Ruby Azuranti's page

"Hao Jin, you are welcome to return with us to Absalom. The Society arranged transport here for us through the Vault of Abadar in the city, and that is where we shall return to."

"I am glad to have defended you here in Axis. It has been an honor to meet you."

Ruby blushes a little bit when speaking to Hao Jin; she's not very good at hiding her feelings.

Ruby once again stands to address the judges.

"There is a clear difference between a human's tendency to err naturally and recklessness. Humans are chaotic by nature; our history on Golarion proves that. But the recklessness of Hao Jin? She has been here in this plane for a very long time, and has spent that time providing her services to Axis, and not once has she attempted to leave or contact anybody on the Material Plane. She has been a woman of her word. By her own admission, the creation of the Tapestry was ambitious, but it was for a good cause, her Tapestry similar in concept to Abadar's First Vault, protecting valuable treasures of the cosmos. As I've said before, it is a noble goal. And since her confinement here, she has grown as a being and come to understand the ambitious folly that her Tapestry represents. If she is the best-suited person to repair what has been done, I believe her history of collaboration and rehabilitation here in Axis has proven she can be trusted."

"Hao Jin came to Axis to learn from its inhabitants; to work with you on the preservation of the history of the cosmos, but instead of treating her as an equal, you kept her in confinement. You never sought out Hao Jin for her "violation" in creating the Tapestry. You were complacent in letting her roam the Outer Planes, only when she came here to learn more about the cosmos and help the denizens of Axis in preserving history did you decide to lock her in chains. Had she never come to Axis, we may not be having this tribunal at all! I believe Hao Jin has shown her patience and wisdom over these long years and has grown to understand her youthful naivety of creating a demiplane like the Tapestry."

I'll use my Harrow card bonus to get +2 to this Wisdom-based roll. I'll also use the last box of my boon that gives me inspiration to add 1d6.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 - 2 + (5) = 31

Yeah, sorry; I'm on it with Sense Motive if anybody wants to assist. Wasn't sure if we needed to run through the whole group first or not.

If we don't finish by the end of the week, is there any chance we can get our chronicle sheets? I have my cleric signed up for a scenario Saturday night.

thanks!

I unfortunately do not have Good Fortune, both because I have the Fate domain (not Luck) and Varisian Pilgrim replaces an 8th-level domain power, and I thought using Dimensional Hop on allies up to 30' away was too good to pass up.

Ruby will step forward and address the judges concerns. She gives a wary glance to Hao Jin before mustering up the courage to address the court.

”When you consider the events of Golarion’s past, I find it difficult to cast Hao Jin’s efforts in a selfish light. Golarion has had its share of catastrophic or generational-altering events in history. The raising of the Starstone. The death of the god Aroden and the threat of The Whispering Tyrant. The Eye of Abendego hovering in the Arcadian Ocean. The rise and fall of the Thasillonian Empire and the treacherous Runelords, masters of sin magic. The Ghol-Gan empire; what drove the ancient, wise cyclopes towards madness and the loss of such a vast collection of knowledge is still a mystery to this day. And let us not forget about Numeria, the site of a large crash of alien origins thousands and thousands of years ago, whose technological wonders are still a mystery to some of the most esteemed scholars.

“Golarion’s history is filled with wonderous events whose knowledge has been lost to the ages. These unpredictable, civilization-changing events can strike at any time. Hao Jin’s efforts to preserve our history on such a grand scale is a feat that had never been attempted before. Sure, our world has plenty of libraries and museums and historical sites of note, but to create a demiplane where vast monuments and historical sites can be preserved is a rather noble and ambitious cause. Even if you judge her actions to be short-sighted, you cannot question her motives in preserving precious sites from our world.

“I have been to Hao Jin’s Tapestry plane many times, and I can say confidently that the inhabitants are not in any sort of unusual or extraordinary living conditions. The people there still have the same concerns of any other settlements on Golarion: worries of feeding your people or surviving harsh elements. Concerns of aggressive neighbors; worrying about shortages of provisions; arranging trade agreements and routes with neighboring settlements, for better or for worse. These creatures have experienced a truly unique situation, and have created their own cultural heritage, their own histories to scribe into books and keep safe in libraries or stories passed down between generations.

