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Opparan Pathfinder lodge was hiden in plain sight - behind the facade of a simple bait and tackle shop. That allowed Venture-Captain Muesello to provide a local base of operations without much scrutiny.
It was usual sunny day, when Pathfinders were travelling through the streets of Oppara, Taldan Capitol city and arrived to their destination point. Muesello stood behind his desk as small door bell jingles. He smiled and gestured them to wait, while he finished serving a customer and as soon as last one left, he asked travellers to follow him in the building’s back room, before locking up main door and propping a sign in the window that reads “Gone fishing”.
When they entered the back room, they saw a luxurious woman, siting at a table by a small fireplace.
”Welcome, fellow Pathfinders! It is my humble honour to introduce Lady Glorianna Morilla, a long time ally of the Pathfinders. It is thanks to her that we have our current opportunity before us.”, he checks a main room and closes a backroom door behind him. He makes a gentle pause, to let others to introduce themselves and then continue.
”The Pathfinder Society doesn’t have a best reputation in Taldor, despite of many efforts to impress different people. As a result, sometimes,”, woman quietly laughed and he corrected himself, ”often, our agents are denied to access best libraries in Oppara.”
Lady stopped him with a gesture and continued: ”As one of the oldest intact civilizations near the Inner Sea, these private libraries no doubt house some very precious volumes. Recently we received a most wonderful opportunity - an invitation, really, from a very powerful patron,” she shows a scroll tube with a broken wax seal.
”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,” Muesello punctuates every word, pointing the scroll tube, ”is our key of significant value. But this is only part of story.”
Lady Morilla speaks again: ”Apparently there is an even more precious archive hidden beneath the academy’s library, and our patron believes it contains 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.”
They both made a small pause to ensure that agents are enthralled with opportunity as they are and then Venture-Captain continue: ”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?”
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A young woman with long, dark, curly hair steps up and introduces herself to Lady Morilla.
Well met Lady Morilla, I am Tatiana Ungaro. The young woman says as she curtsies to the Lady. Although Tatiana seems to be making every effort to appear formal, she is unable to prevent the stretching sound of her leather armor, as she stoops deeply in the formal gesture.
The young Varasian woman seems well equipped for travel, and shows the signs of more than a few previous campaigns. Her dark crimson leather armor has wear from past combat, and the tightly wound, braided whip, that hangs from her waist looks more than broken in. A well provisioned backpack sets at the young lady’s feet. Notably, the shaft of a wound flag, bearing the Pathfinder’s emblem, protrudes out the top of the pack.
“Lady Morilla, You mentioned the possibility of getting caught. Although, I am sure we will take every possible caution not to be observed in this endeavor, what would be the consequences of being caught?” Tatiana says, as she moves closer to the warmth of the fire place. The fire from hearth reveals a slight gleam from a few metal blades that run down the end of her whip.
“If we are caught, are we expected to protect our pathfinder identity, or should we divulge this information." Tatiana takes a moment to contemplate the mission.
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Muesello hesitated for a moment before answering.
“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."
He took scroll case from lady Morilla and passed it to Tatiana:
"If you must, use that as bargaining chip... I don't think it worth mention Society. 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. "
Broken seal on scroll case belongs to Princess Eutropia—Grand Prince Stavian III’s only child, who has been manoeuvring to take the throne upon his death, despite the nation’s tradition of crowning a male heir.
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Having slipped to the side as he and his comrades entered the room, Onyo remains back in a corner, taking a moment to process Lady Morilla's words. One of the Taldan's private archives. No better. A private archive IN a private archive. So many secrets that could be held there. For all their history, Taldor's not the most magical nation; always sought to count their might via armies and 'culture' over real power. Still, even so, there might be at least some signposts inside...
The middle-aged male could have been mistaken for a gnome bleachling from a distance, and an especially unfashionable one at that. But the skin peeking out from beneath the loose, sloppy robes and sahes was unusually mottled, and bore light scars tracing unique shapes and symbols across his flesh, identifying the creature as a Wayang, to those aware of such creatures from the east. Glancing up at the Lady, he rasps out a series of questions.
"So you need us to explore two libraries, both in the one small window. The main library, the public one: are there works of value to actually read there? Or should we focus simply on how to gain access to the second? And what makes you or your 'contact' sure that the records on the Whispering Tyrant's crusade will be there? Who is this patron?
Onyo delivers his questions rapidly, then pauses and steps back again, done for the moment. Then he frowns. Oh. Yes. Must work on manners. He gives a curt nod to the Lady. "Onyo."
