M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
Before entering the Serene Circle, Quenly takes the burned-out ioun stone that orbits his head and holds it in his hand. He gestures briefly, then tucks the stone inside his robe. Casting Deeper Darkness on the stone, but then leaving it wrapped in a pocket so that it is not radiating darkness.
Quenly sees 'Yakamo' and glides over to her, stopping around 10 feet away. He speaks to her, aloud and in Elvish:
"Sister! It gladdens my heart to see you again. So long have I sought for you, ever since I bargained with Aslynn for your release. Do you remember me? It is Quenly. We last met in the ethereal market. I am concerned, Sister. Has Aslynn not honoured her bargain? Has the hag reneged on the deal I struck? You are free now, Sister, and there is a home waiting for you."
Male Dwarf Inquisitor 10 [HP: 75/75 | AC: 24/13/22 CMD: 24 | F+12 R+8 W+12* (+5 vs. spells/spell-like, +2 vs. Necromancy, +1 vs. Evocation) | Init +4 | Perc +12 SM +16 Darkvision]
Torean will have renewed his Heroism spell with extend metamagic
Torean's Spellbreaker archetype allows him to roll twice vs. mind affecting effects. His also gains bonuses vs. spells/spell-like effects, so please determine if these are warranted Will Save (heroism):1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27+5 vs spells/spell-like Will Save (strong-willed, heroism):1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29+5 vs spells/spell-like
Torean's skin itches as he feels magic try to compel him. His training allows him to resist it, but he looks around for its source. A mind-affecting spell was very dangerous and he was on guard for the caster.
Assuming everyone else is correct that this is 322, he nods to her, trying to keep civil for Queenly's sake. "Hello, 322. It's good to see you again. Perhaps we can go someplace to talk? Why are you involved in this affair?"
As you approach, the forms shifts. She reverts to her true form to begin negotiations. "I think that here will suit us just fine for talking. Oh, it’s you again. Still have that bleeding heart, I see. Maybe you were right, though, back at the Veiled Bazaar. Maybe it’s time for me to be my own boss and stop being everyone’s lackey. I just want a trade. One of you gets me into Skyreach at the Grand Lodge and I’ll give you the engram when we return. It’s that simple"
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
"Sister, you answer only to the Gods now."
Quenly smiles warmly. "I will be glad to aid you. Why Skyreach though? I could take you to Kyonin where you will have a place of honour and may join the Lorekeepers if you wish. Or I could take you to the Sanctum of the Sages if you desire sanctuary. You may need an escort at Skyreach: if you are considering joining the Pathfinder Society I would speak on your behalf to the Three Masters. Your talents would be a welcome addition."
Female LG follower of Sarenrae | human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | freckles, sweet, naive, fierce personality in battle | Outsider (Native), Humanoid (human) | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 3 | Smite 1/1 | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Swashbuckler 5, Paladin 2, Unchained Monk 3, Bloodrager 1 | HP 106/106 | Protector Familiar HP 53 | with mage armor/rage: AC 35, T 30, FF 24 | CMD 37 | F: +23, R: +25 (Evasion), W: +17 | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2 | Ki Pool 7/7 | Stunning Fist 6/6 | Rage 6/6 | LoH 7/7 | Panache 6/6 + Plume 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 + Lesson of H. 1/1 | Eefriti Magic 1/1 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 40ft | Active cond.: +4 Dex
Setare raises an eyebrow.
"I am so .. so happy that we ca.. can resolve this via nego.. gotiations."
She looks at Quenly and then at 322.
"I wa.. was one of the tru... trusted Pathfinders that i.. in the wake of the Aspis Co... Consortium’s siege on th.. the Grand Lodge was offered several items fro.. from the vaults." she says with some pride.
"Bu ... but I ... I have reservations to ta.. take you to Skyreach. I ... I have heard rumors that you spe.. specifically were involved in th .. the raid on the Grand Lodge!" she says hesitantly.
Setare has the #6 – 98: Serpent’s Rise chronicle sheet.
