GM Erich's 10-08 What Prestige is Worth (Tier 7-11) for Outpost IV (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Number 2: time to review all those contracts, including the Hellknights', by visiting Phlagantres at the Fallen Fastness library - therein lies the Hellknights' salvation, methinks. Going back to the wall empty handed will yield very little; if we find something to help the Hellknights, that could be our next destination (however we may find that a 3rd party may be able to release them legally, if the contract was flawed... so maybe we will uncover a yet unknown location to investigate next?); finally, we will then go to seek out Leventi.

I'd suggest to head to Fallen Fasteness (№2)to visit Phlagantres and Vetrivides. May be this will provide us with more lawful options to untrap the Hellknight.
UPD... I've read Vina's arguements and support em.

I agree with Vina's points, and concur with the decision to head to the Fallen Fastness.

Returning to the Fallen Fastness, you reenter the atrium, pass by the miles-long scroll that dominates the center of the building and set out to look for the devil known as Phlagantres.

You find him levitating in the Grand Archive room, an immense library of catalogued scrolls (behind iron and glass doors that segregate the shelves) and even more large piles of copied contracts and other documents that await re-shelving or incineration. Like other heresy devils, Phlagantres is an immense, fleshy creature further weighed down by heavy lead robes, though he moves about by means of an equally imposing floating iron throne.

He sneers at you without shame as he floats by. New pic

Raven-Bess is wandering around like a curse upon the group as Pathfinders approach to the library.

Morgoth watches Phlaganres for some time as if he would like to understand his nature or see every fold of skin at his large body. The advocate then clear his throat to speak...

We are here with purpose, respectful Phlagantres, as we are tryin to burrow deeper into understanding. Vetrivides suggest that we contact you if we are in need of some professional aid. First of all we are interested in information about Staebius Kalmp and Teena Forester's contract. The might be connected. And also any information about group of surely dead Hellknights who are here in Dis at present time , - Morgoth mentions name of trio of Hellknights. And maybe even show a contract recieved from Yseldra, before contune:
We believe that Teena Forester now COnnected with Ophelia Perran, but prefer to be sure according with contracts and documentation. Should I also mention that our investigation authorized by Queen of Dis?

Thereafter Morgoth drops a look at Tholvinus and expects that his teammates add something.

If there are roll needed - I will gladly Take 10

Noke is more and more unnerved by the devils in hell and their callousness.

She looks at the devil with disgust.

“We are looking for copies of contracts that a devil named Leventi signed with some Hellknights! We’re here under the authority of Erecura!“ she says and shows the symbols.

diplomacy : 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 17 - 4 = 21

What are this devils abilities useful in social encounters with us?

Kn planes : 1d20 + 21 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 21 - 4 = 22

It is not clear to me who has the first diplomacy roll, as Morgoth offered to make one if needed, and Noke went ahead and rolled one. My preference would be to aid Morgoth, as his requests seem more diplomatic.
Stan joins the discussion with Phlagantres.
We are here on a mission to investigate Leventi's contracts as duly appointed investigators, in accordance with the laws here. Please assist us as requested, in the name of Queen Erecura or direct us to someone who can.
diplomacy to aid: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Stan will also show his pin.

Slowly turning back around on his floating iron throne, the devil raises a fleshy eyebrow. "Vetrivides sent you?" he asks with just a hint of disdain. "Hmmph."

Phlagantres takes a few long glances at the pins that the handmaiden granted you before scowling and relenting. "It will take some time to have the contracts procured and copied for your use, wait over there." He gestures to some stone benches on the far wall with no recline.

-------------------------------------

One of the heresy devil's assistants brings down a small pile of copied contracts and other documents dealing with Leventi.

Spending a couple of hours, Morgoth can spot several embarrassing loopholes in one of the contracts as well as identify examples of Leventi trading Hell’s resources for personal gain. More evidence

Perhaps of more interest, the Hellknights’ contracts include two different documents both signed by the Hellknight Staebius Kalmp. The first damns his soul to Hell in exchange for the physical strength with which to subdue the untamed wilds. The second forgives the debt of his soul in exchange for the souls of his four subordinates, recognized by the contract’s author as the signer’s property. As any of the devils here recognize, signing away a subordinate’s soul in place of one’s own is quite irregular.

"This section here appropriates the souls of the signer's subordinates as his own property! Who was the contract's author, and can the library provides certification as to the identity of the author? if I may be so bold, can the library offer legal interpretation services which could attest to the irregularity of such an assumption, in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the Fallen Fastness and/or the City of Dis? Finally, can you inform us on the appeal process for improperly formulated contracts such as these?" asks Vina to the heresy devil's assistants.

