PbP Gameday VII: PFS Scenario #9-06: The Shores of Heaven [Tier 1-5] (Inactive)

Game Master Stiehle

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Yes we are strong, I can feel the power."

Kitarlo nods and calls out as the rituals passes the halfway point. "Your sacrifices are both noble and strong, Pathfinders! I believe we are succeeding! A little longer..." Valais' eyes are closed and her teeth clenched as she bucks and trembles, her muscles standing out as though undergoing a very painful process. More of the mist sloughs off her skin, and with wonder you see that her demonic features are withering away, leaving newly healed flesh beneath...

Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1

Last set of rolls! I still need Ecthelien and Covadil to make their decisions for Phase 2 though (if needed, I'll bot the same rolls they made in Phase 1), but you can all roll for Phase 3 as you had enough successes to guarantee a win during that phase. Again, you can go for the same roll, or choose another if you'd like. Or opt out and spend the gold instead.

Not to be outdone by the others Elris chooses to undergo the Test of Weakness. His body had not failed him before and he didn't expect it to now.

"Impressively so!" he replies to Safa and Garrick.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"Yes, we are doing it! Vailais, I think you are getting better."

Garrick attempts the Trial of Weakness again, not wanting to back down from the challenge.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Hayden bows his head in humility once more.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Ecthelien feels the loss and decides payment for his hubris may be the better part of valor.

The fates shine poorly on me this day. Perhaps appeasement is better than resistance.

He pulls out 20 gold coins for the offering.

Covadil continues to recite the phrases of the ritual, impressed to see that their combined efforts seemed to be helping Valais.

"I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless-my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died."

Kn. Religion -Phase 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her strength through my body. I will shine in her legion, and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions."

Kn. Religion - Phase 3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

As the ritual is completed, wind swirls around the room in a howling gale, the mist swirling violently as faint shrieks and cries echo through the room. Through it all, the shadowy form of Valais is dimly visible at the center of the storm and the dark mist around her shimmers and begins to form into three nebulous bubbles. Two of the bubbles appear to be covered with an oily black film while the third is clear and fills with a blue mist that seems to separate from the dark as though through a strainer. Suddenly, the trio of spheres shoot away, passing through the walls of the library and out of the room as Valais collapses.

“No! Something has gone wrong!” Kitarlo shouts in alarm as he starts to move toward Valais. But in the next moment, a booming thunderclap startles everyone, and the wind suddenly stops. Standing beside the recumbent form of Vailais is a nine-foot tall archon, towering over everyone in the reading room. One of the archon’s arms is strapped to a giant shield that bears a resemblance to an open book. The other hand holds a gleaming spear carved to resemble a quill. The archon glances around at the papers and books that now lie in a shambles around the reading room, and then its stern gazes fixes upon the Pathfinders. “What foolish thing have you done?!” The archon roars in barely-contained anger, drawing the weapon back threateningly as it waits for an answer.

Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1

I still need a roll from Ecthelien and Safa for Phase 3 (or simply spending the gold), but the rolls already made guaranteed a success. Though obviously, success is a relative term...

"Foolish? Helping purge the corruption afflicting someone is far from foolish! There was no mention of the ritual sending our...what did it just send out, Kitarlo?" Elris says defending their actions then questioning why they weren't told of this outcome.

He then starts readying his armor and gear.

"Regardless, I take it those...things...need to be taken care of. Aim your weapons at them instead of a priest of Ragathiel."

[color=red]Destroy him, Garrick![/color]
I REALLY don't think that would be a good idea, Shirota

"Uh...we are just trying to purge the corruption from our friend! I think we were...partly successful?

[color=red]Such deference is unseemly![/color]

Ecthelien donates another 20gp to the cause.

Why stop now. It is only material wealth. Arcane power is priceless in comparison.

Hayden steps between the archon and Valais. "We tried to heal him! What happened?!"

Though the archon holds his ‘quill’ menacingly as he observes the room and waits for an answer, the words of the Pathfinders seem to calm him a bit and he stows the spear, then bows his head as if considering, or perhaps communing. Kitarlo shakes his head helplessly, his eyes bewildered as he gazes at the Pathfinders. Clearly this outcome is now what the azata expected. After a few long moments, the archon speaks.

