GM Kyshkumen's PFS 5-11: Library of the Lion Beta (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

Your current mission brings you to Oppara the capitol city of Taldor. The directions you were given lead you to a small bait and tackle shop. The Venture-Captain Muesello greets you with a warm smile as the bell on the door jingles. He motions you into the back room while he locks up the shop and puts up a sign in the window that says, "Gone fishing". A finely dressed noble woman is already seated and waiting for you. Muesello introduces Lady Gloriana Morilla of Taldor.

Venture-Captain Muesello quietly closes the door behind him before speaking. “The Pathfinder Society does not have a sterling reputation in Taldor, despite my and others’ efforts to impress the local moves and shakers. As a result, the most prestigious universities and colleges often deny our agents access to the best libraries in Oppara, thinking we are meddling good-for-nothings. As one of the oldest intact civilizations near the Inner Sea, these libraries no doubt house some very precious volumes. Recently we received a most wonderful opportunity—an invitation, really, from a very powerful patron,” he adds as he withdraws a scroll tube with a broken wax seal from his apron. “This patron will secure us a couple hours in the rare books collection at the Kitharodian Academy, during which we may peruse for whatever we wish so long as we also retrieve several documents of interest for our friend. That,” he punctuates by tapping the scroll tube on the table, “is where things get interesting. Apparently there is an even more precious archive hidden beneath the academy’s library, and our patron believes it to contain numerous original records and undoctored historical accounts otherwise unknown to the world! Our contact knows how to get into the archive and has shared the secret with us. “Two hours is little time, so you must make the most of your time. I know it will be tempting to research other interests, but it would be selfish for the Society to think of itself when the Worldwound’s borders threaten to envelop Mendev and beyond. I am sending you in with the express purpose of uncovering more information about the Shining Crusade, the sustained war against the Whispering Tyrant a millennium ago.” Lady Morilla snaps open a fan to fend off the room’s growing warmth, adding, “Historically, Taldor is the authority on massive military campaigns, but most texts have undergone extensive revision to serve some political agenda or another. Entering this hidden archive is an excellent opportunity to learn from the real mistakes of the past and apply those lessons to the Mendevian Crusade. “Remember that you have permission to be in the academy’s library, but not in this secret archive, so do everything you can to avoid being noticed while exploring. In fact, the fewer clues you leave of your passage, the better. Specifically do not steal or destroy any of the library’s contents. A few slip-ups might alert the authorities that someone has been poking around, and too many with give them enough evidence to trace this act to us.” Muesello opens a drawer in the table and begins pulling out a couple small parcels wrapped in cloth. “Any questions?”

Dotting.

Kyrie tilts her head as she listens to the instructions. The first question that comes to mind, why are you placing a task like this on someone like me? dies before it reaches her lips, and instead she turns to more practical matters.

"Do we have any plans of the layout of at least the main library, or failing that any clue about where the entrance to this secret archive might be found?" she asks.

"There is not a lot to the main library, just a few rooms and a lot of books. The instructions on how to access the hidden library are in the letter, which I will give you after the briefing."

"I apologize, my lovely. I cannot control the fire in my heart!", pushing his chest out just slightly as Lady Morilla fans herself. "You have my word, mi amor, that we will find these texts you seek, for I am Vassago Ilsidore, lover of life, the arts, and of course, romance.", the exotic man now bowing towards the Taldan noble and looking her straight into the eyes.

Vassago then stands upright and turns to the Venture-Captain. "Señor Muesello, what is our cover for while we are in the library?"

Tal nods, his long beak swishing through the air in front of his hooded face.
"I have no issue keeping hidden when we get into the secret archive. We'll get your documents, and shouldn't leave a trace."
He gestures toward Kyrie.
"She makes a good point, though. Do we have any idea what this place looks like? Or if there will be any guards around, and what times their shifts change?"

