Nokazi reviews the stylus and clicks the three core Taldoran leadership traits, Honor, Courage and Glory.
Click!
The section of the wall which you noticed does indeed swing outward and reveals a 15-foot passage which ends in a spiral staircase leading down.
Upon inspection the door has a latch which allows opening and closing from within. The hallway and descending spiral stairs are lit by magical lamps.
Nokazi's stealth is unfortunately disrupted by the following 'insanity' of a salivating Mur.
Fortunately the 20' descending spiral staircase terminates in an unlocked door. Upon opening the door you see a long fastidiously clean stone hallway stretching from north to south with several sets of doors along its east and west walls. The south wall bears a 10-foot-square field of carved divots that create no particular pattern.
An inscription above the carving reads “The keenest eyes cannot see everything. Always remember to see the big picture.”
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Silena nods, "Well done Nokazi! I'll follow at 30'ft... I am not a trap finder... be careful I'm sure there are traps here."
Silena follows down the steps.. but she does not keep Mur from going ahead of her if he's so inclined.
Surveying the room at the bottom with the unlocked door... she regards the south wall with the irregular divots.
She grimaces, "...That.. undoubtedly is the results of a triggered trap!"
Silena looks around trying to spot on the opposite wall facing the south wall what could have possibly made those divots. She also studies the ceiling and floor...
Searching diligently, Nokazi realizes this place is clean. Zahur finds no magical emanations nor traps in the area either.
Which door would you like to open? the West doors or East?
Mur steps into the large room and pauses his tap dance in awe of the daunting amount of books to search. Your first room and it's filled with shelves upon shelves...where to begin?
Use any Know rolls here, yes ANY to search for clues, other rooms will not be so generous.
You can divide the time required to search the room between each person actively researching. (e.g. three can search a medium room in 20 minutes). No more than four of you can efficiently search a small room at the same time.
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Nokazi dives into the books with Zahur, researching any local related topics and copying the information then quickly looks around the library for anything of importance.
Zahur, we are looking for details on the Shining Crusade, correct? I am not a history buff, but I can investigate how current events may be impacted by it."
Nokazi and Mur notice the Lion observing them and when he notices that you notice his 'subtlety he quickly resumes his statuesque performance.
Nokazi finds a clue!
Mur, you can assist.
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Silena moves into the room following Nokazi... she moves to a different section of books, also the lion catching her eyes she regards it briefly ever wary of potential traps. She keeps her distance from it ..but never lets it out of her sight.
"Right, let's get too this.. remember we're looking for Shining Crusade lore... nothing else, for now!"
As a passing comment she adds, "Be watchful and mindful of potential traps...!"
Glancing his way, and noticing his bored restlessness Silena smiles, "Mur. There are two doors on the east side of the room .. go secure those, be mindful of the lion statue.. there may be traps."
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"Yes, yes I am aware. We are researching the Shining Crusade to help those poor, doomed Mendevians. Though I'm sure the Society benefits somehow, besides in the obvious interest of self-preservation against that Worldwound business. We're looking for history. Specifically the history of war tactics. Unfortunately I'm not as well versed in this subject as I would have hoped, though I suppose I can't blame them for assuming." Zahur says as he peruses the stacks of books in front of him some more clues.
Two more clues have been found!
Zahur notices the lion watching him, actually he is very aware the lion is watching, possibly annoyed by it.
Through your 'Dewy Decimal' diligence you to find interesting Taldoran gossip yet nothing offers you substantial clues nor points of interest.
Feeling bored Mur decides to open a door, which he cannot. Both doors leading East are locked tight.
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Silena will intensify her search for the next 15minutes and follow up on clue 3# seeking any reference to the prolific author...
Silena will also use clue number 1# to assist her in narrowing down the time needed to find the topic she is seeking...
Using his the prolific authors name and the cross-reference to hunt down any references to the arrayed Religious orders assembled for the final battles with the Whispering Tyrant... which might lead her to details of the arcane and divine tactics they used to face down the hordes of minions... specifically the demonic ones he employed against the Shining Crusade.
Jumping like a little girl, Despair springs around the corner stating "I think I found something!"
Mur looks at her blankly, apparently confounded by the locked door.
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Silena looks up.. hearing Zahur's comments...
She narrows her eyes and walks over to the lion head regarding it she casts and attempts to identify if it is some kind of guardian construct...
Addressing the construct, "What is your purpose construct? Do you have a sentience... or are you just a guardian against the books being removed?"
On a whim... Silena takes hold of the spiked chain weapon draped seductively about her slim & shapely waist with her left-hand spiked gauntleted fist.. and in a very graceful... and disturbingly sensuous pirouette she spins in place - taking her eyes off the lion for only a split-second, and suddenly her spiked chain is in both hands and she twirls lazily one end of it menacingly...
The Lion head moves slowly, indifferently surmising each of you then in a deep gravely voice he speaks!
"Who is this in front of me? Who reviews these tombs? Are you new Lion Blades? You do not look familiar to me.
