GM Ladile's TL;DR: A Pathfinder Society Campaign

Game Master Lady Ladile

Zepha listens intently to Zithembe's report, as well as anything that the rest of you might choose to add.

"Clearly, this situation was - and still is, in some respects - more dangerous than I had feared," the archon remarks as he considers all that you have told him. "It most certainly warrants further investigation...yes, yes it does."

But to your surprise, Zepha smiles again with a twinkle in his eye. "But that is a matter that my contacts elsewhere can handle. You have done enough - no, more than enough - and deserve a respite. I suspect that if you return to Yiangma, the villagers will look upon you much more favorably than before," he winks.

"And fear not, should there be further developments here in this region that you can assist with then I will be certain to send word to you," Zepha adds. "Not to mention I suspect I will have other occasions to call upon the aid of the Pathfinder Society in the future as well."

Rumble just nods at Zepha's words, still holding on to his little grudge from the first time they met.

On the way back to town, he makes a point to collect any sign of the small Tengu child. He searches the well and through any other bone piles if he has to, searching for anything of note. Can't turn up empty handed... even a pile of bones could give closure to the lad.

Back in town, Rumble is a little stand-offish with the locals, but once he begins fulfilling his promise of drinking and eating at the inn, he quickly warms up to them. By the end of the night, he is leading hymns to Torag, pints in each hand, from atop table.
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Perception?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

No problem, it was a pleasure to help you and the locals! Always interesting to meet new people, see new countries, and kick a few baddies bottoms!

Maria pulls out her notes and adds in a few details about their mission and then heads off to search with Rumble, including checking down the well and attempting to rebuild any skeletons found there.

As they exhaust the search of the temple, even if successful, she takes him by the hole the dead acolyte was tossed to search it and perform a proper burial of him.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Even if your methods are occasionally...a bit reckless...your enthusiasm is noted and appreciated," Zepha replies to Hepsubia, still smiling. "I must return to Hisuikarasu to begin the search for additional leads and information on this 'Storm Prophet' so I am afraid that I will not be able to join you in Yiangma. That said, I am sure that we will meet again. Until then, farewell and may the light guide your paths!"

With that, Zepha steps back into the beam of golden light and vanishes. A moment later the beam itself slowly fades away, leaving you and Mitoko standing alone in the restored shrine.

"How remarkable! I had no idea that you were allies with such a powerful being," Mitoko exclaims. "Does that happen often? In the Pathfinder Society, I mean. You meet beings such as him?"

She quickly shakes her head. "Ah, but we should return to town before the hour gets any later. We can speak on the journey back!"

And so you turn your sights back towards Yiangma - and with an entourage now in tow. Not only do you have Mitoko for company but you also have the two former 'Fists of Hei Feng' as well as the two acolytes that you rescued from the gelatinous cube earlier; all restored thanks to the cleansing power of Zepha's talisman and the ritual that you performed. While still a bit dazed and confused by the whole experience you're able to quickly explain the situation, with Mitoko filling in the details and acting as a sort of 'character witness' for the rest of you. And this explanation gives Rumble plenty of time to scour the well and discover a pretty blue marble that had rolled into a small crack in the well's wall, explaining why it wasn't spotted during the last search.
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Another short post to follow, please stand by~

During the trip back to Yiangma you quickly discover that the cleansing ritual was even more powerful than you'd expected. The blight that affected much of the nearby land is gone and both the foliage and the animals seem to have been fully restored to their natural glory.

Even Yiangma itself is brighter than when you left it. As you all finally stumble back into town you see that nearly every window and corner is brightly lit by lamp and candle. A rather large crowd is gathered once more by the western stairs where you watched the Choosing only hours before, abuzz with excitement. This buzz only grows louder as the crowd spots you, citizens pointing and whispering to each other, their words punctuated by animated gestures. It isn't long before you see a figure break from the crowd and approach you - Mayor Kanbayo.

"You have returned! We saw the light from here, a great beam stretching up and into the heavens! What happened at the shrine?"

"We cleansed the shrine of the taint that had taken hold after the Storm Prophet and his minions had slain the guardians," Zithembe answers the mayor bluntly. "I understand that this is hard to hear, but you had been led astray. I would urge you to try to be more discerning in the future. We will go, if you wish us to, having disobeyed your instructions to stay away from the shrine. However, we could not leave your town in the grip of the darkness we uncovered."

