Academy of Secrets (Inactive)

Game Master mathpro18

This game starts in the lovely month of Desnus. Spring is in full bloom and the temperatures are starting to rise once again, bringing with them the promise of fair weather. Being that your all higher level characters you have all developed a reputation and in come cases it alone is responsible for your involvement in the Breaching Festival.

Nadya accepts the envelope from the woman without speaking, swinging her door closed once she has accepted the note. When she hears the soft "snick" of the latch catching, she turns right and walks through a pair of glass paned doors into her study. She sits down in a leather armchair, morning sun dappling the room and warming her exposed skin as she ponders the envelope.

Barely thinking, her fingers dance in a familiar rhythmic pattern so quickly they would be an impossible blur to anyone watching.

Casts Detect Magic and assuming no magic is detected.

Nadya lifts a mithral letter opener and deftly cuts a slit across the top of the envelope. Her fingers pinch the richly textured paper within and she draws out and reads Toff's invitation.

She murmurs to herself, "Ah, good Toff, is it time for the Breaching Festival again so soon? Who shall it be this year? Tamas? Hanzi? No and no, both loyal...so far. Perhaps sweet Kizzy? No, still useful. Curiously, I have no one that requires a...lesson...at the moment. Perhaps this is the year that Toff finally gets his wish."

Nadya sets the invitation down on her side table and glides back into the kitchen where she retrieves an abandoned cup of tea and cradles it in her hands, breathing in the sweet floral vapor. "I think I shall go see Toff at least. It is unusual to hear that he'd like to see me a day before the festival."

Tea finished, Nadya goes upstairs to prepare for the meeting with Toff. Today she selects a beautiful matching deep blue blouse and skirt with rich orange comets and stars. She casts Magic Vestment over her clothes, having cast Threefold Aspect at the start of the day.

An hour later, she picks the invitation up from her side table and heads out the door to seek Toff.

A small robed wearing a hood that hides all detail but his glowing green eyes opens the door and merely stares at the woman for a moment before taking the scroll and reading it.
"*Hisssss* Thisss iss interessting. I had planss to vissit the Acadamae. How nisse that Toff would ssee fit to invite me perssonally."
Kesh takes the scroll. Packing his things quickly he soon puts the scroll to good use to travel to Korsova. Once he arrives he quickly seeks out Toff.

Grabbing his spectacles, Skerrin quickly reviews the contents of the envelope, complex emotions playing across his face.

It has been so long since I was in Korvosa, but the memory is still painfully fresh... I know that I have wanted to make some journeys, but is this excursion down memory lane really the wisest path to take? Still, it would be nice to see the city again... and to prove to those fools exactly what they were trifling with when they expelled me from the city...

He then nods to the woman.

"Give me an hour to collect my things, and put my affairs in order, and I will avail myself of the opportunity the scroll you have provides me with."

Skerrin then quickly moves about his house, collecting those things he feels will be needed for The Breaching Festival...

Faylin opens the door dressed in nothing but his cotton undergarments covering his nether regions. Standing in the doorway he skims through the letter, mumbling along as he does so:

"Important event...blah blah blah...breaching festival...blah blah blah..."

Faylin looks up at the messenger girl with a proud look on his face, he snorts and says

"Ima guest of honor."

Faylin rereads the letter, finally he looks up and says:

"Well don't just stand there, come in, and for heavens sake close the door behind you."

He walks back into the house, picking his way through discarded clothing and old, half-eaten meals. He heads into a small adjoining closet that at the very center sits an armor rack holding a very fine set of armor. The walls on either side are lined with weaponry, everything from swords and spears to boomerangs and bolas. He begins taking weapons from the racks and piling them onto the floor, once satisfied with a small pile of armaments he turns towards the armor and freezes.

"Would ya mind helpin' me with my armor? I been meaning to get another squire but they ain't been too keen on joinin up with me since the last one died."

