~ GEOGRAPHY ~
The Hao Jin Tapestry is an artifact created centuries ago by the Tian sorceress Hao Jin.
It is the gateway to a demiplane of the same name, home to numerous different locations and environments.
~ BACKGROUND ~
After creating her spectacular museum demiplane, the legendary sorcerer Hao Jin departed without a forwarding address.
However, the Pathfinder Society has recently discovered her last known whereabouts on the Material Plane: a Tian Shu library that she later transported to her demiplane to spare it local dangers.
Not only could this site shed light on Hao Jin's last accomplishments, but the building's vast contents are a snapshot of a continent's history.
The sequestered library holds far more secrets than that, though, and it is now home to the proud Scalebreaker kobolds and a powerful spirit that they dare not anger.
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin strides into the conference room of the Grand Lodge where you have been waiting for him.
"Greetings Pathfinders. You're all quite experienced, so I'll cut right to the chase: I’m asking you to enter the Hao Jin Tapestry. I’m sure you understand both the risk and potential rewards implied in such a mission. Our planar experts have reviewed Aram Zey’s notes and the tapestry’s recent behavior. We’ve concluded that each new expedition into the tapestry weakens its fabric, bringing it closer to unraveling. The Society must balance our desire to salvage as much of Hao Jin’s collection as possible with limiting our intrusions into the demiplane. With that in mind, we’ve been doing some research into Tian historical documents, in search of significant locations that Hao Jin may have transported into her tapestry. We think we’ve found an important one: the Shen Province Imperial Archive. An ancient letter sent by one of the librarians mentions that Hao Jin was visiting to study their collection. Shortly after that letter was sent, the Shu Empire began to collapse, plunging the provinces into war. The library disappeared entirely, and visitors found only a round hole where its grounds used to be. These reports are consistent with other locations that Hao Jin transported into her tapestry."
He looks at you with sharp eyes.
"One of our scouting missions spotted a lone building in a remote area of the tapestry that matches the library’s description, and I want you to go in and explore it. You have two goals on this mission; the first is to search the library’s archives and return with a selection of documents most valuable to the Society; this could contain rare Shu documents many centuries old! The second, which may turn out even more rewarding, is to search for any clues about what happened to Hao Jin, or at least what she was studying at this library."
He hands you a large bag.
"I’ve requisitioned a bag of holding for transporting any potentially valuable books you find. It will hold a thousand pounds, but put some thought into what you choose. If my guess is right, you’ll find far more than you can carry away even in such a generous amount of space. Remember as you go that the tapestry is far from stable. Our experts agree the magic that it uses to repair itself is reacting poorly to our intrusions. It will be important to get in and out again as quickly as possible, so try not to stay more than 24 hours. If you have to leave before you’ve finished searching the library, we may not be able to get you back in for a second try.”
The Venture-Captin looks at his files on this mission, prepared to field any questions that you might have.
Hao Jin was from Goka, a city on the continent of Tian Xia. A powerful sorcerer and famous collector, Hao Jin was killed and returned to life several times before she vanished without a trace over 400 years ago.
The Hao Jin Tapestry is an artifact created centuries ago by the Tian sorceress Hao Jin. It is the gateway to a demiplane of the same name, home to numerous different locations and environments.
Hao Jin originally created the tapestry by ripping settlements (alongside their inhabitants) and geographical features from Golarion and transporting them fully intact to the demiplane to be preserved. She used it to hide her most dangerous treasures, and hid it away when she left the Material Plane.
The demiplane is accessible via the seemingly mundane wall hanging, the Hao Jin Tapestry, and is stocked by Hao Jin with people, monuments, and entire cities that she collected during her travels. Originally, each location Hao Jin created or placed in the tapestry had its own micro-climate, carefully controlled by Hao Jin's magic. However, recently, these climates have begun to shift and bleed into each other, developing its own strange weather pattern.
One of the librarians at this archive was considered an authority on the Great Beyond, and maintained a separate department on the mysteries of the planes that was hidden from normal visitors.
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An eager purple-scaled reptilian entity that's approximately two and a half feet tall sits on top of a chair -- to provide height and not show disrespect.
They are clad in exceptionally shiny and lightweight chain armor, and an Andoran-styled tri-corner hat rides atop their head. Their outer clothing is evocative of the Eagle Knights of Andoran.
