Academy of Secrets PFS (Inactive)

Game Master Vuvu

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Tracker Dot

Actually Tallak has it perfect. Can you all put stats in there like he has?

Greetings my friends, you may know me as Lithuan. I offer the aid of bow and spell from the Kyonin forest.

Great I was going to suggest you all do your introductions. Note this takes place in the Varisian City of Korvosa.

All of you received a personal invitation from the headmaster of the Acadamae, a man named Toff, to participate in the breaching festival. It is a festival held each year to attempt to enter teh academy. To succeed earns one magical might, fame and wealth. Of course no one has succeeded in a century.

Those who live in Korvosa received a personal letter and those from abroad received a letter with a scroll of greater teleport.

In any event all of you were contacted by new PFS Venture Captain Vuvu Zuela my eyes of the ten character...i cant help myself and he informed all of you of the potential gains for the society. Magical might, and especially knowledge of the acadamae and the festival. Go and win. Try not to die. He informed you all.

we wont start in eaernest till everyone is here and I know if the Cleric is joining us or not. but go ahead and introduce yourselves

You don't sleep, Jake.

"Hail and well met, Lithuan. I am.." The man looks hesitant to give his rank. "Venture Captain Tallak Jernfalk." The man is actually small for being an Ulfen, only about 6 foot tall 250 pounds or so. He is decked out in black mithral breastplate and carries an equally dark colored greatsword strapped to his back. His blond hair is cut rather short and he has not much for facial hair besides a small patch on his chin.

"Woof!" Comes a loud bark from next to him. "And this is my Venture Lieutenant, Thor." The VL in question is a hulking dark brown dire wolf much bigger than Tallak wearing studded leather barding and an amulet draped around his neck. "This had better be good."

A rather foppishly dressed individual pops into the lodge in Corvosa with a battered shield on his back. You're not quite sure who came up with this idea of a fashion statement, but you are certain they were insane.

"Hey there Lithuan, good to see you again. Glad this got to me just in time. The harridans of the court were getting to be a bit too much. So many horny kept women with husbands who cann't want to raise a sword-if you know what I mean- gets thoroughly wearying, "

Noting how everyone is looking at him -"Oh, this monkey suit, well I'm about fully convinced that the Emperor mandates the new fashions periodically so he can laugh at all the courtiers instead of having them summarily executed. Were I emperor, I'd probably go with the gallows. "

with a wave of his hand he is standing in a rather battered but well maintained suit of full plate.

"Anyway, I think the emperor is getting tired of how my reputation is growing. Sometimes those Ulfen guard are starting to look to me a bit funny."

Tallak rolls his eyes at Vars' entrance. "Taldans. ugh."

"Well met."

dang this kee-bored! ya meen ah hasta *TYP* everthin' ah'm gonna say? this noo-fangled 'cademy stuff's gonna make me crazy...

guy human taldan hillbilly (barb12 / bard2) (HtK = 165, AC=18/T12/FF18, Fort15/Ref12/Will11, init+2, percep=17)

A heinous case of trailer trash enters the scene, goes straight over to Vars, and plops down the keg he's carrying (holy symbol), and offers his fighter pal a mug of fresh lightnin'; gives a familiar nod to Lithuan -- then stands there with a slack-jawed grin...

"sorry ah'm late..."

"Nay, Duhwoo, be not troubled. We are always happy to wait for you and your particular... talents"

Duhwoo, take a look at the discussion thread, where I put up how you can format your text. No rush we have time, the transmuter wont be on till tonight at the earliest. and I dont want to overwhelm you

I done level'd up, put some more info on my info line -- filled in my profile, too. Also, character sheet can be viewed at:
<http://valhallas.com/Duhwoo.pdf>

"here's ta hootin' and a-hollerin' with some bad monsters!"

...I sure hope there's plenty of food -- let's see what Vars has in his pack...

(sniffing at the fighter's backpack -- 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23 -- perception check)

...say, while I wuz sniffin' around, I noticed that Ulfen guy has a powerful outdoorsy scent: reckon I'll stay close to him -- he prob'ly 'preciates the civilizin' influence of us Taldan folk anyway...

Looking around to make sure nobody respectable is watching, and seeing only Pathfinders, he takes the proffered mug from Duhwoo. "Ahh yes, been a while since I've had some of your corn squeezings. It's got a bite those brandies they serve in court simply can't match." He takes a swig, and starts coughing. "Oh yeah, that's got a bite. " and finishes the rest of it.

