GM Kyshkumen's PFS 5-11: Library of the Lion Alpha (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

Your current mission brings you to Oppara the capitol city of Taldor. The directions you were given lead you to a small bait and tackle shop. The Venture-Captain Muesello greets you with a warm smile as the bell on the door jingles. He motions you into the back room while he locks up the shop and puts up a sign in the window that says, "Gone fishing". A finely dressed noble woman is already seated and waiting for you. Muesello introduces Lady Gloriana Morilla of Taldor.

Venture-Captain Muesello quietly closes the door behind him before speaking. “The Pathfinder Society does not have a sterling reputation in Taldor, despite my and others’ efforts to impress the local moves and shakers. As a result, the most prestigious universities and colleges often deny our agents access to the best libraries in Oppara, thinking we are meddling good-for-nothings. As one of the oldest intact civilizations near the Inner Sea, these libraries no doubt house some very precious volumes. Recently we received a most wonderful opportunity—an invitation, really, from a very powerful patron,” he adds as he withdraws a scroll tube with a broken wax seal from his apron. “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,” he punctuates by tapping the scroll tube on the table, “is where things get interesting. Apparently there is an even more precious archive hidden beneath the academy’s library, and our patron believes it to contain 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. “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?”

Dot!

Garedon feels uncharacteristically lightheaded as the briefing and its too-seductive promises unfold before him. The knowledge! The lore! With a great sense of gratitude, he gives a bow to the good Lady which, given said lightheadedness, almost sends him falling forward into her lap. Fortunately, he steadies himself at the last moment and it just appears to have been a very deep bow!

In good spirits following a successful confirmation, Tuich reaches up and flicks the bell on the door as she enters, causing it to ring again -- and her to grin.

AKA, "Dot!" ;o)

dot

Kitharodian academy.

Miko sits up at the words. She had been dozing off a bit, staring at the other pathfinders, sizing them up. How she'd love to learn their stories. That elf, doing the graceful bow. The Varisian, cheerful. A tiefling? An armoured warrior queen?

Learn from the mistakes of the past.

The irony. The Kitharodian academy. She had never felt so at home as she had in Taldor. Uprooted, drifting all over Golarion, she had found a place to call home. It was the glory that attracted her, the history. The stories. Still, she made the mistake of wanting too much - become a bard of the Kitharodian academy. A true artist. The academy rejected her. Her beliefs, her past.

The fewer clues, the better

All her life. Hide. Disguise. False identity, disguise. Teppen, a local name she took to herself. Not a soul could pronounce the Razmiran original anyway - the name of her foster parent. Even that wasn't real.

Questions

Thousands of questions emerge in her head. Patron? Secret library? Politics? Plot?

What texts does our patron want us to find?

tl;dr: dot!

Muesello responds to Miko's question. "As this library contains previously unknow texts we are simply asking for any information regarding the Shining Crusade. Hopefully they will contain knowledge that we can use in the on going struggle in Mendev."

Dot while I update Vincent. In the meantime...

Oppara. It's been a while. Almost two years, in fact. It still looks the same, at least. Vincent has a lot of good memories here. Lots of people who wouldn't be very happy to see him, too. He's lost in thought, grinning, as he finds his way to the meeting place.

"This archive beneath the library. What do we know about it? Is it a small cozy chamber with a comfy couch and a warm fire? Is it actually a tiny locked adamantine vault in the center of an underground necropolis guarded by fire breathing mummies? The fact that this research expedition calls for a full group has me wary already." He personally hopes for something in between the two. Although he likes reading, he far more enjoys the excitement that possible danger brings.

Muesello responds. "The rare books collection are kept in several small study rooms attached to the main library. I know nothing of the archives below, but I imagine they are carved from the rocky hill that the academy is built on. If the archive is truly secret, then it's unlikely that you will encounter many people. I imagine there might be traps, so be careful and resourceful."

Tuich sighs, once again not seeing Kawrock among the gathered. Where had that feathered fellow flitted off to, anyway? Zander didn't seem to be about, either; another of her "graduating class" vanished. And there's someone new -- again -- who she eyes with a bit of trepidation. Please let her be more... sociable than our other recent arrivals! she pleads to Ashava as she turns her attention to the Venture-Captain's briefing.

"The Worldwound," she echoes back in whispered awe. Far from Varisia on the other side of Belkzen's Hold, her people had never considered it a threat. But she wasn't quite so optimistic. How wonderful it would be if they could make even a small contribution to keeping things under control!

Though all this talk of skulking about, not having permission, leaving no traces behind... she frowns at the disturbingly Sczarni tone of it all.

Vyk fingered his brand new Wayfinder as he listened to the details of the mission. He was proud to have finally achieved his goal of becoming a Pathfinder, and was eager to begin his quest for fortune and glory.

