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

Game Master Netopalis

Perhaps that was a touch too quiet

Tamerius: A strength check should be enough to push one of the large spheres out of alignment. It's a fairly large and heavy ball, though, so you may have some trouble with it.

Shan: This room appears to have once served as a stable, although it has been thoroughly cleaned, and no evidence of horses is now present. It probably hasn't been used as a stable since the temple was brought into the tapestry.

Tamerius made a quick prayer to Asmodeus before touching the spheres.

Strength Check (with guidance): 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 0 + 1 = 13

Shan will explore the final(?) room between the living quarters and the meditation hall.

Tamerius: You strain and push, but are unable to shift the orb.

Shan: That appears to lead to Dakang's study. Dakang's Study and the Crypts are the only unexplored areas.

And Dakang's study is off-limits? If not, Shan will check it out.

Two Aasimar bodyguards stand in front of the entrance to the study. "What business do you have with the Abbot?", they ask.

Tamerius try again until he finished his mission with the help of his god.

Strength Check (with guidance): 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 0 + 1 = 6
Strength Check (with guidance): 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 0 + 1 = 19

Nope and nope. I did forget to mention that you could use CMB instead...but the 18 wouldn't have gotten there even if you had.

CMB+Guidance: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

As I'm alone in the garden, I take "20" to do what I must.
If the difficulty is more than twenty, I'm just glad that Faction Mission does'nt exist anymore.

Humming gently to herself a melody she learned as a child some 70 years ago, Lily follows behind Shan, content to just take it the temple's sights as they wander the hallways, not caring where the monk seems to be leading her. When the two aasimar stop them, she wonders briefly what heritage they seem to have, being an aasimar herself, and of a Garuda bloodline. She asks the two aasimar, "Fel'nel lunnz, tit fel celelt policelll yu lelel yrel Appuy? Fel felnel moly icyelnellyelt ic lelelicw yrel yuspl pelbunel vucyicoicw fiyr uon policelll relnel. Il yrelnel ac illoel yray fel lruoht pel afanel ub?"

Tamerius: I'm afraid that the DC is 25.

Lily: The Aasimar respond in Celestial, "Yes, we are under strict orders to only admit those with business. He is deep in study and meditation, and does not appreciate being disturbed without reason."

Lily turns to Shan, assuming he doesn't speak Celestial, "Evidently the abbot is deep in study and meditation and doesn't want to be disturbed unless there is urgent business. Perhaps we should head back to the hall of statues? Might be that Hawk and Aikio are still posing like statues there, and we might find what that door at the end of the hall goes to. If nothing else, we still need to see the abbot to get permission to go to the crypts, right? And that door might lead to the crypts... so we'd need to see the abbot... which means we might have business with the abbot, after all... perhaps I should pretend to be a tree again..." she trails off, flushing a little and placing a hand lightly on one of Daisy's back plate, who munches happily on another meditation mat that she "found" as they passed the meditation room on their way here.

So it's just plain stupid and I'm glad Faction Mission are out :)

So, I could say I tried my best.

Seeing the impossibility to move from even an inch the sphere Tamerius smile and go back to the library, looking for more proofs that the books were altered or destroyed.

Tamerius will list the missing books and the anomalies in those remaining

Mizunoken wanders, following Shan and Lily with no real skill to contribute.

"Eventually, we're gonna have to either go into the crypt without permission or confront the abbot..."

Considering the crypt was trapped, it's doubtful he'd allow unfettered access...

Aikio follows Shan and the rest. "Tamerious, we should stick together. Explore, Report, Cooperate and all that."

Tamerius was nowhere to be found.

Tamerius go back to the garden when everybody were looking away then to the library

Shan steps away from the aasimar to huddle with his fellow Pathfinders.

"Confront is a strong term, Mr. Mizunoken. Our exploration has produced a number of questions. I recommend we gather our thoughts and seeks what answers we truly need. For the Society, record the proper library contents for starters. Second, would be to bring up the discrepancies between the traditional tenants of Kordora. While we maybe preconceived notions, I would like to observe the Abbot's response and reaction.

