GM supervillan's 9-01 Low Cost of Enlightenment [PFS] (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

It seems that Zeta wants to tell the priest a lot about her father from Quadira (despite the fact that her mother is from Cheliax) and his stories of the Sun Goddess, how she sympathizes all Sarenrae's ideas about redemption, and much much more... But.

- Thank you! I will do what I can, as well as I can!

She shakes her red hair and makes an elegant bow.

"Oh, the Rovagug-machine has a normal crew of six. But five should do just fine. They need to put on a good show of menacing our 'Sarenrae', whilst she evades the monster's attacks and admonishes the beast."

The priest shows you a script, but it's too long to absorb more than the basics.

As you may have gathered, this is a skill challenge. Your 'Sarenrae' can impress the audience by attempting an Acrobatics check to dance away from the Rovagug puppet’s attacks, a Knowledge (religion) check to precisely recite divine litanies, or a Perform (act, dance, oratory, or sing) check to charm the onlookers with her performance.

The rest of you can work together to portray Rovagug. Whoever is at the head can attempt an Acrobatics, Intimidate, Knowledge (engineering), or Perform (act or dance) check to put on an impressive display. Everyone else within the machine can attempt an aid another check using any of these skills to grant a bonus.

If you have a creative alternative skill or ability use feel free to propose it.

So who will be your Sarenrae, and who will be the head of Rovagug?

'Er, I assume your performing animals are trained to 'Stay'? says the priest nervously, looking at Huntress and Mr Blue.

My highest in any of those is a crisp +9; Sayuki would be honored to be a part of the show!

I sport a solid three knowledge in anything and a +5 in acrobatics. I can also add a +2 luck bonus to myself, soo

I" would be more than happy to assist. I might not be the best choice to be the head, but I can be pretty nimble if need be. and I'd be sure to tick off the whole audience as Sarenrae "

"I'd be much more comfortable in the machine solong as no one minds me taking off me armor."

Aulurius speaks to Huntress in a strange language, "Fhad-saoraidh, dìon an sagart agus glèidh e sàbhailte rè an tachartais."

Turning to the priest, Aulurius smiles and says, "Huntress here won't give you any trouble. In fact, she may be able to save ye some. Do ye think you could do us a favor if we do this for you? Could ye maybe introduce us t' the high priestess?"

"I'm fine with being in the machine, but I would not make a good Sarenrae. Perhaps Sayuki or Etna would like the honor?"

This is a bit of an exaggeration, as Sulana is not, in fact, entirely fine with being in the machine. But if it's what they need to do to get the attention of the High Priestess, then she'll do it. I suppose it'll be fine if I'm just waving one of the legs around?

Sayuki has a +9 to a relevant skill and Etna +8. One of them as Sarenrae, one of them at the head?

Etna will hold her arms up, invisibility balancing weight in her hand. "It would be cool to be the big scary monster, but also cool to play on stage. I think their is only one way to settle who is lead actor.

Etna throws the rest of her meat on a stick to Mr Blue, who snatches it out of the air, before she claps her hands together and begins to dance.

"Dance off. You and me. Show me those acrobatics."

Dance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Etna is terribly off beat to the unseen music as she tries to keep her feet from falling out from under her.

Sayuki blinks in confusion. ”Wait, to be clear—are you challenging the wolf to a dance-off?”

Once she’s clear on who’s doing what, she grins; ”I see!”

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Having no time to remove the armor under her robes to avoid the 1ACP after being put on the spot, Sayuki still moves with utter grace, spinning and leaping with significant agility!

One might not call it a “dance,” per se, but it’s still a decent performance.

As she bows, she chuckles; ”I would not take the place of Sarenrae from our fiery friend, however—especially as the role was already offered to her. I would be happy to work Rovagug, of course!”

Bahram smiles and claps for both of them.

"Just give the the heaviest bits, or tallest, and I'll be happy."

Although the priest picked out Zeta for her appearance, you can decide who you want to play Sarenrae.

