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With things settled down, Arin's curse subsides as he regains the ability to speak the common tongue.
We began to converse with the Maker here... He gestures towards it vaguely before continuing. When they became agitated and aggressive. Most of us tried to hold off on responding with violence in hopes of de-escalating, but alas it did not work out that way. Thankfully we subdued it rather than destroying it.
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Awen lets the Misfortune hex expire as the situation calms down.
We are Pathfinders and Representatives of the Church of Abadar in Golarion. We were having a discussion with The Maker when she began acting strangely and lashed out towards us. We tried not to hurt her, but I am afraid we did some damage. We will heal or repair her to the best of our abilities. We did not come here to be violent, only to have a discussion.
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Before you can continue further, the Maker interjects. "They sought to remove an implant in me that was causing me to behave... erratically."
"YOU HAVE BEEN ACTING STRANGELY, MAKER. THAT MUCH IS KNOWN." The monitor examines the scene closely then turns several of its faces back to you, speaking in unison. "IT IS EVIDENT THAT YOU SOUGHT TO SUBDUE RATHER THAN DESTROY. UNDER WHAT AUTHORITY DID YOU UNDERTAKE THESE ACTIONS AGAINST THE MAKER?"
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Ivan looks up to the sky when he notices the bizarre creature approaching.
What in the nine hells...?
He mumbles in astonishment.
He cautiously steps forward with his hands in the air to show he is unarmed. After hearing his companions make their statements, he addresses the creature.
Greetings. I am Sir Ivan Dräcovich. Knight Captain of the Andoran Eagle Knights. Pathfinder Agent number One-Seven-One-Four-Eight-dash-Five.
He announces stoically.
What my companions say here is the truth. I would like to add that we have been charged by Hao Jin, The Ruby Phoenix, to retrieve her memory engrams. One was slotted in The Maker's neck and I think it was causing her to malfunction.
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"And I will be quite functional again, once these restraints are removed." The Maker acknowledges.
Flashing the electrum badges you received from Eleven Sun Truth, the monitor finally relents. "ELEVEN SUN TRUTH IS A MINOR BUREAUCRAT. I AM SUPRISED IT IS INVOLVED IN A MATTER YOU DESCRIBE AS SO GRAVE. BUT I AM CONVINCED YOU ACTED WITH SOME RESTRAINT HERE, AND THE VICTIM HOLDS NO ILL WILL AS TO THE PROCEEDINGS. RELEASE HER AND CARRY ON."
The monitor turns and steps back into the air with a great bound - disappearing over the wall.
The growing crowd at the doors, just hoping to see some swift justice meted out, returns to the concert, which resumes on cue.
---------------------------------
As you are on their way back to the Empty Court to deliver the engrams back to Hao Jin, Eleven-Sun-Truth intercepts you at one of the portal gates. It excitedly buzzes up to you.
"Ah, there you are. I have encouraging news. After delivering a report about your and Hao Jin’s decision, this one's superiors have scheduled a tribunal to reopen Hao Jin’s case, set for tomorrow! Now, not only does the speed with which this is happening suggest a momentous development, but this one has interpreted its superiors’ remarks to suggest that there would be very influential judges presiding over the trial."
The arbiter nervously turns in the air to watch your reactions before continuing, somewhat abated.
"Because you have operated as Hao Jin’s advocates so far, this one hopes that you might attend in that capacity."
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Ivan chimes in.
Well, actually, I do serve on the special council to get Pathfinders released from detainment when they get in trouble in other countries.
I'm not a full-fledged attorney yet, by the way. More of just a counselor. I just help give advice to Pathfinders and assist with negotiations to get them released.
Ivan nods with enthusiasm.
Advocating Hao Jin at the tribunal? Yes. I accept this challenge.
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Eleven Sun Truth gathers your reactions and is worried by the hints of hesitance.
"This one thinks that Hao Jin will need the better part of a day with the engrams to devise and transcribe the promised ritual, so your remaining for the trial should not impede your overall mission. She had already decided to transfer the knowledge to your Society rather than interrupt her exile here."
The arbiter thinks for a moment before continuing.
"This one has only seen a trial of such magnitude once before, but this one believes that the magistrates will focus on a particular aspect of Hao Jin’s character or actions before positing a theory, then ask the advocates for supporting or contradictory evidence. Once they have thoroughly probed the subject's transgressions, they will announce a verdict. This one also knows that they are especially wary of enchantment and illusion magic and will prevent the use of such altering magic, except for some innocuous things like a spell of heroism."
The arbiter shrugs.
"This one has told you all that this one knows. It is, of course, your decision alone to aid the sorceress at trial. Consider your abilities, memories, experiences and judge whether they will suffice to present a sturdy defense of her actions. We can talk to her further if you wish, otherwise I will need to prepare for tomorrow alone."
