As a new PbP GM I would like to play 'Library of The Lion' with you.
Oppara, the ornate capital city of Taldor, is a former empire that has maintained the high culture of its imperial days despite it gradual decline in regional influence. The grand prince keeps control of his shrinking lands with the help of the Lion Blades, an elite and secretive organization of spies famed as masters of disguise. Oppara is well known for its cultural institutions such as its opera houses, lavish parties, and universities.
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.”
Lady Glorianna Morilla sits at a table by a small fireplace and Muesello introduces her with the full formalities as a guest of the Society.
Lady Gloriana Morilla is a member of Taldor's thriving noble hierarchy, but she's somewhat less concerned with looking good and throwing a good party than she is with restoring Taldor to its long-lost glory.
Lady Gloriana Morilla knows that the longer the nation rests on its imaginary laurels, the more its influence and gods-decreed dominance slip away from the Grand Prince and his loyal subjects.
Venture-Captain Muesello crafts extraordinary wayfinders for the members of the Society.
Worldwound: A demon-haunted wasteland that lies at the northern-most reaches of central Avistan, the Worldwound is an unnatural blight: it is a rift to the Abyss opened on the Material Plane. It appeared shortly after the death of the god Aroden at the beginning of the Age of Lost Omens, and is probably the greatest threat to life on the face of Avistan. A mile-long cosmic blight that was rimmed by jet black flames located southwest of the city of Iz; this site became known as the Worldwound. This corruption soon spread to engulf an area the size of a country, destroying what was once Sarkoris. The Worldwound's unchecked expansion was only halted when the Mendevian Crusades were launched.
Mendevian Crusaders: The Crusaders are less organized than other knightly orders, united primarily by their desire to eliminate the expansion of demons from the Worldwound. Not all of its members are selfless and honourable, but many epitomize true courage. Sheer desperation for able-bodied warriors causes the order to take shining knightly followers of Iomedae, as well as Hellknights, Pathfinders, and even lowly glory-seekers, ruffians, profiteers, and other undesirables.
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"Gah, a tackle shop? Interesting choice of where to have a lodge. Lady Gloriana, how may I be of service?"
An orange haired man with what looks to be scholarly robes quickly makes his way to the the woman, looking clearly uncomfortable with his surroundings. After deep bow, Heria then introduces himself to the group.
"Greetings, my name is Heria, former member of the Scarab Sages, and now a scholar of the concordance. I haven't been with the society long, but have already introduced a young noble woman who may want to join when she is a bit, hmmmm, older."
"Heria, thank you very much for the introduction and you being here. We have to operate quietly in Taldor, thus you unfortunately find no grand lodge here."
"I know that you all would like to introduce yourself. Let me please start by explaining your mission. I would then ask you to tell us about yourself and about the skills you have that can contribute to this mission!"
Venture-Captain Muesello quietly closes the door behind him and asks you all to listen carefully.
“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."
He pauses a moment and looks at you with a serious expression.
"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."
Lady Gloriana Morilla and Venture-Captain Muesello look at each other as if he wants her to continue. But she stays silent so he continues.
“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.”
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Zzorn enters the tackle shop from the backdoor, avoiding the fishermen up front. Taking off his cloak's hood, he turns to the group and shakes everyone's hands.
"Lady Gloriana, Venture-Captain: nice to see you again. Pathfinder Agents: well met. I am Visbaron Zzorn Eilif from the Falling River a few days' ride northeast of here, and I've heard much about you all and it will be my honor to assist you in this mission," says the Visbaron, taking a seat.
After listening to the Venture-Captain's introduction, he leans forward as the special invitation scroll is pulled from a satchel, and his eyes grow wide at the recognition of the seal. After Muesello explains the purpose of the mission, Zzorn nods, and says, "We will be discreet and we will focus on the task at hand, you have my word. It goes without saying that the success of this mission would be for the greater good of Mendev and by extension, Taldor. Will the... ahem... your patron provide a contact from the Kitharodian Academy to lead us into the secret vaults?"