Somehow a library didn't exactly fit into his romanticized ideals of adventure. What he wouldn't give for a princess to save, or a dragon to slay -- well, okay, perhaps something a little less suicidal than an actual dragon, but the sentiment was there.

This looked like it would be simple enough errand. The biggest risk would potentially be paper cuts. Still, knowledge was important, he wouldn't pretend otherwise. And really anything that might help with the front at the Worldwound was worth a little boredom.

Finally, finished updating my character. It took a while because I loaded up everything to Hero Lab, which I love.

What kind of guards can we expect outside of the secret section? As I understand it, we are granted access to the rare books section only by special invitation - somebody must be enforcing the restricted access? Miko asks, but her mind is on something else

A patron? I'm not holding a grudge against the academy, but someone might. What motivations? Or are we being framed? Would someone hold a grudge against us?

And what if we're caught?

Lady Morilla speaks up in response to Miko's first question. "Since it will be a performance night you shouldn't have to deal with much except the ushers. Once you get the attention of one they can direct you to who ever is in charge of the library."

Muesello hesitates for a moment before answering Miko's second question. "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. If you must, use this as a bargaining chip..." He hands over the scroll case. "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."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Whee, DiceBot's still dogging me!

"Lose an entire..."

Tuich starts again after trailing off. "We may be new, but most of us have worked together before. We've survived giant rats and a poisonous swarm, were victorious in a nasty alley ambush... even helped take down a minotaur."

Her voice goes briefly quieter. "Granted it was a small one..."

"But still, while I can't vouch for her," she says, jerking a thumb towards Miko, "I don't think you have to worry about losing this team. Or us risking anyone's anonymity."

She grins and winks at Lady Adelaide. "We'll get the job done."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Vincent is too busy bluffing to notice anything unusual. He accepts the scroll case, saying, "Of course. I'm quite known for my discretion."
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

I don't have knowledge nobility trained (not an inquisitor class skill), but is it something a son of a minor noble family of Taldor would have just known of? If not, I can just attribute it to Vincent not caring much for actual politics.

Since the seal is already broken, Vincent opens it up and starts skimming the document, particularly looking for names he might recognize. He gestures vaguely at the others as he does so. "Carry on, I'm listening."

Having spent her early years amongst, unfortunately, no end of successful grifters and thieves, Tuich giggles at Vincent's remark. If you understood real discretion, you wouldn't be known for anything at all!

I'm not rolling a bluff-off because Tuich isn't challenging Vincent's declaration; it could very well be true. She's just reacting to Mr. Haughty McBluster's world view :o).

He's heard that "discretion" word a lot. Usually it has an "in" at the beginning of it when referring to Vincent. Famous and Infamous are about the same thing too, right?

Hey, it works for flammable and inflammable, I say go with it...

The scroll tube contains an unsigned letter asking the aid of the Pathfinder Society in procuring any information regarding the shining crusade in an effort to help the situation in Mendev. Along with the original letter is a formal request signed by the Arch-Exarch Gregorious to admit the bearers to the Kitharodian Academy's rare book collection. Toward the end of the original letter, the unknown source explains that the hidden entrance can be found by studying honor, courage and glory.

"Those sound like something an Iomedaen would value," Vyk said after reading over Vincent's shoulder. "So perhaps we're looking for an image of the Inheritor, or possibly Aroden."

"That is a surprisingly astute inference, Vyk Tyr. I take it that you have well used your time studying since last we met."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Garedon listens carefully, his eyes methodically and meticulously scanning everyone and everything in the room, as it his habit, though rarely making proper eye contact, as is his weakness.

"What is in the other parcels? When exactly are we to do this? I have ... preparations that are important to time precisely."

SSM: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
K(*): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Miko tries to hide her surprise at glimpsing the seal. Again, her mind drifts off on topics of politics, scheming and the agenda this woman - heir non-apparent - might have.

Honor, courage and glory.

What a scoop! What a story could come of this. What a chance to play a part in it - this whole scheme could be so much grander than it already seems right now.

We'll use this letter only as a last resort.

Muesello slides the to parcels toward the group. "This one," he says, tapping the first parcel, "contains a deck of illusions that I am in the process of modifying; instead of each card creating a random creature, each one creates a copy of one of you. The illusions won't interact with anyone, but they can pretend to be reading and deceive the casual observer. Each only lasts for two hours, though. 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. The other package contains several potions in case of emergency." It contains a potion of invisibility and a potion of pass without trace.

"Now this may look like an ordinary pen, 007, but..."

"Could be handy. Not to mention fun. Is there anything else you think we should know?"

