[PFS] 8-10 Tyranny of the Winds, Part 2: Secrets of the Endless Sky by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

Attack of Opportunity vs. Red
Bardiche: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Red Prone, -4 AC vs. melee
S, Cold Iron: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Pavo strikes as the suli continue their arcane assault.

"We have heeded your warning despite your lies; all of us are here defending ourselves from you--you who continue to attack us--none of us reading the knowledge here. Enough with your false justifications for your attack," Pavo retorts crossly. "If you want to talk, drop your weapons and stop your spellcasting."

He stands ready to strike if the other green suli begins to cast a spell.

Agate tries to find an angle she can get a decent shot from.

"Well, tell us then!" she shouts back in frustration. "What danger does our research pose to this 'Balance'?"

The flat of Pavo's bardiche knocks out cold the suli in red. In a pragmatic gesture, the remaining suli throw their arms up in the air, yelling "Fine. You have bested us anyway" spits the one in blue. Lifting herself up, she keeps her hands up high.

Combat Over? (Technically that triggers Agate's attack but I'd like to confirm that the readied action still stands)

Agate tenses as the suli starts standing up, but does not shoot, seeing the gesture of surrender.

Pavo slams the butt of his bardiche on the stone step. "Finally," he says with exasperation.

The paladin looks over the fallen and lays a hand upon the most wounded of the unconscious sulis and channels restorative energy into her body. Looking to the standing suli, he asks, "Now, please tell us, calmly, what you would like us to cease doing and why. If you can bring yourselves to tell us who you are and who you serve, it would help me understand your motivations."

Lay on Hands: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"Thought they'd never give in to reason," Bailey mutters. With Pavo asking important questions, he waits for one to stem from a response.

The standing suli scowls but replies slowly: "We serve the Concordance of Elements. If you keep searching on how to release the imprisoned lord of Air, Ranginori, you will set this plane aflame. You think Lady Hshurha will just let that happen? And the civil war this will cause is nothing as compared to what this will cause in the other planes. Did you consider how the other elemental lords will respond to weakness in one of their counterpart's domains? Do you think Ayrzul, Ymeri or Kelizandri hide some benevolent side of their persona to their followers? The plane of Air will become a slaughterhouse all to satisfy your curiosity" she finishes bitterly.

"Well, thank you for saving us the trouble of a tiresome interrogation." Thaia says, not bothering to look up, but instead making sure her big hunting knife and bayonet are in their proper places.

Whe she finally does she says: "Your organization must have a terrible HR department--that's 'Halfling Resources.'" she adds in an aside to the group. "I wouldn't hire you lot for landscaping work, let alone as guards. Hmm. Maybe an Oread for landscaping...."

"Typical Pathfinder. Bloodthirsty animal you are."

"I regret that our meeting began with blows," Pavo responds. "My name is Pavo. What is your name?"

He pauses to allow the sulis to answer before he continues. "I am sure that we each have our impressions of how this encounter played out, but we respond much better to reasoned argument than to lies, threats, and invoking arcanics at us. We have already been attacked once on this Plane, and, as you say, Hshurha rules this place.

"We will be more than happy to cease our current research as learning about the goals of your organization is our primary mission. We are seeking to speak with a janni named Jamila but took this time while waiting for our lead to research the Untouchable Opal. I am curious how you know of our objectives, but I am most interested in whether you would be willing to arrange a meeting between us and Jamila or to explain the goals of the Concordance."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"If Ranginori was freed, would he not be able to combat Hshurha, at least slightly?" Bailey asks, guessing the answer but using the question as a segue. "We must profess some ignorance on these matters. All the more reason you would do well to tell us. Had you explained your argument with detailed evidence from the start, without such flagrant use of spells, we would have listened. And if it is sound, we may give up on our quest."

Auto-aid Diplomacy.

Right, but you do know that finding a way to free Ranginori is a primary mission objective right? Also, getting in touch with the concordance is more of an afterthought, you are mainly trying to find Jamila to get her to return those artifacts stolen.

