PFS 3-21 Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

Without proof, and support from his followers, they might attack us if we go directly at their.... head priest... i don't want innocent blood on my hands.

So we should gather some support, like Lu and the other one at the entrance, maybe the girl from the library. Let's bring 3 or 4 of the priests here and pinpoint our discoveries to them. With the aid of mr. gnome here, they shall be convinced that Dakang is a liar, and will certainly help we confront Dakang and obtain the truth from him. But they may be under mental control, probably by the stiches signals. Speak the truth now gnome, for the good of your fellows. Did you received the paintings often? And what effect did it cause on you?

" YEAH!! will I be a slave to him now thst I had my face written on? "

The gnome shrugs, I don't know what It would do... Maybe he has some power over you, I don't know. I never asked. As long as he let me go, I had no reason to question.

When the topic of confronting Dakang comes up, Gastidem shuffles nervously, Look guys, I will help you guys by confessing to the flock, but I don't want to be anywhere near Dakang... he scares me, more than you do!

"He scares you more than we do? I haven't even started trying to scare you yet." Rekkr measures his sword against Gastidem's height and smirks.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"You're likely to just get in the way in a real fight, I suppose. But you might come in handy in helping to keep any foolhardy disciples from interfering. Do a good job at that and we may let you keep most of your body parts."

Easy Rekkr, he is cooperating so far. What else can you tell us about Dakang? If he scares you so much you must know something about him. Tell us and we will guarantee your safety.

Well, the gnome starts, There are two important things here. One, he's im-mort-al and two, he's a priest. That stuff affects where you go after die, man! That's heavy stuff! Who knows what'll happen to me? I mean, I may not be the most superstitious guy, but I'd rather not take my chances...

After a side-long glance at Rekkr's sword, B-but, perhaps I could help you guys a little bit... you know, and keep most of my bits-and-pieces.

I'm going to be stuck here forever.

Even immortals fear things, and his i bet is loosing all his followers

How do you know he is immortal? There is a fine distinction between being immortal and using magic to extend your life. Are you sure he is truly immortal?

I'll be happy to test theory

Sutekh smirked

That is what his worshipers claim. Now, maybe he's been replaced by an apprentice in generations past, but look at the man! He's a fatty! These sheep must be blind to be fleeced so completely! the gnome says frantically, I'd rather not take the chance, myself.

I forgot to mention, the catalog that you found in the library shows that about half of the books of Korada are missing, and the other half, as you have found seem to have been altered. Having read through the remaining books in detail they refer to Korada’s holy city of Vantian the Unshuttered (which I believe Nuntio has shared that is no city in Nirvana or any holy plane that he can think of), 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. (Which I believe Osric, Nuntio, and Falksat had a part in discovering was not a part of Korada's worship.) Perhaps this could help in terms of evidence against the head priest.

That's my understanding. I think we have all the evidence we need at this point.

I guess, I was just wondering what the final verdict was, so that I can give you the appropriate description.

Common people, let's finish this!

Why are you so silent? It's simple, or we confront him now or later. Now sounds better, but if we find anyone who has suffered a finger loss we could take some moments to explain the situation individually and strengthen our support. I heard that one person is smart, but a crowd is stupid. I'm afraid the devout may be dangerous to handle, and we will have to fight the chief soon or later. Or maybe we should start bringing them here and explain what is happening one to one, confronting after we have the crowd on our side. What do you think?

i say we confront him in the open. I'll position myself to... stop... any tricks he might have. Just give me a signal

While you are discussing things, there is a shriek from the door leading back into the temple. There you see a small bloated creature pointing at you!

Its eyes narrow, just before it charges!

Order:
Nuntio <-
Osric
Donkey Teeth
Falksat
Rekkr
Creature
Sutekh

Avoid using elemental magic if possible.

Can't quite reach it, so move, ready action to attack if it comes in reach.

Slumber hex on my turn. (DC 14) worth a shot

Did you forget to add cold iron, or just chose not to tell us? :-P

Falksat moves in drawing his Gratsword and uses the movement to deliver a devastating attack on the b+!!!!
PA Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 202d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 = 15

Donkey Teeth points at the creature, Sleep.

Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The creature's eyes begin to droop, as it looks at the little Pathfinder. It drops to a knee, then face first in the ground.

Falksat rushes forward burying his blade into the beast. In a blow that should have cleft it a twain, the half-orc is surprised when the little demon writhes still alive and now awake!

Order:
Nuntio
Osric [still has yet to go]
Donkey Teeth
Falksat
Rekkr <-
Creature
Sutekh

Just a reminder to rekkr, it is prone, i do believe you get +4 to attack in melee and to falksat, remember AoO when it tries to stand B-)

If it had fallen asleep i could actually had made a coup d'grace, right? I did not charge, i just walked to it. Well, except it is a full round action ^^

If you had chosen to do that, you wouldn't have been able to pull it off, since Donkey Teeth's hex would not last that long. It will last until the beginning of his turn next round, and moving plus the full-round action would have spoiled your coup d'grace when it awoke next round, which would have resulted in your swing anyway.

