The priestess would have heard and reacted to it, certainly not in a positive manner. It is considered an ill omen to lightly speak the names of evil gods.
The literal gods would not have noticed (at least more than usual).
Finding the Spark (Pathfinder 1E Quest)
- Thread starter DragonParadox
- Start date
- Fantasy
-
- Tags
- pathfinder
The priestess would have heard and reacted to it, certainly not in a positive manner. It is considered an ill omen to lightly speak the names of evil gods.
The literal gods would not have noticed (at least more than usual).
Massgamer
Advance toward the Future
- Location
- The Future
That is certainly a good choice.
[X] Everything, Click might want to know it when he's grown
Click deserves to know everything, but also the temple since it might be needed to know in future. Just hope its right one, even if it feels correct.
- Location
- Germany
[X] Everything, Click might want to know it when he's grown
Vote closed
Arc 5 Post 4: Black Legacy
Black Legacy
20th of Rova 4707 A.R. (Absalom Reckoning)
Though you are far from confident in the wisdom of telling all to a stranger, in the end you had agreed with the others. It is better if Click knows. Had there been some secret keeper looking over your own cradle years ago who held the keys to your shadow's mystery, you would have wanted them to tell all. So you listen in silence as Mina explains how you had found the babe in the grasp of flying beasts swaddled in the markings of the Duchy of Menador, followed by the inquisitor's hunt and his death at your hands and the spears and claws of the iruxi.
Through it all the priestess, 'High Loreseeker Jaes', had listened with a neutral expression that shaded more to approval as the battles you had fought for child's sake come to the fore. Truth be told you feel more than a little like a fraud at that, you had participated in his rescue more for Mina's sake, but he had grown on your unbidden like a flash-bloom shroom. in the dark, there is a kind of hollowness to the parting now that it's here, of a sort you'd never felt before. A bit of the conversation flies past, like one of the grey winged birds of the city.
"...He has a half-blood, but also I think more than a half-blood. Some other rite was worked in the hour of his conception, likely upon the fiend that sired him, some kind of soul-flaying magic to birth a great sorcerer. Likely his kin had hoped to gain advantage thereby, but found the magic had manifested in too obvious a manner. Hard to explain to a babe who had not even learned to walk when and where he is allowed to trans locate."
"You know much of the ways of devil-binders," Jaes says, her gaze growing darker as it darts down, not to Cob as you had first thought, but to the familiar Pepper who meets it with a silent inscrutable retort. "Are you from out west yourself?"
Mina Diplomacy (DC 13): 1d20+1 = 7 (Failure)
"Ustalav, County Barstoi," your friend answers, startled. "I was raised at the Monastery of Rose Rest, a foundling myself in the care of the sisters there."
"It is a long way to Ustalav, even as She leads the way, and strange company you find yourself in through even stranger lands," suspicion tinges the words, almost it seems to you in spite of herself. A sigh rises from deep in her chest. "A deep darkness hangs over the child as indeed it would if your words are true, but it is also true that in this manner some evil could be smuggled into the temple. I am not so cruel as to test a babe in arms and so I must test you. Will any of you consent to be put under truth magic and speak the full truth of your doings as relates to this child again?" The implication of these words are clear, she will ask how Mina had known about the rite and thus reveal Sirim. On the one hand you had not promised the shadowy mage secrecy from all, only from the crew of the White Eagle, but on the other you are sure he would not wish his presence or his nature revealed lightly
Akorian Sense Motive: 1d20+11 = 31 (Critical Success)
At your feet your shadow twists and raises a clawed hand. How easy it would be to claim that you are the source, she will already be inclined to distrust you, so let her. Mina can be the trustworthy one. Spells to compel truth, like all compulsions, can be resisted by a strong will and once you are past that hurdle you have little doubt that that you can spin a lie the priestess will believe.
Akorian Spellcraft (DC 17): 1d20+7 = 20 (Success)
What do you do?
[] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[] Claim that you are the source of the infernal lore (Will Save required)
-[] Attempt to offer an alternative explanation, write in (Will Save and Bluff Check required)
[] Mina reveals the truth (More trust with the temple of Desna; may anger Sirim if he finds out)
[] Gorok states bluntly that you cannot reveal your source (Your party will be less trusted by the Temple of Desna)
[] Write in
OOC: The reason you do not need a bluff roll to claim that Kori is the source is that it would be a rare instance of the curse working for him.
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Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
Can't blame her for being suspicious, even if it's inconvenient for us.
I don't want to pin the knowledge on Kori, though, even if that's the easiest thing to do. It still might not work, and then we would have been caught in a lie. The Cleric definitely has a high Wisdom attribute, probably has max ranks in Sense Motive, and there are several different buffs she could be under to boost either one of those further. I also don't want to spill the beans about Sirim, since that could sour any future working relationship we have with him, assuming we have one at all.
