Netopalis' Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (PFS 2013 PBP Game Day) (Inactive)

Game Master Netopalis

Welcome, players, to the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment. As you decide on the character that you will be playing, please post here under that account. Once all six of you have posted, we will begin with the mission.

When you post, please give a brief introduction of your character. This should include the following:
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Name
Race
Class
Chosen Deity (So that we know which afterlife to send you to)
Faction
A link to an image which could be used as a token for your character
Your character's favorite dessert

Fair weather to you all. This one is called Mizunoken, but please feel free to call me Mimi for short. As you can tell from the lovingly drawn fresco to the left, this one is a Tengu. This one is what some might call a ranger... I've spent most of my career on the open seas and on ships as a freebooter, and I much prefer the thrill of skirmishing steel-on-steel in lieu of arcane hocus-pocus... magic just isn't for me. If you couldn't guess, I'm a natural fit with Besmara, and I absolutely love lemon meringue pie!

I formerly followed the direction of Grandmaster Torch; some were upset by his betrayal, though I've decided to turn this into a lesson of my own... if I'm going to put in the work, I might as well get my fair share. This one supports Guaril Karela and my fellow Sczarni cousins.

My Beautiful Face

...I just realized you each have a character image already. Herp-a-derp. I'll load those into Google Draw.

Sorry, it's been one of those days.

The Plumekith Aasimar Lily smiles gently, her amber eyes glinting, A pleasure to meet you. I am Lily Steelsong, a druid in the service of the Green Faith. Well, I am a saurian shaman, to be more specific."

She reaches out and places her hand upon a medium sized stegosaurus, showing slight scaling around her wrists, "And this is my friend, Daisy. Don't worry, she is quite friendly. Aren't you, Daisy?" She laughs lightly, as if in answer to an unheard response, shaking her blonde and feathered hair, "No, we will not be having any chocolate sweets today, my dear. You remember the last time we did, and you had that belly ache for days. I should not have turned my attention away from you for so long. No, I'm afraid it will have to wait, can't you see we have business at hand? I'm sure our friends from the Grand Lodge will want us to complete this as efficiently as possible."

A more accurate representation of Lily

Edit - fixed my faction, should be Grand Lodge, dunno why I put Andoran. Sorry!

Mizunoken admires Lily's curious mannerisms.

She's a frail little thing, but there's overwhelming potential. Hard to ignore the beast with her.

Though somewhat capable with animals himself, Mizunoken hesitates to initiate any contact with Daisy before niceties have been exchanged.

"Well met Lily. I can't help but t'notice your... mate there. Would there be any offense taken if I were to greet 'er myself?"

A circumstance bonus on a Handle Animal would be great

Lily grins, "Oh, there'd be no offense taken at all. She doesn't bite, and she loves meeting new friends!" At this, Daisy snorts, and Lily places a hand on her friends head, slowly stroking the ridge-lines behind her eyes, "Oh, hush. You're always complaining about how ridiculously lonely you are here. I swear, if you put more effort into making new friends as you do moping, you'd be the next star of the city!" At this, Daisy looks up at Lily, and seems to roll her eyes before looking back down at the floor, as if expecting something to happen down there.

Mizunoken approaches Daisy slowly, allowing her ample to acclimate to his presence. Mimi kneels, tweeting in the sing-song Tengu tongue, "Besmara, poġġi barka tiegħek fuq dan wieħed. Kalma-maltempata ġewwa u ma tista jipproteġu kaptan tiegħu sat-tmiem ta 'ġranet."

"Lily, this'un will serve you well. I do believe so indeed."

I do believe so indeed.

Without further ado, we'll begin. As you get ready, please post your character introductions.
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Victory in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament earned the Pathfinder
Society a pick of the legendary treasures of the Tian sorceress
Hao Jin, and the Decemvirate knew just what item to select:
a frayed and dirty tapestry hidden deep in Hao Jin’s vault.
This unassuming tapestry acts as a doorway to another
dimension in which Hao Jin stored her most massive items,
including entire buildings, battlefields, and the ruins of ancient
civilizations. The Pathfinder Society is now methodically
exploring and cataloging the diverse locales tucked within this
extradimensional space.

Deep beneath Absalom’s Grand Lodge, the Pathfinder
Society’s Master of Spells, Aram Zey, gestures at the tapestry
hung on the wall, surrounded by ladders and scaffolds. Scholars
and diviners scurry around the tapestry, analyzing its abstract
patterns and comparing insights.

