GM supervillan's 9-06 The Shores of Heaven [Gameday X] (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Chunhua is gobsmacked by the circumstances and book series that led her to Asaru’s Grimoire of the Planes.

Apparently there are no lost causes in heaven.

More inspired and motivated than she can remember being in ages, she readies to push, pull, grease and manipulate the Pathfinder most likely to secure the Incunabulum of the Ages.

Aid Escape Artist: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Feels like we've been here for ages!" Thok tries to put his head in multiple entrances, to figure out how best to nudge Zephon forward

Escape Artist Aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

But all he manages to do is get himself stuck and unstuck

Aid escape artist 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Ouita again tries to squeeze into the smallest area possible.

Drukpa tries to assist Zephon. "Believe me, I would gladly help anyone escape from a library, even one in heaven!"

Escape Artist Aid DC 10: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Assuming we don't make the current check, Zephon will attempt to find the book again.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Drukpa continues trying to help Zephon. "Maybe you'll fit better if I squish you?"

Escape Artist Aid Another DC 10: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

No! No squishing!"

I'll use my reroll now for the acrobatics check. The extra +3 is from gm stars

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 3 = 16

Also ssuming we don't make the current check, Chunhua will attempt to aid the Escape Artist check again.

"Shhh! Keep it down, boys. We're in a Library."

Aid Escape Artist + faction pin: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

re-roll that nonsense with two GM ☆☆: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 9

Escape Artist, aid: 1d20 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) - 4 - 4 = 0

Fate missed a check, but it wouldn't have changed the outcome.

The Incunabulum of the Ages is most elusive. Not only is it located in an area built for tiny creatures, but also the constant reshuffling of the shelves thwarts you.

Research phase 4 provides no success.

And yet, perserverance in the face of adversity is a virtue and you display it in abundance. With some divine inspiration, and a squish from Drukpa, your final target is located! It is a book only 3 inches in height and 2 across, filled with minuscule text.

Your report your success to Kitarlo and Valais. "Oh, that's the last one! Marvellous! Now you have a little time to help me out" says the azata. "I am still looking for Destruction and Creation: Careful Experiments with Contained Chaos".

You can assist Kitarlo with Knowledge (Arcana) OR Knowledge (Religion) - you can Aid Another if you wish. You will need to be trained in the relevant skill, but you don't need to use the same skill as the lead character.

Zephon has neither of those two knowledge skills, so he will spend the next phase looking through the books they found, and attempting to un-squish himself.

*SIGH*

Chunhua has foregone her ability to recall eldritch knowledge today, and cannot contribute to the research into Destruction and Creation.

Feeling almost foolish standing guard in one of the more Celestial-filled edifices in the Multiverse, the young archer attempts to make herself useful by watching out for trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Drukpa is keenly aware of his lack of scholarship but tries anyway to be helpful.

Knowledge (Arcana), trained, aid another DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 I had completely forgotten that Drukpa actually has ranks in Knowledge Arcana - despite his 5 Int! - because it's a prereq for the dragon disciple prestige class. Ha.

Fate struggles to focus despite his earlier success. Indeed, given his state, that was more likely luck than anything else. The inundation of holy radiance continues to be a heavy burden on the shaman.

Religion, aid: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7

Ouita was no good recalling details about magic or religion. She wasn’t able to come up with any esoteric knowledge to help with the search.

Untrained in both.

As Thok tries to remember his inexistent training in religion and magic, a ringing starts in his ear, which he proceeds to scratch insistently with his pinky finger

untrained in both as well

Is Drukpa the only one trained in one of those two knowledges?!? That's hilarious.

Although Drukpa is not able to help the azata, he takes a rare pleasure in flaunting his knowledge compared to his teammates. "Youse kin call me Prof. Marpo if ye want," he says with a smile.

Looks like only Drukpa and Fate have a trained, applicable skill. Since they can't aid each other, I'll take the first roll as the lead :)

"Why, Prof. Marpo! I do believe you've found it!" Kitarlo smiles.

"Now, I have arranged for a private study room to be provided. It's time."

Kitarlo leads you and Valais Durant to a small, comfortable reading room. The azata flicks through the six books that Akarah recommended to you, absorbing the lore therein, then nods solemnly. "Yes. The lantern archon's advice was perfect. I now have all the necessary knowledge to guide you.

Please, sit in a circle. Agent Durant, we need you at the centre."

Once you have taken your positions, Kitarlo continues. "The purification ritual is a ritual of mortification. Each of us must make sacrifices to grant strength to Durant's human side. Should we fail though, we will give strength to the demons that haunt her."

Kitarlo explains that there are six possible mortifications, and you may choose any of them as the ritual proceeds. It will take sustained effort to complete the purification.

The mortifications and the checks associated with them are explained below.

Starvation: this mortification mimics fasting to purify the spirit. DC12 CON check; failure inflicts 1d6 nonlethal damage to you.

Faith: This mortification tests the faith of the ritual performer. DC 13 Knowledge (religion) check to recite the appropriate holy phrases.

Humility: This mortification tests the vanity of the ritual performer. DC 11 Will save to suppress your pride. Failure causes 1 CHA damage.