Lady Morilla's face flushes slightly and she continues fans herself at Vassago's comments. "Well let us hope your passion for knowledge is as strong as your passion for romance." She then snaps her fan shut, "Allow me to explain tomorrows evenings events and how you will gain access. The Kitharodian Academy will host an extravagant orchestral performance in celebration of the Grand Prince's birthday. Such an event should last several hours, and if rumors are to be believed, the Kitharodian's finest intend to play a complex medley of Taldor's greatest songs. Several of these are rather dramatic at times, and the sound should drown out any noice you make. With any luck, the performance will also draw away most fot the guards." Muesello then slides the cloth-wrapped parcels toward the group saying, "This one" tapping the first parcel, "contains a deck of illusions that I am in the process of modifying; instead of each card creating a random creature, each one creates a copy of one of you. The illusions won't interact with anyone, buty they can pretend to be reading and deceive the casual observer. Each only lasts for two hours though. Stick a card to the bottom of a chair to create the illusion, and don't forget to remove the card when you're done. The other package contains several potions in case of emergency." The second parcel has a potion of invisibility and a potion of pass without trace.

Muesello directs his attention to Taalaako, "The rare books collection you will have access to are kept in several small study rooms attached to the main library. I know nothing of the archives below, but I imagine they are carved from the rocky hill that the academy is built on. As far as defenses go, if the archive is truly secret, the it's unlikely that you will encounter many people. I imagine there might be traps, so be careful and resourceful."

"Sounds like a plan. How many cards are in the deck?"

"There should be seven, one for each of you and an extra for Barham's companion."

"Oh but of course, fair damsel. Learning is the act of passion into memory, one I wish to continue. Perhaps we can discuss more after our success, no?"

Then turning his attention back to Muesello. "Very intriguing these cards. I hope you have captured my essence well!", smiling at the Venture-Captain. "Do you happen to know which songs will be used as parts of the melody? I am curious as to what will be the background to our grand caper!"

Tal rolls his beady eyes at Vassago's fawning, thinking She looks like any other human female to me. All that pink skin. Yuck.

"Well if you're finished drooling, sir, let's get moving." Tal turns to Lady Morilla. "Milady, would you have some clothing available that I could wear that might be more... appropriate... to the occasion?" He indicates his slightly tattered adventurer's garb and cloak. "This outfit might cause me to stick out more than," he points a claw at his beak, "this."

Turning to the tengu, Vassago shakes his head. "Ah no, my fine feathered friend; drooling is what those who cannot properly convey their desires do. I am a wooer of life, an admirer of all that is fair and to be enjoyed."

In response to Taal's second statement, the ifrit continues, clapping his hands twice. "Ah yes, your dress; while we do not need to dress for the concert, we should appear at least as learned gentlemen. Come, my friend! Let us procure some scholarly robes that accent your sleek features!"

Robert unconsciously readjusts his balaclava for the seemingly hundredth time today as he looks around at the strange assortment of pathfinders he once again finds himself among. He forces himself not to indulge his curiosity by opening the cabinet that he stands next to, as the Venture-Captain would surely not appreciate outsiders snooping in his things.

Speaking in a hoarse voice, low and harsh, Robert asks, "I'm curious why you think the notes on a campaign against a lich with undead and orc armies would have any bearing on a campaign with demonic forces? Of course, I'd also like to know who this mysterious patron is that you're whoring us out to and what exactly it is they want us to fetch for them..."

His yellow eyes stare unblinkingly at the Venture-Captain as Robert crosses his arms and taps a finger while awaiting a response. The faint sounds of glass tinkling on glass accompanies his movements, but the source is hidden by his long coat. A perceptive person would also note the back of his jacket seems to twitch back and forth near the floor as if something were moving under it.

Good thing I'm not perception!

"And yes you, Señor Smythe, yes? Do not use such vulgar language in front of a woman of such esteem.", motioning towards Lady Gloriana. "But you do bring up a good point; we know what the madam wishes us to procure, but what is our other objective, el Venture-Capitan?", once again turning to the leader.

Lady Morilla snaps open her fan again before replying to Vassago. "Perhaps, but you must keep in mind that a woman of my station has a very busy schedule. So try not to be to disappointed if we do not have a chance to speak after this. As far as the music selection goes I did not inquire about the specific songs they intended to use. I guess you will have to be surprised like the rest of us."

Venture Captain Muesello is quick to respond to Mr. Smythe's question. "You are correct in the fact that the shining crusade did face a different kind of enemy than what we face now. However this was the last large scale campaign which united several different nations against a common enemy. A lot of those military strategies came from Taldor leadership. We are also banking on finding info about possible relics that were used and may have been lost in the years following the crusade." He pauses a moment and glaces over at Lady Morilla. "As to who sent the letter, we feel it best to keep them anonymous at this time."

Robert rolls his eyes, "I'm sure she's heard worse in her many years..."