“Yes, these sites were moved from Golarion, but we cannot predict what the lives and histories of these cultures would have been without Hao Jin’s actions. We cannot predict the future; and I know this better than most people. I make a trade as a fortune-teller, and one of the biggest secrets of fortune-telling is not predicting the future, but guiding a customer towards the future they wish to achieve. Hao Jin had a future she wished to achieve: a future that preserved some of our world’s most important historical sites and discoveries. It is unfair to judge Hao Jin based on ‘what could have been’, simply because none of us are capable of knowing the alternative had she never created her demiplane. It is fair and just to judge Hao Jin’s actions, but we know her intentions were sincere, and it is very difficult to opine upon what could have been had she not intervened. And while the creatures of the Tapestry have forged new cultural experiences, and have a rich history that is extraordinarily unique, who are we to say that she has robbed them of a future that we cannot be certain of?”

I think given my chronicle history and what skills I have, Ruby should have some surface information of these events. Knowledge (religion) would give her information on Aroden, though the Whispering Tyrant reference may be a stretch. She has adventured near the Eye, in Numeria, and has explored Ghol-Gan ruins. She is from Varisia, speaks Thassillon, and has been to several Thassilonian sites.

I’m going to spend a Prestige Point to get +4 on this check, and I understand I’m taking a -2 because I’m chaotic. I'm also going to use my inspiration boon again to add 1d6

”Diplomacy”: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 13 + (6) + 4 - 2 = 23

Now seems as good of a time as any to use my GM reroll with a +4.

”Diplomacy (reroll)”: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 + 4 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 13 + (4) + 4 + 4 - 2 = 42

For the sake of justifying her presence here, Ruby will offer to address this notion with Diplomacy, if that's ok.

I think I follow. I might have questions once we start the first phase, but it sounds like once we trip through that one we'll get an idea of how this is going to go.

Ruby will definitely lobby for Hao Jin's freedom.

Ruby will gladly utilize her domain power for Zwei to make that check.

That leaves me with only Knowledge (Religion) to contribute. I'm going to use a boon that gives me access to inspiration per the investigator ability and add 1d6 to my check.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 16 + (5) = 34

Also, if people think we could use it, I can cast Augury.

Ruby steps forward to help Hao Jin pick up her belongings.

"Ah, always a task in the Azuranti home: what to wear on an important day. Hmm, this has a rather nice style to it. This would be my choice."

After handing Hao Jin her belongings, she will reach into her pocket and takes out the memory engram she was given by the Maker. "This is the one I picked up. It showed me a vision of you mimicking a weaver at a loom to help formulate the concepts of The Tapestry. It's quite remarkable, really."

Ruby will discuss what she saw with Hao Jin

Ruby nods. "I will gladly join the proceedings tomorrow as an advocate for Hao Jin."

Ruby raises an eyebrow at Aquila but lets the conversation end.

"He can't possibly be that naive.... right?"

Ruby has a look of disapproval on her face. "I'd like to think that we would have been able to convince 322 to give up on this petty grudge she holds against the Society. I'm certainly not happy about aiding her in stealing something from the Grand Lodge."

"By the way, were you the one watching us earlier? Or is there yet another party involved."

Ruby mumbles under her breath, remembering her reading.

"The Liar. An obsession that knows no limits. An obsession, perhaps, with dealing a slight to the Society. That could be Hao Jin, that could be 322."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

While this character doesn't have that boon, another PFS character I have has it, who happens to be this character's older sister. Take that for whatever you will.

Ruby looks over the elven woman with disappointment. "You've clashed with the Society in the past, and from what I've heard it was to no avail. I don't know what your problem is with the Society, but it seems like your efforts are somewhat frustrating. You trapped Aram Zey's soul just for it to be released back to him. Do you know why we need those engrams? Hao Jin's Tapestry is coming apart, and Aram Zey is doing everything he can to keep it together in one piece, sacrificing himself for the greater good of the people in that Tapestry. I don't mean to intrude too much on your personal affairs, but whatever your reasons for having such malice towards the Society, I wish you'd reconsider your stance on these matters. I don't wish to cause you any harm, but I also want to see this petty rivalry with the Society come to an end."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
I wasn't sure if I could aid Aquila, or if my own statements required a separated check.