"It is my fault Mayor Kanbayo, I asked them to go with me to the shrine," Mitoko swiftly adds, stepping forward and placing herself between the mayor and the rest of you. "Everything he says is true, but...we had to disobey the rules of the shrine and Yiangma to put things right. If you must punish anyone or send them away, please let it be me and not these good people!"

Mayor Kanbayo's jaw drops and he looks at Mitoko and then Zithembe, aghast.

"Punishment? Send you away?"

He swiftly shakes his head and drops down to one knee before the group of you and the rest of the villagers follow suit.

"we will do no such thing! After the light shone bright from the shrine a cleansing wave washed over the land and over the village," the mayor explains, his words swiftly flowing like water from a spout. "Suddenly, our minds felt the clearest they had been in ages. It was as though we had all awoken from a bad dream. And your words clear away what little fog that remained. No, we will not send you away. Instead, we ask that you stay - as honored guests."

The mayor rises to his feet and spreads his arms wide.

"A feast! A feast in celebration of the ones who have saved us from the Storm Prophet's false words!"

End: Shrine of the Sacred Tempest

There's nothing like a victory feast to banish away the troubles of the world if only for a little while. As the villagers of Yiangma celebrate the liberation of the shrine from the malicious entity known as the Storm Prophet, Parison takes in all the celebration (as well as some moderate food and drink) with a measure of relaxation.

As the celebration lasts through the day and into the late hours of the night, the adept engages his fellow Pathfinders in conversation and gets to know them better. He also strikes up conversations with both Mitoko and Mayor Kanbayo and queries each of them about tengu customs and etiquette. Near the end of the night, he talks to Mitoko in depth of his faith in Sarenrae and listens as she speaks more in depth of the doctrine and edicts of Hei Feng. He also speaks of his role as a member of the Silver Crusade within the Pathfinder Society and how they act to make Golarian a better place in the course of their travels.

As Sarenrae bestows her blessing upon a new day, it finds the new priestess of Hei Feng's church pledged to the cause of the Silver Crusade. As the cleric retires for a needed period of sleep, he can't help but feel the blessings of his goddess cloaking him with the love of a mother's love of her child. But he also feels the approval of Hei Feng and Zepha mixed in with those feelings as he sleeps, dreaming of shady summertime.

The Shores of Heaven

Morning in the Grand Lodge of Absalom comes early - too early, in fact, for some of you. The sun has barely begun to peek over the horizon when each of you receive a knock at your door, summoning you to a meeting with Venture-Captain Valsin. Truth be told, most of you are actually surprised that it took this long for management to call for you; it's been a couple of weeks since your return from far-off Tian Xia and the Grand Lodge has been surprisingly quiet, all things considered. But each of you have been Pathfinders long enough to know that when you're awakened at the crack of dawn (or the middle of the night), there's a job to be done. So after taking just enough time to throw some clothes on you set out for Valsin's office. When you arrive you’re surprised and maybe even a little humbled to see that a second person of importance is in attendance - Ollysta Zadrian, faction leader of the Silver Crusade.

"Greetings, Pathfinders. Please have a seat," says Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, beckoning towards the chairs before his desk. Over his right shoulder watches Ollysta Zadrian with a cool, stern expression. "You have been selected to carry out a special assignment — one that is close to the heart of many Pathfinders," Valsin continues. "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."

Valsin sighs heavily. "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," he explains, tone resolute.

"As you might imagine, 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.
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

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."

She pauses for a few moments to let her words sink in.

"Kitarlo has called in favors and gained temporary access to 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."

"One final thing," Ambrus chimes in, "You are representing the Pathfinder Society, so conduct yourselves accordingly. Don’t do anything that carries even 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."

Valsin pauses and gives each of you an appraising look. "You five specifically have been chosen for this task due to your prior experience with purification rituals," he adds, gesturing to Rumble, Zithembe, Maria, Hepsubia, and Parison. "And because a little bird told me that you went above and beyond the call of duty during your last mission in Tian Xia. Miss Gee has been selected to accompany you based on her own admirable exploits and I have no doubt that the six of you will be able to successfully free Valais of the demonic influence that haunts her mind."

"Take a few minutes to get acquainted with each other and then go speak to Kitarlo and Valais. As Ollysta has said, they will be able to answer any questions that you might have."
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This is mainly for Effie's benefit but please make brief introductions and then I'll advance things forward~

"Madam Zadrian, it's an honour to meet you ma'am."