And for the group here, before discussing it with the Abbot. Did anybody understand what happened in the garden with the gnome? We found his flyleaf and he disappears into the hills to escape questioning? Is that what everybody surmised? It appears there are two factions here: Abbot, aasimars & the gnome; then there is everybody else. Does that sound about right?"

"Aye, confront is a strong term, though we're lookin' at the strong possibility this abbot is leadin' a personality cult, and all the bits an' pieces o' information we've gathered so far culminate into a compellin' case that even these followers might even see."

Mizunoken contemplates the "faction" question.

"Well, there's the abbot. Gnome said the two of them we're in on that Kiss scheme. I imagine the flayleaf and the simple life we're all that took to keep Gastidem quiet. Not sure about the angelkin, they haven't been too pushy, though I'm not sure if their loyalty is with the religion, the people, or the abbot. Or some combination of th' three."

Mizunoken's voice gets serious.

"Shan, my fear is that our diggin' has not gone unnoticed. We go down into that crypt, gods know what'll greet us when we come out. We ask th' abbot any questions concernin' his setup here, and worst case scenario, half o' what Tamerius said comes true. You just about offed yerself in the kitchen, we've encountered strange and dishonest folk, and you yerself found traps in places. I can't see a scenario that doesn't end with either us runnin' fer our lives or cleaning blood off our swords."

Damn you, Aram Zey.

I don't know about factions per say but I believe we have the abbot duping everyone here. We could try offering proof to those that gather here - poisoned food, fayleaf in the garden, the books in the library. Perhaps the in the crypt we will find additional ammunition to go against the abbot.

Lily nods thoughtfully, "If it were only that easy, but I don't think the Abbot's followers would be so willing to believe us, no matter what proof we bring. They have obviously been duped for a long time, over at least two generations, into believing that they worship one thing while in reality they fuel whatever game the Abbot is playing. Look to Tamerius and his beliefs. No matter of truth will turn him from what he believes. I think we would see the same thing here. I've walked among the people of these lands for nearly a hundred years, and their religions are dear and sacred to them, which is good, but cults such as this one are not that uncommon."

She pauses momentarily, "I believe that Gastidem alone knew what the Abbot was up to, and it is a shame that he was able to slip away. There might be others that are in on this supposed scam, but I don't imagine that to actually be true. I believe the people here to be innocent in their beliefs, and I think they actually believe they are worshiping a benevolent deity. I think the same of the aasimar, though I believe they might side on the Abbots side no matter what proof we bring, even if we were able to enlighten the others with a mountain of proof," she smiles wearily. "My kind are sort of stubborn like that."

"I, too, would like to observe the Abbot's reactions and answers to what we've found. While I find Tamerius' rants and claims that he is a demon far-fetched on the little information we have found, it is pretty clear that something is astray here. But that would just force him to confront us directly, and I see no way to talk to him without drawing the ire of his guards and even perhaps the people here. And like Mizunoken said, going into the crypts will likely end up with us trapped between a tomb and a hard place. I don't much care for our options right now. And this was supposed to be an easy foray into an abandoned temple. It never is that easy, is it, sweetie?" she asks Daisy gently, rubbing a spot between the dinosaur's eyes that brings a contented sigh from the stegosaurus.

"I say we make fer the crypts. Better to ask forgiveness than permission. If it's bad... really bad, we head back to the Society and report. I imagine they weren't expectin' us to risk our lives on an abandoned temple, and we can regroup with bolstered numbers.

"This abbot has too good of a gig to let some strangers unravel it. Best he can hope for is that we keep silent, which he manages by either trustin' us to do so, or quietenin' us hisself. Time is against us, and if we want a chance to get outta here with our Society business done and our hides unscathed, we need to head down to the crypts, now."

Lily clasps her hands together in front of her, agreeing with Mizunoken, "I have to agree. It does seem to be our best option at the moment. Any other path leads to open confrontation with the innocent people of the temple and the Abbot, or the failure of our original mission. This way, we at the least accomplish what we originally came to do. And I'd rather face what we may in the crypts than hear another lecture from Aram on our jobs as Pathfinders..." Daisy seems to snort in agreement.

Aikio squawks an agreement. to the crypts then_

Still in the library Tamerius was collecting evidences of books modifications and missing books.

So, if you are going into the crypts, please arrange yourself outside the door you would like to enter and make me the appropriate strength checks.