At the moment it looks like Zeta to take the role of Sarenrae, and Sayuki, having won the dance-off, leading as Rovagug. The rest of you can Aid Sayuki by being part of the Rovagug-machine.

If you have other ideas of how to contribute to the performance you can try those instead.

Make your skill rolls when ready; bonus points available for roleplay :)

A crowd has begun to gather around the stage, seeing your group converse with the Sarenite priest...

is there anything I can remember from this original battle today would help my performance

kn. Religion: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

well crap. Lol.

Aid. acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27 the second plus two is my luck bonus. I will also cast ghost sounds to create a monstrous roar moving about the stage.

Sulana somewhat reluctantly removes her armor, leaving it in a pile next to Huntress. She trusts the tiger to keep an eye on their personal possessions while they're distracted. It's going to be cramped enough in there as it is.

As the show starts she positions herself near one of the legs, waving it menacingly at 'Sarenrae' whenever she sees an opportunity. It requires a surprising amount of stretching and twisting to get the thing to go where she wants it to.

Aid Another Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

In pauses in the action, when Bahram does not have to move the whole body, he will also cast silent image to create a showering of blood come from the mechanical Rovagug when it sounds like an appropriate time to do so in the show.

This is actually really fun! I hope non of my former archaeologists are out there to see me. They like me little enough already.

- My father told me in childhood that at the time of the battle with Rovagug, Sarenrae was not a God but a very powerful angel, an Empyreal Lord. What if we made our performance more extravagant? To show Her not as we all know her - as the Goddess of the Sun, revered throughout the world - but as a younger and trembling before the power of The Rough Beast angelic creature, ready to give up her very existence for the sake of saving mortal life? I could handle with such an acting! I think, it would be... original, fresh and unforgettable!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20 to convince the priest

My idea is to show her as an Empyreal Lord, not a Deity, and so to use the Knowledge (Planes), impressing with it a more sophisticated audience - such as the High Priestess Amal al Sahba or her wife Lorah Meriwether (if she's as much religious too).

"I can certainly introduce you to Her Eminence, master dwarf. If we make a good show, of course. If not I shall go and crawl under a rock in the desert somewhere."

The priest, named Khair, shows everyone how to get into the Rovagug machine. He gives Zeta an ornate robe and a stage-prop sword. "Well, er, that's not scripture my lady, but if you think you can make it work."

Go ahead and use Knowledge (Planes) Zeta, some good roleplay might do the job :)

Rolls still needed:

Zeta as Sarenrae
Sayuki leading the Rovagug-machine
Etna, working the machine
Aulurius, working the machine

While Zeta works through the details of her performance, Sayuki prepares for hers; she unlatches her armor beneath her robes, letting it fall to her ankles before stepping out of it.

As she approaches the machine, she inspects the way the joints work, and does her best to figure out which joints can take advantage of her natural flexibility best.

When it’s time to begin, Sayuki clears her throat away from the amplifying cone in the mouth of the machine, then leans in:

”NINTH-ACCURSED SARENRAE! I HAVE COME FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY ETERNAL HATRED TO DESTROY YOU, AND ALL THAT YOU HOLD DEAR!”

With that, she plugs the cone; as “Sarenrae” responds, she guides her companions to move with her.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Etna will have Mr. Blue wait near the edge of the stage as she works one of the contraptions. She has to bounce around on her tip toes a bit to get them wiggling around properly. She does her best to make sure she matches the other movements her party is making to make the beast look alive.

Aid another Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Acrobatics Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Aulurius places his armor in the pile with Sulanas before the start of the show.

During the show, the Dwarf uses his feral nature and operates some of the front most arms, acting in tandem with Sayuki to strike out at Sarenrae, or to attempt to block blows, only to be driven back.

Will give Zeta a little longer before botting.

Meanwhile, 'Sarenrae' is already desperately fighting with the most terrible threat of all time!

- The chances of winning are so small! I'm just the Angel of Light! Here the Gods themselves stepped back! How can I expect to win?

It seems that suddenly for the audience she is going to retreat, but then changes her mind!

