[Outpost II] GM MattMorris Tapestry's Trial (Inactive)

Game Master ChesterCopperpot

Well, if you folks are going to continue to roll so high... ;)

Tchekua nods in agreement to your argument. "The Pathfinder Society has been able to successfully chronicle much of that history, and no doubt some of it would have been lost without Hao Jin's actions."

Zahal concurs. "The fact that we have such well-informed witnesses before us proves that the record of these civilizations has not been lost."

Tenth-By-Third buzzes, "While I cannot agree with your cavalier attitude toward movement through space and time, nor with the riotous "explorations" of your Society, I must concede that moving those monuments represents no great fault for Hao Jin."

Three rounds of complete success.

Zahal reclaims to floor, and the atmosphere in the courtroom becomes a bit less congenial. “Ah yes, and let us not forget what drew me to these proceedings in the first place: Hao Jin’s interference with the River of Souls. In recent years, her demiplane has captured souls bound for Pharasma’s judgment. And as I need not remind anyone, stealing souls is, ah…” Zahal leans down, taps her snout, and rumbles the last part of her sentence to convey its severity. “…deeply frowned upon.” Then with a smirk, she adds, “Unless this is what defines cosmic law these days?”

Tchekua and Tenth-By-Third both loudly protest at the implications of the psychopomps statement, and she gives them a chuckling apology. "Yes, yes. You're holding together the universe quite well, hehe. Excellent work all around." In a more serious tone, she adds, "Still, Hao Jin siphoned souls to power her project, and that is no laughing matter."

Challenge 4 - Strong Skills: Knowledge (planes), Knowledge (religion), Spellcraft

Again Dr. Strang steps forward.... and like before, he seems to be frowning. And, like before, he addresses Zahal, the one leveling the accusations.

"Have any of you examined the engrams?" He asks in surprise, glancing between all three. "These memories were taken from her, so someone must have taken the time to actually review what they were taking, yes?"

"If you had done so, you would be aware that she was not, as Judge Zahal is suggesting, capturing souls." He shakes his head slightly. "Though she has worked out a fairly ingenious way to use those departing souls to help power the life support for those still inside, that way did not prevent any of those same souls from reaching the River of Souls, or eventually arriving at their final Judgement on time."

"Only trace amounts of energy were siphoned from each, not enough to change their fates in any way, but enough to keep the demiplane active and able to sustain those within, until such time as there is no more life to sustain." He gets a little caught up in the wonder of how she managed it all. "I have dedicated my life to the study of necromantic magics, and what she did was both elegant and brilliant. The dead sustaining the living."

"My Lord Anubis himself works to protect such souls on their journey to the Boneyard." He adds, looking towards the jackal head on the end of his staff. "If they were in any danger, I have no doubt he would have intervened."

He scratches his chin thoughtfully. "Now, if Pharasma herself took note, I'm sure there is more to it than that... but the fact remains that none of those souls were prevented from completing their journey or receiving the judgment they were due."

Knowledge (religion), strong skill, Heccan aid: 1d20 + 20 + 2 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 20 + 2 + 5 + 2 = 38

Edit: Well, not a glorious roll this time... but final result still relatively decent. Unsure what the penalty will be mind you.

Heccan nods in approval at Dr. Strang's excellent recitation. "Indeed. Well said Doctor." Heccan turns to the magistrates, particularly Zahal and Tcheku "Take it from this man, a bona fide expert in this field. I would clarify that, based on the doctor's expert opinion, I submit that calling Ho Jin's use of souls hardly an abduction at all. More like efficient use of the matter. Much like the Shoanti of the plains, sustained by the hunting of wild beasts and using every portion of their kills, from the meat to the bones, leaving nothing to waste. So has, and in brilliant fashion, Ho Jin."

Zahal replies, "You again? Well, I suppose you are right that no souls were diverted from their final destination by Hao Jin's actions. I'll begrudgingly concede the point--though I still find the ethical implications of running a demiplane on soul power extremely concerning."

Tchekua bows to Zahal's expertise on this matter. Tenth-By-Third actually adds, "You describe a most orderly system."

