GM Sior's Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (PFS #3-21, Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

Arion pitches in to help. The sooner we take care of this the sooner we can get everyone to focus on figuring out what's going on here.

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As is often the case, it's the things you don't see which are the most important. Dario frowns at the ledger. "Books are missing that should be here. "

Is there a common theme among the missing books? Are we talking 5 or 500?

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Quint takes a portion of the list. [b]Well this should be easy...

Quint begins looking for the hour also

Soren does his part to catalog the library as quickly as he can. He can't shake the feeling that there is something wrong, and he isn't in the right place to fix it.
Once we are finished here, we need to inspect the garden. I feel as though there are more mysteries there that need to be uncovered.

As he catalogs, though, he keeps an eye out for any kind of records that the temple kept; particularly pertaining to evil, spirits, haunts, or tragic occurrences that happened before it became abandoned.

Dario, more along the line of thousands. The shelves are about half emptied, and there are still thousands of works to catalogue. Now that you have an existing listing, it is more a matter of just striking out what's not there any more.

Soran's efforts are not wasted as he discovers two things:

First off, as you catalogue the library you notice that many of the texts which seem to openly refer to Korada are among the missing.

Second, as you skim through the remaining books in detail and evaluate the lore they contain you learn a few things. The books here refer to Korada’s holy city of Vantian the Unshuttered, which continually crumbles into the sea of Ishiar while residents continually rebuild on the far side of the city. The books also describe the double-arrow symbol of “celestial silence and contemplation” to be drawn over the mouth and eyes of adherents of Korada.

Knowledge (planes)

"By the gods!" Arion yells incoherently for a second.

"Something is wrong. These books have been altered. This city Vantian? It's not in Nirvana. It and this ocean Ishiar are in the abyss. They're in Dagon's realm!" He punches his fist into his palm. "I think these people are being manipulated."

does someone want to aid my Planes check? Don't bother with my religion check though.

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Going to use some Luck here
Knowledge, Religion: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28
Knowledge, Planes (Aid): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15

When Airon points out the inconsistency, Dario rushes over to look over his should at the text the man is referring to. He frowns and then quickly grabs three texts to open them in front of him. The scholar takes his own journal and flips through it until he stops at a particular page. He looks surprised. "You're right. Vantian, known as the City of Open Windows, is the realm of Sifkesh, demon lord of heresy and suicide. Vantian is full of false temples and populated by fallen priests." He turns the page.

"Look here. This double-headed arrow symbol we're seeing in the books. It's not connected with Korada, but with Sifkesh. Drawing this symbol over and across the mouth and eyes would resemble stitching, and Sifkesh is depicted with eyes and mouth stitched shut."

"Something is very wrong here. The ghost in the kitchen made people commit suicide. This sounds more like a temple of Sifkesh than one of Korada."

Silas frowns. "If Sifkesh has infiltrated this temple, that would explain the haunting... This is bad. We have to bring this to their leader's attention immediately."

I have brought nothing to fight against demons. Truth be told I have never actually seen one firsthand. Quint begins to get just a little worried. We need to get these people out of this place.

Silas puts a scaled hand on Quint's shoulder. "Don't worry," he says, smiling. "I've faced demons and their servants before. Even the worst is no match for Iomedae's power."

Soren speaks to the group when none of the temple's inhabitants are near.
Well, what if their leader is aware, and brought them here on purpose? We need to be ready for anything...

Dario nods. "Interesting. I seem to be learning more about the faith of Sifkesh than Korada on this mission. Let's see this Dakang, but we should be careful. If he is aware, he will not like our unmasking his deception."

To the garden? To Dakang? Split up and do both?

I say to Dakang, to ask him about what we've found.

same

Now that we've finished in the library, we should go and speak with Dakang.

Heading out of the library, you move around to where you discover Dakang's study to be. Before you get there, there is a narrow cooridor with two men standing in your way. "I'm sorry," the one in front states. "Master Dakang cannot be disturbed. If you wish to see him, he will be speaking in the auditorium in about 30 minutes."

