World's Most Interesting What Prestige is Worth (001) [PFS CORE 10-08] (Inactive)

Game Master Great Green God

Before they leave Chandu will also give the place a search for anything valuable that might have been missed. She casts detect magic as well as she hunts around. I wouldnt want to leave Hell with any further resources. We should probably also drag Leventi's corpse out to Vetrivedes as proof. Then I suggest we get back to Golarion as quickly as possible. I dont trust Vetrivedes to keep his word, bargain or not

Perception, hell, heroism: 1d20 + 18 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 2 + 2 = 20

...Chandu stabs the annoying devil a couple of extra times to make sure he is dead....

...Also, do we have to leave Leventi alive? I am in a devil killing mood.

So is Chandu killing him and then just saying that? Jair really wants to know.

Once Leventi's head is separated from his corpse, Jair starts looking around, avoiding the pit. take 20

If you all do kill the crooked devil (it was left a little bit ambiguous above) he simply gets absorbed back into the plane to be remade into a more efficient tool for Hell--or possibly a brick for Dis's city wall.

You just need to inform Vetrivedes as to Leventi's fate. Most higher ranked devils seem to be good at discerning lies, as rules and truth are a big thing for them--no matter how twisted.

Yes, Chandu has finished off Leventi. I thought that was obvious when I said I stabbed him a few more times for good measure.

Gotcha.

Yes, Chandu has finished off Leventi. I thought that was obvious when I said I stabbed him a few more times for good measure.

I just thought of something, maybe now I can grab my contract off his dead body and rip it up. I already have my gold. That way I can keep my soul and have my gold too. Or have my cake and eat it too. If Shrec gets back and sees Leventi's dead body, he will search for his contract. If he finds it he will say. Hell, I walk away with my gold and my soul

Chandu wrote:

Yes, Chandu has finished off Leventi. I thought that was obvious when I said I stabbed him a few more times for good measure.

I just thought of something, maybe now I can grab my contract off his dead body and rip it up. I already have my gold. That way I can keep my soul and have my gold too. Or have my cake and eat it too. If Shrec gets back and sees Leventi's dead body, he will search for his contract. If he finds it he will say. Hell, I walk away with my gold and my soul

Alas no. Shrec's contract is on file in the vault of the Fallen Fastness. You would have to get past this guy first. That, and Zarta's deal with the bone devil would end a little before he could make it back (via ordinary methods). And Shrec doesn't actually have his gold. It is laying on the floor in that room the rest of the team is in. There's probably a sign in the room that says that items leftt here for 30 days or more automatically become the property of the lessor or the Fallen Fastness in cases where no one is renting the space.

I'm assuming the party eventually returns to the entrance hall to report to Vetrivides, whether they take any of the items in the display room or not.

Surely we ll grab all the worth ant proper stuff. Like gold, magic, information and contracts. Thats why Atum called for a horse.

Well Shrec grabs his gold off the floor once he gets back as he stepped through the portal the man told him to, sad that he doesn't see his own contract.

Surely we ll grab all the worth ant proper stuff. Like gold, magic, information and contracts. Thats why Atum called for a horse.

On the 666th floor? And from whom? Horses in Hell tend toward the diabolical and often don't do stairs.

Time's flying, and as it is you might need a fly speed to get back to the portal before time runs out.... And speaking of things running out, Hell notices you again!

Whomever or whatever strange force it is that enforces the laws of Hell becomes aware again of those who sought to circumvent the rules. Once again it turns whatever luck the singled out have to the bad. It is as if the plane itself hates you.

Well Shrec grabs his gold off the floor once he gets back as he stepped through the portal the man told him to, sad that he doesn't see his own contract.

Shrec arrives back into sweltering Hell after being literally spat out by the Hellmouth. Right away he sees the object of his quest, miles away in the steaming heart of Dis, the seemingly endless tower of the impossible Fallen Fastness! Up some six-hundred and sixty-six flights of stairs lies the agreed upon worth of his immortal soul, a heap of treasure comprised of six-thousand five-hundred loose coins, one-hundred thirty pounds of gold on the floor of an other dimensional-room stript no doubt from somewhere on the material plane. He best hurry! Already he can feel the eyes of Hell once more upon him.