I guess I'm slightly lying, given that I don't think their reason (whatever it is) is entirely valid. Granted, if they provide me with a very good reason, backed with good evidence, that seems like a good time to agree and not bring him back. In that case, we could also talk them into letting us research it later but not do anything with what we find.

Do you doubt the veracity, or have trouble understanding their point of view? Please do let me know because unfortunately, what they have said (and what I have written above) is it. The whole shabang.

No, did not know that. Probably another case of Prestige Objectives not matching the narative mission briefing (like The Confirmation). Tracking Jamila and learning the Concordance's goals was given as the first objective. Researching the Opal was presented as second and lesser (or at most equall) importance, but definitely not primary mission.

I think we can trust them, at least for the time being. Might as well listen to them and see where it takes us.

@Pavo: True it was presented as perhaps an afterthought, but back at the beginning of season 8, having found the Untouchable Opal during 8-00, every single Pathfinder agent was keen to find a way to let the guy out. In any case it is just as important to you as finding Jamila, at least by my reading. I'll update later, but mull that over and adjust your rp as you see fit. Nothing wrong with what you said, but it is important for these things to be clear.

"Please tell us about your Concordance."

Alexis says little else for the time being. She is now uncertain what the right course of action will be, though it occurs to her that were they to discover means to liberate Ranginori, the nature of those means may well themselves be a determinant.

As the Suli's finally admit defeat, Ollo gives a sigh of relief. "Ye all say ye want ta talk, but then ye start swingin swords tha moment we ask fer tha why's and wherefores!" he says, shaking a finger at the speaker as he moves up the stairs and draws a wand of healing from his belt. He checks over his teammates and taps anyone that needs it with his wand, before moving over to the downed Suli and giving them the same treatment. Meanwhile, he keeps an ear cocked to the conversation between Pavo, Bailey, and the apparent spokesman.
If you need healing, roll it and let me know what to deduct.

Finally, he turns to the conversation at hand, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at Pavo as he speaks. "Tha boy has it right. We have ta know what ye want an why ye want it if ye want us to comply. An just because we have information, doesn't mean its gonna git used! There's lotsa stuff back at tha lodge thats just too dangerous to let out of tha bag. Is there any way we can talk to yer bosses? Try to figure out a middle ground here? We don't want to upset the balance, and we certainly don't want to start any wars, intentional or unintentionally. Which is why we need ta know what's going on here! I fer one didn't know jack about any civil war being started!"

Diplomacy/ Aid/ Just in case: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Pavo makes a calming motion in Ollo's direction. "As I said, I'm sure that, from their perspective, they were doing what they felt was appropriate and necessary."

He turns back to the suli. "And truly, standing wounded on the stairs is not the place to hold a calm discussion. Should we ascend to the upper library?"

Agate lowers her crossbow and walks up to join the group, nodding at Ollo and Pavo, then looking expectantly at the sulis.

"Lets not trouble the monks with our concerns" continues the suli as the other tends to her sisters. "You wish to know of the Concordance? We are branded as idealists, fools who believe that balance can be maintained among the elemental planes. Yet we have managed to contribute to keeping the peace through the status quo. Are leaders sit in the five seats: one for each element and one for the balance. Ashasar, the envoy for the seat of Balance was expecting you and ordered us to apprehend you, non-violently if possible. Had we known you were of such power, we would have come better prepared; you defeated our sleep spells."

"If you had said that from the beginning, you would not have had to fight at all," Pavo says with a hint of sadness. "I take it that Ashasar wants us to attend to him tonight?"

"No. Ashasar wanted you on your way back to your plane of existence, maybe with a few more bruises, but nothing else otherwise."

"Ah. Expecting our arrival on the plane," Pavo says in understanding. "My mistake. Out of curiosity, why does everyone want to attack us rather than talk to us? Is it merely fear?"