Four challenges successfully completed. Looks like the judges have mostly come around to your side. There are still a few issues to contend with, however.

Tenth-By-Third picks up the questioning, "Should we decide to set Hao Jin free from Axis, there remains some concern about her future behavior. Mortals are fallible, naturally erring from cosmic law and planar constants. The accused has a record of recklessness, and it is clear that she would revert to such reckless behavior again if permitted the freedom to experiment again. Can even centuries of self-reflection overcome a creature’s base instincts?”

Tchekua interjects, "You are wrong to characterize this mortal tendency so negatively. The rise of civilization is a natural outgrowth of mortals’ ability to surpass their instinct-driven ancestors and attain limitless levels of higher reasoning.

Zahal seems to take the middle ground, "Societies and people may evolve, but they do so only by overcoming the staggering inertia of their current philosophies. Has Hao Jin's thinking changed based on her time in Axis?"

Round 4 - Strong Skills: Diplomacy, Heal (psychology), Sense Motive

Felwyn will remove her had when she addresses the judges, specifically looking at Tchekua who seems most sympathetic

"I can tell you, Hao Jin sure seemed dang sorry to me and she said herself that she had learned a lot from being here on Axis.
If your worried about her 'base instincts' I can tell you that when we told her that the tapestry was havin' problems, her first reaction was to want to help.
If you keep her here and never give her a chance to fix whats broke, things will never get better. And believe me, I've been in the tapestry recently, it needs to be fixed soon."

Felwyn will try to speak carefully, taking 10 on her sense motive check
with an aid from Heccan, being a strong skill, and then the penalty for being chaotic...

Sense motive = 10+7+2+5-2=22

Heccan grins widely as Fewlyn addresses the outsiders. "Too true, Honorable Felwyn. I believe my noble companion speak directly to Hao Jin's forced time here in Axis. As you will note, Hao Jin, though for all intents and purposes a prisoner here, did not use her time as such. No, your Honors, she LEARNED. As she has done in all her extraordinary long life, she has learned. And as the tapestry and your own study of her memories will attest, she takes whats she learns, deepens it, expands upon it and turns it into something truly remarkable." Heccan looks to the tribunal letting that point sink in before continuing. "And has she had not the best teachers here, in Axis, to show her they way? Do you not think that the best teachers in the multiverse can impart these principles to a mind so capable as Hao Jin? Of course. And her past suggests that she will excel with this new gained knowledge. Humbly, I submit that any thought of Hao Jin straying from such a path is unfounded."

Take 10 should work to suppress the chaotic aura.

Tchekua replies, "It is true that mortals are changeable. If we do not believe in the ability of mortals to change for the better, I don't see why we bother sentencing them to service here in Axis."

Zahal chuckles. "That's celestial talk, Tchekua! Looking for a new job in Elysium? Mortals always seem to reform when they come to judgement."

Tenth-By-Third seems skeptical as well. "I don't see any evidence beyond the "good feelings" of this adventurer."

So far, 5 successes for Tchekua, 4 for the other two.

Tchekua brings the argument to a close: "Even in the event that Hao Jin performed the necessary steps to create her demiplane and fill it for the sake of historic preservation, there remains the fact that she left her charges untended. Thousands of creatures across more than a dozen generations suffered in her absence as she explored the Outer Planes. Were she truly responsible, would she not have guarded and guided these people until such a time as they could chart their own destinies?" He cocks an eyebrow and looks somewhat critically at your group. "She left the demiplane in the hands of...you folks."

Final Round - Strong Skills: Intimidate, Perform (acting), Perform (comedy), Perform (oratory)

Dravakuul casts enlarge person before taking the floor (+4 Intimidate vs medium-sized judges; removes a -4 vs large judges)

"Dravakuul is shocked by the argument being made by tribunal. You say Hao Jin was irresponsible for creating demiplane that is now collapsing and threatening lives of its inhabitants. And what do you propose to do about it? Keep her locked up.

You call yourselves creatures of logic and order. Well, this one finds your logic weak and your desire to punish promises to cause chaos. Release her, or you make a mockery of yourselves."

