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"I think we got off on the wrong foot here. You feel that you can not escape from Aslynn, is that correct?" Lorian asked.
"It is possible that we can work something out. With your knowledge of the Tapestry, how about staying here in Axis and work with Hao Jin? You will have a protected home and will be able to work first hand with her. You can help fill in any holes in the knowledge that we of the Tapestry and help redeem yourself, saving the lives of thousands." he said.
"I..." Her face twists up in emotion. "You know what? I don't want to do this anymore. She was supposed to help me understand my powers. At first it felt like she was mentoring me, but its become clear she doesn't actually know anything. And now I'm more alone than ever, with an annoying and dangerous master treating me like a pawn."
"I don't know if I can stay with Hao Jin. She has her work, and I still need to understand who I am. I...I would be willing to give it a try though. I'll tell you what. You're powerful, and well connected in the society, which is why Aslynn chose this group for this stupid plan in the first place. If you agree to help me if Aslynn comes after me, I'll give you the engram and stay with Hao Jin as well as our destinies permit."
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Lorin looked at 322 "If she comes here, we will raise our various weapons to protect you. However, you do owe Acolyte Yakomo an apology. he said, looking towards the others for confirmation.
"As for understanding your powers, I have a feeling that Hao Jin can point you in the right direction. Aslynn sounds like she has been using you for her own ends and Pai here would be happy to wash her out of your life. She has been itching to show off her abilities as the devil we ran into earlier did not put up much of a fight.
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"I..." Her face twists up in emotion. "You know what? I don't want to do this anymore. She was supposed to help me understand my powers. At first it felt like she was mentoring me, but its become clear she doesn't actually know anything. And now I'm more alone than ever, with an annoying and dangerous master treating me like a pawn."
"I don't know if I can stay with Hao Jin. She has her work, and I still need to understand who I am. I...I would be willing to give it a try though. I'll tell you what. You're powerful, and well connected in the society, which is why Aslynn chose this group for this stupid plan in the first place. If you agree to help me if Aslynn comes after me, I'll give you the engram and stay with Hao Jin as well as our destinies permit."
Pai is floored. Flabbergasted. Utterly amazed. Lorian's silver tongue makes all other silver tongues look tarnished and boring by comparison. Okay, that sounded weird. But still! Dang! This guy's *gooood*! She gives him a worshipful stare.
Lorin looked at 322 "If she comes here, we will raise our various weapons to protect you. However, you do owe Acolyte Yakomo an apology. he said, looking towards the others for confirmation.
"That's darn right, for sure! For both of those things!" Pai puts her hands on her hips indignantly.
"As for understanding your powers, I have a feeling that Hao Jin can point you in the right direction. Aslynn sounds like she has been using you for her own ends and Pai here would be happy to wash her out of your life. She has been itching to show off her abilities as the devil we ran into earlier did not put up much of a fight.
And then he strokes Pai's ego. Well, this guy's just plain *the best*! "Yup! That's right! I don't know who this Aslynn chick is, but if she tries to mess with you just 'cause you're trying to be a good person, I'll blast her butt so hard she won't be able to sit down for weeks!"
She looks relieved and nods at Pai.
"Thank you. I will apologize to Yakomo, and reach out to Hao Jin after you have had a chance to speak with her." She walks over to Lorian, taking out the engram to hand over. "Here is the engram you need. I hope it gives you the knowledge you need to save the lives in the tapestry."
After handing the engram over, she speaks a single magical word and disappears.
When Lorian touches the engram, he receives another vision from Hao Jin’s past, this time of her as a child of perhaps ten, her hair glossy black without a hint of the sorcerer’s signature ruby locks.
Hao Jin dances and sings as she explores the wonders of a magnificent museum. She climbs about the displays, enacting mock battles with taxidermied drakes or old suits of armor. As the young Hao Jin climbs atop a suit of ancient Minkaian armor, her foot slips and she grabs at a hanging lantern to steady herself.
Suddenly everything is pain and fire, chaos, and then…silence and empty darkness. The silence and empty darkness end suddenly with a burst of pain and a strange pulsating that wracks her entire body.