Ruby will still wait for her to respond, even knowing it's 322. That won't change what she says to her. I know she's hiding her identity; my intention will be to confront her if she continues the charade.

Are we still on track to finish before May 6th? I'm just starting to get a little concerned that we might not finish (I'm not sure how much more there is to this scenario).

Ruby will speak in a low voice to the group. "Since we know this isn't Yakomo, I feel like we shouldn't wait around."

If it doesn't attract attention or isn't against the laws of Axis, Ruby will cast True Seeing upon herself, then she will approach the sitting figure until she is about 40 feet away. "Since we know you are looking for us, and we know you are not Yakomo, you might as well drop the disguise and tell us who you are and why you are interested in that memory engram."

Will Save: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 1 = 31

Ruby will resist. While she's not trying to cause a disruption, she still prefers to be under her own faculties.

The overwhelming sense of tranquility here washes over Ruby before she shakes her head to resist the effect. "My goodness, they weren't kidding when they told us about this place."

"Let's head to the Serene Circle with an open mind. This elven woman sounds troubled."

"Thank you for that information, Yokomo. We will keep this in mind as we travel to the Serene Circle."

Ruby will cast True Seeing on herself and stand ready.

Ruby smiles. "We all commune with our faith in our own ways, Aquila. You have your birds and I have my cards."

Ruby's conscious returns to the present as she blinks a few times after the vision. "Amazing. Hao Jin learned to create the Tapestry using magic by mimicking an actual weaver working on a loom. Quite incredible..."

She takes a few minutes before registering what Aquila has asked her. "Ah, yes. I suppose they could. The devil was already in that library when we started our mission, which would justify the position of The Liar in the center row. And The Lost could represent the inevitable, but it was in a future state, and it seems the creature had possession of that engram for a rather long time..." She ponders these facts for a moment. "It is possibly one way to interpret the cards, but I'm a bit skeptical. We still don't know who's been trying to keep an eye on us while we're here; I suspect their role in the cards is yet to be determined."

Ruby, intrigued by Hao Jin, will reach out to pick up the memory engram.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

"Maker, if you have accepted Hao Jin's memories into your own persona, then you should understand the gravity of our situation. All of Hao Jin's memory engrams are required to save the Tapestry from a cataclysmic collapse, killing potentially millions of creatures. I sympathize with your situation, but we wouldn't be asking for the engram if the situation weren't so dire.

"I agree with Aquila; by accepting this engram and integrating it into your own self, you have inherited the responsibilities that come with it. Ultimately, these memories are still Hao Jin's, and the time has come that those memories are needed to save lives."

I auto aid with a Diplomacy check (+13) if that's the route we're going with. Otherwise, I can use the following to try a Knowledge (Religion) check:

"Here in the realm of Chaldira Zuzaristan, I remind you of some of the tenants that she shares with my patron Desna: goodwill, fate, and a bit of luck. That engram holds the fate of many entities in its tiny little shape. For the good of those creatures, and potentially an entire plane of existence, we ask that you hand us the memory engram so we can save those lives." As she finishes her speech, Ruby holds out her hand to accept the engram.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

"Ah, Chaldira! A favored companion of Desna herself!!! Oh, what a joy it would be to meet her in person. Yes, let's follow the crowd and the music, I think I could use a drink and some music myself."

Knowledge (Planes) Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Ruby listens to Aquila's description of his visions. "Hmm, that gemstone definitely sounds familiar. Not sure how I feel about using souls to keep the Tapestry in one piece, though."

Ruby sheathes her starknife and mumbles under her breath.

Ruby takes out her starknife and starts walking towards the devil.

"I actually have a better idea, unless someone is opposed?"

Also drawing a weapon is only a (BAB>1) free action if combined with a regular move, not with a 5 foot step.

@Ruby

Barnette wrote:

With Karmac's help, Barnette remembers reading about Ayngavhauls, and after Karmac mentioned about their powerful abilities such as Blasphemy he cast Communal Protection from Evil on the party and shield on Lark.

Also drawing a weapon is only a (BAB>1) free action if combined with a regular move, not with a 5 foot step.

Sorry, I muddled up my entire post because I was trying to update from my phone. I cast a spell, drew a weapon, and that's it.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ruby smiles as she steps forward and casts a spell.