“The question of whether or not you are innocent or guilty of any crimes done in this place must bide for a time. My name is Altha the Scrivener, and I serve Winlas, the empyreal lord that watches over the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture. It is the will of Winlas that you be granted a chance to remedy your errors and purify the evil that you have inflicted upon Heaven itself.” The archon’s head snaps up suddenly, fixing each of the Pathfinders in turn as he speaks further.

”Your friend’s soul has been split into three pieces, two demonic and one human. The souls are too impure to exist in Heaven, so instead they formed into… bubbles of a sort, and were scattered. As an act of penance for your crimes, you are ordered to leave this library at once to hunt down and collect the three shattered souls.” The archon then turns to Kitarlo and orders the azata to stay behind to help further decipher the ritual that has gone so badly astray and assist further in restoring Valais, who has fallen into a catatonic state and appears completely unresponsive.

Obviously dismissed, the Pathfinders begin to file out of the room when Altha suddenly speaks again, pointing at them for emphasis. “When you return from your tasks, I will pass judgment upon you all for this reckless behavior. Know that if your actions are deemed as malicious in nature, those of the Pathfinder Society will be permanently exiled from Heaven, along with Kitarlo for his failure in this. Go now. Akarah will guide you back to Heaven’s Shore where you can begin your atonement.”

The journey back down the mountain is done in near silence, the usually effusive lantern archon flies alongside the party laconically, and after several hours the exotic quarter known as Heaven’s Shore greets them with a gentle hubbub of activity that is nearly music to their ears. Zepha meets you there, and he wrings his hands in a gesture of apologetic remorse. “I am so sorry, my friends. Truly. I cannot help but feel partially responsible for this terrible tragedy. Kitarlo has passed me a message of what transpired, and I hope that I can help you make amends. I have received reports from my own contacts that a babau soul has invested the woods in the Unbent Forest, just outside of Heaven’s Shore. Further, a kalavakus demon is said to be haunting a public square known as the Garden of Laughter, where plays and puppet shows are commonly held. I will continue my search for the third piece of Valais’ soul, if you will meet me back at The Angel’s Wing when you have subdued the demon souls. Also, in addition to the magical apple I gave you earlier, I will bestow upon you this Elixir of Sacred Breath.” Zepha explains the magical qualities of this magical item as well, which functions as an Elixir of Fire Breath, except that half of the damage it deals results directly from divine power and so is not subject to fire resistance. As he prepares to leave, the preceptor archon nods toward the disconsolate lantern archon that seems to hover sadly above the heads of the Pathfinders. “I trust that Akarah can lead you to either of those places I mentioned, he is a most fine guide and judge of character. You will certainly prevail while in his care. Good luck to you, Pathfinders.” And with that, Zepha hurries away.

At the uplifting words spoken by Zepha, the lantern archon seems to brighten considerably and begins to dart around with his usual vigor and good cheer. “You see? All is not lost! Not while we yet draw breath! Evil has no place in Heaven and together we will set things aright again! You will see! Come, to which place shall I lead you first?”

Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1

Gonna try to speed things up as much as I can, since the Gameday games need to be reported in nearly two weeks, on Tuesday November 20th. Let me know your first choice and I’ll move us there with a simple majority decision. Safa, I still need your Phase 3 roll, please. As a reminder, I've posted below the 'gifts' that Zepha has bestowed upon you so far in this adventure.

Treasure Gained:
Elixir of Sacred Breath (As a Elixir of Fire Breath, save that half of the damage it deals results directly from divine power and so is not subject to fire resistance)
Alluring Golden Apple
6 Loaves of Heavenly Bread (acts as a CLW potion)

Elris walks along silently with the other but inside brimming with desire to enter combat with the demons removed from Valais soul. When they reach Heaven's Shore he listens intently but has questions before they leave.

"Zepha, can you share any information on the babau or kalavakus demons? Most demons I have met go down fine with a righteous blade but some are trickier." he asks intent on not failing this mission.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Either way Elris feels more comfortable fighting away from shows or innocents so he recommends the Unbent Woods.

"We will need to vanquish both foes but let us start in the woods where we can stretch our legs...and sword arms."

Ecthelien raises an eyebrow at the Ulfen's discussion of demons as if they were as common as goblins.

He must fare from wild areas of Golarion. I need to get out more.

He writes in his journal with apt interest.

Aye, the question is valid. Especially, if the demons have any special defenses or vulnerabilities in this place, so far removed from their home plane.