Shan's got a bit more meat on him than me. I should probably assist his endeavors.

Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Assisting Shan, or whomever wants to take point, on a Strength check.

If the party is unable to force the door open, Mizunoken is likely to resort to slicing through with his adamantine katana.

Lily lends what aid she can to Shan as he forces the door open, straining against the large wooden (?) door. Daisy looks disinterested in the entire process and is just glad to be back in the garden again as she sniffs around in the grass just outside the door.

Aid Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Daisy's Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
+Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ feet by sense of smell. She wouldn't be able to "tell" me that she smells anyone , but she should go on alert if she does, and hopefully Lily should be able to interpret that as a danger sign. Hopefully...

Aikio steps into the hall to look for Tamerius. Not seeing him she calls into the hall. "Tamerius? We are moving on..." I hope nothing poor has befallen him. Returning to the group she says, "I'm no good to you there, but I am glad no statues are around too fall on you here."

Tamerius heard Aikio calling him. what's going on ?

He stopped trying to find new evidence in the library, taking the two books he known being altered and came to regroup with the others

Have you found something new or did you just make noises ?

Did they take the body in this way?

Shan will take 10 to open the door. With one assist, so far, that's 16

If that doesn't open the door, Shan will observe the stonework to make sure there are no secret doors or levers. Take 10 for 27.

Seeing his comrade trying to break in the crypt Tamerius said

What did you expect to find in the crypt ? Don't you think we can question more of the people here before trying something illegal ?
We can asked about the missing books or explain them the trick in the garden ? It could be a good idea don't you think ?
If I was them I would not like seeing stranger breaking in the crypt where my ancestors are kept...

Mizunoken looks back from his effort on the door.

"I imagine it's because interrogatin' the non-existent locals wasn't part of our mission, but explorin' th' crypt was. Nevermind the fact we're not gonna get permission to do it anyway. Anything that rouses the natives isn't a good idea; not too keen on cutting through twenty innocents to get to one bad apple."

So you don't mind breaking in even if we found that this temple wasn't as empty as expected. These innocent people may be not so happy we disturb the peace of their ancestors. But you mind if I want to present proofs they have been played for hundred years by a false abbot.
It wasn't my knowledge that pathfinders were just burglars.

After a short pause he continued

Can I just suggest we have time ? Asking permission could be obtain through diplomacy and time. I'm sure some of you have the skill to do it but you don't even have tried and choose to act at your convenance.

Arma Zay gave us one week of ration. He doesn't expect us to finish our mission in one day. Sleeping here could obtain us more than trying to break in these crypts today.

Mizunoken listens, fighting back a smirk.

"That sums it up. I would ask how yer so sure presentin' the evidence to the abbot would end well, but I refuse to entertain delusions while I'm workin'. Also, if we're spendin' the night anywhere, I will be damned if it's in this temple where someone, or something," glancing at Shan and recalling the kitchen, "would slit my throat while we sleep."

Mizunoken takes a moment to breath, realizing that his temper will not help matters.

"Tamerius, if you want me to stop what I'm doin' right now, which if memory serves correct is in direct line with what I was assigned to do, damn Zey's eyes, I need convincin' that what yer gonna tell the abbot isn't gonna send him off the deep end. I'm not riskin' my neck on a set'a loose lips."

I agree with Tamerius, however evidence should not be presented to the abbot himself, that would be foolhardy. We should rally those in the temple to our side for if it is indeed a demon we shall need all the help we can get.

Hawk pauses, in thought.

I can do the speaking if needed, hopefully with those of you assisting me and evidence in hand we can wrest this temple out of demonic hands.

Mizunoken gives Hawk an incredulous look.

He'd have as much luck convincing these people as he would Tamerius that Asmodeus' teachings are false.

"You folk lead the way. Lest its a ship or something needing extra ventilation, not much I can offer."

Apparently.

"We have already tried to see the abbot, and were denied access. I am not sure were you went off to, but we did. We have tried to present evidence to three of the people already, but they wouldn't hear it." Aikio holds up three fingers and a spark appears. "OK two, the third was in on it and ran off."
"I suspect they have lived their whole lives with the belief that this is Korada's wishes, a few interlopers will not convince them otherwise. Belief is a power few could hope to counter."As you have exemplified so purely.
"Can we get several of them into the garden here? That trick is the most likely to convince someone."

