Drukpa Marpo
|
A brash serpentine fellow comes rushing up, huffing and puffing. ”Whew, I ain’t missed it, has I? Why, I could never show my face to Ole Granpappy if I missed my next mission as a Batfinder, not after all the stories he’s told me. ‘Course, I dunno that I believe all his tales, sometimes I guess he might be pulling my scales, on account of I ain’t the smartest of the litter, I’ll give you that, but then when he goes on telling me that he’s met Paula Deens’ mounts what’re smarter ‘n me, well then I just up and decided, I’ll be a Batfinder too, and go find these mounts and see for myself if theys really as smart as all that. N' quite a time it's been too! Why, I bin to the plame of Yurt, 'n I earned me me own wayyfinder, for me very own, 'n I even met a dragon - I'm a dragon too, doncha know, at least part dragon that is, on account o' Granpappy always says that me Grandmaw was a real dragon”
| GM supervillan |
"You're right on time, Agent" says Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin.
“Please have a seat,” Valsin adds, 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. “Each of you has 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 favours 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 and understood what I said."
The Venture-Captain awaits your answers.
Zhang Chunhua
|
“It would not enter my mind to do anything remotely evil in Heaven, Venture-Captain.”
The young Tien archer looks appalled at the thought. “May I please ask, which Deity rules the area we are to enter, and how does Ms Durant feel about the types of judgemental questions she may be exposed to?”
While her tone is meek, the tall woman stands with a stiff military bearing. Long plaited hair is draped over the front of a number of pouches that cover raw hide underarmor. Her eyes are black, her features plain and her expression is neutral.
The multitude of weapons she bears look new and are generally of a fine make. “If you have forgotten my name, it is Chunhua Zhang. Chunhua is the name bestowed upon me by my parents.”
“And Granpappy’s grandson? I would not be surprised to learn that some paladins’ mounts were smarter than me too. I understand some are exceptionally intelligent.”
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa gapes in unabashed amazement at the presence of Ollysta Zadrian, nearly forgetting to even listen to the briefing. When he does register the scope of their task his trembling changes from awe to anxiety. "Err, I mean, so... yer sayin' we all's t' go t' heavin? But I ain't dead yet. Least I think I ain't, no matter what Granpappy might say 'bout me noggin. An these others - " here Drukpa looks around nervously - "I think they ain't dead yet neither. 'Least they ain't smell dead."
When the briefing turns to discussion of the library, poor Drukpa turns even greener, and if Nagaji sweat, then he does so profusely. "A library? In heavin? Ye sure ye ain't got some froghemoths ye need captured instead?"
Finally, at Valsin's injunction against any evil acts, Drukpa's mouth opens and shuts wordlessly several times before he squeaks out, "Y'mean there's batfinders what would do that!?! Say it ain't so!"
Thok Yilmir
|
Ollysta has a presence that is hard to look away from, and Thok as well had a hard time following the full story, so many things to follow, a corrupt Pathfinder, another fused with two demons. All this sounds unnatural, and unnatural should cease existing.
The chair under Thok squeaks loudly, straining to hold Thok's weight as he rocks it back, picking at his ear as he speaks.
"So we are to go to Heaven and Escort Valais to the Library. Is Heaven dangerous and we are to see safe passage to the library, or are we there to protect Valais from her/him/itself?"
The last word was said at the same time a sharp crack came from the complaining chair, and Thok eases from his rocking back to a more seated position.
| GM supervillan |
"Kitarlo is best placed to answer your question, Chunhua-san" says Zadrian. "But I do not expect that you will be able to simply enter Heaven as though it were an earthly domain."
"Yes, Agent Marpo, you are going to Heaven afore you're dead" Valsin exchanges a smile with Zadrian. "I can't think of a safer place in the multiverse, Agents. That's why we decided that, even though this is a mission of great importance to us, it would not require especially experienced agents."
"Valais herself should answer any questions you have about her" Zadrian adds. "You'll meet her presently."
"But first I need to know that ALL of you have understood the standards of behaviour that I have laid out" Valsin finishes.