Picture of Aram Zey

Zey snaps his finger to quiet the room and speaks rapidly.
“The aasimar nation of Tianjing contains a handful of temples
to Korada, Empyreal Lord of forgiveness and foresight. The
Pathfinder Society is interested in exploring these holy sites,
but the aasimar disciples in Tianjing are reluctant to grant
the Pathfinder Society full access to their faith’s secrets.
Fortunately, the custodian council of Tianjing gifted one such
temple to Hao Jin centuries ago. This temple—the Temple of
Empyreal Enlightenment—now sits vacant within the museum
demiplane of the Hao Jin Tapestry. We need well-trained
explorers to survey the isolated and abandoned site.

“We will transport you to the Temple of Empyreal
Enlightenment within the Hao Jin Tapestry and provide
you with a small cache of supplies. We need a complete
report on the temple with a focus on four key locations.
First, locate the temple’s meditation room, find evidence of
any meditative techniques described there, and record any
effects of performing those techniques. Second, prepare
a comprehensive catalog of all works in the temple library.
Third, find the temple gardens and draft a detailed plan of
the garden’s layout. Finally, enter the temple’s crypt and take
rubbings of the carvings on each sarcophagus.
“You will enter the tapestry within the hour. Any questions?”

Aram Zey gives you the following items: One week of trail rations, water, ink, charcoal, parchment, rice paper, and measuring twine.

I will allow 24 OOC hours for any questions that you wish to ask Aram Zey, or any purchases you would like to make based on this information.

If any characters have not posted within 48 hours, they run the risk of being replaced.

Mizunoken examines the tapestry and listens not-so-intently at Aram Zey's mission briefing.

He's even more officious than I was lead to believe. Vacant temple within the tapestry... cache of supplies... meditation room... library... gardens (is this seriously his idea of a mission?)... crypt (AH, there's the catch).

Mizunoken eyes the "small cache of supplies" upon its presentation.

...spared no expense.

"Master Zey, the Tapestry is a relatively new acquisition if memory serves correctly. Is it Pathfinder scouts or outside information that confirms the temple is derelict?" After the Torch incident, I'd trust the latter more. "If I've an hour to prepare, I'd like to know whether or not a small print book and a few weeds are the biggest threats to my person I should expect."

You've gone and done it now, Mimi! Hard t'starboard! Don't show 'em yer broadside! Brace fer impact!

Lily's brow furrows in concern, "If the tapestry teleports us to this demiplane, how are we to return? Is there another tapestry on the other side? I would hate to be trapped in some other plane..."

Mizunoken:
Aram Zey turns to Mizunoken and glares. "We have very good information telling us that the temple is empty. Pathfinders have reported that nobody has entered or left the building, and we have no reason to believe otherwise. You should face no threats to your person, unless your clumsiness results in those books being damaged."

Lily:
"The Society sends representatives to a particular location within the demiplane daily, who then proceed to teleport our agents back. It should be a simple enough task to return. None of our other agents have had difficulty returning, assuming that they made it to the rendezvous point safely."

The dwarf from the northlands finally speaks up to support Zey's claim.

"I have traveled through the Tapestry before and it is quite safe. We can only wish that this temple is true to its name. It would be a blessing to discover such enlightenment during this lifetime."

The dwarf then bows to all in the room as he makes his formal introduction.

"Greetings. I am Brother Shan Pangu, Lord of the Mountain. I am but a humble monk that travels the lands under the teachings of Irori. I am honored to meet all of you."

Shan is stout looking dwarf that could probably put most hill giants to shame. He wears a layered beard across his jowls and a simple set of clothes. While he has a mithril temple sword at his side, his fists appear to be well worn as well. He is always found standing, but does so with a sense of calm.

Looking around, Shan further interjects, "Master Zey, do you have any spiced figs about? Master Dreng typically has some in his parlor. They are a rare treat that I only am able to get when I come into town."

Aram Zey looks a bit taken aback. "Figs? Spiced figs? I am a master of the arcane, not a grocer! You have one hour, if you must have them. Don't bother me with such details!"

This one's been in the tapestry and had the good luck not to deal with Aram Zey in the meanwhile? A blessed man is he.

...when's the last time I had a spiced fig...?

A man with a severe grim in his late twenty entered in the room. His black hairs were colored by a small amount of white.
He bowed to everybody as a man accustomed military convention. He wore the tabard of the mendevan knight and a symbol of Asmodeus.

Please, indulge me my lattiness, I just arrived from another mission.

I am Tamerius Nilmois, defender of Nerosian, follower of Asmodeus. Be his cleansing fire bless us all

After a short pause he asked

Do we know what language they spoke ? It is celestial or Tian or another ?

Aram Zey arches an eyebrow. "Finally, a worthy question. The primary language of the time was was Tien, but it's reasonable to expect that many of them wold have understood Common or Celestial as well."