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Eleven Sun Truth follows you into the portal to the Empty Court without further comment. You reach Hao Jin, who sits in front of her sketches, contemplating on whether to start over.
The arbiter buzzes up to her, its tone of voice more matter of fact now. "This one has secured a trial for you, Ruby Phoenix. We will finally settle the matter of your transgressions once and for all. And your Pathfinder friends have secured the engrams for you to use."
The sorceress rises and approaches you. "I hope securing the engrams was not difficult for you. Did you learn anything from them, yet?"
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Hao Jin nods throughout the expression of the visions and the paladin's summary. "So you did see my past when you obtained the engrams. I suspected as much. Let me help you understand what you envisioned."
The beginning - the museum fire
"My passion for history was unbridled and unfocused when I was younger, and that led to my reckless play that ultimately destroyed part of the collection and killed me. Being resurrected not only represented a sobering sacrifice on my dear parents’ part but it also awoke my magical abilities, ones which imprinted on me an unshakable sense of care and responsibility so that I could hopefully prevent any more such losses and miscalculations. I am certain that my subsequent creations and actions stemmed from this newfound sense of responsibility."
"By studying the weaver, I found the technical skill with which the created cloth was not only the inspiration for how I bound together the demiplane, but I also realized that his meticulous detail and care conveyed the importance of taking my time and abiding by the multiverse’s laws as I understood them. Even one figurative thread out of place could unravel the whole creation, and I spent many years studying arcane and planar theory before even attempting to build the tapestry.
It was done with diligence and detail."
"The black sapphire, is the crux of it though, as you rightfully point out. To truly understand the importance of this memory, you must realize that the entire 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. Our lives empower creation. My demiplane did not have the benefit of new matter and energy being infused into it in this same way, so I 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 my explanations. Although I recognize in retrospect that there were better techniques I hadn’t yet discovered, I stand by my assessment that the demiplane was not impacting the River of Souls in any significant way. My creation was simply but another in the great universe."
With her breathing measured to spare her emotions, she concludes.
"I therefore hope you can see I had the best intentions for my creation. I built it with care and empathy for those I placed within. I was not a mad wizard as some would presume, more like a benevolent queen. Those that I have affected were cherished in their time, and I will do everything I can to see that they are returned safely to their new existence outside of the plane. I would be grateful if you could help me express this to the judges tomorrow. Your Society's past and continued involvement with the Tapestry would be a great aid to my case."
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Arin considers her words thoughtfully. Finally, after lengthy pondering, he speaks from his plain expression, likewise (but really) devoid of emotion.
On the face of it, that seems reasonable. I have but one question, and it would help us decide whether we could truly aid in your defense and, more importantly, be effective in doing so. How did you measure and understand that your usage of the cycle of souls amounted to "trace amounts"? How were you able to observe no affect on the afterlives of those souls? Those conclusions would seem to come with a high burden of proof, but you must have devised very careful procedures to measure and arrive at them.
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Myth shrugs. ”Unlike my friends here, I can’t delve into deeper meanings; I can only take things at face value. Sounds to me like you did your best…and you’re undoubtedly the best hope now for those that are currently ‘trapped’ in the tapestry as it’s failing…
“I myself have never ventured forth into your tapestry…but I have a couple of close friends that have. Flyn told me it was a work of wonders and beyond his comprehension; I’ll take his word for it. I’ll stand by you, m’Lady, though my words may do you no good…”
He gives her a wink and a wry grin before continuing,”…but perhaps I could shoot this olethros psychopomp you mentioned…”
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On the face of it, that seems reasonable. I have but one question, and it would help us decide whether we could truly aid in your defense and, more importantly, be effective in doing so. How did you measure and understand that your usage of the cycle of souls amounted to "trace amounts"? How were you able to observe no affect on the afterlives of those souls? Those conclusions would seem to come with a high burden of proof, but you must have devised very careful procedures to measure and arrive at them.
This is a very good question. I, too, would like to know the answer. To steal souls from Pharasma's domain seems like it would be a major offense. You did say it had no effect on those souls' afterlife. Quite perplexing.
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Awen is definitely furrowing her brow trying to sort through the situation.
Aside from the question already asked about how the souls used to power the demiplane were impacted, I have another question. Why did you think moving all these beings and places into your demiplane would preserve them any better than leaving them where they were?
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Hao Jin senses your unease now too. She addresses Awen first.
"As my powers developed from the tragedy of my early experience with death, it simultaneously awoken my empathy and I strove to collect and protect treasures of the past so that all future generations might appreciate them in my demiplane — much as your patron here, Abadar, preserved the perfect versions of all items within his First Vault. But it was no mere museum. I traveled Golarion extensively and transported carefully selected at-risk sites and groups into my demiplane, where they could preserve their traditions forever."