The Lion head moves slowly, indifferently surmising each of you then in a deep gravely voice he speaks!
"Who is this in front of me? Who reviews these tombs? Are you new Lion Blades? You do not look familiar to me.
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Silena ponders the lion then sighs. A quick spin in place and she drapes the spiked cold-Iron chain about her waist again... and approaches the lion directly.
Addressing it directly she curtseys politely.
"It is I... , Battle Priestess of ZON-KUTHON who stands before you, Guardian. No. I am no Lion Blade, but I do have permission to be here in this most secret library. The deems that our cause.. the research of tactics used by the to face the are of vital .. and perhaps urgent importance to all civilizations, Taldor no less than any other, in stemming the tide of fiends pouring forth from the World Wound and assaulting Mendev! If the Low Templars should fail.. not only is the east lost... but potentially the whole world! Taldor needs not another invasion by fiends! But alas the lives in trying times... the very nature of this Library might bring salvation in the lore it holds.. OR it might also spell upheaval and turmoil in a time the is consolidating his own needed political resources to stabilize all of Taldor. So this library is as much a hope as it is a harbinger of social doom and unrest. The does not even avow it exists... he cannot give us publicly known approval to be here without causing much strife to his own efforts.. but he understands it is vital we find what we are looking for! If it were publicly known he gave US access - other nobility.. not his allies in court, could demand to have access as well and have legal standing to press the case; all to get at information that would be damaging to the crown! I have the legal papers to be here... but they are only to be used as a last resort, to protect, but more importantly conceal, the hand in this matter! I do not want to cause untold strife in Taldor over this. There are many at court that wish to use the World Wound troubles to further their own political agendas... not conducive to the goals and at the expense of the many who will die lest this vital information be retrieved.. discretely."
"But, you Guardian of the Library... if you will promise to reveal to no one save the Grand Prince of Taldor and his 'Direct Servants' and Agents, the nature of the papers I have granting us access.. I will show them to you so you know I speak truth."
The lion eyes you all warily,
"Well now, how does one of your status know so much of the outside world?
Hmmmm, while I appreciate your dedicated fight for survival I am reluctant to assist, yet..."
Shaking his rocky mane the animated lions head speaks again,
"Tell me more of the outside world. I have been here o' so long, recent important political or geographical happenings are not told to me. I would hear more of this Grand Prince and his designs."
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Silena grouses, "...you don't ask much do you? The world is big and our time is only a scant 2hours to find what we need!"
{Sigh} "...well if you must know of one of my status... I'll be brief. I come from Nidal.. born to High Priest of ZON-KUTHON ... my father and his ... 'paramour' - High Priestess of Demon Lord 'The Creeping Queen', MAZMEZZ. Their relationship is a matter of lust and convenience.. not affection at all. There is a natural rent in the earth in Nidal that gives access to the Darklands. The elves that reside in those midnight depths have..'use' for the resources Nidal can provide. For 'considerations' my father negotiated with my mother for access to those "Resources" - namely slaves and living innocent sacrifices to feed the vile demon lords the those elves worship! One of those 'considerations' was me."
"Every bargain with Kuthites involves some personal inflicted pain. For my mother that pain and continued torment was enduring the consummation of my conception and then bearing my birth to term. The other part of the 'consideration' was also my being dedicated to the church of Zon-Kuthon! My father takes EVERY opportunity to torment my mother with the knowledge of my existence... for she is a .. non-forgiving and prideful {in the extreme} elven woman of the Darklands. Father's sick pleasure is to see the shame and disgust in her eyes in my presence."
"I had no hope.. no chance... either my mother would condemn me to her sick brutal entertainments or my father would scheme my life away into institutionalized torment as a plaything of the church. I prayed for any power to grant me salvation... one answered."
"Zon-Kuthon promised me power to make my own freedom if I would embrace his torments and inflict pain and suffering in his name.. as long as I drew breath! His faith and service was the lesser of evils to choose from so I accepted his offer. He fulfilled his word.. he granted me power to wield his divine might to inflict pain and torment to those who tormented me, to inflict destruction upon my tormentors!"
"I became his cleric and could not longer be considered a toy to be abused or discounted.. any who did.. I gleefully killed! I rose in the ranks to full battle cleric and my parents continued to plot and scheme how to use and abuse me. It was clear to me if I were ever to have my own life I must seize it for myself."
"Zon-kuthon does not care WHO I inflict pain on or even why I inflict suffering in his name.. only that it be done in his name. I choose to inflict pain and torment on those deserving of its bitter touch.. the wicked, evil and black-heart beings of the world that seek to make the world a fear-filled terrible place to live in! Zon-Kuthon cares not.. so long as pain is inflicted and endured for his sick pleasure."
"I left Nidal and joined the Pathfinders... a adventuring organization concerned with plumbing the secrets and treasures of the past. Through them I travel constantly.. much harder for my parent to keep track of me and it tests my might .. providing challenges to overcome... growing my power! Someday I will return to Nidal if just to show my parents.. they can no longer control me! I have taken the pain they have heaped upon my life and turned it into strength! Strength to defy them.. and make stand by my own power!"