Kn. Planes (babau): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Kn. Planes (kalavakus): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Covadil, having been born and raised in Mendev on the edge of the Worldwound, shares with the rest of the group what he knows about these particular types of demons.

The half-elf again reflexively reaches up to touch the cat brooch on his cloak, seemingly drifting into his own thoughts as he does so.

"As we'll no doubt have to deal with both demons, I agree that the woods seem as good as any a place to start. Some fresh air might do us good to help clear our minds after all those hours chasing those books and ah...well, what just happened to poor Valais!"

"We've infected Heaven itself with evil?!" Hayden is appalled at the results of their ritual, but when the mention is made of hunting down the bubbles, then Paladin face suddenly becomes resolute. "Yes, we are responsible so we will destroy them."

The archer takes times to put on his armor before they leave the library, knowing they will face battle.

"The woods will be fine." He strings his bow and tests the strength of the new bowstring. "We'll hunt this demon down and destroy it."

"Wow, you never really know where you're going to run across evil, huh? I'm fine either way, but it does sound like those woods would be a more straight-forward place to start."

"I'm ready." Safa flexes her muscles. "Always been fond of kicking things in the face, especially if it's a demon."

Safa, I think you still owe me a roll for Phase 3 of the ritual.

Zepha’s knowledge of demons is more of an ‘academia’ type, and not helpful in battle. Outside the borders of Heaven’s Shore looms a lush and mysterious forest of towering trees. A peaceful hush fills the region, and the air is heavy with the weight of years. The road ahead curves around a small grove before plunging into a wall of shimmering air resembling a massive bubble. Black splotches swirl over the translucent wall like oil floating on water. Inside the bubble, the boughs of the forest are twisted and covered with festering cysts.

“Greetings, mortals,” a stern voice calls out. With a rush of air, a gigantic, gold-feathered owl swoops down and perches on a tree near the bubble. “My name is Skuroth, and I am warden over this section of the Unbent Forest. I am told that you are the mortals responsible for releasing this evil into Heaven and that you have been charged with cleansing it as well. It is not my place to countermand the will of Altha the Scrivener, so I will allow you to enter the bubble first and hunt your quarry. Be warned, however, that I will follow soon after and give chase myself. It has been many long years since evil of this magnitude walked beneath the boughs of my domain. My talons ache to once again taste the blood of demons.”

Unless the Pathfinders have questions for Skuroth, they enter the bubble as Akarah keeps the golden owl company, though the giant raptor seems dubious about the lantern archon's garrulous attitude. Passing through the bubble is surprisingly effortless, and once inside they find an unending forest of massive tree limbs that stretch out into the darkness. A dark mist obscures the floor of the forest, hundreds of feet below, and a tangle of branches blots out any glimpse of the sky. Red boils cover the branches of the trees, throbbing ominously. The branches are large enough for the Pathfinders to walk across, though peering down results in a strong sense of vertigo, seeing the ground so far below…

Pictures of NPCs - Slide #1

I’ll let you roll those Planes checks when you actually encounter the demon. If you have questions for Skuroth, you can ask them now. I also need the following skill checks. I need two Survival checks for the party. I will allow more than one PC to take the ‘lead’ roll and anyone can help assist. I will take the higher lead roll and apply the ‘aid another’ rolls to the higher lead roll. Again, I need TWO separate rolls, so be sure to note your Survival checks as Roll #1 or #2 (both for the ‘lead’ rolls as well as ‘aid another’ rolls). I also need every PC to make a Stealth check. No ‘aid another’ is allowed, and again I need everybody to roll a Stealth check for their character. Thanks!

It would be best if I just try to assist with the survival, I think.

Survival 1 (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 10
Survival 2 (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 16
Stealth: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (4) - 4 = 0

Garrick is so intent on helping his teammates track down the demon that he is heedless of the noise he might be making.

Is anyone actually trained in Survival?

Survival, aid: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Survival, aid: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Hayden reminds the others that he's a knight, not a woodsman.

While my people fare from the woods, I often spent more time with tomes and wands than trees and stones.

survival,aid#1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
survival,aid#2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"I too must admit to too much time studying about the things I am searching than the way to get there...often a cause of trouble, but also sometimes part of the fun." Covadil isn't really cut out for quiet hunting in his heavy armor and with his large weapons.

Survival (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 16
Survival (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 11
Stealth: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Looks like Elris gets to make the lead Survival check (it appears he has the highest modifier anyway), and Safi can try an Aid Another as well. I will move things along either a bit later tonight or tomorrow sometime and bot those two players' rolls if need be.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

So sorry. I took ill the last few days and it is finally passing.