There is no food odor coming out of Var's pack. Vars has a clear spindle ioun stone in his wayfinder which gives the resonant power of preventing domination by evil critters. The main power of the stone is that he doesn't need to eat or drink.

It is apparent that Lithuan and Tallak son of Keldor give equal consideration to their personal grooming. Perhaps it is an Andoran trait.

Of course I have this bad feeling that Duhwoo will be the face again.

As you all sit around catching up on good times and meeting new faces ther door to the lodge slowly opens by itself.. Entering afterwards is a tall, lithe creature wearing dark blue robes with stars stitched all over it.. As she looks up you can get the tell tale features of an elven female.. She has pale skin, blue eyes, and smells of lilacs.. You also notice she's not walking, but floating a few inches off the ground.. At her waist you notice a few pouches, one holding several scrolls and the other serveral potions.. She wears a sturdy looking backapck and carries an ash staff with a blue gem set atop it.. She bow's as she notices the rest of you..

"Good day gentlemen, I am Avoreal Starseeker and I am here to see a man named Toff.. Are any of you him? And if not can one of you show me to him please?" She scans around the room and pauses to give a nod and then a smile to Lithuan..

No more than a minute after Avoreal arrives a nondescript human servant enters.

This way if you please. He turns and leads teh party to the headmasters office. It is an orderly room with floor to ceiling bookshelves, behind the desk at the far end is a wizened man.

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.

K(local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
K(arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Lithuan bows formally to Avoreal "A pleasure. May all your journeys be in the light, Mistress Starseeker"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

"Can we get some background on this event. Is there any information on the threats involved, and since you mentioned a prize, I'm a bit curious as to what that might be. Forewarned is forearmed and all that rot. "

He smiles. Ah the prize. Well it multiplies each year that there is no winner. Currently the prize stands at 153,000 gold pieces. Though there are fees and taxes et cetera. But in any event it is quite substantial.

As to what you can expect...The Breaching
Festival, grew out of the Hall of Wards’ claim that
their traps and defenses were so great that no thief could
breach them. The danger is for real—the dangers contestants face
are lethal. Each year, the dean of the Hall of Wards, with
the aid of a handpicked group of talented spellcasters
(most of whom are final-year students or graduates of the
Acadamae), crafts a new series of traps and dangers. No
one else knows what these wards are until the festival is
underway.

He continues conspiritorialy in previous years, all
manner of magical traps, particularly those that summon
monsters or use glyphs and wards, have been used.

Now in case you don't know here are the rules.

The rules are simple. First, there
can be but one winner—although you are welcome
to work together to help one of their team win and then
split the money, quite the payout of course.
Second, while contestants are free to work together if they
wish, they are not allowed to directly interfere with other
contestants. Third, the contestant who first emerges
from the front doors of the Hall of Wards is the winner.
Finally, all contestants must sign forms that release the
Acadamae of any liability for any misfortune suffered as
a result of the contest.

"Oh great, traps. I just love traps. " Vars mutters with a scowl on his face. Then louder "You say contestants cannot interfere with each other, so that means we won't be the only bunch going in? "

That is correct. It does all boil down to being a race. The first to finish wins.

"So are there a bunch of other outsiders invited as well, or is it just us and locals? Always a good idea to size up the opposition you know. Also when you say no rules beyond those mentioned, does this mean wonton destruction of the contest area is fine? Just good to know what bounds there are. "

Listening to the man Avoreal ponders..

Know Arcana: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (9) + 23 = 32
Know Local: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40

She then leans over to Lithuan.. "Been along time since ive seen another elf.. Been doing research in the desert and all.. Not to many there.. Well met Master Lithuan.. Perhaps when we win this prize ill let you take me out for a drink.' She finsihes with a smile of pearly white teeth.. She then turns her attention back to the man speaking..

"It seems ill be studying up on my dispels.."

"Tell me good sir.. Do teleportation magics work in and out of this hall?"

"So are there a bunch of other outsiders invited as well, or is it just us and locals? Always a good idea to size up the opposition you know. Also when you say no rules beyond those mentioned, does this mean wonton destruction of the contest area is fine? Just good to know what bounds there are. "

There are 4 other contestants. A halfling named Fatmire, human woman named Illia Ean, a dwarf named Knur, and the local favorite, one of our student teachers a human named Maganrad. I suppose you could destroy all the buildings...though I suspect their magics would make that difficult. But of course wanton destruction would come out of your reward when you are victorious.

"Tell me good sir.. Do teleportation magics work in and out of this hall?"