The Tengu looks as if he could appreciate a good spiced fig.

Shan nods to himself at Zey's reply. "I am familiar with the Tien language. Besides Haa Jin and the Pathfinders, who else has access to this tapestry or could cross into the demi-plane?"

Aram shakes his head. "Hao Jin is long-dead, so she no longer has access to the tapestry, obviously. As for other organizations with access, it has been rumored that members of the Aspis Consortium have gained entry, but we do not believe that their presence will be an issue in this task. It's very simple. Just go there, get the information and come back. Honestly, you're all acting like I'm sending you on some sort of death trap..."

"Meditation techniques? The red-feathered tengu looks around the room. "I think that is better left to someone else. How do we find this temple once we are through the... ahhh... tapestry? Is it a week's travel? What will we be traveling through?

Aram Zey responds, "Finding the temple should be easy; you will be teleported right in front of it. If you can't find it after being teleported 20 feet away, then I have graver concerns than this mission."

Hawk walks in and examines the team that he is supposed to be traveling with while leaning against his longspear.

"Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. I am Hawk Lifebringer. I have only recently receieved the summons to arrive and I am glad that I am not too late."

I am an Oracle chosen by Sarenrae, from the Grand Lodge. My skills range from healing to increasing the fighting prowess of those here through magic. I also like fighting with my spear that you see here.

Hawk lifts his well made spear that was specially crafted with Darkwood, his preferred weapon of choice, though he carries others weapons as well. Then almost as an afterthought he adds.

Is that chocolate cake I smell?

Mizunoken admires the other Tengu.

Aikio, iltaqa sew. Hija ġġib ferħ lill-qalb tiegħi li jissodisfaw Tengu ieħor ma ossessjonat bl qtil lili.

Aram Zey becomes visibly annoyed. "Spiced figs? Chocolate Cake!? Are you lot here for a mission or a tea party? Good grief, Valsin must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel.."

(OOC note: Aram Zey is quite rude. These statements do not reflect the GM's opinion of the party.)

Well, if I'm being sent to relax and read a few books, might as well enjoy something a bit tastier than dried trail rations

Lily lays her hand gently on the riled stegosaur, "Shh, it's okay, sweetie. We can have a tea party after we're done. But you're right, it does sound grand."

She then wilts a little under Aram's glare, "Umm, so... how about that tapestry? The sooner we finish, the sooner we can... umm, get to other matters benefiting the... umm, the Society. And not tea parties. Because those can wait, of course. Until, umm, afterwards," her face growing redder and redder. An amused snort comes from Daisy, prompting a light kick from Lily.

Mizunoken attempts to help Lily save face.

"Methinks we have a captain's portion of the hour left to purchase supplies prior to departure. Anyone else need goods, or are we ready to set sail?"

In preparation Hawk will make the following purchases:

Wand of Cure Light Wounds (2 PP)
Scroll of Protection from Evil (25g)

Shan will sit in meditation before the tapestry, visualizing the completion of the mission before it even begins..

Excellent! Now that all 6 of you have shown up, we can begin.

So, each of you gather around the tapestry, and Aram Zey gestures towards an embroidered image of a temple. You all touch the temple and are immediately sucked into the tapestry.

The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment is a wide structure
atop a forested hill. The graceful building has no sharp
corners; the white marble walls are carved with soft, round
edges. The edifice appears well-scrubbed, but despite this
obvious care black flecks of mold cover its surface. A gravel
path leads into an airy courtyard and up to a pair of large
wooden double doors. The doors are carved with an image of
four spheres resting inside an open lotus flower.

I will post a link to the map later tonight. You are facing a courtyard, from which three doors exit. There is a double-door to the west, with a single door to the south and to the north.

For once it will be a mission of knowledge rather than one against demons, pirates or fey...

I have some knowledge of the planes, even if I'm specialize in demonology. We must know our enemy to be better than it. I have also some knowledge in History if it could help. As learning the past could enlighten the present

Said Tamerius after seeing the temple from afar.

We have similar pursuits of study Tamerius. He hesistates Although I suspect the reasons for those studies are different I still think that we can agree to work together for this mission.

Hawk thinks about what he might know about the temple and the area around it.

K. Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
K. Religon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
K. History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
K. Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Shan will start to pace around the temple to take it all in. As he does so, he tries to remember what he can of Empyreal Enlightenment.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 +2 if deals with dwarves, goblinoids, orcs or giants.

Don't misunderstand me Hawk, my reasons are as pure as yours. Because, as a mendevian crusader I'm dedicated to fight the demons.

My god Is the Great Asmodeus because he know how to fight to establish order and Order is what Mendev need against the demons. Not the shiny crusaders fighting for the good of people, but the ruthless efficacity of Hell. We need Victories, not pointless sacrifices...