1d20 + 8 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 4 - 2 = 21

result is 4 lower vs large-size judges

Zahal perks up and archly questions Dravakuul, "You question the validity of this court?

Heccan, you can counter her to remove her bias against attacks on the court.

Pretty sure Tenth-By-Third and Tcheku are size large, and Zahal is size Huge... based on the info we've seen thus far.

Strang winces slightly at Dravakuul's approach, but silently applauds... it has seemed painfully obvious to him from the start, that Axis is responsible for a great deal of the troubles currently plaguing the demi-plane in question. He's glad Dravakuul at least pointed some of that out... even if he left out some things.

He doubted the judges would see it that way though.

"This one does not question the validity of the court, only the wisdom of its decision to keep Hao Jin imprisoned. Your question implied she was irresponsible for leaving the demi-plane rather than supervising it. Even if true, it seems all them more irresponsible to keep her from it any longer, given what has happened. Dravakuul cannot understand why creatures of logic and order pursue such a self-defeating course."

Heccan grins wickedly and focuses his attention on Zahal, he speaks with a practiced flourish and smooth delivery "Axis no your Honor. My colleague would never question this court's validity" he mutters under hsi breath so that Drakakuul can only hear his comment...

"No, what my large friend refers to is the crossroads we now stand." Heccan now addresses the entire tribunal. "Now that you have all seen the evidence, heard the testimony, learned from Hao Jin's own memories, what Dravakuul asks is that this court correct a wrong as it has the power to now do. Undo the time Hao Jin has been kept here as a prisoner and allow her to take the wisdom gleaned from this place into the larger world." Heccan now smiles a bit as he makes his way to the next point [b]"And you are right, she did leave her greatest work to our care. I ask then, who better? Who else, what other organization had the wherewithal, resources and people to care for this incredible creation? Why, it has led us here, has it not? And here we stand, speaking to the very lords themselves. Once again, her logic proves sound."

I believe I can take 10 on the check to counter Zahal's bias.

Zahal nods. "Sound reasoning all around. I concede the point." The psychopomp looks to the other judges and says, "I believe I have heard enough. Are we ready to consider our verdict?"

Tchekua nods, and Tenth-By-Third states, "I have no further questions."

The judges call a brief recess to consult on their decision.

When they return, Tchekua speaks for them. "We have decided to unanimously rule in Hao Jin’s favor. Axis formally drops all charges against the sorceress, recognizes her past several centuries of service, and encourages her to travel and create freely (albeit with a better understanding of how to do so safely). The judge smiles at all of you. "In this, I speak with the authority of Abadar, Pharasma, and the Godmind."

Zahal speaks to the group, "Thank you for providing testimony on Hao Jin's behalf. It was a most entertaining tribunal."

Tenth-By-Third concludes by saying, "This case is closed."

After the judges file out of the courtroom, Eleven-Sun-Truth zooms up to you. "Congratulations on your work with Hao Jin and on the trial. That was a most just conclusion."

Hao Jin herself seems more stoic, "Yes, thank you for your excellent work." Suddenly, her face breaks into a broad grin of relief. "Ah, I am so relieved! To be able to travel again, and to see my demiplane! I will be glad to aid your Society by performing the transposition ritual myself."

Hao Jin's face takes on a more thoughtful and serious cast, "Even with my magical mastery, performing the ritual will cause the demiplane to unravel dangerously within hours—-there’s only one chance to get things right. She further speculates, "After the demiplane finishes tearing itself apart, its built-in processes should slowly begin stitching it back together, so there’s the possibility that it could restore itself within the your lifetimes—and when it does, I bequeaths it to the Society in thanks for your assistance."

She smiles warmly at you once more, "Are you ready to return home? I with personally transport you there, though I have some loose ends to tie up here before I join you back on Golarion."

When you are ready, she bids you farewell and nonchalantly opens a gate onto the grounds of the Grand Lodge.

Congratulations! Great teamwork. Maximum prestige and boons galore. I'll try to get the chronicle sheets up today! Hope everyone enjoyed the story. You were a great group to run for.