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

Game Master DebugAMP

Now accepting application for library cards.

A paranoid-looking gnome fills out a library card.

.

A young, wiry slip of a woman dressed in simple, loose garb tied at the waist with a purple sash and sporting a pair of goggles and red pigtails fidgets and looks around, semi-bored. She starts stretching.

Sstretches?! A powerfully built Nagaji walks in with his teeth bared in a heartfelt but unnerving smile, Fantasstic! It is good to be limber in thoughtss and musscles.

"Isss here the location at which we were bid to be?" Another massive nagaji asks, pronouncing 'location' low-cay-zhun and being overly verbose in his constant quest to make the 's' sound as little as he can. "Before our meeting I had been informed that combat would be not a difficulty, only learning. Given this and many another factor, I look forward to our exploration together."

A slightly disheveled elf approaches the stack of library forms without really acknowledging anyone else there. Perhaps he's aloof, or perhaps he's distracted by his own internal dialogue; it's not readily apparent. He grabs his form and a pen, and begins applying for his own library card.

"Kolris, yes. Cheliax, sure. Parents, aha! Reference? Excellent! Good, good to see them on top of the details. If a book goes missing, they'll be able to recover it. Good good."

His task accomplished, Kolris looks up and seems a bit startled to see other Pathfinders here. "Oh, I didn't... notice you, I guess. I'm Kolris. People tell me it's better to say my name before I ask for others. So, what are your names? Mine is Kolris."

"I bid you greeting, I am Yesssmoro," the stockier of the nagaji grins. "Have you any idea what we are doing here? I am currently unaware of the greater detail and parameter of our job to do here." He then winces. "I apologize. I have an intimate goal to avoid the hated letter, 's.' It may render me both verbossse and repetitive concurrently, difficult to comprehend, but if it will end up in a problematic manner, alert me and I will try hard to no longer."

Hello Kolriss. I am Narayan Ssingh. I hope we will be friends. I embracce ssibilancce. And pith.

You have all received a summons to meet at a bait and tackle shop in the Taldan Capitol city of Oppara. You have also been informed that discretion is the order of the day.

We shall begin tomorrow

Tam enters the bait and tackle shop, not too worried about seeming like she's somewhere she's not. After all, she's a sailor by profession. She's no professional fisherman, but she definitely understands the benefit of supplementing one's diet while at sea.

Profession(sailor): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

She busies herself looking over equipment with some modicum of experience.

Your contact, Venture-Captain Muesello breaks into a smile as the party gathers in the shop and motions for everyone to gather in the building's back room before locking up the shop and propping a sign in the window that reads "Gone finishing." "Lady Glorianna Morilla awaits you inside.

Once finished locking up the business he comes to join you in the back room. 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?”

Tam cocks her head. "So, we need to get two things. One, the list of books in the main library for our patron, and two, the info about the Shining Crusade in the hidden archive. Otherwise, we aren't supposed to remove anything from the library, and we aren't supposed to remove anything from the archive anyway, but hey, Pathfinders. Is that right?"

Narayan is filled with sorrow by Morilla's explanation.
There are so many evils that trouble the world. Why do we allow pride to blind uss and add to them.
Narayan shakes his head and continues, How will we acccesss to hidden archive oncce we are within the library's shell?

"Yes, I want any and all information you can find regarding the Shining Crusade. And do not do anything that would alert the owners to your little... research party. As for the layout of the library..." Lady Gloriana turns towards Muesello who stands up.

"The rare books collections 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 in."

Yesmoro flicks his tongue about in agitation. "I do not know if I can enter the unknown archive in good faith, much I would like to. I tend to be very loud, even without armor, which we may not need there. But I will try hard not to ruin cover. I love to learn and behold important text."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

A ssecret isn't a ssecret oncce too many know of it. What protectss the archives? Guards? Trapss?

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Take 10 on Intelligence for 10; untrained otherwise

Tam shrugs at Yesmoro's worry. "Then I'll check the archive. Loud people where they're supposed to be makes a fine distraction."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Kolris listens attentively. He nods as he processes each new point of information from the background and instructions. When the Venture-Captain asks for questions, Kolris starts to speak up but Copper and Narayan both speak up first. These were some of his questions, so he awaits and processes the response.

He opens his mouth again but both nagaji speak up; Copper addresses Yesmoro's concern much in the way that Kolris himself might have, and he falls silent again.

He lets a moment pass to be sure that he has some conversational space in which to speak, then finally gets his words out.

"This sounds very interesting. I relish the opportunity. The library should be interesting to explore itself, and I can't say that I'm particular about the information I study at this point. I think I'd be just as happy to follow your muse there as mine. Count me in."

The elf looks around from person to person in the room distractedly. His eyes wander to the Venture-Captain and the packages he's holding, and settle on the broken seal of the scroll tube. He seems lost in thought yet again as his gaze rests there.

