GM Debug's PbP: PFS-RPG 5-11: Library of the Lion (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

The guardian seems quite interested in Copper's preamble and then a look of boredom crosses his face. "Bah! Why would you wish to become lion blades? They are boring! I give them aid in this library and they refuse to tell me anything of their adventures."

Copper shifts back and forth bashfully. "I just... wanted to make things official. I don't really like being where I'm not supposed to be... bad things happen."

Then she squints one eye in thought. "You're serious that the Lion Blades don't tell you anything? But this is a library! Isn't this a place to store stories for others to learn from?"

Confidence refills the diminutive inquisitor as she continues to mull things over. "You said this is your library. So... may we have your permission to look around? My friends here will want some help in finding stories about the Shining Crusade, so any help you can give on that is welcome. I can keep talking about what the orphanage in Absalom was like while they find what we need. What do you think?"

"Well so long as you don't ruin anything or leave the place a mess I won't bother you, although I would be very interested to hear of your adventures. Anything to add to my immense collection of stories and experiences."

He smirks a bit, obviously a bit prideful of his collection.

Anyone who wishes to share with him speak and make a diplomacy roll. If you are particularly unsure of your diplomatic skill feel free to mark it as an 'aid another'

Narayan grins at the guardian, Tales of valor are a whetsstone to the courageouss.

Narayan proceeds to spin a yarn about his most recent mission, a fight to wrest the secrets of a cursed lamp from an ice witch and her ghouls who lived on a ship frozen inside a glacier.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 If Narayan can use Intimidate as a means of showing off how tough he is without being aggressive that's 5 higher

As he finishes his tale, Narayan continues, Why have you been left here? A lion'ss nature is not to wait, but to go forth as a champion, an insspiration.

Without intending any disrespect, but also not paying attention to any specific social graces, Kolris excuses himself. "We are short on time and I am no storyteller," he mutters as he wanders into the stacks again.

Still muttering, seemingly to himself, he begins perusing the volumes here. "Well, magic as a study focus led me nowhere, maybe if I focus on local events I'll find a trail to the information we seek."

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 + Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 29

Untir glances about the library in awe, seldom in his life having seen some many written text in one place. Driven by a mission for knowledge, he makes his way immediately to the books, keeping in mind Kolris' advice. He briefly tunes inwards, as if speaking with some internal voice (or voices), before turning to the volumes, hunting down references to the Whispering Way and their dabbling into the Shadow Planes, hoping that it would eventually link to the Whispering Tyrant eventually.
knowledge(planes), heightened awareness: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20

His research is interrupted, however, when his party starts conversing with the statue of a lion. [i]What an amazing sight! It must be an ancient relic."[/b] Standing up from his seat, he wanders over to the rest of the party, and chips in.

"What a most marvellous encounter! Meeting such a majestic relic as yourself would be the highlight of our studies today. Oh, I have not introduced myself. Untir Jonrot, of the Running Scorpion tribe, from the desert of Osirion. We have the utmost respect for unearthed arcana and ancient artifacts. Indeed, it is my blessing, and my curse, that the lives of past shamans live on in me as a collection of our collective learning. A fate that I would share one day for whomever I pass down the mantle to. Your library here has proved most incredible find indeed. If you could just share with us your wisdom, wisdom that these Lion Blade clearly lack the foresight to appreciate, we could readily in turn share with you our limited experiences to add to your collection." With this, Untir then continues on to recount his latest assignment from the Pathfinder Society to the jungles of Jalmeray and the discovery of the Tiger’s Eye Monastery.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 Is that laying it on too thick? :)

Kolris, I'll use that roll next, but this is sort of an interruption in your research that may prove beneficial.

You panic for a moment as the lion begins to make a rumbling sound, fearing it is about to let loose a massive roar and alert the guards, but after a moment you realize its chuckling. "That is more than I've heard in months down here! It sounds as though you embark on much more interesting adventures than I ever personally have. Master Elf, you have not introduced yourself to me so I can refer to you as nothing more, but I suggest you look a few shelves to your left. You will find much more general texts there and perhaps references to that which you seek."

The Lion begins giving helpful pointers to anyone researching within this chamber, granting everyone the benefit of aid another on all of their checks here.