The final scene Lorian sees is a young Hao Jin, her hair now a brilliant shade of red, her small face crumbling into tears as she learns that not only is the glorious museum gone, burned to ash, but her family has spent almost their entire fortune returning the young girl to life. As the scene ends, Lorian is left with a strong, lingering sense of Hao Jin’s regret, as well as her resolve to master the strange new magic burning inside her along with her emotions, so that she is never the source of such a tragedy again.
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"Seeing someone expire in my mind opened up an old mental image of my own demise at the hands of a half-fiend at the World Wound." Lorian said as he said down for a bit to collect his thoughts. The peacefulness of the surrounding area prevented him from screaming in pain as the onslaught of Hao Jin's painful memories started to settle down.
Taking a deep breath, he recited the memory, turning it into a epic. At the end, he frowned a bit. "I will need to work on it, the memory of my own death has taken some of the punch out of it, That and too much time debating political matters." he added.
Standing back up, he looked at the group. "Okay, I have no idea what happened to 322 but lets head back to Hao Jin and expect that Aslynn plans on paying a social call. Let's go get this finished off. For those that have been in the Tapestry, would it be like a museum that Hao Jin was making of her own accord?" he asked as they made their way to see Hao Jin.
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"Oh crud you're right! But, doesn't that seem overkill? Like, you messed up a regular ol' museum, so you create a demiplane? Why not another regular ol' museum? Honestly, I think she would've benefited from having a wise person to talk to about it. Process those memories and feelings, figure out a healthy way to handle all that, you know. But I can kinda see how such a traumatic experience as a child can mess up how you handle things in life." Pai babbles as the group returns to Hao Jin.
Having secured all three engrams, the Pathfinders set out to return to Hao Jin at the Empty Court. At the gateway outside the Empty Court, Eleven-Sun-Truth comes hurrying up to the group.
"Greetings, and wonderful news! After I sent my report on your meeting with Hao Jin and her decision, my superiors have scheduled a tribunal to reopen Hao Jin's case, set for tomorrow. In addition to significantly expediting the timing of the trial, several very influential judges are coming to preside. As you operated as Hao Jin's advocates, I am hoping you would be willing to attend and provide testimony regarding her character and actions?"
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Lorian smiled "We would be honored to act as advocates for Hao Jin" he said. The smile then turned to a frown. "Just to warn you, a person by the name of Aslynn has not taken too kindly to us retrieving the engrams." he added, telling Eleven-Sun-Truth of 322 being sent by Aslynn and 322's change of heart.
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"However, we are in a bit of an impasse until she is brought before the Tribunal to review her case. While we have recovered the engrams, the memories still need to be placed back into Hao Jin in order for her to "Reassemble the rituals to allow for a final transposition" as she said before we left footprints all over Axis". Lorian stated.
Eleven-Sun-Truth guides the pathfinders through the Empty Court, where they find Hao Jin waiting for them. She waves and smiles as they approach. "Greetings! Eleven-Sun-Truth has informed me you have successfully retrieved the engrams. If I may have them, I can begin the process of reconstructing the ritual. It should take no more than a day or two to properly reintegrate the memories and work through any lingering discrepancies in the ritual form. Once complete, I can transcribe detailed directions for how to enact the ritual. Though it requires extensive power to cast as a single individual, I believe the Pathfinder Society has grown to have a sufficiently powerful group of arcane casters that they will be able to enact the ritual working together."
Eleven-Sun-Truth bobs up and down listening to her. "Indeed, but you may be able to assist personally! Your recent decisions and the actions of your advocates here have expediated your trial date. The trial is convening tomorrow, and your advocates have agreed to give testimony."
Hao Jin raises an eyebrow. "Indeed? Thank you for doing so. I hope that my actions have met with your understanding, if not your approval. Please, if you have any questions for me before the trial, ask, and I will answer as best I can."
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Oooo! Good question! Pai stares at Hao Jin expectantly.
Whatever Hao Jin's answer it, Pai eats it right up like it's the honest truth.
