[PFS, OPS] GM Blake's PFS 9-06: Shores of Heaven (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

“Greetings, Pathfinders. Please have a seat,” says Venture- Captain Ambrus Valsin, beckoning towards the chairs before his desk. Over his right shoulder watches Ollysta Zadrian, faction leader of the Silver Crusade, with a cool, stern expression.

Valsin continues. “You have been selected to carry out a special assignment—one that is close to the heart of many Pathfinders. Several years ago, the Pathfinder Society sent a team to investigate the lodge of Venture-Captain Thurl. We had long suspected him of shady dealings, but none of us had knowledge of the true depths of Thurl’s depravity. The investigative team disappeared entirely. We sent another group of Pathfinders to follow up, this time with greater care. Amid the many horrors uncovered beneath Thurl’s lodge, these Pathfinders uncovered a single survivor from the first Pathfinder team—Valais Durant. Thurl had twisted her in both mind and body, melding her flesh with that of babau and kalavakus demons. Although some feel that this demonic influence has made Valais dangerous, I am unwilling to abandon an agent in need.

"She’s not eager to go out in public in her condition, so she’s been keeping busy doing research and cataloging work here in the Grand Lodge. Everything was going about as well as could be expected, and her fellow researchers mostly learned to look past her tendency to mutter strange things under her breath. Or at least they had, until she suddenly ran out into the middle of a combat training exercise and attacked with lethal force, all the while begging her fellow agents to stop her.” Valsin shakes his head in dismay.

At this, Ollysta Zadrian steps forward, “We owe Valais a great debt for the trials she has endured, and a path to her full freedom from demonic influence may yet be available. Recently, a group of Pathfinders helped Valais confront the kalavakus demon that Thurl used to augment her flesh. Killing the fiend seemed to restore some measure of control to Valais and ease her suffering. While the Pathfinders were inside the demon’s lair, they also rescued an azata named Kitarlo. From him, we learned of a new route to salvation for Valais. Kitarlo believes that the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture in Heaven holds a ritual that could cleanse Valais.

“Kitarlo has called in favors and gained temporary access the great library. Your mission is to travel with him and escort Valais through the very gates of Heaven itself. Once inside, you must seek out the ritual in the library and restore Valais to her normal self. We have already spoken to Valais and Kitarlo. They can fill you in on any further details.”

“One final thing,” Ambrus chimes in, “You are representing the Pathfinder Society, so acquit yourselves accordingly. Don’t do anything that even carries a whiff of evil, like casting evil spells. Archons and angels can be a judgmental lot, and it’s important that we make no new enemies in Heaven. So once again: no evil actions, no evil spells. I need you all to confirm for me that you’ve heard what I said.”

Jeskit leans back in his chair. He gives a morsel of bread to a creature on his shoulder. The creature is like a bird but more reptile; leathery wings but not a bat. What isn't covered by a shiny breastplate is the bulk of muscle and sinew. Jeskit carries a satchel for his familiar, a greatsword, and a sectioned staff in a sling on his back. A few pouches hang from his belt.

Jeskit looks at his wrist sheath and notes the wand contained within, and it's association with evil. That will have to go, I suppose.

Understood, Venture-Captain. I'll have to leave a wand behind.

”No evil actions...no evil spells. Seems simple enough,” the tall man with the large iron bound book repeats. ”Can we trust Valais to understand the no evil mantra? Especially if they aren’t in their right mind.”

A hunched ratfolk in torn robes nods to convey understanding. She flicks a real rat from atop a gun, so she can spin it idly where it lies on the table. Her eyes are hardly visible behind the uneven tufts of graying fur that make up her face. Still, she sounds engaged.

"Understood, Venture-Captain," Loam says. "My bearing should not change much, but I will pay great attention to it. To see another plane, especially one so noble. A great honor, and likely much knowledge to be found!

"Hopefully, natives we encounter are informed about Valais' condition. That may keep them accepting of our presence. Do we have any means of restraining her on the fly?"

"Not A problem, you can count on us Venture captain. "
Tok starts adjusting his studded leather armor and hooded cloak to prepare for the journey.

A tall, well-built woman with blue skin, dark hair and milky-white eyes stares impassively at Valsin, "Perhaps she would agree to being restrained during the journey?"

The half elf enters into the room quietly. She is armed with a bow and she has several quivers of arrows. A trusty hand ax is at her side
I am sorry that I am late. My name is Willowfawn Dawnsprinter from Kyonin. I am here to learn and grow in experience so that I can take that back to destroy demons in Kyonin.