Thok Yilmir
|
"No evil actions, no evil spells, got it. Don't need them anyway" answers Thok, grinning and patting his club, hanging form his waist.
"Fate" {Mkono wa Hatima}
|
A lanky mwangian unconsciously adjusts the bracelets on his left arm. He nods at the venture captain. "I would not dishonor The Pathfinders or my own soul by resorting to such darkness. I admit, as a mortal, I am a flawed vessel. But I will endeavor to be worthy of the task you set before me."
He looks to the others gathered in the room, "I am Mkono wa Hatima, but those I travel with have found it easier to simply call me Fate. I am comfortable with either name as you see fit to use."
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa nods vigorously in response to Valsin's queries but then begins to worry as he realizes how much of what has already been said is far beyond his ken. Standards o' 'havior...? I ain't got no flag, but it don't look like none o' them does neither. Hmm, maybe he's laid 'em out somewhere round here? Drukpa carefully looks around the room, hoping not to draw attention to himself, for any possible sign of a "standard of behavior."
Zhang Chunhua
|
Chunhua’s cheeks flush pink as Lady Ollysta mentions her by name.
“Honored to meet you Mkono wa Hatima, also known as Fate. I am Zhang Chunhua. Please call me Chunhua as my brothers and sisters do.”
She bows formally to the shaman.
⚐
Drukpa’s behavior unnerves her. “Are you looking for bats, Granpappy’s grandson? Have you ever found one?”
Ouita Shelbourne
|
The young woman had sat in shocked silence since being told of the mission. One was lowly as me handling a mission in heaven? What an honor…
”I promise I will do nothing evil either. I’ll try to uphold the good name of the Society.”. The woman had a serious expression as she spoke. The most noticeable thing about her upon first glance were her two swords strapped to her sides, one that appeared to be longer than the other. Other than the wooden flute she was nervously fingering with her left hand during the briefing, that is.
Zephon Whitefire
|
Zephon enters the room just as VC Valsin stresses no evil.
Zephon is a very handsome ifrit male with yellow/orange hair (that flickers as if it were aflame) and green eyes. He has light red skin, and wears yellow robes. He carries a cold iron dagger and silver light mace at his waist and has a crossbow on his back. A holy symbol of Sarenrae is worn outside his robes.
The ifrit walks in with a big smile on his face that immediately vanishes as he sees VC Valsin and Ollysta Zadrian, along with the Pathfinder team already assembled. He casts an apologetic glance around the room at everyone, lingering just a few seconds longer on Ollysta Zadrian.
"I'm late for the meeting, aren't I? My sincere apologies. I had a... task to accomplish at one of the temples, and I did not think it would take as long as it did. I am Zephon, a sorcerer dedicated to Sarenrae. You have my word that no evil will come from me."
With a smile that is both sheepish and mischievous he adds, "Um... what did I miss?"
| GM supervillan |
"Are, there you are!" says Valsin.
"The admonishment against evil is because we are sending you to Heaven, agent Whitefire" Zadrian adds. "Now it's time you met the people going with you."
The two senior Pathfinders show you to a nearby room. There, two humanoids await you. They could not look more different from each other.
The first is a one-armed man with bronze skin. He is muscular yet lithe, dressed in rune-covered robes. This must be the azata, Kitarlo.
The second is much harder to identify. She is part human woman, but her limbs and half of her head have been replaced with demon flesh just as Ambrus Valsin said. Her overall appearance is horrific. This is Valais Durant.
"Greetings, Pathfinders" says the azata. "I am Kitarlo. When you are ready I will transport us to the Gates of Heaven. Have you any questions for Valais or myself before we leave?"
Zephon Whitefire
|
Zephon's face shows a brief look of surprise at the sight of Valais, which quickly changes to a look of concern.
This response assumes someone re-explains the mission details to Zephon.
"Yes, I have a few questions. Do the celestials know that we are bringing Valais to the library? Will they let her pass unharmed? Forgive me for being so blunt, Lady Valais, but if others were to judge you based on your outward appearance only, they may act rashly.
When we arrive at the Library, do we need to present a seal, or letter to indicate we are supposed to be there?