"For the Lord of Law's sake, what is taking so long? Have they discorporated Leventi, or haven't they?"

Lady Zarta? Are we done here? Can we exit and make it back to the portal within the alotted time? Do you know any shortcuts? I am not sure where Shrec is but we cannot stay here.

Lasaraleen motions folks to pick up the pace as she exits through the scroll (unless Zarta indicates otherwise).

will: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 2 = 28

Atum completely forgot about stairs or ignores the fact. So as they grab everything worth, and maybe head of Leveti, hi's getting back journey through scrolls to answer Vetrivides. Atum actually will give him the head.

I've got mass fly and Dimension door in my pocket. Be cool. As for you, Vetrivides, we are done. Now we should go with a couple of wrong made contracts (Leventi's work), Ghelius' soul and your bless. Or without it. Zarta, are we done here?

Shane sends Veshtahz to take a look otside the scriptorium, find a window opened to the part of Dis closer to portal.
Also Atum is interested if anyone prepared feather fall today.

"Dear, I was ready to leave this place the moment I collected Gellius's soul and contract. I've been waiting on you all."

Lady Zarta? Are we done here? Can we exit and make it back to the portal within the alotted time? Do you know any shortcuts? I am not sure where Shrec is but we cannot stay here.

"The place is really built for beings who can teleport or fly dear. If we leave now we just might make it if we hurry. After that, it is as the fox hunters say: open season."

No heads, Atum, just a pile of empty Jedi robes. When outsiders die on their home plane the home plane assumes ownership of the remains. There are no windows on this floor of the Fastness. Windows are a distraction from Hell's important work. The center of the tower is an open space though, only occupied by the endless scroll of sins and thousands of devils, wizards, spirits and the wobbly scaffold that some of them need see the thing up close to reference or update.

Oh then there is that Thrune assassin whose soul Atum owns, and Tholvinus and his awkward cage, and most important of all Shrec's money! I actually do need to know how you plan on carrying that (assuming you are).

But first....

"At last! Our report. Tell me now of Leventi's final humiliation at the hands of mere mortals. We wish to savor every single minute detail for all of eternity. Begin." the bone devil says when the party emerges from the scroll, its grin apparent in its eerie voice.

Chandu sighs and shakes her head, Mostly I stabbed him in the head and he fell over, is that enough detail for you?

She points her spear at him, If you look closely you can probably still see some bits of gore on the tip here

Shrec hurries up the stairs, fast walk, not run, or rather towards where he sees or knows his gold to be.

He was humaliated. But still it was rather painfull for me. As for our investigations, we found some evidences. He could not deny them, but offered us some deals. He ignores Sepia Snake Sigil in my paper! And than was feared of puppy upcoming! But our time is almost up here, so...

Atum tries his best to drop just facts without storytelling to be shorter.
He calculates persona numbers and asks if Tholvinus want to visit matherial plane, Golarion, Absalom with his masters's remains.

Ok, as no one prepared fether fall and here no windwos around - I see just one solution how we get back from here. We need to fly. Pack your stuff better. We will leave soon. Vetrivides, it was fine to work with you, but I hope to never see you again. Now, we need our payment.

Atum actually not sure if there might be any payment from the bone devil, but it would be good.

Probably my mount (packed with Shrecs gold) can fly too in case I am gonna conjure Mass Fly

Lasaraleen was about to airwalk out but a mass fly sounds much better

” Alrighty! Are we good to go and contract or whatever is fully complete?“

Jair smiles but says nothing.

Mass fly is a black-day option. So if we can leave at the time and avoid its usage - it would be much better. Dimension door is more convenient option to use for transporting horse with gold, Ophelia and Tholvinus downstairs.

Still we awaits for Vetrivides response.

A couple of hours later--

Shrec hurries up the stairs, fast walk, not run, or rather towards where he sees or knows his gold to be.

Shrec is a long way away from the tower.

Atum begins scooping gold into something(?)....

Atum is mass fly on a boon sheet, because I'm not finding it in your spell books. You can certainly conjure a horse, and give it flying (via overland flight or mass fly), and then try to get it not to panic when it lifts off the ground. I'm just imagining the first horse in space at this point.

