GM Batpony's PFS [6-15] Overflow Archive 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

Open for dotting.

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Looking tired and a bit worse for the wear, a tall elf with cropped black hair walks towards the meeting area. Dressed in traveling clothes of browns and greens with a hooded cloak. Under his shirt occasionally shimmers a fine mesh shirt, while over his shoulders hangs a quiver and dark bow. At his belt, a dark grey morningstar hangs, swinging with his every stride.

-.. --- -

A massive brass-scaled nagaji strides into the room. He wears an ill-fitting chain shirt, faded breeches, and a fancy grey hooded cloak. A giant two-headed ax is strapped to his back. Despite his quick walk, he seems incredibly clumsy and slow, and touches as little as possible for fear of dropping it. Nevertheless, he appears to be excited to have something to do.

A tall Chelaxian enters. He wears a long cloak of fine wool dyed blue. Two short, curved knives sit on his belt, though he also carries a folded net and a set of manacles. "Well, who has the Paracountess saddled me with this time? She does seem to enjoy her games."

A medium built elf silently enters the room. Having just returned from Katheer, he looks slightly worn. Although worn, his piercing green eyes show his senses are still sharp. His studded leather armor is worn. Although numerous daggers are visible, they hardly make a sound.
"So who do we have here? It's a fitting time for more action."

As he moves to find a seat he glances over at Yesmoro Soulsnatcher.
Can't say I've seen one of those before

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Looks like everyone has checked in! Let's get this party started.

You are called to gather in front of the Overflow Archives, a building nearby the grandlodge. There, three figures stand before you, two of which you recognize immediately as key figures in the society.

“I have no love of puns,” announces a peeved Kreighton Shaine, the Master of Scrolls in the Grand Lodge, “Yet it cannot go unremarked that the Overflow Archives have begun living up to their name.” The pale elf gestures across the library’s stone lobby toward a pair of shut double doors from beneath which water steadily seeps. He is only one of the midnight visitors bearing witness to this disaster.

Next to Shaine, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen stands with folded arms, glaring at an initiate whose hair and clothes are utterly drenched. All three speak at once, but Shaine’s shrill voice rises above the din. “Magical shenanigans in the archives are prohibited, especially this soon before the Grand Convocation!”

“Let us prioritize,” Dralneen suggests. “Are the artifacts within the vaults in danger?”

“How should I know?” Shaine barks back. “This delinquent initiate— what was the name? Wormell?”

“Virml, sir,” replies the sodden Pathfinder.

“Virml says he sneaked into the archives on a dare,” summarizes Shaine, painfully emphasizing the initiate’s name with scolding disdain. “Presumably, he thought the holdings would be harmless. Instead, in his naivete, Virml triggered some dormant curse or other. So, yes, thanks to Virml here, the archives and the vaults below continue to flood, threatening all the books therein.”

Miserably, Virml holds up an armload of soggy manuscripts. “I salvaged a few, sir.”

Sighing, Shaine leads Virml towards the stairs. “Take them up to the scriptorium. Start making dry copies.” Then, turning to survey the rest of the room, he continues issuing orders. “The remainder of you should wade in there and plumb the origins of this deluge. Stop it, if you can. I must report this debacle to my colleagues and begin organizing the cleanup.” Abruptly, he seems to notice the paracountess for the first time. “What are you doing here, Dralneen?”

Zarta smirks and shrugs. “Unlike you, Shaine, I love a good pun.”

All three NPCs look like their in a hurry to leave, you better ask them questions before they dart!

"And if we can't halt it, then what?" Yesmoro inquires. "Sssalvage whatever we can? The water level, be it heightening?" He is obviously taking great pains to avoid the letter 's'. "Anything in particular we can anticipate in there? What to look out for, or go out of our way to retrieve?"

Are there any texts in particular we should attempt to salvage while we search for the fountainhead of this flood? Are there guardians and wards who might be perturbed by our sinless spelunking? Oh, and will there be some sort of restorative draught available once we return from the wet and cold? Brandy would suffice nicely.