One of the assistants stares blankly as Vina lists her grievances. "Why, the contract devil Leventi is the author, his signature is on the contract after all. I assure you, all has been certified. We take these matters very seriously, mind you. Now if you want further legal interpretation services, that will take some time. Perhaps next week. An appeal though will have to go on an infernal docket. That could take some time as well. We are having such a backlog these days..."

He produces a thick leather-bound ledger out of a thin air and peruses it. "There is an opening. Three months, I'm afraid."

"No need for an appeal at this time, wise and learned one. I was merely curious about the process. Your assurance and word that this was indeed drafted then co-signed by Leventi is authenticity enough for us. For our records, what is your name, oh wise and learned one?"

Vina jots down a few additional facts in her notes and looks up to the devil speaking to them, pen in hand and waiting for his name.

Anastasia rolls her eyes. Vina was laying it on a bit thick, but who knows, maybe it would work...

“Ask the other devil? Jarluxis was her name, right? She is right here in the fastness!“ Noke says.

Indeed, Jarluxis is in this very building, so I think we should consult them with these new contracts and get her feedback on these irregularities.

Morgoth carefully inspect recieved documents and scrolls. He imbues a quill with animate energy and rapidly transcribes words from one page to another, if necessary to aid make some copys to local devils servant. Scrivner's Chant

Thats a good clue. Leventi's signature here. But usualy Hellknights are not slaves of alike to evan a Maralictor. Someone abused his power, and signed devil deffinitely knew this. I will punish this episode persoannly... And you are right, lets go to visit Jrluxis. - he drinks some water after this couple hours work.

Moorgoth will also send a messge to Zarta: We are in Fallen Fasteness still. We need to find Ophelia Perran and Teena Forester. I would like to use your aid. Morgoth.

"I am Thraxius." The assistant proclaims to the vanaran. "If you need anything further, just say my name in this lobby three times."

-----------------

Zarta returns the message soon after.

-----------------

Moving on to meet with Jarluxis, she confirms your initial reactions to the contracts and documents. She seems to think you probably have enough now to move on Leventi, but suggests that you confirm that with either Vetrivides or Rowane - whomever your investigative allegiances lie with now.

Morgoth's mood rise as he understands that evidences nearly enough to talk with Leventi offensively.

Zarta is near the Hellknights petitioners now and may be we'll have an opportunity to free them. Zarta is ready to help finding Forester and Perran. Still we probably need her personal participation here of we head to Leventi. What do you think about priorities? I feel we have enough time and almost every clue we could find at this short period.

Noke nods.

"Let us go and free the hellknights and then we take care of this devil!" she says with a stern look on her face.

The best way for us to free the Hellknights is to show the leadership here that their contracts are invalid. I vote we take the evidence we have to Rowane, as she is further up in the hierarchy than Vetrivides.

Noke nods.

"Let us go and free the hellknights and then we take care of this devil!" she says with a stern look on her face.

Gilgrim nods vigorously in agreement with Noke. "Time ta be gettin' some kinda justice in this place."

Returning to the Ghetto of Outcasts, you find the hopeless situation the same as before, save for a worried-looking Zarta sitting on a rocky prominence nearby.

She perks up upon seeing you and strides over. "I wondered if my vigil would be singular. You have come to help." She looks to the sky, the band of erinyes still circling as they had done before.

"Something happens every once and a while. I'm not sure if the watchers above get bored or maybe called away to some other hellish emergency, but they do disappear for a time. Enough time to try and help these three escape."

She moves the group closer to the three trapped Hellknights to point out her plan. The three trapped souls are awake but silent, still their rueful eyes speak to their agony. "I've got some ideas of how to brace the wall enough to pull them free, but like I said I cannot do it alone."

Zarta takes a few steps back to frame the group in her sight. "Are you with me?"

Noke raises an eyebrow.

"I am always with you Zarta! You know that! And if we are caught then we might be able to explain the situation with the findings about the illegitimacy of the contract that brought them here!" she says.

Nodding with determination, Gilgrim adds, "Ya don't need ta be askin' twice, lass. Show me what you need done."

Lakadee can deal double damage against objects, so if the wall is considered an object let me know if this would help when bracing the wall. Lakadee also has the Take Root, Aid, Work and Maneuver: Grapple tricks; he's also Intelligence 3 and can understand Common (does not speak though).

Morgoth provides Gilgrim his Trusty Buddy - adamantine crowbar once more.
+4 to Str checks to force open instead of usual +2 from crowbar

I will recalibrate properly False Vision and Bess will be our eyes. Work quick but carefull. If you need Dispelling - just ask. , - saying this Morgoth opens a large book and concentrates while raven-Bess flies up to be our observer.

@Vina The wall is "special" and can't be damaged like a normal object

After about an hour, the erinyes do indeed disappear, with rapid teleporting pops.