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Tatiana accepts the scroll, makes a quick examination of the parchment, and then tucks it away in her backpack. I will exercise discretion, because you have indicated the importance of secrecy. I trust your opinion and judgment in this matter. I am looking forward to the opportunity to examine the contents of this library.
Tatiana squats by the fireplace, after taking a moment to take in the warmth of the fire, she extends her hands over the flames to warm them a bit. After considering Onyo’s question, Tatiana turns to Lady Morilla and rewords the question with a little more tact. “Because my new companion has voiced his curiosity, my we inquire about our benefactor is in this matter.”
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A cloaked half-elf with shoulder-length black hair walks through the door to the bait shop and crinkles his nose immediately. "A bait shop? Really!? You couldn't have picked something a little more refined like, let's say, a smoke shop as your front? Ugh..." He thinks to himself.
As soon as he's led to the back and is introduced to lady Glorianna, he immediately drops to one knee, staring at the floor as he says "Lady Morilla, it is an honor to finally meet you." He then rises as listens intently to the mission objective.
As she finishes, he bows deeply and says "None, M'lady. What you ask shall be accomplished for the glory of Taldor."
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The tengu standing off towards the back of the room ruffles his feathers a bit before proclaiming, "Hak! Discretion is my specialty! You can count on us!"
The avian-humanoid picks at his feathers a bit, trying to clean patches of dried substances that have stuck to his body. His armor is lightly scarred with scorch marks and various dye stains.
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Muesello responded to Onyo's question: “The rare books collection, where you get access with this letter, are kept in several small study rooms attached to the main library. We would like for you to explore that in detail, but our benefactor is interested more in secret archive, which is accessible only through rare books collection. So focus your attention on hidden part.
As about our patron it is better to keep her name not spoken loudly: conspiracy with Pathfinder Society might harden situation for our friend and we might lose much needed support. Patron's standing in Taldan nobility is high enough for us not to be in doubt of his words sincerity. Anyway, this does not allow you to act bold, leave trail or fight someone in our beneficiary name. Name or letter, will not stop a killing blow.”.
Muesello occasionally revealed a confidential information regarding patron's feminine gender, but he sincerely believes every word regarding patron's status and agent's safety.
Lady Morilla commented Hork words: “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.”
Meanwhile, Muesello unwrapped a first parcel and counted 6 cards out of it. He put those in front of Pathfinders.
"This is modified deck of illusions, instead each card creating a random creature, it creates a copy of person activated it. This item is still work in progress, so it will work only for 2 hours and creature cannot interact with anyone. But, it still able to complete simple tasks, for example, it can pretend to be reading a book and doing notes. 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 unwrapped a second parcel and passed several potions.
"These are potion of invisibility and potion of pass without trace . Use them if needed. Be ready by tomorrow evening, prepare everything you might need. If there are things that you do not wish to take with you, you are more than welcome to leave them here at the Lodge." Muesello finished his speech, "Remember, that you might have problems if you are actually trying to carry books out of library or if you go there with big backpacks. Try not to raise suspicions and stock with paper and writing utensils beforehand"
Lady Morilla adds: "Tomorrow, 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.”
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A tall man, the last one from the group, was standing silently and listened carefully. His rough face, pale skin, blond hair, fixed in a braid, and a short beard spoke of his northern origins.
"Well then. I may not be an expert in history, but if you need someone to sneak in somewhere than this is a job for me." he smiled. "Don't worry, everything will be done clean and fast. I am sure of it. After saying that he hasitated for a moment.
"Ah yes! Odmar's my name! Nice to meet you all."
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An odd looking...dwarf?!? enters after Odmar. Many bottles, and vials hang from various spots on his gear. Pushing his glasses up onto his nose he says, "Greetings, my apologies for being late, there was an...incident...yes...in my lab. My name is Fitch Entmire, but you may call me Flash." His face is covered in soot, and part of his beard is smoldering. He finally notices the smoke rising from his chin and haphazardly pats out the remains. Coughing, he turns to face Lady Morilla and bows most graciously, "Greetings Lady Morilla." Mid-way through his bow, something falls from within his cloak and rolls across the floor. Before anyone can pick it up, Flash reaches down and plucks it back up. Moving to a chair he mumbles "Whups, wouldn't want THAT going off in here...I must figure out a way of securing these better...."
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In order to look less conspicuous, Tatiana leaves behind a number of traveling items.