5-ft step west, drawing my weapon
Standard Action: Casting Blessing of Fervor. Unfortunately, I have to leave Aquila out of it.
Move Action: Drawing out a wand of Protection from Evil

Ruby stays in back, out of sight. She's somewhat disgusted by the politeness being given to this devil.

Ruby seems eager to move along and get that memory engram, even if it means evicting a devil forcefully.

Ruby will try her own Knowledge (Planes). She takes the book from Aquila. "Oh, I know this. My sister has this chronicle book."

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19

Ruby wrinkles her nose at the idea of negotiating the devil's exit.

"I'm not sure I'm keen about the idea of letting a devil go unharmed, but I understand not wanting to cause a disturbance...

Excuse me, Librarian, as we have been deemed advocates of Hao Jin and have these handy badges in our possession, are we permitted to remove the devil by force if he refuses to comply? We want to make sure we adhere to the laws of this realm. It sounds to me like he is formally breaking the law and proper punishment should be handed down, even if the aeons don't seem troubled enough to deal with this themselves."

Ruby whispers to the group in a lower tone.

"You know, I really didn't expect to run into so many emotional creatures here on Axis. I guess being these Lawful Good creations aren't all it's cracked up to be..."

Ruby is going to take this opportunity to cast Longstrider on herself.

Ruby genuinely blushes at Hao Jin's mention of Desna, feeling somewhat recognized by the great sorceress.

At mention of interviews and perspective, Ruby address the arbiter. "I will accept your offer, Eleven-Sun-Truth. I would be glad to provide any assistance in regards to the Tribunal for the Ruby Phoenix."

Ruby graciously bows to Hao Jin. "Thank you for your time in speaking with us. I hope we are able to do as you ask to help save what we can of the realms in the Tapestry."

Ruby seems ready to go, standing towards the back of the group.

Sorry for the delay everyone. I'm at PAX East this weekend running demos for PFS.

Ruby considers the inevitable's descriptions. "Hmm, you seem to be implying that at least one of these may be problematic. Would we be free of implication were we to be attacked and defend ourselves accordingly?"

At the mention of visiting the Tapestry, Ruby makes her way towards the front of the group. She is visibly in awe of the sorceress, and also seems to be smitten with her.

"Oh, yes. The Tapestry. Well, I've traveled several times to your demiplane.

"My last foray into the Tapestry was in search of a fragment of the lost Sky Key. It was transported to the Tapestry with Naldak’s Point in Irrisen. We discovered the duergar had settled into Slave Mountain. They were rather aggressive, and once again we found another community coerced into giving up their treasures to the Aspis Consortium. We were able to drive them off, free the wayangs they had enslaved from a local settlement, and recover the portion of the Sky Key."

Ruby, having realized she has rambled on a bit, composes herself once again before speaking.

"I haven't been back since, but I've heard rumors of the Tapestry itself unravelling at a very accelerated pace. There is a grave concern for the Tapestry and its inhabitants were it to deteriorate entirely."

A total of six scenarios involving the Tapestry, however this character did not play in (or get a GM sheet) from 10-00, if someone would care to tell that story.

Hi all,

I'm going to be dropping this one and wanted to let you know; best of luck!

— Doug

Sorry to see you go! I know your character was excited about Harrow readings and stuff. Good luck with the rest of your games.

Ruby has Detect Magic, and in case it can help, I would like to roll Spellcraft to pick up any residual effects and Knowledge Arcana to possibly have an idea of what's going on.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Ruby, trailing towards the back of the group, observes the conversations and observations of hostile spells.

"Hmm, could this be the work of The Liar? It would seem this unknown force is beginning to show itself...."

"I can't believe it. Hao Jin is really here!"

Ruby follows the rest of the group. She seems to be in awe at the current situation.

From earlier, when I approached the guards.

"Hello. We have traveled from Golarion in search of a sorceress by the name of Hao Jin. Esfir at the Guesthouse of the Cage informed us that she could be found at the Empty Court and helped us to navigate the portals of the city. Can we assume we are in the right place? We wish to enter to speak with Hao Jin herself."

Diplomacy roll of 18

It always gets tricky with PbP and timing.

Either way, I suspect that Barnette's modifier will auto-succeed almost any diplo check, with or without assists.

I have accepted the fact that my Diplomacy rolls are almost purely RP given Barnette's Diplo is through the roof.