Luke_Parry |
Located in the Taldan Capitol city of Oppara, Venture-Captain Muesello’s lodge hides behind the facade of a simple bait and tackle shop, which Muesello dutifully maintains to provide Pathfinders a local base of operations that doesn’t invite much scrutiny. His pockmarked face breaks into a smile as bell on the door jingles, and he motions for everyone to gather in the building’s back room before locking up the shop and propping a sign in the window that reads “Gone fishing.”
In the back room, a tall, thin, Taldan female, dressed in a formal, high-collared gown, sits primly at a table by a small fireplace. Musello bows formally, and says:
"Agents of the Society, it is my humble honour to introduce to you Lady Gloriana Morilla, a long time ally of the Pathfinders. It is thanks to her that we have our current opportunity before us." Venture-Captain Muesello quietly closes the door behind him before continuing to speak. “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?”
Feel free to dot, and make an introductory post :-)
nightdeath |
Fighter or Fighter/Inquistor? Both level 2. Cheliax faction. Not sure what this party needs.
Professor F |
April 5th!
The withered old man twitches a few times in his seat, yet barely moves from his contorted position. Clearly, his bones have warped with the passage of time and he can only find rest at impossible angles.
With a snort, his snores come to an end, he smacks his lips a few times and pushes his spectacles back to the bridge of his nose.
"A-whaa? Did someone say library? Not just any library, but the Kitharodian Academy!"
Clapping his hands, he blinks a few times like a school boy having received a special treat from his mother.
"Good news, everyone! Why, such an assignment is right up my alley! I was researching Taldan history when Lady Morilla's great-great grandmother was still sucking her thumb."
The elderly man, the "Professor", barely hesitates in his chatter, completely oblivious to Lady Glorianna's reactions to his claims.
"Secrets you say? Original histories of the original armies of exploration! Why, this is fascinating!"
Licking his lips further, he presses a crooked finger to his wrinkled temple and begins to think.
"Now. There's probably going to be traps or guardians in these untapped archives. So we'll need someone expen--- err, courageous, to handle those..."
The professor looks about the other Pathfinders, his hopeful expression hidden behind thick glass.
Thorel Castrovir |
Thorel takes out a small octagonal journal whose pages fold into each other in an intricate fashion, rather than simply turn. Ze takes notes while Muesello and Lady Morilla speak, saying as they finish, "This one locates great inquisitiveness within the locus of data related to ancient armies that traversed space and time. Do you think that this Kitharodian Academy might have nodes from which such inquiries might crystallize?" Ze blushes. "And of course this Shining Crusade. Yes, this one finds it most curious."
Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Ze appears to be genuinely curious about the Shining Crusade, despite the far away look ze gave while taking about space and time.
Luke_Parry |
Okay, so we have Jake, nightdeath, Thorel, and Professor F.
Musello nods with satisfaction. "Very well, let's send you on your way."[/b] Lady Morilla then speaks again. "Tomorrow evening, 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 noise you make. With any luck, the performance will also draw away most of the guards."
Muesello then slides a pair of clothwrapped parcels toward the party. "This one," he says, 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, but 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."
A Potion of Invisibility, and a Potion of Pass Without Trace.
"Now, if there are no further questions, you have until tomorrow to make any preparations that you would care to. Good luck, Pathfinders!"
Thorel Castrovir |
Does each of us get a potion of invisibility and pass without trace?
Thorel claps hir hands together in delight. "∂•Ò•†£ƒ‡Ò! This one has not heard the sones of Sector:Taldor. The sea drakes' squeals sound much like Sector:Cheliax operas. Perhaps your orchestra will sound to these ears more lovely."
Professor F |
The professor's eyes narrow as he turns the card over in his hand several times, mumbling to himself in the process.
"Yes, yes. Modified deck of illusions. I started a similar project decades ago. I believe there was some flaw in the magicks within that deck actually creating functional vampire doubles, which could be convenient if one has an excess of garlic needing disposal."
Tucking the card in a small waist pouch, he regards the others before returning his attention to Lady Morilla.
"Our contact? He or she has a name? Or, is it a genderless construct perhaps? With a deficiency requiring augmentation?"
Flexing his fingers, the professor appears ready to remedy any constructs requiring "improvement".
Professor F |
The professor bobs his head and looks to his companions.
"Of course, of course. A simple task for experienced veterans such as us."
Gesturing his hand about the others, he shrugs as if he has no further questions of his own and promptly proceeds to take an inventory of the belongings within his backpack, as if it would not be uncommon for him to forget to pack something.
Luke_Parry |
Alright, let's move things along.
“Most of Taldor’s shortsighted nobles have not deigned to aid the Mendevian Crusade in any significant way, and as you may know, I am raising an independent army to march to the Worldwound and reignite the glory that Taldor once commanded. All goes well, but the demons act more quickly than we can recruit. We need something—some kind of holy relic or the like—that the noble and the brave can rally behind. This nation has led countless crusades, but the public records contain little reliable information. If you find clues about such an object, record everything that you can about it so that we might use it for the good of Avistan.”
