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Glastor waits until Kitarlo stops speaking, the strain of which is obvious as he bounces with his hand held high. Once given the chance, he asks, "So, Kitarlo. I know that we are going to Heaven. I have heard, though, that while Heaven is the place for goodness and law and all things holy and that everything is beautiful white marble and goodness and gold and pretty and shiny and bright." Glastor takes in a large breath before continuing, "But... I have also heard that all that goodness can soak into a person and overwhelm them and that it is not a good place for mortals because they can get so filled up with Goodness that they can literally explode and that sometimes maybe if you have just the tiniest bit of nastiness or evil or badness or darkness that the Goodness will just purge that and if it was in a delicate place you might be destroyed?"
Now panting, but obviously concerned, he finally asks, "How are we going to survive in Heaven?" He tries not to glance over at Corrin, but fails.
Kitarlo chuckles, "We'll all be alright. Sure you might feel some latent positive affects of having been there for a short period after leaving, but I can assure you that no one will explode. As long as we obey the rules and stay where we belong, since we are not ourselves evil, we will not be punished or harmed in any way."
Heaven is home to a number of gods and other divine beings. Each is sovereign within their own realm, and each of these realms may bear little to no resemblance to the general structure of the plane surrounding it. Heaven is also the home of the archons, who serve as its administrators, guards, and soldiers. They are born either from the souls of righteous petitioners, or are formed from the very substance of Heaven itself. Heaven is also filled with countless species of angels and other lawful celestials. Even though Heaven is a place of goodness and light, it is also one of strong laws. All living visitors that are not of adequate moral standing are, therefore, met at Heaven's borders by archons who oversee their movement throughout the plane. Most are then led to Heaven's Shore, sometimes called "Heathen Shore", where visitors to the plane are allowed to trade and speak with Heaven's residents.
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Loving the selection at the Grand Lodge, Glastor spends the afternoon shopping. He ends up with a shiny new breastplate (MW), selling his old, ratty scale mail.
He considers getting a new starknife, as he eyes one made of mithral, but decides against it. He knows that he is saving up for more important things.
Like an enlarge wings spell.
"I don't see why it should take too long, a few days at most sounds right." Kitarlo assures Fez.
After everyone has finished their preparations and returns at dusk, Kitarlo asks you to clasp hands in a circle.
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.”
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Glastor grabs Valais's hand... not caring which one it is. For once, the talkative gnome is completely quiet, contemplating what he is seeing. He strains to see over the "waist high" grain, given his small stature, his tiny dragonfly wings flapping as fast as he can make them move.
He looks up at Valais, and just smiles.
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Fez returns with his ill gotten gains at dusk like instructed.
Scroll of Align Weapon
Oil of Protection from Good
With the flash of light Fez wrinkles his nose and waits for what he assumes will be the feelings of vertigo. Just like every teleportation. When it doesn't come he opens his eyes. Unfortunately he can't see much because of the tall grass in the way.
"Um, are we here? What's terrible to behold? All I can see is that this place needs a gardener."
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As he materializes, Grippli is surprised by the tall grass. Swinging his staff in a futile attempt to see just where he is, Grippli nods to Pig as they start walking towards Lya. Positive the Woman with the Pretty Voice will not mind, Grippli climbs up her back carrying Pig under one arm.
"Quit squirming, Pig; you are making this difficult. We must see what Valais described."
The baying of hounds fills the air, growing from the distance and approaching.
In less than a minute's time you are all encircled by golden-haired wolves. A dark-skinned man with the head of a hound steps to the front of the pack. His resplendent golden armor gleams with sacred light. “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?”
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"We are here to try and find a cure of my poor friend, Valais, here! Can you help her, or show us to where the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is? We've been told that the answer to her maladies is there. Please don't 'purify' her, just because she has demonic flesh grafted to her body. It wasn't her fault, and she wants to be cleansed in in a way that will allow her to live her life once more, without the ever-present abyssal presence."
