GM 7thGate's Tapestry's Trial

Game Master 7thGate

The Pathfinders enter the Hearth-Grown House. Countless chairs and tables are arranged in this large room around a central stage upon which sits a lillend azata singing a wistful song while accompanied by an unusual collection of natives of the Great Beyond playing an assortment of string and woodwind instruments. The air is thick with sweet tobacco smoke and the smell of good food and drink, while the audience of largely remade petitioners watches the singer with obvious enthusiasm.

“Pretty good, eh?” says a metallic voice just to the Pathfinder's left. “Emelliana the Muse, that’s the singer, she only comes here to the House when she visits Axis. It’s the only place she’ll perform! Everywhere else is too stuffy, she says.”

The voice belongs to a somewhat unique looking metallic woman with two additional attached mechanical arms. She is currently leaning aginast the back wall of the room watching the performance, and is covered in dozens of small c uts, scrapes, dents and scorch parks. She is wearking a leather apron long enough to be a skirt, and is tapping her foot to the music.

See slides for a picture.

Glancing back at the speaker, Pai's eyes light up. "She sounds great! Ooo! Hey, I like your hat! My name's Pai. What's yours?" She manages to keep her voice low enough to avoid disturbing the other listeners (she thinks), but only barely.

"Me? I'm known as The Maker. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I'm glad you enjoy her performance as much as I do!" The metallic woman gives Pai a smile and nods in appreciation, her foot tapping along quietly to the music.

Lorian waited for the performance to finish before addressing The Maker.

"Greetings The Maker. I am Lorian, Lorian the Peacemaker." he said and introduced the group. "We have been tasked by Eleven-Sun-Truth to collect engrams. We understand that you carry a portion of Hao Jin's creative innovation. We have been tasked to retrieve them in order to help save the inhabitants of the Tapestry and close it down." he said, presenting the his electrum badge that was given to him by the caseworker.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Pleasure to meet you too, Maker. I am Mörök and we need these engrams to prevent innocent people dying in a disaster affecting their home plane, the Tapestry."

After the performance ends, The Maker indicates she would like to talk outside in the garden, and leads the Pathfinders out to a quiet area. After listening to Lorian and Morok, her arms reach up, grasping at a jewel at the base of her neck. "I see. I see, that is serious. I am still using the engram, however. It has been a critical, necessary help in my work and has led to many great breakthoughs in Inevitable development. I would not want to give it up."

Convincing her will need 3 DC 27 Diplomacy (to convince her), Knowledge:Arcana or Planes (to discuss the metaphysical ramifications of the Tapestry's collapse) or Craft (to discuss her work in Inevitable development)

I know interruptions can cause longer delays than expected in research, but the engram is vital to the rescue of a multitude of sentients in a collapsing demiplane. We will, if course, be returning the engram after we have concluded our efforts. Due to the unstable nature of the demiplane in question we expect the matter to be resolved, one way or another, quite soon.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

"And while I understand that the engram helps you with your research, it could be argued that there is some associated taint with the information since you have received it through the terms of Hoa Jin's sentence here on Axis." Lorian said.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 33 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 33 - 2 = 48

Oh.my.gosh. They're so good! Smooth like butter. Hmm. I could go for a scone right now. With butter *and* marmalade! Pai wisely keeps her mouth shut, but does give some big, begging puppy eyes. Who can resist that?

Diplomacy to Aid Sukit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"That is...reasonable." She sounds somewhat dejected as she admits the point. "And yet, it has been so instrumental to my research, I don't know if I can bear to part with it. I have had it for such a long time now, it feels like part of me..."

One more! Lorian can finish it up if you want, no restrictions on any one person making multiple checks.

"It is like the piece of a puzzle. Now that you have an idea as to how it works, you can use it as a starting point for your own research. You may wish to consider ways that the knowledge can be protected in order to avoid another Tapestry. The knowledge gained is neither good nor evil, just how it is used. Lorian said.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 33 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 33 - 2 = 38

The Maker sighs, then reaches to her throat and unlocks the memory engram. "You're right, I suppose. I have had it for some time, and I can still build off of what I made with it. Here." She hands the engram to Lorian.