The newcomer is a lithe, lightly-built woman clad in a brightly coloured outfit that might suit a dancer or acrobat, and that allows her maximum freedom of movement. Her skin is the colour of warm honey, her eyes appear to hold living flames, her hair is long and blue-black like coal. A colourful scarf keeps her hair out of her face and conceals two small horns that grow from her brow. Aside from her colouration and the hidden horns her features are Varisian. A pistol and a powder horn are at her hips within easy reach.

"I'm Effie Gee, Sharpest Shot in all Varisia! We're going to Heaven? That's incredible. Surely I won't be needing my pistol in Heaven? I have other skills of course. I grew up with a traveling circus, and you'd be surprised how many circus talents are useful to a pathfinder!"

There's a certain note of distaste evident in Effie's tone as she mentions the circus, but when she's done talking she's all smiles again, and offers her handshake to all the other assembled pathfinder agents.

"A little bird told me"...THat's a good one!

Hepsubia laughs heartily at the line, and she is probably the only one.

When she is able to retain her composure (apart from little chuckle here and there, and a big grin and a wink at Captain Vasin little-known one man (out)standing skills, the slender elf salutes the newcomer

I surely worked in a circus once. Or maybe not yet.I'm Hepsubia. And I do a little bit of everything, more or less.

Parison stands up, extends his hand out to Effie and shakes hands with the newcomer.

"It's nice to meet you, Effie. My name is Parison Drakemoor. I strive to spread the light of Sarenrae throughout the Inner Sea and being in the Pathfinder Society gives me the opportunity to do that as well as do good in the world. You're a circus performer, are you?" the cleric asks. "Were you a trapeze artist? Did you juggle flaming torches? Did you do tricks on horseback?"

He looks around as he suddenly realizes he's acting like a little kid, but he smiles because he can't help himself. "Sorry," he says with a sheepish grin. "I admire entertainment arts of all forms because I'm not an entertainer."

A plain looking pathfinder enters and introduces herself with a short bow, "Maria Kuerlara at your service. The circus can be fun, working there is like any job though, never paid what you are worth." She looks around at her fellow troublemakers, "Good to see many of you again, how goes the ministry Parison?"

Maria is taller, but not exactly towering over an average human at exactly six feet. Her frame is thin and lithe, covered by simple clothing and few accoutrements. The clothing is obviously tailored to cover most of her skin, but not restrain movement. Visible under the shirt is a form fitting shiny chain link shirt. Her dirty blonde hair is bound tightly into a bun with a few strands falling down and framing her long pointed ears. No makeup and a pale complexion allow her to not catch many beings attention, which is useful for her research. A single bow, full quiver and simple backpack are slung over her shoulders.

Introductions out of the way, she sits and begins taking notes as the VC introduces their mission. Her curiosity is piqued to the max, "Oooh, planar travel, one of the few things I have yet to do!"

"Oh, the circus was a terrible place! Nobody there wanted to do any real work, you see. All of them were layabouts and vagabonds, their ills always someone else's fault! I left as soon as I could scrape together a bit of coin.

So, I'm not a circus performer now. But I used to be. Once they found I had a talent for sharpshooting, Ole Pistol Pug taught me his act and gave me his old gun. This one here, in fact." Effie taps the weapon holstered at her hip. "He was a grumpy old sod, and he made me do all the work, but I'm grateful for the gift all the same.

And I didn't work with the animals. Black powder and animals don't really mix well together. Oh! I do have a mule though - he's called Finn. I hope we can bring him along, otherwise I'm gonna have to be real careful how I pack!"

A thick Dwarven paw clasps Effie's hand firmly. "Mah name's Rumble an' aye'm a devout an' mos' 'oly warrior o' TOOOOOOORAAAAAG!" he yells in his customary fashion, despite the close quarters, the others likely used to his outbursts at this point. "An' this is Sledge. We're good ah fightin' anythin' tha' needs fightin'!" he explains, pushing a large warhammer with a solid granite head towards the newcomer with one arm.

Now that he is done yelling and shoving things, his looks become more easily assessed. The sides of his head are sheared down to skin, with the top of his head in a low mohawk. His beard sprouts off his face in thick, meticulous braids. Even for a Dwarf, Rumble is a sturdy specimen that moves with surprising ease, despite his well cleaned armor.

