RxGM- Library of the Lion (#5-11) Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master RxGus

Rorrim reapplies his face wrappings preparing to go." we will return friend, you deserve to see the outside world and be able to create your own history. Lovissa perhaps Etna or Solemnia should take the key, they can take the lead, I can take the rear and keep an eye for Iliyana"

"That is fine. We should move on, we are limited on time." Amarsia gestures towards the door.

"A shield would certainly be a fitting home for a Guardian! Yes, I believe that would do nicely indeed!"

In the name of game progress, I am going to assume that Alrik takes they key as the most "front line" character in the group.

Alrik takes the key from Lovissa, noticing it weighs significantly less than it originally appeared. It takes only a few seconds to engage the tumbler and the door clicks quietly before swinging open on very smooth and quiet hinges.

Peering into the hallway you are greeted with a familiar site- another long north and south hallway. The north ends in an ascending stairwell and you can see several doors on the east side of the hallway.

Maps updated!

Rorrim whispers to the group upon entering the hallway"Interesting,
That stair maybe another exit out, I vote we go through the doors but we should be wary of defenses.That guardian was very helpful, Lovissa we simply must help him, suppose he's some sort of elemental?"perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Alrik waves the sneakier party members forward to check the doors while he keeps an eye out for other potential problems.

Etna will wave a good bye at the guardian before moving to the doorway on the South. She will test it gently to see if it is locked. If it is she will motion for the key. Either way once it can be opened she will silently crack it to peak in.

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Etna- the door is locked, and Alrik would be able to tell you it opens into the same hall as the north door. You would be able open it if you wanted, but I don't see any advantage of having both doors unlocked. I'll let you keep that stealth roll entering the hallway from the north door, if you would like

I believe etna was referring to the southeast door in the hallway not the southern door from the Guatdians room

So she was. I really shouldn’t pathfinder after 10 pm!

Etna makes her way quietly down the hallway, arriving in front of the last door on the left. She takes a moment to steady herself before checking the door. The handle moves freely and she peaks into the room.

Perception, Etna: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Inside are small and simple quarters that are sparsely decorated with only simple furniture. Seated at the desk on the left is an elderly woman- wearing a cloth across her face, almost as if wearing a blindfold. In front of her you see a beat-up book and it appears she is sewing the binding back together. See slide 6

On the far wall is a stoic portrait of Prince Stavian III. A brass plaque on the frame of the portrait reads, “In the end, loyalty is its own reward.”

She doesn't appear to react to the door opening.

Etna will raise a finger up to her lips as she turns to the group. Turning back to the door she will gently rap her knuckles on the wood.

"May the warmth of spring always greet you. I apologize for disturbing you. We have business here in the library. You are the caretaker Iliyana, right?

Etna will try to keep her tone casual yet firm. She wanted to make it sound like she belonged here.

Rorrim stares wide eyed at Etna's brashness. He thinks "Well that's one way to take care of here, this will be interesting,"

That guardian was very helpful, Lovissa we simply must help him, suppose he's some sort of elemental?"[/b]

"Oh, he's no creature -- elemental or otherwise." Lovissa replies with a shake of her head. "He's some other sort of sentience that was imbued into the carving. Fascinating, isn't it?"

---

As they head down the hall, Lovissa keeps an eye out for trouble or traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

As Etna begins to initiate a conversation with the blind woman, Lovissa opens her mouth to speak, then shuts it firmly. She let's Etna take the lead for now, knowing that she, herself, is a horrible liar.

Amarsia follows the group. After the door opens she sees the woman and lets out an, "Oh." She lets her party speak and will observe and listen intently.

"Fascinating. I think she's--what do they call it?--fieldstripping it." Solemnia says in a whisper from behind Amarsia and Etna.

speaking with Lovissa as they enter the hall, whispering
"I am less familiar with artifice and binding, and more concerned with the living. We do make a good team in that regard,"

In the hall before encountering the blind woman, also whispering:

Lovissa grins widely at Rorrim. "I've been told I have eclectic interests." She gives Rorrim an appraising look then adds, "Besides, I'm sure we'd make a good team in plenty of ways." She winks at him, making it clear the bold woman is flirting. "A thought for another time." Then she continues on her way down the hall.

At the sound of the knocking, the elderly lady sets down her book and pushes her chair away from the desk. Standing, she brushes her dress before walking over to the door. Throughout this exchange, her head never particularly moves for its forward position.

She is wearing a plain green dress and cream cloth apron. A red scarf is tied about her head, and around her neck hangs a gold necklace with a lion's face. She appears late middle aged or perhaps a little older. On her side hangs a set of iron keys on a ring.

She moves swiftly and purposefully to the door, without any issue. She reaches for the door knob and runs her hand into the knob itself- clearly expecting the door to be closed.

"Ow" slips out of her mouth before she catches herself, opening the door the rest of the way.

"Yes, I am Iliyana. Why have you disturbed my work? I wasn't expecting anyone, what with the grand performance going on outside." She pauses for a moment as if considering some unvoiced thoughts. "I do not recognize your voice, guest" she states matter-of-factly.

