Gameplay thread open
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 the 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.
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?
The scroll case contains an unsigned letter that outlines the mission details from the perspective of the writer. This letter also explains that you can find the hidden entrance to the archive by studying honor, courage, and glory. Also contained in the scroll case is a formal request signed by the Arch-Exarch Gregorius to admit the bearers to the Kitharodian Academy’s rare books collection.
The first package contains a potion of invisibility and a potion of pass without trace.
The second package contains a deck of illusions, but instead of a random creature, there is one card for each of you.
Your time in the library has been coincided with a musical performance also, which will go for 2 hours also. Our window is 2 hours and I cannot know how strictly you will be made to adhere to that. I would err on the side of caution if I were you.
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"Are we going as Pathfinders?" asks the scholar. "Or should we adopt the guise of scholars? " he stumbles over his words for a moment.
"As you mentioned, The Society is not always well received in these parts, so not flaunting our affiliation could be wise. But if we are to try and make a good impression on Taldor's academics, for what they are worth, about our organisation, then appearing As pathfinders would be helpful."
He looks into the bag. "And from the contents of the bag, it would appear that subterfuge may be our preferred approach?"
Muesello answers quickly We have been invited but it may be best to not outwardly identify yourselves as Pathfinders. This is why you were all selected. Those in Taldor are unlikely to recognize you as such. As we hope you will gain access to the more "protected" areas and admittance is not strictly authorized there may be need for some subterfuge.
Muesello then looks at the parcels. 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.
Muesello continues 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 as he touches the scroll case, Nearly anyone you meet will look at you more favorably if you surrender it, but doing so would certainly risk our friend’s cover. I’m giving it to you because I trust your discretion in the matter.
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With a pointed look at Khellek, Yangrit grumps, "It would help if you told all of us what you recognized there, and what it means."
Turning back to the Venture Captain, she continues. "So you want us to take notes? Copy the texts about about the Shining Crusade and the war against the Whispering Tyrant? Unless someone here has a perfect memory, we'd better stock up on paper and pencils. If only there was a way to quickly copy whole pages without having to write it all out by hand."
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"Oh yes." smiles Khellek.
"Though I'm sure that were it not broken, you too would recognise the personal seal of Princess Eutropia. We have a very important patron. Interesting that she doesn't feel the ability to secure ..." he turns to the captain.
"Which particular 'documents of interest' is it that our...patron.. wants secured?"
Of particular note to our mysterious benefactor are texts related to the Shining Crusade and the Lines of Succession of Taldor.
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Rayan listens intently to Muesello and his companions before speaking up "Subterfuge is not a tactic I'm particularly...comfortable with but Nethys teaches us that we can be of two minds while still being whole so I shall do my best." Rayan quickly slings his pack off his shoulder and flips through it, turning his eyes upward after a moment "When does this performance begin? Will I have time to adjust my preparations to reflect the tactical nature of this mission?"
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"This sounds simple enough lets go in and get some books." Snert then jumps down from standing on his chair being the halfing that he is, turns to the door and starts walking but then turns on his heel right as Rayan says "When does this performance begin?" and Snert says "Oh right it would be foolish to leave before this performance even began." Snert walks up to the table and stands on his chair again and says "However if we do leave now we might be able to get in early and sort of scout out the guards that might be observing us, just to get a better handle on the layout of the room and maybe make a plan."
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After everything is described Kirrote looks puzzles. The tall, green half-orc chuckles to himself the rumbles in a low voice. "Let me get this straight, you want me to go to the library and tell them that I'm there to read books?" he points to himself to emphasize the point. "And then, I'm supposed to help break into a secret archive in the library and not look conspicuous?"
He raises an eyebrow at Meusello. "You really picked me?"
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"Hahaha I believe my friend" Rayan says, stifling his mirth at the Half-Orc's incredulity "that in this scenario you would be playing the part of bodyguard or porter to one of our more scholarly members." Pausing to consider for a moment Rayan continues "Though appearances can be deceiving and a far fetched story surrounding our perfectly legitimate visit to the archive may be better cover for the more nefarious portion of our evening than a tale meeting people's expectations, especially if you have any talents that would lend themselves to the task."
As he finishes Rayan returns to his spellbook, working as quickly as possible to adjust his memorized spells.