Oops my mistake you weren't invited to participate in the Breaching festival by the mayor. Toff is actually the headmaster of the academy...my bad

The woman scoffs at your attitude Faylin but moves into your house and closes the door behind her. 'I have a feeling the old man didn't pay me enough to deliver this batch of invetations...between the strange creature that hissed at me, the really really old dude, and the leader of a crime syndicate, and now mister 'I answer the door in my underwewar' I think Toff is starting to lose it' she thought to her self as she watched the young man ransack his closet looking for gear. As he turns to ask her if she will help him with his armor she looks at him, a glimmer of anger in her eye.

I am a courier not a common squire. she thinks for a moment and then adds But time is of the essence in this matter so I guess if I have to... her words trail off as she puts her bag of belongings down and starts to help you with your armor. Once your ready to go she will teleport you back to town.

You all arrive in town and approach the academy gates. You are stopped by the guards but once you show them your invitation they quickly escort you into Headmaster Toffs office. A secretary sits at a desk outside of his office, the door to which is closed. She looks at your invitation and then instructs you to wait for everyone involved to arrive. Once everyone is there you are escorted into Toff's office.

The wizened headmaster stands to welcome you, his long beard wagging slightly as he moves to shake everyone's hand. Once the secretary has left the room and you are all comfortably seated in the over stuffed leather chairs in his office he starts addressing the group.

Welcome, and thank you for answering my invitation. As I’m
sure you well know, the Breaching Festival is a longstanding Acadamae tradition, with prizes both material and magical. You might also know that entry in the contest is traditionally reserved for only the best and bravest of our students and a select few representatives of other Korvosan institutions. This year, though, we’re changing tradition and expanding the invitations further than ever—we want the most powerful,
qualified individuals to compete, in other words. It has been a century and a half since the last—the only—winner of the Breaching Festival won the prize! One of you surely must bring glory to yourself and the Acadamae by enduring the traps and tricks in the Hall of Wards. I’m even willing to bend the rules to allow a team of allied competitors like yourselves to cooperate as a single unit—whatever it takes to get a winner tomorrow. If you have questions feel free to ask.

Faylin leans back, resting his hand on the pommel of his sword.

"Honestly I'm going to throw my hat in any case, though I am curious, what is the prize?"

"*Hissss* I want knowledge. All the knowledge thiss Academy possssessssess. Every little dirty ssecret and sso on. You can keep your, bleh, tangibless to yoursself. Knowledge iss power." The glowing green eyes of the hooded creature narrow at the headmaster as he speaks.

"Oooh, I'm intrigued already. One in it for material gain. Another for knowledge. I am in merely for the notoriety of succeeding where so many have failed. This could be a fascinating group. How about you old man?"

Skerrin inclines his head, cordially listening to Toff's words. After a suitable pause, he replies.

"I would be pleased to participate in the Breaching Festival this year; I remember well the furor caused when it was last won, and I can only imagine the response if someone managed to win after so long."

"How about you old man?"

Skerrin smiles thinly, before replying cryptically:

"I seek the righting of old wrongs."

Faylin raises a hand and says:

"Wait a minute...."

He pauses for a moment with a hand raised, you can almost hear the gears in his head clicking together.

*click*...*click*...*click*

Finally he chuckles, looking at Nadya he says:

"You're pretty."

Faylin raises a hand and says:

"Wait a minute...."

He pauses for a moment with a hand raised, you can almost hear the gears in his head clicking together.

*click*...*click*...*click*

Finally he chuckles, looking at Nadya he says:

"You're pretty."

The glowing eyes look up at Faylin. "It took you that long to notisse? I wass aware of her rare beauty from the moment we met. I worry about how much you will aid uss in thiss endeavour."

"I worry about how much you will aid uss in thiss endeavour."

Faylin looks at the small cloaked figure squinting, as if trying to see his face. Finally, he laughs a hearty laugh and says:

"A bit more than one of your size eh? Are you sure you're big enough to go on this adventure?"

Kesh wrote:

"I worry about how much you will aid uss in thiss endeavour."

Faylin looks at the small cloaked figure squinting, as if trying to see his face. Finally, he laughs a hearty laugh and says:

"A bit more than one of your size eh? Are you sure you're big enough to go on this adventure?"

The hooded creature turns his gaze forward. "I will be if needed."

Toff just looks at the group and shakes his head. He looks at Faylin and clears his throat. As I'm sure you know, every year the festival goes with out a winner the prize money from that year gets added to the money from previous years. This year the prize is 153,000 gold.