Copper, Yesmoro, and Telos, do you wish to help Kolris, Untir, and Narayan scour this room for clues or would you like to set off towards another room while they study? At the moment it seems as though it will take more than half an hour but less than an hour roughly to complete a search of this room. It may take additional time afterwards to follow up on all leads, but after that amount of time you'll have a good understanding of what is contained there.

Research round 1:
Kolris: Knowledge (Arcana) 12 +2 (Lion)
Untir: Knowledge (Planes) 20 +2 (Lion)
Narayan: Craft (Bookbinding) 3 +2 (Lion)
Copper: ???
Yesmoro: ???
Telos: ???

Untir reminded me that heightened awareness adds a bonus to trained Knowledge checks, too. Please make the result of my Knowledge (local) = 31 as such. Thanks!

Yesmoro shakes his head at what he sees as the ludicrousness of the situation. "Have any of you been to the Overflow Archive, at the Grand Lodge? I find I am reminded of it, although nothing here will attack, I hope. That happened to be quite the tale, Good...Lion?" The nagaji pauses, unsure of what to say. "What are you called, Good Lion? I am Yesssmoro, and I have plumbed many a library before, even one riddled with tiny fey, as I had been alluding to! They tried valiantly to take our teeth, which I gave freely, much to their chagrin. They did not note it coming, and paid the penalty with a tiny limb or two. And then you had the crazed kitsssune...But my apology, I have to help my team. Mayhap we can talk of grand matter at a later point, eh?"

Yesmoro then broadens his sight to the magical, and, while unable to discern and discover particular auras, he works towards a better understanding of the library and its magical workings.

Knowledge (Arcana), Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Telos is so fascinated by the lion guardian that he has little to add.

"An amazing creature..."

diplo aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 That's not going to help anyone...

Tam looks around. "I suppose I should look to see if there's anything more to look for in the other rooms. Mr. Lion, sir, is there anything else we should look for or be careful not to disturb?"

His low voice echoes about the room as he speaks. "Well hmmm... What you ask of me is more than simply aid in using this library. And for that I'd like more in return. How keen of intellect are all of you? How stalwart of soldiers are you? From your stories you are certainly keen problem solvers and warriors... Entertain me!"

He lets out a low rumbling laugh. "I am the guardian of this library, but it is one of history and the art of war. I would like to hear the art of keen wit. Form for me a riddle... something to which I would be the answer. And then I will judge your worthiness to pursue one final request. Take your time... think on this. I'll remain here."

Copper and Telos, this discussion is a small amount of time compared to the research time and you can also either make knowledge checks in this room or select another room to investigate and/or make knowledge checks. Copper, let me know what room you wish to check first. Place yourself at the appropriate door. I'll move forward once I can get the rest of the handouts up and assume Telos goes with Copper.

Research round 1:
Kolris: Knowledge (Arcana) 12 +2 (Lion)
Untir: Knowledge (Planes) 20 +2 (Lion)
Narayan: Craft (Bookbinding) 3 +2 (Lion)
Copper: Checking another room
Yesmoro: Knowledge (Arcana) 27 +2 (Lion)
Telos: ???

A bulwark unmanned but well guarded,
a true king of glory unseen,
a keeper of lore,
great wrath fillss his roar,
his wisdom as full as his mane.

"Keen wit?" Tam muses as she carefully looks at the lion through her encircled eye.

"Okay, how about this? He's famous, but not for anything he's done in life. He's at the center of action, but no one consults him. He is quiet, but everyone shuts their ears from him."

Moving to the door to the lion's right.

Along with the conversation with the lion, Telos begins looking through some of the materials.

He finds himself overwhelmed initially.

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 good grief...two 1's in a row. I get a +5 to 3 knowledge checks but I guess I'll be playing the dumb warrior in this one.

Copper, the doors leading out of the library below are locked. Checking the other set of doors out confirms this. The other 2 doors in the previous hallway are all unlocked however.

For expedience, I'll put both of those rooms in spoiler tags below and you can read one or both of them if you wish to investigate further. Otherwise I'll need some other check to open the doors, and any other checks that you may need to cover your tracks while doing so.

