From the clues, you immediately make your way to the Cobalt Gallery in Azure Halls.
Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to do before proceeding. We can backtrack if needed.
An immense building crafted from blue marble rests atop a crystalline dais with a central staircase connecting it to a stone courtyard below. Delicately carved scrollwork adorns the exterior walls, which are inlaid with rows of sapphire. A silver crest hangs above an open pair of imposing doors, which offer a glimpse into the lobby beyond. The rush of water resounds from the imposing waterfall encircling the perimeter of the Azure Hall. Strings of bubbles float in the air around the Hall, faint light glowing from within the glossy orbs.
The hall is filled with activity unusually, even this time in the night. But then again, elementals do not eat or sleep. Observing the lobby for a moment, it's clear that none with the necessary papers is able to get past the desk clerk into the East Wing, where the Cobalt Gallery lies. Guards are seen regularly roaming within the vicinity.
The amount of activity of guest going to the central gallery, and the amount of furniture in this place. Clearly it can provide cover for those who wish to sneak into the East Wing.
The Central Gallery is open, but is out of the scenario's purview. But you can assume it shows public viewings on miscellaneous items. How does the party wish to proceed?
Male Halfling Unchained Rogue (Bandit Knife Master) [5.0] | HP 38/38 | AC 20 T 15 FF 16 | F +5 R +10 W +3 (+2 vs morale bonus charm/fear, +2 fear) | CMB +3 CMD 16 | Init +10 | Perc +10 | Acro +14 DD/EA +12 Stealth +16 Climb/Ling +6 | Diplo/Intim +9
I'm fairly confident I can sneak in there, but I'm not sure about how to get the rest of you there. Do you want me to go ahead of you and take a look 'round? Any ideas?
Xavian is able to easily sneak pass the reception in. If I understand the message spell, you need have a line sight to point and whisper. Wouldn't work in that case as Fabian would totally blocked from sight in another building.
Xavian:
At the entrance of the Cobalt gallery, two gnome guards and two dogs roam around. The dogs look a little unusual with a faint blue nimbus dancing upon it's fur. kn. Arcana.But you're able to easily get past them.
Inside the actual gallery, Mahogany bookshelves encircle the walls of the chamber with two rows of freestanding shelves spanning its length. Desks and chairs of varying sizes offer seating accommodation for the library’s diverse patrons. Small tendrils of mist spiral up from the vapor fountain in the middle of the room—an elegant display of anchored cyclones. An open door on the western wall empties out into a hallway, and a ladder near the eastern wall leads up to the second floor balcony. The ceiling reaches sixty feet from the floor and is painted with a mural of imperious djinn soaring in the sky. The most striking details of the room, however, are the thick clouds suspended in the air between the balcony and the ceiling. Atop these stationary clouds rest additional bookshelves, chairs, desks, and podiums.
There are other galleries under renovation repairs down the gallery. The rest of the hallway is unguarded, only at the entrance of the Cobalt gallery. Also there are no windows in that gallery, only that one entrance. Other parts of the place is not part of the adventure really, only the Cobalt gallery as detailed in the last spoiler is of concern.
So I did skip a small portion of the adventure because you specifically had to be from Sovereign Court. But Sovereign Court PCs have potentially enough influence to get papers to enter from a influential NPC. If you're not, strictly you cannot get in "legally." Asking around you'll find the limitation no one with enough influence will vouch for you lot.
I think other ways would require intelligence and creativity, so Yliss is going for Stealth.
It isn't obvious whether Yliss misunderstood the order for stealth--he did nod his head after all--or is just completely incapable of moving quietly. But either way, the result is a 7' tall form that bends down to about 6'6" and armor that cries out for oil.
male undine shaman of heavens 3 | HP 24/24, stardust 1/2 | AC 20, T 14, FF 17 | F +5, R +5, W +8, resist cold 5 | CMB +2, CMD 15 | Spd 20', Swim 30' | Perc +12 | Init +7
Jian Sheng follows as silently possible. But Glorin, much like Yliss, doesn't understand the concept of silence. His armor clangs at every corner possible, the noise made by Yliss and Glorin attract the guards attention to take a look. As everyone attempts to look for a hiding spot, Yliss and Glorin make too much noise and stand out like a sore thumb. Two guards approach with a dog each, they carry normal weaponry, a sword, and a crossbow, and wear normal guard-like attire. The guards immediately question the two, "Hey! You two, these area is off limits. You have to go back to the lobby." A meaner looking gnome scowls.
If you choose the violent route, Xavian, Yliss, and Korez may take actions. I'm ruling it no surprise round as they guards are made aware there is external presence so you don't get the jump on them. If you choose to disobey, combat immediately ensues.
Having the appearance of regular dogs, they have similar qualities. Except for the fact these are magical creatures called Blink dogs, they have the constant ability of blink and can teleport.
At sight on Inira, the guards are quite confused as they didn't notice her. "Where did you come from? Seriously, you three can't be here! Leave now, or we'll have to force you to. Ask the front desk about permissions."
My character is definitely not a social character. If combat is inevitable then let's do it. Alternatively, those who have been revealed could go to the front desk to sort things out peacefully while Xavian and I search the library and meet up with the party later?