Blood: This mortification transforms the pain of the ritual performer into a holy sacrifice. Success is automatic, but you weep blood, taking 1d4 points of bleed damage. You can staunch the bleeding with a successful DC 13 Heal check. Note that you will not have time to use magical healing to stop the bleed during the ritual, so if you fail the Heal check you will take ongoing bleed (but may continue with the Blood mortification).

Weakness: This mortification offers the strength of the body up as a sacrifice. DC 11 Fortitude save or take 2 points of damage to an ability score of your choice and fail the phase.

Charity: This mortification tests the charity of the spirit. The participant must offer up an item (or bag of gold) worth at least 20 gp. Any items offered disappear forever with a flash of light, transported to some needy soul on another plane.

"The ritual has three phases. In each phase, each of us must make a mortification. Let us begin!"

Ritual phase 1

Chunhua
Thok
Ouita
Fate
Zephon
Drukpa

The ritual requires a mortification from each PC in each phase. You may not Aid Another, but finding all the books early and then helping Kitarlo find his means that he's had time to make the ritual easier for you!

Chunhua leans forward and places both hands on Valias’ shoulders.

“The Power of Erastil compels you!”

Weakness: Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Demonic feedback saps Chunhua's strength.

Can multiple PC's take the same mortification? I would prefer to stay away from those Mental stat ones due to the severe penalties. Also, once we pick a mortification, do we have to stay with that for all three phases?

Waiting to hear the answer to Fate's question before posting.

Ouita‘a pouch of gold was bulging after her last adventure. Sacrificing 20 gold to assist the team in heaven itself didn’t seem like too big a loss. She picked out the gold and placed it in front of her, waiting for it to be claimed.

After listening to the mortifications, Zephon knew which he must choose, even though the penalty for failure might be steep for him.

Of course. My mentor was always concerned that pride might be my downfall. It is fitting that my resolve be tested in Heaven.

As Zephon steps forward to endure the mortification of Humility, he thinks Master Reis, I have learned your lessons, and I hope my actions show that I am worthy to be your student.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Adding to the questions, does someone have to succeed at all of these mortifications, or is it just the total number of successes that's important? Also, would it be possible to cast mage armor right before the ritual started?

Fate had gone without food before. Fasting again should be no real danger.

Starvation (CON vs DC 12): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Weakness DC 11 Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Drukpa considers himself a hearty fellow but apparently this trip to heaven has taken more out of him than he had supposed.

Fail the phase and 2 dmg to Charisma

Strength is one thing Thok knows he can lend. He braces himself as he undergoes the Weakness mortification.

Mausan ukavrengavh iuk yoyruk!

He can feel the strength leaving his body ebbing into the ritual, but he holds on, proud that he can help.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Can multiple PC's take the same mortification? I would prefer to stay away from those Mental stat ones due to the severe penalties. Also, once we pick a mortification, do we have to stay with that for all three phases?

Each of you may choose the same mortification, and you can use the same mortification each phase if you wiah.

does someone have to succeed at all of these mortifications, or is it just the total number of successes that's important? Also, would it be possible to cast mage armor right before the ritual started?

Total number of successes is the important thing - you'll get some narrative description as we go. Mage armour is ok.

The ritual begins.

Wisps of glowing light emerge from Thok, Ouita and Fata and surround Durant. Ouita's offering vanishes altogether.

But then dark, shadowy claws pour from Chunhua, Zephon and Drukpa and tear away the bright, warm cloud!

A wisp of light emerges from Kitarlo - and a wind slowly swirls around the chamber.

Ritual phase 2

Chunhua - 2 Stat damage you choose
Thok
Ouita
Fate
Zephon - 1 CHA damage
Drukpa - 2 CHA damage

Begin phase 2

“A Pathfinder follower of Erastil named Gervase Goldhawkë told me generosity is some of the most fun one can have with money.”

Chunhua counts out 20 Absalom gold measures carefully – before adding one more!

“She also claims it makes the giver appear more attractive.”

Fort save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Ouita tries to defeat the challenge and show that weakness held no sway over her.

Having given up nourishment, Fate now feels his strength being pulled from his body. He focuses his mind and controls the flow.

Weakness (Fort DC 11): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Weakness DC 11 Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Starvation DC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Thok relinquishes the nourishment he received at the Angle's Wings, to his detriment.

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Zephon watches in horror and disappointment as the dark energy leaves him.

Were they all correct? Am I too prideful? Perhaps this is the lesson I was meant to learn here - moderate your pride before it causes harm to others. Sarenrae, I vow to walk a better path in the future. For now, cleansing this corruption is the most important thing. If my humility is not strong enough, my resolve shall be.

Zephon draws his dagger and slices his left palm, letting the blood flow.

Damage from Test of Blood: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Squeezing his left hand into a fist to encourage the blood to flow, Zephon makes no attempt to bind his wound.

I hope one of my companions has healing magic, or at least is good at binding wounds.

Chunhua's donation vanishes, and a glowing wisp leaves her to enfold Valais Durant.

Glowing wisps of warm light also leave Ouita, Drukpa and Fate as they offer up their strength.