"THAT is who I am and how I have reached my status, stand before you and know so much about the world now - Guardian!"
She smiles lasciviously, "As for the world history... there literally is too much to relate. But perhaps a few highlights..."
"The War in Mendev continues.. the of the Worldwound are failing somehow the has found a way to weaken their power and his demon hordes are marshaling for a push west, But the forces of the Pathfinders and the Crusaders have won a smashing victory in slaying a number of Deskari's Demonic Generals - holding back the tide of fiends.. for now."
", the cult of the that seeks his rebirth, has been dealt a shattering blow in Ustalav by adventurers - Renchurch cleaned of its evil cultists, the 'way's' leaders slain, members scattered and the slain!"
"The cult of the ancient forgotten Goddess has made a comeback spreading schemes and corruption Galarion-wide!"
"In Varisia an aspect of the Rune Lord of Pride was also defeated by by adventures and a plague in Korvosa was averted. Speaking of Korvosa, finally after some 200 years the of the was beaten.. by a paladin no less.. a .. himself also a 'senior' Seeker Pathfinder!"
"Of the Pathfinders.. one has betrayed the Society for personal gain and assassinated several of the Deciverate in a plot to become the sole remaining Decimverate of the Society!"
"A Dark Blot appeared briefly over the skies of Riddleport and a fell from the sky off-shore near it!"
"In Kyonin the 'Lantern bearers' within Kyonin have been almost wiped out due to internal corruption and infighting ...leaving turmoil in the Elven Court!"
" daughter... has raised the Banner of defiance to her mother come to end her rulership of Irrisen! ...literally there is too much to tell!"
"As for Taldor.. beneath the pretense of high-culture the Taldan culture is one of short-term schemes for personal power, corrupt and many-time perverse in its goals. Thousands of noble houses claim heritage to the back to the golden ages of the Taldor Empire, and are constantly fighting for position and preeminence to control its byzantine bureaucracy of officials. Greed and avarice or the policy behind most politic now in Taldor. Betrayal and Assassination the 'business as usual tools of the day. Even the Grand Prince is not immune to the infighting and struggle for power between the feuding factions. can't trust most of his courtly officials from plotting treachery asd protects himself with a hand-pickled personal guard of fierce mercenaries from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings - his Ulfen Guard."
"What more would you know? It would take days to bring you up on courtly intrigue going on currently.."
Listening to you intently the Lion states in his gravely voice
"You have much to say young one and I thank you. After you have completed your studies here you may stay and educate me further."
He then opens his mouth showing a key...
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Silena gets a oddly embarrassed expression on her pretty features. Then serious look in her eye as she removed her right gauntlet looking the lion guardian in the eye without fear as she reaches her hand into its mouth to retrieve the key.
"You flatter me Guardian, but.. I do hope time will allow for such a conversation. You have my thanks.."
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Zahur bowed slightly, a gesture he did not take lightly. "Thank you Guardian. We are in your debt. You have just done Taldor--and the rest of Avistan a great service."
the hooded man turned to Silena. "....well that was quite a revealation. It really explains a lot about you Silena. You're actually quite open compared to most people I've met here. It's oddly refreshing to have people with you that don't seem to want to hide. It really put the stakes into perspective too. Trying times for our society. Just when I didn't need to be reminded of the presure. Shall we continue now that a portion of our friend here has his curiousity sated?"
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Silena lowers her eyes... an oddly embarrassed expression on one so bold... but punctuating how very young the pretty half-elf woman-child truly is!
She smiles a little self-consciously, "..truth... has not always been my shield, but sometimes discernment requires it. Many see - half-breed of an accursed race or cleric of the god of sick torment and automatically believe they know me. Yes, I serve and evil god... but that is not who I am. I am proud of who I am... what I have accomplished. Many do not understand why... but assume I revel in the darkness of my faith and heritage... when such is simply not the case."
"Anyways yes, Zahur... we still have much to search... let us continue."
Silena straightens her shoulders... collecting her dignity, a very fetching gesture on the petite pretty battle cleric, despite the blackened spiked banded armor she is clad in. She walks confidently past Mur, a light fragrance of cinnamon in the air as her white & silver streaked hair stirs with her close passing. She steps over to the door to the left of the lion guardian and uses the recently gifted key to open the door.
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Alright, its about tim...
Mur's sentence is cut short, the wheels in his head are turning, somebody once told him something about impressing women, be patient? Was that it? He decides to try this foreign battle tactic. His brash voice gets gentle and he continues speaking.
its good to be getting on our way to complete the research...
As you leave the lions presence it mutters "I shall await your return with patience."
Your party turns south and opens the door to another hallway. This long stone hallway terminates in an ascending spiral staircase to the north. Doors line the hall on the east and west.
When Nokazi listens to the southern most eastern door he hears what sounds like a woman humming to herself...
A faint smell of burning candle wax hangs close to the door.
Searching the other doors reveals nothing.