The hound headed man clasps his hands behind his back, "That is a noble cause and very likely true, but you can understand that too often a smooth tongued soul has tried to enter this place on the premise of errand alone. I need proof of your intentions beyond merely one who appears in need, proof of your faith. Faith is the one thing I can trust to weed out lies." The hound-man paces a few steps while ranting and continues for a moment while pondering. He swiftly stops and spins on to face you all again. "Each of you, recite or reference for me a piece of a holy text that supports your mission and efforts here. Demonstrate your devotion."
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Lya gathers her thoughts for a moment, and recites her paladin code...
"I see beauty in others. As a rough stone hides a diamond, a drab face may hide the heart of a saint. I am peaceful. I come first with a rose rather than a weapon, and act to prevent conflict before it blossoms.
I never strike first, unless it is the only way to protect the innocent.
I accept surrender if my opponent can be redeemed—and I never assume that they cannot be. All things that live love beauty, and I will show beauty’s answer to them.
I live my life as art. I will choose an art and perfect it. When I have mastered it, I will choose another. The works i leave behind make life richer for those who follow.
I will never destroy a work of art, nor allow one to come to harm, unless greater art arises from its loss. I will only sacrifice art if doing so allows me to save a life, for untold beauty can arise from an awakened soul.
I lead by example, not with my blade. Where my blade passes, a life is cut short, and the world’s potential for beauty is lessened."
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"Blessed is the long road, the destination, the homeward path, and all who make the journey. Let each dream be a bright star in the night sky of your mind, lighting your path in the day." recites Glastor, as he strokes his butterfly (holy symbol) tattoo.
"I am ready for challenges and unexpected friends. My new friend, Valais, is both, and I am ready to bring her some much needed peace. May the blessings of the The Song of the Spheres be upon you, my new friend!
"As they say, your feet were made for walking, so... let's get going!" he finishes, grin reaching from ear to ear.
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"Lies? Grippli is visibly taken aback. After looking down at Lya and seeing her eager nod telling him, "Yes, do what the mofo tells you!", Grippli exhales a long drawn out sigh .
"I do not lie. It is not within my nature to utter a falsehood. Law and chaos are equal parts of the Wheel of Being; both serve the greater Good and I am a disciple of such thoughts. Gozreh is the personification of such an ideal. The wind drives the hurricane of destruction, Grippli cause a minor storm burst to appear away from the group, yet the wind also delivers the rain for all living things to grow. This wheat. Those wolves." Grippli considers casting speak with animals to say "Hello!' but imagines the dog headed creature would not find that appropriate.
"All things have an inner spirit as well. I am the latest in the long line of gripplis and pigs to accept the mantle of Shaman. I negotiate with the spirits and remind them of their Ancient Bargain. I seek council from my Grandfathers and pass that wisdom to those in need." A spectral Grippli and Pig appear next to Grippli and give sage council about the nature of the world.
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Fez lets out a silent inner sigh, What did I say about your mother to deserve this kind of treatment Valsin? I just wanted to go and read a few books, have some fun, find some treasure. But nooo, I 'get to go' to heaven. This Valais isn't worth the time or effort we keep investing in her.
The rat looks right into the eyes of the Kitarlo while addressing dog-man, "Kitarlo, you didn't tell us we were going to need to write an entrance essay when we got here."
Changing his view to the archon he continues, "You want honesty? Here's honesty. I'm here because I was told to be here, and that they needed a researcher. I don't bring faith with me, I bring empirical evidence and science, the currency of my home, Numeria. So could I name a religious text and quote it? Sure, but quoting something just to make you happy would be a lie of my intentions. My devotion is to knowledge, not this one. I think she's a fool's errand." He thumbs his furry thumb back towards Valias.
"If that's not to your liking, I'm stuck on your front porch, so there's not much I can do about it one way or another."
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Arxus glowers at Fez for his ill intentioned words. Then regains his composure and looks peaceably at the hound-headed figure.
"I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless — my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died."