Perception to see the Lion necklace and the keys: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10sense motive on Iliyana: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Etna will blink once before falling into the role. "Yes that is correct! We have already validated our credentials with the guardian beforehand. I was just approaching to get a better layout of the library. We were told that you are the caretaker and could help direct us in our research.

It may be odd with the performance going on but we decided to do our research with a little background music. Gods know it's been quiet since the Master of Blades really started to crack down. Will you come to lead my research assistants and me?"

She used what she had heard from the guardian to her advantage as she spun her web of a story. As she spoke a couple of green sparks ran through her hair.

I will use my boon from the sky key solution to add one to the roll for this session.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Some assistance may be needed!

How willing the Halfling is to stick her foot into her mouth haha, Rorrim is no liar sorry cant help much.

"Yes, agreed the music does help sooth my senses. I was informed we could find you here and that you may show us the right direction and perhaps even assist us. It's a pleasure to meet you." Amarsia steps up to add.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Though she isn't exactly lying but she is trying to maintain the appearance they are allowed here.

Etna will blink once before falling into the role. "Yes that is correct! We have already validated our credentials with the guardian beforehand. I was just approaching to get a better layout of the library. We were told that you are the caretaker and could help direct us in our research.

It may be odd with the performance going on but we decided to do our research with a little background music. Gods know it's been quiet since the Master of Blades really started to crack down. Will you come to lead my research assistants and me?"

She used what she had heard from the guardian to her advantage as she spun her web of a story. As she spoke a couple of green sparks ran through her hair.

I will use my boon from the sky key solution to add one to the roll for this session.

Some assistance may be needed!

Solemnia hands Etna a loaded crossbow. ;)

I'll try to post something when I get a moment, and think of something.

please don't hurt the blind elderly librarian

Seeing a crossbow come into sight, Lovissa shakes her head and steps forward, ensuring any shots fired at the poor librarian will hurt Lovissa first.

"Hail and well met, Iliyana, Honoured Caretaker of the Library! I am Lovissa, Chosen of the Magnificent Guardian. We were told there was no greater person to ask for aid than you. Certainly the Magnificent Guardian did not jest?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Well, I tried. Don't shoot this lady.

Rorrim and Justus remain quiet for now, attempting to conceal their presence from Iliyana.

The elderly ladies face hardens as the halfling speaks. As others echo their voices, her face stays stoic and composed. "We being three... no, at least 4 of you by the sound of it. I suspect that you aren't accompanied by one of the magistrates as is customary. Why then shouldn't I yell for the guards this instant and alert them to your presence?"

please don't hurt the blind elderly librarian

You're just being biased. What about all those poor sighted people who have to go through life seeing things as they actually are?

what should we do folks? You have the best bluff Solemnia

Seeing a crossbow come into sight, Lovissa shakes her head and steps forward, ensuring any shots fired at the poor librarian will hurt Lovissa first.

Well, I tried. Don't shoot this lady.

First note the BBCoding-color of the text referenced. That, and Solemnia doesn't actually have a crossbow. The woman is an academic, and probably works with children. Instead she pulls up a bazooka with the silencer screwed on the end, and....

Who had the Guardian's key? Alrik! Solemnia waves the dwarf over, or if he's still around the corner quickly searches him out. This has to be the first time anyone ever thought 'we have to lie to someone; quick, go find the paladin.'

Oh, and congrats on your amphibious, aquatic, brachiating, rodent team win! X)

what should we do folks? You have the best bluff Solemnia

Who needs bluff when you have a paladin with an official passkey? ;)

Rorrim looks at his friends is unsure what to do. Having heard the guardian speak of Iliyana's plight he wishes to help her.Rorrim clear a his throat so as not to startle Iliyana with his presense"Iliyana we are seekers of knowledge attempting to utilize this library to help many people who are in danger. If you summon guards those people WILL die, Taldor itself could even be threatened," diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Etna will try to keep from sounding too surprised as she goes on.

"No need to get any guards involved. Like I said the guardian before here was the one who had given us the key. We don't come baring any ill will or intention to destroy any documents. All we want is to learn some information that is currently being hoarded in this institution. I'm sure you agree that keeping such knowledge under lock and key is a terrible waste. The knowledge here could help to stifle the demon invasion.

I saw the way you were repairing that book. It's obvious you are very loyal. We can appreciate that. We too are loyal to our friends and comrades. But loyalty is a two-way street. Have the lion blades shown you the same respect you give them?"

Dipomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

@ Solemnia: Thanks!

Seeing there is no crossbow, Lovissa looks startled. Was it a trick of the light? A mystical vision? Something she ate? Vestiges of a memory from one of the many psychic impressions she'd read today? Unconcerned (and more than a little intrigued), Lovissa grins and relaxes, proving she's perhaps a touch unstable.

She waits to hear the librarians response.

IIyilana responds in a very cold and measured manner. "Acceptance from the Guardian, as he calls himself, carries no weight here- despite my opinions of him, those that manage this library view him as little more than a nuisance."

When Rorrim speaks, her face appears conflicted.