When Lorian touches the stone, the world seems to fade away, replaced by a startlingly realistic vision. Lorian sees Hao Jin, hair a deep red and appearing younger than the current day as she quietly watches a young man working at a loom. As the man’s hands flicker over the threads and slowly weave a tapestry into being, a smile creases Hao Jin’s face and her own fingers begin to mimic the young man’s movements while trailing glimmering lines of eldritch energy. Hao Jin watches carefully, her fingers moving in measured cadences. As the light dims, Hao Jin leaves, but she returns again, and again.

In an instant, Lorian experiences months of Hao Jin’s careful study of the tapestry weaver, and feels the mental weight of innumerable calculations as Hao Jin plans her own magnificent tapestry before the vision fades.

One memory engram retrieved! Where would you like to go next; the Stylite, or retrieving the one held by Yakomo at the Serene Circle?

"Great! Thank you so much, Maker! We'll return it real soon. Oh, gosh I could just hug you--if that's okay?" Pai's had some unfortunate experiences with folks who didn't appreciate spontaneous hugs, and isn't sure what the consent laws are around here; hence the request.

Once the group has left the Maker:

"Ooo! I vote Stylite next! Sounds cool." Pai chirps, continuing in her head: And Serene Circle sounds booooriiiiiiiiinnnng.

After the flood of memories from Hao Jin hit him, Lorian told the group what had happened. "She spent months studying a weaver and melded his actions into a magical form in order to create the Tapestry." as he described what he saw in his mind.

"Since we are here at the Hearth-Grown House, let me take care of some company business and we will be on our way to Stylite." Lorian said as he headed over to make contact with the owner.

"Greetings, I would like to speak with your owner about a possible trade deal to Taldor on Golarion. I am Lorian Therian, proprietor of the Sovereign Sun Trading Caravan in the Kingdom of Taldor. he said.

Pick up two bottles of fine wine (10 gp each). Use the interaction for the day job (Caravan)

"Thank you for assistance, Maker. You were great help to us." Mörök nods to Maker "I'm with the Stylite." he turns to his friends

One's as good as the other. Let's go.

"A planar trading venture? Intriguing, tell me more..." Lorian has no problems purchasing the wine and forging the initial overtures of a potentially lucrative trade route.

The Pathfinders quickly find their way to the correct portals, following the detailed directions from Eleven-Sun-Truth on how to navigate the public transport system. A portal eventually deposits them at their destination, the Stylite.

A large open plaza comprised of octagonal, glossy black flagstones sits between a small, colonnaded building on one side and the dizzying vista of the Eternal City on the other. The wind whistles sharply over the drop down to the city thousands of feet below. From this vantage point, nearly all the major sites of Axis are spread out below like a pristinely-ordered painting: the tower of the Adamantine Crucible, alight in blue flame, the Grand Market of Abadar near the concentric circles of the golden city of Aktun, the nearly two-thousand-foot-tall Citadel of Resplendent Clockwork that serves as Brigh’s domain, the crystalline Threefold Pillars of the Axiomite Godmind aglow with infinite calculations, and Pharasma’s Spire behind it all, stretching up, seemingly infinite, all the way into the Astral Plane.

Heading inside the colonnaded building, the Pathfinders find themselves in a large, semi-circular entrance hall supported by more columns and decorated with a large floor mosaic depicting geometric symbols. Numerous colored balls of light illuminate the room, floating about at random, and a single desk has been placed in the middle of the entrance hall. At it sits a wizened-looking petitioner wearing cream and silver robes. Behind him are four closed steel doors.

The petitioner does not look up when the Pathfinders enter, busy scribbling feverishly with a large quill in an enormous book set before him.

Lorian mentally recorded his observations as they made their way through Axis in awe of the surroundings.

