With not much else to do in the hallway, Fillia's eyes settle on the strange pattern of divots carved into the wall. Letting her eyes unfocus, suddenly a three-dimensional image pops out of the wall! The words "Our monarch's virtues are our own." hover just a foot or two out from the wall until she looks away; performing the same unfocusing of her vision allows the message to reappear at will, however.
The music from above crescendos just as the group begins searching the Recital Hall. You all seem surprised by the volume; you think it was definitely loud enough to obscure any noisy activity from down here. If only you could predict its coming, you think you could take advantage of it if you needed to be loud for some reason. The volume dies away quickly though as you search. After roughly five to ten minutes, Vraxam finds something tucked between some sheet music.
You found the clue Esoteric Alphabetization, which can now be seen in the slides. You can continue searching in this room (again, for ½ the time of the original search) or move on.
"Go ahead. I managed to glean something from this pattern. Our monarch's virtues are our own. I'm sure while you're searching I maybe able to understand it more."
No rolls needed on the secondary searches of the same room. You will always get one additional clue for a seconday search, if additional clues can be found.
In less than five minutes of additional searching, you find one more piece of information.
You found the clue Magical Assistance, which can now be seen in the slides. You can continue searching in this room (again, for ½ the time of the original search) or move on.
Using the clues is recommended. They still count towards the total # of clues found, i.e. towards your success.
Hudor knows that Fillia must have been counting the time elapsed; you are certain you haven't been searching for longer than half an hour. The times listed to search the room are for 1 searcher; since you've been using the maximum possible of 4 searchers in each room so far, it's only a quarter of the listed initial search time, plus the additional searches.
I.e. if I report that a small room takes 30 minutes for 1 person to search, and that max 4 people can search it, that means it takes 7.5 minutes to do the initial search if all 4 searchers are used. Any additional searches in that room then only take ½ the initial time, so 3.75 additional minutes for each additional search.
Ēoswulf, there are things in the room descriptions (not related to research) that have not been investigated, that a non-researcher could take a look at.
"Aye, best move on for now. Don't wanna get caught standing around." Samildanach agrees, moving out of the room and moving towards the next door with the others.
The door opens without trouble. Thousands of books line the dozens of shelves in this high-ceilinged library. Several tables and chairs near the center of the room provide a place to read quietly, and five rows of pew- like benches nearby face an immense lion’s head carved from the eastern wall.
Please place your token inside the room, near the shelf your character would like to search, before making any rolls; I will ask for the research rolls later. This is a large room that would take a person 2 hours to search alone; all six PCs can search together to reduce that time. Additionally, due to the wide variety of subjects represented in this library, the PCs may use any Knowledge skill to find clues in this room.
Please do not make rolls until requested later. If you need help placing your token because you're on mobile, let me know where you would like it placed and I will do so. Feel free to discuss any clues you'd like to use in this room.
I agree with Aldran - SHould use a clue in here (when appropriate) My sugegstion is Esoteric Alphabetization
Entering the large library, Samildanach is nearly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information stored here. Picking a shelf almost at random they move up and down looking for something that might help.
"Whoa, this is going to take some time eh?" they ask the room.
As you begin trying to figure out the organization of the library, you notice something out of the corner of your eye. You could swear that the lion's head carving seems to be watching you. Yes! You're sure of it; the head just snapped back to neutral, as if trying to not be noticed!
Two votes for using a clue in this room, one for Esoteric Alphabetization specifically. Any objections?
Male NG Human (Ulfen) Barbarian/Rogue 4/1 | HP 44 | AC 24 T 14 FF 21; never flat-footed; +1 vs. traps | CMB +9, CMD 23 | F: +7, R: +7; +1 vs. traps, W: +3; +2 vs. charm and compulsion | Init: +3 | Perc: +7; +1 vs. traps, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Rage: 17 rounds | Sneak Attack: 1d6 | Rage powers: Knockback, No Escape
found a spare minute and looked through the room descriptions. I found two plaques, a north wall with an inscription, and a collection of dots. not sure if those are the things you were referring to. I think we covered most of them but of Ēoswulf could have spent his time waiting outside the last room looking into them more, can we do that? Do I need to read the room descriptions some more?
The brass plaque on Crown Prince Stavian's portrait in the classroom reads "To serve Taldor, I must first learn the history of Taldor."
That's everything, Eoswulf.