"Ta Heavan, eh? Aye dinnae think mah time 'ad come so soon! HAHAAA!" he jokes, slapping his knee with enthusiasm. Sounds like we're going to be doing a bunch of reading though... What a bore, I'm no good at that sort of thing to begin with.

As others ask their questions, he makes his rounds among his comrades. He nods knowingly at Zithembe and Maria, slaps Parison's back after tightening and shifting his battle buddy's armor a little, and glares disapprovingly at Hepsubia. That decade hasn't passed yet.

The literal jade statue inlaid with artistic gold and silver runes and dressed in white silk shirt under his breastplate and colorfully dyed linen pants smiles at Rumbles expected bellow. "I am Zithembe," the shabti introduces himself to the ifrit. "I invite you to participate in my convocation of the spirits as preparation before we travel to Heaven, once we have met with Kitarlo and our charge."

"It's good to see all of you again," Parison says, flinching a little at Rumble's bellow (its the only the second time Parison has witnessed him do it in a mission briefing).

"The Dawnflower's work is always constant, Maria as long as one represents Sarenrae as a beacon of light for those seeking hope, redemption, or both," he says, giving the archer a pat on the shoulder.

"I apologize, Hepsubia," he says to the second elf. "I would never have imagined that you once worked in a circus. I hope the experience wasn't as gloomy as Effie's. Birds," he finishes, giving a knowing chuckle but not laughing heartily as the rogue at the venture captain's attempt at humor.

"Thanks, Rumble. I was wondering why that piece of armor was starting to chafe," he says as the dwarf adjusts his armor. He turns around and clasps the dwarf's shoulders. "Good to see you and look forward to standing with you should the need arise to fight evil!" the cleric says, a clear bond established between the pair.

"And it's great to see you again as well, Zithembe," Parison says as he shakes hands with the shabti. "I would be honored to participate in your convocation once we get ready to leave."

"Effie, I look forward to getting to know you like I've gotten to know them," he concludes. "And to be able to step into Heaven," he trails off in humbled awe. "How many living people can say they've done that?"

Maria shrugs at the last question, "Probably not even that many un-living people either. The reputation is that their rules are strict to get in."

"They are," Zithembe comments on Maria's statement. "It is debatable which are more strict: Axis, Heaven, or Hell. It may depend upon your point of view."

"Surely if you do the right things with your life, then your soul will go to Heaven. Right? And bad people go to Hell. I've never heard of Axis but I'm guessing that's somewhere inbetween? For those folks who didn't do anything much to help others, but didn't cause direct harm either. Well, that's my guess. I'm no scholar of the Beyond I'm afraid. I just try to do what's right."

"Parison, I'd like to hear more about the Dawnflower if we get time."

Dramatically aghast, Rumble teasingly pushes Parison out of the way. "'ey, 'ey, 'ey there lass, le's no' get off on tha wrong foot, eh? Aye dunno if ya 'eard meh, buh Torag is clearly tha bes' god when ih comes tah fightin' evil!" To support his point, he pulls out one of several copies of Hammer and Tongs and begins delivering a sermon on the finer points of citywide strategic defense. Obnoxiously, he does his best to increase his volume a couple of times to drown out any dissent from his battle buddy before breaking out into a hearty laugh.

Maria surreptitiously slips over and starts reading over Rumble's shoulder, making sure he is actually using the source material correctly. She makes a few notes about Torag worship and city defense.

"Oh! Well, I'm sure Torag is also a great foe of evil. But maybe defending cities isn't my calling?" Effie smiles warmly at her new dwarvish friend. "You see, I'm sure that my needing to leave the circus was something more than just, ah, let's say philosophical differences. I mean, they're still my family and I don't wish them ill. What I'm trying to say is, I believe that I'm meant to do something in particular. But I don't know quite what, or where, or why. The gods must know what's in store for us though, right?"

What I'm trying to say is, I believe that I'm meant to do something in particular.

Pancake, maybe? Pancakes are yummy...

Effee Gee: no relationship to the short lived Marvel character of Ellsie Dee?

Parison chuckles as his battle buddy gives his sermon on Torag to Effie. He admired the dwarf's faith, conviction, and zeal for his deity. Seeing the 'in your face' approach executed by Rumble, Parison opted for a more subtle one in talking of Sarenrae.