Backpack, blanket-winter, bedroll, trail rations (3), water skin (1)
After securing her pack in the corner of the lodge, Tatiana removes the pathfinder banner from its flag pole, folds it up, and then places it in her belt pouch. This leaves the shaft of the flag bear, resembling a walking stick. Feeling confident, Tatiana takes her leave, spending the rest of the day working on words of inspiration.
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"Pssh. Blades overrated." Onyo remarks to the half-elf. "Strength can come from more, subtle sources." He fiddles an empty vial in his robe pocket absent-mindedly.
He turns to Lady Morilla. "We can be quiet, if need be. I'm sure your illusion tricks may prove useful. Would love to examine them if given a chance."
Onyo sizes up the others in the room. Decent lot. Will see how many are truly educated in interesting fields. His mouth remains frozen in an expression somewhere between indifference and disappointment, only cracking upwards as his eyes fall upon the dwarf struggling not to spill bottles and potions all across the room. Well, at least there's one other who appreciates the right fields actually worthy of study.
"See, Flash. Two libraries for the price of one. Double the chance for discovery, worth twice the risk."
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With two alchemists in the group, it might be prudent to keep a distance from their intended target. Tatiana thinks to herself as she sizes up the rest of her traveling companions.
"I don’t think we appear heavily armed. Everyone in the group is wearing light armor, and I don’t believe it is uncommon for a young man to carry a sword on his hip. That being said, it might look a little off if we walk in wearing a lot of traveling gear, or in my case swinging a Pathfinder banner."
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"Well there is logic in that!" Odmar takes off his backpack and puts it near Tatianas gear.
backpack, bedroll, trail rations (2), waterskin
"If we are not to take any of the books from the library, I assume we need some writing accessories to copy the books." He addressed Muesello "Will you be able to provide us with all that is needed for such a task?"
He then turned to his companions: "Any thought on what else could be useful in such a mission?"
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Lady Morilla answered to Aramil.
"Son of Taldor nation, you know how do we value our traditions? As long as you look respectably, no one will ask questions about your weapon.. Of course, you need to keep yourselves clean and not stained in blood...", she smiled, "Many people coming to Kith tomorrow, will be wearing ceremonial armour and carry their heirloom arms, don't worry about that."
Muesello brought several paper sheets out of his table. Than he quickly separated some of them, bearing Glyph of open road, and put those aside. Finally, he passed three dozen of sheets, two ink pens and one vial of black ink to Odmar.
"I don't have much in stock. As experience agents, you probably have your journals and writing tools. Anyway, you can visit trading square tomorrow to stock on all stuff you need, as we can supply you only as much."
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"Ooo, Hork would like some parchment and ink, Mister Odmar!"
The tengu looks around the sizes up his companions before everyone departs, taking in the perceived skills and talents before him.
Two alchemists? Hork could maybe learn something from watching Mister Flash and Mister Onyo to better Hork's own alchemical training.
"Hork is very good at look-out duty. This job should be a piece of worm-cake."
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Looking around, I see we have two alchemists in your company. Although I realize the sheer fire power of your talents is unquestionable, I think it is worth noting that we are on a mission of secrecy. We have been instructed to try and leave things undisturbed. That being said, I won’t ask you not to use your talents if need arises. I would only request that you do so sparingly and in a way that will not leave things unrepairable. At the end of the day we will need to remove any sign of our presence.
After her less then tactful statement, Tatiana quietly turns to face the fireplace. She stands there considering her harsh words. I hope I haven’t offended anyone, but that needed to be said.
I apologize, if my insight was untactful or offensive to anyone. It wasn’t my intent.
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Hork's beady eyes widen in appreciation at Mister Odmar's generous gift, though the tengu remains silent. He knows his words can get him into trouble, so sometimes it's better to not say anything at all.
The rest of the day, Hork has very little to do to prepare. This is his first real assignment as a fully-inducted member of the Pathfinder Society, so his personal funds are a bit low. He spends the majority of the day resting on the roof of the tallest building he can find, looking out at the river beyond the Opparan docks.
Hork eventually reconvenes with the rest of his adventuring party at the specified rendevous time and place.
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"No offense taken Tatiana. I understand that my chosen profession can leave some to feel a bit...nervous around me, I assure you, my potions and bombs are only tested in my lab. I would never think to use one in an environment full of knowledge such as a library, which is why I also carry this." With that last word, Flash pulls out his heavy pick. "Trust me, if I need to use this, it won't be a problem and chances are it won't blow up anything either." He chuckles and hangs the pick from his belt again.