Marenalia looks at the seeping water with mild distaste and mutters under her breath "If I'd known I was going to be dealing with a mess today I would have prepared presdigitation...ah well.".

At normal volume she says, "I concur with the question of what we are to do if we cannot eliminate the problem. If it is a magical effect I am confident in my ability to find it but stopping it may prove harder."

Elris looks at the water with a raised eyebrow before looking at Shaine, Zarta, and Virml. "Considering that this soaked lad did this in the first place, wouldn't it be prudent that he help us in this search?" the elf asks with arms crossed, frowning at the fact this boy had flooded the library.

Zarta Dralneen answers“Important text? Oh, they are merely an annex of Master Shaine’s vast libraries. Specifically, this is where he stows the oddities he doesn’t know what else to do with. What could be so important?” Kreighton Shaine frowns at the blunt admission and begins to relate that the building was once a temple dedicated to Desna before it collapsed and the Pathfinders built the Grand Lodge, but Dralneen chides him after a sentence or two, claiming this is no time for a longwinded history lesson.

"Are you folks not confident in your own abilities?"quips Kreighton Shane, "Just do what you can and report to me immediately, this delinquent has already cause too much trouble, I want him to cause no more nonsense, you are all capable people I can trust, are you not?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Constantin is entirely unfazed by Shaine's implied criticism and deaf to whatever nuance he or Dralneen might be trying to hide, so he performs a quick check of his gear, and is ready to move out.

After all, there are books to save!

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Sighing, the elf turns towards the rest of the group. "I guess the master of scrolls is a bit testy today. Shall we go in before he goes into another tirade?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Aiden is stunned at Draleen's appearance. "Paracountess! I didn't realize you would be here in person." He smiles at her, bowing his head. "If the artifacts inside are in danger, we will secure them. Whatever this imbecile has done, we can salvage."

"Perhaps young Virml should explain what he actually did to cause this?" Marenalia peers at said individual.

"Yes Keighton Shane, what must be done will be done. We are very capable and we will do what is necessary to secure these artifacts." Motioning to his fellow Pathfinder members. "We have things to do. Standing around isn't helping."A life on the street has made Naxian a little anxious when staying in one spot for too long.

Virml sheepishly relates, “I…I merely picked up a wee scroll, read part of it aloud for fun— some kind of riddle about birds and fish? And then it flew to bits in my hand, and I caught the quickest glimpse of a handsome man…and then ker-sploosh! I washed out here!”

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"I think we have gleaned all the information we can without going, so let usss be off," Yesmoro declares. His hand had rested on his ax, but now it returns to his side. "Hopefully will be little need for weaponsss, but cannot be too careful."

Turning to his companions, he inquires, "And you all, what can you do? We will likely need many kind of talent for what isss to come."

"Myself, I am a student of the arcane.". She extracts a grayish-brown owl from its nest in the hood of her cloak. "Come, my jewel, we have a task to do and I may want you to scout ahead.". The owl hoots reproachfully and perches on her shoulder.

Aiden shakes his head. "You read a scroll aloud for fun? Do you know how dangerous that can be? It's a wonder that you unleashed a torrent of water and didn't end up trapped on another plane or stopping time or something." Aiden rolls his eyes.

"Paracountess, perhaps Virml needs some 'special education' on these matters. I'd be happy to attend to that if you don't wish to do it personally. After this business is concluded, of course." He smirks.

Aiden turns to Yesmoro, nodding at the serpent. Now here was someone he could work with. "I have no magical abilities myself, though I've been known to turn the occasional item to my will. Mostly, however, I'm a finder of things. People, items, whatever She needs. And nothing stops me." He winks at Zarta.

I've built Aiden's background with a personal history with Zarta. I never quite thought about how he might react to actually seeing her.

Zarta nods at Aiden, "Then can be arranged, however I would like to talk to you, and Yesmoro."With that, she brings her faction members to a private corner for some personal chat.

The rest of you are still free to talk to the other two NPCs at this time. Looks like we are about ready to go, in 12 hours if there are no more pressing questions i'll move the party into the Archives.