Oh, right! I'm supposed to be thinking of questions. ... I kinda wanna just outright ask her if she made the Tapestry because she felt bad about messing up that museum, and then get on her case about that being totally overkill and arrogant. Buuuuut I get the feeling she already knows that now. Hmm...
"Ah." Hao Jin sighs softly. "When I was young, I grew up in a loving family in the city of Goka. My mother was an Abadaran priestess, and my father was a painter, and we wanted for nothing. They ingrained in me the importance of order in my life, and the drive to express my creative spirit."
"I loved exploring Goka's historical buildings, especially the Empress Yin Museum, dedicated to the ruler who granted Goka is sovereignty and to countless Yixing artifacts from that fallen empire. I was friends with the museum stewards, and would often play there, imagining the battles and events that the relics and artifacts represented."
"I was too reckless. The recklessness of youth, that thinks itself immortal and has yet to know real loss. You have the engram from that incident, so I no longer have the memory until I reintegrate it. But I remember the after. The crushing guilt at the cost to my family, and at the history I had destroyed. The incident awoke my magical powers, the resurrection activating the trace of Pheonix bloodline, and drove me to do better and protect what I could."
"You are. She may have them back for purposes of creating the ritual to restore planar stability. The tribunal tomorrow will decide if she needs to relinquish them or if she has served sufficient time for her offenses."
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Pai can't help but give Hao Jin a bit of a stink eye as she hovers, arms crossed. Sure, Hao Jin seems like she believes herself, but Pai isn't satisfied. Once Hao Jin has processed the memories, the gnome blurts: "Don't you think you went a bit overboard with this thing? And by 'a bit', I mean a lot! All you flippin' needed was some signs that said 'Do not touch the displays', and everything would've been fine! Geez!" Clearly, Pai hasn't thought through this plan. After all, it wouldn't have stopped her when she was a tyke.
"Then Hao Jin wil continue her service here, in the Empty Court, investigating Aroden's disappearance."
"You should rest, and ready yourselves for tomorrow. It will be a big day for all of us."
The Pathfinders return to the Guesthouse of the Cage, where Esfir provdes sleeping accomodations. The following morning, after any preparations, the Pathfinders make their way to the Courthouse for Hao Jin's trial, arriving shortly after it opens.
Although a relative unknown when she arrived centuries ago, Hao Jin’s reputation ensures that as word of her trial spreads through several districts, 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 the Pathfinders through the crowd, which parts smoothly and politely to make way. Inside the courthouse is an 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 the Pathfinders 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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Lorian kept his ears open, gathering information about the possible judges for the tribunal "Tchekua was on the original tribunal for Hao Jin. He likes a formal style of prose, along with some passion behind the words. Another is Zahal that asked to join the tribunal. I do not have much knowledge about them. " Lorian said as he passed along his observations.
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"Okay, guys. See, I've been paying attention to all this stuff since we've been here. Not gonna lie, it was really hard to act like I wasn't, but I totally was. You'd be surprised what you can overhear when people think you're not listening." A smug look crosses Pai's face as she continues.
"Okay, so this isn't so much a trial as it is a chance for the judges to listen to Hao Jin talk a bit about how sorry she is and what she's done to prove it and all that, and to hear what some people who know her really well can say about her character and how sincere she is and all that. The judges'll sometimes just stop in the middle and talk among themselves too, so we may just be standing around twiddling our thumbs for a bit while they do that. Normally Hao Jin would have a lawyer representing her or something like that, but I haven't heard anything on that front. If she doesn't have one, it's going to be tougher than chewing boot leather for her to win."
After some time spent mingling, discussing the plan and listening to the conversations around the courthouse, the start of the trial begins.
The Judges arrive in short succession, one at a time. First is Tchekua, an apkallu. He is a bird like man with an eagle's head and wings, dressed in regal white robes. As he enters, the main chamber doors open, showing the courtroom where three elevated podiums stand in a loose semicircle around a circular platform. Behind the platform stand benches for witnesses and observers. Tchekua nods in greeting to a number of people as he passes through, and takes his place at one of the podiums.