"I don't believe I will fare much better. I prefer battlefields to forests but if it is for tracking a demon...any location will do." Elris adds while searching for traces of the demonic enemy.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Oh was I supposed to roll survival too. Here they are!

Survival aid 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Survival aid 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

The party moves along the wide tree branches with little worry of falling, and they soon find that tracking the babau demon somewhere within this tangled, dark forest is done by following the scarred holes left along the branches where diseased cysts have been removed quite recently, transformed by the evil creature’s magic into the pulsating red boil-like things that ooze along the tree, given unwholesome life by the demon. Strange shadows flit between the branches here and there, and the party catches glimpses of bloodshot eyeballs held aloft by bat wings that seem to follow their progress, for several of the Pathfinders find it difficult to hide from the hideous spies.

Avoiding the pustules and what appears to be a trap of some kind that was laid for them along the demon’s backtrail, they finally run across the babau itself, hunched over near a festering boil that it has just created. The demon grins at the Pathfinders and hisses in a voice that is eerily similar to that of the stricken Valais. “Faugh! Curse Thurl for stealing my power! Still, Ammoch has more than enough to deal with the likes of you weak mortals!” Then the babau demon leaps to attack, and Elris is the only one to react in time to meet it…

Player’s Map - Slide #2

Elris is up! Then the demon, then Covadil and Ecthelien before the ooze goes followed by the rest of the party. Movement along the branches (on the map) is normal, except when you shift to a new branch - that first square is considered difficult terrain. Well done on those checks, you passed both Survival checks by the skin of your teeth with the’ aid another’ bonuses that allowed you to bypass the trap and NOT be surprised by the babau demon when you found him. Alas, too many of you failed the Stealth check to get the jump on him yourselves! Those that wish can give me a Knowledge (Planes) check for the demon and/or a Knowledge (Dungeoneering) check for the boilborn to learn something about them. Let me know your preferences if you make a good roll and I’ll comply with your request, or I’ll give you what I deem to be beneficial bits of information.

Elris holds his shield up and utter a pray before a sheathe of light encompasses his allies.

"Ragathiel, grant us audience while we destroy this demon!" he roars before moving towards the enemy climbing up onto the higher branch.

Bless: Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects. 1 Minute.

Elris raises his shield and calls on Ragathiel to bless himself and the rest of the Pathfinders in the coming battle as he steps bravely forward, shifting up to the branch upon which the demon crouches.

Ammoch darts forward then, stabbing at the warpriest with a longspear, but Elris easily knocks the weapon aside and the demon hisses angrily.

Longspear Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 = Miss!

Player’s Map - Slide #2

Covadil and Ecthelien are up, and then the ooze and then everyone else.

Is is possible for Hayden to have life linked Elris prior to the start of combat? I meant to mention it when they entered the bubble.

”We will vanquish it “

Ecthelien casts mage armor and moves up towards the foe to get a better look.

Yes, I'll definitely let you have life-linked prior to heading into the demon bubble. If there's EVER a time to life-link it's THAT time! Is everyone included, Hayden? Let me know if there are any exceptions.

Hayden is only a level 1 Life Oracle, so he can only life link a single person. He'll pick Elris to try and keep him in the fight longer.

Covadil calls on the power imbued in his treasured objects to give himself a burst of sudden speed. Moving quickly along the branch and then up onto the one next to Elris, he swings his greatsword down towards the babau demon.

"Weaker mortals? I think not you foul fiend!"

Swift Action: Sudden Speed to increase speed by 30'
Move, drawing greatsword. Bless.
Mwk Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 24 Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 = 15

Ecthelien casts a spell that sheathes his body in magical armor as Covadil leaps forward to engage the demon, slashing with his greatsword and causing it a grievous wound, though it appears to the half-elf that not it should have been hurt even worse, as its very skin seemed to resist the steel of his blade!

The blood-like ooze creature lurches forward to attack as well, slamming its body into Elris – though the warpriest's armor protects him from the blow.

Random PC (Elris=1, Covadil=2): 1d2 ⇒ 1
Longspear Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 = Miss!

Player’s Map - Slide #2

Garrick, Hayden, Safa and Elris are up! Please specify what kind of material your weapon is crafted of, or if it’s just regular steel.