He was humaliated. But still it was rather painfull for me. As for our investigations, we found some evidences. He could not deny them, but offered us some deals. He ignores Sepia Snake Sigil in my paper! And than was feared of puppy upcoming! But our time is almost up here, so...

"Of course. You have places to go." Vetrivides says graciously. "But we will be seeing you soon enough, I'm sure."

"Your tales are adequate given your obvious limitations." the bone devil says with some regret when the tales are all finally told.

Chandu looks over to Zarta, Are we done here?

Assuming we are she starts heading off in the direction of the hellmouth to get out of the horrible place.

Shrec will do whatever he has to to get there. Seriously, just speed this up, Shrec takes X days to get there, etc. Or He never gets there, etc. Or the allies decide to pick up my gold and hold onto it for me, etc. He will ask for shortcuts if necessary. It's almost time for Gameday Sign-ups, gotta get chronicle before then.

Atum tries his best to drop just facts without storytelling to be shorter.

He calculates persona numbers and asks if Tholvinus want to visit matherial plane, Golarion, Absalom with his masters's remains.

Ok, as no one prepared fether fall and here no windwos around - I see just one solution how we get back from here. We need to fly. Pack your stuff better. We will leave soon. Vetrivides, it was fine to work with you, but I hope to never see you again. Now, we need our payment.

Atum actually not sure if there might be any payment from the bone devil, but it would be good.[/ooc]

Gelius Thrune and whatever else you make off with from Leventi's collection and honor of aiding one such as Vetrivides (without being mauled) are your rewards.

Probably my mount (packed with Shrecs gold) can fly too in case I am gonna conjure Mass Fly

Someone packing summon cloth sacks? Anyone have a cloak, or four? A pack saddle? There's Leventi's angel-soft handy haversack full of scrolls and 50 lbs of devilish armor which could carry most of the gold if it was totally empty (haversacks can hold up to 120 lbs).

Chandu looks over to Zarta, Are we done here?

"Most assuredly." Zarta says from the doorway leading out.

Assuming the party can figure out how to transport the gold (though the wizard with the STR 7 seems to be the only one present interested in doing so--just be glad it's gold, had Shrec not specified 'gold' coins in the contract, well...), and has enough Handle Animal to calm the half-crazed first-time flying summoned horse, and Atum actually has a way to cast mass fly. It should be no problem to get out the hell out of Hell with time to spare.

They probably miss Shrec on his way back up. When they get back Ambrus Valsin asks where Shrec is.... And moments later proceeds to tear his own mustache out in frustration before Zarta stops him. Eventually, Shrec returns with half of Hell chasing after him.

Ophelia, the late Thrune agent, and Zarta's former kidnapper is a condemned soul, and really can't come back with Atum. Zarta would suggest tearing up her contract and setting her free, if Atum doesn't suggest it first.

"I tire of tyranny." Zarta says.

Tholvinus the imp is still tied to his master (in the glass jar), but bound to his awkward cage as well. The party could release him (unless Shrec has the key) and he has wings of his own to fly with. Otherwise he can be left behind to Vetrivides "care".

IF all that gets sorted out--who knew that lack of luggage would be this party's most perilous encounter--then the mission is deemed a success and the hellmouth in the Society archive can finally be closed permanently.

There are several tension-filled hours waiting for Shrec to return through the diabolic hellmouth. During this time Zarta consults with the soul of the man who was once Gellius Thrune, now a ghostly head in a mason jar. The head is rather worn-looking but otherwise handsome. It's pallor is colorless and translucent. The dialogue that follows between the two which covers topics as diverse as the nature of the hellmouth (Gellius's and Tholvinus's failed attempt at escape), Chelish politics, hair styles and the current state of affairs within House Thrune could mostly be summed up when ghost rolled his eyes in exasperation and said "And after all I have done for them! This-" he says looking at about where his hands might have been were he whole "is the thanks I get. To think what I have given up."

Clearly he is upset at having been forgotten in Hell after signing away his soul to make all of his misdeeds (politically speaking) go away so that his cousin might ascend the throne. Sure he did all those things, but Zarta doesn't remind him of that fact. She wants to know about how the hellmouth works so she can close it and so she puts up with his none-to-subtle flattery, and stokes his anger at his family. So when Shrec finally returns with the hosts of Hell hard on his heels, led by the immense floating bulk of a shouting Phlagantres, Zarta uses the melancholic talisman to permanently shut down the mouthy portal with a long room-shaking **BUUUUUUUUUURP!**

"Well, that was certainly unpleasant." Zarta says adjusting her hair.

