anywhere."

Corrin scoffs, then begins enunciating slowly - his rough voice coming out in sing-song tones.

"Ego pol illum non nosti adoremus saltem duos deos bonum legitimam carnis copulam, est etiam in plures linguas ego et plures alii laminae peregrinatione bene versati."

Grippli stares at Corrin with a confused look on his face. A quick look at Pig followed by shrugging his shoulders, Grippli addresses Fez.

"Knowledge, did you say? I know my way around the healing arts. I have some minor abilities when it comes to convincing the spirits in magic items to work for me. But mostly I talk to the spirits in the world to remind them of their ancient agreement."

"Arxus, it is good to see you again, my friend. I find your style of paladin much more agreeable than the human woman from the meeting. What did Grippli and Pig do to her? No matter, I will endeavor to discover what makes her so mean and irritable then strive to help her overcome such misgivings."

Grippli waves his small hand at Pig, beckoning him forward. Together the small pair approach the one-armed humanoid-shaped celestial creature with bronze skin and the frail and hideous horned being.

With closed eyes, Grippli's hand extends towards Valais. Faint whispers of hazy gripplis and pigs float through the air. most attempt to comfort Valais. The air is thick and heavy with sadness.

"My child, the pain within you is obvious to these ones. Believe when these ones says they would take upon themselves your pain and agony as well as gladly end their time on Golarion to join the Celestial Choir to cure you of your affliction. These ones will allow no harm to come to you while you are in these one's care."

First
The almost-always happy gnome looks saddened by the tale of Valais. "Venture-Captain," he says, as he stands to attention, "we have to free this poor soul, and I will do everything that I can to help her."

In the hidden office
Glastor first notices the azata, but quickly catches sight of Valais. He runs over to her, and with a look of pain in his eyes, "How you must be suffering, my dear. Who would do such a thing to you? Is there anything that I can do to help you?"

heal check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
kn:planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

As Grippli and Glastor approach the two by the fireplace, they're both able to turn and notice the group coming down the passage.
Valais' Image has been added to the second slide in the "Shores of Heaven" link

Valais' single human eye partially wells up with a tear, immediately showing what this aid means to her, while in contrast her other pale white demon eye glares out in contempt. Grippli can immediately see that her very soul is thoroughly stained by the black ink of the infused demons. "Thank you," she replies to Grippli and Glastor. "Thank you all." She takes a moment to compose herself.

"My name is Kitarlo." the raelis azata says in a strong and optimistic voice as he extends his only hand towards whoever is next coming down the passage. Where the other arm had been is now a shoulder covered in scars and an empty socket.

"Excuse me. That this is actually happening is still kind of a shock." Valais continues, "What I am now was the work of Thurl, a venture-captain and demonologist most cunning and vile. He was corrupted by his knowledge of demon lore and turned to terrible and secret experiments that twisted flesh and bone. His machinations still plague the world today." She finishes and holds clawed hand up to her mouth, unsure how the six of you will react. While she spoke a second tone could be heard sometimes taking over. Her voice changed to a hissing rasp, speaking words like vile and terrible with the sound of sadistic glee.

Tears come to Glastor's eyes. "I am so sorry that this has happened to you. We will do everything we can to help you."

A spark comes to Glastor's eye... one that has probably never been seen in the Grand Lodge. "Has this villain, Thurl, been taken care of? If not, I swear, I will do what I can to make him go away. Permanently." His hands are gripped tightly into fists, anger seething through his small form.

He turns to Kitarlo, "Did that villain do this to you, as well? Would that I could regenerate your arm, but my healing powers are not so strong, yet. Yet."

Fez shakes his head slightly and holds his fingers against the bridge of his nose. If you're done asking her to dinner Glastor, maybe we can learn a little more about what's expected out of this trip."

He abruptly turns to Kitarlo, "Valsin said something about getting us into the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture? What do you epect us to do there. More interestingly I'd be interested to know more about what kinds of dangers we should expect, and specifically how we can guarantee that we don't fall victim to them." The last statement is punctuated by a stare towards Valais.

Lya smiles as she shakes Kitarlo's hand. "Lya. Pleasure to meet you."

At Valais's description, Lya holds her hand to her mouth for a moment. "Such dastardly deeds are terrible indeed. You have been very strong to bravely continue on as you have thus far. It would be a pleasure to help free your mind and soul from this torment."

kn:planes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Glastor glares back at Fez, grumbling to himself... again something that has never been seen in the Grand Lodge. "I was asking questions, you inconsiderate... rat."

He takes a deep breath. "From what I understand, most of us will have little difficulty in Heaven. Most. Of. Us."

Glastor starts calculating the over/under on how long it will take Fezier to be 'purified'.

Corrin follows the others into the room, looking over the two extraplanar creatures waiting for them. He raises an eyebrow at the Azata.

"Et requiem tibi dabit nobis? Non habent facultatem ad praestare magica? Ad hanc bibliothecam venis?"

He turns to the rest of his group.
"Do we need any supplies to perform the ritual? Any of you kitted out?" he holds up his spell component pouch, waving it at Lya "You holy types like gems usually, don't you? Diamonds and rubies? Sapphires?"

"I have my meditation crystals and my full strength once more. I do not have need of gemstones for the spells granted me by Shelyn. And though i carry the favored weapon of my goddess, I will not use it on a living creature capable of being saved."

Corrin's eyeroll is audible as he turns to Glastor.

"Please tell me you've hit someone with that silly knife at least?"

"Some one like this Thurl, Lya?" asks Glastor.

'Don't let the ratman bother you, Glastor. He is an ass, and doing it on purpose. Remember, Butterflies! Suddenly the room is filled with little dancing butterflies, as Glastor remembers who he is.