The quoting of scripture and vows starts off smoothly. The hound-man nods with understanding to Corrin, smiles and bows to Lya, replies to Glastor "Thank you, wise words," and to Grippli "Your demonstration was quite impressive, although I may not agree with your view entirely I do respect it." Then his smug look fades a bit towards a scowl as he eyes Fezier. Kitarlo shrugs oddly with one arm to Fezier's comment and Valias tries to speak up after the Ratfolk, "I believe he is a good soul for taking up this mission, despite if what he speaks offends you. His faith is in the new religion of Science and murder." The last portion grumbling out oddly from her lone remaining demon. Valias clutches her mouth in horror. After Arxus finishes the hound-man thanks him as well and lets out a deep sigh. "I can judge that you all are not dangerous towards the general good-will of heaven, as many of you are quite devout and well spoken, but the Gates have their own protocols as well. I can take you there, but will not be able to aid you further in entry. They will likely interview you each there, thoroughly. Follow me."
The Hound-man guides you through the grain towards the glistening wall of diamond. Once at the gates he hands you off to the guards and clerical workers there. The questioning is exhaustive. The angels and archons repeatedly bring each of you into a room alone to ask questions on your intent and prior history. There is much deliberation on the nature of Valias, and Kitaro does his best to vouch for you all. While time does not feel the same within the eternal light of Heaven, it feels like a few days have passed before you are all given clearance to enter.
The hound-man escorts you through the gates to Heaven’s Shore, leaving you with the warning "Enjoy yourselves and find enlightenment, but are not to leave this district without an archon’s express permission." He then departs from your group back towards the gate.
Around you the 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. An eclectic collection of strange creatures strolls through the district around you. Denizens of Golarion mingle with those from other planets entirely. 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. "Well, that took more effort than I expected. I can take you to my contact if everyone is ready," Kitarlo remarks.
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With all of the new sights to see, as well as all the celestial creatures, Glastor gets a little wild-eyed. He stays near Valais and Lya, pointing out every new angel, agathion, and archon. Heaven is a true wonder to him, even after the grueling interviews that threatened to overcome him with boredom. He would even swear he got a single white hair during the interview process!
"I am sure we are ready, Kitarlo. WAITAMINUTEDIDYOUSEETHAT!?!?!" he exclaims, pointing at a brightly colored coatl as it flies by. His little dragonfly wings start fluttering at full speed, as he focuses on trying to fly, but to no avail. "THISPLACEISSOCOOLICANNOTWAITTOSEEWHATISNEXT!"
Reading your silence and looks of awe as signs of agreement, Kitarlo takes the initiative and begins to lead you through the winding paths of the district to a cozy restaurant called 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 who are quite small, 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. Groups of contented patrons talk quietly amongst themselves, enjoying the restaurant’s hearty looking cuisine.
Guiding you toward one of the patrons, a humanoid raven with golden eyes and flowing white robes, Kitarlo holds out his solitary hand. "Zepha, it's been too long! This is Valias who I had mentioned, and these are the mortals who have been gracious enough to help her with this task." The azata then steps to the side and nods to you all.
Zepha's head twitches to the side to give one of its pure golden eyes a good angle at everyone, "Remarkable! It is a fascinating pleasure to meet you all! Please, have something to eat and tell me of your journeys."
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"Zepha! It is a fascinating pleasure to meet you! I am gettingtomeetsuchinterestingpeopleonthisadventure!!!"
Glastor rushes up to shake the hand of the humanoid raven, trying to discern if it is a tengu, or some sort of celestial being. He takes a big breath before continuing, as if trying to calm himself down. Of course, he fails.
"I am so glad that you asked about my journeys! I have not been a Pathfinder for very long, but I have had some very exciting adventures. My first adventure as a Pathfinder was my Confirmation, where we were led by thisreallyfunhalflingwoman, Janira, to go explore some caves but before we got to the caves we were ambushedbyaminotaurandsheledtheminotauroffandwewentintothecavesandfoundsome muralsandagillmanandwetalkedtohimandlearnedabouthispeopleandthecaveandallso rtsofstuff." He pauses a moment for a breath.