A tall, lean human male dressed in scale armor carries a finely-crafted polearm, his long black cloak trailing behind him. In fact, all his clothing is black. He squints as if in bright sunlight despite being indoors.

His eyes appear to mask a much older soul than his forty or so years might suggest.

He nods solemnly as he considers their task.

"I am Telos Phane," he says by way of introduction.

"I have much interest in lore. This will be an interesting mission."

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Sorry missed the introduction. Was recovering from GMing BuA... :P

Untir stands at a corner of the room, still looking somewhat green from the ship journey over from Absalom. Having spent much of his early life in the Osirian deserts, the shock that there is so much water in the world still comes onto him each time he travels by ship, although it has been improving.

He keeps his hand in his pouch, absently caressing Da'e. Stay in there where it is warm. And dry. City folks do seem to panic quite a bit when they see scorpions. Despite knowing that his familiar do not really understand him, he has taken to having conversations with it, it being his only connection back with the Running Scorpion tribe.

A library! Untir has heard of such a facility but has yet to seen one for himself. Other than some scraps of ancient parchment relics, the collective wisdom of his tribe is passed down by oral tradition. He looks forward to seeing knowledge that is stored by writing from generations past.

"I, too, am much interested in lore. But I fear I have little experience researching in ... libraries?" He ponders briefly, then adds on with a self-depreciating grin as he looks down at his breastplate. "And I am not particularly stealthy either. But I relish the chance to see this wonder. And to give of whatever assistance I can."

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

BuA was quite a grinder. I was GMing the Tier 10-11 table... whew! Sorry 'bout the elementals BTW.

Muesello seems to be the more knowledgable one about the library and responds to the queries about it's defenses.

Muesello answers. “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.”

“Tomorrow evening, the Kitharodian Academy will host an extravagant orchestral performance in celebration of the Grand Prince’s birthday. Such 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.”

Muesello then slides the cloth-wrapped parcels toward the group. “This one,” he says, tapping the first parcel, “contains a deck of illusionsthat 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.”

"I divine we have a worthy cover then," Yesmoro grins, marveling over the modified deck. "And what the package will no longer hold will likely prove quite utile. Are we on a clock when it will come to getting there? Either way, it would be practical to review what will be found in each other package and be on our way, or to prepare."

Kolris lifts his gaze from the scroll tube to the Venture-Captain. Without concern for any subtleties or social protocol that may exist, he blurts out: "That's the Princess Eutropia's seal. No?"

Lady Morilla's stare looks as though it could punch a hole in Kolris, and Venture Captain Muesello hesitates for a moment before answering, obviously avoiding directly answering the 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 says as 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.”

The other package contains a potion of 'Invisibility' and a potion of 'Pass Without Trace.'

Lady Morilla then addresses Yesmoro's question. "The performance is tomorrow evening. You'll have the day to prepare."

"I believe I understand our assignment," Telos says. "I will make some preparations and will be ready for tomorrow," he promises.

Taking 10 on Sense Motive for a 20.

"Shouldn't be a problem!" Tam replies, chipperly. "After all, who would want to stand in our way? We're only interested in learning some of Taldor's glorious history. I know none of us is planning to wreck the place or cause problems. Really, who could be against that?"

"Unedited history is closely guarded. Remember, you've been invited to visit the main library, but the library underground is supposed to be secret, and will clearly be outside of the bounds of your invitation. Any sign that you've been snooping around will likely be investigated. Leave no trace of your research, take nothing unless it is necessary for the mission. Take good notes and you should be able to leave the necessary texts behind."

With that, Lady Morilla and Venture-Captain Muesello rise. "Good luck."

You have 1 day to make any purchases or adjustments to prepared spells. As you can tell from the briefing, this mission is on a clock. I'll keep a rough indication of how much time has elapsed on the mission header, but that will not be exact.

Buying Masterwork bladed scarf, journal, ink, and inkpen. Also buying a scroll of disguise self. I miss the old 1e Copy spell.

Narayan is slightly confused by all the talk of political plans.
He hasn't quite grasped who their mysterious ally is.
But he knows what it is to help friends.
This time he will bring his own writing tools.

Purchasing a couple sticks of charcoal and a few sheets of papyrus

Memorize page might be a rough equivalent

Colloquially called “the Kith,” this bard college is the largest in the city, and ranks among the largest on Golarion. Although this grand academy allows all souls that wishes to enroll the chance to prove themselves, students must adhere to a code of education and rigorous self discipline. Each department advisor sets forth the graduation requirements for their students.

The Kitharodian Academy sits atop the northern cliffs of Oppara and has an impressive view of the Porthmos River valley. The school boasts architecture as lovely as its music, and elegant domes, towers, and columns adorn the principle music hall. On the night of the performance, mirror-focused lanterns and dancing lights illuminate the structure, making the academy a radiant beacon of Taldor’s greatness.

