GM Xzaral's PFS Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment - Red Team (Inactive)

Game Master Xzaral

Fendahl and Kirrah move out behind Filios and Gristav...watching for any more hostiles wandering around the hallway.

"Hrrmm, so what is the plan? Do we confront Dakang again or find the other temple members and describe the creatures we encountered and see if they are supposed to be wandering around in here?"

Fendahl and Kirrah move out behind Filios and Gristav...watching for any more hostiles wandering around the hallway.

"Hrrmm, so what is the plan? Do we confront Dakang again or find the other temple members and describe the creatures we encountered and see if they are supposed to be wandering around in here?"

"Whichever happens first.", Gristav says with a note of decision. "Let us find out." He walks toward the library, down the hall, holding up the scales, and calling back to those in the tombs, "Pathfinders, justice is on our hands!"

You see, he has to get away from that Lion... :)

As you walk back down, the first person you encounter is Miriya in the library. "Um, hello. You all seem to be in a rush. May I ask what is wrong?"

"Dear Miriya, we were just attacked by a summoned demon, a loathsome Dretch, I am told, from the depths of the Abyss. And on the heels of glow-eyed undeads! This is no longer a suspicion, we speak now with certainty. There is a snake in your midst, a venom in your milk and honey. Go to the crypt, and see the tombs untouched, but weaponed bones arrayed for battle. The trap upon the door will no longer strike you down, we have seen to that. We will go to Zhuang, and to the Angels, and confront them with these facts, with this", Gristav says, rattling the once-hidden scales.

Miriya gasps, covering her mouth at your words. "You, you must be mistaken. A demon here? But Dakang protects us from such. I, I will go see." Seeming to muster courage, Miriya heads in the direction of the crypts.

"Would you were not the first eye unsealed.", Gristav laments softly, as she goes. "You will not be the last."

Judging the scorched earth behind them as safe enough for Miriya, Gristav continues toward the meditatorium in search of Zhuang.

After there, finding Zhuang or not, do we head through the temple or along the hall? Tactically I prefer to explore more, but it feels meta not to go the more direct path.

"Undead in their crypts is one thing," Keebler says, "But summoning beasts from the Abyss to attack us with directly - Dakang must be feeling threatened. Not to mention, he just made this personal. Let us find that monster and put an end to these games."

Degwyn follows along with the group, occasionally looking over his shoulder, around corners, etc. anticipating an ambush.

Just in case: perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Indeed! I grow weary of his facade of holiness.

Fendahl and Kirrah silently following close behind. Temple or chambers, either is fine as long as we get to the bottom of this mystery and return home with the news.

Continuing on you next encounter Zhuang in the mediation room. Seeming to sense the air, a worried look crosses his face. "What is wrong my friends?"

"All the same things we said were wrong from before. But you'll have to forgive our incensed ire; we've dodged the trap designed to trap us at the door with the undeads closing in, we've broken the armed and armored undeads, found the hidden symbol of justice-", Gristav rants, rattling the recovered scales, "And survived the demon sent to slay us. Where once we'd suspicion, we've now surety. But at least the brave halfling now goes to actually look with unpainted eyes...!" Gristav stops himself, and sighs. "I'm sorry. I was raised... to be proud of my temper. Let me speak calmly and plainly. Your shepherd is a wolf, and we aim to count his teeth. Go, fill your eyes. Then, fill your hand, and choose a side."

"You make grave accusations, Gristav. I'll go see these bones, and what of the demon? Do you have any evidence of it?"

"The detch that we dispatched," Keebler pipes up, "Was a summoned being; it's corpse returned to the plane from which it came upon its defeat. However, it there another among you that would have the inclination, let alone the ability, to summon such vile monstrosities?"

"Evidence. He wants evidence...", Gristav fumes. "I can offer ten points of argument; you cannot refute them all. One Two Three Four Five.", Gristav rattles as he opens his fingers one by one. "My other points are similar. Perhaps you might compare your reasonings with Miriya's, she's already gone to the crypt, to see with unpainted eyes. I suppose we should be thankful; Gastidem had a turtle, and not a telescope."

I am very close to leaving these overtrusting, sanctimonious, saps to their own demise. If they do not listen to us, there may be nothing that we can do except report it to our benefactors. Unless, of course, you all would be interested in shedding some blood for these thankless souls?