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
"Setare, you perhaps are not aware that my Sister was under the Apsis Consortium's control during their attack on Skyreach. She did not act under her own volition.
Would you hold a friend responsible for their actions whilst under a compulsion spell? If not, you cannot hold my Sister responsible for what the Aspis did to her and forced her to do.
Sister, there are those at Skyreach who, like Setare here, would not understand this without a trusted, senior member of the Society explaining it to them. I could do this. But I would need to know your reason for visiting.
Please consider the alternative destinations I have offered. There is a home for you, as well as recognition and freedom, in either place."
Quenly also has the 6-98 chronicle sheet and Trusted Pathfinder boon.
"You will simply have to trust me." She asks for a volunteer to come with her to Absalom. Going to assume Quenly. She tells him to follow all her commands and not raise any alarms or the deal is off, and then transports with them to the grounds of the Grand Lodge using a plane shift spell aided by her ring of planar focus.
There, she transforms her appearance again and commands Quenly to lead her into Skyreach tower. Once inside, 322 commands him to wait and disappears for three minutes. When she returns, she carries what appears to be a bag of holding, into which she slides a sealed wooden box a bit larger than a human head, such as one might keep a helmet or trophy in. After securing the box and bag, 322 transports both herself and Quenly back to Axis via another plane shift before handing the memory engram over to the Pathfinders. "Goodbye. Perhaps we shall meet again."
After handing over the engram, 322 immediately leaves the area via a word of recall spell.
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
Telepathy to 322:
Sister, you only had to ask me. For I will place my trust in you, in order that you may trust me. I am your Brother, and there is a home waiting for you. It is time for you to take a name of your own choosing. It is time that you had the home and the family that were so long and so unjustly denied you. Look for me in Kyonin, or at the Sanctum of the Sages.
I will be waiting, Sister. We shall meet again."
Quenly accepts the engram, with a slight smile.
"Thank you" he says to the other pathfinders when 322 has departed.
Male Dwarf Inquisitor 10 [HP: 75/75 | AC: 24/13/22 CMD: 24 | F+12 R+8 W+12* (+5 vs. spells/spell-like, +2 vs. Necromancy, +1 vs. Evocation) | Init +4 | Perc +12 SM +16 Darkvision]
Torean was taken aback when 322 simply teleported away with Queenly. When they return, he questions the elf. "What happened? What did she want in Skyreach? I don't think she's all bad, but that doesn't mean I trust her. There's a lot in the Lodge that could be very dangerous. I assume she didn't kidnap anyone again? Steal their soul into a lantern like last time?"
Anyone touching the engram receives another vision from Hao Jin’s past, this time of her as a child of perhaps ten, her hair glossy black without a hint of the sorcerer’s signature ruby locks. Hao Jin dances and sings as she explores the wonders of a magnificent museum. She climbs about the displays, enacting mock battles with taxidermied drakes or old suits of armor. As the young Hao Jin climbs atop a suit of ancient Minkaian armor, her foot slips and she grabs at a hanging lantern to steady herself. Suddenly everything is pain and fire, chaos, and then… silence and empty darkness. The silence and empty darkness end suddenly with a burst of pain and a strange pulsating that wracks her entire body. The final scene the PC sees is a young Hao Jin, her hair now a brilliant shade of red, her small face crumbling into tears as she learns that not only is the glorious museum gone, burned to ash, but her family has spent almost their entire fortune returning the young girl to life. As the scene ends, you are left with a strong, lingering sense of Hao Jin’s regret, as well as her resolve to master the strange new magic burning inside her along with her emotions, so that she is never the source of such a tragedy again.
Your favorite Arbiter hunts you down almost as soon as you decide to head back to Hao Jin. "Oh! Good, I have located you. There will be a tribunal to re-open Hao Jin's case! And it is tomorrow, which suggests developments. Things rarely happen so fast around here."
Dragon (shadow conjuration draconic ally) | AC 15 T 14 FF 13 | HP 3/3 | F +5 R +5 W +4 (+4 vs mind affecting) SR12 | Init +2 | Perc +6, lowlight vision, darkvision, blindsense 60', see in darkness
So the Ruby Phoenix died in a museum fire of her own causing, and returned from the Beyond changed... I understand her parents' actions in choosing to raise her. They could not foresee the consequences of course.