Is there a good way to locate this ritual, or do we just need to look until we find it? Maybe if we knew more about the circumstances of this melding we would be better able to research the cure. "
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa gawks at Valais' face with the unabashed directness of a simpleton who doesn't know better.
He also tries to listen to the discussion of the details related to the library, the ritual, and all the other esoterica that this mission will likely entail, but it all just fills him with fear, a fear he has not felt since he stood on stage during the fourth grade spelling tourney, and he silently turns his attention back to Valais' face which is, comparatively speaking anyway, somehow soothing.
| GM supervillan |
Valais answers Zephon. Her voice is human, and she sounds exhausted, but there is a note of grim determination.
“I too am concerned about my entrance to Heaven. 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.”
Her voice changes when she says 'sneaking and slithering' - becoming soft yet sinister and sibilant.
Kitarlo nods. "We will not be admitted beyond Heaven's Gates without being questioned. I shall not attempt to transport us directly into the library, that would be an unlawful incursion and would have serious consequences. I have a friend whom we will meet, and he will be able to facilitate legitimate access to the library."
Valais resumes: "The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is one of the greatest libraries in all the planes, and it holds many precious secrets. For eons, the archons have collected tomes from the deepest oceans to the highest peaks and gathered them all inside the library."
"The archons in the library will help us find the books we need" Kitarlo concludes.
Any more questions?
Ouita Shelbourne
|
Ouita shrugged, looking around at the others. The massive totality of this mission had sort of stricken her dumb as she couldn’t come up with any questions.
Zephon Whitefire
|
"I agree. Sneaking will make us look suspicious. If we are allowed to go there, we have no reason to be deceptive. I'm sure if we just explain our reasons for showing up, there won't be any problems. I don't have any other questions."
Zephon looks to Kitarlo and says "Kitarlo, I believe that my mentor could regenerate your missing arm, either before or after our mission, if you so wish."
Zhang Chunhua
|
Chunhua bows to Zephon, impressed with his questions.
She then adds two of her own. "We know we are carrying weapons for self-defense, or to honor our lawful Patron Power."
"Are Heaven's gatekeepers likely to see things differently?"
➵
"And Ms Durant, the Plane of Heaven affects folks of all creeds and philosophies differently. In terms of spell power for example."
"Have you researched or considered what effects the Plane itself might have on the more tortured part of your current existence?"
She hesitates before adding. "Is it possible you will ... lose control?"
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa listens with interest. Much of it is more than he can understand but his ears perk up when the question of Valais potentially losing control comes up. "Yeah an' - hope I ain't bein' rude here - what happened to ya anyway? I ain't bin to heaven jes yet but ye ain't quite how I picture it, ifn ye know what I mean..."
| GM supervillan |
Kitarlo smiles kindly at Zephon. "Thank you for thinking of me. But regeneration has been tried. My arm was taken by the same kalavakus demon who 'donated' his own limb to Thurl for grafting onto Valais. The fiend evidently learned something from its experience, for the methods that it employed to allow it to graft my arm to its flesh have thwarted any effort at restoration. There may well be an answer to this conundrum within the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture - but we are not going there for me."
The azata turns to Chunhua. "The Hosts of Heaven bear arms. Whilst I do not think you will need weapons, for there is no more peaceable realm in all the Multiverse, there is no heavenly law forbidding you to carry them. Using them is another matter, of course, but you would be entitled to defend yourselves." Kitarlo invites Valais to answer the rest of your questions.
"I cannot be completely certain that I won't lose control. That is why I requested an escort." She turns her disquieting gaze - one human eye and one demon - on Drukpa. "Thurl, that devious bastard, I'll slice him to ribbons, captured me when I was sent with a team of Pathfinders to investigate him. The rest were slaughtered without mercy but he performed experiments on me, replacing my flesh with demonic grafts. Kitarlo believes the Great Library holds the key to restoring me."
We'll proceed to Heaven later today!
Zephon Whitefire
|
There may well be an answer to this conundrum within the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture - but we are not going there for me."
"If we're going to the Library anyway, we may as well research a solution for you as well."
