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

Game Master Netopalis

Something is terribly wrong here... I think. It's look more as a demoniac cult than a benevolent one.

As a former Mendevian Crusader Tamerius believed finding demoniac activities everywhere and as a consequences try to remember which demoniac cult could profess such behavior from its cultists.

Know. Planes (Demoniac Cult): 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

Ah sleeping quarters. Not what I was hoping to find. Maybe the halflings death did cause the haunt.

Hawk clearly a little frustrated frowns a little at the two guards, but won't approach by himself. This place has been bad enough as it is. It would not due to be cut into ribbons by over zealous gaurds. Hawk will go back the way he came close the door and rejoin the others.

On his way back, Shan will try to open the southern door in the greeting room. (where his mini is)

Tamerius: You seem to recall that Vantian is a demonic city, but you are not yet able to piece together exactly what its meaning is. I will allow you to make that knowledge check again as you find out more information.

Shan: You find a storeroom. It contains mundane equipment used by the monastery, including bandages, cloth, tools, barrels, etc.

Comrades, something is definitively amiss here. If I remember right, Vantian is not where Korada lives but some sort of demonic city !
If there is some sort of demonic activities here it's our duty to find it, destroy it and burn it.
We need to know more about what happen here and how an holy temple could be the front for a more sinister demonic cult.

We must question the people living here more accurately.

Akio cocks her head at the cleric. "Our mission is to make records of this place. Taking on demons is... well outside our purview." She looks at the spaces they have found so far. "We will not be able to make it to the crypts until they lay this poor halfling's soul, and perhaps not even then." Her fingers spark with agitation. "We've already found the garden and we can map it in the next day or two. Should we move to the Library? It may even have some information on this Vantian or Korada or anything else that might have been lost in less protected libraries over the last hundred years." If everyone agrees Aikio will ask the guards for directions to the library.
EDIT: Dakang is off limits for now, so removed meditation chamber bit.

A quick bit of clarification:
Dakang is the abbot of the monastery. His room is off limits.

Zhuang is the meditation master. The offer still stands to see him.

Happy to see Aikio more responsive than normal, Lily lights up, "That sounds like an excellent plan! We could even track down this Master Zhuang after the library, too! Perhaps he can answer some questions that we might have." She then follows Aikio to the library, keeping a hand lightly on one of Daisy's plates as they walk down the hall.

A quick bit of clarification:

Dakang is the abbot of the monastery. His room is off limits.

Zhuang is the meditation master. The offer still stands to see him.

Aye, I keep confusing the two :P

Aye, the library is a fine place to go. It might help us uncover more information. Something is wrong here and I intend to find out what it is.

Yes we have a mission to fulfill but if this temple became the haunt of a demonic cult it is my duty to cleaned it

May be the library could be of some use to know more on what's going on here. I follow you.

You move through the temple and easily find the library. Along the way, you skip the rooms that you know to be the meditation chamber and the chapel.

This spacious room is crammed with narrow bookshelves
and large tables. Many shelves are empty and the remaining
scrolls and tomes seem tattered and sagging. A small open
door looks into a tidy office. The room is clean and bright
despite a general atmosphere of abandonment. Several
windows look into a garden to the west

A young human girl sits here, reading a book. You recognize her from dinner - her name is Miriya. It is written in a language that none of you understand. It also doesn't appear that she really understands it, although as you enter, she makes quite the show of nodding sagely as if receiving deep insights.

Shan searches through the storeroom for anything unusual or any actual foodstuff.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Hi Miriya, what did you read ? I'm glad to see youngs reading because knowledge is power and it's never to early to know.

asked Tamerius to young Miriya.

Tamerius' words resonant in Mizunoken's mind.

I liked this mission more when it was drinking tea in the library.

Mizunoken studies the girl, the room, and the book that holds her attention.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Linguistics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Can Mizunoken rationalize what language it might be?

Good thing about most kids is they'll volunteer most information freely.

Lily strolls down the aisles of books, glancing periodically at them with no real interest. Halfway down one aisle, she abruptly stops and looks down at Daisy with a stern look, "If you eat any of these books, I swear to the Green that you will clean up after yourself this time. So don't do it."

Daisy continues walking through the lecture, looking for anything leafy and green.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Just to see if she notices anything interesting during her casual perusing.

With your perception checks, you notice that the library is rather bare, with most of the shelves having a conspicuous amount of free space.

You also notice that there is a small office to the north of the library.

Miriya looks up and says, "This is what I am reading. I don't understand it, though. Dakang says that it's good to read things, even if you don't understand them!"