"Hrrmm, I agree with you, Filios."

Fendahl directs Kirrah to keep watch during the discussion...

"We have a saying in my land...'You can lead sheep to pasture but you cannot make the see the wolf in their midst.'"

"But if the decision is to try one last time before we complete our mission, I will support it."

"You know... And I hope this isn't my hag-rid upbringing... But if this plane is that cloth, and that cloth is ours, then we've every right and every duty, to act. And beside that, in any circumstance, when a demon's sent against a man, he's a right to ask, 'Who?!', says I. Still, we must go carefully, however far we go. It would pain me to end a demon, and have them continue to worship in the forms he taught, then board the wrong ferry in their afterlife. These are unusually large stakes. I should calm down. But damn it, Zhuang is a teacher, he's a duty keep his eyes open. Oh, and I've words for those angels, as well..."

"Most of us in this temple have followed Dakang for most of our lives, yet you expect us to simply turn on him based on your words? I will go see these bones, but I recommend patience." Zhuang will also head to the crypt to see the bones.

Gristav seems struck by Dakang's words. He sighs as the sensei goes around the corner. "Am I too hard on them? Are we pushing until they yield, or shaking until they wake up?" He leans tiredly on his grey staff. "Do we wait for them to return, or go be devil's advocate to the angels?"

Keebler frowns unconsciously as he ponders Gristav's question. After moment, he says, "If we're going to rid this temple of Dakang's infernal influences, we should proceed to the aasamir. As Dakang's personal bodyguards, they will stand against us if we cannot open their eyes to his intentions." The gnome looks longingly in the direction Zhuang departed from, "There's no telling how the acolytes will respond to what they find in the crypt. They would probably be more likely to listen to aasamir if we can convince them."

In a quieter voice he adds, "Besides, they will need someone to help guide them should we manage to rid this place of Dakang."

I agree. I have some unfinished business with the aassimir anyway.

These people are enslaved by Dakang's trickery and I cannot in good conscious agree to leaving without agreement that further action is required. I have no intention of making this tapestry my final resting place. If we leave here with Dakang still in power I hope you will all join me in suggesting a return visit with appropriate resources to free these people.

Degwyn begins pacing back and forth as he continues.

OR... Or we have as many temple followers visit the statuary and tomb as we can. Hope their vision clears. Approach the angels with cool heads he nods at Gristav and show them the truths we have collected.

He stops and lets the butt of his glaive fall heavily on the floor. If Dakang makes a move, we answer it in kind knowing full well we are acting in the best interest of the innocent people here. But, we cannot afford to have innocent blood boiled or spilled as it only makes us look like the bad guys.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling...

So, I guess I don't know how we proceed. I want to rest knowing Dakang's treachery has been revealed but this can get muddy fast if we're not careful.

You all approach the area of the aasimar, guarding the doorway to Dakang's chambers. As you approach, one of the aasimar stands up to you all. "For what reason do you approach Dakang's personal chambers?" While not overtly hostile, neither are they friendly.

I will need a diplomacy check if dealing with the aasimar. If you're going to aid another, please let me know who's leading the discussion.

...seems I'm in first...

"Honored scions of celestial excellence, please turn what gifts of observation you may have, upon me now. I am just a man, unschooled in diplomatic arts, with a message that is unwelcome. But true. A trap in the statuary, and undead in the crypt, and a demon's attack, after all. I don't ask that you reach the same answer I have. I ask that you ask the same question. Any question, really. Please. Souls... lie in the balance. The balance, yes, this was hidden, in the crypt, as well. Is it important? Is anything, to you, now? Or are you all so drunk on milk and honey you cannot question. Please. Question. How weak is the house, that fears the wash of rain? And how strong, is the one you live in? Dare you question?"

Gristav looks from the found scales to the lead Aasimar, then to the others. He looks very tired.

I want to Aid Another, on the Aasimar leader, for Sense Motive, on Gristav. But I guess that's a Diplomacy check. :)
Diplomacy d20+1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

three more missions to a rank in Diplomacy... :/

Fendahl is pretty far back but will attempt to aid the diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 16 from the hall.

"Indeed, it is very important that we discuss what was found in the crypt with Dakang. The safety of all here hangs in the balance."