"Oh, yes! You will be expected to act as her advocates. That is how you were assigned, so you will be integral to the proceedings. You should speak with her post-haste!"
You are escorted to Hao Jin, who is glad you have returned, and lets you know she will need at least a day with the engrams to come up with the ritual to assist. Of course, you may have other questions.
Dragon (shadow conjuration draconic ally) | AC 15 T 14 FF 13 | HP 3/3 | F +5 R +5 W +4 (+4 vs mind affecting) SR12 | Init +2 | Perc +6, lowlight vision, darkvision, blindsense 60', see in darkness
Quenly has many questions. The dragon conveys them.
The engrams have a superficial similarity to the Sage Jewels. Are you familiar with the order of Jeweled Sages, Hao Jin? Did you create the engrams yourself?
We have viewed the memories in the engrams. I understand why you wanted to create a great museum, after your childhood mishap. But it was foolish to disregard Pharasma's warning. That is why you labour here now, is it not? To atone.
What is the precise purpose of the Tribunal? Do you face punishment, or might you be released? Who sits in judgement over you?
"No, the engrams were created here, on Axis, to hold the memories, so that I could not transgress again. I seek to learn what I have done and how to fix it, that I might better serve the planes."
"The crimes are against balance, as are all crimes on Axis. I do not know who the tribunal shall be, but they will be powerful entities."
Her answers are well considered, and come at a pace that is to be expected of one who has spent much time on axis, and much time alive in general.
Dragon (shadow conjuration draconic ally) | AC 15 T 14 FF 13 | HP 3/3 | F +5 R +5 W +4 (+4 vs mind affecting) SR12 | Init +2 | Perc +6, lowlight vision, darkvision, blindsense 60', see in darkness
Then we must consider how, if at all, your actions serve Balance. Siphoning soul energy claimed by Pharasma in spite of explicit warning against it from one of her servitors is not a good position to start in.
Before you forged the Tapestry, or its necromantic engine, did you consider Balance? What thought have you given to it since? Legend on Golarion claims you were a devotee of Abadar. Is this true?
Male Dwarf Inquisitor 10 [HP: 75/75 | AC: 24/13/22 CMD: 24 | F+12 R+8 W+12* (+5 vs. spells/spell-like, +2 vs. Necromancy, +1 vs. Evocation) | Init +4 | Perc +12 SM +16 Darkvision]
Torean nods grimly. "We will stand with you. It's important that Axis realize how critical your work with us is. If Balance is important, they may need to understand the lives lost if you are not allowed to do this. That could also affect the Balance."
"I had considered the safety of the relics, the treasures I had placed in my tapestry. I have given it much thought in the time since. My previous disposition, religiously speaking, is irrelevant at the current time. You would do better to devote your energies elsewhere." She does not seem particularly interested in answering this line of questioning. "Do you have anything relevant to discuss, or will I spend time with the engrams, to better prepare you for saving the tapestry?"
Female Aasimar Sorc 10 AC17/T13/F14 +1 all /CMD14 |HP 82/82 | Fort:+9;Ref:+9(+10);Will+9 |Percept.+11 (darkvision) | Init.+9 (0/1 shirt, electric arcs 0/7 used) (Whirlwind 0/1) { ext_mage_armor, fly, rez fire }
Victoria considers the cold calculus of Hao Jin.
She nods then asks...
I supposed we could consider where we could devote our energies if not helping you.
Should your time to reflect with the engrams prove unsuccessful, is there anything we should or could do to slow the decay of the tapesty? Anything or anyone we should extract or change if it does fall?