Shortly after, an 8 foot diameter brass sphere inscribed with many thousands of mathematical characters that slowly swirl about its body enters the courthouse, walking on six insectile metallic legs. One large black eye opens to gaze on its surroundings, but rather than remain fixed in one location or rotating the body to look at its surroundings, the eye simply blinks closed and reopens at a different spot on the body facing what it wishes to look at. The being enters the courtroom, and takes its place at the center podium.
Almost as soon as the brass sphere finishes taking its seat, a huge, purple dragon covered in whispy feathers flies down and lands outside the courthouse. She enters the building, moving through the crowd and into the room, where she coils herself behind the third podium.
Last to arrive is Hao Jin, followed closely by Eleven-Sun-Truth. She enters and greets the pathfinders with a warm smile that belies her concerned expression. "Greetings, and thank you for agreeing to provide testimony at my trial. Please, tell the truth as you see it. I will defend myself to the best of my ability, but want nothing more than a fair and honest trial. I expect I will recieve one here in the Perfect City." She turns to go and enter the trial room.
Hao Jin smiles, and nods. ”Thank you. I appreciate the assistance. Come, let us begin. We don’t want to be late.”
Hao Jin enters the courtroom with the Pathfinders, and sits on one of the front benches next to Sukit. Observers enter the courtroom and fill the back benches, watching silently for the trial to begin. After several mintues, the large Draconic Psychopomp Zahal speaks.
”The Trial of Hao Jin will now proceed, with the Judges Tenth-By-Third, Tchekua and Zahal now presiding. Tenth-By-Third, if you would like to open proceedings?”
The eye on the orb blinks, then reopens looking at Hao Jin. "The basis of this trial is the nature of this mortal’s demiplane, which violates at least fifty-three firm principles of astral safety, in turn triggering twelve separate instances of multidimensional uncertainty and instability. Safer techniques existed by which to achieve a similar result, yet she embraced an unintuitive and untested methodology—all compounded by a sorcerous disregard for cosmic calculus."
"In order of commital, these violations were as follows. Violation the first: A lack of proper dimensional grounding calcuations in the sub-aetheric manipulations of the astral plane prior to full subplane instantiation. Violation the second: Inconsistent and uncalculated energy and matter release flows in the Astral planar boundaries for entropy transmittal consistent with the Laws of Thermodynamics. Violation the third..."
He proceeds in this vein for several minutes, before Zahal coughs and breaks into the flow of technical details. "I think perhaps we are wandering astray from the substance of the matter, missing the forest for the trees so to speak. I believe we are all familiar with arcane theory and planar mechanics, Tenth-By-Third. Could you perhaps summarize your point?"
Tenth-By-Third closes its eye and opens it to look at Zahal, then reopens it gazing at Hao Jin and proceeding in a calm, methodical tone. "The point, Zahal, is that her techniques were irresponsible. They lacked proper calculation and planning and did not respect arcane theory. Sorcerer spellcasting is too unpredictable to trusted with demiplane creation. The proper construction of planar boundaries is a science, not an art."
Tchekua looks at Hao Jin, and speaks. "I do not believe that sorcery is fundamentally unable to accomplish safe planar creation, but I do agree that the techniques employed were, perhaps, not sufficiently understood. Do any of the witnesses wish to speak on the matter?"
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Tenth-By-Third, if I may, that is not the basis of this trial. Hao Jin has been serving her sentence for those matters. This trial is to determine if during her time of service she has learned, brown, and matured enough to be trusted with the information from her original creation process to recreate and modify said work in order to save the lives of countless beings currently within her tapestry. To that end I first ask Lorian to step forward. Lorian has been directly exposed to some of Hao Jin's experiences through the engrams created of her memories. He will be able to help us with understanding the foundations of Hao Jin's decisions.
Tenth-By-Third blinks slowly. "While she may have improved in some areas, she still fundamentally applies magic through sorcery. However, you may proceed with the witness. We will hear from Lorian on this subject."
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Lorian stood up to address the tribunal.