Lady Muesello speaks up, "Well the best time to enter the library would be tomorrow evening. The Kitharodian Academy will host an extravagant orchestral performance in celebration of the Grand Prince's birthday. Sucah 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."

"As you described the event in terms of rumors, I assume that a musical program is not available or procurable. However, if we were to obtain a popular songbook, we might be able to determine when the crescendos occur, thus knowing when in a given song would be the best time for particularly noisy actions and activities, should they prove necessary."

One of Tuich's eyebrows goes up in surprise. I may have to revise my opinion of Garedon. That's actually quite clever!

"Ah yes, the old 'Use the sound of the concert to mask the sound of our antics' trick. I'm quite familiar with it." Vincent gives a conspiratorial wink to Lady Muesello.

"Also, honor, courage, and glory could just as easily apply to the teachings of Gorum. In this case you may be right and we should keep an eye peeled for references to Iomedae as well. Perhaps the Shining Crusade section? That would be a neat little coincidence."

Back to the venture captain, "How vocal should we be about being Pathfinders on this mission? Do you think that might draw undue attention?"

"I believe that we are to present ourselves as Pathfinders before and in the library where we are supposed to be, and then not be found at all in the secret archives, where we are not supposed to be. However, are there any classes of persons - besides errant Pathfinders - that we could present ourselves to be while in the secret archives if someone should be found - or should find us - and should ask? In other words, are there any known legitimate users of the secret archives?"

Tuich giggles, then knocks on the table and announces, "Housekeeping!"

So I actually goofed and it's Lady Morilla not Lady Muesello.

Lady Morilla answers. "Actually the reason you were selected for this mission is due to the fact that the Kitharodian scholars tend to know a lot about what goes on in the city. Meaning outside agent's like yourselves would not be recognized as Pathfinder agents."

Muesello consider's Garedon's question for a moment. "Given the restricted access to this hidden library unfamiliar faces will be difficult to explain. Not saying it's not worth trying but I can not think of any full proof cover other then try to be very convincing."

In that case Vincent winked at Lady Morilla.

"A couple options come to mind. If we get caught, we could always pretend to be party-goers who wandered off to the private part of the library for some privacy. The book reading would be a bit hard to explain. Alternatively we could just knock out anyone who questions us, but that might draw an investigation afterwards. OR we could just pretend like we belong and hope no one questions us. People tend to go along with someone with an air of authority and nice clothes."

"I'd normally have suggested just dropping my father's name, and then they'd all leave us alone, but that isn't really an option available to me anymore."

Vincent will be wearing his Courtier's Outfit and all 150gp worth of jewelry for this adventure. Most of it is recent Taldan fashion, so he shouldn't look too out of place at a fancy party. Maybe a season behind or so.

Still having the patron in her head, Miko looks up, slightly confused.

Should we, or shouldn't we be identified as pathfinders? I suppose we should report in as the pathfinders looking for the rare books collection? But then be unrecognisable as Pathfinder once we go in? Should we be in disguise?

Lady Adelaide has kept quite silent during most of the discussion, occasionally gazing out the window. She contemplates the nearby dock, mulling over the vague feeling of unease that roils her belly. While she knew that travel and intrigue would be required of any Pathfinder, she can't say that she anticipated feeling so homesick- and on top of that, her compatriots are coming up with plans ever more deceptive and dishonorable!

But.... surely such discomfort must be overlooked, for the sake of correcting a larger fraud. How could political ambition be so cruel as to permit rewriting history? Didn't they know that their people had a right to the truth?

She catches Tuich's wink and grins. While the mission may be outside her comfort zone, she did have a duty to the organization... and a duty to seeing the Varisian woman and the tiefling man back safely. The feeling of unease begins to drain away as she turns away from the window entirely.

Sorry for the internal monologue post; she doesn't have much experience with breaking and entering, so I figure she'll let you all hash it out. Y'all Pathfinders need Sarenrae.

The half-elf gives Vincent a disapproving glance. "I'll thank you to not attack innocent civilians in my presence, Sir Blackwood."

A tingle creeps up Miko's neck as Adelaide starts to speak. Zealot she thinks and a situation to defuse.

I realise, miss... she pauses, hoping to learn the Lady's name.

I realise this mission may grate on your convictions, Miko says, avoiding the word 'beliefs', and that you may be offended by the methods Vincent suggests. Rest assured, we have a goal in mind, and that goal is aiding the crusade.

I am certain the potential for salvaging, lives, the woman continues, intentionally choosing a word akin to 'salvation' will greatly outweigh any sleight on your honour you may find here.

I would have your understanding in this matter. Miko says at her most civil, controlled voice, adding a hint - merely a suggestion - of warning to a soothing diplomatic tone.

Edit: Vincent glances over at Miko. "Oh, I'm sure that Lady Adelaide has the best of intentions. It was a silly idea anyways."