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Yangrit curls her lip in disgust at Kirrote. Despite the fact that he handled himself well the last time she worked with him, or perhaps because he did so too well, she is displeased by his half-orcish presence. Grunting, she barely manages to avoid sneering at him: "Just hold a book open and stare at the pages. And don't damage it. We'll have to think of a story for you." She finishes speaking with a not-so-subtle roll of her eyes.
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Snert looks at Yangrit and says " Hey why the frown we are all pathfinders are we not?" Snert then looks towards the half orc and says "Alright big guy I have an idea, what if we say you are a great scholar that has come to seek knowledge on one aspect of your many tomes, to make sure its correct before you start selling it, and we can give you a hat and cloak to hide your, er, aggressive appearance. How does everyone feel about that?"
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"Do you know if we will be able to hear the concert from within the secret archive? If so perhaps an hours study of tonight's programme may give a warning of when it is likely to be finishing... and thus prompt our exit. I think I might do a quick revision of my own understanding of the Shining Crusade and Taldor's succession rules. That may help locate the needed documents later on."
He looks at the mighty form of Kirrote. "Perhaps a scholar's robe to go over your armour might help our disguise slightly?"
Thinking further, the scholar tucks his wayfinder deep into a pouch to make sure it is not inadvertantly on display.
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"I think our muscled exemplar is correct, such an obvious "disguise" would be suspect. Better I should think to play to his character instead of attempting to hide it? Rayan looks between Snert, Kirrot, and Yangrit as he continues "After all, the best lies contain a kernel of truth for the mind to latch onto. In this case the truth we should use is our friends intimidating physique and evident heritage, don't you think?"
You arrive just outside the Kitharodian Academy, where crowds of commoners and nobility alike jostle to enter the music hall. You have no difficulty pushing their way into the increasingly crowded building, but you must make your way to the library. You can try to convince an usher or member of staff to show you the way or try to find it on your own.
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Kirrote elbows his way through the crowd. He tries to not be conspicuous but it seems rather impossible. He stands a few steps away from Yangrit. She seems to have something against him but he doesn't know what. He remembers her from their investigation at the drowned school. She didn't seem to be bothered then.
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"Let us go straight for the library." suggest Khellek.
"I know the way to all the major libraries." he adds, not at all modestly.
"While we go, you might want to admire the local architecture. It really is quite splendid here. Not as colorful as you would find in a Variasian city, but quite imposing in its own way."
You arrive at the library to find it almost empty. A young man approaches you. Good day. My name is Tobias and I am the librarian on duty. How may I be of assistance?
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Khellek fumbles around in his bag, eventually bringing forth the letter of introduction.
"We would like to visit your Rare Books collection. I hear it is wonderful!" he gushes as the invitation is handed over.
"Do you think you might have a copy of the Works of Trilmonk? I've been trying to lay my hands on it for several years now?"
Oh, I see you have a writ. Well, welcome. I do believe we have a copy of Trilmonk's works somewhere, yes. This way please. He escorts you to the restricted section. Before he departs he says You may peruse our collection, but please be aware that you must leave when the performance concludes, in two hours time.
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.
Each statue holds a book and a stylus, however only the western statue’s book has any text on it, a column of words. Innovation, Respect, Knowledge, Courage, Integrity, Honor, Excellence, Glory
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Being a dwarf, Yangrit is drawn to the stone statues. Approaching the western statue, she notices something. So absorbed she is in this that she doesn't even hear Kirrote stating his discovery.
"Hmm. This statue's arm can move. The stylus can point to the words in the book. I wonder if we have to do this in a certain order. What are those clues again, Khellek?"
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"We were told that we would find the hidden entrance to the archive by studying honor, courage, and glory." reminds Khellek.
He tries moving the arm that Yangrit spotted, moving it to 'Honor', 'Courage' and then finally to 'Glory'.
"My you youngsters have good eyes." he says as he takes out his card and the bag of potions.
"These only last for a short while, but may help us go unnoticed. Remember, we don't want to disturb the performance, so if you can muffle your weapons that would probably be helpful."
The section of the western wall swings open once Khellek moves the arm to the right words in the right order. Beyond you see, lit by the light from the room that you are in, a spiral staircase leading downwards.
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Khellek takes out his card, pulls out a chair and sticks it to the bottom of it. He puts down a copy of Trilmonk's book in front of the chair. Then stepping back from the table he checks his image and then looks around to make sure the others have done likewise.
After a moment he looks at his image in horror and quickly checks his hair looking for a bald spot.