"The question before the court is if to allow the Hao Jin, a practitioner of Sorcery having been previously found guilty, if I have this correct, of over fifty-three firm principles of astral safety in the creation of the demiplane known as the Tapestry 333 years ago by a prior tribunal, be allowed to have the techniques returned to her memory in order for the occupants of the said demiplane be restored to their original locations." he said
"The issues that you bring up Tenth-By-Third in that "they lacked proper calculation and planning and did not respect arcane theory, if I that correct. The memories of the engrams that I have observed would contradict in two if not all three areas."
"The planning appears to have started after she had died and her parents expended a vast amount of wealth for their child to be restored to life. Hao Jin has a thirst for knowledge and as a 10 year old child she preferred to explore museums, not playing with the others. A tragedy occurred when she was at a museum when her foot slipped as she was examining a suit of armor. Her hand reached for anything to steady herself, only to grasp a lit lantern, causing a fire to start. The fire consumed the museum and she was killed. This incident, for lack of better words, put the spark in her to create the Tapestry. More so as when she was a child, her hair was glossy black before her demise, not the red we now see." he said, turning a hand towards Hao Jin.
"Her skill in creating the Tapestry was learned observing a weaver at a loom making a tapestry, using the movements of the physical form adjusted to a magical form for Hao Jin. While it is an art as it produces a visual object, it is also a science in order to calculate where the specific threads are placed to create the pattern."
"So it was calculated and involved planning as it has guided Hao Jin in making the Tapestry. As for not respecting arcane theory, I believe that is outside the purview of the court and would have to defer to Nethys on that matter as that is his domain. Lorian said, waiting to be blasted out of existence.
Tenth-By-Third closes its eye and ponders, before opening it again on a different part of its body to look at Lorian. "It is true that textiles have a strong mathematical foundation. The interaction of physical forces must be balanced, the creation process follows mathmatical formulas. While often treated as an art, it can be perfected as a science. Even if the theoretical backing drew from a nontraditional source, it is still building off matehmatics, and nothing is more fundamental to reality."
Tchekua looks impressed, and speaks with an even, pleased tone. "Indeed, while textile weaving is an unorthodox source of inspiration for the creation of a demiplane, it is a subtly powerful one. Textiles and the dress they enable form a core component of many cultures in the multiverse. The mathematics underlying their construction can be complex and contain many of the fundamentals necessary for complex arcane construction or any other type of engineering task. Though she would have benefitted from more formal learning in her approach, I believe she has had some time to acquire that since."
Zahal nods in agreement. "I agree. The creation itself, while fundamentally flawed in some respects, is actually put together remarkably well given the process that went into its construction. In many ways, I believe Hao Jin may be commended on her resourcefulness. I have concerns about other aspects of her actions, however, more than the specifics of the planar creation."
"Consider the actions that followed: she used her untouchable redoubt to abduct mortals—as many as hundreds at a time. Was there just cause? Was there consent? Or was this the callous action of a sorcerer focused on her own goals rather than aware of the bigger picture?"
"And once the mortals had been taken, were their needs met, and was their new plane hospitable? An artificial plane needs great care to sustain all the needs of life. And few mortals could return under their own powers if they were opposed to their new home, and in many ways these abductions could be seen as kidnappings. What type of motivations would drive a spellcaster to engage in this behavior? It is reminiscent of the behavior of a Night Hag, poaching the recently departed from the river of souls."
Tenth-By-Third blinks slowly, eye looking up, then towards Zahal, then closing before opening to look at Hao Jin. "There is concern here. The mortals were where they were supposed to be, and were displaced to a foreign realm. While mortals have significant free will by design to change their circumstances, if that will is thwarted, this type of disjunction introduces an element of chaos and disharmony into creation. The pieces of the prime material plane are not where they are supposed to be."
Tchekua turns to address Tenth-By-Third, then the audience. "Cultures and people were undoubtably impacted, but the impact may have been welcome or at least not malign. If we have any witnesses to the impact on the people taken or left behind by Hao Jin's translocation to the Tapestry, please step forward to offer your perspective."