"Captain Ikilwa Underfoot reporting for duty, sir!"
"Are there any restrictions on bringing our own storage items to help gather up the information? Bearing in mind the danger of those things interacting and the instability of the location, of course!"
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"Welcome!" Valsin says with a nod.
"This is an extra large bag of holding but you can of course use your own magical items as well!"
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"Your reputation precedes you, Captain Underfoot." The deep smoothness of the half-orcs greeting belies her heavily armored frame, mithral spikes forming the thorns of the roses decorating the plate metal. The same iconography is etched into the glaive she holds upright at her side. "Grisaia Rose, at your service. I have some experience with the tapestry myself, which tells me enough to know that my experience could be completely unsuited to the terrain around the archive."
Smiling easily with a warmth that reaches her eyes, she turns to the venture captain. "Have we heard reports of any inhabitants of the location from previous expeditions? I can prepare some prayers of understanding to help communicate with any unusual denizens."
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A blond haired elf with a bow attached to his back stands, while a large green snake coils at his feet.
"It is good to meet you. My name is Elmon and this is my companion, Slyder," he gestures towards the snake. "Slyder and I would gladly assist carry out any additional assets we find. With my muleback cords, I can carry an additional 200 lbs with only slight discomfort. Slyder can carry around 500 lbs with no difficulty, and up to 1600 lbs if it's really needed."
Elmon thinks for a minute and then says, "It sounds like this library will be full of documents and books. Is there an easy way to identify which ones are from the Shu Empire?"
The VC looks at you all and nods.
"Good questions. Well, with respect to the books that are interesting I can only say that Hao Jin had a wide variety of interests, but I would expect some rare magical knowledge if she thought it was worth adding to her tapestry! And do not believe that the books are destroyed after 400 years! If the library wasn’t magically protected when it was built, we’re certain that the tapestry’s magic will have preserved it. And lastly, I understand that you’re very active field agents, but just trust your instincts. I’m sure you have a wide range of skills that can help you identify documents our researchers will be interested in. But in addition to that, be sure to retrieve anything that might indicate what Hao Jin was researching during her stay there.”
He then looks at the bag of holding.
"But you cannot take ALL the books. I would say your chances of bringing back something valuable rise significantly for about every 250 pounds of books you can bring back, beyond what fits in the bag of holding. Just remember, you’ll only have the one trip.”
He then thinks.
"Well, the other expeditions did not give something specific. But surely the library is guarded. We don’t know much about the library, except that its collection was highly regarded. I would assume it had some sort of defenses, but what condition they may be in or what may have moved in during the time since it was plucked from Tian Xia is anyone’s guess.”
When everyone indicates their readiness to go, you touch the target area near a corner of the tapestry and speak the command word, and are transported into the demiplane.
Small glowing spheres mark the planar eddies caused by their entry into the tapestry.
A bright galaxy stretches across the night sky above a small valley.
The library building is visible less than a mile ahead, but a wooden bridge crossing a small river stands in the way.
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The short purple dragon-person grins toothily and has to fight dancing excitedly on the chair they're atop as Grisaia enters, immediately recognizing the iconography of her equipment! In response the dragon-person pulls aside a few of the chain sections to reveal a rainbow-hued band of scales around their midsection before smoothing their outfit back into place.
"It is great to see a devotee of the Eternal Rose! And even better to see one that uses the glaive -- I considered that shtick but there's some Taldan guy that's got a whole thing lined up with a glaive, a buckler, a flag... Bit too much on bringing everyone else's spirits up and not enough on defense if you ask me!"
Ikilwa will pat the heavy wooden shield on their back.
"I prefer to not get hit if I can help it, a buckler just isn't enough if you know what I mean?"
"Hello Elmon and Slyder! It is nice to see strong backs and more scales in the party." The kobold will hold out their hand for Slyder to sniff if they want. "Not food, Slyder!"
"If my style seems familiar it's because I learned from one of the greatest Pathfinders EVER in Janira Gavix, and I liked her way of doing things!"
"Are we getting anyone else for this mission? My experience over many missions has indicated that at least four, sometimes more, are necessary to complete missions without people dying horribly!"