Please examine the truths we've found. We only wish to reconcile the differences between what Dakang is teaching and what we know of Koroda's teachings.

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Based on some of our rolls I think we'll have no trouble convincing them...

Keebler pushes his way to the front of the pack, looking up at the guardians of the temple with a determined expression, "I'm going to get right to the point of things here. Dakang is deceiving the residence of this fair temple." He waves off any attempt to be interrupted, "You all heard our case in during the service, so I won't waste everyone's time repeating all of that obvious evidence, but there's more. With the crypts off-limits, you've been harboring the restless undead along side your sacred dead. The acolytes are already going to investigate.

"Now, unless you're prepared to stand there and insult us by calling us liars, I'll also mention the fact that we've were assaulted by a denizen of the Abyss just moments ago! No, there's no evidence. It was summoned here and thus returned to the lower plains upon its defeat. Now, unless you can suggest someone else with the knowledge, capacity, and motivation to bring forth such a monstrosity against us, I think we need to have a little chat with Dakang."

If no one else is going to make the primary check, I suppose Keebler will.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

One of the aasimar begins to hold her head while another takes on a stern look. "Now listen, the blasphemies you speak against..." Before she can truly begin her lecture, Miriya and Zhuang come up, Zhuang holding a pile of bones.

"Friends, I'm not certain of all the truths of their words, but there is at least truth in what has been hidden in the crypts. These bones, they have been infused with necromantic energies. The undead have indeed been amongst us." Zhuang is concerned as he speaks, though determined in his speech.

Miriya speaks up next. "And I have confirmed with the catalogue that many of Korada's holy texts are missing. The information they spoke of does indeed seem accurate as well about Vantian."

Zhuang takes another turn speaking. "The scorch markings on the floor in the statuary, they also bear a resemblance to that of a creature banished by force from our plane."

Miriya spaks again, "And let us not forget Gastidem's own admission."

"ENOUGH!" The aasimar in lead silences both of them. She turns to look at her brethren for a moment, a silent nod between them. "What you have spoken to us is troubling to say the least, moreso since this evidence weighs heavily against him. What do you all plan to do about this?"

"Let us, all of us, offer him baptism in your font.", Gristav says darkly. "As it still produces the same holies it ever did, it is perhaps the one witness we all might agree on. The only one, we all, might trust." He looks about the room. "I've been wracking my wits, and I don't think, that there's anything else, that will satisfy everyone."

{...when Love is gone, there's always Justice.}, Gristav remembers.

So I guess that's another Diplomacy roll? For Gristav, I feel like I should abbreviate it 'Dip' 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

(cries...)

Keebler is prepared to speak, but Gristav voices his thoughts first. When the magus is through, the gnome agrees, "Such a baptism seems reasonable and may just work," but then adds, "At the very least, I would suggest expelling Dakang from the temple. Such deceit cannot be allowed to continue to cloud this place of holy enlightenment."

He seems content with his statement before a curious look crosses his face, "What has come of Gastidem?"

Baptism seems appropriate, but we should act quickly.

Degwyn nods in agreement.

Thank you for hearing our case, friends. If baptism in the holy font is the agreed action, I lend my support in any capacity that seems fitting.

Looking at the ground for a moment Degwyn looks up to the lead aasimar If Dakang disagrees or refuses this test, what is the next appropriate action? What if he becomes hostile?

Oh yeah, what did happen to Gastidem?

"If he refuses, we have resources we've yet to use. We could return, and destroy the tapestry. Better that souls end in confusion, than that they kneel in circle of the nest of an ant-lion. Surely, we have no right to judge, but we have a duty to act. Or to witness, the natives saving themselves."

"If he becomes hostile? Curious phrasing, given the demon we've just fought. If he reveals himself the deceiver we think, or hazards us or these others, we must end his threat. Decisively. Of course our hosts are uncomfortable with this. How far do we go, for their comfort? Do we allow a week's holy sequestration? An hour's grace? If the hallowed father calls his children to him, do we allow that?"

"I say no. No more, nothing more. We Pathfinders are five, six with the cat. The angels are three, Zhuang and Mariya are five, six with Gastidem. There is his jury. We go now, and search and question, and if he evades, avoids, conjures, or confronts... it will not matter. I will risk my life on the table beside the legacy of these angels' people, beside Zhuang's wisdom, and Mariya's simple, Truthful, blush. I say we go now, all of us. And whoever draws first, dies."