Zephon's blood also creates a warm wisp, but Thok's hunger pangs generate a shadowy, demonic claw that slashes at the wisps before dissipating.

Kitarlo maintains a celestial chant - nodding at you with an encouraging smile - and the wind in the chamber continues to rise.

Ritual phase 3

Chunhua - 2 STR damage
Thok - 3 nonlethal
Ouita
Fate
Zephon - 1 CHA damage, -4hp, 1d4 bleed
Drukpa - 2 CHA damage

Begin phase 3!

Knowledge and faith are not Thok's strengths, Brute strength is what Thok knows and is what he best can give.

Weakness mortification
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Zephon grimaces as his blood continues to flow.

Whatever it takes, we must succeed.

Damage from Test of Blood: 1d4 ⇒ 2

After the third round of the ritual, Zephon attempts to bind his wound.

Healing: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

After the others complete their part of the ritual, Zephon turns to his companions.

"Is anyone capable of healing this injury with magic, or possibly binding the wound?"

Ouita tests her humility and tries to succeed yet again.

Will save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Ouita takes one point of Cha damage.

Seeing Zephon bleeding and seeing that it does not stop, Thok shouts "I can help, but I'm not sure we can stop the ritual now!"

Note that you will not have time to use magical healing to stop the bleed during the ritual, so if you fail the Heal check you will take ongoing bleed (but may continue with the Blood mortification).

No problem and thank you! I remember seeing the post about no healing during the ritual, I was just hoping to not bleed out afterwards. At -2 there's very little chance that I'm going to make that heal check.

Lastly, Fate realizes that mortal trappings can be a source of weakness. He offers up a bag as he slides the twenty coins forward.

"Zephon, do not be concerned."

Chunhua indicates the clean birch rod concealed up her sleeve. "The ritual is nearly over and I have a new CLW wand, which I am sure Fate or Thok would be happy to use to purge your stigmata."

Chunhua considers going the easier path of charity, before setting her jaw.

Just because I was found unworthy once, does not automatically mean it will happen again.

"I HAVE FAITH!"

Weakness, Fortitude DC 11: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Weakness DC 11 Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Drukpa once again attempts to wrestle with his inner weaknesses.

Thok, Chunhua and Drukpa give of their strength, adding more glowing wisps to the warm cloud that surrounds Valais Durant as the winds grow in intensity.

Zephon continues to bleed, his blood sacrifice also strengthening the light.

Fate's offering is accepted.

Ouita feels doubt, guilt and hubris and a shadowy claw emerges to scratch away at the cloud of light - before the light overpowers and destroys it.

Wind swirls around the room in a howling gale. Through it all, the form of Valais is dimly visible at the centre of the storm. The air around her shimmers and begins to form into three nebulous bubbles. Two bubbles seem covered with an oily black film, while the third is clear and filled with blue mist. Suddenly, the bubbles shoot away, passing through the walls of the library and out of the room, as Valais collapses.

“No! Something has gone wrong!” Kitarlo yells through gritted teeth. The sound of a thunderclap fills the room and the wind suddenly stops. Standing next to Valais is a nine-foot-tall archon. One of the archon’s arms ends with a giant shield that is carved to resemble an open book. The other ends with a pointed spear that is carved to resemble a quill.

“What foolish thing have you done?” the archon roars.

The ritual is ended. Zephon is still bleeding but you may now attend to that - standard Heal DC15 or magical healing to stop the Bleed.

Ritual aftermath:

Chunhua - 2 STR damage
Thok - 3 nonlethal
Ouita - 1 CHA damage
Fate
Zephon - 1 CHA damage, -6hp, 1d4 bleed
Drukpa - 2 CHA damage

"What exactly just happened? Valais, are you ok?"

Zephon turns to the archon.

"We were attempting to cleanse the corruption from our companion. It seemed as though the ritual was going well. I don't know what went wrong, or even why it went wrong. Can you provide us with any insight as to what just happened?

“I am not sure trying to clean the vessel that holds an untainted soul can necessarily be called foolish.”

Chunhua takes out her wand of CLW and hands it to either Fate or Thok to use on Zephon and Thok. (move)

“Though with imperfect mortals involved, there is always some risk. The event has nevertheless occurred.”

“Can you offer us some wisdom on what we should do to remedy the situation?”

diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

If there is time after doing this, Chunhua will also try to work out what is wrong with Valais.

heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Fate accepts the wand and activates the healing magic within.
CLW vs Zephon: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Putting his large hands up in the air "Whoa big fellow, relax, we are just helping releasing the demons from the nice lady" .

Relieved that Zephon has received help, Thok turns to Fate "I'm all sore, can I have a waive of that wand?"

Zephon bows in thanks to Chunhua and Fate.

"Perhaps there is yet more to do. I was concerned that it we removed the taint, that it would go somewhere. We can not just leave it here in this place of rightness. Can you help us, wise celestial?

Zephon's take 10 diplomacy would be a 21, but I can roll if taking 10 is not an option here.

I completely forgot about that healing bread we were given earlier. Is it too late, or could Zephon eat the bread so we can save that wand charge?