GM Picatrix: 10-15 Tapestry's Trial (7-11) [Outpost II] (Inactive)

Game Master into the aether

"That is terrible news indeed.. Such an amazing artifact. But the lives therein must be saved if possible."
Lya considers her next words carefully..

"May we know the terms of your agreement?
If the Law in the cosmos was upset by the creation of the tapestry... I would think the destruction of the tapestry and all creatures within, through neglect and inaction, would violate the same law... or Axis would not have made this agreement with you."

"I would agree with Lya, here, that we should take a look at the contact that you have signed." says Faustus. "As befitting an Inquisitor of the God of Contracts, I am well versed in contract law. I would be willing to act as the arbiter in this situation.

"It is unfortunate that when the Pathfinder Society received the Tapestry, we were not given an instruction manual, nor any warnings about any contraindications on its use or misuse. As such, much of the blame for what the Society has done could be the fault of the original "

When Hao Jin hears the request to know the terms of her agreement with Axis she looks momentarily confused, as if not understanding the question. She then huffs as her expression turns to one of indignation.

”Absolutely not! My agreement is between myself and Axis, and I certainly do not intend to jeopardize it in any way! I’m already on thin ice as is, having been given a second chance to prove myself to Axis. Anyway, that’s my business, not any of yours.”

After thinking for a few minutes (and calming down from feeling insulted), she says, ”I have decided I will try to strike a balance: I can help you and your Society recreate the ritual if you can provide the engrams, but I intend to continue my confinement and service to Axis here in the Empty Court.”

Eleven-Sun-Truth neither objects nor approves, instead producing several small electrum badges for the Pathfinders to wear, each marked with the same three vertical lines surrounded by a border of unevenly spaced dots. The arbiter explains, ”These should help others recognize that you are acting as Hao Jin’s advocates in recovering the engrams, though the badges serve more as identification, not as signs of absolute authority; it is still up to you to convince the current holders to let you borrow the engrams.”

What would you like to do now?

"So, where do we get these engrams?" asks Faustus. "How many are there, and who do we need to speak to in order to get them?"

Faustus prepares himself mentally for what is likely to become a series of annoying negotiations, with "favors" exchanged for the items.

Eleven-Sun-Truth speaks up to answer Faustus' questions.

“There are three engrams of note, which are part of a more extensive library system. One engram stores a portion of my client’s creative innovation, and as an experiment, authorities in the Adamantine Forge granted it to now somewhat…” Eleven-Sun-Truth scowls with disappointment. “…eccentric inevitable in order to explore new inevitable-forging techniques. That inevitable frequents the domain of demigoddess Chaldira Zuzaristan in its downtime.”

“Another engram contains elements of my client’s magical theory, and it is in the Stylite.” The arbiter winces and looks skyward before pointing to a floating building miles away. “There. You should just be able to present your credentials and be done.”

“The last of the engrams I suspect she would need pertains to my client’s childhood and their first death. It was last checked out by Yakomo, an Iroran acolyte. Given the hour, I expect him to be busy with religious devotions for several hours yet, after which he would likely return to his home just outside the Serene Circle, Irori’s realm.”

Any other questions?

"I have a friend that is a devotee of Chaldira. I look forward to visiting her realm."

"Eleven-Sun-Truth, how does one get to the Stylite?" asks Faustus.

"So if the acolyte Yakomo is busy he will certainly be one of the later ones to visit, I would assume."

"Does anyone else know who Chaldira Zuzaristan is? I cannot say I have heard of that deity before."

The arbiter floats a little higher while proudly responding to Faustus, “As the foundation of order itself, Axis is an expanse of districts and departments, each connected to key partners by means of myriad forms of public transportation and sets of portals. I can provide you clear written directions to each location.”

To Nicholas she responds, ”Chaldira Zuzaristan is a demigoddess of luck and mischief, and a close friend to Desna. She is especially revered in halfling society.”

What’s next for the Pathfinders?

"Well at least we shouldn't get lost." Grisaia notes at the promise of clear directions, something that is a novel concept in her experience. "I know a halfling or two that worships Chaldira as well. A pity they were unavailable as well. If all we need to do is ask at the Stylite, that would be the best start." She looks at Eleven-Sun-Truth for a moment, then asks, "What is the Stylite? You seemed a bit pained about it."