Female LG follower of Sarenrae | human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | freckles, sweet, naive, fierce personality in battle | Outsider (Native), Humanoid (human) | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 3 | Smite 1/1 | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Swashbuckler 5, Paladin 2, Unchained Monk 3, Bloodrager 1 | HP 106/106 | Protector Familiar HP 53 | with mage armor/rage: AC 35, T 30, FF 24 | CMD 37 | F: +23, R: +25 (Evasion), W: +17 | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2 | Ki Pool 7/7 | Stunning Fist 6/6 | Rage 6/6 | LoH 7/7 | Panache 6/6 + Plume 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 + Lesson of H. 1/1 | Eefriti Magic 1/1 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 40ft | Active cond.: +4 Dex
"You ... eehh .. I mean we sa.. saw memories of you looking at different scenes. Wha.. what else is in the engrams? Wha.. what do these memories tell u.. us?" Setare asks.
"These memories hold a great deal of information, did you have questions about a specific one? If I told you of them all, we might be late for the tribunal. It is only a day hence," she says, and you're not certain from her tone whether she is joking or not.
Dragon (shadow conjuration draconic ally) | AC 15 T 14 FF 13 | HP 3/3 | F +5 R +5 W +4 (+4 vs mind affecting) SR12 | Init +2 | Perc +6, lowlight vision, darkvision, blindsense 60', see in darkness
Tell us about your meeting with the olethros psychopomp. What passed between you?
Female LG follower of Sarenrae | human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | freckles, sweet, naive, fierce personality in battle | Outsider (Native), Humanoid (human) | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 3 | Smite 1/1 | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Swashbuckler 5, Paladin 2, Unchained Monk 3, Bloodrager 1 | HP 106/106 | Protector Familiar HP 53 | with mage armor/rage: AC 35, T 30, FF 24 | CMD 37 | F: +23, R: +25 (Evasion), W: +17 | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2 | Ki Pool 7/7 | Stunning Fist 6/6 | Rage 6/6 | LoH 7/7 | Panache 6/6 + Plume 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 + Lesson of H. 1/1 | Eefriti Magic 1/1 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 40ft | Active cond.: +4 Dex
ScorchedOne wrote:
"These memories hold a great deal of information, did you have questions about a specific one? If I told you of them all, we might be late for the tribunal. It is only a day hence," she says, and you're not certain from her tone whether she is joking or not.
Setare thinks.
"I sa.. saw a memory about you wa... watching a weaver and then planning ... ehh ... and then a se.. servant of Pharasma complained a..about your actions ... and then you died a.. and were re.. ressurected."
To the question regarding the weaver, she explains that she found the technical skill with which he created cloth was not only the inspiration for how she bound together her demiplane, but also that his meticulous detail and care conveyed the importance of taking her time and abiding by the multiverse’s laws as she understood them. Even one figurative thread out of place could unravel the whole creation, and she spent many years studying arcane and planar theory before even attempting to build the tapestry.
As for the psychopomp, she starts a bit before that. She explains that the multiverse renews itself thanks to the cycle of souls, in which souls gradually meld with the Outer Planes, are eroded by the Maelstrom, and return to the Antipode to create new souls. Her demiplane did not have the benefit of new matter and energy being infused into it in the same way, so she borrowed trace amounts from those who perished on the demiplane—all in order to sustain the life-giving environment. The process ultimately didn’t impact those souls’ afterlives, though it did infuriate an olethros psychopomp who refused to accept any of Hao Jin’s explanations. Although she recognizes in retrospect that there were better techniques she hadn’t yet discovered, she stands by her assessment that the demiplane was not impacting the River of Souls in any significant way.
Lastly, for the museum, she explains that her passion for history was unbridled and unfocused when she was younger, and that led to her reckless play that ultimately destroyed part of the collection and killed her. Being resurrected not only represented a sobering sacrifice on her parents’ part and awoke Hao Jin’s magical abilities, but it also imprinted on her an unshakable sense of care and responsibility so that she could prevent any more such losses and miscalculations.
"Do you have any other questions, children? I will otherwise need the time to prepare the ritual, and to prepare for the trial."
Thank you for answering so thoroughly. I don't have any additional questions, and I expect we will need to rest and prepare for the trial tomorrow ourselves.