Switching to Arin And Elbe, she continues.
"And these creation studies took years of careful research and experimentation. Nothing was done haphazardly. But the demiplane struggled to support life properly until I alone devised the means to harmlessly siphon off tiny fractions of each departing soul’s energy. What originally started as a unintended malfunction... I quickly turned into a feature to fuel the tapestry's essence for centuries, saving thousands of more creatures from harm. I could spend hours on the details if you wish, but do not take my word for it, this process has been thoroughly researched and documented by other scholars and experts."
Eleven Sun Truth nods in agreement. "There are such records."
Hao Jin glances as Kalaron before finally looking away.
"And for all this, I have been exiled here to the Empty Court, but I remain dedicated to my endeavors to decipher the past. So am I repentant? Yes, somewhat. I still believe firmly that my intentions and methods were solid. But I also understand that I did not proceed as I should have, as I should have involved the guidance and permission of others, particularly that of Axis, whom I serve now."
As her attention is turned, Elven Sun Truth occupies the space between you. "So, do you wish to aid us in her defense tomorrow?"
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Awen considers Hao Jin's response carefully and hesitates before she replies.
Abadar is not my Patron, but we represent his church as part of the arrangement the Pathfinder Society made to transport us here.
That having been said, I think your intentions were good in your attempt to preserve the things you did in your Tapestry. I will do my best to help defend you.
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"I can understand well the desire to correct your past wrongs. And it would go against all I believe to not give you the opportunity to atone for your past crimes.
"But know that I will not be arguing that you have done nothing wrong, only that you realize your mistakes, are contrite, and wish to fix what you can."
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"I appreciate the aid, truly." The great sorceress proclaims.
Hao Jin formally accepts the engrams and begins to set to work to decode their mysteries and construct a ritual which will allow the Society to reverse the magic she used to capture the various sites and instead return them to Golarion.
She spends the rest of the day working on the ritual, leaving you time to coordinate with Eleven Sun Truth, who fills you in on the nuances of the trial.
• One of the judges examines an aspect of Hao Jin’s character or actions before positing a theory
• The judge asks if there is any witness (i.e. you) who can provide additional information on the matter, be that evidence, context, or other arguments.
• You make an argument. Points for roleplay. The judges might ask clarifying questions or try to discredit you (e.g. for being chaotic or using as overly emotional argument).
• You choose a judge and attempts a skill check that suits the argument’s content or style. In general, skills like Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and relevant Craft, Knowledge, and Profession skills are most appropriate, and irrelevant skills (e.g. using Acrobatics to argue magical theory) should have no chance of succeeding.
• Success indicates the PC helped influence that judge.
You can serve as a witness more than once, but the judges would much rather hear from all of the group before calling someone familiar to testify. There is a cumulative penalty for the same person to try and answer all the questions.
There is also the opportunity for one of you to become Hao Jin’s Advocate. In this capacity, you are serving solely as Hao Jin’s counsel and cannot serve as a witness (as described above) but can assist during each scene by assisting the witness or protecting them from the judge’s probing inquiries. Doing this requires a successful Profession (barrister) check.
Don't forget, the three judges have many powerful divinations at their disposal, such as detect magic, detect thoughts, true seeing, zone of truth, and more. They are especially wary of enchantment and illusion auras, knowing that these can allow witnesses to twist testimony and corrupt the rule of law. Basically, you can use a modest amount of personal augmentation magic, and the judges almost certainly spot any attempts at foul play
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Although a relative unknown when she arrived centuries ago, Hao Jin’s reputation ensures that as word of her trial spreads through several districts, and there’s an immense yet orderly crowd of curious inevitables, glimmering axiomites, petitioners, and off-world visitors gathered around the sprawling courthouse on the day of her trial.
Eleven-Sun-Truth escorts your group through the crowd, which parts smoothly and politely to make way. Once inside, you explore the courthouse’s expansive, three-story entry hall where a host of barristers, bureaucrats, scribes, and more are discussing a combination of legal theory and the upcoming trials for the day. Eleven-Sun-Truth requests that you remain in the general area while it checks in with its superiors, mentioning that the trial’s set to begin in about 2 hours.
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Sir Ivan takes his group aside for just a moment.
He speaks quietly and asks for their advice.
Like I mentioned earlier, I have had some training with the barristers of the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Now, I believe I could formally represent Hao Jin as her counsel. This is a much more grand trial compared to just securing a Pathfinder's release from jail for starting a bar fight. I'm a bit uncomfortable serving such an important position, so, I'll need some help to decide.
What say you, friends?
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With an air of confidence, Sir Ivan moves throughout the grand chamber trying to get a feel for the various personalities he speaks with. He remains focused and tries to sense any deception among them. His questioning my be blunt and assertive, but it seems many people he converses with have similar attitudes.