Fillia and Aldran approach the lion's head statue (please move your tokens, or describe your movement for me; we're not in rounds so you can move as far as you'd like for this). The lion's head remains still with the eyes focused fixedly forward. So forward, in fact, that they look like the eyes of someone attempting to look as still as a statue.
Pulling several books off stacks and trying to work out how relevant they are, Samildanach hears their allies' concerns. "I didn't see anything, but I've been looking at these." Samildanach replies as they move closer to the Lion statue with the others.
"What do ye think it is? Some sort of scrying?" he asks no one in particular
"Not scrying; watching!" The lion's head replies. "I am The Guardian, and nobody else but me uses these eyes." Dropping the facade of immobility, the lion's head looks at each of you in turn then calls out, louder. "Come on, come closer. Let me get a good look at you."
M Dwarf (core) Fighter / 1 Cleric / 1 HP 21 /21 AC 19 ( Touch 11 Flat 18) / Fort +7 | Ref +2 | Will +4 / CMB +4 | CMD 15 / Init +1/ Perception +1(+3 vs, stone work)
Walking back around the book cases and makes his way past the table coming straight at the lion's head.
"Well kitty, ah know you are watching so why don't you just help us find the books we seek ok." Aldran feeling like a fook talking to a lion's head.
"Apologies Guardian..." Samildanach begins automatically, before checking themselves as they talk to a statue before shrugging, not the strangest thing they have come across. "I didn't mean any offence."
They step closer as instructed, hands away from any weapons on their belts.
Botting Eoswulf to move closer with the rest of the party. Vraxam, are you still with us?
The Guardian responds in an indifferent manner. (Diplomacy or Intimidate could change its attitude.)"I don't recognize you, and The Guardian knows everything that happens in these corridors. Are you Lion Blades? You don't look like Lion Blades."
All except Vraxam, please make a Will save and then open the spoiler. Vraxam, if you move closer, please make a Will save and then open the spoiler.
Will saves:
The area surrounding The Guardian is affected by a zone of truth spell. If you succeed at a DC 14 Will save, you can ignore the effect, otherwise, anything you say must be truthful per the spell description below.
Zone of Truth wrote:
Creatures within the emanation area (or those who enter it) can't speak any deliberate and intentional lies. Each potentially affected creature is allowed a save to avoid the effects when the spell is cast or when the creature first enters the emanation area. Affected creatures are aware of this enchantment. Therefore, they may avoid answering questions to which they would normally respond with a lie, or they may be evasive as long as they remain within the boundaries of the truth. Creatures who leave the area are free to speak as they choose.
Shaking their head lightly as a strange buzzing sensation washes over them, Samildanach continues to talk with the Guarding. "Like I say, no offence and we do not seek to harm this place. We are not Lion Blades as you guess, but instead seek knowledge that will help the people of the continent defeat the demons of the Worldwound.
"The Worldwound? What's happening with that?" The tone of The Guardian's response seems immediately more friendly.
Sense Motive DC 16:
From the eagerness of the question about the Worldwound, you get the sense that sharing tales of the outside world could improve your chances of changing its attitude again. The Guardian is mounted to a wall, after all; the only news it gets is likely that which gets shared with it in this room.
Samildanach can't attempt any more Diplomacy, but the other PCs can attempt to further improve The Guardian's attitude.
Add +2 to will save for enchantment.
Will save 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Diplomacy 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
"Oh like you're a cute lion. We're not Lion Blades and on a mission to gain knowledge to like see what the higher ups can glean to help in the Mendevian Crusade." Fillia finds herself more then willing to tell the lion head everything though she chalks it up to the lion being friendly.
"Big demons trying to break out into our world. That's one of the terrible places, like the world wound. Like if your eyes sees everything, then like could you tell us which books can help?"
With Diplomacy rolls like that, who could have enemies?
"Oh yes! I know where all the books are! I'll be happy to help!" The Guardian responds in the most helpful manner now. "Most of the best books are beyond these doors, though. They're locked, but I have the key. You're nice; you can borrow it." A key pops out of... somewhere... and falls on the floor below the lion's head carving.
The Guardian's face leans down towards the Pathfinders as much as it can from its perch on the wall, as if to share a secret. "There's a caretaker back there; she's worked there for a long time. Wears a blindfold; the Lion Blades blinded her for reading too much. She's nice. Working to be reunited with her family. All the doors are locked back there, but she has the keys."