Garrick draws his sword while he moves along the branches. Pausing to catch his balance, he shouts encouragement to his fellow adventurers.

"Come Pathfinders! These evil forces could never overcome us. Let's cleanse Heaven of their darkness."

Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Elris turns to the disgusting ooze creature before slicing upwards with his blade followed by a smack from his shield.

"Disgusting demon-spawn."

Two-Weapon Fighting.
Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15

Cold Iron Light Shield Bash: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 8

Hayden steps back to get a clean shot at the demon. He summons Sarenrae's holy wrath at Ammoch for the part it has played in cursing Valias. "You are nothing in the face of the might Dawnflower. Her wrath will burn you from existence!" A arrow flies off his bow toward the demon.

Smite Evil on Ammoch
Attack (Smite): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Damage (smite): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11

Hayden's AC is 21 vs. Ammoch. Also ignore Ammoch's DR.

Safa will double move to provide a flank.

Garrick exhorts his comrades to battle, filling them with resolve and Hayden moves to attack the demon as well, summoning the power of Sarenrae to aid him in striking down this evil creature, and the arrow sinks deep into the creature's side, eliciting an angry snarl of pain. Safa scoots around the demon and takes a flanking position as Hayden strikes at the boilborn, the sword slicing it nearly in half, and when he slams his shield into it the thing explodes violently, spraying Elris, Covadil and the demon with acid!

Elris & Covadil take: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 acid damage; DC 14 Reflex save for half and DC 12 Fortitude save

The demon screeches in fury and drops its spear, tearing at Covadil with its claws and teeth, the talons of one of its claws tearing into his flesh painfully.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 = Miss!
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 = Miss!
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 = Hit!
Claw Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Player’s Map - Slide #2

Covadil and Ecthelien are up! I need Elris and Covadil to each give me a Reflex save and a Fortitude save. Covadil, I also need a second Reflex save, from when you struck the demon with your sword last round. And another one for this round as well.

Ecthelien is not keen to get sprayed with acid, and stays in place.

Stand-off weapons are prudent against such foes.

He casts a magic missile and a dart of pure force streaks towards the demon.

mm: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"That burns something fierce!"

REFLEX (striking demon last round): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
REFLEX (boilborn explosion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
FORT (boilborn stuff): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Determined to end this evil demon once and for all, Covadil strikes again at the babau.

Bless, Inspire Courage, Flank
Mwk Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 16 Damage: 2d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 7) + 6 + 1 = 15
REFLEX (if needed): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Covadil's sword takes: 1d6 ⇒ 5 acid damage

Covadil's greatsword is etched with acid, but it does no significant harm to his blade and he swings again, striking deeply into the demon's chest, but still it stands! Again the babau's acidic blood eats into the steel, but does no real harm.

Covadil's sword takes: 1d6 ⇒ 4 acid damage

Ecthelien's magic missile smashes into the demon, and the babau staggers a step or two then falls unmoving. As the battle ends, the air around the party begins to waver and warp. With a faint popping sensation, the Pathfinders find themselves standing again within the soothing trees of the Unbent Forest. The slain babau still lies before them, on the forest floor and within seconds devolvs into a sniveling weakling. The once-demon rises unsteadily to its feet and cowers, now willing to follow the party meekly. The golden owl Skuroth swoops down from the sky and lands on a nearby branch. ”Alas, you have cheated me of the hunt, but I must admit I underestimated your abilities and you have done a fine job of making partial amends for what you have wrought upon this peaceful land. By way of apology, please accept this gift.” The raptor flies up into a nearby tree, retrieving a flag covered in images of watchful green eyes, and then drops it before the Pathfinders, explaining that it will protect its bearer from evil.

Continuing onward, the Pathfinders arrive in the Garden of Laughter. Inside this trimmed clearing, an assortment of acrobats, mummers, and dancers twirl about to the delight of dozens of spectators. A chorus of laughter erupts from a group of children nearby, gathered around a colorful play wagon decorated with ribbons and filled with marionettes. Perched atop the wagon is an angelic figure, roughly the size of a halfling, with iridescent wings and flowing silver hair. With a broad smile, the angel approaches and speaks, “Hello, mortals! I am so glad you have arrived. My name is Oneol. I believe I have something you are looking for.”