- Let if I fall, and it is only for a moment delays the ruin of the world - that moment will be worth it!

She rushes into battle surrounded by the glow of the Sun and striking fire here and there!! (cantrips Light & Spark)

- My brothers and sisters Empyreal Lords, Tanagaar, Kelinahat, Ashava, Arshea, please, distract the Enemy while I deliver the final blow!

And with that, the final (and dangerously real) flash of fire (Fire Blast) hits Rovagug in the center of his chest and he falls, scorched.

- Who am I now after such a victory? What should I do in the new world? Time will show us, but I promise that the Sun of Kindness and Mercy will rise above all things!

K-Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Worth waiting for ;)

Zeta takes to the stage, with approving noises from the crowd. This is a Sarenrae who looks the part! She tells the tale of Sarenrae's ascent to godhood in the battle against the Rough Beast, punctuated with lights and fires;

Whilst Sayuki pronounces curses and guides the Rovagug contraption in a menacing spiral about the stage, ably assisted by her crew, and embellished by Bahram's bardic illusions.

The crowd gasps as a burst of flame and a spray of blood signals Rovagug's defeat! There are great cheers for Sarenrae: "It's like I was really there! Surely the Goddess herself is among us!” says one onlooker.

Some of the crowd have been moved to tears, and the choreographer-cleric is delighted at his good fortune (even overlooking the damage to his machine!). Then, the crowd parts like water as the High Priestess herself appears.

If clergy were meant to be the embodiment of their deity, then this woman is a living effigy of Sarenrae, her gold and white vestments aflame with vitality that seems to radiate from her dark, elegantly coiffured hair via the golden pins and combs that hold it all in place. Her deep bronze features are elegantly made up, kohl framing an already relentless brown-eyed stare over high cheekbones; her voice is a tightly controlled flame of passion. There's a portait of al-Sabha above your own portraits on the maps and handouts first slide.

“So, you’re the outsiders who got into the Contraption, hmm? I admit, it’s not often our foreign guests are quite so bold. Or silly. But boldness and just a little silliness in the name of the Dawnflower go a long way, I find. I loved your performance! Very novel, to present the Everlight's ascension so! I trust, however, this wasn’t done entirely because of your undying love for her. So, speak.”

When Sayuki is the last to exit the machine, she does so dripping in sweat; between the heat of Qadira, the Rovagug mecha, and close proximity to Zeta’s fire, her long, black hair clings to her cheeks and shoulders and her robe soaked through.

She thusly is taking a seat and reintroducing water to her system by the skin, emptying one in a prolonged chug before sipping at a second that was offered.

This is the state she’s in when High Priestess al-Sabha approaches.

She figures it might be better to let someone else handle the introductions for now.

- Verily. Courage does not happen without a share of thoughtlessness. If someone thinks too much about what might happen, nothing will ever happen.

Zeta makes a deep bow.

- My heart and soul are given to another deity, but every inch of my soul trembles at the thought of the Redemption and the right of every being to this mercy. It was a pleasure and huge pride for me.

Diplomacy | Influence Attitude: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21

*another bow, less official*

- We are the group of truth-seekers, who want to learn more about this ‘Roidirans’ and their recent discoveries. My name is Zeta Forli, and my friends will introduce themselves.

”Sayuki,” croaks the Tien woman, who seems to have lost her voice between the shouting, roaring, and howling.

Bahram bows to the High Priestess al-Sabha as well. "High priestess, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Bahram Al-Urgug, and while the sun has always been an important part of my life, oddly enough Sarenrae was not introduced to me at an early age. Her ideology does hold a certain appeal to me, though you are quite correct, we are also here in business. We would like to lend a hand in bringing peace back to Qadir if it please you."

Sulana digs around for the letter of introduction and hands it to al-Sabha. "High Priestess, we were sent here by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As Zeta stated, he asked us to learn more about the Roidiran and White Feather cults. We've heard that the Roidirans are being particularly disruptive. Is this true?"

As an afterthought, she adds "I am Sulana. It's a pleasure to meet you." Following the example of her companions, (who she presumes know more about proper etiquette), she offers a clumsy bow.