"Well, then we started exploring the caves again, but after we killed some undead gillman that a bad dhampir had animatedbeforetheykilledhimandweregoingtoeathim, we came out of the caves to find Janira, our halfling guide, fighting the Minotaur. Well, she wasn't doing so good, so we immediately went to go help her and we did help her but not before the bad Minotaur almost killed her but by the power of Desna I was able to save her which was a good thing and then we told her about everything that we had seen and she thanked us and thought my notes were very good even though there were lots of doodles of butterflies on them and then we went back to Absalom and I got this really neat wayfinder from Master Shaine for a job well done and I was reallyreallythankful!"
"Then..."
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"Then, a little while longer, I was on a team that got to investigate this really mysterious place called the Fallen Fortress which was an old siege tower where people would base an attack against Absalom a long time ago but this one was in major disrepair which we saw right away and a couple feral dogs attacked us and I said that 'No one dies when I am on a mission' and I healed the dogs and then we made our way up and there were stinky lizards and burning skeletons and stuff and we fought the bad guys and I tried to keep them alive but it was hard because not everyone loves life and joy and adventure as much as I do but I did my best and I met another gnome Pathfinder and his name is Prizm and he has a dancing dodo bird as a friend who says 'Bert' a lot and likes pickles and is really nice, too."
The gnome looks a little woozy after that stream of consciousness, so takes a few moments to recover.
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After a short recovery, where he drinks from the glass that is in front of him, not realizing whether or not it was given to him, or was really Zehpas, he continues.
"Then I got to go on another mission where we helped out some of the faction leaders like Zarta who had an imp in her bedroom. Imps are not very nice, and usually they are not really here, so I called upon the power of Lady Luck and blessed the party so that they could defeat the imp before it could escape and terrorize people and then we rescued a package for 'Uncle Guaril' and talked to a nice old lady running an orphanage and some other stuff before we got ambushed by some bad people and I thought I would have to use my starknife but I didn't but I did heal my friends and the bad guys with butterflies and the power of Desna so that they could adventure again or go to justice for their crimes and I hope that they didn't hang because then they couldn't be made nice I think that halfling with the mustache just needed a friend because he was so mad at everything he just wanted to chop them with his axe..."
Again, the gnome has to take a moment to breath.
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"Then, " the excited gnome continues, "I got sent way up north to Irrisen and the Lands of the Linnorm Kings where we had to bring back some very special people who ended up being goblins who are usually not very nice but I got to adventure with another gnome again who was called 'Pick' because she used a lucern hammer and I don't understand why that was but it seemed to make sense to her and there was a really nice healer who also said no one dies when he is on an adventure and I got to meet some really neat things and there was a nasty little thing in a hut but we took care of that and then we got the goblins all back to the Pathfinder Society safely without any of them dying even though they tried really hard to get themselves killed and at least one ate an alchemist's fire and then farted too hard and almost blew himself up but then he got better because Desna and butterflies!"
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Oh, and then, there was the really creepy adventure where we had to find out who was killing people and spooking people but for the festival I got to carve a pumpkin which I did in the shape of a butterfly and we investigated and found the source of the evil which attacked us with out own pumpkins and it was scary but we survived!"
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"Oh, then, I was able to journey to Tian Xa whcih is a long ways away from Absalom and people speak a different language there which I learned after we came back but there we had to go on an adventure to find pieces of a puzzle and we fought a grumpy panda which was possessed so when we almost killed him I channeled butterflies and freedom and love and Desna's power and healed him and my friends so that he didn't die and after we investigated the place he was guarding I healed him some more and one of my friends said 'Gnomes!' which people say a lot around me for some reason that I don't know but the panda woke up and I tried to talk to him but he was a grumpuss and walked away and I got to learn how to fight like an ogre which means you stomp a lot and yell 'RAWR!' a lot and then we got attacked by folks from another school and stuff and then we played with fireworks and then we got attacked again but that time I couldn't keep everyone from dying and it was sad."