Instead, I think we can tell the truth without sharing too much.
[X] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
I don't want to pin the knowledge on Kori, though, even if that's the easiest thing to do. It still might not work, and then we would have been caught in a lie. The Cleric definitely has a high Wisdom attribute, probably has max ranks in Sense Motive, and there are several different buffs she could be under to boost either one of those further. I also don't want to spill the beans about Sirim, since that could sour any future working relationship we have with him, assuming we have one at all.
Instead, I think we can tell the truth without sharing too much.
[X] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
Somehow I am concerned for Sirim's opinion more than for that of Desnans I've met for all of today.
The Will save modifier of +4 is not very promising, and I have no idea what the DC even is. I'd rather not risk information that may be confidential, but then we played things risky, and there is little personal risk involved, so I am not against making ourselves a scapegoat.
[x] Gorok states bluntly that you cannot reveal your source (Your party will be less trusted by the Temple of Desna)
The Will save modifier of +4 is not very promising, and I have no idea what the DC even is. I'd rather not risk information that may be confidential, but then we played things risky, and there is little personal risk involved, so I am not against making ourselves a scapegoat.
[x] Gorok states bluntly that you cannot reveal your source (Your party will be less trusted by the Temple of Desna)
- Location
- Russia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Double "now".
[x] Gorok states bluntly that you cannot reveal your source (Your party will be less trusted by the Temple of Desna)
Well, this seems aprropriate in a role-playing angle from our non-Diplomatic party.
Fixed, thanks.
- Location
- Singapore
[X] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
This might lead to the awkward question of where the friendly diabolist is now, which would require a bluff check to hide he's in the city.
Massgamer
Advance toward the Future
- Location
- The Future
[X] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
Trust but verify, always a good mindset even if annoying for us personally.
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
Trust but verify, always a good mindset even if annoying for us personally.
- Location
- florida
[X] Offer to go under the spell yourself
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
-[ ] Explain while this person reasonably prefers their privacy. They aided you when your ship was attacked by Ceratiodoi.
-[ ] You understand the need for wariness. But you aren't going to judge someone for the evil they might do.
Akorian isnt the one to make this diplomacy check. But what they hey Minas right there.
Desna: Anathema cause fear or despair, cast nightmare or use similar magic to corrupt dreams, engage in bigoted behavior
Broadly speaking I am also perfectly happy with the Desnans being wary of us. It is unquestionably wise.
-[X] Explain that during the trek out of Cheliax we stumbled upon and slayed an Assassin Devil that was hunting one well versed in Devil lore. Whether it was from gratitude or simply attempting to even the scales between us for the unasked for service, he provided what insights he could into Click's nature after examining the child. We'll answer questions related to this encounter, if necessary, but nothing more about Sirim. If pressed, tell the Loreseeker we will not violate the privacy of the one who aided us.
-[ ] Explain while this person reasonably prefers their privacy. They aided you when your ship was attacked by Ceratiodoi.
-[ ] You understand the need for wariness. But you aren't going to judge someone for the evil they might do.
Akorian isnt the one to make this diplomacy check. But what they hey Minas right there.
Desna: Anathema cause fear or despair, cast nightmare or use similar magic to corrupt dreams, engage in bigoted behavior
Broadly speaking I am also perfectly happy with the Desnans being wary of us. It is unquestionably wise.
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Yep that is why the priestess is uncomfortable right now,caution and bigotry are very close when it comes to the present situation, distinguished only by degree which is vague and intent of which only the wisest know themselves utterly.
Goldfish
Friendly Spider-Fish Abomination
- Location
- Formerly of the Far Realm
I don't think we should mention them being on the ship with us.
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OK, lets see if you can sell this thing.
Arc 5 Post 5: Shelter along the Way
Shelter along the Way
20th of Rova 4707 A.R. (Absalom Reckoning)
Slowly you raise a hand and your shadow seems to raise it in mocking salute, thankfully hidden among the still green underbrush of spiky leafy plants. Nonetheless, Mina gives you a worried look and even Cob seems startled. You are not one to speak for the group often and the last time you'd done it a devil had died.
Jaes Wisdom Save Umbral Unmasking (DC 15): 1d20+3 = 13 (Failure)
It is of that devil you speak of as the cool bracing winds of the priestess invocation embrace you, uncontested. It's a fine balancing act, attempting to explain without persuading, but one you have grown more adept at it over the long journey out of Nar Voth, the trick is to focus on another goal.
"While we were making our way south to the mouth of the Isger River we encountered one versed in the ways of devils being hunted by an Assassin Devil..." Namely the goal of deceiving without lying, to pin the unnamed Sirim firmly to Cheliax, such that she would not even think to ask where he is now.
The priestess nods, her fingers passing unconsciously from the silver pendant of her holy symbol up the chain. She asks what duchy you were in at the time and spends some time questioning Gorok about the road, even Cob about the wine he had filched from the broken wagon, as the truth telling magic too eventually loosens its grip on the land and on you.