Once they arrived at Stylite, Lorian looking around at the room and the book before pulling out the badge they had been given and bowed. "I am sorry to disturb you in your work wise one, we come on behalf of Eleven-Sun-Truth." he said.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 = 6

Vrothum remains quiet, allowing the sweet talkers to do their thing. He maintains a stern face and assumes more of a bodyguard/ look out demeanor. When they reach their new location Vrothum scans the area for new threats or prying eyes.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 = 19

Mörök quietly observes surroundings while Lorian talks with Stylite. I am certain those sensors will come back to spy us.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 = 12

Flying over to Mörök, Pai leans over to whisper in his ear: "I bet he's writing a trashy romance novel." She dissolves into nearly silent giggles. She has no idea she's distracting him from something important.

Not to interrupt, but we've been sent to retrieve Hao Jin's engram.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

The man looks over at the pathfinders with a slightly perturbed expression on his face. "I wasn't aware of anyone having a scheduled visit today, but your credentials appear in order. Finally, something occuring as it is supposed to. The memory engram you are seeking is currently in the possession of a heresy devil named Beyschosz. He reserved the lecture hall for 24 hours to study it, but his time has long since expired, as has his claim to the engram.

Unfortuantely, I have been unable to convince the Aeons responsible for security to treat this matter with the pressing urgency I feel it should require! It is a travesty I tell you, letting rules go broken in the Perfect City. They always listened Talos when he was the librarian!"

The man looks over the group of Pathfinders and purses his lips. "Now, you appear to be able to handle yourselves. If you would agree to escort him off the premises, I can see to it that the engram is remitted to your possession. Don't worry, the Stylte won't allow the devil to take it with him since all receptacles of knowledge here can only be removed with proper authorization. Do you think you could manage this?"

"Well, that can be arranged. By chance, can you describe what we are dealing with? I am sure you have great knowledge of them. he asked, trying to gather some information from the librarian.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 33 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 33 - 2 = 38

How much resistance would you expect from him when we inform him of his pending ejection?

"Of course we can get rid of a devil. I have been to the City of Dis in Hell so I certainly have dealt with devils before." Mörök boasts

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"And I know how to keep my mouth shut!" Pai declares, without realizing the irony.

Hmm. So I can't blast his butt to get him moving, 'cause that'd probably get me arrested. But I can *probably* make it known that I could kick his patootie all the way back to whichever part of the Hells he's from, as long as I don't *actually say* I'm gonna. Or break anything. Or make a mess. <sigh> Crap. I gotta take a back seat on this one, don't I? Bummmerrrrr.

"He's an excessively corpulent fellow, who has rudely overstayed his bounds, but I am afraid I don't know much about specific devils. I do not know how vigorously he will protest leaving, but feel free to use force if he's proving to be substantially intransigent. The Aeons should have removed him by now, and they certainly won't step in if you correct the problem. Don't worry if you have to get a little rough with him, just don't break anything if things get rowdy. Now, if you will follow me, it is right through this hall."

The librarian ushers the pathfinders to a large door which he unlocks with a wrought-iron key. "Best of luck now! I'll be closing the door behind you, just knock three times when you're ready to leave."

You all have an opportunity to discuss any strategy or cast any spells before entering, then go ahead an place your tokens on the map on slide 6

Sukit gestures at the trio of swords he carries. Just let me know if I need to hit him with something special.

Sukit has his primary weapon available in adamantine, cold iron, and silver.

Well I'll say this, we got some silver tounges but when dealing with Devils you better be weary They love deals and always seem to work out in their favor. Lorain here seems like a good deal maker, I think we'll be fine. If things get sketchy I'd love a chance to sink my claws in some devil blood...

"I have no plans on making a deal with a devil. Just plan on tell him that times up and that he needs to leave the facility. Hopefully he goes home peacefully." Lorian said.

"Ha! Fat chance of that. If he was gonna, he would've already. Oooh! I may get to find out if he's one of those thingies that doesn't get hurt by lightning! Always an interesting time when that happens." Pai chirps as she palms a flask of Holy Water. "What? I might get thirsty," she claims with a mischievous wink. "Maybe, if we get a cup, we could offer him a drink! Huh? Wouldn't that be funny? I mean, not as the first thing we try, but maybe as a backup? Share a drink to start afresh?"