"Ambrus Valsin contacted me with this message, which he said is written in a Taldan cipher that the Society is yet to crack. If you find an notes about old codes that work for this message, please report back with your findings."
Written on the scrap of paper is the following:
K-Y-V-W-K-C-E-C-O-O-M-I-M-E-C-F-G-C-Q-F-C
Following the mission briefing, the party is able to disperse to the four winds to make their preparations, before gathering to go to the library.
Colloquially called “the Kith,” the Kithrodian Academy is the largest bard college in the city, and ranks among the largest on Golarion. Although this grand academy allows all souls that wish to enroll the chance to prove themselves, students must adhere to a code of education and rigorous self discipline. Each department advisor sets forth the graduation requirements for their students.
The Kitharodian Academy sits atop the northern cliffs of Oppara and has an impressive view of the Porthmos River valley. The school boasts architecture as lovely as its music, and elegant domes, towers, and columns adorn the principle music hall. On the night of the performance, mirror-focused lanterns and dancing lights illuminate the structure, making the academy a radiant beacon of Taldor’s greatness.
Just outside the Kitharodian Academy, there are crowds of commoners and nobility alike jostling to enter the music hall. The party has no difficulty pushing its way into the increasingly crowded building, but convincing an usher or other member of the Kitharodian staff to show you to the library will be another matter entirely...
Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate, to be precise.
Alternately, a Knowledge(Local) check might let you know where to go.
Professor F |
Smoothing his white coat, the Professor stands, adjusts his glasses and very slowly begins to make his way towards the library.
Hobbling slower than a sea turtle in the desert, he gestures to an usher and from behind his thick-rimmed spectacles he manages a crooked smile.
"My dear boy, would you help an old man to the library?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Thorel Castrovir |
Thorel remains close to the Professor as they enter. His wrinkles are so fascinating... Like the rivers etched into the cliffs and valleys of Sovyrian.
Ze nods shyly at the usher, in agreement with the professor. "A little quiet before the sones would be helpful for this one's elder podmate."
Diplomacy aid: 1d20 ⇒ 6 What? It's not like ze is silver tongued like this one.
Luke_Parry |
Fortunately for the Professor, he finds a young usher who looks slightly less hen-pecked than the others.
"Of course sir! Anything to get away from this bun-fight for a little while. Please, follow me."
He then leads you through the Kith's labyrinthine halls.
The library is nearly empty thanks to the imminent performance, but there is still a librarian on duty - a young Taldan man who introduces himself as Tobias.
"How can I be of assistance?"
Taking a look at the Arch-Exarch's letter, he quickly reads over it, before ushering you to the restricted section of the library.
"Please be aware that all visitors must leave the library once the performance concludes in about two hours. Good luck with your research."
He then turns around and departs, leaving you to explore the room. A large table stands at the center of this large room, whose walls are lined with rows upon rows of inset shelves. A set of double doors is the only way into the room, and two stone statues depicting bearded scholars with open books are the only other decorations.
Let me know what you would like to do next :-)
Luke_Parry |
Jake manages to spot that a section of the west wall is hinged to swing outward, and that the mechanism for opening it must be nearby...
I will need another successful Perception check for the next part ;-)
Professor F |
The professor wobbles a bit from the exertion of hobbling to the library.
He pauses for a moment to regard Thorel before continuing. "Pods? Of course. Certainly no better way to sleep than a gravitation-less sleep pod."
With a deep, rattling breath, he inhales at the sight of the Kith's interior, paying little attention to Tobias' inquiry.
Pushing his lenses closer to his eyes, he hobbles towards the nearest shelves and begins muttering to himself.
"Ah yes, I believe this tome here is about gardening."
After he flips through a few dusty pages, he prattles on.
"Yes, yes. Vegetative propagation. Cloning. One wants one's fruit to always taste consistent. Too bad it's so difficult to clone a person from a clipping. Believe me, I've tried..."
As he realizes he is standing alone, he returns the book and hobbles over towards Jake and Thorel.
"What are you dolts standing around looking at?"
Lifting his glasses for the briefest moment (smoked goggles on by default), the professor tries to focus on all the furniture, texts and statues nearby.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Returning his spectacles, his eyes suddenly magnify again tenfold as he stands on his toes to read the statue's tome.
"Innovation, respect, knowledge, courage, integrity, honor, excellence, glory... quite a mouthful, but very Taldan. Very Taldan, indeed. And this arm, here..."
Standing upon his toes, his flaying arms come up just short of the statue's arm. If his posture were perhaps better, he might be able to wrap his bony hands around it.
"Umphh. A little help, here?"
Professor F |
The professor gives Jake's cupped hand a look before instead turning to Thorel.
"Well go on, then. That arm there. It looks like a hinged joint. The craftsmanship is passable... perhaps give it a tug?"