”I agree, Grisaia. ” says Faustus. ”let’s get the one right here, and then move on to the others each in turn, ordered, right Eleven-Sun-Truth?”

He pays close attention to the inevitable, trying to glean any information out of its reaction.
sense motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Spenser rides along behind in uncharacteristic silence, seemingly starstruck at meeting the great Hao Jin herself.

I almost was the first to introduce myself to her (and deliver the bad news) in my own inimitable style, but worried that would have to mean making a Diplomacy roll, and others are better at that in this party than I. I would have contributed my own polemic when she asked for guidance, too, but, as has been true for years, incessant RL psychological torture has been compromising my ability to perform.

Eleven-Sun-Truth puffs up proudly again, explaining, ”The Stylite is a vast library that drifts above the city of Axis like a stone cloud. It is one of the greatest collections of history and lore in the Great Beyond and is said to contain secret knowledge not even found in the Akashic Record.”

I have no idea why the arbiter ‘winced’ in the box text; maybe it’s just bright up there?

Eleven-Sun-Truth just blinks at Faustus. Faustus doesn’t sense anything amiss, or that the arbiter might be withholding anything.

@Spenser: no worries!
—
The Pathfinders take a travel portal to the Stylite without incident.

A large open plaza comprised of octagonal, glossy black flagstones sits between a small, colonnaded building on one side and the dizzying vista of the Eternal City on the other. The wind whistles sharply over the drop down to the city thousands of feet below. From this vantage point, nearly all the major sites of Axis are spread out below like a pristinely-ordered painting: the tower of the Adamantine Crucible, alight in blue flame, the Grand Market of Abadar near the concentric circles of the golden city of Aktun, the nearly two-thousand-foot-tall Citadel of Resplendent Clockwork that serves as Brigh’s domain, the crystalline Threefold Pillars of the Axiomite Godmind aglow with infinite calculations, and Pharasma’s Spire behind it all, stretching up, seemingly infinite, all the way into the Astral Plane.

Besides the colonnaded building and the travel portal, the plaza contains no other features and looks like it doesn’t get many visitors. Heading inside the colonnaded building, the Pathfinders find themselves in a large, semi-circular entrance hall supported by more columns and decorated with a large floor mosaic depicting geometric symbols. Numerous colored balls of light illuminate the room, floating about at random, and a single desk has been placed in the middle of the entrance hall. At it sits a wizened-looking petitioner wearing cream and silver robes, busy scribbling feverishly with a large quill in an enormous book set before him. Behind him are four closed steel doors.

“Can I help you?” he asks in a stern and impatient voice. “I wasn’t aware of anyone having a scheduled visit today. Who would have ever expected so much chaos in the Perfect City? That prodigious devil overstays his scheduled visitation, and now more mortals wandering in without so much as an appointment!” As the petitioner blusters through his tirade his voice and tone clearly convey his righteous indignation, but his quill never stops scratching away at the tome before him.

On the way to the Stylite, Anen will cast mage armor from his wand, and cast an extended (via metamagic rod) mirror image.

Mirror image: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Before even beginning what he was about to ask, Father Nicholas stops and says "I'm sorry, prodigious devil?"

On the way there, Faustus will cast, with his lesser extend metamagic rod: heightened awareness, perceive cues, and heroism.

"Sir, can you please describe this devil?" asks Faustus. "I have been charged to track down any troublesome devils, especially ones that would espouse chaos.

"My patron would be most appreciative of any information that you can render to us."

He will try to see what the man is writing.
"While it is true that we do not have a scheduled visit, we were hoping due to the nature of our call, this could be overlooked, given the credentials we carry." He indicates the electrum badge he is wearing next to his wayfinder and holy symbol.

perception: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42
diplomacy to improve attitude: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
bluff (re: tracking rogue devils): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28
sense motive: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38
diplomacy to overlook our lacking of an appointment: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41

Lya follows along, carefully observing her allies and how they choose to interact with the natives.