He glances at the scroll tube, hoping to divine some clue as to their mysterious patron.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

EDIT: Going to take some getting used to changing who I post as...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 but no ranks in Kn. Nobility so it may be a moot point :-P

"The only other thing you need to worry about is not leaving a trail that leads back to the Pathfinders. Any other questions before I turn you loose for the day?"

Try to resist peeking unless you make the checks ;). To much player knowledge can ruin the fun.

"With some new clothes, I'll be ready." Tal turns to Vasago. "While your own wardrobe is a bit boistrous for my taste, some scholarly robes would do quite nicely. Let's go find some."

Tal heads toward the door, giving only a quick glance to verify that the others are following.

Don't worry Eric, I still do that occasionally and I've been PbP'ing one way or another for a while now!

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

Vassago is a bit too distracted by the polite refusal by Lady Glorianna to notice anything else.

A bit sullen, the energetic bard immediately pipes up upon the tengu's words. "Yes, let us, as they say, make you fabulous!"

How do you see the result of the check before you post? Hitting preview? Doesn't that allow you to just cancel and try again if your check is low?

EDIT: And this is Tyler, not Eric. You've got two newbies around here. :)

Yes, hitting preview allows you to check the results. But no; the number stays the same each time regardless. Even if you were to cancel and try to repost.

"Before you head out I would like a word with Taalaako, Robert, Lucia and Barham please."

"Also don't forget the letters and the equipment."

Vassago was refering to Eric's comment about posting under the correct character, it threw me off as well.

Tal turns back, takes the strip of paper from Muesello, and grabs the two packages on the table. "We'll figure out who will hold onto this stuff on our way." He then heads out, hopefully to find some clothing.

It's largely dependent on the honor system, Taalaako. The random seed doesn't reset, but an unscrupulous individual could just reorder their checks after the preview, or cancel the post and burn off their bad rolls somewhere else. Without a shared log, there's not much for it other than to hope everyone follows the spirit of the game.

Barham Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Scrumpy Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"What a curious code, what an interesting cipher," Barham muses. "I'm useless at these sorts of puzzles, I'm afraid, and Scrumpy is no better."

At the halfling's feet, a jowly quadrupedal creature lifts its blocky head from the floor, snorts once, and plops it back down. A rune flickers on the beast's forehead, identical to a marking that adorns the summoner's brow. Barham shrugs apologetically, as he lifts the parcel of cards from Lady Morilla's desk.

Tactics: As far as I can tell, Barham is the only party member packing Guidance. With the GM's approval, in any situation where the spell wouldn't risk wasting time or breaking cover, you can post him casting it on you without waiting for me to RP it out. He also provides a +4 bonus on successful aid checks thanks to a trait, so unless he's the only one that can make a given check that will be his likely MO to overcome skill challenges. In a pinch, he can aid his own eidolon, who comes equipped with a broader variety of skills that Barham himself.

Robert groans as he recognizes the wax seal. "Well, if we're to be..." He pauses and looks directly at Vassago, "pimped out to someone, at least it's royalty. I hate politics!" he finishes with a grumble.

When shown the cipher, Robert grins beneath his balaclava. "Well, well, well... Looks like this won't be a complete waste afterall. I love ciphers." He brings a book out from his backpack and jots the cipher down in it for figuring out later. He puts the book away and holds his hand out for the scroll tube.

"Excellent, a library. No rivers in there, had a very harsh encounter with a river not too long ago." Lucia says, notably not attempting to wait for others to finish speaking as she blabbers on. "Hiding is my specialty, so this should be a lot of fun!"

Wow, this thread got busy while I was asleep.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 No K:Nobility, so moot point

Kyrie raises an eyebrow at the wax embossing of the scroll, but doesn't seem inclined to press the issue.

"When we find it, it might be a good idea if not all of us go into that secret library -- our esteemed hosts may wonder where we've gone and come looking for us, and if someone with good smooth talking skills can run interference before they realize where we've gone..."

"But likewise, Lady Kyrie, we do not know how large the secret library is; we may need all of our efforts simply to find the documents we have been charged with procuring, no?"

Tapping his foot to a quick rhythm, the fiery bard shrugs. "But, if there are others in agreement, I will not press this further. I am a somewhat learned man, but I specialize in matters at the street level. I am getting better at quick reads, though."