The elder man wobbles back to make room for the otherworldly elf.
Thorel Castrovir |
Thorel gives Jake an embarrassed look and nervously titters before whispering to the professor directly in his ear (for fear he lacks audatory receptors, of course). "This one suggests we engage the holocards before proceeding. Yes?" Making sure that Tobias is still absent, ze places hir card in a particularly elaborate looking chaise lounge and activates it. Ze then return to the lever and tugs it to Glory.
Professor F |
The professor regards the descent into the darker bowls with a child's enthusiasm.
"Oh, we've found our stairs already!"
Eagerly accepting Thorel's arm, he follows Jakes into the darkness.
"A sword shouldn't be necessary, should it? This is, in fact a library. Perhaps you should put that away lest some guardian get the wrong idea that you're hear to rob it rather than learn it's secrets?"
Are we missing someone? Does this mean Amiri or Kyra are joining us? :)
Luke_Parry |
At the bottom of the stairs, you find a small ante-chamber, and a set of double doors. Beyond this is a long stone hallway stretching from north to south with several sets of doors along its east and west walls. The south wall bears a 10-foot-square field of carved divots that create no
particular pattern. An inscription above the carving reads “The keenest eyes cannot see everything. Always remember to see the big picture.”
Let me know what you would like to do :-)
Luke_Parry |
Thorel notices the following:
The carving along the wall is a cunningly carved autostereogram, a two-dimensional pattern of dots that can create a visual illusion of a three-dimensional image when viewed correctly—a process that is easier when the viewer loses focus rather than focuses too hard. The image is actually a short message: “Our monarch’s virtues are our own.”
Professor F |
The bulging professors eyes can be seen beyond his spectacles crossing themselves and then circling dizzily.
"Whoaa..."
Barely preventing himself from toppling over, he removes his glasses, polishes them on his robes and looks about the room blurry-eyed for a moment, before he returns them to his face.
"I certainly hope we don't share all of our monarch's 'virtues'. Did you know the great, great, great grandfather of Prince Stavian was said to like enjoy Vudrani mystics sticking him with mildly poisoned needles for pleasure?"
Smoothing the wisp of hair atop his head, the professor looks eagerly to Thorel and Jake to continue forward, while he glances over his shoulder to ensure they aren't forgetting a fellow Pathfinder.
Professor F |
"Ah, there she is!"
The professors smiles as the radiant Qadiran woman hustles up behind them to join them in the long hall.
"How about we just work our way down the hall, investigating each room in turn?"
The professor gesture to the first door on the right, indicating that Jake or Thorel should do the honors of opening it first.
Thorel Castrovir |
Thorel pauses a moment, taking out an octagonal journal and unfolding it in an odd, origami like fashion. Ze makes not of the writings encountered so far before giving a quick glance at the floors of the atrium. Assuming it looks safe, ze moves to the double doors,checking them as well.
Perception on floors: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Perception on doors: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
With those rolls, there may very well be some carnage, if traps there be.
Professor F |
The professor glances up and around in the atrium, taking note of its contents before hobbling along after the others.
"Dear Kyra, would you be so kind to offer your arm? It seems our friend Thorel is busy searching for long forgotten traps."
Luke_Parry |
Thorel does not detect any traps on the doors.
Opening them... reveals an impressive sight: Thousands of books line the dozens of shelves in this high-ceilinged library. Several tables and chairs near the center of the room provide a place to read quietly, and five rows of pew-like benches nearby face an immense lion’s head carved from the eastern wall, which has another two sets of doors in it.
Alright, we have finally hit the guts of this scenario!
It will take 120 minutes for one person to search this *large* room. That time can be reduced by having additional people search it, dividing the time taken by the number of people searching.
The people searching the room may give me Linguistics, Knowledge(History), Profession(Librarian) or Craft(Bookbinding) rolls against a lower DC, or Perception checks against a *higher* DC. The highest roll counts as the primary, with everyone else who beats the DC giving a +2 to the primary result. Your success on this roll determines how many 'clues' you find in the room. I will let you know if you find all of the 'clues'. If you do not, you may continue searching (taking additional time).
In addition, for this room in particular, *any* Knowledge skill can be used, rather than one of the 'standard' skills.
Thorel Castrovir |
Thorel begins browsing the books. Hir obsession with other worlds and planes is ill-suited for the task at hand, but ze does hir best to focus. Golarion. Not Llavara. Focus, crecheborn.
Know (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Alas, hir knowledge of distant worlds is of little help.
"Priestcaste Kyra, what do you know of the history of this sphere?"
Professor F |
You all watch as the hobbled professor seems to suddenly turn into a man with the agility of a youthful teen. He leaves Kyra behind as he lurches forward at the first bookcase.
"Knowledge! Oh, sweet sweet knowledge!"
He paces back and forth a few times muttering strange words, before he reaches up and pulls several books out for closer inspection of some arcane tomes.
Know (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11