Akorian Bluff: 1d20+14 = 29
vs
Jaes Sense Motive: 1d20+9 = 12
Finally she turns to Mina again with a sigh. "Give him here. That's a good boy, hello little fellow..." A few moments later the babe is fascinated by the twirling silver insect of her pendant, so unlike a stirge, and the priestess speaks again, her tone still gentle. "You should be wary of those who hold such profane understanding, even when they are settling accounts, for they rarely do things for just one purpose and they would rather have others in the red then just be themselves in the black."
"I'm sorry, I don't..."
The priestess laughs, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah... my apologies, I had forgotten you are a traveler to our fair city for a moment and wouldn't know ledger-talk. Don't you know all Augustani are but rabble, ill-mannered merchants, and rebellious apprentices? It's the only thing our neighbors from the east and the west can agree to. I mean that a diabolist paying a debt is also one trying to manufacture one, so it is wisest not to deal with them at all. Good intentions all too often leads to bad ends when it comes to their lot."
Jaes Diplomacy (DC 20): 1d20+12 = 30 (Success)
Mina's answering smile is more than just relief, you suspect she happy to hear that someone could confuse her for a local in her illusory guise. You wonder if the priestess had done it intentionally. Regardless she continues: "I'll have a talk with someone in Mayor Radas' office in case we receive any letters from the Duke of Menador, open or not. This child deserves sanctuary as much as any freed slave does. He too would have been used as a tool by the lords of the devils' land. If you ever want to visit, or just need a place to catch your breath on your journeys, know the door to the Dream Tender's house is open to all."
Gained Access to Spellcasting Services: Augustana, Temple of Desna (Up to 3th level Cleric Spells)
After bidding quiet farewells to Click, in no way comparable to Cob's increasingly bizarre faces to the babe's delight and the priestess' ever more glassy expression, the seven of you depart the temple.
Gained 800 XP (Getting Click a permanent home)
"The dead thing ring? Can she be trusted to take it?" Gorok asks only once you were away. It takes you a moment to realize he's asking if the priestess and her fellows are powerful enough to deal with the dead thing.
"I don't... that thing was horrid and it came from Desna, I don't want her or any of them to have to lay eyes on it. There must be a Cathedral of Pharasma somewhere in the city. It is their charge that the dead rest easy," Mina says. The conversation tappets to a halt as your watchers, not the same and yet bearing the same dark looks, find you again.
Back at the Minotaur's Horn the attention you get is no less sharp, but it is at least veiled behind a modicum of discretion that leaves you unconsciously bracing to be swarmed under, no matter what your higher thoughts have to say on the matter.
What do you do next?
[] Speak to Iolda about the rest of your pay
[] Give Sirim the medallion
-[] ...and ask to accompany him to the Pathfinders guildhall (optional)
[] Seek out a temple of Pharasma to deliver the cursed ring to
-[] Write in who does the delivery
[] Find a solicitor in Oldtown who can make sense of the banknotes you found in the moldfolk cave
-[] Write in who does the delivery
[] Write in
OOC: Keep in mind Pharasmans, unlike the Church of Desna, do not have a divine rule not to be bigots.
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Massgamer
Advance toward the Future
- Location
- The Future
Now that's finally happened, I'm sad to see the little nugget go, but it is for the best.
And hey, nothing says we can't visit him later, assuming we don't die of course.
This does seem the most important thing, assuming we don't want the lich's servants to show up and attack us in the city.
- Location
- Singapore
Neither does the Church of Iomedae but since Iomedae was a Knight of Ozem they would have some anti-Undead capabilities.....then again the Kights of Ozem became a bunch of inflated screw ups post-ascension provoking Geb, losing Azrani's corpse....the list gets worse into 2.0
[] Give Sirim the medallion
-[] ...and ask to accompany him to the Pathfinders guildhall (optional)
I'm thinking we should pay off our debts 1st?
*Mina Knowledge Religion*
You can certainly find a temple of the Inheritor in the city, she is worshiped throughout the old Taldan lands, particularly those of a martial bent as well as those of all walks of life who see themselves as fighting for the common good of humanity. That said 'common good of humanity' is the key here. A lot of Iomedaens came into the cult from the church of Aroden three generations back and he was less than welcoming to those who are not human.
- Location
- florida
That is... a lot more than I was expecting. Clearly the church is expecting trouble, and for SOMEONE to come looking for Click, and getting ready to fight them. Socially and politically at least.
Good call.
That's great to hear actually.
Would Desna want some say in the fate of one of her wayward servants?
[X] Give Sirim the medallion
-[X] ...and ask to accompany him to the Pathfinders guildhall (optional)
On the objective list of things I think are most important- I think this is the most fun.
@DragonParadox are any of these activities on a strict time limit?