Leading the way through the crowd of children, Oneol opens the back of the wagon to reveal a miniature puppet stage. A hazy bubble covered with splotches of black fills the inside of the wagon. Dimly visible inside the bubble, a fearsome demonic puppet stands in the garden of an opulent manor and silently yells orders. “I have captured the soul of Laktharis, the kalavakus demon that you set free,” Oneol says with a grin. “After his release, Laktharis slithered his way down to Heaven’s Shore, looking for creatures to subjugate. It is the nature of kalavakus demons to control and enslave, you see. Well, naturally, when I sensed the presence of an evil slaver, I pulled the demon’s soul inside my marionette display. Now, the puppet demon has subjects to rule over that befit his status. He is a King of Strings, a ruler of puppets.”

With another sly smile, Oneol steps away from the crowd of children and whispers, “I was hoping you could help me put on a show to entertain the children. Enter the bubble of evil, defeat Laktharis, and make him look silly. The soul of this demon craves domination, so any way that you can deny him that satisfaction will make him weaker. Let us teach these children that sometimes even great evil can give rise to laughter.”

Orneal explains that as you experienced earlier, touching the bubble of evil will draw you inside, and the angel offers to 'keep a sharp eye' on the fawning creature that was once a babau demon while you are in that other realm. After making any last moment preparations the Pathfinders do just that, finding themselves in the courtyard of a fine manor. Intricate carvings depicting Abyssal scenery decorate the manor’s exterior walls. The manor has no doors, and in place of windows it has impassible walls of solid gray mist. Human-sized puppets in simple clothing lurk along the interior edges of the main building’s roof, staring blankly at the courtyard below as if it were a grand stage, their eyes seeming to track the group’s movements. Beyond the boundaries of the courtyard, the Pathfinders see only the same mist that fills the windows. The rooftops of all the buildings are 20 feet above the ground level and may be accessible by any that wish to scale the wall carvings to get up there.

Laktharis stands on the far side of the pool in the center of the courtyard and roars commands to the unmoving puppets in the audience. He appears as an enormous marionette built to resemble a kalavakus demon, with long claws and razor-sharp horns emerging from its violet-colored skin. Hundreds of strings hang from his arms and back and several more puppets stand arrayed around the courtyard as well, though none are nearly as intimidating in appearance as the fierce demon. Laktharis sneers at the Pathfinders and snarls. ”Welcome to my theater of pain and suffering! I am confident you will make very fine slaves for my shows!”

Treasure Gained:
Knight’s Pennon (Honor)

Player’s Map - Slide #2

Codavil, the acid hasn’t done anything permanent to your sword, as the damage never got past its hardness of 10. I’ve moved us on a bit further along rapidly the next encounter. Feel free to heal yourselves retroactively, but the buffs have worn off – though you can cast any new buffs that you’d like. As Orneal requested, you can try to make the demon look silly by making an Intimidate or Perform check (along with some idea of what you’re doing) as a standard action. Or if you’d rather get creative with another skill check, just make a case for it and go for it. All PCs are up, though Safa will act after the bad guys.

Hayden would have made sure everyone was fully healed. I'll just mark off several charges off his CLW wand if you'll allow. Technically, it's more efficient if he life links each one in turn, takes their wounds, and then heals himself.

Hayden follows the others into the courtyard. He spots the demon. "You think we can sever those strings? Actually, I'd love to see one of you toss him in the pool..." He calls for a blessing of Sarenrae for the group.

Cast Bless on everyone.

Not sure how much Hayden can help in this fight if we're not supposed to kill him outright.

Ecthelien shakes his head at Laktharis

Nay, I do have no intentions to become a slave, nor will we allow you to conduct your experiment here.

kn:history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Probably not enough to get details to use against him, but that was the intent. Not much else which would not cause harm, unless we take out the puppets.

As you recall, your plans failed before, and you were confined as you are again. The show is over for you. Beyond providing simple entertainment for the crowds.

Mindful of Orneal's advice, Garrick tries to take the demon down a few pegs:

"Why, you're only a toy! I'm sure you've heard plenty of stories about Pathfinders over the years. Maybe you've forgotten that we are always the players, not the playthings!"

Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"So we aren't to just cut him down?" Elris says before entering the bubble slightly disappointed but he takes a defensive stance knowing that the demon wouldn't let it be so easy.

Casting his Blessing of Nobility and Enhance Diplomacy (Intimidate) before entering the bubble.

Elris steps forward weapons drawn and beating on his shield.

"What lowly demon gets trapped in place like this? Give up before the lessons we teach become physical."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19