"Yes, you can trust Valais," Ambrus says. "You will understand when you meet her."

"You will be informing the powers of Heaven of your purpose there when you pass through the Gates of Heaven," Ollysta answers Loam, "And restraining Valais will not be necessary. Kitarlo will be at her side at all times."

"Now I just need two more confirmations that you have heard my warnings before I send you to meet Valais," Ambrus says, looking between Willowfawn and Quensha.

Quensha stiffens and makes a slight bow, ”Apologies, Venture Captain. I will endeavour to behave as impeccably as possible.”

I will do my best, since heaven is lawfully good and that is not something really in my elven blood. I can only do my best Sir she salutes.

"Close enough," the Venture-Captain grumbles. Once you have confirmed your understanding to Ambrus’ satisfaction, he gives you directions to a secluded room within the Grand Lodge.

Within the small, dusty meeting room, a bronze skinned man with only one arm stands in front of the hearth. The crackling fire light flickers across his rune covered robes. The other figure huddles in a plush chair. Her features are obscured by long, brown hair. However, nothing save darkness could mask the ram horns sprouting from her skull nor the wide, fanged demon’s maw in place of her own mouth nor the dead, white eye set within purple scaled flesh on the left side of her face. You can sense the sadness and pain in the single green, mortal eye on her right.

”Welcome,” the bronze skinned azata speaks in a warm, melodic voice. ”I am Kitarlo, and this is Pathfinder Valais. We are very grateful that you have agreed to assist us with this ritual. I trust that Venture-Captain Ambrus has briefed you on where we are going. Do you have any questions for us before we depart?”

We understand the kingdom of Heaven is very strict on implements and actions that border on the evil. While not an evil act in itself, I have used spells that make use of evil components from time to time. I will leave behind anything that would contain traces of evil. I would like the opportunity to procure some additional gear before we make our way. Jeskit tries his best not to see to intimidating, although a hulking Nagajo has little space for that. The presence of a demon tempers it somewhat.

Maybe heaven will welcome a demon hunter to the pearly gates she says. Looking at the demon lady she wonders what kind of demon she is looking at.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"It is good to make your acquaintances," Loam says, inclining her head a bit more. "Anything to help a fellow in need. I inquire about your standing in Heaven, Kitarlo. The normal, I assume, or perhaps better or worse?"

Quensha scrutinises Valais, ”Are there any signs we should watch for, that indicate you are about to lose control?”

"Yes, we can wait a moment for you to run to the quartermaster," Kitarlo answers Jeskit.

"What're you staring at!?" the demonic half of Valais' mouth hisses. "Shh!" Valais shushes herself with a pitiful expression. "Ignore the outbursts at your own risk." she says, although the tone turns harsh at the end.

"I had not lost control of my glorious power in over two years thanks to the meddling of my fellow Pathfinders," she continues. "This recent incident concerns me more than you pitiful fools."

She sighs in exasperation. "With the exception of the mangling--improvement!--of my speech, I had not lost control."

Kitarlo pats Valais gently on the shoulder with his single, remaining arm. "The azata share an eternal alliance with the archons and angels of Heaven," he answers Loam. "Everything will be fine!"

Jeskit nods, trying to understand the torment Valais must be feeling. My blood is infused with the influence of generations but to be co-habited by another like that must be hell, so to speak.

My thanks, Kitarlo. Valais, you have our commitment to seeing this through. Jeskit bows a bit.

Jeskit is actually cash light at the moment. He'll have to leave behind a wand of Infernal Healing. Are there are other sources of healing available to the group?

The Preacher remained silent, staring at the pitiful creature. It was clear it needed help and Roland intended on making sure he did whatever possible to help it on its path.

Roland has a shiny new wand of CLW.

knowledge planes : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Tok nods politely to Valais.
"You are very brave miss."
He looks to Kitarlo "Glad to be able to help."

"If you and others see yourself as fit to travel, so we will. Here's hoping it will fix you for the better."

Quensha curls her lip in disgust, how can we trust this loss of self-control?

Then she recovers and wears a bland expression, ”Are there any challenges for a mortal in Heaven?”

The half elf will be sure to keep an eye on the demon lady.

“Kitarlo assures me that as long as we obey the rules and stay where we belong, since we are not ourselves evil, we will not be punished. We could try sneaking and slithering our way in, but stealth and deception are likely to cause more problems than they solve,” Valais says.

