The Broken GMs Library of the Lion (Inactive)

Game Master Broken Prince

"Toothless old lion indeed you impertinent thief! I am the Guardian of this library, you snivelling thieves, and when I call the Lionblades who are its guardians you will learn proper respect for the might and glory of Taldor!" The lion bellows, abandoning all pretence of inanimacy as it scowls at Vanya like a stern school master reprimanding a naughty student.

Bevek's eyes just about pop out of his head when he hears the lion speak.

Whoa. Hold on there a minute. We're not here to steal anything. We are humble seekers of knowledge. We were sent to research one of the greatest moments in Taldor's history, the Shining Crusade. A great evil exists in the world today. It is hoped that by following Taldor's righteous example, this evil can be fought and defeated. This can only help to magnify Taldor's glory. So please, hold off on calling the Lionblades for a moment.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Indeed, well come forward to within twenty feet of me, all of you, or I am calling the Lionblades. Then tell me about this so called "great evil" and know that I will taste the truth in your words, or otherwise," the lion responds, clearly far from mollified yet.

Vanya mutters darkly to herself:"Lion Blades! So this' what this is all about! Literally stepping into the lion's den without a clue!!! And we got cought already! DAMNATION! If we had someone capable of turning the statue to rubble... but none of us can do that sort of thing... well, no matter crying over spilled milk, let's see if we can salvage this fiasco"

Having made up her mind Vanya steps forward until she's within 20 feet from the lion statue:"Great guardian, I humbly ask your forgiveness for my disrespectful words, it just a figure of speech, I assure you. Now I can see you are a mighty and noble creature and I would have never dreamed uttering such nonsense had I known about your majestic form beforehand . I dare hope you are as just as your are bold, a creature whose wisdom and righteousness might help us and indeed all of Taldor in their moment of need!" despite wanting badly to roll her eyes inside her head Vanya continues, seemingly unperturbed by her own shameless flattery:"You see, great guardian, I am a servant of Taldor too, although certainly not one as powerful as you are, and I came here on a mission to help our great nation recover its former glory, which I am shamed to say is somewhat diminished in these dark times. I search for information on the Shining Crusade so that we might learn from that most glorious of endeavors and thus help the fledgeling nations of this dark age mimic the feats mighty Taldor achieved! For in the far north the accursed Worldwound has spilled open, and all manner of demonic abominations threaten to overcome the continent. So here we are, humbly hoping to learn from the glorious examples set for us by our forebears, and maybe find a way to wake the most complacent of our nobles from their... complacency" finishes Vanya, bowing deeply

"There you go... let's see how the dices roll..."

The Guardian sighs, "I am afraid I, and likely most sentient creatures, are immune to such transparent flattery. Sometimes less is more girl. Where is this "Worldwound"?"

A map appears floating before you, a horizontal depiction of Avistan appears with the countries outlined in thick black lines with their names scrawled across them in ornate, but recognizable script.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Untrained? Is this something everyone with general knowledge of the world could answer?

Know geography: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Vanya points her finger at the old nation of Sarkoris and comments:"Should be there... although if you don't mind me saying... the map seems rather out of date with the current events"

The rule with Knowledges is anything above 10 cannot be made untrained unless you have some special ability to do so. So Vanya cannot tell the map is out of date.

The rule with Knowledges is anything above 10 cannot be made untrained unless you have some special ability to do so. So Vanya cannot tell the map is out of date.

Then consider her able to just point out where the Worldwound should be and scrap the part about the map being old fashioned please

Untrained Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Saera approaches as the lion shows Vanya the map, but wisely keeps her mouth shut.

Doesn't look like the treasure maps I saw in my childhood...

Untrained knowledge geography: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Boderus stares at the map and doesn't have a clue.
"I agree with Vanya.
He says, not wanting to be embarrassed not knowing it.

Is anyone not moving forward to within 20ft of the Lion as requested?

Starlene moves closer to the lion, mouth open in wonder at the animated beast. Her cheeks flush as the map blinks in to existence, instead of memories of classrooms and atlases, she remembers sneaking off to watch the music classes of older students.

Know(geography): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Doesn't he have that map upside down?

The leaders in the fight against the Worldwound seem to see parrallels to the Whispering Tyrant's tactics during the Silver Crusade. It is hoped we can learn something from the past to aid the current fight.