Sheepishly, he puts away the starknife. "Corrin, I have never had to strike anyone with my starknife. It is a symbol of the Goddess of Fortune. It is my luck that I have not had to strike anyone. When I say, 'Nobody dies when I am on a mission,' that does not just mean my team mates."

At this Glastor suddenly looks very sad for a moment. "Well, I mean... I tried. I really did. I couldn't put that bandit's head back on after our fighter removed it with his greatsword. I am so sorry that it happened. He could have been redeemed, just like the ornery panda."

Suddently, an idea spru1ng into Glastor's head. "I know! Fezier, I am going to call you 'Panda' now! 'Cause you remind me of the panda I saved! All ornery and nasty just 'cause you are."

He looks at Corrin, and just shakes his head.

Corrin shakes his head at the mention of the weapon, but finds himself come around as the gnome finishes.

"I agree, redeem those that you can. Return those that have escaped. You can't become a useful member of society if you're dead!" Corrin nods to himself, finding some form of merit in the gnome... for now.

Arxus moves along with the group, and watches quietly, obviously preferring action to words.

When Kitarlo offers his hand, Arxus grasps it with firm respect and replies, "Arxus."

He then gives Valais a knowing and sympathetic look as he approaches her and places one armored gauntlet on her shoulder. And turns to stand proudly by her side.

"My goddess requires me to accept an enemy's surrender, but in war it is usually necessary to slay the enemy to protect what is worth saving. Valais, I will stand by you in this worthy endeavor."

Fez stays business as usual, clearly more interested in the mechanics behind the mission than worrying about whether or not Glastor is going to get any from the demon lady tonight. When the conversation turns to the peacenicks he becomes a little agitated, "Wait, I want to get this straight, you two won't even defend yourselves if a your life depended on it? You wouldn't even save a helpless child from a murderous Orc other than to kiss its boo-boos? That's just cold."

When Glastor turns it personal though he gets demonstrably angry speaking loudly enough to ensure Valais can hear him, "You don't need to like me Gnome you just need to do a job, just like I do. But for being a turn-the-other-cheek priest, you sure are an ass yourself. Name calling? What are you, two? Am I the only one concerned for our safety hauling around this magical bomb that's already, ALREADY MIND YOU, not only put two other teams of Pathfinders at risk, but has recently attempted to murder a number of our friends? In fact, one was my friend that got attacked and hurt you absolute...total...complete jerk."

Visibly shaking now he turns to the rest while pointing at Valais, "I have a job to do here, and I plan on doing it well. That job does not require I become friendly with the demonic two-thirds of this woman. It requires every one of us to do the right thing at the right time. If successful maybe we won't have to worry anymore, but until then, I for one am going to make sure we don't have another 'accident' on our hands. We going to have a problem with that?"

When Arxus finishes with his comment Fezir sighs, "At least Arxus here realizes the pragmatic approach."

Breathing heavily and trying to calm down Fezier straightens himself and breathes deeply, "Do we have some time to purchase critical gear before heading out? I'm not about to get caught with my pants down. I suggest we all purchase some oils of align weapon, maybe potions of both protection from evil and good, and most certainly cold iron if you don't already have it. Can anybody else think of critical gear to prevent either an Archon or Demon ambush?"

Fezier recovers a rather rough looking pistol from one of his holsters and begins disassembling a previously broken barrel. He pulls out what looks like half a trumpet, two metal rods, a strip of cloth, and a length of heavy cord. He then begins wrapping the cone in place on the bullet disposal end of the barrel.

Gun Scavenger - Change it out to provide this gun the "scatter" property. Costs one grit.

"Fezier, I believe we have a misunderstanding. I will do all within my power to both protect Valais, as well as those she may attempt to harm; including you. It is my wish, along with my ancestors, that we deliver her to the library, do what we must, and leave with no one coming to blows. Am I being clear, or do I need to explain myself further?"

Valais nods to Glastor's question, "Thurl is gone, the Pathfinders who rescued me dispatched him."

Kitarlo kind of shrugs to Glastor, or the best he can with one arm. "Not entirely, the kalavakus demon that Thurl used to augment Valais tore off my arm and grafted it to his own body in retaliation to his master. I appreciate your concern, but don't worry for me. I'm at peace with myself. My body was blemished but I have healed and my energy is untainted. I will seek to heal myself further once Valais is restored."

"Yes, our mission, the Library. For eons, the archons have collected tomes from the deepest oceans to the highest peaks and gathered them all inside the library. It is said to hold a cure for everything. Kitarlo knows of a ritual held there that can heal me. What I expect is for us to gain entry into Heaven with Kitarlo's aid, and then find this ritual and perform it. Beyond that though, I know of little else. I wouldn't expect any harm to come to us in Heaven, other than being kicked out if we do not act well." Valais says with Kitarlo's agreement. The tall azata then takes Lya's hand, "Thank you, Lay of Grace. Having one of Angel blood will help us greatly in these venture. I don't suspect us to have trouble in Heaven, but they are suspicious and as some may put, judgmental, at times. An Aasimar among us may put the citizens to ease."

Kitarlo switches to his native tongue with Corrin, "Firmabo super te, et librum Ritualem deferat. Et fuerunt ibi usque in bibliotheca contactus, qui potest et adiuvare nos."

Kitarlo takes Arxus' firm handshake and Valais thanks him for his understanding as the lot of you fall into conversations among yourselves. After a few moments Kitarlo looks to Valais and she smiles an odd demon toothed grin, "What can I say? Pathfinders. They'll get the job done, they always do. When it counts they'll work well as a team." Kitarlo nods, "Many differing philosophies help a group achieve what is truely right in the end." Then speaking to all, "You have the rest of today to prepare and do what you need. Meet us here at dusk and I will plane shift us to Heaven."