"Thank you Zzorn. You will receive a detailed description on how to find the secret door in the rare books collection which leads to the archive hidden beneath the academy’s library - of course you can only access the library once you have been admitted to the library of the Kitharodian Academy via the invitation we have received from our patron."
He then looks at Zzorn "I would like to repeat. May I ask you to tell us about yourself and about the skills you have that can contribute to this mission!"
He then starts to look at every agent in the room.
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"Ah! good Venture-Captain! I thought you were joking! Ahem... alrighty then! for the benefit of the fine Pathfinders not hailing from Taldor, I shall enumerate my various exploits thus far! ha ha ha!"
Zzorn stands up, and after fiddling with his belt for a while, he begins.
"I am Visbaron Zzorn Eilif of the most populous noncoastal Taldan prefecture, Krearis! I was granted peerage by Princess Eutropia herself at the completion of certain delicate services rendered. The region of Krearis stretches from the Falling River in the north, where I have been tasked to patrol and collect various tolls along its length, to the base of the World’s Edge Mountains in the south and to the Verduran Forest in the west. The rugged terrain, rocky hills, and boggy creeks of Krearis create dozens of distinct and isolated landscapes, from rolling fields to primeval forests to marshy wetlands. The hardy, stubborn people who settle here embrace this isolation, making them tough as nails, a brave people fit to be ruled one day by me! ha ha ha! I VEHEMENTLY REFJECT the popular joke the rest of Taldor say about Krearis, that it is ready to go to war with any of its neighbors... whenever it can stop going to war with itself. Sure, some of our barons and earls sometimes disagree with one another, but a good debate is healthy I say. As far as me, well, apart from my obvious mastery of the greatsword that's on my back, I know my way in the wilds, and I have been learning Taldan heraldry from childhood! my grandpapa was in the Ulfen Guard, and my papa was a valiant squire and blacksmith. It stands to reason that I follow in their noble footsteps and learn my way around banners dangling in the battlefield, so that one day, I can submit my candidature to the Ulfen Guard as well! and... if I can say... perhaps become one of the first Ulfen Guard serving a Queen of Taldor, if the winds of change blow the right way, I mean... he he he! In the meantime, praise Kurgess! may your physical condition be at its peak and may the best man win!"
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That's quite a Strange place for a meeting, but I guess they have their reasons...
Baied doesn't know the local Venture Captains, but bows to them elegantly.
My name is Baied Eldoura, and the Exchange sent me to give you as much help as I can in your plans.
The half elf-lithe, silver hair, golden eyes- walks with a confident stride. On her chest is displayed the symbol of Abadar, and she wears a trusting smile.
]Having just started in the Church of the Master of the First Vault, my knowledge of fiends is minimal. But I know that demons are as powerful as untrustworthy. Whatever can help us fighting the abomination of the Worldwound is Worth of all our coordinated efforts. As for my more mundane skills, I was a merchant, and I'm used to have to bargain and convince. Abadar forbids lies, and I'm quite adept at seeing through words of deceit. Finally, I am an accomplished healer, and know a thing or two about magical items and the value of most goods.
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The young Chelaxian walks in the room, well dressed with the holy symbol of Ragathiel around his neck and the bastard sword of the Emperyal Lord at his side. He is dressed in crimson and gold and his armor shines. He is powerfully built and pleasing to the eyes.
Greetings. I am Criscius Hispanius, Servant of the General of Vengeance.
"Thank you Criscius, anything else you would like to add so that your team knows more about you and your capabilities? Especially with respect to this mission?"
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Staring at the speakers for a moment, Heria speaks up while straightening out his robes.
"My specialties lie in the arcane, the mysteries in ruins and dungeons, as well as local information when it concerns identifying creatures, magic, or people. I am quite able at various languages, and can identify magics and their auras as well. Other than that, I'm not generally good around people, because they annoy me."
Thinking for a moment, the diviner then mentions with a sheepish grin, "If we are in the library long, remember to prod me, as I may get distracted."
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Shortly after the human, the smallest of the assembled walks through the door.
Standing at a mere 3 ft tall, a young halfling lass with two different haircolors looks at the gathering.