"You read a scroll for fun?! Shaine, the boy deserves whatever punishment you seem fit, as long as he learns from it and doesn't die," the elf, shaking his head as to what Virml had said. Not a practitioner of magic, Elris tried to steer clear of the divine or arcane himself, and let those who practice the arts take charge. Stringing up his bow, he asks, "With these being archives Master Shaine, how dark is it in there? Considering the boy read a scroll, something may be lurking inside." Shivering slightly, Elris recalls his last mission as he gets his quiver ready, and loosens a knot on his beltpouch.

His last mission took place in Ravenmoore, which almost ended with every one dying.

Shaine replies to Elris, "There's nothing remarkable about this scroll as far as I'm aware of. This young delinquent will receive his just rewards." His patient is wearing thin, as he believe he has other urgent matters to ascertain to. He opens the door to the lobby of the building, the room is oval in shape, with a few shelves, this area is dry, save for the water seeping from the door leading the main section of archives. To the east of this room, there is a staircase heading up, where Virml sheepishly heads up, with his wet scrolls, to make copies. "At once put a stop to this!"It's almost as if he is commanding you.

At this point, the NPCs are all within sight of you, but out of reach, you can still call them back for dying questions, or you can venture forth! Into the unknown~

"Yes we will put a stop to this." Naxian steps forward as if implying it's time to go. As he does, Naxian firmly places his hand on a dagger on his belt."I am no master of the arcane. My daggers and stealth will serve me just fine. Perhaps my other skills will also be of benefit."Naxian appears to be done with more questions. Crouching lower and focusing his senses, he readies himself for what lies ahead.

Aiden bows his head to Zarta and returns to the group. "Well, now. Shall we go in to see what's causing all this problem?" He walks into the lobby of the building, rolling his eyes at Virml's words. "Yes, we'll fix your mess, Virml."

"Yes, let us be about it. Time is of the essence if we want to salvage the materials in the archive.". She strides up to the door.

"Agreed, let usss get it over with," Yesmoro murmurs calmly. He attaches his ax to a loop on his belt, and straps a massive, pronged lucerne hammer to his back. Having readied himself, he follows the others.

I'll upload map tonight, and assuming you guys head through the big door with water.

This spacious library is a damp catastrophe. A lake of dark water clogged with books, scroll cases, and a few overturned shelves obscures the floor. Steps descend into the brine from the western doors, while at the far north end of the room a spiral staircase rises from the water to a mezzanine above. The same metal staircase must descend into a basement below as well, for the water there burbles downward in a dark, lazy whirlpool.

The water in the immediate area after you descend the steps is shallow, 1 foot in height.

In the distance, near the spiral staircase, you notice two figures on a makeshift boat, created by one of the shelves in this area nonetheless, they look to be fishing?

Maps link updated! Also appreciate if you could all do me a favour and update your perception and Initiative modifiers on the link. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Aiden steps into the room, grimacing at the water in his boots. This whole affair was going to take days to dry out from. He gives a questioning look back to the others and then calls out to the two individuals fishing.

"Hello? Who are you? How did you get in here?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

I forgot something.

Before you enter the archives, Virml seems to have drop a piece of paper. You pick it up. In the maps and handouts.

*****

As you approach the figures, you notice that they don't look like normal creatures, they can only be described as medium sized creatures wearing grey and green light armor, they have grand wings, and one of them has the head of an owl, and the other one, an albatross!

Prior to your approach, you hear them bickering with each other, over a scroll. "Hey I caught that! This should be mine!" the owl bickers.

"YEAH, but I saw it first! You didn't even notice it!"Rebukes the albatross.

As Aiden approaches them, they both stop bickering towards each other and take out their anger on him! Hey Hey! Don't come any closer! You're spoiling our spot, you'll chase away our fish!" They start waving their fishing spear and rods at you!

The creatures are unfriendly at the moment, to make them indifferent. Aiden's chat did not shift their attitude, however an aid another will likely help. The DC is 23, but you receive +5 Circumstance bonus, making the DC 18 to shift them to indifferent.