"Yes... yes... Scaled one. You speak with a forked tongue yet tell no lies. I will help you in exchange for a promise. Find an object capable of storing my essence and take me forth from this library. The lion blades deny me knowledge of the outside and such knowledge is my function. I owe them no more loyalty and I wish to... as you would put it... tender unto them my resignation. Will you do this for me?"

Of coursse. Championss musst be allowed to fight. Do you know where the key is to open these ssouthern rooms?

"Why yes I do." he says with a smile. "Trod carefully beyond however, for the keeper of the library resides there. You may find that she has been as... well treated as I have. Be kind to her as she has been kind to me."

He plays coy, deliberately not answering the question, seemingly for his own juvenile amusement. (Actually so I can organize the next rooms when I get home, along with the results of your research)

Tam takes a moment to examine Room 1. She checks behind the portrait, and around the room in general, but just shakes her head at the uncatalogued literature.

Perception+Guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 = 16

Shrugging, she moves on to Room 2. She grins at the plaque and reflexively touches around her eye. Again, she takes a moment to look around, but then rejoins the party.

Perception+Guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 = 12

Copper, would you like to do a thorough search of that room while the others are doing research or would you like to do a cursory check through as many rooms as you can and map out the safer areas of the library without touching anything scary?

A cavity opens up at the base of the lion's statue. "I judge you worthy of the knowledge you seek... and worthy of the right to carry me, Glorymane, on your adventures." The key to the nearby doors is kept within the compartment. "The most closely guarded of our books are kept deeper within the library, but they are locked away. The keeper of this library holds the key to those chambers."

The researchers of the group manage to uncover four texts which have pertinent information regarding your search. You're able to record snippets of information from each of them, and a few of them even have references to other books which you'll be able to keep a keen eye out for later on in your searches.

You have found several particularly engaging texts, and you find it particularly easy to concentrate on the reading.

Clue: Use this clue before a PC rolls a skill check to find a clue or text. He rolls twice and takes the higher of the two rolls.

This book is a testament to why libraries should prohibit food and drink; someone spilled a beverage on it and sheepishly put it back on the shelf, where it has sat for several months at least.

Right next to one great discovery, you make another incredible find!

Clue: Use this clue when you or another PC discovers a clue or text to find one additional clue or text, if any remain in the room. (If attempting ot use this in a room that doesn’t have any more clues, it doesn’t count; this clue can be used again.)

Several relevant books have extensive indices and bibliographies that might point to even greater discoveries.

Clue: You may use this clue to gain a +5 bonus on a single skill check made to find texts.

You've spent somewhere in the range of 20-30 minutes in here as best as you can discern. You haven't completed a full search of this room, but you suspect you've gathered most of the information found within. If you wish, you can spend a little more time in here to pick through a few more stacks of books. Any time you wish to use one of the clues listed above during a research check let me know.

If there's time to take 20 in each room, I will, but otherwise I'll just do the cursory search and rejoin the party.

Sure, I'll give you a take 20 check as though you are standing at the front room you go to inspect. I'll mark each of the rooms on the map so you can all review the descriptions and research requirements (if any). I'll include the text for the first 2 rooms as well so everyone else can see them.

All rooms can be researched with Linguistics, Knowledge (History), or text-based Craft and Profession skills. Rooms with additional allowable checks will be noted. Any check can be used with a penalty (decided by me, behind the GM screen) to research a room if you do not have an appropriate skill. Describe how you are using the skill and I'll make my determination accordingly.

Room 1:
This well-lit room holds many chairs aligned towards two giant chalkboards that hang on the north wall. along the opposite wall, several shelves hold books on sundry topics. Simple but colorful tapestries hang along the north wall, giving the room a bright appearance despite the lack of sunlight and the dour portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III affixed tot he south wall.

A brass plague on the frame of the portrait reads, "To serve Taldor, I must first learn the history of Taldor."

The shelved books cover a wide range of topics. A 15-minute hourglass sits atop the desk.

Research in this room will take about 30 minutes for one person, and up to 4 people can work together to bring down that time.

Room 2:
This room's well-worn wooden floor sets it apart from the others. The west wall is lined with shelves that support books, a variety of instruments, and dozens of rectangular baskets that contain loose sheaves of paper. Several chairs are pushed against the wall, and a portrait of the Grand Prince hangs to the east, surveying everything in the room with magisterial authority.

The brass plague on the frame of the portrait reads, "Persevere, persevere, persevere!"