Indicating Vassago, Tal says "I agree with him. We shouldn't spread ourselves thin. Hopefully the illusions from those cards can keep us covered for those two hours. Given that we have a short window of time available, we should be concentrating on finding the documents as quickly as possible."

Tal turns back toward the door, ready to find some presentable robes and begin the mission.

Kyrie nods. "Fair point." She tilts her head, suddenly concerned. "I suppose it will not be permissible to carry weapons in the library, will it?"

"SKWAK!" Tal exclaims, his feathers rustling in irritation. He quickly calms, and looks embarrassed at his outburst. "They can have my crow-claw sabers when they wrestle them from my cold, dead fingers!" He holds up two double chicken sabers. "These are as much a part of my body as my beak!"

Muesello chuckles at Taalaako's out burst. "Lucky for you a lot of Taldan nobles have taken to carrying ornate weapons as fashion accessories. While your's might not be as fashionable, no one should bother you about them."

Kyrie relaxes slightly and favors Muesello with a smile. "Ah, that's a relief. I suppose an Andorian Dueling sword will be acceptable, then?" she asks. "I'm hoping we won't need to fight in the first place, of course, but I confess I'd feel less than dressed without it."

"I see no problems with going into the academy armed with what you have. Perhaps a cannon might raise suspicion but nothing you currently have." Muesello smiles at his attempted joke.

"Well then, shall we go?" Tal once more turns for the door.

"With haste, I think with haste," Barham agrees.

Robert looks with narrowed eyes at the ones rushing to get away from the Venture-Captain. Idiots... they don't even know for whom they rush to the bidding of, and they aren't even waiting to find out what they're supposed to find. He continues to hold his hand out to Muesello, patiently waiting for the scroll tube that will inform them what they are to find.

Muesello hands over the scroll tube to Robert. "You'll definitely be needed this."

Edit: You have until tomorrow evening to prepare. That should give you plenty of time to shop in the capital city of Taldor.

Tal heads toward the market district to pick up a few useful items. He haggles with several Alchemists and clothiers to pick up a useful potion and an outfit that he deems more worthy of the mission.

Buying a potion of detect secret doors, and a scholar's outfit. Also picks up a smokestick incase he feels the need to obscure his movements in combat.

Awaiting what has been sold as a mission secrecy, Barham takes time to procure a few scrolls he believes will prove useful in keeping the group ahead of detection.

Picking up a scroll of alarm and a scroll of reduce person.

I am picking up nothing since I'm a brand new level 1 PC and have no gold :P

I am picking up nothing since I'm a brand new level 1 PC and have no gold :P

Did you spend every cent of your 150gp you started with?? I always have trouble finding useful things to buy for martials (though for casters I usually spend all of it on scrolls, so you may have done the same)

Oh, I spent that; a couple of weapons, starting armor, alchemist fire, Pathfinders Kit... the necessities. Mostly needing the hopeful 2PP we'll get for doing this mission right for his wand of lovin'... I mean wand of cure light wounds :)

On that note, glad to see this is a 6 person party after all! This scenario really penalizes 5 person tables more than others I've ran :P

Lucia has everything she needs.

Going to move this along, if you wanted to purchase anything go ahead and OOC it at the bottom of your next post.

The night of the performance has arrived and you find yourselves outside Oppara's largest bard college the Kitharodian Academy. The campus sits atop the norther cliffs of Oppara and has an impressive view of the Porthmos River valley. The main music hall was beautifully constructed with elegant domes, towers and columns. The academy accents the building natural beauty on this special night with mirror-focused lanterns and dancing lights. Crowds of commoners and nobility jostle to enter the music hall. With little to no effort the party is able to make it's way inside. The inside is packed as people are making their way to their seats and ushers move to and fro in an attempt to serve the needs of the many nobles in attendance tonight.

Vassago cannot help but spend a few minutes moving in and out of the crowds, mingling as best he can.

"How do you do, madam?"

"No, the facilities are that way, sir."

"... but then he said, 'No, that's my wife!'"

Kyrie looks distinctly ill at ease among the crowds of nobility at first, but then plasters on a nearly convincing smile as she makes her way through the crowd, moving in Vassago's wake to let him draw all the attention.

Tal stays near the outer edges of the crowd, careful to always keep Vassago and Kyrie in sight, and tries to determine where best to sneak away from the crowds once inside.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13