I don't think we ever stated who had the letter, so let's pretend Sulana was carrying it all along.

Aulurius, a bit shy from being without his armor, follows suit with a slow bow. "Aulurius, ma'am. We are honored by your presence. I am sorry to say I'm unlearned in religious ways, as I've spent most of me life with only the company of Golarion and her wonders being my only teachers." The tired dwarf calls Huntress to his side in Druidic and pats her head. "I believe me friends have done a far better job than I of stating our purpose here. If you'll excuse me, I feel rather out of place without me armor."

High Priestess al-Sabha briefly scrutinises the letter of introduction, then smiles warmly at all of you. "Meet me at temple for dinner this evening. We can discuss this properly after my duties are completed for this holy day." She takes her leave, putting off any questions till your later meeting.

You have a few hours at least before needing to attend the temple. As you make your way around the festival market you find that every merchant has marked their prices up - but not for everybody. When you ask about it, each explains the price inflation 20% above book price away as some form of legal surcharge or taxation, but it's apparent that not everybody has to pay it. The merchants just shrug off your protests. You often spot brass rings or other small items of jewelry on the locals who are not subject to such charges, each accessory bearing some form of stylised rune or symbol.

If you want to do anything before going to your dinner engagement, now's the time. I'll wait 24 hours or so before moving to the dinner.

"Well, I for one will not pay this price for 'fresh' berries. If anyone would like to join me, I'm going to go pick some berries."

Knowledge(Nature) to pick berries as discussed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 +1 if you would allow Profession (Herbalist) to be used instead

Could these be stored in my spell component pouch without worry, or would I need to place them in a vial? More roleplay curiosity then mechanical worries.

Sulana puts her armor back on before wandering around the festival. She looks at some of the finer clothing, figuring it might help make a good impression on the High Priestess later...and sets it down immediately when she's told the price. My regular clothes will just have to do.

Looking around at the rest of the party, she says, "I guess we have some free time before dinner. I've lost any interest in shopping if they're going to charge this much. Anyone want to head to a local tavern and see what information we can find?" Looking down at herself, she grimaces. "Or maybe an inn where we can freshen up before dinner?"

kn. Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"Freshening up wouldn't be a bad idea. If you want a discount on prices, by the way, you would need to have one of those arm bands, indicating your patron. I have some personal business to check on after freshening up. Maybe I can catch you for a drink afterward Sulana.

With this being my home town, I would like to check in on the local archaeologist's guild to see if my mom is around. I don't want to attract a lot of attention to myself but I would like to say hi and let her know what I am up to.

Once Sayuki has collected herself and found a private place to slip her armor back on under her robes, she rejoins the group (minus the druid, of course).

Take 10 Knowledge Local: 10 + 7 = 17

"It looks like if we could... borrow something with one of those runes on it, we could shop for regular price," she considers. "...Or otherwise acquire one. That said, I'm not sure if anyone has any particular need to shop?"

Edit: ninja'd! Or, more specifically, bard'd!

Aulurius your fresh-picked berries will be fine in your spell component pouch for as long as this mission takes.

Bahram visits one of the local guilds.

Etna will get some help from Mr blue, letting his wagging tail blow some air across her face after that performance. She put a quick end to that once the High Priestess showed up.

Once the invitation had been made she started off with the rest of the group, riding upon her mount.

"I can't think of anything I need right now. Lets just wash up and get ready for the event! I may ask around to see if their is anything else going on around town."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

To accuire any rumors or info about town before the dinner.

"An inn it is." Sulana looks a little uncomfortable. "Um, does anyone else mind asking for directions to a decent one? I'm not the best with people, especially ones that might be trying to scam me."

”Fret not, young one,” grins Sayuki. ”On a day like today, the scam artists tell you upfront. After all, their scam is no worse than the one running the stall across the street.”

She pats Sulana reassuringly on the shoulder before getting the attention of a nearby local. Her demeanor is different, suddenly; demure, perhaps.