Zephon looks around at the group. This is a good team. It's been a while since I've been assigned to a team that's not all necromancers and rogues. We're helping a fellow agent, and going to Heaven! This may be the best mission ever!
| GM supervillan |
Zephon pokes his head back through the door and asks Ollysta Zadrian if he can help her or the Silver Crusade. "This mission will help the Crusade, Agent. Go help Agent Durant!"
Kitarlo signals that he is ready. "Clasp hands in a circle please" he instructs, taking the last spot.
You plane shift.
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 surrounded by a glistening wall of diamond.
“It is so beautiful,” Valais whispers, ”but also terrible to behold.”
Suddenly, the baying of hounds fills the air. A pack of golden-haired wolves and a radiant humanoid figure with a canine head approach rapidly...
Drukpa Marpo
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Drukpa gazes at the tall grass shining in the sun and is reminded of the wheat fields back on the farm. "Huh. Never thought about heaven bein' a big farm. Maybe I kin get some starters to bring back with us. I'll bet the tomatoes are to die for."
Zephon Whitefire
|
Zephon sways a bit as the avalanche of order presses upon him more heavily than expected. Upon recovering he looks around in awe and appreciation at the landscape of Heaven.
He looks towards the humanoid and wolves, bows slightly to them, and says, "Greetings noble celestials! I am Zephon and we here on an important mission to cleanse our companion from an unwanted taint."
As he speaks, Zephon stands so that his holy symbol of Sarenrae is clearly visible to the celestials. He also holds his hands out to each side to show that he does not have a weapon drawn.
Thok Yilmir
|
I though we were going to travel to Heaven here on Golarion, which made no sense. Now I get it
It was the first time that Thok shifted planes and it was disorienting. The landscape, even though peaceful and warm, had a tinge of discomfort to him.
On Drukpa's remark he says "Regular wheat grass doesn't look like that. Nor does that mountain. But hey ho, heaven tomatoes should taste heavenly" He smiled at his pun, hoping Drukpa would get it.
On seeing the hounds approaching, his first instinct was to reach for his club, but he remembered he was in Heaven, so he should be safe.
Once Zephon spoke, he relaxed further, but always keeping an eye on Valais and his reactions.
"Fate" {Mkono wa Hatima}
|
As soon as he takes his first step on the golden plain, the shaman's head reels as if punched. By the spirits! Every...flaw, every misdeed hangs about my conscience like an anchor! A sharp pain sets needle-like behind his eyes, throbbing along to his heartbeat. It takes all his considerable willpower just to remain standing, albeit while leaning on his staff. "What of...the beasts? he asks weakly as he points towards the baying.
True Neutral. Getting pummeled just by being here. -4 to all the things. Quick question, does this affect the DC's of my spells/abilities, or just checks I make?
Ouita Shelbourne
|
Ouita also felt conflicted after being plane shifted into Heaven. She admired the good feelings from every corner of the place, but it was as she feared, a bit too stodgy for her. She kept looking over her shoulder, almost feeling like she was being watched.
Choatic good here.
Zhang Chunhua
|
“It’s just how I imagined it would be!”
Chunhua smiles as she scans the surroundings like the Innocent that she is.
“But I have no doubt there will be some difficulties I had not anticipa ... Drukpa, be careful.”
"Can you imagine what they do to those found guilty of theft here?"
Having ensured her wooden holy symbol to Erastil is portrayed prominently just below her throat, she keeps her hands well away from her weapons, but takes a step or two to stand protectively between Heaven’s gatekeepers and Valais Durant.
*Aside* “Kitarlo, you remembered our permits of entry, right?”
She waves and smiles at the approaching sentinels. “I am Zhang Chunhua, follower of Erastil, citizen of the Prime World of Golarion. On a mission to correct an injustice.”
Chunhua is Lawful Good 😉
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa looks around for any tomatoes, curious find out how they might taste. Not seeing any around, he makes to nibble on one of the stalks of wheat before stopping abruptly, uncertain whether that would be considered stealing, and then finally settling for simply burying his face in the tall grass: I wonder if heaven smells different?!?