Most of the texts in this room relate to music.

Research in this room will take about 30 minutes for one person, and up to 4 people can work together to bring down that time, and any Perform checks can also be used for research.

Room 3:
This long stone hallway terminates in an ascending spiral staircase to the north. Doors line the hall on the east and west. The doors closest to the staircase are both locked, and the sound of someone can be heard from within the door at the end of the hall. The second door has no sounds from within it and is unlocked. This appears to just be a hallway leading to another entrance to the library and has no texts for research.

Room 4:
Five broad desks line the walls of this study room. Each work surface is covered with stacked volumes brimming with page markers as well as numerous open books.

Research in this room will take about 30 minutes for one person, and up to 4 people can work together to bring down that time. Additionally, Copper is able to note that this looks as though it is a work in progress, and unless great care is taken to place the texts back as they were, poking around here may go noticed. Perception or Intelligence checks will be required to cover up your tracks here if you research in this room.

No traps are apparent in any of the rooms searched.

Near the end of Yesmoro and company's research in the main room, the music above comes to a loud fanfare, and then goes quiet again as they move onto the next piece. Anyone can attempt a Knowledge (Local) or Perform (Any) check to try to predict when the next fanfare will happen in case you need to do anything loud.

Everyone may act freely.

Kolris will periodically renew heightened awareness from his wand. The duration is 10 minutes; is it expected that he would use 12 charges to gain the benefit of the Perception and Knowledge bonuses for the duration of the scenario?

Kolris listens to the fanfare explode at the end of the movement upstairs. "This piece is familiar; I may have heard it before."

Knowledge (local), heightened awareness: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27

He seems like he does recognize the tune, but enjoys it privately, at least for the moment.

"I'm perfectly comfortable tackling one of these smaller rooms on my own, but we are on a clock. Should we work in pairs, perhaps, to try to get through them quicker? It could be all the same in the end, I suppose." He shrugs his shoulders, and seems like he's willing to let other heads make that call. Don't overthink it, Kolris. Probably better to just get started on any research strategy that get caught up in the minutiae of which method is 0.2% more efficient.

"Anyway, someone will need to get those other rooms open; I'll try to manage that while we decide on a strategy."

Kolris heads into the eastern hallway, where he attempts to open both locked doors. He starts with the door closest to the spiral stairs, quickly checking for traps before he slips his tools into the lock.

Perception, find traps, heightened awareness: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Perception, find traps, heightened awareness: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

After opening a lock, he will carefully open the door and examine the room from the entry, as Tam did with the two rooms off the west hallway.

Take 20 on Perception for 24 (with heightened awareness).

Kolris goes to work with his tools but the lock doesn't give... and not only wont it open but the tools leave a pretty telltale mark of tampering...

Untir will do the same re his wand of heightened awareness.

In the midst of looking through the books, Untir hears the failed attempts to disarm the locks to the south. He gets up to examine the locks and notices the scratches. "Hmm, let's see if this helps." He turns inwards, calling on his ancestral spirits to repair the damage done as much as they can.

Cast mending to remove the marks of tampering. Hope they're not magical.

"It would seem the key to unlocking them may lie in other channels. Let us tackle the other rooms first. They might provide some clues."

I agree to split up for the remaining 3 rooms, but Untir doesn't seem to have the relevant skills, i.e. knowledge(history), performance, etc and hence would have to do them untrained. Untir could do room 4, since he has quite high perception. Or if the GM permits, Pass Without Trace might negate the need for the skill check?

Telos doesn't think the song sounds very familiar. He wanders over to the room with the history of Taldor, but the sheer volume of books makes the work difficult.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 I've rolled 2 1's and a 3 so far. Feeling utterly useless.

knowledge history (untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

I've had some poor rolling, and most of my skills also seem less than useful so far. I have training in knowledge arcana, dungeoneering, local, and also linguistics.

All rooms can be researched with Linguistics, Knowledge (History), or text-based Craft and Profession skills. Rooms with additional allowable checks will be noted. Any check can be used with a penalty (decided by me, behind the GM screen) to research a room if you do not have an appropriate skill. Describe how you are using the skill and I'll make my determination accordingly.

Pass without trace wont help in the room since you'll have to remember the order of the stacks of papers as you go through them.