Place yourselves in your marching order where indicated on the map with the green arrow.

"Great! If you let us talk to him, he can warn the others when he speaks to them later! We have evidence of some strange things going on around the temple, and we think that a demon named Sifkesh has infiltrated this temple and has influence here."

Yeah, they're not buying that. "What evidences do you have of this supposed infiltration?"

Go ahead and lay out what you're saying, then give me a Diplomacy check. Make it count.

Dario shows the guards the discrepancies between the books on Vantian and his journal notes. He also shows them the same with regard to the double- arrow, and how it's not linked at all to Korada. "You see, these are both things tied to the demon lord, Sifkesh, not Korada. Someone or something has changed these books to corrupt Korada's teachings. We also think this has something to do with the suicides taking place in the kitchen."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"We're very concerned. We don't want anyone else to get hurt by the evil spirits lurking here."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

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Korada is a diety of peace. Your leader needs to know that there is a malicious presence here so that he may do what must be done to banish it. The sooner the better.
Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 6

"There are even hauntings here in the temple. Those can only be from a demon taking control of an object, and Dakang is probably the only one who can get rid of it. Priests are good at that sort of thing. " Aid Another (Diplomacy) : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

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The aasimars seem reluctant to believe you, and normally would not. However, your notes on your findings seem to tip them over the top. Reluctantly, they stand aside.

Please place yourselves in the next room.

This spacious chamber contains a simple bed, a writing desk, and an enormous armoire. A Spiral of Korada is drawn along the north wall, but the drawing is made up of several small marks resembling double-headed arrows. A short stairway leads up to an archway blocked with a heavy curtain.

A very large man is standing near a desk. "Ah, I see you have decided to seek my audience. What may I do for you today to benefit your search for Korada?"

"Father," Silas begins, not at all sure that's what the man prefers to be called but deciding to stick with the most common priestly title, "we have reason to think that a demon named Sifkesh has infiltrated here. The people that have committed suicide, that was because of her influence. There's even a haunting in the kitchen, which I don't need to tell you is a clear sign of demonic presence. We need your help warning the people, and ridding the place of this filth."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Ouch.

Dakang does not seem surprised at the mention of the haunt, but there is indeed concern. "Yes, I have been looking at ways of dealing with that. Everything I have attempted has eluded my understanding.

"But you are wrong, my child. A haunt is not the doings of a demon but of men. Their spirits linger, usually filled with emotion of anger, fear, or suffering. This is what stays to create a haunt. Demonic influences are often more... sinister."

Silas raises an eyebrow. "More sinister? What could possibly be more sinister than a knife that makes people kill themselves? No, no, there's clearly a demon about, but don't worry. In Acts chapter Five, the Inheritor said 'See how the wicked flee before the righteous, if the righteous do not falter but hold true!' As long as you're persistent, that demon'll have no choice but to leave. How can I help?"

Dakang seems thoroughly amused. "Haunts are harmed by positive energy. Can the same be said about demons? Sure, some are, but they are the exception to the rule. This one," he smirks and chuckles, "is particularly nasty one. Fear and desperation are strong emotions, enough to take the ultimate step to imperfection of taking one's own life. It has no intent, merely is a motivator. Demons, on the other hand, thrive on chaos. They purposefully do these things. They may have the same ends, of course, but it is the motive what makes the demonic forces more sinister."

"Are you saying these people were desperate and afraid already when they encountered the haunt?"

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"No, simply more receptive. We did try to keep people from that room, at least until they have received the blessings from Korada to sustain them. Blessedly, these instances are few. I am pleased to hear the girl is well, though shaken up. I believe you are responsible for that? For healing her, I mean."

Soran takes up a position by the door.
So everyone knew of the haunt then? They seemed surprised when it happened. And also, did you know one of the weeds growing in the temple garden is a hallucinogen?

He leans casually against the wall by the doorway.
This place seems a little more off kilter than anyone realizes, in my opinion.

"Yes, I healed her."