He then turns back to Lady Adelaide.

(/Edit)

"Well, if we can't knock out the guards, we will need to have a convincing story to tell them. I still suggest we masquerade as a group of lost revelers looking for a spot for some debauchery if the guards are called on us." Vincent grins suggestively at the paladin. "If you object to lying as well, we could always add a grain of truth to the tale."

Adelaide regards the woman with confusion. "Have I given you reason to doubt my convictions to the cause, Sister? I'm merely reiterating the direction we've been given by our illustrious Venture-Captain- we must avoid as many 'slip-ups' as possible." She shrugs, taking on a falsely serious tone, but with a mirthful grin now playing on her lips. "Of course, if your ideas of stealth and nondetection involve leaving unconscious citizens laying around...."

"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Sir Blackwood!" she begins, turning toward the man with a smile. Perhaps I misjudged him-

Her thoughts are interrupted by his proposition. The half-elf rolls her eyes in feigned disdain, but can't help but laugh at his waggling eyebrows. "As much as I'm honored by your suggestion, Sir, I'm afraid you're just not the type I'm prone to 'revel' with."

No apologies needed for the internal monologues and such - those can definitely be the best parts of this format!

"Fortunately, I came somewhat prepared, having purchased a Wand of Disguise, though it only has five charges, each lasting about 10 minutes. I also could cast the spell, in an emergency, although I may be able to Charm an innocent instead." Garedon then adds, with some self-awareness, "... Charm any innocent with magic, that is."

Venture Captain Muesello watches patiently as the groups inner politics work themselves out. He then answers Miko's question, "Just to be completely clear on this you are not to present yourself as Pathfinders. As I mentioned earlier we are looked down upon here and would probably not get access to the archives as Pathfinders even with that letter. If we were to get access and something happens in the secret library to raise suspicion we would be the prime suspects. Our benefactor in this endeavor understood this and the letter granting access merely states to grant access to the one presenting the letter."

Garedon nods, "Ah. Now that the circumstances surrounding our visit to the library have been more plainly stated - my preference is always in favor of more clear and concise speech - it would seem that the best and most prudent course of action would be for all of us to leave our wayfinders and other Pathfinder identifiers here in the possession of Venture-Captain Muesello, in case we are searched."

I shall regret leaving behind such a burnished and lustrous neoteric contrivance... I will admit to myself that my attraction to it is not limited to its functional qualities and utility as an emblem of Society membership. Perhaps, in this regard, Zander was making a valid assertion about 'beauty' having intrinsic 'value'.

Translation: It's a shiny new toy and he thinks it is pretty. :-P

"Do you think we might have better luck dressed as civilians, as well?" Adelaide asks, gesturing to her armor and tabard. "I'd hate for us to be caught completely unarmed should a situation, um, develop, but perhaps it's for the best."

"Given the nature of the academy it is not uncommon for adventures to frequent it's halls. So there is no real reason to disarm yourselves."

Tuich erupts in laughter when Garedon declares a preference for "clear and concise."

"Sorry," she says, waving away attention with one hand while trying to muffle her remaining giggles with the other. "Sorry, don't mind me, you were saying?"

"We might be overthinking this. It's a party. If we arrive late enough, half the folks there won't remember us anyway. And during the concert, the other half should be distracted as well. If an usher stumbles over us, we can conceivably just bribe them, or convince them we are supposed to be there."

Vyk winked at his compatriots.

"We'll just play it by ear," he said with an ever-widening smirk.

"That's our Vyk, practical as always!" says Tuich with a smile.

"Since this secret chamber's supposed to be so... secret and valuable, what are the chances it's warded magically? Not traps necessarily, but alarms and that sort of thing."

"In that case we'll just focus for now on any other preparations we might need. We can wing an excuse if it comes to it." Vincent thinks for a moment. "Does anyone have any particular talent when it comes to finding secret doors? I have generally keen eyes, but no particular talents to find or open such things.

I think the Detect Secret Doors might be helpful here? I can pick up a potion of it if I need to.

You are not expected to enter the academy until tomorrow evening. That will give you plenty of time to shop.

"Fortunately for this group, I have exceptionally acute vision (and hearing), and as I am specialized in divination, I will have one casting prepared and one scroll in my possession of a spell that will detect secret doors and similarly occult portals and passageways."

Miko nods in agreement with Vyk. Don't you all worry, I've talked myself out of worse situations far worse if it comes to making up a story, I can make them believe you're King Stavian himself.

Miko is gleeful, looking forward to using her skills in disguise and trickery, confident that she has that part covered.

A pity about the performance though. It's sure to be really excellent.

It's long way to Sellen Ferry
It's a long way to home
she hums as the briefing seems to draw to a close.