"So all you are after is information on the tactics used to fight the Whispering Tyrant? And recall I asked you to tell me about this Worldwound, not what you wanted - do try to keep up," The lion says, quirking a brow.

Vanya, despite wanting very badly to snap at the talking lion head, forces herself to keep quiet and answers the question:"The Worldwound is a place where the Abyss spilled over in our world. I can't really explain it much better than that... but down here you probably have some books about what happened. Basically Aroden died and and the Abyss broke loose. Crusades were called to stop it from engulfing the whole continent. Now it's trying to expand again and another crusade has been called to stop it. One I hope Taldor can lead, but for that to happen we'll also need information about important old relics tied to Taldor past glories in order to rouse a score of our lazy noblemen to action..." Vanya finishes, actually surprised by how much she believes what she just said.

The lion nods, "Old relics, I can think of only one, but it has been stuck in the Library as teacher and Guardian for far too long. It is... under appreciated. Now tell me who you are and why you are here, I want to know all of it, so you will also tell me if you believe you have omitted anything I would want to know or not once you finish."

Shall I shoot it? No... I'd better not do that... Imagine if only the head's poking out of the wall, but there's an actual body behind it...

"We'd be doomed," Saera says resolute. It takes Saera a few seconds to realize she said the last part of her train of thoughts out loud.

"Without learning from Taldor's glorious victories," she decides to add, "That's why we're here."

Saera scrapes her throat before she introduces herself. "My name's Saera Dyar, born in the abyss and raised in Golarion. My mother was a succubus who didn't care for me, nor for the human that helped produce me. She left me to die as an infant, but I was taken in by two people who've always been like true family to me."

I know its easy in PBP to forget stuff from the briefing, but you are also supposed, "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." All of your characters should be well aware of this.

With a flash of inspiration, Starlene suddenly remembers

Um, Mr Lion, we're also here to "research the Glorious Lineage of the Taldan noble houses so we may better understand this great nation" she quotes verbatim from the mission briefing.

If I might be so bold as to add as well, that we didn't know you were down here until you spoke just now! Otherwise I can assure you, we'd have paid you attention much earlier she says sincerely.

I can only guess at the amazing knowledge and skills you might have to teach, I only regret how little time we have to spend with you now

she is genuinely quite in awe, and sad that there really is a clock ticking in the form of their permitted allowance of time for research.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Well to tell you the truth, that's about all I know of the Worldwound. I've not seen it myself. Not sure I care to.

Bevek pulls his notebook out of his inside coat pocket. He flips through several pages, looking for reminders on the mission.

Ah, there is one other topic we were sent to research. As you must know, not just anyone is allowed access to the special collection here at the Academy. We got lucky in that we found a patron who sponsored our admittance to the library. In exchange, we were asked to research the lineage of the Taldor noble house. Apparently other available records have proved less than accurate. A lot of revisionist history in Taldor these days. No idea who the patron is. That wasn't part of our briefing. You wouldn't happen to know where we could find that, would you? The shorter our search, the sooner we can leave you in peace.

Bevek flashes the lion his best disarming smile.

Boderus stands with the others near the talking hunk of stone. Waiting silent and patiently for the conversation to be finished. He nods to several answers from people of the group.

When will we finally be able to search this place, instead of talking to this thing!

Vanya considers the talking head, suddenly intrerssed:"This relic... the one inside this very walls... is that something that could be used as a rallying point for Taldor's elite? Something that will make them feel forced to follow a crusade against demons of the abys? If so I'd like to hear more about it"

"Here's hoping you are not talking about yourself... you overgrown piece of marble!"

"Find a way to get me out of this library and I shall rally them to this cause, I am Glorymane and I was meant for more than this. I should be serving my nation, not down here being treated like a mushroom. There is supposed to be a way in here, but I know not what it is. This key will let you through the doors behind me."

The lion's maw drops open and a key falls into it.

Saera's chaotic side takes over as she picks up the key with a wide grin on her face.

Sweet, we'll unleash this creature and wreak havoc on all of...! Uhm... no, let's not do that...

"Thank you, Glorymane, for entrusting us with such an important task. I'm sure you wouldn't give up this key unless we've at least earned some of your trust. I'll do my best to get you out of here!"