Nadya pointedly ignores Faylin and asks Toff, "Ok, so you're interested in having us participate, possibly together. So, why have you gathered us today instead of simply having us come for the festival tomorrow."

Skerrin inclines his head.

"Indeed. The fact that you have gathered us all together ahead of time suggests that you have some specific purpose in mind..."

Faylin frowns at Nadya's instant dismissal of him but turns to toff and says:

"Money is money, I don't really care for reasons, thinking too much gets you dead."

Kesh begins to mutter in a different language.

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days its been crazy around here...

Toff smiles as he's asked why everyone has been gathered a day early. Well I want to make sure that all of you feel up to the challenge. No one has won the festival in over a century and a half, and thats' far to long a streach for a school that produces some of Galarion's most skilled Wizards. Frankly, it makes us look bad. So I just wanted to make sure that you four were up to the task at hand.

Make me a sense motive check

Frankly, it makes us look bad.

Faylin shrugs and says:

"I guess you could say that, if I was you people I would totally say that it's because we's so good. I mean if nobodys gotten through ever, ever? thats pretty good magics.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8.

"Well, if that is indeed the only reason, I hope that we are able to put on a sufficiently good show!"

Kesh narrows his eyes at the headmaster. Sense Motive:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Kesh you feel the headmaster is holding something back but your not really sure what.

*Hissss* You are hiding ssomething from uss Toff. You would be wisse to tell uss everything. I do not like being decieved."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

"Kesh is right Master Toff. While we're certainly all confident in our ability, if you truly wish to have a winner this year, you should share everything with us."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26

Faylin grunts with displeasure, blinking quizzically at Toff.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (18) + 27 = 45

Derp!

That sword at my side looks pretty damn sharp right now don't it?

Ya, well done :)

Wow I'm not used to DMing this high...for a second there I was like how the hell do you get a +27 to intimidate...lol. Sorry I haven't posted for a while...it doesn't say why your there a day early which really annoys me so now I have to actually be creative and fill in the blank...how dare this module make me be creative :P.

The old man jumps a little at Faylin's look but seems generally unimpressed.

Really young man you think your glare will scare me. These old eyes have seen many more scary things than you...have you ever seen a 40 foot giant turned inside out before? I have...er anyway I digress. Really I just think it would be nice to see a winner to the contest before I die of old age. So please go forth and explore the campus. The day is yours to prepare how ever you wish but be sure to be at your best tomorrow because we do need a winner.

These old eyes have seen many more scary things than you...have you ever seen a 40 foot giant turned inside out before?

Faylin looks genuinely interested at what he says.

"Inside out? man that would be cool. No, but I did cut one of the smaller ones in halfsies one time, was pretty sick. I thinks you didn't answer their questions though."

Skerrin inclines his head.

"Very well. I take it that it is known that we have your blessing to explore the campus, and are officially to be considered your guests? I would not want any... misunderstandings... to spoil things."

"Very well Toff. Play your games. I'm sure we'll learn soon enough just what is going on here."

"Indeed. In the meantime I requesst acscesss to your sschoolss library. I wissh to read up on thiss fesstival. I am curiouss ass to what we will encounter insside. With that Kesh gets to his feet. Bows, and heads out the door to go and investigate the library for any info on what might be expected from this event.

Faylin looks around at the people leaving, seeing that no one cares he simply shrugs and heads out, nodding to Toff. Stepping out into the city he heads to the nearest Tavern and prepares for the journey ahead by living this night as if it was his last.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll

Toff looks to Skerinn and smiles Yes you are all my guest as of today. Though I wouldn't go around sturring up to much trouble his eyes drift over to look at Nadya as he finishes his statement. We have wizards watching every inch of campus so if anything...unsavery were to happen we would have record of it. He then straighens up But I feel I have kept you long enough.[b]

And with that he calls for his secretary who escorts another man into the room. The tall lanky man introduces himself as Jandar Lilswin and he explains that he has been seleted as your guide for the day. He will do what ever you ask of him with in reason. Kesh at your mention of the school library his eyes light up [b]Oh yes we have a great library on campus. Come this way and I will show it to you. With that he leads everyone else out of the room.