Kitarlo nods in confirmation.

"So," the Samsaran shifts her weight, "How do we travel to Heaven?"

"I'm glad you asked," Kitarlo says. "Ttand in a circle and join hands." Once you have done so, the one-armed raelis removes a forked golden rod from a pouch at his belt and speaks a phrase of divine power.

Blinding light fills the air and then slowly fades. Golden fields of waist-high grass stretch out into the horizon, sighing with a sound like tinkling crystal. Ahead is a massive mountain surrounding by a glistening wall of diamond.

“It is so beautiful,” Valais whispers, ”but also terrible to behold.”

The serenity is shattered by the baying of hounds. A pack of golden-furred wolves cut through the grass with frightening speed. Behind them, a dark-skinned hunter follows nearly as swiftly. As they grow closer, you can make out that the hunter has the head of a hound and a radiant aura.

Creatures who are not good-aligned take a –2 penalty on all Intelligence-, Wisdom-, and Charisma-based checks. This penalty stacks with the penalty for not being lawful.
Creatures who are not lawful-aligned take a –2 penalty on all Intelligence-, Wisdom-, and Charisma-based checks. This penalty stacks with the penalty for not being lawful.
I.e. Non-lawful, non-good creatures take a -4 penalty on all Intelligence-, Wisdom-, and Charisma-based checks.

Roland was unable to creature’s heading in the group’s direction. He remembered he was in heaven however, and his oath to not do evil there. He steps forward, empty handed and bows to the approaching pack. ”Pleasure to meet you. I’m Roland Alimane. I suspect you are wondering exactly what we are doing here.”

He pauses for any response.

Jeskit raises his hand to shield his eyes. The blast of the radiant aura weakens his resolve somewhat. What have I gotten myself into now.

Lawful Neutral. -2 penalty.

Are you our guide, then?

Tok squints at the sudden burst of light and pulls his hood down a bit further over his eyes. He doesn't quite feel welcome here.
True neutral -4 penalty
Upon seeing the hounds Tok hops back and his feathers ruffle a bit.
knowledge nature: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 4 = 16
He smooths out his feathers and stands up straight.
"Ello there, we mean no harm. We are new to this plane,what's your name?"
knowledge planes: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 4 = 16

Nature: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10
Planes: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 = 13

Loam looks a bit disgruntled at the dog-headed creature, but can't conceal her awe over everything around, it included. Should it not respond promptly, she tries to greet it in every language she knows.

She is CG so -2 penalty.

Quensha hesitates, her hand hovering over her sword for a second before she instead gives a deep bow, ”We are honoured to stand in Heaven’s shadow.”

Neutral Good here, so a - 2 in effect for my checks.

It takes half a minute for the hounds to fully circle you. A dark-skinned man with the head of a hound steps to the front of the pack. His resplendent golden armor gleams with sacred light. “Hail and well met, travelers. I see that you are no heavenly souls passed on to the next life, which means you are visitors to Heaven. I have heard no news of your coming, however. What is your business inside the gates?”

It should not be possible under normal circumstances, but let me know if somehow (by some bizarre chronicle) you came with an evil-aligned familiar. I will assume that you did not at baseline.

Jeskit bows, Well met, we seek a ritual documented at the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture. Our charge is afflicted and this is the remedy. Would you be so kind as to grant us passage?

Jeskit looks the hulking beast but was raised by a lower noble house and schooled from an early age. He is no great scholar but knows his manners.

The half elf takes in the glory and the grandeur of the Heavenly plane.

Loam, blunt but good at getting to the point, turns to Kitarlo. "While the situation appears strange, and it is, this azata has helped us here as we did him. We are also good judges of each other's moral fiber."

"Are you?" the archon asks Loam, casting a sidelong glance at Valais.

He turns back to Jeskit and asks, "What holy text do you cite or reference as justification for your argument?"

Knowledge (religion) (DC 13) to recall a relevant holy text or tenet.

Know religion 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 2 = 11

Roland contemplates the situation and tries to think of an appropriate response.

Jeskit is about to respond but doesn't recall being given a name of a text.

Religion: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 2 = 9

Loam tries to think of something relevant in the tale of Tsukiyo's rebirth, but is distracted and a bit unfocused.

"I sense that this is not the most devout of pilgrims that you brought to our shore, azata," the hound-headed warrior says to Raelis after it proves that Jeskit cannot defend his statement.