Contrary to your average halfling, she's got smaller feet and is actually wearing a nice pair of shoes.
Her eyes shine with a slight hint of mischief.
"Hello. A messenger stuffed a note in my hands, saying i was to report here? I'm Alice."
Assuming the VC asks her the same question as was asked Criscius,
"I'm not too shabby in diplomacy, and i'm studied in the field of the arcane, nature and planes. I've got some modest experience identifying magical objects as well."
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Though a bit late to the gathering Lynn makes sure to squeeze into the fishing shop just before they close. Her clothing already smells of sea spray despite her looking cleaner than the Temple of Aroden in Absalom. She is excited to introduce herself immediately, but seeing as both the lovely Lady Gloriana Morilla and ingenious Venture-captain Muesello are present she resides to internally screaming in joy. She has heard many tales of them but can't quite recall exactly what they are known for however.
She stands quietly as the others start their introductions and then the venture captain and Lady begin to explain what they are here for. As they show the wax sealed tube Lynn gasps resisting the urge to reach out for it. An invitation from a princess my my we are important aren't we, i hope we get to met her. And we are performing a secret mission for her.
As everyone explains what they bring to the group Lynn's hopes soar; a fighter from the rough and tough wilds of this land, a humble woman of the cloth, a man of faith perhaps, and two scholarly women much like herself. When finally those who spoke told of their skills Lynn cleared her throat and began.
"I am Lynn Kuro, daughter of a humbled merchant captain, born an' raised on the open sea traveling through the many lesser islands within the Inner Sea region. I may not look like much, but i studied day and night with many masters of the song before I was of age to pass through the glorious halls of the Bardic Guild. I bring my years of knowledge, my willy wit, silvered tongue, song and tale for all to enjoy, and my trusty magic for when things turn wrong. I know of our patron from the incredible seal and hope to see the grand library myself one day should our venture prove fruitful."
She finished her introduction with a slight curtsy pulling at her dress which seemed to change slightly from a dull green and brown to a vibrant orange and red floral pattern.
Though her outfit remains the same as well as her gear.
Lady Gloriana Morilla listens to you all with keen interest. She then turns to Venture-captain Muesello and speaks for the first time "You have asked a fine group to participate in this delicate mission."
Lady Morilla closes her eyes and hesitates a moment. The she snaps open a fan to fend off the room’s growing warmth.
“If something of note happens on Golarion, the Kitharodian scholars tend to hear about it. Muesello and I have selected you because the librarians are unlikely to recognize you and know you as Pathfinders.”
“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."
She pauses for a moment.
“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.”
She looks at Muesello and he opens a drawer in the table and begins pulling out a couple small parcels wrapped in cloth.
“Any questions?” he asks.
Muesello looks at Alice and answers "You will be on your own. So it is imminent that you remain undetected ..."
He hesitates for a moment.
“I have little doubt that we’re performing some small piece of a larger political plan, even if we benefit from the service. That said, I would
hate to lose an entire team of promising Pathfinders. If you must, use this as a bargaining chip…”
he says, shows you the scroll and hands over the scroll case to Alice.
“Nearly anyone you meet will look at you more favorably if you surrender it, but doing so would certainly risk our patron’s cover. I’m giving it to you because I trust your discretion in the matter.”
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Alice takes the handed scroll case and content.
"I see."
While the VC was of little interest to her, the woman herself was worthy some more attention.
The intrigue the woman represented was amusing.
She looks Lady Morilla right in the eyes.
"You are worried, aren't you. We'll use it only in life or death, and i aim to not be in that situation."
Lady Morilla nods at Baied's comment with a slight smile.
After Alice's statement she answers "Well, you have the right attitude! But I would rather have you use that scroll only when no other solution is available, i.e. you have been discovered and are to be imprisoned."
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"Don't worry Lady Morilla. That's why I'm here. If we get discovered I will claim this is my noble's right to seek the truths of Taldor! if I am brought to the Senate for this, I will use it as yet another reason why we need transparency and reform in this country! that, or I can knock unconscious whoever finds us!"