As you reach the doors to the hall to go outside you hear a loud thunderous crash coming from beyond a closed. The crash is followed by a blood chilling scream. I need everyone to roll me initiative.

I need everyone to roll me initiative.

Faylin looks towards the door, hefting his shield into a readied position he reaches for his back, taking a trident into his hand. Flicking his head forward his helm clanks shut.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Kesh simply looks at the doors and readies his component pouch. He also unties his robes not quite revealing his appearance. He nods. "You firsst fighter. I'll sstep in if you need backup but I prefer not to wasste sspellss if I don't have to. Though on ssecond thought. I may jusst go all out anywayss. Just to sshow what I am capable of. Let uss ssee what iss there first."

Initiative:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18.

Hmmm... That does not sound good; so much for a 'quiet day'...

Nadya winks at Toff, "Oh Toff, is my reputation really that bad?"

Nearing the door and hearing the crash, Nadya considers the situation for a moment, An early test from Toff?

Intiative (roll 3x and take best due to Temporal Celerity)
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Well that wasn't very exciting. Also can act in surprise round due to Temporal Celerity if we're having a surprise round.

If Nadya can act in the surprise round, she will Speed Time for herself, Faylin, Kesh, and Skerrin. Acts as Haste.

Does anyone check the door? I also want 2 actions posted by everyone just in case your first action isn't possible. We are in the surprise round now.

Does anyone check the door? I also want 2 actions posted by everyone just in case your first action isn't possible. We are in the surprise round now.

(lol, of course I roll a nat 2 & 1 on both my attacks)

For now, Nadya is staying away from the door.

Surprise Round
Action 1: Speed Time
Action 2: Time Flicker

Will wait to see what happens in Surprise Round before posting Round 1. If anything comes through those doors before her surprise round action, she'll use a move action to teleport out of reach (not sure how big this room is to give you direction or specifics).

Surprise Round:

Action 1: Cast Magic Circle Against Evil.

Action 2: Flee ;-)

Kesh will wait until there is a reason to get violent. Screams can be heard but I hear no monsters. So just patiently wait for our fighter to go first.

Surprise Round Wrap up

Faylen you bust down the door and you see a spider the size of a bull elephant rearing up on its back four legs in a violent challenge, eyes shimmering with magical energy. It then shoots a charge of electricity out of its eyes at a girl(presumably the one that screamed) and she lets out another blood chilling scream before she hits the floor, her eyes rolling into the back of her head. It then turns to face you and you try throw your trident at him but it goes wide right and gets stuck in a desk. It will take you 2 rounds to retrieve it if you wish to do so. Skerrin your spell goes off(see OOC comment). Nadya your spell goes off and everyone is now under the effects of the Haste spell. Kesh from where you are you can see this giant spider towering over Faylen ready to eat him(is that enough danger for you?).

Skerrin I am not sure but from what I can find your spell only affects people in a 10 foot radius. Since I will not be using a battle mat for combats, at least for now, I don't know who you intended to get into the area of affect of the spell. I was going to assume you and Kesh but wanted to ask before I made the assumption.

I also have two simple requests:
1. If your going to cast a spell can you please hyperlink to the description of the spell. I think it will help your fellow players as well as me figure out what affects are going on during the battle.
2. If anyone is good at creating battle maps please please please do so for this encounter. If your interested in doing so please let me know and I'll get you a map of the room.

Lastly I wanted to say this is the first time I've run an adventure with a party that is this high in level so please bare with me as I'm bound to make mistakes

With all those actions taking place round 1 is ready to begin. Please post 2 possible actions on your turn. When your done I'll summarize the round.

With all those actions taking place round 1 is ready to begin. Please post 2 possible actions on your turn. When your done I'll summarize the round.

Mostly, I was trying to protect Skerrin, with something that he could use to cover other people, if it became necessary.

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (20) + 40 = 60.

I'm not terribly used to high level play as a player either. No worries, we'll have fun.

Nadya calls out something in a heavenly voice.

Round 1
Status Initiative 17, 62/62 hp, Haste (11 more rounds), AC 21/15/16