Saera walks off to one of the door, but stops in her tracks. She turns around and addresses Glorymane again: "Glorymane, could you give us some more info on where to find the info we need in this library? If at least some of my companions would join me in trying to free you, the others could start searching the knowledge we need. As Bevek said, we're a bit short on time. Aaaaand... you sure you don't have any idea on how to get you out of here...?"

With the key in her hand Saera then proceeds to one of the doors and unlocks it. She opens the door carefully and peeks inside the room. If all looks safe, Saera will enter the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

The key is easily extracted and the lion nods, "I can advise where such treatises might be found... And further I should warn you that this library has a blind caretaker who resides beyond, I do not think you need fear her, but I assume you will want your presence here to remain a secret - The Lionblades will not take kindly to it. The most valuable books are kept beyond, so I would prioritize your search there."

The doors when opened with the key reveal a long stone corridor with a spiral stair ascending at one end and three doors. Two of the doors nearest the center are locked, and the key you have would not seem to fit these.

His advice grants you a +2 to search checks within this large room.

Map Part 2

Thank you Glorymane, both for the information and for trusting us with the task of freeing you

Here's hoping he's not a criminal placed down here and magically compelled to assist knowledge seekers as penance for his horrific crimes...

Starlene shakes herself out of her daydream, there is work to do!

On seeing the central two doors are locked

Well my friends, either the blind librarian has a key, it can be found elsewhere or one of you better be very handy with a set of picks...

She glances at the staircase

We're pressed for time so whilst you figure out the layout and access to those doors down here, I'll check out the staircase

She moves quickly down the corridor and ascends the staircase.

"Well thank you for the help... Glorymane. What kind of relic could constitute an adequate vessel for you? And furthermore, as my colleague her mentioned we are searching information on the lineage of the Grand Prince, Sativan III, so to better understand the story of our glorious nation... Since our goals seems the same your help on the matter would be greatly appreciated"

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Once the group passes into the corridor, Bevek mutters to his companions: Well, I'm not sure if he's what we're looking for, but at least it got us through the door. We can try to figure out how to get him out of here, but I think we should still look for some mention of other relics.

It looks like four doors on the map, instead of three. Am I mis-reading it?

Bevek moves up to the closest door, and examines the door for traps.

Perception(trapfinding): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

If he does not find anything, he will pick the lock.

Disable device. Taking 10 for a total of 19.

Boderus nods to the statue in thanks and follows Bevek. He tries to help him with the lock if necesarry.
Disable device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

If the lock gives way
As the door opens Boderus whispers to Bevek.
"Well that done it alright. Shall we go together then?"
He moves through the door to see what is beyond.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

I see four doors too, or the doors are really big and not the same size.

Yes 4 doors, curse you basic math! My most ancient and malevolent of foes!

Glorymane sighs heavily, "I am sorry to say I do not know, some sort of weapon, perhaps a banner? I know such an item exists, but not its form. It would be heavily magical and likely emblazoned with the image of a lion."

Neither Bevek or Boderus find any sign of traps on the door, but Boderus's attempts to pick its lock end in failure.

Starlene follows the spiral staircase up, finding a latched wall that resembles the secret door into the study above.

Can I take 10 on the lock? That gives me a 19.

Probably never worth taking 10 on disable device until your bonus is much higher Bevek. Very rare to encounter a lock with a DC lower than 20.

The DC to open a lock with the Disable Device skill depends on the lock's quality: simple (DC 20), average (DC 25), good (DC 30), or superior (DC 40).

Bevek tries the lock but gets nowhere near opening the well maintained quality lock.

No answer about the lineage records then? Is it possible to know if he's friendly, helpful or indifferent at this point? Anyway...

Coming out of the huge hall Vanya joins the others then she moves towards the last door on her left and tries to pick it open:"Since you are working there I'll try my hand on this one"

Disable device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Well, I don't seem to be getting anywhere with this one. Let's see if I can do any better down here.

Bevek moves to the next door, and tries to pick this lock.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Glorymane shakes his great head, "If such things exist I do not know of them, but I might direct you to appropriate sections in this room."

He only grants a +2 bonus on checks in this room.

The lock still proves too good for the teams's picks, and it becomes obvious that you likely are not capable of opening it.

