Library of the Lion (Inactive)

Game Master Netopalis

Here's the gameplay thread! Play nice, try to post daily, etc. VC briefing will be up on Monday.

Dot.

Dot!

dot

dot. I will apologize in advance, in case Haldan gets a little arrogant. I know that he will frown upon the Qadiran faction, but he can work with them. I am hoping to kind of get the Inigo, "No good, I've known too many Taldan" type of feel to him. ^_^ Don't know if I'll be able to get it across...

Don't worry Tamerius too as is a little extremist as an Asmodean priest :D

Ah, our poor simpleton and upstart children from Mendev (by proxy of Cheliax)... you are excused. ;p

And Fendahl fortunately, has no strong ties to Qadira since he was aligned to Lantern Lodge and recently transferred.

Baron Rysalius Starnon, reporting!

:)

Sorry again for the delay. We'll start now.

You are summoned to the Pathfinder lodge in Oppara, capital city of Taldor. Although Taldor has a strong influence in the Society, the Society itself is often not as welcome amongst the Taldan nobility, so the lodge operates out of the back of a bait shop. Knocking on the door, you are greeted by Venture Captain Muesello, who winks at you all, then turns around the sign on the door to show that the shop is "closed." He leads you through a secret passage, where you are met by friend of the Society, Gloriana Morilla.

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 that 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?”

"Do we know how to get into the secret archive? Wasting time looking for the entrance would be a real bummer, I'm afraid," the tiny halfling wonders. " And good to see you again, Lady Morilla, always a pleasure. I hope you enjoyed the wedding," Shel adds with a wink, a throwback to an adventure from some months ago,

Venture Captain Muesello withdraws a scroll tube and starts to open it. "Your benefactor left us with two letters. The first is a letter of invitation to examine the rare books collection. The second...well, I'll let you read it", he says.

Dear Pathfinders,

It was my pleasure to secure for you an invitation to examine the rare books at the Kitharodian Academy. I have asked you to research the history of the glorious lineage of the Taldan noble house, so that we may better understand the history of this great nation. It is my hope that you will be strident in your research, remembering the key tenets that have made Taldor the great nation that she is today: Honor! Courage! Glory! Together, they will lead you down the path of greatness.

Rather conspicuously, the letter is not signed. "I'm afraid that's all I know about how to access the secret archive", says Muesello, shrugging.

"Very interesting, Venture Captain. Do you mind if we keep this scroll? It might come in handy later. So we need to sneak in, find the secret vault, do some quick research, and cover all our tracks as we exit? Sounds like fun! Is everyone else ready?"

Muesello nods. "That about sums it up.", he says, matter-of-factly.

Lady Morilla adds, "But, be careful. There are two subjects you are supposed to research. If you research only the subject in which the Society has interest and fail to properly research the subject that our client wishes to know more about, we may lose this contact."

The stylishly dressed field archaeologist steps forward from his corner. Absently running his fingers along his chin, Haldan nods carefully, "It will be done. What noble house are we looking into?"

An old man - but still strong - Rysalius Starnon is a dignified artist and former nobleman, full of grace and panache. He often wears a tailcoat, and has a sheathed longsword at his side. His gray and white hair is well-tended and covers his neck with a ponytail tied with a black silken ribbon. His strong facial features are partly covered by his trimmed side whiskers. He immediately bows with utmost respect and courtesy - as well as a hint of zeal - to Lady Gloriana Morilla.

"My Lady, it is an honor to finally be granted the pleasure of your presence. I am Baron Rysalius Starnon, your most devoted servant - and a personal admirer! May I say you look absolutely stunning. I... I am at a loss for words, Milady!"

After about five minutes of pleasantries and light flirting with Lady Morilla, Rysalius gets down to business.

"Understood. We shall enter this archive and recover the information on the Shining Crusade. As well as..." he finishes in quiet whispers for Haldan, Shel and Lady Morilla to hear. "... things of more personal interest to the Taldan cause, I believe? You can count on us, Lady Morilla. We shan't fail you."

Using his more vibrant tone again, the opera singer still has a few questions. "What do we know of the library and the archive? Will there be chaperones to escape notice from? Any kind of known defenses or alarms that we know of in the archive?"

You see a half-elf with a hint of wild in his appearance, especially his silvery hair and sideburns. His armor has bits of horn and covered with markings from the far East.

Closeby, there is a cougar that follows Fendahl closely, watching for commands or an occasional treat from his companion.

He bows deeply to the collective members assembled.

"Hrrmm, yes worthy Venture Captain, understood. Research both topics quietly. In addition to defenses asked by Master Starnon, are there any other agencies seeking this information? And do you suspect a lion would not be allowed inside, and if so, is there some place I can leave her here? "

That one is wild, but at least he has the good sense to know a lion won't be allowed in the library!