Assuming we are able to rest before the trial tomorrow, Meylara will cast her daily spells - Greater Magic Fang on herself and Petal, Longstrider on herself, and Heroism on herself just before the trial is scheduled to begin.
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
I've no more questions.
Quenly's spells ahead of the trial's commencement are as follows:
Hunters Blessing (terrain: Axis, creatures: Lawful Outsiders); Freedom of Movement; Heroism via Channel the Gift; and Deathwatch; False Life. Armour and Flight revelations will also be activated.
Male Dwarf Inquisitor 10 [HP: 75/75 | AC: 24/13/22 CMD: 24 | F+12 R+8 W+12* (+5 vs. spells/spell-like, +2 vs. Necromancy, +1 vs. Evocation) | Init +4 | Perc +12 SM +16 Darkvision]
Torean nods and turns back to Eleven Sun Truth. "Where can we rest for the evening and prepare for the trial? And if there are protocols for the trial, can you please inform us?"
Torean will cast an extended Heroism before the trial begins.
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
we've enough spontaneous casters to share heroism with all PCs. Quenly will Channel the Gift as often as needed, just tell me how many slots I need to burn.
Eleven-Sun-Truth requests that the Pathfinders remain in the general area while it checks in with its superiors, mentioning that the trial’s set to begin in about 2 hours.
Each PC can attempt one Diplomacy check to gather information, Knowledge (planes) check, Knowledge (religion) check, Profession (barrister) check, or Sense Motive check to learn more.
Male Dwarf Inquisitor 10 [HP: 75/75 | AC: 24/13/22 CMD: 24 | F+12 R+8 W+12* (+5 vs. spells/spell-like, +2 vs. Necromancy, +1 vs. Evocation) | Init +4 | Perc +12 SM +16 Darkvision]
Torean watches Eleven-Sun-Truth and follows the ball of light as it flies around. He watches the as it approaches various members of the court and tries to see how they react to the events.
Female LG follower of Sarenrae | human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | freckles, sweet, naive, fierce personality in battle | Outsider (Native), Humanoid (human) | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 3 | Smite 1/1 | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Swashbuckler 5, Paladin 2, Unchained Monk 3, Bloodrager 1 | HP 106/106 | Protector Familiar HP 53 | with mage armor/rage: AC 35, T 30, FF 24 | CMD 37 | F: +23, R: +25 (Evasion), W: +17 | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2 | Ki Pool 7/7 | Stunning Fist 6/6 | Rage 6/6 | LoH 7/7 | Panache 6/6 + Plume 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 + Lesson of H. 1/1 | Eefriti Magic 1/1 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 40ft | Active cond.: +4 Dex
Quenly wrote:
we've enough spontaneous casters to share heroism with all PCs. Quenly will Channel the Gift as often as needed, just tell me how many slots I need to burn.
I’ll assume we were heroismed with Quenly’s offer.
M Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 14 | AC 33 T 21 FF 27 | HP [132/121] 121/121| F +17 R +18 W +16 | CMD 34 | Init +12/14 | Perc +21/23 lowlight vision, scent, darkvision, see in darkness, deaf | Spells (-, 6/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/7, 6/7, 5/6, 4/4)
Heroism is only going to last two hours if Extended, and Quenly can't Channel the Gift an Extended Heroism unless it's still in a level 3 spell slot or lower - so it's not going to help with Gather Information over two hours. I'll cast the Channel the Gifts shortly before the Trial begins - so covering Knowledge checks, but not Gather Info checks which take a long time. Similarly Quenly's Freedom of Movement and Deathwatch spells will be cast shortly before the trial begins.
I think it's going to be 3 slots spent, since the other three PCs have Heroism amongst their own spells :)
I've got two Heroisms, so used one prior to the info-gathering, and will cast the other prior to the trial itself. I have the same bonus for Diplomacy and Kn(Religion), so can apply to either if needed.
Lillian can cast Extended Heroism on 2 other folks once a day and several other times non-extended. She will not be much more than aid fodder in conversations though.
She will begin the day with false life and mage armor. Extended hero before the trail starts on herself and anyone who wants it.