Lady Morilla looks at Zzorn with some amusement. "You seem to be quite the hotshot young noble. I would like to talk to you after this meeting is adjourned."
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Zzorn looks down at his own body. "Young? you flatter me, Lady Morilla. I *do* try to keep in shape and conduct a daily regimen of physical activity, so thanks for noticing... it would be a pleasure for me to attend you in any way after this meeting..." Zzorn finishes, bowing and kissing her hand gallantly - mainly to conceal the blushing. He is happy with the thought that his following of Kurgess' teachings has made his 42-year old body and mind attractive to someone like Lady Morilla!
Muesello scratches his head and says "Any further questions?"
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Zzorn knew full well that the Lady was not interested but he wanted the party to believe that he believed so, in order to have them exit the room so that he could receive his exclusive Sovereign Court briefing... the appearance of naiveté was often useful for Zzorn! :)
Excellent, Zzorn thinks, some in the party might think that Zzorn thinks he really thinks he has a chance with Lady Morilla... yes... I shall maintain the backwater hick personae for these Pathfinders! they must NOT discover my mastermind-level intellect!
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Head going back and forth between all the chatter, Heria keeps quiet through most of the meeting before raising his hand for a moment.
"Aside from our excursion into this secret library, and the bargaining chip, I would assume that we don't know as to what could be on the inside of the library, correct? I personally would like to maybe get a bit more prepared and go buy a few scrolls, in case anything unseen happens, if that is permissible. I don't like being caught unawares, as it could lead to disaster."
Eyebrow raising a bit at the spectacle of Zzorn, the wizard chuckles slightly.
"I am pretty sure that your meeting will be quite invigorating, Master Zzorn. Just don't tire yourself out too much with dusty tomes and fragile scrolls."
"Aside from our excursion into this secret library, and the bargaining chip, I would assume that we don't know as to what could be on the inside of the library, correct? "
Muesello reacts to this question with a smile.
“If the archive is truly secret, then it’s unlikely that you will encounter many people. I imagine there might be traps, so be careful and resourceful.”Muesello then glances towards Lady Morilla who further respond.
“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. "
She pauses and it seems like she is not sure how to continue.
"With any luck, the performance will also draw away most of the guards.”
Muesello steps to a table and then slides two clothwrapped parcels toward you as a group.
“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.
He points at the second parcel.
"The other package contains two potions in case of emergency.”
"I believe you have all the information you need. Any final questions?" Muesello says to you all.
After all questions are answered Muesello silently and individually asks all Grand Lodge agents to come over to him.
ONLY FOR GRAND LODGE characters - Handout #1: K-Y-V-W-K-C-E-C-O-O-M-I-M-E-C-F-G-C-Q-F-C
If you do not know Ambrus Valsin: Human male, Venture-captain Ambrus Valsin runs the daily operations of the Grand Lodge in Absolom at the Decemvirate's command. Meticulous with details and annoyed by inefficiency, Ambrus makes a point to supervise all important duties within the Grand Lodge, and keeps a long list of relatively safe but time-consuming jobs on file, ready to hand out to rookie Pathfinders to keep them busy and out of the way of more experienced agents. Tall and meticulously groomed, Ambrus doesn't appreciate backtalk and reserves particularly strenuous assignments for those who annoy him.
Lady Morilla also discretely asks the Sovereign Court agents to step to one side of the room.
She speaks to you but it is obvious that this matter is important to her so her voice sometimes is louder than you would have expected.
“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."
She trembles slightly but continues.
"All goes well at the moment, 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.”
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Baied understands and respects the need for privacy, and so doesn't try to listen the personnal instructions given.
As Pathfinder agents, they do have sometimes particular tasks from their respective Venture Captains.
And of course, cooperation is always needed in perilous situations,so the half elf will trust her partners to tell the whole Truth if that can save her life.
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Alice had no reservations about making a pass at the doors, when walking around the room to kill time, in the absence of the others. Halflings are a curious lot, after all.
Interesting, political intrigue.
Unable to get the details on the Grand Lodge, she approaches Criscius, as he showed some signs of better hearing whatever was spoken about.