Perception, for the aroma of the 'wheat': 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Drukpa is Lawful Good.
| GM supervillan |
The dark-skinned man with the head of a hound steps to the front of the wolf pack. His resplendent golden armour 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? You say you are on a mission to correct an injustice?” He looks directly at Chunhua, and then his gaze lingers on Valais Durant. "There is no injustice in Heaven. Explain yourselves. Good and noble persons will say how their faith guides their actions here."
When you respond, each of you may attempt a Knowledge (religion) check to cite scripture in support of your mission. These are individual checks (no Aid Another). Please note if you are untrained in your post. Remember the Planar Trait penalties if you are not Lawful Good. I may award circumstance bonuses for roleplay :)
Thok Yilmir
|
Only now noticed the heaven traits. Neutral Good, at -2 to everything, yikes
The unnatural weight of Heaven begins to permeate Thok's being, and he begins to feel very out of place. His human part seems to become farther from him and smaller, his orc nature surfacing. His world seems to somehow become more confusing, but also simpler, easier to gloss over.
Suddenly feeling like it's a good idea, Thok sticks his finger in his nose.
Listening to the dog headed man, "Hail, Dog-man! Nature is tasty grass and tasty tomatoes, but its cruel too. That lady" he continues, pointing at Valais , someone twisted her up, and that's not nice. You have books to take out his horns and get the pretty lady out. That's a good quest, so here I am.
Not realising, Thok seamlessly switches to Orcish Ok narg thok, Ok narg gudjag, Ok narg here Eg protect Okak Kor demons Kog lady.
Zhang Chunhua
|
“There is no injustice in Heaven. Explain yourselves.”
"Indeed, Holy Warrior. The injustice was administered on Golarion."
"However, I have faith the remedy is to be found in Heaven – specifically within the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture."
“Good and noble persons will say how their faith guides their actions here.”
“My charge, Ms Valais Durant suffered torture at the hands of an evil mortal, through no fault of her own.”
“The Stag Lord preaches, ‘If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.’”
“Deliverance from this kind of injury cannot be had on the Prime. So we are willing to brave the unknowns of Heaven to achieve something that has never been done.”
Chunhua kneels, her left hand miming the collection of a longbow off the fields of heaven, as she lifts the metaphysical holy symbol above her head with a clenched fist and bowed head.
“Erastil’s Parables tell us ‘a woman’s heart plans her way, but the Lord directs her steps.’”
She lifts her head to gaze over the Celestial’s shoulder at the heavenly vista. “In this case, He has directed us to you.”
"You, Holy Warrior, have the Power to grant us access to the destination of our quest."
Her smile is one of joy as her focus returns to the angelic being. "And it is written in Erastil’s Parables that, 'the Lord loves a cheerful giver.'"
untrained Knowledge (religion) + faction pin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
"Fate" {Mkono wa Hatima}
|
The shaman focuses on the words he wishes to form, but they sit thick and heavy on his tongue. "It is taught that the measure of a soul is found beyond the corporeal shell. We ask that you not judge us on our appearance, but by the honesty and purity of our intent. We believe that the victim we escort can only find succor and solace here. We seek nothing for ourselves and bare no ill will or dark purpose. My patrons teach, 'Only through service to others can we see the truth in ourselves'. We ask only to be allowed to help a nearly fallen soul as she seeks redemption. "
Sweating with effort, Fate kneels and bows before the holy guardian.
Religion (trained): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23
Zephon Whitefire
|
Zephon does his best to focus through the crushing waves of order. Those with a high sense motive will see that he is struggling, but he does his best to look outwardly confidant.
"Sarenrae teaches that even the most wicked individual should be offered redemption. Imagine if one of your allies - one of your friends sacrificed themselves to stop a great evil from happening. As a result of this sacrifice, their body was corrupted. Doesn't this person, who has only endeavored to further the cause of good, deserve a chance at redemption? This is our mission: to redeem one who has chosen to walk in the light, so they may continue to defy evil wherever they may encounter it."
Normally I would not roll a knowledge religion check here, since I know there is sometimes a penalty for failure. GM Supervillian, if you are asking for a check, please go ahead and roll an untrained check for me. It would just be d20-2.