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"Tchekua, I have a witness who, until recently, lived in the Tapestry, I'll let him speak for himself." Mörök announces as a syrinx scholar steps forward
"Pleasure to meet you! It is indeed possible to live a fairly normal life in the Tapestry. Even though first generations experienced shock and confusion as they were abducted and then transported from Material plane, some of their offspring have enjoyed their home Hao Jin had made for them. Maybe the new circumstances were, in some cases, better than life on Material plane. My conclusion is that her motives were innocent, but naive, in the sense she overestimated her ability to enrich lives of her subjects." the owl-resembling man continues asking questions about Axis
Tchekua seems pleased by the testimony. "Thank you for your testimony. It appears that Hao Jin has not only behaved in the best interest of those involved, but has in fact assisted in the development of several cultures, allowing them to reach greater potential. I think this point has been adequately addressed. Are you in agreement Zahal?"
Zahal nods in concurrence. "Indeed. My concerns are satisfied. She appears to have taken her actions with the best interests of those she translocated at heart."
Tchekua continues onward. "But though the people and the cultures they took were protected and in some cases thrived, the cultures they took from may not have been so unharmed, or the cultures and history surrounding the abductions."
"An enduring stone structure might survive for thousands of years, its carved walls and sheltered libraries preserving the lore of lost ages for all who follow. To have such sites swiped not only steals the past from future generations, but it also robs the present people of their cultural heritage."
Zahal seems slightly confused by this line of reasoning. "This is a curious concern, Tchekua. In what way do you feel this reflects as a crime on Hao Jin's part?"
Tcheukua nods, and elaborates. "Hao Jin's capturing sites for her own desires seems self-centered. While she appears to have been a benevolent ruler, she may have harm the creator cultures responsible for the creation of these sites, and ultimately paints Hao Jin as an individual that does not truly respect the history she meddles with."
Tenth-By-Third blinks, then addresses the assembled audience. "Further insight from those familiar with the specific impacts of the Tapesty site abductions would prove illuminating. Are any present able to provide witness?"
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Pai barely manages to contain her excitement. Her quiet shadow buddy knows something useful here! She stands, then flies up a few feet so more people can see her. Taking a deep breath to mellow herself out (Good luck, but worth a try I guess), she launches into her introduction. "Hello. I have twice visited the Koradan Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment in the Tapestry. While I could regale you for hours with accounts of my experiences, my associate, a traveling priest, has some valuable information for you. Leeroi?" She indicates the man seated near her, then takes her seat.
A mousy, easily overlooked man rises without presumption. "Thank you, Pai. Honored citizens of the court, I would like to share the circumstances of the provenance of the Koradan Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment in the Hao Jin Tapestry. Centuries ago, Hao Jin did a great service for the nation of Tianjing in the Dragon Empires. To show their thanks, the custodian council gifted this temple to Hao Jin. In truth, this no great sacrifice to them, as it was an older temple at the time. In fact, they were already designing a new one to replace it. She actually helped them again by taking it, because they did not have to pay for its demolition." Leeroi bows and takes his seat.
Tchekua nods. "This is most excellent to hear. Seeking to preserve that which would be destroyed is the spirit of a true achivist, and is a strong mark in favor of her character in her dealings."
Tenth-By-Third has been staring at Pai since she spoke, single eye narrowing to a black slit. "While this particular example may be correct, the source of the testimony is unreliable. Surely you can see her chaotic aura, Tchekua. Do you truly trust this is representative of Hao Jin's aquisitions? This example may be chosen to show her actions in the best light, rather than in their average or most common case."
Tcheuka shrugs. "It is a concern, Tenth-By-Third, but I do not believe her to be purposefully deceiving us or an active servant of chaos intent on corrupting these proceedings. I find the testimony compelling."
"Ahem." Zahal interjects with a slightly annoyed look on her draconic face. "While better that her actions do not hurt the culture, I do not find this particularly impactful one way or another. Cultures adapt, Tchekua. They change and grow and die, but they are not truly living things, as you well know. It is the people and the souls they carry that truly matter here, and how she treated them needs to be the crux of the analysis."