"Don't speak to me about loyalty, to Taldor or otherwise. I have felt betrayal from all sides. From Taldor. From the Lion Blades. From the pursuit of knowledge itself. No! You say many things yet speak in half-truths and generalities. Since you are not Lion blades, then who are you? It is very possible that your apprehension could turn the tides of my circumstance"

She steps back slightly, face remaining stoic in the face of obviously over-powering threats.

"forgive any half truths we have said Iliyana, we do so for the lives of others. We've come to learn of the Silver Crusade and the defeat of the Whispering Tyrant. if you wish it we can help you too as well as the Guardian lion, If you wish to leave, your life could be your own and your skills could be put to good use."

Amarsia patiently waits and observes. She was never a good talker but that doesn't mean she can't learn to be.

"If you dislike your circumstances, then change them." Lovissa states plainly. "We can assist you in that regard. If you have the courage."

Lovissa is being entirely truthful, fyi. If this lady said she wanted to leave here, Lovissa would smuggle her out to the Pathfinders or wherever.

Gus do our characters have any sense of how much time has passed? I know its probably hard to tell down here in the archive. Team maybe if we can get Iliyana on our side she can point us in the right direction, could make up for the time we spent talking and help the society a lot by gaining two allies. I bet the guardian would like that necklace if its magical, and then we can use the potion of invisiblity to sneak her out

Rorrim- you estimate that the party has been in the library between 25-40 minutes. While these RP opportunities are taking a lot of RW time, they aren't a ton of in-game time. That said, a couple of unfortunate rolls early in this interaction have made this interaction a little bit more difficult

yeah, subterfuge isn't our specialty lol.

Sorry guys! In addition to the Paizo site issues my works internet on and off too. I really didn't mean for this RP section to take as long as it has... I know some people are itching to hit things!

"I am not bound by lock and key", as the woman draws a slight gesture to the keys on her belt. "No, part of the punishment, it seems, is that I carry the keys to my own freedom. I bear a punishment for my husband's crimes while Taldor looks away. I know not what has become of him- but I do know that the Lion Blades have taken my son... and my sight, to protect their secrets."

There is a pause again, while she composes herself.

"They have told me that my sight will be returned when the debt is paid, though now I believe that I instead serve as a warning to the new recruits about crossing the blades. But leaving would jeopardize my Son, and therefore I stay"

ohhhh that's hairy, I'm not sure what we can do for her. it doesn't seem like she'ld be able to leave really. I guess she could still help us though if she wants to

Sorry guys! In addition to the Paizo site issues my works internet on and off too. I really didn't mean for this RP section to take as long as it has... I know some people are itching to hit things!

Yes, but you would probably frown on Solemnia dope-smacking Rorrim for bringing up the threat of violence. ;) And it really wouldn't be a Gameday here on the Paizo messageboards if the the site didn't suffer a lengthy, catastrophic, meltdown in the middle of the first week. ;)

"You mean you are blind? And that the Lion Blades did it? That's terrible. Do you know where your son is?"

waiting for Iliyana's reply

Etna will look blank faced at the woman before speaking.

"Punished for your husband? That's the biggest load of dung I've heard since some shady merchant tried to sell me a piece of the star stone. This is just barbaric. Tell you what, we get you and your son out of this place and someplace safe. We were told not to steal anything but I don't remember kidnapping being mentioned."

She will wink at the librarian before blushing.

"Oh... A-Anyways do you have any idea where he is? We will break him out during the next swell of music than get what we need and run! Does that sound good to you all?"

She will turn to get her companions feedback.

Etna, Solemnia, Lovissa- please make diplomacy checks

Much like Rorrim before, Iliyana slowly reaches up and unties her blindfold. As she pulls it down, you see her eyes are frosted over and fully white.

"Blind may be too strong a word, but clouded beyond functionality would be appropriate..."

"My husband was caught brokering Taldan information to foreign powers, by an undercover Lion Blade- unbeknownst to me. They tried to prosecute me as an accomplice but were unable prove my guilt- so instead they turned me over to the Lion Blade's themselves who set me here and took my sight to protect their secrets. I have not seen my son in 5 years, though the Master has assured my he is being well cared for..."

"I could have left years ago, but the fear of them harming my son- and of remaining blind the rest of my life- has kept me here, with just the Guardian for company"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Well we got some people who can help out with the whole blindness thing. Might have to call in a favor but no biggie. So shameful, just making you a slave because they could not stick you in jail. This is the worst library I have ever been to, even with the big picture books the lion can make. Any idea where this master is or where we can find some information on your son? I see stairs leading up and a couple doors around here. A better idea of this layout could really assist in finding him."

"Sadly I doubt the master of the Lion Blades is in this university Etna, They may even be keeping Iliyana's son somewhere else," Rorrim's expression, although tense up to this point, falls to barely contained sorrow."We were sent here with a purpose.I don't believe we have time to search the whole university.He could even be anywhere in Oppara,"
Rorrim gets an idea. "Iliyana where did you get that necklace? Is it precious to you? is it magical?"