"Sure, Effie," Parison says. "I have a moment to tell you a little about her. Sarenrae is also known as The Everlight and the Healing Flame as well as the Dawnflower. She teaches us to have patience and temperance in all things. In manners of faith, she believes in redemption of those who oppose her faith...if they can be redeemed, of course."

With that, the cleric gives Rumble a wink. "As you were saying, Effie, I can tell you more once there is ample time for doing so."

*embarrassed cough*

"Okay, okay, I believe you've had enough time to chat," Valsin finally remarks, unsuccessfully attempting to hide the amused twitching of his lips with his hand. "Valais and Kitarlo are waiting for you in the study on the ground floor; the one at the northern corner of the building. Good luck, ladies and gentlemen, and remember: Explore, Report, and Cooperate."

And with that, you're all ushered back out of Valsin's office.

You make your way downstairs and through the halls of the Grand Lodge to a small, secluded room where your charge Valais and the azata Kitarlo await you. After knocking first to announce your arrival you enter to find a crackling fire and two figures seated on small, comfortable-looking 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. An extreme weariness lies within that last bastion of her human self, but there is also a tremendous hope that you see as well.

"Ah! You must be the agents Valsin said to expect," rumbles the azata in a rich baritone as he stands, rising to an impressive 9 ft. in height. "I’m Kitarlo and it’s a pleasure to meet you all," he smiles as he extends his remaining hand to each of you.

The woman nods in agreement. "Yes, though I’m sure you can understand that I wish the circumstances were different," she remarks wryly. "I’m Valais Durant. Thank you, all of you, for being willing to aid me. Kitarlo will be transporting us to Heaven by way of a plane shift once you’re all prepared and ready to depart. Before that though, are there any last questions you might have for either of us?"

Effie quickly takes the seat furthest away from the fire, and stifles a gasp as she sees Durant. She rises briefly to shake Kitarlo's hand, and smiles awkwardly.

Oh, poor creatures, both of them! But especially Valais, how terrible to be twisted in that way. I hope they brought Thurl to justice!

"Um... I'm Effie. I'll help you anyway I can, both of you. I'm so sorry for what's happened to you. The Venture Captains said you have some idea of a ritual of purification? Something we have to do in Heaven? Do you have any more details about it please?"

All of Maria's muscles tense and she reaches for her bow and quiver, DEMON!

Hand on her bow she narrows her eyes and focuses in on the remaining human aspect, it looks... like she is still in control. But I will be watching in case that stops.

Taking a deep breath, the elf forces her muscles to relax. "Okay. I was not ready for that. I'm fine now. In addition to the ritual, what are we going to have to deal with in Heaven and will a demon even be able to go?"

Knowledge Religion and/or Planes?

"She is no demon," Zithembe says, "Her body has been modified by pieces of demons, and it is not the body that matters but the soul."

He takes the azata's hand in return and then offers his hand to Valais.

"If you will indulge me a short period to call upon helpful spirits before we depart, I will be better equipped to assist in the tasks ahead," he says and then asks, "What can you tell us about this ritual before we depart?"

Should the NPCs acquiesce, Zithembe's seance takes the form of leading the participants through a series of stretches and yoga poses.

Valais' eyes flash for a moment as she sees Maria tense up, a look of pure malice flickering across her face. But then her expression twists into a grimace which then fades into one of embarrassment and apology.

"I...I'm sorry..." Valais sighs, quickly looking away. "The demons grafted onto my body normally only affect my speech and even that only sometimes. Usually the thoughts are mine, but the demons sometimes get to choose the words. Since the kalavakus demon that I share grafts with," she nods at Zithembe's astute observation, "was slain, things have improved..."

She shakes her head.

"But occasionally I still have m̻̐̃ͩͩ͠u̮͝ṙ͈̦̮̙̦̘ͬ͜d̾͌e̽ͤ͒ͬͯ̈́ro̶͓̠̪̺̪ͬ̾ͣ̉̎͒ǘ͙̥̓̀ͧ͊̓͑͡s̩̬͔̳̦͕̝̉͢ ̙̦̲̓̏̀ͬ̓̉ẗ́h̺̫̝̪͕̖̣ͦ̀̈́̓̍́o̗̱̟͔̩̣̺ͯ͘ŭ̊҉̤̫̲̟͍̘g̵ͥͧͣ̿̽̓h̡̪̻̳ṱ͇̝̙̪ͫs̶ͭ̔͛."