He turns his attention back to the mortals, his gaze piercing your souls when you meet his gaze. "I am Peligos. Grandmother Crow teaches us that as long as redemption is not out of reach, we should always offer it. So, please, explain to me how this poor, twisted soul is still within reach of redemption," he instructs you sternly but not unkindly.

I need one person to make a case and provide either a Diplomacy or Knoweldge (relgion) roll with it. The DC is the same. Feel free to discuss IC with each other what your argument is.

aid another Roland: 1d20 ⇒ 14

"What was it you were saying earlier, Roland, about that thing..."
DC hit!

Quensha turns to the others, "Isn't the idea that the demon is like and infection and she just needs an emetic to purge the infection, right? And the way to purge it is in Heaven's library, right?"

I come from Kyonin, Your Beatitude she says to the archon I am trained to hunt and send demons back to the wretched Abyss, for the good not only of the elves but all of the people of Golarion. If we can help this lady overcome this strife, if you can help us to help her, I am sure that Iomadea or Ragathiel would be happy for that

Diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 11 aide

I'm going to take this opportunity to point out a couple of things:

1. You cannot Aid Another on a task that you, yourself, could not have been able to perform. In this case, Quensha attempting an Aid Another for Knowledge (religion) check with a DC greater than 10 using a Knowledge skill untrained.

2. Very important: read the directions. I requested (as per the scenario) a single roll from one person. I encouraged you to discuss/work together before making your plea to give you a sense of contribution even though one person would be making the roll. What we have here is the live equivalent of me stating this at the table and then one player quickly picking up a d20 and rolling it. You will have to abide by the consequences (in this case, they're not horrible and certainly not life or death).

The archon frowns, clearly put off by the half-elf's attempt at flowery words. "We shall see. Follow me," he instructs you and turns to lead you toward Heaven's gates. The pack of golden furred wolves moves with you, keeping you loosely surrounded.

Once inside the gatehouse, he escorts you to a row of benches. "Have a seat," he says gesturing to the benches before going to consult with a lantern archon. There is plenty of seating on the ivory benches despite the numbers of petitioner souls and planar travelers waiting in the queue. Peligos returns and says, "Wait for your number to be called. Your number is 1,702,011."

It takes several days, and you endure hours upon hours of grueling interviews by a variety of archons, but ultimately you are allowed to pass through the gates and enter Heaven's Shore.

Peligos guides you through the gate and to the city of Heaven's Shore. "You are not to leave this district without permission," he warns you before departing and leaving you to your own devices.

An eclectic collection of strange creatures strolls through district. Denizens of Golarion mingle with those from other planets entirely. Inevitables from the lawful plane of Axis stride through the streets, their gleaming metallic bodies moving with perfect precision. Representatives from the neutral good plane of Nirvana have a strong presence as well, such as the beast-shaped agathions and a whole host of angels.

This cosmopolitan mixing of cultures has lefts its mark on the city. In some places the time of day abruptly changes to a peaceful, starlit knight to accommodate those beings who prefer darkness (in the environmental sense). Other parts are clearly designed for beings much larger or much smaller than you.

Kitarlo leads you through the winding streets to a building that looks something like a wing. "This is the Angel's Wing, where we will meet a friend of mine," Kitarlo says.

I'll give you some time to react to the scene.

Apologies: getting carried away with the aid another!

We have three characters with +5 diplomacy but I also think we can make a good case. As well as the idea of demonic infection we could play up the good she has done (as a reflection of her true character) and the virtue in holy beings helping mortals to redemption? Amy other ideas?

Ah, well, nevermind...

Quensha attempts to maintain her placid facade but is caught up by the beautiful and incredible sights. She feels a tug at her soul.
My past selves, some may be here in me and here in their essence. What would such a joining mean...?

"Such beauty, we must only find it natural for an equally long wait," Loam says. "Nonetheless, it would be worth it even if there was no mission to accomplish."

Looking around the city, and the Angel's Wing in particular the ratfolk grows dangerously curious. "Can most of Heaven's inhabitants fly, I wonder? And I have never seen a house on the Plane Material shaped like a leg."

”I have never seen such a place,” Roland exclaims after making it through the grueling interview process. ”Of course this building is the angel’s wing....that is exactly what it looks like!”

He tried to not stare too much at the magnificent creatures walking around him, but couldn’t help to glance a bit too long at times.