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Grippli nods at the beginning of Glastor's recounting of his entirety of existence. He soon loses interest and turns to the cafe's walls. He runs his hand along the shag wall. His eyebrows raise and fall with a slight smile on his face. Checking in on Glastor, Grippli is heartened the gnome is still going strong. Constitution like an elephant, that one. Hmph.
Growing bored, Grippli and Pig wander over to the short end of the wing. If anyone looks amenable, Grippli will strike up a conversation.
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"and then when I was back I got to go to this place in Varisia that is where the ancient Runelord used to rule and go to a place that one them created to rescue a pathfinder I think and then learn everything there is to know about the place and so I even licked to walls to see how they tasted and we broke the seal and found some goblins which didn't look like the goblins from Irrisen and weren't as nice and we drank some liquid which gave me my wings but gave my friend 'lamprey eyes' which he didn't like so he got them fixed when he got back but I though they were cool and I couldn't fly but I tried to fly and I saved the goblins with the power of Desna and goodness and butterflies because they didn't really know what they were doing and they weren't that bad and besides no one dies when I am on a mission!"
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"And then, I got too meet Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin again, and am getting to work for my faction leader Ollysta Zadrian and I got to meet Grippli and Pig and Lya and Fezier but I didn't really get to talk to his mirror who is really SKAI and seems nice and all but Fezier put him away and also I met Arxus and Corrin who is a halfling that is a wizard in armor and likes Cheliax and I have never met a halfling who likes Cheliax and then I got to meet Valais who has a very sad story and we really really want to make her better and Kitarlo who is an archon I think who also got hurt by the same people and demons who hurt Valais who really only wants to get better and be a Venture-Captain I think and then we came here and we met a hound-person who I think was an archon or something but I don't really know but was nice and brought us to the gate where we were asked a lot of questions and I quoted the scriptures of Desna and then we came here and I met you and told you about my journeys!" Glastor looks pleased by what he has told...
Zepha listens intently to the story of Glastor's life. When the gnome is done the bird headed creature places it's hand on Glastor's arm. "No one has ever taken me quite so literally before, but that is indeed a harrowing tale! I assume all of you have such stories, amazing. This is some group you are affiliated with, Kitarlo. Please, please, eat up. Enjoy yourselves. The Gates of Heaven are never a relaxing ordeal." With a wave of its hand, a server approaches with a large tray holding nine bowls. Placing them on the table you can smell the savory broth holding long thin noodles.
As Grippli walks off he sees quite the eclectic mix of creatures sitting at the tables. Nearby is a table of three inevitables, then next to that an agathion is gesturing wildly in an animated conversation with a angel. Further back behind these is an earth elemental, an aasimar, and an archon, all sipping drinks and reading their own papers while enjoying each other's company with idle chat.
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Fezier sits, completely uncomfortable in his surroundings. He is seen nodding off, and shaking himself awake through the ordeal that is listening to Glastor's past. When the soup arrives he sits looking at the bowl with a sense of nausea building in his stomach.
His mind wanders to his friends back at the lodge, I wonder if they're okay and if the healing is working; Valais did quite a number of them. This had better be worth it. Finishing his thought he whispers under his breath, "SCAI, remind me to question Valsin's motivations next time."
Hearing a break in the constant noise coming from the gnome Fez interjects, "Do you really want to hear something about all of us,
or was that sufficient?"
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Hearing a voice other than Glastor's, Grippli walks back to his friend's table where he sees a bowl of soup waiting for him. Smiling at his good fortune, Grippli sets the bowl on the floor, plopping down next to it. Forgetting to grab his spoon, Grippli casts mage hand to bring one to him. Pig snorts around the bowl a bit before looking at Grippli. Both nod at each other before eating the soup; Grippli with measured spoonfuls while Pig eats with gusto.
Both belch with satisfaction when the bowl is empty.
Zepha shrugs to Fezier with a relaxed smile, "Only if you wish to share, but I can guess that most of you have similarly detailed careers as the illustrious Glastor here." He then begins to oddly slurp his own bowl with his lip-less beak, letting out signs of satisfaction every now and then. Seeing Grippli and Pig taking to the same tactic causes Zepha to chuckle, "It's the best in Heaven in my opinion! Now we should probably get you on your way."