“That devil has been here for weeks now, and he only reserved the hall for 24 hours!”

When pressed for more details, the Librarian explains, ”the Stylite’s main lecture hall is currently occupied by a heresy devil named Beyschosz. Beyschosz has been using the lecture hall to study one of Hao Jin’s memory engrams. However, Beyschosz’s reservation of the lecture hall has long since expired, as has his claim to the memory engram. Unfortunately, I have been unable to convince the aeons responsible for securing the Stylite to remove the devil. Since the devil acquired the room through legitimate means and has not caused any disturbances beyond overstaying his appointment, he simply has not been a ‘high enough priority’ for the aeons who care for the Stylite to deal with." The Librarian rolls his eyes and complains, "They always listened when Tabris had something to say.”

When presented with one of the badges given to them by Eleven-Sun Truth he pauses. ”Oh I see. It turns out perhaps you do have an appointment after all. Well then, why have you come to the Stylite today?”

I’m not sure what he’s writing.

kn planes to Id heresy devil : 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
”So, it appears this is an opportunity for both of us,” replies Faustus. ”You have a problem with a devil who cannot keep his word, and we need Hao Jin’s memory engrams. What say we work together to make that happen?

“What can you tell me about Beyshosz?”

"Indeed. This would be beneficial for all of us in the end if you let us retrieve the engram from the devil." Nicholas then counts out his allies...

"Hmmm a bit more of us than I am usually prepared for, but that's alright. Should a fight happen, who would benefit most being in the back lines of battle?"

Asking for my Bestow Hope to give 3 DR/- for up to 5 allies.

At Faustus’ mention of the engram the Librarian purses his lips and eyes them shrewdly before saying “Well now. Well now indeed. The engram you seek is in the possession of that prodigious interloper overstaying his welcome in my lecture hall. If you were to agree to escort him off the premises, I can see to it that the engram is remitted to your possession. Don’t worry, the Stylite won’t allow the devil to take it with him since all receptacles of knowledge here can only be removed with proper authorization.”

Let me know when y’all are ready to go have a chat with Beyschosz.

Lya nods at this development. "Thank you for your cooperation. It is greatly appreciated."

She beings to follow Faustus to the Heresy Devil while casting Veil of Heaven. Then using a pearl of power to re-memorize it.

Grisaia takes a moment to pray as well. Multicolored bark sheets over her exposed skin, whorls of bright hues staining the woody canvas. "I suspect he will be very recalcitrant towards leaving. I'm concerned we don't have authority to expel him, so I hope it doesn't come to that."

Anen grins. "Oh, it would be a shame if he didn't leave peacefully."

Casting heightened awareness from a wand.

"Would anyone like to get a little taller before we have this discussion?"

Faustus first comments about we should expect. "If this does end up being a fight, if someone could cast align weapons, good, it would be a very good thing. Otherwise we'll have to do this by hitting harder, as the corpulent bastards tend to be a little harder to damage as well.

"Don't bother with fire or poison, and be aware acid and cold won't have as much effect on them... if you can even affect them with your spells."

He turns to Grisaia, "I am sure that we will be persuasive. Please do not be surprised if the talks turn to being more of an Egorian style persuasion, as many devils are so up on themselves that they cannot see 'mere mortals' as being worth their time. I expect this Beyshosz to be no different.

"In that case, Final Arbirtration, should it be needed, will be very effective against it."

He thinks for a moment. "So, team, would you prefer me to start by sweet talking, or lead with the threats?"

Just in case, prior to walking in, Faustus casts shield of faith on himself.

Leading the team in, he strikes a pose of confidence.

Upon spotting the devil, he says, ”Beyshosz, you have overstayed your welcome. As a representative of The First, I am here with my compatriots to kindly escort you out from this location.

“You are breach of your contract for the use of the memory engrams, but if you are willing to surrender peacefully, you may leave without repercussions. It is our intent to keep this peaceful, but we cannot do this without your help.”
Faustus continues, explains details of contract law, and what the possible repercussions could be.
profession barrister : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

“Will you surrender the items and leave with us?”

“good cop” diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28

Aid another attempts appreciated

Is my Mount allowed in here?