Aikio offers to gather the other followers.

Thank you Hawk, I see in you Sarenrae's wisdom.

I agree with you Aikio, Belief is hard to change. But here their beliefs are false and twisted. Lies and deceit were used to corrupt their beliefs. I think - and hope - that with the evidences we have gathered and the words of Hawk, mine and everybody here we could convince them or at least sow the seeds of doubt in their mind.
The abbot denied us the crypt entrance because he was performing the funeral rites. After he done it, I think we could ask again for the authorization.

"We were never denied access to the abbot, we just never gave a reason to see him. At that time, I decided not to push the issue. I agree with Tamerius about going to the abbot first and seeing what he says. May his words be full of facts or fiction. Maybe we can even see how the rites are performed.

I regret changing these people minds will be difficult with what little we have found thus far. After all these, are people who willingly allowed their fingers to be removed in the name of their philosophy."

"At least let us determine an exit plan if things go sour."

"I recommend the front door. If that does not work, the back door."

Mizunoken rolls his eyes.

"You've given this some thought, haven't you Shan?"

As curt as Shan is, he may have a point. This is a demi-plane, if we need an escape route the way out is the way we came in. Now can we check these crypts?

"Hawk, I fear we've suddenly become outnumbered on the crypt idea..."

I'm all for trying for a diplomatic solution, but I'd rather present all the evidence we possibly can at once and that means seeing what is in the crypts.

Lily pipes up, "We had all agreed on the crypt before Tamerius came along with his own plans, so let us continue with trying to enter the crypt, for several reasons. First of all, our primary goal here is to complete the mission Aram gave us. That should be first and foremost. We are Pathfinders here on a mission, not holy crusaders out to quell cults. If we were, we wouldn't have needed to go through the painting to start that mission," she says with a pointed look at Tamerius.

"Second, if we wish to change these folks opinions on their religion, which they've been peacefully worshiping for the majority of most, if not all their lives, which, as has been said, they have willingly given up body parts for, we're going to need more evidence than some books in a library that they all have access to and have very likely seen before. Their cult is twisted and full of lies, yes, but I think we all know that those who belong to cults, especially those that are twisted and full of lies, are extremely resistant to valid proof, even if you were to throw it in their face," with yet another pointed look at Tamerius.

"Third, we tried to see the Abbot. Twice now. And each time we have been denied access. Unless we wish to force ourselves into his office to speak with him, I don't see that as an option. And if we were to gain entry into his quarters through violent methods, it is extremely likely that many innocents will be hurt, or worse, die, in the process. That is something that I, personally, do not wish to see."

"Our best option, as I see it, is to enter the crypt, complete our mission, see if there's any further evidence to aid us, and inform Aram of our findings. If he wishes for us to disband this cult, then I shall do so. But I will not harm innocents with some misguided notion of trying to help them."

Turning back to the crypt door, Lily informs Shan, "Your grip slipped a little there, perhaps we can give this another try? I think I felt it give a bit on that last pull."

I knew I liked her.

Mizunoken examines the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Depending on the composition of the door, Mizunoken may be able to slide his katana through a slit and take out a horizontal bar that way. Alternatively, create a slit and do the same thing.

The door opens!

This vaulted mausoleum holds six large sarcophagi, each
bearing the carved image of an aasimar dressed in ornate
robes and holding glass spheres in one hand and a bell,
a book, or a lotus flower in the other. Innumerable runes
crowd the top edges and sides of each sarcophagus. A
solid wooden door stands near another door that has been
boarded shut.

Inside are three skeletons, one armored. They look ready for a fight. Initiative time!

Players:
Aikio: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Hawk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Lily: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Mizunoken: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Shan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Tamerius: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Enemies:
Armored Skeleton: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Skeleton 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Skeleton 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

On the map, Skeleton 1 is the skeleton wearing leather armor, Skeleton 2 is the one with the spiked shield and Armored Skeleton is the one with the sword and impressive fog.

The initiative order:
Skeleton 1
Armored Skeleton
Mizunoken
Skeleton 2
Lily
Shan
Hawk
Aikio
Tamerius