“Closed as promised, Lady Davian.” Zarta winces slightly. “You can not hide it my lady, I've known a few Davian women in my time, and you certainly share in all beauty and charm that house has to offer.” The ghost says head nods within its glass prison. “But before we quibble over terms, let me speak plainly, for I see in you the same need that has consumed me for centuries: revenge against House Thrune.”

Later, in a one of the archives small study chambers, Zarta gathers the group together for perhaps the last time. She twirls the point of a blade on Gellius’ infernal contract penned in Leventi's hand.

“I admit I’ve yearned for this: a chance to slide the knife in, slow and deep, and see those who betrayed me twist on it. Not only did Thrune betray me, but I’ve known for only a few years that they were also responsible for the deaths and erasure of my ancestors, House Davian. However, as I look at you, my treasures," she says looking up at the rest of the party "the choice is less clear. I have made a home here, with those who risked their souls to rescue me. Undermining Thrune and restoring Davian would mean leaving this behind, resigning my position, so that Thrune’s reprisals would not target the Society.” She smiles. “So please, tell me how you can’t bear to be without me or how my absence would only stoke your ardor.”

Once back on the material plane, Jair seems to loosen a bit even if her tone stay mostly bland.

She comes at lady Zarta's request and listen to what she has to say.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

In an unpassionated tone Jair says to Lady Zarta.

What good is living in the past? The Davian are dead and you found a true family here. Not one who loves you because you are born into, but one that loves you for who you are and what's you've done. Let the Thrunes burn in Hell where they belong and stay here, with us, with your family to help the new generation of Pathfinder rise and understand the danger of artifacts and dark magic.
Your place is here, to guide us not go back to try to right the past.
The past is where it belong, in the past. What you've learn could be used by other to try to undermine Thrune's legacy but it is not your fight, not anymore.

So am I permanently stuck in Hell?
If so Shrec will ask friendlies how to get out diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Well, eventually he might. Read above for more detail.

Yeah, it looks like Zarta closed the Portal before I stepped through it.
Zarta, hold on, I'm coming!

Lasaraleen is so very happy to leave Dis and return home she almost forgets the purpose of the trip

”Lady Zarta, we very much appreciated all your help down there.
I honestly can’t say I was able to follow all of those twists and underhanded dealings of those native to Dis or even the Thrunes.
I can say I hope you can make peace and remember redemption is always available by Sarenrae. “

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (16) + 26 = 42

You have made a home here in the society, better to be with family than skulking in the shadows, watching for a knife between your shoulder blades every night.

Bluff: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44

And at least if she is still with us we can keep an eye on her and what she is up to

Yeah, it looks like Zarta closed the Portal before I stepped through it.

Zarta, hold on, I'm coming!

"Oh? Sherman was it? How could I ever forget you?"

You're funny Zarta, it is Shrec, and I'm assuming someone picked up my gold. And Shrec steps through the portal after Zarta confirms and holds it off for him.

What good is living in the past? The Davian are dead and you found a true family here. Not one who loves you because you are born into, but one that loves you for who you are and what's you've done. Let the Thrunes burn in Hell where they belong and stay here, with us, with your family to help the new generation of Pathfinder rise and understand the danger of artifacts and dark magic.

Your place is here, to guide us not go back to try to right the past.
The past is where it belong, in the past. What you've learn could be used by other to try to undermine Thrune's legacy but it is not your fight, not anymore.

One vote to stay.

”Lady Zarta, we very much appreciated all your help down there.

I honestly can’t say I was able to follow all of those twists and underhanded dealings of those native to Dis or even the Thrunes.
I can say I hope you can make peace and remember redemption is always available by Sarenrae. “

One write-in vote for "You should attend mass more often."

You have made a home here in the society, better to be with family than skulking in the shadows, watching for a knife between your shoulder blades every night.

And at least if she is still with us we can keep an eye on her and what she is up to

"Wait. By 'be with family' do you mean blood family and that I shouldn't skulk around here?"