Drukpa Marpo
|
Drukpa is so busy sniffing the grass that he nearly misses the fact that the pathfinders are undergoing an oral exam. When re realizes what is occurring he is filled with horror and begins to sweat and stammer.
"Well, doncha know, we're here trying to help this Miss Durant here - as you can see um well she ain't quite feeling her best an' we heard that youse might got some books what'll help her, though I'll admit I ain't quite clear how any books ever helped anyone 'cept maybe when Great Aunt Doris was having so much trouble sleepin' but anyway I reckon ye ain't much inclined to hear 'bout me family - though let me tell you, when I tell Granpappy 'bout that there wheat ya got, well howdy he's gonna be green well greener with envy - " he stops short. "That's a sin, ain't it?!? Gosh darnit Drukpa, there ya go! Beggin' yer pardon, what I mean to say is even Granpappy ain't never smelled no wheat like this here an' I reckon that if them books ain't help Miss Durant why then maybe ye'll lemme bake a loaf or two - Miss Durant, ye ain't tried my challah yet, has you? Or me bagels? Why, they'll put a whole new face on ya! So to speak, I mean." He pauses again, realizing that he has veered far afield from the oral exam. "Um, well, yeah, 'bout that. I'm jes tryin' to live my life always askin' What Would Apsu Do - ye've heard of him, no doubt? I wonder if he even has a castle or a lair or somethin' around hereabouts somewhere? Anyway, he's the god of us here dragons an I ain't no scholar nor nothing but I'm pretty sure he would want me to help Miss Durant."
Knowledge (Religion), untrained: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 3
Thok Yilmir
|
forgot my roll, not sure if it applies though, I leave it to your judgement
Kn(Religion) untrained: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
Ouita Shelbourne
|
As a follower of Shelyn, Ouita tries to see the beauty in all things. ”Even heaven sometimes needs ones to help its guardians look deep within others. Beauty is both skin deep and inside a person as well. We are to help Valais with that task.”.
Know religion untrained 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 2 = 1
| GM supervillan |
"Few of you are scholars of scripture I see" says the hound-headed man. "But the gods of Good appear well represented, and you travel with an azata as well as... Miss Durant, is it?" He looks long and hard at Durant. "Your soul bears no stain, Miss Durant, whatever you have endured."
"I will escort you to the Gates, but I do not know if you should be admitted. The circumstances are quite unique..."
You now have an opportunity to convince the celestial to help: one of you may attempt to persuade him with Diplomacy OR Knowledge (religion). There are no Aid Another rolls but your collective efforts so far already make a difference.
Zephon Whitefire
|
Apologies if someone is better at this, but Zephon loves to talk... and it's possible that I do too...
"Thank you for agreeing to escort us to the Gates. You are correct - these are very unique circumstances. We represent the forces of good, just as you do. When one of our team is injured, corrupted, or cursed, we do our best to restore them to their former selves - because it is the right thing to do."
Zephon gestures at the land around him. "This whole place is the physical manifestation of the right thing to do. By helping Lady Durant and cleansing her, we are restoring a champion of good to her full potential. This action may very well prevent future evils from happening.
Not only that, but by restoring her, we are showing that the forces of good support each other, unlike the hordes of abyssal creatures, who will turn on each other for any temporary gain. So much good will come of this restoration. How can we NOT stand together and bring this champion fully back into the light?"
Can I take ten on this? If possible I would like to take ten. If not, my roll is below.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 2 = 17
| GM supervillan |
Take 10 would be fine - but you just about get home on the roll anyway.
"You may call me Peligos" says the celestial warrior softly.
"There is much truth in your words, disciple of the Dawnflower. Placing others before ourselves is the essence of goodness. I will help you with the admittance procedures. The paperwork should only take a few hours."
Peligos and his pack escort you through the fields of perfect wheat towards the mountain and the wall of diamond. Outside the wall, a long line of people from all over the multiverse wait. Floating balls of coloured light flit down the lines, whilst food and drink is offered by perfect youths.
"I remember my first visit" Kitarlo says. "Took days to get through the lines! I'm very glad our new friend Peligos offered to help."