He pauses, then proceeds a little hesitantly. "I'll help you find the books you want, but I have a favor to ask... if you can." The Guardian sighs. "I've been in this library for a long time. A very long time. I want to see the world. Find a worthy receptacle to house me, and maybe I can transfer my essence to travel out with you."
The Guardian grants you a +2 circumstance bonus on all checks to find clues in this room. Using the Esoteric Alphabetization clue in this room grants an additional +2 bonus on checks to find clues.
Reminder: this is a large room that would take a person 2 hours to search alone; all six PCs can search together to reduce that time. Additionally, due to the wide variety of subjects represented in this library, the PCs may use any Knowledge skill (in addition to the text-based skills that may always be used, as shown on the slides) to find clues in this room.
”Aye Guardian, we’ll take a look for you. Thanks for the key and the aid.” Samildanach responds to the lion, picking up the key and tucking it inside their tunics. Turning to the others they say ”Do we want to start here now? Or shall we see what’s behind those doors and search this room on our way out? I think we move on but i’ll go with consensus”
If the group decides to search, Samildanach will try to use their knowledge of the sea to look for Nautical texts stored here, which would help with supporting the armies of the Crusade by using trade routes of the previous crusades.
Trying to shoehorn in Profession Sailor instead of Know. Geography? Fine if not, but has to try
"I could have been a lion blade" mumbles Vraxam as a strange sensation washes over him. Shaking it off, he bows to the lion. "Much obliged for your aid sir. If you'd like, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to you using my dagger as a receptacle."
"Of course like we will, Guardian. Especially if we can find one that best like suit you the most!" Filla claps her hands together as she beams a the lion.
"You're like very nice." she continues one as she waves to the lion as she too begins searching for clues with it's guidance.
Samildanach, I gave you a large penalty for that profession roll (The Worldwound is landlocked, after all), but your roll was strong enough to still contribute an aid bonus. All of your rolls were exceptional in this room, actually.
With the information you'd gathered earlier--along with the help and advice of The Guardian--you find the research in this library to be quick, easy, and fruitful. As you gather clues, The Guardian chats with Aldran and Vraxam about a worthy vessel for his essense.
Aldran Ironfoot wrote:
Ah would be honored to assist ye, What type of receptacle would ye find worthy?"
The Guardian pulls his head up proudly, shaking his head to fluff out his (admittedly stony) mane. His eyes unfocus, cast far afield as if he were surveying a vast plain of scrub and other flora. "Something that reflects my majesty!"
Vraxam Uldar wrote:
"If you'd like, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to you using my dagger as a receptacle."
"Dagger? Like, some fine, jeweled, ornamental dagger of kings?" He looks hesitant--almost insulted--but seems to be giving you the benefit of the doubt due to the high opinion the Pathfinders cultivated. He quickly pivots, though, returning to what you muttered under your breath. "Could have been a Lion Blade? What do you mean?"
You found the clues Prolific Author, Hand-Written Notes, An Exciting Read, Taldan Cipher 1, and Cross Reference, which can now be seen in the slides. You can continue searching in this room (again, for ½ the time of the original search), use another clue, or move on.
Ah yes, in the worldowund gambit novel they mention using barges, forgot it didn't have a port. Fair ^^
Searching the room, Saildanach is amazed how well they have done so far. "Well done and thankyou guardian." he says when they all share their findings. "We've got that crystal, should help us in this room, save using more of our precious time?"
Proposing using the Hidden gem clue, which finds another clue if any remain and isn't used up if we got them all?
M Dwarf (core) Fighter / 1 Cleric / 1 HP 21 /21 AC 19 ( Touch 11 Flat 18) / Fort +7 | Ref +2 | Will +4 / CMB +4 | CMD 15 / Init +1/ Perception +1(+3 vs, stone work)
Sounds good to me for another search
"Well on me, ta best I have are me beastplate, war ax, and crossbow, all of them are very high quality. But I also have a very nice silver war hammer that ah am sure a king would hold. Any of those items interest ye?"
"OH, well...my you have keen hearing. What I meant was the donations of my ancestors did not leave me to fair well in such a physical challenge is all. Perhaps in another life."
"As for my dagger, I have not managed to upgrade it properly yet. Alas no jewels, but I'm certain we'll be able to find something appropriate for you within these walls."
Turning to his companions, he nods. "Shall we then? I've not seen something suitable for his caliber in this room so let us search the remaining."