Shel was pleased to note several of the group seemed loyal to the Taldan cause. Loyalty to the Taldan crown means they'll give more for the mission. The more irons in the fire, the better.

A man in his thirty with salt and pepper hair and hard looking eyes, wearing the colors of the Mendevian Crusader, black and red and a medal of honor pin on his heart. Around his neck, a red symbol of Asmodeus.

Bowing to each of his comrade he said

Greetings every one, I am Tamerius Nalmois, Defender of Nerosian, Mendevian Crusader, Cleric of the Great Asmodeus, Hunter of Demons. Be the Cleansing Fire of Asmodeus upon us all

After reading the letters he said hum,what an interesting seal...

All information about the Crusade is important in our fight against the worldwound's demons. I know Taldor was at his time one of the greatest empire leading the army against the demons. History is of great help you can count on me for finding these documents in this library.
Knowledge is one of the greatest weapon against chaos and demons.

But I'm clearly not a man of subtility, I'm a man of action and knowledge but I will make my best to follow my comrade and do my duties.

Hessiel stands back watching the young ones flicker, with owlish eyes, as he slowly turns the important details about in his mind viewing them from alternate angles.

"I stand ready. I am Hessiel Linger, a new member of the Society, so I shall endeavour to learn from you all. But permit a few questions. When our patron states the Taldan noble house do they refer to Taldan royalty? And to be explicit are we permitted to know the name and/pr nature of our patron that we may guide our judgements accordingly?" The elf's voice is soft and sorrowful.

Haldan: Lady Morilla says, rather curtly, "The royal lineage of Grand Prince Stavian III. We are specifically interested in the lines of succession to the crown. This is, however, sensitive information, and I trust that you will be discrete. You are not to share this mission with your comrades back in Absalom. Understood?"

Rysalius: Lady Morilla bows and says, "My, my, it is flattering to hear that my reputation precedes me so. I look forward to seeing how one of our most promising new Pathfinders conducts himself on this mission. I'm hopeful that, if you are successful, we can assign you to many more important missions. Perhaps even find some time to get to know each other better?"

Muesello coughs a bit, then adds, "Getting back to business, we know little about the secret archive's security. We did not even know of its existence until recently. However, we have devised a plan. During the two-hour window during which you are allowed to research, there will be a reception for Grand Prince Stavian in the main ballroom of the academy. Taldan orchestras can get quite...lively, so that should mask most sounds, and has the added benefit of making sure that only a skeleton crew would be in the library at this time."

Fendahl: Muesello strokes his chin. "I don't know of any other agencies who are actively seeking this information, but obviously, there are other organizations which would have an interest in the contents of the library...and the contents of your mission. As for your lion, yes, I would recommend that you leave him here in the stables, out of an abundance of caution. I promise, he will be well looked after."

Hessiel: Lady Morilla says, rather abruptly, "We would prefer not to discuss the particulars of the relationship between our client and this mission. But, yes, we are referring to the lineage and lines of succession for the royal household. We seek a copy that is...undoctored by those who would paint a rosier picture."

Rysalius nods and smiles to Lady Morilla. "Very well, Milady. I shall be worthy of your trust."

Shel stands and turns to address the others. "We have time for a quick shopping trip, I assume, so if you need anything for the trip, I'd suggest getting it now. As for a plan, I am tempted to take this task armor-less, and wear some fineries. If caught, I could easily come up with a ruse that I erroneously headed in the wrong direction. That should pass muster. I've a large bad to stow my wands and knives. This worked for me at the Blakros wedding, so I have reason to think it should work this time as well. I'd advise all of you to give thought to some cover alias if we are discovered."

Muesello nods. "Indeed. I also have assembled a few items to give you before you depart.", he says, handing over a small satchel. Contained within are a Potion of Invisibility, a Potion of Pass Without Trace and a small packet containing 6 cards, each bearing one of your faces.

"These cards are similar to a deck of illusions," Muesello explains, "but are designed to create a realistic illusion of each of you studying various books. Simply peel off the backing and stick them to the bottom of a chair. If you use these in the Rare Books Collection, it should create a convincing alibi."

As I already said, I'm not the subtility type, but I can manage through high society and explain my presence in the library to inquisitious people. Don't need to hide what I am.
But if someone could hide my full plate armor I will gladly let him carry it

After Captain Musello hand over the cards Tamerius added

That's a very good trick captain.

Haldan nods gravely at Lady Morilla's advice, "Of course, this is no one's business but Taldor's. I trust that since you two know who this client is, your judgement is more than sound in this matter."

Does the writ of permission identify us as Pathfinders?

It does not.