Untir is able to patch up the scuff marks left by Kolris and keep the party's cover safe. So far...

Please let me know who is in which room.

Tam clears her throat.

"Um, Kolris, maybe you should be using this instead on the locks?"

She holds up the key that was revealed in the cavity by the lion. Then, she tries the key on the lock to the room closest to the stairwell.

The key from the lion doesn't appear to work on those rooms. It seems you'll need the keeper's key. Or an amazing locksmith.

Perhapss we should invesstigate the rooms we have already disscovered, before we trouble the Keeper.

Narayan suits action to word and begins to investigate the musical room, hoping for at least one smarter partner.

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

At least he's pretty...

So far I've got Telos tentatively in room 1, Narayan in room 2, and Untir in room 4. Telos, would you like to make that a linguistics check instead of untrained knowledge? Linguistics works in all rooms. Remember, as long as you can justify it you can attempt any skill to research a room. The penalty will range from -2 to -5, which in many cases will be better than making an untrained check.

Searching by pairs will take about 15 minutes in total. If you wish to

Research round 2:
Telos: Room 1 - Linguistics 12
Narayan: Room 2 - Perform 4
Untir: Room 4 - Skill TBD, Second Perception or Int check required
Yesmoro: ???
Copper: ???
Kolris: ???
Clues used: None

Perception is my best, and I've already taken 20 in each room.

Although...

"Was Lake Encarthan involved in the Shining Crusade? There might be something interesting in the nautical charts..."

Tam looks around for seagoing maps in the main room.

Profession(Sailor): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The take 20 was just for traps and hidden doors/objects/threats. If you want to take 20 on a full research roll that would take hours. Profession (Sailor) does sound fitting however for that room.

Okay, I was wondering about improvised (creative) rolls...thanks!

Telos finds the sheer volume of history overwhelming, but does find a concise treatise on the history of Taldor in a different language.

He begins to peruse it, and thinks it might be a helpful book from this room.

linguistics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Untir, thanks for that. I didn't realize that I would leave such an obvious mark."

Kolris joins Telos in the study room. He decides to take an approach whereby he seeks local information about Taldor and the area to reveal threads of research that might lead to the historical information that he truly wants to uncover.

Knowledge (local), heightened awareness: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23 + Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 6 = 29 (minus whatever penalties apply from an unrelated skill)

Looks like you're going with these research assignments.
Room 1 - Telos and Kolris
Room 2 - Narayan and Yesmoro
Room 4 - Untir and Copper

Clues shortly to follow...

Telos and Kolris find some information about the prior organization of the library that could prove helpful during further research.

There are extensive notes scribbled in the margins of this book. These hand-written insights could be key to your next big discovery.

Clue: You may use this clue to gain a +3 bonus on a single skill check made to find texts.

This aging card catalog system notes where one might find various types of information. The reference is somewhat dated and inaccurate.

Clue: Use this clue to learn how many clues or texts remain in any two rooms.

Untir and Copper both do their best to copy down a few texts of note and return everything in it's prior order as best as possible. Two particular texts are of interest. One noting and old Taldan Cipher, possibly of interest to the Pathfinder Society, and one that directly relates to the Shining Crusade!

According to this text, one common cipher involves changing each consonant into the letter that comes three places after it in the alphabet and changing each vowel into the letter that comes two places before. For example, D would become G, U would become S, and Z would become C. (Since the vowels rotate backward and the consonants rotate forward, it’s a particularly puzzling cipher to break).

These maps depict Lake Encarthan, the Isle of Terror, and the nations that surround it. Of particular interest are

the hundreds of hand-drawn notes and lines showing troop movements, preserving the changing plans of the brilliant generals who orchestrated
the Shining Crusade.

Narayan and Yesmoro spend some time pouring over the sheet music and artwork in the classroom, but are unable to find anything relevant to the mission, and find themselves lost in the piles of information not even sure where to start. They settle for returning the room to the state they found it.

The work takes about a quarter of an hour to complete, and while Narayan and Yesmoro look rather dejected with their lack of results, the rest of you are pretty confident that you've scoured your rooms thoroughly.