M Human Two Weapon Fighter 4 [HP 36/36 | AC 19/ff17/t13 | CMB +9 CMD 21 | Per +8 Init +2 | F+5 R+3 W+1 | +1 Urgrosh +11 (1d8+10/x3) or +9/+9 (1d6+8/1d8+8/x3) | PA -2 atk, +4/+6 dam]
"Front desk, yes, fine, very good..." Glorin responds. Stopping and turning, he adds (perhaps cheekily) "Would it be all right if one of you escorted us back to the front desk for proper paperwork? I'm a bit confused by these Elemental Air layouts. What with all that flying and falling."
male undine shaman of heavens 3 | HP 24/24, stardust 1/2 | AC 20, T 14, FF 17 | F +5, R +5, W +8, resist cold 5 | CMB +2, CMD 15 | Spd 20', Swim 30' | Perc +12 | Init +7
I think I am undetected right? If so I will join Xavian and JS in the library. That's why I didn't say anything before Yliss sorry- didn't want to give myself away. :D
"No can do. We're on duty. You can find your own way back, the same way you came in." The guards indicate to Glorin. The guards resume their outpost as they see Inira, Yliss, and Glorin make it to the front desk.
At the front desk, you are greeted by a human woman, she has very messy hair, and wears an ugly dress. She explains to you, you'll need to know people in high places to get a permission slip, but that it's also your lucky day. She is feeling very lonely, and if someone can convince her they can show her a good time, she'll produce a permission slip for you. Diplomacy roll needed.
Those still in the library.
Mahogany bookshelves encircle the walls of the chamber with two rows of freestanding shelves spanning its length. Desks and chairs of varying sizes offer seating accommodation for the library’s diverse patrons. Small tendrils of mist spiral up from the vapor fountain in the middle of the room—an elegant display of anchored cyclones. An open door on the western wall empties out into a hallway, and a ladder near the eastern wall leads up to the second floor balcony. The ceiling reaches sixty feet from the floor and is painted with a mural of imperious djinn soaring in the sky. The most striking details of the room, however, are the thick clouds suspended in the air between the balcony and the ceiling. Atop these stationary clouds rest additional bookshelves, chairs, desks, and podiums.
You'll need to be able to fly to be able to search at the clouds. As the place is pretty big, each of you can choose to search either the top (shelves in the clouds) or the bottom shelves. You do have the flying carpets to help you fly!
Jian Sheng quietly wishes the other team all the best in resolving matters peacefully Those guards are just doing their job after all... doubt the Pathfinder Society condones wanton slaughter
Looking at the size of the archive, Jian Sheng groans softly "Let's go about it this meticulously I guess and work our way up." She helps Xavian search the lower shelves first.
You are actually pressed on time here, so you may not take 20. And if you all choose to search bottom only then you won't be able to search the shelves in the clouds.
male undine shaman of heavens 3 | HP 24/24, stardust 1/2 | AC 20, T 14, FF 17 | F +5, R +5, W +8, resist cold 5 | CMB +2, CMD 15 | Spd 20', Swim 30' | Perc +12 | Init +7
Korez hops onto a flying carpet and soars towards the dark clouds, searching the shelves for the book.
I'll wait until the other three has reunited with the folks in the library before resolving the scenario. Unless, everyone wants to continue separated the rest of the scenario that is.
male undine shaman of heavens 3 | HP 24/24, stardust 1/2 | AC 20, T 14, FF 17 | F +5, R +5, W +8, resist cold 5 | CMB +2, CMD 15 | Spd 20', Swim 30' | Perc +12 | Init +7
Could I use my ability to teleport them to somewhere safe beyond the security point?
"A good time, yesss?" Yliss rattles his heavy coin purse while retrieving a gold piece, "Heads, we eat at Primarch's Steakhouse then see a show." Yliss flicks the coin in the air, then holds it in his closed fist while looking at the librarian, "Tails, lady's choice."
Without even opening his hand, he smiles and says, "Look, tails!"
The lonely receptionist is clearly impressed by Yliss charm, "You're the funniest Nagaji I've ever met!" Without hesitation from his offer, she puts together a couple permission slips that will enable you access into the Gallery. Without any trouble from the guards.
When everyone comes together again.
The general search is unfruitful as the books are just boring, and have no relation to what you seek. However to Korez's surprise, one of the shelves in the clouds has a secret compartment. Inside it, is a single book. The title 'Primordial Key of Ilyralene'.
The pages are riddled with Auran words.
Auran:
Without wings, I soar
Without throat, I roar
I can be touched
But never clutched
I am free within the skies
You cannot see me with your eyes
What an I?
male undine shaman of heavens 3 | HP 24/24, stardust 1/2 | AC 20, T 14, FF 17 | F +5, R +5, W +8, resist cold 5 | CMB +2, CMD 15 | Spd 20', Swim 30' | Perc +12 | Init +7
"I believe you are right! So, what does that mean for our search exactly?"
As you speak the correct answer to the pages riddle, the animated image of a young girl wearing a jeweled turban appears on the page in scintillating ink. Melodic laughter echoes from the book as she offers a deep bow. “Hello, gentle reader,” the illustration says in a lilting voice. “How may I assist you?”