"Fear can cause a great many problems.. often more than the original fear itself! That is something that no race has been able to defeat yet, despite all of our enlightenment.." Ollo bemoans, as he listens to the Suli.

"Is there any way that we could gain an audience with the five seats?"

My understanding of our objectives:
Get information on releasing the elemental lord from the opal- complete
Get information on the Concordance- Working on it
Do the bidding of our host?- Need to check back in at his home
Is this correct?

I believe we only have a reference to where to find the information on the opal. We still need to go to the Azure Halls when they're open.

That's right, we have a pointer to a book of theories on how to release Ranginori, but the book is in the Azure Halls.

We were to find out the goals of Jamila's faction, which we seem to have done at this point.

And there's that meeting that Ollo and Thaia set up for tomorrow (later today? It might be morning by now?) with Mithradathas at Jairo's place.

As Pavo and Agate have said in their comments, you have a book that refers you to another book as to how to release Ranginori from his Opal. It's a start, but actually getting the book it references in the Azure Halls might prove beneficial.

You have learned a good deal about the Concordance, but is that enough? Time will tell.

Your host has nothing he wishes for you to do on his behalf. As for the meeting with Mithradathas, that can easily happen later. Essentially, that part of Thaia's mission is in the bag.

Ok. Thanks all! And I forgot about that meeting. So how do we want to proceed from here? Pursue more information about the Concordance since we have them front and center? Break for some sleep? Or pursue the book? I think it wouldn't hurt to get more info about the Concordance while we have them so chatty, but I don't know what else we need to know..

"What's this place then? What's all this stuff for?" Thaia says waving her musket around the hall and its alcoves.

Thaia has taken the intervening time to reload.

"It is where we keep information concerning many things that could upend the planes. It is one of many sanctums like such" the suli replies, adding "We keep these here so as to safeguard information, without disturbing the balance."

I feel like you are all a little stumped. Would you like me to move you along?

Well, I was waiting for an answer to Pavo's question--even if it was 'they ignore you indignantly'--before making my next act/statement.

"I appreciate your more reasoned tone, even if it did require a sound drumming to receive it," Pavo says. "We will take our leave of this place. I trust you are wise enough to not attack us again."

Once everyone has made it above, the paladin suggests, "Let us rest at our host's abode. Then we can discuss our next step in a less pressured environment."

The GM completely missed your question. My bad.

The sulis look at Pavo, the one with the gunshot wound gritting her teeth as if to make a particularly barbed reply. But her companion pre-empts her. "You did not strike us as people who were willing to talk."

To Pavo's last statement, they do not reply, but merely collect their belongings and themselves before spreading out to take stock of what havok you have unleashed in the library prior to their arrival.

Once everyone has made it above, the paladin suggests, "Let us rest at our host's abode. Then we can discuss our next step in a less pressured environment."

"A good plan," says Agate, nodding.

"A bit of a bust, but it could have gone worse," Bailey notes, not wanting to talk to the sulis any more than the little he has. "Let's get back to Jairo before he worries."

"Then let's lock these four somewhere safe." Thaia says eyeing the alcoves.

Are you going to try and lock them up?

"Let's not lock up our fellow seekers of knowledge, just after making peace with them," says Agate. "Besides, I'm sure there would be more of them along soon to let them out."

"My point exactly. Leave them locked tight for the next watch to find. Unless you fancy a forced nap the moment our backs are turned?"

Ollo shakes his head as Thaia insists on locking up the Suli's. Rather than confront her directly, he turns towards the apparent leader of the locals and asks "We have parlayed, and we have fought. We have each heard the others side, and now it is time for calmer heads to prevail. If we leave peacefully and leave you to your own devices, are we to face another attack from you or yours?" He frowns, studying their responses.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Thats going to be about as popular as a fart in an elevator...