Well it wouldn't be much of a competition if you could just teleport in now would it? Considering this is a magic academy. He says wryly.

"Not like I'm talking about blowing up buildings (though you never know with those wizard types), but if I need to break through a wall, that's all kosher then. Good to hear. I sometimes prefer an indirect approach. "

"I assumed you wouldnt just be able to teleport to the finish.. I meant more on the lines of coming out to get something needed.. But i understand now.. Dont memorize any teleports.."

Oh from outside, you can teleport to pick something up, but of course once the competition begins you must stay.

Vars I cannot promise that you will not be charged for the repair if the Dean finds it unnecessary.

"This is a strange tradition you humans have... a contest so lethal it has not been won in longer then your lifetime. Do you not prefer your citizens and students alive? I feel you may be leaving some fact out of this deal.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

He rolls his eyes. Only the strongest compete, and it is volunteer based. It is no different than the adventuring that you do, though this is, at least, a controlled danger. And before you ask about making it easier what would be the point of having a contest tht rewards massive wealth and magic and fame if it was not a challenge?

the ninja warrior of Golarion if you will

"So what, masonry is cheap. " then he looks over at Lithuan. "you know how it is, no risk no reward. Not like someone is gonna fork over a hunnert and fifty thou for a match of checkers. "

Well Vars, it is possible that inside there is a match of checkers. The most dangerous checkers you have ever faced. He says very seriously.

"Make it a craps game and you might pique my interest. For now I expect to have to kill things and break stuff. Both of which I have a knack for. Checkers, well not so much."

"I think the challenge sounds fun.. Its been quite a while since my skills have been tested.. Tell me Toff, where is the closest place to buy a few scrolls around here? Some extra dispels might be in order.. And i guess this challenge starts tomorrow?'

History: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

"One more thing Mister Headmaster.. I've read up on this before and doesn't the invitations usually come from the Dean?"

Scrolls can be purchased here on campus easily enough. And yes It begins in the morning. Yes usually the Dean of Wards makes the invites. But...honestly, I thought if I could find the first winner in so long that it would be quite the feather in my cap. He grins sheepishly

"A death race. I guess I can appreciate a contest about survival of the fittest." Thor nods in agreement.

once Dahwoo gets a shot to have some fun, we can move on. Until then ask as many questions as you want or go shopping, things can be bought here or in Korvosa proper.

"So the Dean has no idea our group will be entering? Nothing ive ever read allows for others to invite participants.."

He knows, he knows. He invited the others, I invited you. There is nothing in the rules against another dean or the headmaster inviting others, it just is not usually done.

history checkers know that to be true. it is unusual but true

"Very well.. Who would like to donate to the dispel magic scroll fund? I have enough to purchase a few scrolls but the more we can take the better imo..

"I can chip in a little. How much do you need, Avoreal?"

"Well the basic scrolls of dispel magic are 375 a piece.. I have enough to buy 2 after i pick up some more expensive material components.."

"I'll get 2 then. I don't think we need much more than that."

"I agree.. I have 1 already, so that will make 5.. I can memorize several also.."

"Do you think the basic ones will work? Isn't there a greater dispel as well? Might those not be better?"

(it becomes evident whilst the party has been discussing equipment, Mr McKeener has been fidgeting with the spigot on the keg he carries around -- and he's gotten his pinky stuck)

"Traps!?! Ah hate traps! Cain't we just find some monsters to whack? Whut about just beatin' up the other parties -- winner of the fight gets the prize? Or maybe a Checkers tournament -- I do *love* Checkers..."

(freeing his pinky, Duhwoo sets the Keg aside)

"I gots tons o' cousins and more distant relations whut would be handy to send in front to find the traps -- but thems all back in Taldor, livin' in the Shady Mountian Trailer Park, whut turns out happens to be on the lands Master Vars' is lord of, bein' he got granted Taldan nobleness and such. So maybe I can buy a wand or two whut'll summon up critters to run in front instead..."

it will probably be tonight before i can actively advance the plot but tonight i will do so.

Our heroes are interupted as the headmaster says he has business to attend to before the competition. Every goes their ways to make purchases etc. As everyone meets back up for dinner, just outside Ornelos Hall A 3 on the map a lanky wizard approaches, obviously a student.

Well met!I am Jandar. I recently graduated but I do hope to be a teacher here. So I have volunteered to show you around. All the halls of magic are closed but I can answer any questions you have and of course show you to your rooms. He says with a cheerful smile.