"Now!" Zarta whispers determinedly under her breath.

You may each attempt either a combat maneuver, Escape Artist, Knowledge (engineering), or Profession (miner) check. Trusty Buddy can help someone. Any spells that facilitate travel or escape can provide a circumstance bonus to the check, but the wall’s anchoring property prevent such spells from freeing the Hellknights outright.

'Bout time," Gilgrim grumbles as he charges at the wall, putting all his strength into moving it.

Bull Rush: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40

Morgoth is able to cast a Liberating Command, but just once.

Gilgrim probably aced this already but just in case, Vina sends Lakadee to help as well.

Vina tells her big tree friend to 'Work' and free the Hellknights using Morgoth's crowbar!

Lakadee CMB, HB, Trusty Buddy: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 + 4 = 38

The thought of the dwarf beating everyone to the punch is just too good.

Before the Erinyes can return, Gilgrim puts his back against and into the wall, shoving it ever so slightly upward and allowing Lakadee a chance to to get the adamantine crowbar some leverage.

With the wall released somewhat, the others can help to liberate and drag out the trapped three. Watching the skies carefully for the return of any sentinels, the Hellknights slowly regain their footing and stand for the first time in ages.

"There is no way we can repay you in this or a thousand lifetimes. The burden was... unimaginable. But Leventi still maintains ownership of our souls - we can not be safe within Dis." Maralictor Devin Madras scans around, locking eyes with the other two freed women. "We should scavenge weapons to defend ourselves..."

Devin turns back to you and produces Teena’s Order of the Pike insignia. "If you meet her in your pursuit of Leventi, remind her of her duty. After all, we do not serve Hell. We study and wield it to spread Law, no more.”

”So, you agree that bending the rules is useful sometimes then? raising an eyebrow at the overly legalistic Hellknights. She was honestly curious to see if they had learned anything.

Morgoth breaths heavily and obviously anxious when trio becomes free. He calms down quickly.

Maralictor Madras, I am signifer Mobray of the Pyre. I can lead you to the Graveyard if it will be necessary after we find and free your souls. For me it is obvious that you should not be here, in any form. We'll find Forester. Right, Zarta? Team? - Morgoth pauses for a minute to see everyones reaction.

Anastasia, I agree with you that sometimes rules may be overstepped. But Staebius Kalmp will be punished for his deeds and overstepping rules, if he somehow still has not meet Pharasma. As soon as I return to material plane.

Morgoth suggests to find Teena Forester now if we have at least slight idea about her spot or can use some divination. Or proceed to Leventi.

The diabolist calls for Bess and ask her to make a call to Dark Prince.
Team, I am going to use Commune spell . Feel free to suggest "yes/no" questions which we can send to Asmodeus.

Noke smiles at Gilgrim.

She looks at Zarta. "See, we are all well prepared!" she says with a sly smile.

She looks at Morgoth.

"Can you ask if we can get more personal power and at the same time achieve our Society as well as Zarta goals?"

Any possibility to find out if there are options in the chronicle sheet? :-)

Hardly seeming like he broke a sweat, Gilgrim grins at the others. "Just gotta be puttin' yer backs inta it, eh?!"

To the Hellknights, "Far as we can tell, yer contract wit' that weasel is null and void. We'll be passin' along yer message, with a knuckle san'wich, if words'er not workin'!"

I suspect we will find Forrester with Leventi. I still think we take the evidence we have to Rowane, as she is further up in the hierarchy than Vetrivides.
The only other option I see right now is to find Ophelia Perran, since we have her contract and she may provide additional information.

"But where could we f-find her? I can't s-see anything in my notes on that..." replies Vina, flipping through several parchment sheets.

”Can you ask if people are trustworthy? That’s a yes/no question.”

Anastasia looks through her pockets, but she doesn’t seem to have taken Vina’s notes.

The Maralictor looks Anastasia square in the eyes. "Needing to bend a rule to serve justice just means that the original rule was flawed."

He then nods to Morgoth. "I'm sure we can count on you when that time comes."

Smiling to the dwarf, he nods again. "We may cross paths again, my friend, thank you for bearing such a heavy load."

Ending with Zarta, he sighs. "I fear to leave Hell while our souls lie in the balance, but until you succeed, they are forfeit anyway. If our testimony can be of any use in undermining Leventi, though, we are willing to wait for a summons if you can provide a safe place to hide."

Zarta ponders, then turns to you all. "I wish to take these three to the Warm Welcome. I think they will be safe there. Finish up any loose ends and then meet me there and we'll march on Leventi together."

She starts to gather her things to leave with the Hellknights.

@Morgoth Let me know what your questions for Asmodeus might be.

@Vina Nothing in your notes or other documents you've picked up indicate where to find any of the remaining people mentioned.