Mizunoken is unable to identify the language with linguistics. Let's see about everybody else with the skill:

Shan: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Tamerius: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Aikio: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Shan and Tamerius, you identify the language as Abyssal. You are unable to decipher exactly what the book says.

Tamerius know Abyssal, as a former Mendevian Crusader, it's his duty to know the ennemy language :P

By Hell's Fires ! Abyssal ! The demons' language

Dakang's right on the topic. Could you please let me read this book for you ?

I will add the languages known by Tamerius

Oh, sorry! Didn't see it on your character sheet.

The book is entitled Vantian the Unshuttered, and describes the holy city of Vantian, which sits on the edge of the Sea of Ishiar. Parts of the city apparently fall into the sea at periodic intervals, but are rebuilt through the grace of Korada.

Other books in the library include a book named Eldest Malignance, written in Celestial and a book written in Common, entitled Silence and Contemplation.

Edit: I forgot to mention, you also find a Scroll of Lesser Restoration and a Manual of Calm Reflection

I just add it :P
What Tamerius could know about this holy city of Vantian ?

Tamerius looked at the book written in Celestial while skiming through Vantian the Unshuttered.

Know. Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 +1 if related to demons

Shan picks up Silence and Contemplation as the subject matter might interest him. He beings to browse through the tome.

Fist pump at Manual of Calm Reflection

Vantian is not connected with Korada at all - rather, it is the realm of the demon lord Sifkesh, the lord of heresy and suicide.

Shan, the book you read describes the holy symbols of silence and contemplation that worshipers of Korada paint on their faces after certain rituals and services.

Remembering that they were to put together a comprehensive catalog of all works in the library, Lily heads into the office, hoping to see someone there. If nobody is inside, she'll search the office for something to aid in cataloging the library's works.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

If someone is inside the office, she'll greet herself and ask if there is any such records.

Tamerius face began to turn red of anger. With a white voice full of hatred he said the book in hand

Comrades, this is the proof the demonic presence here ! Through the guise of Korada teaching demonic influence is at work here. Vantian is NOT Korada's realm but Sifkesh demon lord of Heresy and suicide !
We need to speak to the false habbot of this foul temple and show the Truth to these damned soul

So these books have been altered?

Hawk will see if he can spot any other differences between the works here in the library and what he knows to be the truth.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Mizunoken's patience with Tamerius' zealotry finally reaches a breaking point.

"TAMERIUS, HOLD YOUR TONGUE!"

Mizunoken glances at Miriya, hoping the exchange hasn't sent her running.

Mayhaps that was too brash... no... no, it wasn't. This is too delicate and queer a situation.

Mizunoken pulls Tamerius aside and speaks in hushed tones.

"I have considerable faith in yer knowledge, and I am likely to concur completely with yer deduction on the matter o' whether'r not there's some subversion, though declaring such in th' presence of a host, and a child at that, is a damn fool notion."

The kid the kid the kid the kid what to do what to do...

"We need to deal with Miriya, at least fer the time being. She doesn't need to be in this environment, and more like than not, we're gonna shake up the lives of about two dozen people by the end o' this ordeal, though methinks we shouldn't rush proceedings... you follow?"

Poor girl. Poor kids. Besmara guide them all. Besmara guide my blade.

Tamerius looked puzzled when Mizunoken asked him to shut up. His mouth open wild, what he want to add stopped. Then he saw the young girl and shut his mouth Oh yes the girl, forgot about her

He smiled at her, keeping the book and followed Mizunoken.

The Truth is always better than some half lies, even for children. You were not raised in Mendev I can see that. If you do, you will know the danger of demoniac believes. It destroys the society but also condemned the soul of their worshiper to an eternity of suffering and torments. Under false promises they corrupt souls and communauty. Do you want this poor girl soul to be condemn to eternity for reading this book ? Or do you hope she lives a good life as a pure soul ?
I don't care for the lives of theses people, but for their soul. If we let them continue to follow their false devotion to Korada they will end in Sifkesh realm ! Do You want that Mizunoken ?! I don't.
May be my method seems brutal to you, but they are the one which will save the people here, believed me. I have witness too numerous demoniac influence to not be aware of the fate of these people if we don't act quickly.

Tamerius makes good points.

"We agree in goal but not in execution. I hold freedom of person and thought in high regard, and the innocence of a child should not be abused. Children have the tendency to spill their soul to just about anyone, especially a parent or member of the clergy."

Mizunoken pulls Tamerius even closer, as though in brotherly embrace.

Miriya looks confused. "What's going on? Why is he yelling? I don't understand..."

Mizunoken pulls away from Tamerius.

"Aikio, issegwi l-eżempju tiegħi."

Mizunoken bows his head shamefully.