Sure enough, Peligos stops to converse with one of the coloured lights. The orb of light floats over to your group. I am Xoros, a guide. Peligos has explained your circumstances, but you are not expected. Nevertheless, I will take you to one who can expedite your admission.
You follow the guide to a low building of white marble. Xoros, Peligos and Kitarlo provide advice on the completion of a multitude of forms for senior archons, detailing your identities, histories, and your purposes in Heaven. Finally, Peligos is allowed to escort you through Heaven's Gates.
The great portals of pearl are flanked by enormous armoured archons. Celestial warriors fly overhead, bearing swords, bows, and long trumpets. The gates part before you, and Peligos ushers you inside. "Welcome to Heaven's Shore, pilgrims. I warn you not to leave the district without an archon's express permission. I hope you find what you're looking for."
The streets of Heaven's Shore are lined with lush, immaculately trimmed gardens and beautiful buildings. Statues of radiant celestial beings and fountains of crystal-clear water are common decorative accents. Grand staircases and sweeping ramps connect the district’s many terraces. An eclectic collection of strange creatures strolls through the district. Denizens of the material plane mingle with those from the Beyond. Gleaming metallic creatures from the plane of Axis move with perfect precision. Representatives from the plane of Nirvana have a strong presence as well, such as the beast-shaped agathions and a whole host of angels.
"We are expected at The Angel's Wing" says Kitarlo. "It's a restaurant. I think you'll like it. We'll meet my friend, who has arranged access to the library for us."
The azata leads you through the winding paths of the district to The Angel’s Wing. True to its name, the restaurant has a winglike shape, as well as a slanted ceiling that tapers downward toward the wing’s tip. The tables and chairs close to the wing’s tip are sized for creatures under 1 foot tall, with the table height gradually increasing toward the wing’s base. Its walls are covered in a soft substance with the appearance of downy feathers, which can be freely moulded to create additional seating. Groups of contented patrons talk quietly amongst themselves, enjoying the restaurant’s hearty and satisfying cuisine.
Kitarlo guides you toward one of the patrons, a humanoid raven with golden eyes and flowing white robes.
"This is Zepha, an old, old friend of mine" says Kitarlo.
"Welcome" says Zepha, the raven-like humanoid. "Kitarlo has told me of your quest. It is my honour and my duty to assist you. But first, let us eat, yes?"
Drukpa Marpo
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Drukpa bows low to Zepha. "Hail 'n well met! It is good to see you again. It shore is nice to see a familiar face here! I uh well tell ya the truth I ain't been to heaven before. I ain't exactly sure which spoon to use, if ya know what I mean."
Zhang Chunhua
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Peligos and Kitarlo provide advice on the completion of a multitude of forms.
नाम/Nom/Name:
☀ Zhang Chunhuaनश्वर इतिहास/Histoire Mortelle/Mortal History:
➳ Sinner. But I swear, My lord I am trying to improve every day
➳ Emancipated slave
➳ Domestic factotum
➳ Inspired by a celestial-touched paladin of Erastil to better myself by doing good for the world at large
➳ Sought to broaden my horizons by joining a Prime world-spanning organization of archaeologists and scholars
स्वर्ग में व्यापार/Affaires au Paradis/Business in Heaven:
❤ Seek redemption for a wronged mortal soul
❤ The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture is supposedly her only hope
☮
If Mistress Chun Mai could see me now.
The shy archer is content to let the others do the talking during the journey to the Angel’s Wing.
Are we about to eat of Heaven’s bounty??
“Is the food real or metaphysical?”
Oops, did I say that out loud?
“I ain't been to heaven before. I ain't exactly sure which spoon to use, if ya know what I mean.”
Chunhua *gasps* as she realizes she has the same problem. What if using the wrong cutlery is serious a breach of protocol?
“Are any dishes served with Tien utensils? Then I could enjoy Heaven on a stick.”
Ouita Shelbourne
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”Ive got to admit….the decor is marvelous. I’ve never seen feathers adorning furniture before. I love this,” Ouita says, looking at the strange new architecture and feathery seats.