Pai might not be taking this situation seriously enough. It hasn't even occurred to her to wonder why the aeons haven't done their job, or how the devil chose to resist all the attempts thus far.

Pai will be flying. How high is the ceiling? She prefers to start about 15 feet up in the air.

The lecture hall is dimly lit by sconces set at regular intervals around the room, and its vaulted ceiling stretches 60 feet high. There are four windows set 20 feet above the ground. These windows are currently covered by heavy drapes.

Light level is currently dim. The windows are indicated with the dotted boxes on the map. Pai is good to be floating 15' off the ground when she enters the room.

The Heresy devil is a huge, bloated, greasy monstrosity sitting behind the podium at the far side of the room. When the pathfidners enter, he looks up an chortles a wet, phlegmy sounds. "I told that delightfully broken little soul that I'm busy. Did he not pass along the message?"

"Beyschosz, your time is up. If you would like to reserve it at a later time, you will need to submit another request. However, given that you overstayed your time, it might take a while for your request to be considered. Please depart. Lorian said.

Take 10 for a 41 Diplomacy (after the -2 due to being on the plane)

The devil lets out a long, sibilant hiss, and winces slightly in pain. "Never! The memory engram is everything I have dreamed of and more. I will leave this place when I have plumbed the depths of its secrets, and not before! Now, begone mortal fools. You try my patience."

You have exceeded your allotted time and reneged on your usage agreement. This was tolerated before, but now others have need of the engram and we must insist that you return it and depart.

While the gentlemen are chatting, Pai glances around the room. Huh. He likes it dim, does he? Maybeee... Keeping her face sweetly innocent, she flies over to the set of heavy drapes nearest the devil and draws them fully open, declaring cheerily: "Ahh! That's so much better!" She zooms widely around him to open all the drapes on the other side of the room. "This room was so dim and fusty, but now it looks so much fresher. Ah! Lovely!"

I've placed Pai's token where she'd finish. If something prevents her from completing her task, feel free to move her token to the appropriate spot.

"We won't take 'no' for answer. The rules are on our side in this case." half-orc says with demandind tone clenching his fists.

"They told you to leave. Drop what you are doing and get out NOW!" Lorian said with the voice of authority.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 21 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 21 - 2 = 30

Pai makes her way to one of the draperies, and finds that it is tied down heavily. It would either need to be pulled down with some force or cut to be opened.

"Never!" The devil moves to attack, profane utterances starting to materialize as physical words hovering near his mouth.

Sukit
Lorian
Devil
Vrotham
Pai
Morok

The bold may act. Moving through the desks would be greater difficult terrain, or a DC 5 acrobatics check with half movement to walk across the tops of the desks.

Sukit settles his large shield into position for combat and heads down the stairs, drawing his cold iron sword on the way.

swift; mobile bulwark style, double move

"So be it! Slay this festering pile of evil!" Lorian said, giving out commands as he made his way towards the devil.

Standard action-Tactician. Allies gain Precise strike (+1d6 precision damage with melee attacks) for 5 rounds. Move action-Inspire Courage +2 Morale bonus to saves vs charm/fear and +2 competence bonus to attacks/weapon rolls. 5' step towards the stairs.

"Slay? He said we could get rough, but killing is illegal in most places!" Concerned that dealing with legal trouble here is The-Law-Is-Everything-Land will take so long that the Tapestry would collapse before it was finished, Pai isn't sold on killing the devil. However, she has no problem drawing her dagger to cut the ropes holding down the drapes and flinging them wide open. "Let's shed some light on this subject instead, shall we?"

Move action to draw dagger, standard to cut ropes, swift to fling open drapes.