"My pardons, young lady. We forgot our manners."

I can't believe I'm about to say this...

"My kind can be a little bird-brained, sometimes."

Well, never gonna live that down, I warrant.

"My name is Mimi. Have you met my good friend Akky? She's very talented and can show you a neat trick or two if you're interested?"

He's like these fool of Iomedae followers ! Always agreeing with the goal but never with the means... what a waist of time.

I will hold my wrath... for now.

Tamerius came back in the room with Mizunoken and said with a melodious voice to the girl.

I'm sorry sweatheart to have yelled. It's not your fault. Don't worry. I will give you other books to read. I think this one he showed Silent and Contemplation that Shan was still holding. It will be a better reading than this one said Tamerius showing the book in abyssal.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Checking something:

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

The "Symbol of Silence and Contemplation" is the unholy symbol of Sifkesh.

"Akky" nods at Mimi and bobs her head at what passes for a smile in her lipless culture. She grabs a random book from the shelf and sits down next to the girl.
"I believe reading is good too, and much of what I have read surpasses my understanding as well. Tell me please, how did you choose this book?" Flipping through the pages Aikio waits for an answer, but follows up with "Do you know what books are here in the library? Is there a listing somewhere?"

For Asmodeus' sake ! This people are doomed ! They all need a fresh, cleansing fire...

Tamerius stopped his gesture when realizing what the book was, the teaching of Sifkesh

Hum, no, not this one. Tamerius looked at the shelves trying to find a more suitable book for the girl

Miriya smiles and says, "It's OK, my brother loses his temper a lot. I picked this book up from the shelf. I don't really know what any of them are...even the ones in Common are hard to understand..."

She furrows her brow.

"A list? I don't know anything about that...but you might find something like that in the office?"

Tamerius: You glance through the shelves. You happen to come across a fairly innocuous book entitled Waterfowl of Ancient Golarion, which contains some sketches. There are other basic informational books in the room, but most of the religious texts seem to have been altered.

There is at least one ! Sweetheart you can try this one and Akky could even read it to you if you want

Tamerius came to Hawk

Do you see like me that all of these books have been altered ?

"A list? I don't know anything about that...but you might find something like that in the office?"

Aikio repeats this information to Lily, then begins reading the book on...

After walking out of the office, Lily takes Aikio's comment, "Mmm, no, I didn't find anything like that in there. Perhaps they moved it?"

Lily: Sorry, I missed that you were in the office.

With your perception check, you find the library's card catalog. It will make checking the books in the library much more easy. Most of the books appear to be missing.

The bell sounds. Apparently the service is starting. Miriya gets up to head to the chapel.

Mizunoken follows immediately after Miriya, hoping the others will follow.

Have to keep tabs on her from here on out now. I suspect most everyone was interested in the service anyway.

Time to reveal the truth

Tamerius took with him the two books Silence and Contemplation and the one in Abyssal and followed Mizunoken

Checking something else:

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Ok, nevermind.

Something else:

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Mizunoken, Lily, Hawk: You notice the facial expression on the cleric. You know that a confrontation in an open church service without proper proof of your words could turn violent very, very easily. Even if your party survives, there would likely be much loss of life, most of it innocent, on both sides.

Besmara guide us, he's incensed...

Mizunoken pauses his pursuit of Miriya just long enough to address Tamerius in a stern voice.

"Tamerius, I trust you'll be on yer best behavior during these services, if nothin' more than outta respect fer our hosts? Mayhaps our esteemed speaker will grant us a private audience, afterward."

If he feels he and his god can handle the enormity of this situation themselves, I grant him leave to try; I serve the Pathfinders, not an Asmodean zealot.

"It is best to gather as much knowledge as possible before acting. These people have been here for over 150 years, neither coming nor going. Interacting with none but themselves. As long as we take care of our own, honor will prevail."

Shan follows to attend services.

When Mizunoken stopped Tamerius he could saw burning fire in his eyes but as Tamerius seemed to burst in hanger the fire shut off.

Yes, you're both right and I apologize for my behavior. Sometimes when demon is at work I know I lack some of the subtlety of other Asmodean clerics and I forgot that I'm no longer a Crusader but simply a Pathfinder. As a Pathfinder my duty is not to Queen Galfrey nor the Crusader but to my Venture Captain and my fellow comrades. Nevertheless I know what demons and demoniac cultists can do and I warn you to be carefull. Don't listen to them and their seductive promises, don't forget what you really are and never trust what you see.
I will not confront them now and as you asked I will help you search other evidence which will show them the Truth and the dark path they followed all this time.

"I assure you friend, this man's litany shall not sway my faith."

Though is may sway my blade.