DC 30, I am afraid you cannot aid another - locks are the specific example given for when you cannot.

Vanya shakes her head in frustration as the mechanism proves too complex for her to crack open:"No luck here. And I threw this thing everything I had. Unless the locks on those other doors were af lesser quality I think we have better to go searching for the keys or start our research in the rooms we can access"

DC30... pretty hard to open them as levels 1 and 2... XD. Do we want to start researching or do we try the last door?

"Could you try unlocking the last one?" Saera asks as she walks over to the staircase to joins Starlene, "Let us non-rogues meanwhile try to find a key."

Saera joins Starlene at the staircase and finds a latched wall that resembles the secret door into the study above. She looks for a way to open it.

Perhaps we'll find a key in the room beyond?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

That's a rather good idea, I fear for us non-rogues however, secrecy and quiet may be of utter import, if this wall/door leads to the blind librarian's office!

Starlene also listens...

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

If she hears nothing she'll open the door as quietly as she can and peek out...

The wall open easily to reveal another concealed entrance in a study much like the one the group entered, its another exit but not a part of the secret library.

The eastern and western most doors are both unlocked.

Not a part of the library, obviously. But perhaps the keys are kept here?

Saera will move into the study with as much stealth as she can, which isn't much, and searches the office for keys to the doors downstairs or a clue about freeing Glorymane.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Well, I don't think we are going to be able to open these doors without the keys. My suspicion is that the caretaker probably has those. So we may have to reveal ourselves to him at some point. But, let's see what we can find first without alerting him.

Bevek will move next to Vanya at the eastern door, and press his ear to the door to listen for anything in the room beyond.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

If he doesn't hear anything, he will open the door.

Bevek this door has a DC 30 lock. I couldn't get it open with a 25. If the caretaker lives here we need to wait for him to open the door.

Vanya looks at the door in frustration before moving near the last door on the right and checking the lock there too

disable device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Here's oping this one is not DC 30... XD
Edit: ofc even if it was DC10 I could not open it...

Incorrect Vanya, only the two central doors are locked. Looking back I was probably distracted by the fact that you were trying to pick a lock on a door without one and thus assumed you were doing one of the central doors.

Bevek opens the door to reveal a room with two rows of tall bookshelves flanking an imposing, but beautiful, wooden desk that presides over the room. Over the door hangs a portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III, portrayed wearing an especially smug grin.

The portraits plaque reads, "A cunning lie is never told twice." And Bevek's keen eye notes a lever under the desk and what he suspects is a secret door in the back wall.

Meanwhile it does not take Starlene long to realize there is nothing of value upstairs. It seems to lead out onto the corridor they passed along before.

Vanya sees that the last door is also has no lock.

Bevek Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Vanya approaches the door and tries to eavesdrop in order to ascertain if there's someone inside.

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Boderus follows Bevek in the new room.
"Whoa, that looks like one hell of a room. Fancy ass people here."

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

If I were a ring of keys, I would probably hide in the desk...

Bevek will search the desk, looking particularly for any keys.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Whether he finds any or not, he will step back into the hallway to let everyone know what he found.

Bevek finds no keys, but he does find two vials of liquid, one a deep blue and the other a rich mauve.

Vanya hears nothing at the door.

Disappointed she didn't find anything worth mentioning Saera moves back downstairs. If starlene follows her, Saera will close the secret door on top of the staircase.

"Nothing upstairs," Saera says as she joins the others, and moves into the room Bevek's in.

Taking 10 on Perception for a total of 17.

"Hey, a lever! Bevek, did you already try it?" Saera checks the lever for traps. She pulls the lever if she can't find any traps.

Also taking 10 on Perception for a total of 17 while looking for traps.

A 17 is almost never going to find a trap FYI, its very rare for them to have DCs lower than 20.

Saera pulls the lever and a dart shoots out from the wall thunking home into her shoulder and spreading a strange numbing warmth through her flesh.

Saera takes 2 damage and 1 Dex damage, she must make another save each round for the next 6 rounds, or until she successfully makes the DC 18 Fort save taking 1d2 dex damage each time.

Dart vs Saera: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Saera Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Dex Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Vanya opens the door cautiously and takes a look inside the room:"So... other books I guess?