When you are closer to the spiral staircase, you also notice that the water seems to be coming down the steps, from the mezzanine floor.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"Relax, we are not here to ssscare your prey," Yesmoro hisses soothingly, trying to put the gathlains at ease. "But what do you hunt? I do not notice any fisssh, only paper."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

He also tries to as quietly as possible relate what knows about gathlains to the others, and points out the drain. He then makes his way over to said drain and starts gingerly pulling out the detritus, in an attempt to salvage some of the papers and lower the water level.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Marenalia easily spots the drain, but is temporarily distracted by the creatures. Know(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 but doesn't recognize them until Yesmoro explains. She does however try to help Aiden and Yesmoro calm them down.

"Peace. We have no wish to quarrel with you."

Diplomacy(aid another): 1d20 ⇒ 8

She then goes to help Yesmoro with the drain.

The water subsides a little, but not impactful, as you unclog the drain. The papers are un-legible, and probably of no significance.

Meanwhile, the albatross like creature talks back. "Well, Yeah, there's no fish cause you're chasing them away!"

The owl compliments his friend, "Yeah yeah, that sounds right, no wunder we guts no fish. But anyway we gots good paper." He refers to the parchment they just "caught".

The creatures are now indifferent towards you. I consider this a separate diplomacy check if you want to improve the influence again, so those who have rolled influence may try again.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Perhaps you don't have any fish because you aren't really looking for them." Naxian moves forward. He also slowly, but partially pulls a dagger from his belt. Once again Naxians impatience is showing. "Why don't you just hand over that parchment. Either hand it over or we take it from you!"

If anyone has a chance to move my piece up, please do. I need to flank them in case they try anything. If not, I'll move it when I get a chance to get on my PC.

Naxian, can you make a diplomacy roll?

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Aiden pauses for a moment, watching the owl-headed creature. "We have no quarrel with you. But we may we have that scroll? There are some very dangerous ones in here. We need to ensure no one get hurt. Tell me, are there more like you here? And where did you come from?"

Diplomacy (ST): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23

Elris keeps his eyes on the lookout as those who had silver tongues talked towards the strange creatures.

Sorry about the late reply, has a minicon yesterday, and worked and GMED Hell's Vengeance today.

With a twinkle in his eye Constantin takes a lean against his banner and begins to spin a yarn for these fishermen, "Fishing, eh? As it so happens I am an incredibly credulous fisherman; I've heard all the stories. Everyone's got a story of the one that got away, but sometimes the biggest fish, you don't even want to catch.

If you want to keep it, that's fine, you caught it. But if you want to give it to us for safe keeping, I'd be happy to see what we can do about finding you both a more suitable fishing hole."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

After some pondering, they decide that maybe it'd be wise to listen to the words of their new acquaintances. "Yeah, yeah, I hope you're not talimg about "the big sleeper", but you better give it back. That's my prize paper". The owl hands over the parchment.

The albatross starts to be more talkative in a friendly way." Yeah, Yeah we just escaped from the big fish, she is scary, don't wanna be eaten again. Please please don't bring us to the big sleeper. Hmm, I remember one more guy, some smarty-pants dog-cat, we don't like him.'

"Yeah, yeah, he splash down our fishing spot, chase away them fish."

The RNG gods are good to you. Parchment updated in handouts.

"This is all about the rhyme?" Aiden says as he reads the parchment. "So now we're expecting a bird and a worm?" He shakes his head.

"Have you caught any other scrolls?" The Chelaxian wades through the water, searching for any scrolls or texts to save from the water. Suddenly he looks back, reminded of the story on the paper. "Wait, the 'big fish'...where is it? It's not in here, is it?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

You note there are a bunch of papers floating in the water, but you can't tell any of apart from each other.

"Nah, we just caught the one."

"Wait didn't we walk up stairs?"

The Owl and the Albatross don't seem to agree with each other very much. Meanwhile, some spurts of water fall down the spiral staircase.

Shaking his head, the elf looks at the rest of the group. So, should we go up, or down? Those two," he mentions while nodding towards the owl and albatross, "can't seem to make up their minds as to where they came from."

"The water appears to be coming from upstairs. If we want to find the source, that would seem to be the way to go.".