@Spenser, I don’t like depriving PCs of class features. I imagine the Librarian would not be super keen on the idea of a camel in his lecture hall, but he REALLY wants that devil gone. So short answer: sure, your mount is allowed. As you can see on the tactical map, it is kinda crowded for a large creature though.

When the Pathfinders enter the room, Beyschosz chortles, a wet, phlegmy sound. “I told that delightfully broken little soul that I’m busy. Did she not pass along the message?”

When it is suggested that he hand over the engram though, his expression turns to one of jealous rage and he becomes obviously hostile and ready for violence. "NO! the power and knowledge contained within is MINE!" Assuming those with heightened awareness active (Anen, Faustus) dismiss it for the +4 bonus now.

Grisaia speaks a prayer to Shelyn, summoning an aura of colors that surrounds her in protection.

Shield of Faith going up.

"Well that is truly a sight." Anen drawls.

He casts haste, which will get everyone, including the mount.

assuming the desks are difficult terrain

Faustus moves up, declaring bane against evil outsiders, as he says, ”You are an insult to all that follow Law! I declare you outcast in the name of the Lors of Contracts.”

He then swings Final Arbitration at the disgusting creature.
+5 heavy mace, haste, power attack: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 1 - 2 = 24 Greater bane, heavy mace, power attack: 1d8 + 8 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 4 + (6, 1, 5, 5) = 34 intimidate to demoralize : 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28 cornugan smash

Brought in my Hippogriff also, cause Father Nicholas is a whole lot more useless without Cherub.
It has Squeeze so it's ok getting in.

Suddenly...

"EN GARDE, ye incorrigible corpulus! This fain sacred repository of the Tome shalt not suffer the oppressing weight of thine lummoxsome form any longer!"

Sir Spenser barges through the library, in full regalia and upon his mighty steed, toward the devil! The denizens of Axis will be talking about this one for years...decades...centuries...millennia....

Challenge of the Tome declared!

+1 Lance, Power Attack, Challenge: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

As if to drive the deranged knight's point home...

spit, ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 not sure if a melee penalty is necessary under the circumstances, -4 if so

...Lot can barely bring itself even to spit on the loathsome creature.

I remembered I can still make a second attack!:

+1 Lance, Power Attack, Challenge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Grisaia gets divinely shielded. Anen magically hastens the Pathfinders and their mounts. Faustus declares the devil the subject of his bane as he approaches and takes a swing with his heavy mace. Unfortunately the devil is able to evade the strike. Spenser’s eloquence is out in full force as he and his trusty camel advance on the devil, challenging the evil creature to … something? His lance, however, is unable to connect with the corpulent devil. Lot’s glob of camel phlegm flies harmlessly over the devil’s shoulder.

The corpulent floating being floats five feet up and away from Faustus and uses a spell-like ability and touches his funny little hat/vest garment of clothing. He’s now flying 5’ from the floor below him, which is 5’ higher than Spenser and Lot. But I think it still provokes an AOO from Spenser’s lance (3D combat is hard)
Spenser AOO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 Miss

"Nice try, Beyshosz." sneers Faustus. The area around him is still lit up with his heightened continual flame. Heightened to spell level 4 by a caster level 8 character.

Faustus moves through the desks, protected from attack by his escape route teamwork feat and solo tactics. "Someone take down this rail, please." he asks, as he declares judgements of profane destruction and justice +4 damage, +2 to hit.

He then swings Final Arbitration at the devil.
final arbitration (+5), PA, justice: 1d20 + 17 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 17 - 2 + 2 = 34 +5 adamantine bludgeoning, PA, destruction, bane: 1d8 + 8 + 4 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 + 4 + (5, 4, 2, 5) = 34
intimidate to demoralize (Cornugan smash): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44 (DC10+HD+wis mod, extra round for every +5)

"Or, you know, someone could grant us flight, or get his fat ass down to the floor."

How high is the ceiling?

"A-HA! Splendiferous foresight, goodman Voralius! EN GARDE, ye wretchsome deofol!"