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Another post to follow, please stand by~

Kitarlo lays a comforting hand on Valais' shoulder.

"It'll be okay, Valais. Valsin spoke very highly of them, you know, and I trust his judgement. We'll put things right."

He looks back up at the rest of you and then smiles again. "And speaking of Valsin I think I already see why he recommended you - you ask good questions."

"That said, I'm afraid I can't tell you anything specific about the ritual because that's actually what we're going to the Grand Library of Harmonious Scripture to research," the azata adds. "But if there's any place in the cosmos that holds an answer to our predicaments, it'll be there."
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One small post to follow, please stand by~

"I too am concerned about our entrance to Heaven," Valais admits, having regained her composure somewhat. "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."

She pauses.

"We could try...s̺̖̝̹̖ͅnęa͍̭͘ki̷̬͍̬n̫͍̘̣g͇̀ ̻̜͉͢a͔̫͠n͔̟d̲̝̻̜ ̴̩͍̻͖̠ͅs̴̖l͇͡i̝̱̻̼͝ṭ̢̘̹̩͚h̷̝̰̘̲ȩ̳̮̙̼r̮̱̟͓͚͙̳͡i̠̲͓̯̕n̷g͖̩ ̷̰o̡̩̜̪̳̜u҉̜r̫̘̜̺̹͍̠ ̮̗̲̤͔̟̯w̝͙̻͖̺a͚͓̞̤̱̮ͅy̮ ̱͡i͚̞̹̳ṉ͍̻̘͓̟͜..."

Valais quickly shakes her head. "No...stealth and deception are likely to cause more problems than they solve."

"Otherwise, from what I've been told, Heaven strongly favors those pure of heart and possessed of an orderly worldview."

Of course, Hepsubia is taken aback by Valais appearance. But she remembers the girl was tortured by the demons, and has suffered more that could be imagined. So she walks to her, and take's Valais hand (or paw, or whatever) in hers

My poor, poor soul… Let's hope we find a way to reverse the situation. No, Don't hope: we WILL find a cure. Let's climb the stairways and go to Heaven, or use whatever means of traveling we need

Fiercely, she adds
"Orderly worldview"? What's this? Where's the fun in that? Doesn't matters if Heaven staks the rulebooks against me. You make the rules, I bends them, or ignore them, if that can serves a greater purpose. And I can't see a greater purpose right now than to help Valais. Let's hope the Heavenly Bodies Don't judge you by your appearence, and attack us… I Don't think demons or their followers going to Heaven to try and stop you, but sometimes foes aren't where you thought.

Rumble stares hard at Valais once he steps into the room. When violence doesn't immediately break out, he continues his entry. Damn, habits die hard. Not that I want that habit to break, but I'll have to suppress it while we work together. He extends a hand to the pair.

"Rumble," he says shortly. "'ow are we gonna geh inta tha Library with wha' could eas-ah-ly be ah demon in tow?"
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Is anyone else having the text for "murderous thoughts" and "sneaking and slithering our way in" get all funky? Might just be my computer, but small vertical letters and symbols are all around them. It actually adds to the effects of the "demon thoughts," but I'm checking either way.

@Rumble: No.. I Don't see them.. no one else but you is seeing them, in fact. I Don't know what you're talking about. ^^

"Parison Drakemoor, servant of the Dawnflower," Parison says, albeit hesitantly as he shakes Valais's hand. He takes a close look at her, seeing the damage the Abyssal influnce has inflicted upon her.

"You po-" he begins and then suddenly stops.

She is a poor soul but she doesn't need pity or a reminder of what is obvious. You are here to help her! She is the epitome of everything that Sarenrae advocates when it comes to seeking redemption and salvation!

"I would not wish what happened to you upon anyone, Valais," he says, trying to collect himself. "But I'm in awe of your will to cling to who you are after all you've been through. I only ask that you bear the weight a little longer. If Heaven holds the answer to making you whole in mind and body, we will find it."

The cleric then turns to speak to Rumble. "That's a good question. I'd like to hope that our task is an errand of mercy, not condemnation. If Valais were beyond hope, we wouldn't be making this journey to Heaven. If we let Kitarlo act as our guide and moral compass, we've got hope of gaining access to the library."