So, let me know what the party wishes to do next.

When the Hellknights depart with Zarta, Morgoth spends some time to prepare ground for a hort ritual. Using incense and a some white powder to amke sure everything ready... he start chanting. Aroden crawls around th diaboils while Bess flies above.

Lord of Hell. Hear your servant who in need of truth and the way. I beg you answer my questions!
1. Are mortal Pathfinders able to find personal power in Dis?
2. Does people trusworthy in general?
3. Had Staebius Kalmp been judged by Pharasma already?
4. Was Staebius Kalmp overused his power saling 4 souls of his hellgnights?
5. Is Devil Leventi a trustworthy devil?
6. Does Leventi deserves falling down in hierarchy?
7. Does Leventi deserves disincarnation?
8. Does Erecura have personal interest in Leventi's fallig?
9. Do you need Cheliax to stay within Coontract?
10. Have the Last Azlanti Aroden really dead?
11. Do you like the way I am serving you?
12. Will Bess currupt me one day finally?

Morgoth breathing heavily after chanting. He recieves some sensation which will soon share with team. MEanwhile he is ready to go try to find Teena Forester, maybe even use her contract to summon her. He does not think that we should vesit Rowane, but still can support this decision.

My vote is to take the evidence we have to Rowane, giving us the authority to take down Leventi. I suspect we will find Staebius Kalmp, Ophelia Perran and Teena Forester either with him or at his scriptorium.

"Very well... I-I do not object."

Morgoth gladly shares with his party first 10 questions and answers.
Okay, lets visit Erecura's handmaiden. May be wi'll find out more about Queen's personal interest. But maybe we can just use deduction...
And then find Zarta to visit Leventi altogether finally.

Listening to Morgoth, Anastasia’s eyes open wide. ”If someone sold my soul, I would be really, REALLY mad. Let’s go!

She then follows the group, not having a clear sense of exactly -where- they should go, but eager to help.

It takes a bit of effort and some extra waiting to secure another meeting with Rowane. When you are finally together again, she wonders what other evidence you have gathered.

"Time marches on. The machinations of Hell grow impatient. Do we have a solid case against Leventi?"

Time is irrelevant. Only order is. And yes, we do. We found more documents related to Leventi, some with embarrassing loopholes. We also found examples of Leventi trading Hell’s resources for personal gain. Moreover I consulted with the Dark Prince and he suspects that: maralictor Staebius Kalmp overused his power selling 4 souls of his hellknights according to Leventi's contract with his personal sign.

Asmodeus agrees that Leventi is not trustworthy devil. To be honest, the only last sentence for me would be enought to kick Leventi from grace. But to respect Dis and the Queen, we ask for authorizaton to proceed this investigation... the hard way. If Leventi will deny our suggestion to resign. - Morgoth wets a bit, hoping he found the right words and sentences...

I am not native english speaker, but I hope there is no huge loopholes in this accurate speech %)

The norn listens carefully to Morgoth's words, her glowing eyes brightening when the Dark Prince himself is invoked. "Then I suggest the time is right to move against Leventi. You have my pin already to authorize your entrance to his scriptorium with the Fallen Fastness and serve him notice. Take these gifts from my lady as well, in honor of your service." With a thought, several items appear on a golden cloth at your feet and Rowane disappears again.

a scroll of Vision of Hell
a scroll of Mass Bear’s Endurance
an oil of Magic Vestment (CL 12th)
a wand of Volcanic Storm (10 charges)
a piercing metamagic rod

Our pleasure! - says Morgoth to empty space after Rowane dissapears and left behind some gifts.
You know, Anastasia, I personally have being really pissed of when I've found out that my soul was sold before my birth. For the first 15-20 years. But know left onlt a slight fear of death. I visited different places and planes of existance. And Hell isn't the worst, honestly. As far as the Law rules here. Lets make it happen and find an old boy Thrune.

Morgoth sends a message to Zarta suggesting she leave the Warm Welcome and head to Fallen Fastness to visit Leventi finally.

Bess, I do not need you there, as I'd prefer to avoid any conflict of interests. I demand that you find Perran and Forester. Go!

I suppose we grab all the gifts and proceed?

Anastasia grabs the scroll of mass bear’s endurance, and nods in agreement.

”let’s do this.”

Zarta responds that she will meet you at the front steps of the Fastness.

As you circle the great tower that dominates the city center, Vina spots an armored woman with a sheathed greatsword slip into a dark alley ahead. There is then a series of sharp whistles from there and you realize you likely have been ambushed.

Round 1 - Bold can act
Anastasia
Vina
Lakadee
Morgoth
Red Woman
Noke
Stan
Orange ??
Yellow ??
Purple ??
Gilgrim

Remind me what long term buffs you had up today.