Ranged Touch Attack, Flat Footed vs. Pai, Sickened: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 2 = 25
Miss Chance (Low = Miss): 1d100 ⇒ 2

Ranged Touch Attack vs. Morok (No Flatfoot due to Uncanny Dodge), Sickened, Soft Cover: 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 2 - 4 = 9

Ranged Touch Attack vs. Vrothum (No Flatfoot due to Uncanny Dodge), Sickened: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17
Hellfire Damage (Half Fire, Half Unholy): 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 6) = 13

The fiery words finish taking shape and shoot out, launching themselves at Pai, Morok and Vrothum. The words shooting at Pai are deflected by the winds that surround her. Despite being a little slower to respond, both Morok and Vrothum instinctively dodge; the words miss Morok completely, while they burn Vrothum slightly, missing the vital area they were attempting to strike.

He's got sneak attack, which is thwarted in this case by uncanny dodge.

Sukit (Mobile Bulwark Style, Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 10 Rounds)
Lorian (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 10 Rounds)
Devil
Vrotham (-8 HP, Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 10 Rounds)
Pai (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 10 Rounds)
Morok (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 10 Rounds)

Pai cuts the bindings and shoves the draperies open, letting light into the room. Ambient light is now Normal.

Everyone except Pai is up. Sukit, you get an AOO from the Devil using a Ranged Attack in melee range of you.

AoO, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 24 + 2 = 36
AoO damage, cold iron, slashing, Inspire courage, precise strike: 1d8 + 13 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + (5) = 24

Words can hurt, but so can swords

1st Attack, Inspire Courage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 24 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 2 - 3 = 43
damage, cold iron, slashing, Inspire courage, Power Attack, precise strike: 1d8 + 13 + 2 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + 6 + (1) = 26

2nd Attack, Inspire Courage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 2 - 3 = 32
damage, cold iron, slashing, Inspire courage, Power Attack, precise strike: 1d8 + 13 + 2 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 2 + 6 + (4) = 33

3rd Attack, Inspire Courage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 2 - 3 = 14
damage, cold iron, slashing, Inspire courage, Power Attack, precise strike: 1d8 + 13 + 2 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 6 + (1) = 23

Confirm 1st Attack, Inspire Courage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 24 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 2 - 3 = 43
damage, cold iron, slashing, Inspire courage, Power Attack, precise strike: 1d8 + 13 + 2 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 6 + (4) = 26

Mörök strides toward the devil drawing his adamantium greataxe. "This will hurt more than your words ever could!" he roars while raising axe to attack

+2 cruel adamantine greataxe, inspire courage, furious focus: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 2 = 32
slashing, challenge, IC, power attack, precise strike: 1d12 + 17 + 6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 6 + 2 + (6) = 32

Lorian shook his head. "No, the devil attacked first. They had the choice of departing and choose to attack us, with fire in a place of learning!" he said, making his way down the stairs as he grabbed for a cold iron long sword.

Cold iron longsword: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 = 281d8 + 4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + (1) = 10

Precision damage does not multiply on crits, so the crit hits for 48 before damage reduction.

Sukit stabs the Devil while its distracted, then follows up with two more hits and miss while Morok and Lorian join the fight and land a devastating blow and a small cut. The weapons do not strike as strongly as they should against the infernal creature, but Morok and Sukit strike so hard it barely matters. The bloated creature appears to be greviously wounded, but not yet close to death.

DR 5 vs. the weapons used, 122 damage taken.

Sukit (Mobile Bulwark Style, Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 5 Rounds)
Lorian (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 5 Rounds)
Devil (-122 HP)
Vrotham (-8 HP, Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 5 Rounds)
Pai (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 5 Rounds)
Morok (Inspire Courage +2, Precise Strike 5 Rounds)

Vrotham is up!

Vrothum moves and attempts to tumble in to position next to Morok.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 He steadies himself and prepares to attack when he sees an opening. You chose your fate devil, it didn't have to be this way!
Vrothum rages and claws at the enemy.
Claw+BR+IC: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 2 = 34
Claw Damage+ IC+ Precise Strike: 1d8 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 + (2) = 18

Vrothum tears a great gash in the Devil's stomach, and the Devil begins to cast a spell, a look of great concern crossing his face.

Concentration, Cast Defensively: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32

He disappears in a flash of Brimstone, teleporting away. The memory engram falls to the ground where he stood, the magic of the Stylite refusing to allow it to be taken away without permission.

Combat Over!