Since you've racked up a fair number of clues which need to be used before die rolls, for the next section I'll have you just indicate what skill you wish to use and where when we get to another bout of research. Then you can decide if you wish to use any of your clues and I'll roll everything together. I've placed all of the clues and discoveries in the map handout so they are all in one place for an easier review.

Kolris made the DC to identify the piece of music being performed above; did that reveal any information, or does that only become relevant if we need to become noisy?

Kolris will move to the music room, where he will search for clues next, believing that the room can't be devoid of clues entirely. "I am no performer, but I've paid a fair amount of attention to the arts. Perhaps I can assist in here."

Kolris will continue to use his trained Knowledge skills (arcana, local, and nature) which, in addition to the natural +10 modifier, gain +2 from heightened awareness and a free +1d6 Inspiration roll.

I propose that we start using clues. We should apply the reroll to the PC with the lowest modifier, then the bonuses should go to the PCs with the next lowest modifier. We should also use the clue that grants an extra clue the next time someone uncovers a clue.

Telos decides to try his hand with the sheet music and artwork in the classroom. He did have a few musicians from Taldor he was familiar with. Perhaps his knowledge of local issues might help in the research where others failed.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

I'll go ahead and try Room 2 since no one has succeeded there yet...

Would comprehend languages speed up the time necessary to decipher Taldan Cipher documents? If so, I'll use my scroll.

Copper goes through the Encarthan maps, copying as many details as possible. She is definitely not used to the library work, but is trying her best to understand how the geographical dots connect.

Profession(Sailor) at +7 and Perception at +9 are still my best skills in this case.

Sorry missed updating Untir's actions. Was out of office the whole day. GM, in case it makes any difference, Untir has heightened awareness on. So +2 to knowledge checks, and +2 to perception. That's what the (+2) in the stat line is.

While some of the party continues searching, Untir quietly discusses with the rest of the team. "It seems there is someone next door and we would need to get his assistance in our work without revealing our presence later. If we can convince that person, that would be for the best. If necessary, however, I could beseech my ancestral spirits to cloud his mind for some time and make him more amenable to our requests. Hopefully, we would not need to resort to threat of violence."

i.e. Untir suggests diplo first. If that fails, then he'll try to cast charm person. And if that fails, anyone good at intimidate? :) Oh, he also has sleep. Hmm...

Copper and Telos: Naw, you guys aced those research rolls.
Kolris: You'll get a short warning before another loud section comes. I haven't forgotten yet.
Everyone: So, going to chat with the keeper?

Time for a little chat with the keeper, yes.

And if that fails, anyone good at intimidate? :)

It's my only good social skill. :) +8, +10 if the person is Chelaxian.

With a quick rap on the door to the caretaker's quarters, you are greeted with a raspy female voice. "Please, show yourselves in."

These small and simple quarters are sparsely decorated with only simple furniture and a stoic portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III. A brass plaque on the frame of the portrait reads, “In the end, loyalty is its own reward.”

This room serves as the living quarters for this secret library’s caretaker. It’s kept tidy, but there are still a few signs of daily wear and use such as a small tray bearing the remains of a meal on the desk.

An older woman wearing a blindfold stands up to greet you. "Good evening. What brings you into the library at this hour?"

Copper swallows and approaches. "Um, we're looking for information about the Shining Crusade. We hear that you may have keys to some of the rooms where relevant histories are kept?"

Untir steps up together with Copper, and adds on, his voice full of warmth and enthusiasm "Yes, you have a most wonderful collection here. I am from the deserts of Osirion, you see, and while we value the seeking of learning, we seldom have access to such an elaborate collection. Whatever assistance you could provide as the curator of this wealth of knowledge would be most appreciated." He pauses here, before continuing, somewhat hesistantly but voice filled with (genuine?) concern, "I mean no offence but might I ask about your eyes? I have some skill with the healing arts. Is there anything that can be done to help?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Hah... well you certainly aren't lion blade students if you're asking about my eyes. Doubly so if you even care... But you do know you aren't supposed to be here."

"Is this place not reserved for all seekers of knowledge?" Telos asks.

"Would we be turned away?"

diplomacy aid: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Copper smacks Untir's arm with the back of her hand.

"Well... we're here now, and we're seriously just here to do research. You can check with Glorymane. We don't want to be a bother, and we will put everything back where we found it. Please, can't you just help?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 2