"Those cards are amazing," Shel exclaims. "I've got to get myself a couple of these to take home! All kinds of good uses for those bad boys."

As stated earlier, I think Shel is going armorless for this one, just to be on the safe side. I don't know if that would be required, let alone wise, but she's setting up a chance to blend in the party, if she needs it. And Shel loves an opportunity to rock her green dress and emeralds.

Hessiel takes his card with a wan smile, "Might I ask how long these images can be expected to last? Will they endure the whole two hour timeframe, or some increment thereof?"

Haldan shrugs, "If any of you need help with your disguises, I would be willing to assist you. Picking up a kit will help a lot though. My own equipment is quite distinct, so I will be trying to muddle that up a bit."

"Hrrmm, I am not used to sneaking either, as it lacks honor. But in this case for the cause I can understand the reason. I will need help with disguise and can change a few spells to obscure our tracks if needed. If we think armor will be an issue I can stow all my gear in my haversack until we need to equip for less studious endeavors."

Fendahl will take Kirrah to the stables and tell the lioness to behave.

Hessiel smiles his weary bitter smile at Fendahl, his large eyes half veiled by their drowsy lids, "I do not think honour a universal constant, but perhaps it will soothe your conscience to know that many cultures which make a point of honour would not consider stealth to be a breach of it. In any case our intent appears to be to uncover a hidden truth which has a nobility of its own when viewed in a certain light."

"I think light armors will be fine, but anything heavier may draw attention."

"Fendahl, if you have any extra room in your magical bag, maybe I could stow my breastplate in there. It wouldn't take up much room."

"Let's see if it will fit."

Not sure if haversack can hold two sets of medium armor and other gear but will try.

Shel's armor is small, but still not sure if it would fit.

The handy haversack should have room for both.

Shel hands over her armor, and was glad to see it fit right in the bag of her teammate in this mission. "Give me a few minutes to go change, and I'm ready to set out."

Haldan will procure a chronicler's kit (40 gp).

"I am wearing a full armor, but it shouldn't be a problem since I'm hardly encumbered by it - it's made of mithral. As for people's looks, I would consider it normal for a man of my station to be wearing such a prestigious attire. I'm also versed in the art of disguise, and could help with that."

I too wear a full plate armor. As a Mendevian crusader it's almost usual for me wear such armor even in library as demons are known for their teleport capacity.
Even Queen Galfrey wear such an armor in official reception.

Alright. So, if everybody is ready to go....

You arrive at the Kitharodian Academy. The place is absolutely bustling, with guests, staff and nobles milling about. It's quite packed. What do you do?

Shel lets the others decide about their own attire, but when she returns to the gathering, she clearly was prepared to blend into the rather swanky festivities. She was modeling her favorite green dress, accented by just enough emerald jewelry to not come off as too awfully ostentatious. In her large handbag, she had an assortment of wands and kukri, as she wanted to stay prepared.

"Anything else before we are off?"

Note that Shel's current AC is 16.

The dashing old nobleman enters the Academy without a single glance for the plebs. Gazing at the room checking if he recognizes anyone of note here, the Baron moves forward in the room, sure-footed and imperious in his armored garb. Hailing one of the servants, he announces: "You there, tell me where the entrance of the library is. We, Baron Starnon and his retinue, are expected there."

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 or
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 to check if he recognizes anyone in the crowded room.

Tamerius will buy some books about Taldor history and noble lineage and study them for 1 hour before going.

Then cast Ant Haul on himself to be able to carry all his stuff.

----------------------

I'm ready to go Said Tamerius to Shel

His decoration for defending Nerosian pinned on his tabard with Mendev's colors. In his mind all the name of the many nobles of Oppara and in his backpack some letters of introduction in case of necessity.

Will buy Blue Book (Oppara), Book of Letters (Taldor), Heritage Book, Pathfinder Chronicle Volume 14

Who have the invitation to the Academy ?

Rysalius show him the letters and Tamerius followed him in the crowd, smiling to the guests.

Diplomacy (aid DC10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Haldan, dressed in the trappings of a field archaeologist, with the studs of his armor in the shape of the maned head of the Taldan lion, moves with assurity. "This way, my lord. I attended the academy briefly before washing out my first year. The library is this way."

Haldan looks a little uncomfortable, as if simply being here brings back troubling memories.

I believe Baron Starnon does. Either that or Shel.

I'll carry it.

Hessiel follows along wearing his slightly mocking smile and watching everything with his owlish eyes.

Between your ostentatious speech and knowledge of the academy's layout, you are able to piece together the location of the library.

As you wander through the crowd, there seems to be quite a throng around one person in particular - Grand Prince Stavian III himself is in attendance, surrounded by guards, courtesans and aspiring socialites.

Eventually, you reach a door marked "Library."