I am good with returning to our host.. god only knows what time it is and what penalties we are about to incur. As for the push.. well, if you feel that we need it!! ;-)

"My point exactly. Leave them locked tight for the next watch to find. Unless you fancy a forced nap the moment our backs are turned?"

"Kind of goes against the message we're trying to send, that we want a nonviolent, mutually beneficial exchange," Bailey notes. "One side tries anything, the other is likely to (try to) beat them up again. We'll take their word, for now."

"The cycle of mistrust and violence needs to end with someone. Let it be with us," Pavo insists.

Thaia Rossenvelt wrote:

"My point exactly. Leave them locked tight for the next watch to find. Unless you fancy a forced nap the moment our backs are turned?"

"Kind of goes against the message we're trying to send, that we want a nonviolent, mutually beneficial exchange," Bailey notes.

"They'll be alive and less bludgeoned. You can't molly coddle people like this. They'll just walk all over you."

"The cycle of mistrust and violence needs to end with someone. Let it be with us," Pavo insists.

"Oh please! Spare me your rosy, long-haired, religious idealistic, utopianism--you sound like a Galtan, and look where that got them. Fine. I am perfectly willing to shoot them all all dead the next time they attack us. Pray to your Eternal Maiden that we are all as fast on the draw as we were tonight, else you might find yourself with more blemishes than you find yourself with presently."

The conscious suli look at each other and the lead one replies: "We won't do anything as long as you can keep that gun-toting b$+$% out of here without killing anyone. Expect to hear from the Concordance though." She eyes Ollo and Pavo both and sighs. "We'll make our report about what happened here. After that it is out of our hands."

You leave the cloisters unmolested in the wee hours of what the locals designate as "night" and return to the party, where Jairo, seemingly pleased with his evening greets you again as he claps his hands imperiously, setting the servants off to retrieve the magical carpets that brought you there. "I hope your evening was productive."

***In the "morning" of the next day***

While it is difficult to determine the time of day when you awaken, Jairo and his servants are well awake and are keen to ply you with food and drink as you plan the day's activities.

"I understand the Concordance's point about upsetting the balance," Pavo says as he eats breakfast, "But possessing knowledge is not the same as acting on it. Besides, I can think of at least one way to maintain balance were the Society to decide that they want open the Opal. That is to say that I am for continuing our search in the Azure Halls. It may draw out more informed members of the Concordance, as well, though I truly do wish there was an easier way to get an audience with them than riling them up."

When the party is safe at Jairo's and able to talk privately (either that "night" or the next "morning"), Agate finally dares to take out her notes and explain what she and Bailey found out about The Primordial Key of Ilyralene, and its last known location being the Azure Halls.

She adds, "It only occurred to me as we were leaving the Cloisters, but it's a strange coincidence that their Air room seems to have been damaged. Perhaps we aren't the only people to come looking for this information recently."

(Provided they got a good night's sleep) When offered breakfast in the "morning", Agate takes a light meal back to the guest quarters to eat as she studies her spellbook.

***In the "morning" of the next day***

While it is difficult to determine the time of day when you awaken....

Not at all.

"What time is it?" demands Thaia when she arrives for breakfast.

So, we're going to the Azure Halls then?

Ollo helps to herd Thaia back to the party without hurting anyone, then gratefully turns for his quarters for what little sleep remains. Waking the next morning, he stumbles down to breakfast still bleary eyed.
He gives a dirty look to the dainty offerings, and sits down with a flask from his own pack while munching on however much bacon and meat he can manage to garner from the sideboard. After a few swigs and a little bit of time filling his belly, he seems to have recovered his normal temperament and joins the conversation.

"I agree, Pavo. But needs must, eh? The Concordance ain't likely to let us go much further without pushing.. and pushing hard. Here's ta hopin that last night at least bought us some respect.. but I'm no gonna hold me breath."

Turning to Agate, he listens intently to her recounting of what she and Bailey found, before saying "Well then. If'n we can find tha place, it seems we need ta go there next!"