Tonight, the entrance to the Academy is packed with crowds of commoners and nobility alike jostling to enter the music hall.

At the moment you have the following:
- Signed letter from Arch-Exarch Gregorius to admit the bearers to the Kitharodian Academy’s rare books collection.
- Unsigned letter that describes many of the mission’s details from your benefactor's (likely Princess Eutropia’s) perspective.
- Modified Deck of Illusions containing one card for each of you, and one card for each of your familiars/animal companions.
- Potion of Invisibility
- Potion of Pass without trace

Let me know who has each of those as you head into the Kith. You can continue to make any final purchases and preperations. Once you all post actions to enter the Kith we'll begin the clock.

Yesmoro fits several sticks of chalk and charcoal, as well as some paper, into his belt so it is close at hand. "I will carry the invisibility elixir for the time being, in the unfortunate event it will be needed I will be quite requiring of the power it can grant." He also pushes his axe into his massive backpack, loath as he is to have it further away than his side or in his hand.

Narayan will take one of the cards for himself, but otherwise he trusts his new friends to deal with invitations and schemes.

The potion of Passs without Tracce sseems like a good idea. Can anyone elsse use ssuch magic?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

As is often typical, Kolris misses something in the social interaction, failing to detect some message or meaning of the other party. He accepts the scroll case with the Princess' seal.

"I'll care for this well; we'll not use it unless necessary."

Kolris will carry both letters, along with his own illusion card from the deck. He will purchase a journal. He will prepare one extract of Disguise Self and leave the other extract slot unprepared to be decided later. (It takes 1 minute to mix an extract; I believe this can be done later in the adventure.)

Yep. You can always spend a minute to mix an unprepared extract of a formula that you know.

Tam looks over the supplied equipment, chooses her card from the deck, and thinks for a moment. "If you've all got the rest of the equipment, then we're in good shape! I'll just grab a few things from the shops, and let's meet tomorrow."

Also picks up a scroll of comprehend languages. It is a library, after all.

A good idea, Copper Tam, Narayan grins, undersstanding all tongues may be usseful.

Narayan will pick up a scroll too

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Untir collects the cards for both himself and Da'e, and in the process retrieves his spirit guide from his pouch to introduce to the rest of the party. "Da'e can be quite inconspicuous, and can be a good scout or a lookout."

Untir leaves the other documents for Kolris, not quite certain exactly how such documents are used in civilised lands.

"Narayan, thanks for the thought. I can beseech my ancestral spirits to grant us similar magic. Someone else can use that potion."

Untir can also prepare that spell to affect 2 persons for each casting. I'd rather not use all my spell slots for it though. :) Any idea what skill checks allow someone to avoid leaving tracks behind so I can see who would likely not need that spell?

Stealth is usually used for avoiding detection, including covering one's tracks. Anything else would be situational and you wouldn't really know until you go.

Map is linked at the top of the page now. Let me know if you have trouble accessing it or moving your icon around.

Approaching the Kith, out find a rather disorganized group of ushers running about checking tickets for tonight's performance which is starting in about 10 minutes. The rare books collection, which hopefully contains access to the secret vault, is somewhere within this building.

What do you wish to do?

Narayan will try to grab an usher, first figuratively, then literally.

Greetingss! We need guidancce.

"Excuse me sir, but you must wait your turn. We are doing our best to get everyone into the music hall in a timely fashion."

If you wish to press him to help get to the library, some form of social check will be required.

A momentss guidancce is all that is needed, friend.

Narayan is extremely friendly, but he looms and smiles in a way that seems to suggest that being friendly back is a good idea.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"I think this will help explain." Kolris holds out the letter from Arch-Exarch Gregorius. "We're actually looking for the library, you see; we're not here for the performance."

He looks behind and around at the large and unruly crowd. "Since we're not a part of this," a wave of his arm indicates that same large crowd, "everything will be easier for you and quicker for them if you can just point us in the right direction."

Tam runs up by Narayan's side. "Don't mind us, we're not going to the music hall, but to the library. Could you let us know where it is? Some directions, and we'll be out of your way in an instant!"

Aid another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Indeed, you can make the current event lack difficulty by pointing to the library," Yesmoro adds, his natural bulk contributing greatly to his argument.

Aid Another, Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Telos stands with his arms folded, hoping the aggressive stance of his companions does not delay them or get them kicked out entirely.

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3

The usher looks over the letter from Gregorius, then looks back at the crowd. "Erm... we are blocking the entrance, I had best get you out of the way." He leads you through the crowd and towards the main library area. "And which research group do you represent?"

He passes through the main library area and to a smaller private wing. "Tobias? Are you here?"