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"Hmmph. Much more to alchemy than simply explosions, Varasian. Our path is one of knowledge, discovery. Combining disparate threads and trinkets to create new wonders." He fishes around in his pocket for a vial of clear, silver-tinged liquid. "Here. Method for reduction. Useful for stealth, squeezing. Had to dissect a Spriggan to detemrine right inversion catalysts." Another contianer is withdrawn, this one's contents a bright red. " For magical attunement. Helps focus mind, grants me insight into leylines, auras, arcane classifications." A third vial, green. "Curative measures. Speaks for itself. All useful, all complex, all non-flammable. Still, I will be sure to stop myself form going 'boom'."
Having given his retort to Tatiana, Onyo turns again to the dwarf. "Friend, have you by chance any method of detecting hidden passages and rooms? I've heard of such concoctions. Haven't had a chance to research such things myself yet; most experience academic so far."
"If not," Onyo asks their patron, "The contact has enough information to know there is a door to look for. DO they have any ideas of where might be a place to start looking? Archives can be large, and two hours not a long time to stumble about."
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Tatiana places a soft hand on the sturdy dwarfs shoulder while smiling warmly at both of her new alchemical companions. I am so glad we are in such competent hands. If there were any doubts about this new group’s competence, they have been more than removed. I have never traveled with such a well versed and intelligent group as this one before. It will be interesting, at the least, to see such strong minds at work. Tatiana removes her hand from the dwarf’s shoulder, then stands quietly, enjoying the warmth of the room.
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As agents were ready to leave, Lady Morilla said: "Mr Sionadel, I'd like to have private word with you. Just a courtesy talk regarding current Taldor standings, I'd like to see your point of view..."
She gestured to a chair nearby and took a sip of red wine from her glass.
Muesello guide others to main door and as soon as Odmar went out, he put a letter in Flash hand and whispered: "This is a letter from Ambrus Valsin. It contains message crypted with old Taldan cypher. He believes you can find key in library."
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As Flash read a header of Valsin's letter it stated
[i]It come to our attention, that you will have access to secret Taldan library. There is a piece of code, you need to crack if you see any meanings for that.
Piece of code
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As Pathfinders had read a patron's letter in safe environment, they found that the hidden entrance to the archive could be found by studying honour, courage and glory in Academy's Rare Book Collection. As well, the scroll case contained a formal request signed by the Arch-Exarch Gregorius to admit the bearers to the Kitharodian Academy’s rare books collection.
And night passed with usual Taldan boldness and fun and parties around grand-city and then quiet morning came over Oppara. The day of celebration of Grand Prince's birthday brought numerous traders in city and market square is full of different sorts of goods. Bards were singing famous songs and street runners were asking for spare change here and there, while group navigated through rich streets of capital city.
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Colloquially called “the Kith,” this bard college is the largest in the city, and ranks among the largest on Golarion. Although this grand academy allows all souls that wishes 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.
Academy is located at nice place on top of cliff and has a great view. At the moment, when Pathfinders have arrived, Academy was surrounded by crowds of commoners and nobility, waiting for concert to begin. It took time to find way or push through the crowd. Sometimes members of Kitharodian academy blocked agent's way and it took time and effort for them to sneak or convince ushers to let Pathfinder's visit a library.
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Tatiana attempts to reason with the crowed, trying to negotiate a clear path. "Excuse me sir, may we..(ugh)," Her words trail off as the crowed over runs her attempts to converse with them.
"This," Two people bump into the young bard sending her shuffling to regain her footing.
"Is not going to," another small group of people push past Tatiana interrupting her statement.
With a deep sigh, Tatiana raises her hands into the air with frustration.
Frustrated with the overwhelming crowd, Tatiana starts looking for a diffrent rout to the library.
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Onyo approaches the Academy with great anticipation. The loose, ill-fitting robes he wears are dirty and garish compared to those worn by most of the crowd, but the Wayang stands tall (relatively speaking) as he tries to maneuver through the crowd.
Dast! Quite the turnout today. I'd forgotten how, flush, the streets can be with life, passers-bys-people. Perhaps should have come earlier.
He tries to squeeze through an opening in the throng here and there but his short stature gives him little leverage. Finding an academy member, Onyo attempts to get his assistance. "Excuse me. I have an urgent appointment at the Kith. Must arrive soon, vital!"
Ugh, this is getting nowhere. Must be better route. People can't just put up with this all the time! Has to be shortcut...