"Kitarlo," Parison asks in an effort rid himself of any possible self-doubt. "Would the library have any restrictions or bans against entry for someone like Valais or us?"

Zithembe gives the dwarf a resigned look.

"Also before we depart, would anyone appreciate a lesson in comparative religion or," he gives the dwarf a pointed look and then continues his offer, "The subtitles of communication, brokering peace, and befriending others?"

Zithembe can give each of you a +2 bonus to Knowledge (religion) or Diplomacy (or technically any skill he's trained in) for 24 hours if he makes a DC 10 Aid Another check (auto-succeeds Diplomacy).

Knowing what to say and how to say it could be useful. I alreday know a few things about gods and their servants, but I can't call myself a specialist.

"Well...the main challenge would actually be getting through the Gates of Heaven in the first place," Kitarlo responds, his cheerful expression slipping just a little. "Once we arrive, we're likely to stand out a bit - and would even if Valais were not with us. And Heaven has many defenders that patrol the surrounding lands, so our presence won't go unnoticed for long."

Realizing that he may not be doing a good job of allaying concerns, he's quick to add, "But! Since Valais will be with us and not her own, anyone who comes to speak with us isn't going to simply attack on sight. The denizens of Heaven are honorable and many of them would prefer to seek peaceable solutions when possible."

"Once we get through the gates, which will involve some rather dull paperwork and forms, I won't lie, then the rest will be much easier. My contact will be waiting for us on the other side; he's the one I asked to pull some strings to get us all into the Great Library."

Kitarlo stretches his one arm out, palm upward in a supplicating gesture. "Please, I promise you that I would not risk bringing Valais to Heaven if I thought it would put her in danger. Neither would your two leaders. We'd be looking for another way if that were the case."

Rumble nods, worries clearly appeased. "Z, aye'll take ya up on some o' tha finer points o' talkin', buh yeh already know mah talkin' is smooth ah silk, righ'?" he says seriously.

As part of his preparations for departure, he makes a point to prominently display his holy symbol. He even offers one and a copy of Hammer and Tongs to Valais.
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Rumble'll take a +2 to diplomacy please! :D

"Zithembe, comparative religion is definitely something I am interested in! But for this mission, perhaps communication skills would be more useful. I know next to nothing about the gods, but I'm pretty good at talking. Better to work on my useful talents than things I'm am absolute beginner at."

Juggler bards do not get the Bardic Knowledge class feature, and Effie has no trained knowledges. Effie is simply curious about the gods.

Once the others' questions are answered to their satisfaction and his seance complete, he begins individual tutoring sessions, sharing his experience dealing with diverse extraplanar beings as well as mortals.

Maria eyes the prep and puts her two cents in with a wink, "I'll leave the talking to Rumble then and worry about the research side. Plus, I'm always more interested in a research trick or extra bit of knowledge. I expect that will be more important once we get in there."

Religion Please.

Beyond that, her concerns seem assuaged as she seems to be ready to get this mission underway and start documenting her trip to Heaven.

Zithembe explains to Maria the different roles that the Empyreal Lords fill in the hierarchy of Heaven.

"If you would help me a little with tutoring, Zithembe," Parison says to the shabti. "I've tried to learn as much as I can not only of Sarenrae, but how her faith lies in the pantheon spectrum with other deities. Explaining what I know of this.....and other topics have been seen by my peers as being tangled in expression. Any aid in being able to better convey these topics in a way that doesn't cause offense or help others to understand better would be appreciated."

Parison is asking for tutoring in Diplomacy

Once you’ve made your preparations and asked nearly every question you can possibly think of, the time of your departure arrives. Kitarlo beckons everyone close.

"Okay, everyone will need to join hands and hold on tightly. You might feel a little dizzy - I’m told mortals often do when traveling like this - but it’ll pass in no time," the azata explains. He offers his one remaining hand to Valais and then moves as though offering his phantom hand to one of you. After a second he stops, blinks, and then laughs, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.

"Heh! Sorry, force of habit. Just, ah, place your hand on my shoulder,” Kitarlo continues. "That should work just as well."

When everyone is in position Kitarlo takes one last look and then nods. "Right, looks like we’re ready. And here...we...go!"
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If there are any last-minute supplies you wanted to have picked up before the plane shift, feel free to note it as Kitarlo would have given you the time to go shopping. Another brief post to follow, please stand by~