Tamerius stopped seeing the eyes of his comrades on him

Hum, sorry, I know it's not the place to speak of demon and to start a long theological debate. I could be sometimes passionnate about my beliefs, but I'm always true to my word.

Lets go paying our respect to this Empyreal Lord and find some hidden knowledge, for history or for use

Know History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Know Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Know Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"Oh, my. It's beautiful! Someone has put a lot of care into this place, though the mold is most curious."

She starts moving towards the western double doors, Daisy at her side, "Well, shall we get started then?"

Doubt I'll get anything from Knowledge (Nature), but might as well try!
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

In spite of his years on ships, the trip through the tapestry gives Mizunoken an uneasy feeling. After arriving, he is immediately met with the ruminations of Tamerius and Hawk.

Theological banter... Besmara guide me.

"I admit, I'm a bit out of my element here, though I might know something if I give myself a little time to readjust to that trip."

Mizunoken calls upon all knowledges which might aid him now.

Kn: Geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Personal roll
Kn: Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Aiding Lily
Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 Personal roll

Knowledge (History):
Tianjing is a nation of aasimars in
the Dragon Empires. The empire of Lung
Wa protected, rather than conquered,
Tianjing, allowing philosophy and arts to
flourish in the aasimar nation.

Several centuries ago, Hao Jin
performed a great service for Tianjing’s
custodian council. In gratitude, the
council presented the sorceress with
a temple of Korada, the Temple of
Empyreal Enlightenment, to add to
her collection

Knowledge (Religion):
Korada is the Empyreal Lord of foresight, forgiveness,
and peace. He is a force of good, dedicated to peace and
contemplation. Korada spends his time meditating in
the Dream Lotus on the plane of Nirvana, balancing the
spheres of existence in his mind and conversing with
other enlightened beings.

More information may be available about both to those who have not rolled them yet. Shan, you are free to roll a Knowledge (Religion) if you would like.

Our Map is now available.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

To clarify, Shan is walking around the entire perimeter of the temple.

Mizunoken takes a look at the entry alcove and decides to take a listen at all the doors for any activity.

Walking around the back, Shan, you see an overgrown courtyard. It is currently unoccupied.

Mizunoken: You hear nothing.

Edit: Forgot to mention, the result of the Knowledge (Religion) check:

Devotees of Korada are scholars and mystics who
are often contemplative pacifists. Korada’s worshipers
meditate by spinning small glass spheres in their palms.
Practiced disciples spin three glass spheres in each hand
simultaneously while meditating.

As Shan makes his way around the temple, he will look for tracks as well.

Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

"There is a courtyard in the back as well. Shall we precede through the front or through the back?

You do not detect any tracks.

"If'n this place were occupied by anyone friendly, I'd suspect they'd be receiving visitors through the front door. If I were anticipatin' trouble, I'd probably guard all my points'a entry. If'n this place is derelict, then it makes no never-mind which door we go in. I'd suggest the front door, all things considered."

Mizunoken votes "front door", though won't rock the boat if the majority say otherwise.

Aikio turns to Lilly, "These are your people? Where to begin?"

It's still a temple, so I suggest to go in with respect due to the gods
Knock at the door and if there is no response, go in.

Somebody know how to open a barred door, in case we need this kind of skill ?

Tamerius vote for the front door too

Through the front is fine. Let us proceed.

Shan will step up to the front (west?) door and respectively knocks. If nobody answers, he will then open the doors.

Assuming the information that was gleaned through knowledge was shared unless someone specifically states otherwise.

Hawk thinks about and considers the options. I also think that the front door is best. At the moment we have no reason to believe that this place is anything other then what we were told - empty. The front entrance is the one least likely to locked or trapped in my estimation.

Excellent. You all open the front door.

The door opens into a wide area, badly scuffed through centuries of use. A purple spiral with three golden balls sits in the center of the room. A hallway runs along the northern side of the room, leading east and west. A set of double-doors is set against the west wall, and a single door lies to the south.

As you stand outside the door, a messenger arrives, out of breath.

"Faction missions!", he cries, "I have secret faction missions for you all! Sorry I'm so late!"

Sczarni:

Cheliax:

Grand Lodge:

Mizunoken scowls at the messenger.

If it were quiet we were seeking, he certainly tromped all over that hope

Mizunoken opens his "secret faction mission" and reads silently.

...I typically like to keep what I take, though might be something this valuable would require a special type of fence, not to mention being tracked right back to me...

Oh yes, super secret

Hawk sighs, but there isn't much that can be done about it now. He looks around warily, looking for anything that might have been disturbed by the sudden intrusion.

All appears to be quiet.