Zepha hands each of you a golden token that resembles an open book. He explains, "Each of these tokens grant a mortal access to the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture for a period of 6 hours. That should be enough time for you task, I hope. I can lead you to the Mountain toward the library now." Picking up a tan bag off a shelf behind him, the bird-headed man hands it to the nearest of you. "Take these treats with you as well. Heaven should be a safe place, but with the level of corruption you're looking to expel nothing can be said to be certain. These Heavenly loaves will repair your mortal shells you if you're in need."
"Always with your snacks and treats, Zepha. Are you where the term peckish came from?" Kitarlo teases.
Zepha good-naturedly shakes his willow staff at the azata as he begins to walk from the table, "Remember your manners you child of chaos!" he taunts back.
The heavenly road winds for hours before eventually topping a hill and 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, your guide holds open the door into the building with a kind smile, “This is where I leave you.”
“Hello!” calls a cheerful voice from inside. An orb of glowing light and spinning wire floats above a stone altar covered with open books. “My name is Akarah,” says the orb. “Please present your token and let me know I can be of assistance!”
The orb flashes excitedly, "Indeed! I have perfect knowledge of the tomes within this wing. It would be my pleasure to direct you to anything you seek."
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"OOOoooOOOOoOO!" exclaims the gnome cleric. "You are so cool looking! That is so neat that they made someone like you the librarian! With your light, you can always read the books!"
"We are here to look for cure for poor Valais, here!" he says as he grabs onto her hand again. "We really need make it so that she can control herself, and maybe restore the demonic grafts to be herself! It is so sad what was happened to her."
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His head pounding from the excessive time in heaven, Fez holds out his token, clearly not sure what to do with it since the creature has no hands to give it to. "What the gnome said." He thinks for a moment and adds, "With perfect knowledge, does that mean you'll just point us to the correct volumes? That has to be pretty handy."
The Akarah silently hovers for a moment, all the while Fezier's and Grippli's tokens levitate and disappear into the archon. "Hmmm interesting. Yes you are in the right place, and absolutely sir I can direct you. Search out these tomes: The Luminous Libram found down aisle 4A-Y, The Slates of Klador in aisle 6L-K, Asaru’s Grimoire of the Planes on the ninth annex, The Tome of Stars and Moons within the condensed astrological directory, Elgar’s Forgotten Compendium in the tall stacks, and Incunabulum of the Ages in the lower reaches sub-basement 2J. They will have what you seek. Everyone else's tokens please! Six hours starts now, feel free to bring the tomes here as well for studying!"
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Glastor hands Aakarah his token. "Well, knowing where to look kinda spoils the fun. But, as you say, we only have 6 hours, so we'd best make it to find those books." He looks at the stacks, and realizes how tall they are. "Archon Akarah... you wouldn't be able to just show us exactly where to look, would you? This is such a huge library, and I am sure that even with your amazing directions," he glances around looking for a map, "It will still be really hard to find everything!"
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"What my excitable friend here is trying to say is, we would most appreciate it if you were to provide us the means by which we may retrieve the books with the least amount of difficulty. As you can see, we are not equipped, nor blessed, with a natural ability to fly. If the books we require are located in such a place, we are unable to retrieve them."
"I wish I could aid you, but I'm afraid I must stay here to receive anyone else who comes to the library. Don't be mistaken though, we have gone to lengths to accommodate visitors as yourselves. When you leave these foyer stacks you'll see there are row boats to aid you in traversing the waters and in addition there is always something to climb on. Also! the aisles I gave you are quite reliable. While the shelves usually reorganize themselves within the aisles, rarely will someone's research require the shelf to relocate across the whole library." The lantern Archon scoffs at that. "No no, you should be alright. Six of you, six books, six hours... oh, oh dear. No, that is an uncomfortable coincidence... Let's forget about that, shall we? Yes! I'm sure you'll do fine."