{...when Justice is gone, there's always Force.}

"Hrrrmm. Brilliant plan. A just charge, ample evidence, and a jury. Perfect...now we just need the defendant to begin."

"Either will serve. He will come, and be tested. Or refuse, and be tried. I will let that choice be his. And we should let the angels, Zhuang, and Mariya choose the manner, and messengers, of our summons."

One of the aasimar, "I believe you may misunderstand the fountain's purpose. Though a thing of beauty, the lotus can be deadly. Any weapon baptised in it's waters allows it to strike true against evil. If Dakang is truly as corrupt as you make him out to be, I doubt he would allow himself to be submerged so. If Dakang has brought a creature from the hells once, he may have another. Perhaps, your weapons should be submerged, just in case this is so? I would prefer he surrenders, but best to be prepared."

The fountain provides the effects of Bless Weapon for 20 minutes.

Zhuang speaks up, "Gastidem was brought before Dakang. I know not what happened to him afterwards. I thought he would have been evicted from the temple."

"Thank you. It means much, that you want our weapons strengthened. It was not so, an hour ago."

Gristav will bathe his staff in the waters, and then, the heads of his arrows.

{Korada appears to have provided, in the end.}, he thinks.

Filios bathes his Curveblade in the waters as well.

I would still like to see the ceremony and take a lotus Blossom home to my beloved. Mayhap after we deal with Dakang.?

Fendahl will anoint his dagger and scimitar in the pool as well. He thinks for a minute about having Kirrah dip her paws but figures that would be going too far. Besides the feline is growing impatient and keeps looking at the exit.

Degwyn adds his glaive, short sword and dagger to the fountain for blessing.

Here's to ousting the snake without further physical confrontation he jokes.

"If you are ready, we will take you to see Dakang now."

Having bathed your weapons in the fountain, the aasimar bring's you to the chambers of Dakang. 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.

Dakang sits at the desk, standing as the doorway is opened. Seeing you all enter, he demands, "What is going on here?" His voice is stern, yet questioning.

"Our question, exactly. At least, we agree on that being in question.", Gristav says coolly. "What is going on here? Do we require the ruse of accusation and denial, Dakang? Are you even Dakang? We are here under the authority of a landholding lord, and with the assent of your community, to put to you certain questions, and to search your rooms and person. We offer one option to expedite our finding of your guilt or ignorance in the corruption of this temple: -", Gristav lets the moment hang an instant, then offers, "You may go to the font in the temple, and wash in its waters."

For some reason, still not trusting the Assimar guardians, Fendahl and lion will keep an eye more on them than Dakang.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"While I don't recognize the authority of any landholders from your lands, here in Korada's domain, I do recognize the community as you put it. If my followers have reason to believe I have done them wrong, then please search as you see fit." Korada moves to stand at the foot of his bed, clearing the way to his desk and wardrobe.

"Where is Gastidem?", Gristav asks rhetorically. "Sent to chant a hundred Koradas, a hundred Fair Vantians? Stand yourself in the North-East corner, please; we'll begin our search where you began your defense, with the bed. Let the presence of your bodyguards reassure and restrain you, it has been said: who draws first, dies. We aren't sure what we seek here, but it starts with Truth."

Gristav casts Mage Hand and opens the wardrobe using the spell's effect.

Filios begins to diligently search the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

As Filios moves to search the room, the door to the wardrobe opens to spill out the lifeless body of Gastidem. In response, with a hideous retching and tearing sound, Dakang's face blooms out like a rotten flower and a pallid, five-jawed worm extrudes itself from the ragged hole in the neck where, only a moment before, a head sat.

The worm attaches itself to the wall as the body falls to the ground, it's hostility open.

Round 1
Gristav
Fendahl
Degwyn
Keebler
Aasimar
Filios
Dakang

Party time!

Gristav intones, ancient sibilant sounds,
Calling course matter from beyond finest bounds,
Warping realities, ones and ones make threes,
And conjures, and casts upon, the foul worm, a Grease.

...or upon the wall it's trying to stick to, if you can't target the critter itself. (what is that thing?)

Then he slings his staff, and readies his bow, and again drives power into it, for the battle commenced.

Cast grease as standard action, ready bow as move, Arcane Pool as swift.