Two votes for stay.

You're funny Zarta, it is Shrec, and I'm assuming someone picked up my gold. And Shrec steps through the portal after Zarta confirms and holds it off for him.

And one vote for "Did someone bring me my money?"

Sorry, Lasaraleen was voting to 'stay' if that was unclear

The Society's motto is to Explore, report, cooperate. From what we have seen in Dis, everything was the exact opposite. I am sure you do not want to go back to that? Right?
The memories, the missions, the rescues of yourself and others? Certainly you know how much the Society has cared for you and you for it?

Lasaraleen tries her best to convince the faltering VC to stay.

diplomacy, touch of grace: 1d20 + 13 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 9 = 32

No problem. That seems to be the general opinion. And just like Chicago, some people get two votes in this election!

Once the group has had their say on the matter, Zarta excuses herself perhaps to ponder their words.

Shrec finds his money strapped to the back of terrified floating horse tethered by all four legs to the ground outside. Once Atum dismisses the imaginary pony, Shrec reclaims his Hellish horde. Each piece of gold is embossed with an idealized version of Shrec's own face in profile, a wreath of garlands upon his head. On the back above a burning city of Dis are engraved the words: 'In Asmodeus we trust'.

After a quick count the fighter finds that 300 gp are missing! The GM winks at Chandu.

Days pass, during which Ambrus Valsin orders a compete and exhaustive report of the group's activities in Hell and Zarta is nowhere to be seen. Soon though rumors begin to circulate through the halls of the Grand Lodge that she has parleyed the success of the party's adventures in Dis into increased support from the Decemvirate. The Dark Archive looks to be on the rise once more with Zarta once more firmly at its helm.

Atum deffinitely grabs one coin from "Asmodeus Bank" with Shrecs face upon it. But not 300. Maybe Doru stole something?
Atum feeds terrifying pony before she disappears...

He is ieasy to destroy Ophelia Peran's contract to make her free...

SHane deffinitely voting Zarta to stay. He still expects some sort of dinner or at least orgy participation. He hunger for knowledge inside this intrigue woman, but too shy to push her limits.
So, madam Davian, huh. Thrice damned house rival.

Anyway this was exciting. Still, the diviner now lack part of his fate even though he do not believe in suth matheria importance.

Atum is thankful to everyome and hopes to charge another expedition with Lasaraleen and Chandu... maybe in a month. Now it's time to visit couple of places and become the real Jewled Sage.

Does anyone intereste in Salvation of the Sages? NOt sure it's gonna be pbp or online at Roll20, but PM me if someoone is interested in either option. Its better to write via Discord (Shtorm#9910
)

Jair takes time to recover from her two days in hell. She gains some but lost a lot and try to reflect about this.
Nevertheless, she has the satisfaction to have help her faction's leader to fulfill her destiny, after finding where she was detained she made her a Pathfinder for the decade to come.

She drinks without emotion with Lasaraleen to that and with no hope nor fear, to the future.

” Jair dear, I know that mission to Dis was like a total mess. But you seem much more gloomy than all that could explain. Are you sure you are feeling ok? I can contact the higher ups in Sarenrae’s clergy or maybe your own can find something amiss.“

Lasaraleens face shows great concern for her friend.

”At least we all made it back and Shrec wasn’t disintegrated or something. “

After taking bathroom, carefully writing down all he remember and calming down Veshtahz, Atum will come to report to Ambrus Valsin.
Upon meeting with his team, the diviner notes:
I'd say girl power was impressive in hell. I felt lack of paladins couple of times, but hellknight and her team stoped me from thinking this way. It's a shame that I could not bring OPhelia here. Please, do not bother me thinking that I need a slave here. Just wonder about such experiment, how soul can produce matherial body without powerful magic. It's really sad that Shrec steped not to far and haven't summon Dispater at our heads. I do not familiar with ane devil lords. It could be interesting connection. But maybe I do not realize all the consiquences. Anyway, if you want to follow me at finding Onyx Sage - feel free to find me in a month after my short expedition to Thornkeep.

Thank you dear Lass for your concern, but I think I'm quite better now. I see things more clearly without the emotions that clouded my mind. She answers her friend.
Yes, we made it back... she says with a little note of ... regrets?