+1 Lance, Power Attack, Challenge: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
damage: 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

+1 Lance, Power Attack, Challenge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24
HOLY SMOKES, BULLWINKLE!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 I gather that doesn't make it, but DO let me know if I'm wrong

*fizzfizzfizzfizzPHBBLLLT!*

spit, ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
sickened for how many rounds?: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Nicholas activates his power of Bestow Hope, targeting Faustus, Spenser, Cherub, Lot, and Lyla. DR 3/-

Next he activates his Power of Faith.
Standard Action: 30ft Radius around Nicholas shines bright and grants everyone within it +1 to AC, Attack, Damage, and Saves VS Fear. If they take ability damage, they can recover 1d4 once per day while in the light.

Cherub flies forward, and attacks the devil with the light of Faustus.
Flying 5ft above the devil.

Bite: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Cherub's AC for moving boosts to 30.

Bolstered by her allies, Grisaia stomps over the desks to get within reach of the devil, joining in with her glaive.

Glaive on Beyschosz, Haste, Power of Faith: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 31 I'm concerned this luck will eventually turn.
Damage on Beyschosz: 1d10 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 I should spend some money enhancing that to overcome DR.

Messed up my Bestow Hope; meant Grisaia instead of Lyla.

"Why can't it just end peacefully with devils... Shelyn give me strength!"

Activate Smite Evil vs the fat thing...

Lya follows Cherub, and seeing him fly up, she gets close to the monstrocity and swings with her Glaive.

+1 Glaive, PoF, Haste, Smite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 7 = 24
damage, PoF, Smite, 1st Smite: 1d10 + 0 + 1 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 0 + 1 + 6 + 6 = 22 bypasses all DR

Statistics at this moment vs Smite target: AC 27, CMD 28, DR 3/-, Saves: F: +17, R: +17, W: +17 (plus usual random additional)

Anen will step forward a bit and cast glitterdust, targeting one of the back vertices so I don't get anyone but the devil. [ooc]DC 22 Will[/dice]

Caster Level check if needed: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32

Sorry for no update yesterday. Busy day and by the time I got around to trying to update I was so tired I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Nice w/the heightened continual flame! I’m a big fan of preferred spell on my prepared casters so I give those out liberally.
Faustus smacks the fat devil hard and intimidates at least some of the Hell out of it. Do your attacks bypass DR? Also, the vaulted ceiling stretches 60’ high.
Spenser lands a nice poke with his pointy lance (crit did not confirm though). Lot’s gross glob makes the devil feel sickened. Father Nick toughens up his allies and buffs them up in other ways too. Cherub approaches and tries to bite but fails to connect.
AOO on Cherub: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
bite damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 = 10
Grisaia’s glaive connects but doesn’t feel like it did much damage. Lya takes a swipe with her own glaive but misses. Anen dusts the creature with glitter (no SR on glitterdust!).
WILL DC 22: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Beyschosz' wounds seem to start healing a bit. He concentrates for a moment...
concentration to cast defensively: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
...and disappears, instantly reappearing at ceiling-height (60')

—
Round 2-3: the bold may act
—
Anen
Faustus
Grisaia
Spenser
Beyschosz (shaken 4 rounds, sickened 2 rounds, blinded)
Lya
Nicholas
—
Notes: Haste (8 rounds)

Lya shakes her head sadly at the Devil as she moves through the desks over the the stairs, maintaining a defensive posture. Total Defense

Statistics at this moment vs Smite target: AC 31, CMD 32, DR 3/-, Saves: F: +17, R: +17, W: +17 (plus usual random additional)

Father Nicholas swings his sword, Iomedae's Light, at the foul devil!

@Father Nicholas: how are you getting off a full attack routine? The devil teleported to the ceiling.

Somehow, I missed that entirely. Crossing off old post...

Nicholas and Cherub fly up to the ceiling and attack the devil!

Use Inheritor's Light to cast Inheritor's Smite.

Nicholas Attack Roll: 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 5 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Bull Rush Attempt: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 5 = 25

Cherub bites at the devil.
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Effective AC against him is 30 for Cherub.

No worries! I figured you must have missed that. Can I get a fly check from Cherub since you had to fly pretty much straight up? (DC is 20)