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"Setting the haunt aside, we found evidence in the library that the books of Lore had been tampered with. Books that supposedly were alt Korada and his realms instead described realms in the abyss." He points at the symbols on the far wall. "And those double-arrow symbols there are the sign of Sifkesh."

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Dario steps forward with several of the books from the library. "Sir, there seems to be more going on than just the haunt. See these books? They seem to venerating Korada, but there are many mistakes. Most of them point to worship of Sifkesh, the demon lord. Vantian, known as the City of Open Windows, is the realm of Sifkesh. And the double-arrow symbol is a sign of Sifkesh and not Korada."

He points to the spiral in Dakang's own room. "Here, see? The spiral is a sign of Korada, but these arrows are not. The Library seems to be full of these mistakes and many of the books on true Korada worship are missing."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Did anyone partake of the food at the meal? I know some were very pointed about not eating, but did anyone dine?

Also, will hold here a moment for Quint and Golthune to chime in, if they have anything to say.

Quint did not partake in the food

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Quint watches the man's mannerisms as he is confronted about the demon. to see if he shows anything odd.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

Why were these books changed?

Arion took a plate but was too absentminded to eat anything.

Golthune hasn't posted since May 2, and said that his posting rate is reduced due to real life. He may be absent now.

Yea Silas ate some.

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So did Dario

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Dakang's mood shifts. "Well, you have been busy, haven't you? Well, let's see just how much more of your time I can spend as we... Oh, nevermind. He's here."

As if on cue, the curtain at the top of the stairs is flicked open and a small blob of a demon walks through. When you turn your eyes back to Dakang, you see his head split apart and a large worm-like head sprout from his body.

Order:
Dakang
Arion, Golthune, Quint
Demon
Dario, Silas, Soran

Arion frowns and nods to himself for a moment before drawing his Longspear and stepping forward. He raises a hand towards Dakang, and a miniature storm breaks out around the demon's head.

5' step so Arion now threatens Dakang and will AoO if given the opportunity.

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As Golthune does not have his full stats on his sheet, I will simply have him aid another from reach unless he comes in. (Will try to be lenient with timing, but do not want to slow the combat too terribly much.)

"You're the demon! You've led these people to do this on purpose!" Dario shouts at the top of his lungs with the faint that hope the guards can hear, "Dakang is a demon! He's summoned more demons! He's transformed into his true form!"

Moving into position Quint pulls loose his pistol. Quickly pulling both triggers at the snake headed man. Snakes! I hate snakes...

Double Barrel Pistol Shot 1 RTA: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 4 + 1 - 1 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Double Barrel Pistol Shot 2 RTA: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 + 1 - 1 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

+1 Att/Dam- Point Blank Shot

Quint moves round to aid Soran in his next attack 1d20 ⇒ 10

Arion calls down a confuddling storm to obscure Dakang's view while Quin tries to shoot him. The first shot hits while the second seems to be deflected by a magical force. The one which does hit does not seem to do much damage...

The demon above comes down the stairs and bites at Silas
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
But is very ineffective against the paladin.

Order:
Dakang
Arion, Golthune, Quint
Demon
Dario, Silas, Soran

Siena's eyes grow sharp as he pushes himself off of the wall, while simultaneously drawing his bow and nocking an arrow. He stares down the tiny demon, watching how it moves, and how it reacts to other's movements, and then he looses an arrow at it.
Studied Target, Point Blank Shot, Deadly Aim, and Aid Another
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Aids only work on melee attacks against foes the one aiding threatens. I'm sorry, I thought you'd go after Dakang. Regardless, it hits.

Soran lets fly an arrow, but its point only seems to inflict half of its damage to the demon.

Silas draws his sword. "The Inheritor smite you, demon!" He steps forward and slashes at Dakang.

Using Smite Evil. Someone please move me accordingly.
Longsword smite: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 14

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Dario grabs a vial out of his belt pouch and flings it at the blob demon. His aim is off however, and only a splash of the holy water hits the demon.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Splash miss: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Holy Water: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Just the 1 damage from splash.