EDIT: Though Osric is close enough to coup d'grace.

Osric steps forward, drawing his cold iron Greataxe. He raises it over his head and then brings it down in a mighty swing.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 4 = 27
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Well that did not last long

Ok, with that swing, Osric finishes the creature off, causing it to *poof* away. Nuntio immediately recognizes it as a summoned creature and I assume he will inform you as such.

I guess it's time for us to get some answers from Dakang, let's move in!

"Right! I'm getting tired of these games. Someone has to answer for what's been going on here!"

As you all head toward Dakang's chambers, you see his aasimar bodyguards coming toward you. The one standing at center calls out to you, Guests, he says with the deepest respect, I must apologize, but Master Dakang says that you must leave.

If you are going to try to convince them of Dakang's false teachings, I will need Diplomacy rolls. You may choose one person to roll the base roll, and everyone else may assist.

Diplomacy assist: 1d20 ⇒ 19

...well I have as good a shot as anyone...especially with DT's assist roll.

"...and we must apologize, but we have gathered evidence of Dakang's false teachings which we are happy to share with you if you'll allow us."

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Edit: Boo yah!

Those rolls always disappear come combat.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 I guess that's enough to aid Rekkr! If we miss by two or less, though, can he aid me?

"Indeed, we have found quite a bit that seems to be incongruent with Korada's true teachings."

Best to take who has the highest bonus and everyone else aids him, since it is supposed to be called before everyone rolls. But that would be you! :p So, if everyone makes their aid another (DC 10) then you will have successfully persuaded the guards. Just seeing their reactions, you would think you just kicked their puppy. They seem to have spent their entire lives protecting and worshiping according to his teachings. So we will wait for the remaining three players to roll Diplomacy, if they are going to try to assist.

We're gonna end this finger cutting fraud at once. You are his accomplices in this evil scheme, are you?
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
WOW! 19/20/20/19 what rolls we have! It must be destiny! I also aid Rekkr.

See above, as Osric is the best speaker, you all would have been following his lead, but luckily he rolled a 20 as well.

Luckily?!? Yikes.

dip aid: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Let's see if I can keep up the pattern.

Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Should have seen that coming...

Ack, short by two. Nuntio, how could you turn away from the blessings of Korada? :p

After a brief hesitation, the head guard speaks thoughtfully, He has been like a father to us, perhaps he has good reason. I am a little hesitant to let you confront him without more concrete evidence.

He ponders a bit then seems to come to a decision, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for all of this. Wait here, and I will ask him myself. The aasimar turns toward Dakang's chambers, leaving the other two to watch over you.

If you wish to do anything before he leaves, now is the time...

Thanks god it wasn't a 1. Let's not take chances, right? Besides, it still looks pretty good. 22+2+2+2+2=30!

Edit: Lol we failed! So it must be impossible!

I'm sure there is a very good explanation, and I'll tell it to you two (the guards left). Dakang is mentally controlling everyone. If it comes to arms, don't join him, or you will share his fate as his accomplices.
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Aid me with mean faces?

my mage armor should still be on right?

I believe my Greatsword is already out, but i will unsheathe it if it's not. We should take a look at the map, it would not be wise to keep ourselves too close (his magic may be powerfull).

Having run this scenario, I think the DC is actually 32. So without me hitting a 20, we never would have made it. I thought the evidence was supposed to give us a circumstance bonus on this check, though?

"Please don't do that. We will not harm your master if he answers our questions peacefully. But, as my friend said, please do not take part in any fighting if it comes to that."

I read through, and I couldn't find anywhere that it said it. But you know what? It makes sense that each piece of evidence should give you a circumstance bonus of +4 for the evidence of missing books and Gastidem's testimony.

The two remaining aasimar guards ask, This is most disturbing news, and you make a good case. On top of that, you say you were attacked by a demon in the gardens? Assuming that was part of the evidence you presented. How could we have been so completely fooled by this man? This man was our spiritual adviser for all our lives!

If you are true in what you say that means you have a good heart, but we're pretty sure that Dakang is not such a good person. The status all had a meaning to them, but the Hall was abandoned. The crypts were forgotten and full with undead. The books have all been modified, and the gnome in the garden (is he with us?) seems to be the only one who knows Dakang's evil side, tough he's not brave nor powerful enough to confront him. Let's see what he have to say, if he have anything at all. I hope your fellow Aasimar is alright in there.

I know we already included all that as "evidence", but i wanted to say it anyway ^^

The two guards take you back to the chapel, and lead you to the fountain. The first turns to you and says, This font holds the blessed waters of Korada. Dakang has never been able to make it work without one of us, which now, seems to only reinforce your claims.

The second says a prayer to Korada, gently touching the surface of the water, and seconds later several perfect lotus blossoms bloom from seemingly nowhere! The second guard looks to Osric, as he seems to be the leader Highest Diplomacy and all!, Submerge your weapons in here and they will be blessed, aiding you if he was the one that summoned that fell creature in the gardens.