”Sir, could you point us in the direction of a good and decent inn? Sarenrae’s light is warmer than ever on this day, and we seek a place to rest our weary feet.” She makes eye contact, but only briefly before averting her gaze and blushing.

Diplomacy 10: 10 + 7 = 17

Craft Weapon as Appaise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

- What? How much is this dagger? You dirty swindler! Look at those notches on the blade, look at the curvature of the guard here and here! And that freak on the hilt, was that supposed to be an angel!? It looks like a sick drunk goblin to me! What's wrong with you? I'll f+~%ing burn down your shop!! You bastard!!

The appearance of paladins on the horizon (which obviously move at the sound of scandal and threats) cool her ardor and forces to hastily retreat.

- To the Hell this festival! Let’s find a good tavern!

Her fiery red hair is disheveled, and her eyes are burning with such a wild flame that you have doubts that the local tavern will have enough liquid to extinguish it.

Aulurius immediately notices guards being drawn to a ruckus upon reentering the city. Worried for his fellow agents, he follows, to find Zeta at the center of the debacle. The dwarf approaches her to help her leave without further event. "I know they're overcharging by a stupendous amount, but mind that we need the respect of these folks' high priestess if we want to find out more about The White Feather or the Roidirans. We have to keep it together lass. But I'm definitely in agreement to find a tavern to wait until dinner!"

I was worried the headstrong dwarf split the party a little too thoroughly ;) Thanks Zeta

I wouldn't worry so much about playing a headstrong dwarf, Aulurius! What's next, an uptight elf? A curious gnome?

Or *gasp* a fiery ifrit?

*mutters under her breath some curses about curvature of the blades and even more about ‘curvature’ of the hands of those who are making such blades*

You are welcome! Zeta is like fire. It it can warm, and can burn alive, a question of a situation.

A tricksy kitsune in human guise? Will the depravity know no bounds??

The boundaries for those who are afraid to join the pathfinders! :)

I'm breaking the mold with a mild mannered momma's boy half orc gosh darn it! Lol. Though I will admit in another pbp I am playing an impatient short tempered barbarian half orc.

The rest of the pathfinders follow directions to a recommended tavern. But once inside, it's apparent that you've been directed to a tourist spot. The clientele are mainly foreign pilgrims like yourselves, and the prices are inflated. But at least you can get cleaned up and refreshed.

We'll move on to the dinner in a few hours.

Bahram, assuming that he waited to take his leave after hearing what inn everyone was going to, arrives some time latter. He has had a change of clothes, and is now garbed in a formal scholar's robe. It looks almost silly with his great axe strapped to his back.

Hey guys. Did anyone get a room? I'm guessing that we don't want to carry in all of our packs and adventuring gear. Bahram pauses in his speaking momentarily.

'Adventuring gear.' What am I, 7 years old?

I don't think that I should carry this thing in to a dinner at the temple either. He says as he reaches back to pat his axe.

"Bahram, while it was a good idea for some to go without weapons in that Razmirin inn, ye won't catch me without me scimitar at this dinner. Not with two different cults running amok. Besides, I'd imagine our letter of introduction introduced us as adventurers. What's a good adventurer without his 'adventuring gear,' eh?" Aulurius unabashedly slaps his hide armor with the hilt of his sheathed scimitar.

"... I probably shouldn't do much speaking at dinner, eh?" The dwarf looks down and admonishes himself. Ye ran away from home because people didn't accept yer ideas lad, let the half-orc do what he wants. "Sorry Bahram, that was crass of me."

Sayuki eyes the half-orc as he reaches the inn. I suppose it's lucky he found us... but regardless, we'd have met up at the dinner.

Being a mom herself, she doesn't feel the urge to mock him even though her player absolutely wishes to playfully dunk on the little boy going to temple in his big-boy robes.

"In my experience, many temples have a chamber to place your weapons." She decides not to mention the kunai beneath her wrist; that'll be a surprise for later, if it comes to it. "No reason to expect guests to wander the streets unarmed when you never know if goblins are going to sneak in-- or when the more magically-inclined among us don't need weapons."