"That bridge looks too easy. Be very careful, there may be things on it like traps. Might even be a mimic." the excitable smoldragon offers as they start looking over the path, the river around the bridge.
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"Thankfully, Shelyn is my shield when the need arises. I will do my best to prevent any harm falling upon you as well." As she make the promise to Ikilwa, she regards Slyder with obvious admiration. "A most impressive companion, Elmon. Hopefully such efforts will not be required."
Arriving in the tapestry, after a deep breath of the locales air, Grisaia regards the river with dismay. "If it is a mimic, I hope we can negotiate its help for some food. I do not fancy a swim."
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As Ikilwa holds out their hand, Slyder flicks out his tongue to taste his scent. "Don't worry," Elmon assure them, "Slyder much prefers to give very tight hugs." He laughs as he pets the constrictor on the head.
Turning to Grisaia, Elmon says, "Thank you for your compliment. I hope we don't either. I prefer my companion to be fleet of foot... or belly as it were."
As the demiplane appears around the party, Slyder appears to enjoy being outside again. It also brought a smile to Elmon's face. Though he didn't mind being indoors every now and then, he considered nature his home.
"I believe I have some extra trail rations I could trade, should it be a mimic. I do think traps are more likely, though. Let me know if you find any, and I can help disable them. I'm no rogue, but I do know my way around my thieves' tools just enough to be dangerous. I too would prefer not to swim, although I think Slyder would have no objections."
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Kimiya was quiet before they entered the tapestry, pleasantly surprised at his companions. [i]This is refreshing, I'm used to humans."[/b] He is especially taken with Slyder, speaking a few soft words of welcome in Nagaji.
Once in the tapestry, Kimiya shakes his head, "that transportation never gets old. A mimic, eh? I've only heard stories." His eyes narrow as he looks at the bridge, "I can't tell much from here but I agree it's probably a trap. Shall we go explore?"
Ikilwa realizes immediately that this bridge definitely is trapped.
+2 when underground, +4 vs humans, +2 vs monstrous humanoids
After hearing about the trap Elmon sees a lever on your side of the bridge which looks like it makes the bridge safe and disables the traps.
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With the samurai's arrival Ikilwa brightens a bit more, if that was even possible!
"Ooh, wow! There's now three times as many scales on this mission compared to my usual missions! Welcome!"
"Now, some people like to put an obvious fix for a trap in a spot where it triggers a different trap. I know I've done this a couple of times in traps I've crafted, and the legendary Grimtooth was infamous for trapping things that seemed completely innocent, and if explorers were wary, their wariness would ALSO get them introuble." Ikilwa meanders as they pull out two sets of tools. One set is the typical picks and locks, and the other one contains well-crafted hammers and the like. "I'm a professional trap-maker -- it's my artwork for the Eternal Rose -- and I'm pretty good at disabling them as well. I wouldn't be adverse to help, though -- sometimes a second set of eyes and hands is useful."
With the handle being pointed out, the kobold will glance to Elmon. "You want lead on this, or back-up?"
Regardless of that decision, Ikilwa goes into an incredibly detailed breakdown of how to deal with traps to help any party members willing to look at it a bit of a boost.
Your kobold companion is an unbelievable expert in traps and can disable it in only a couple of seconds.
And while Ikilwa is at work they notice that these are kobold traps!
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"Let's see what we've got here. Sometimes traps are designed by an entire team, as each member of a team has their own strengths whether it be pulleys, dead-falls, sharp pointy-parts that sort of thing. Other times it's the work of a single master designer. While the action of the device is a signature, no craftier worth their scales skips out on this most important part.
For truebloods -- er 'kobolds' as some folks call them -- a well-crafted trap is the pinnacle of efficiency, resources, inspiration, and design. If they are created by a master they will hit ALL of these benchmarks PLUS have the capability of being reset after being triggered.
In some snarls -- or 'kobold warrens', truebloods even have contests to test out traps, with the unlucky or those being punished being sent to test the designs. Part of the reason I started learning how to see and craft traps was because I kept asking 'why?' all the time, and that's a big no-no in a culture that largely answers with 'because I said so'."
The purple-scaled Pathfinder pauses briefly, both to catch their breath and to not wear out the audience with a complete verbal barrage.
"In other kobold snarls, traps are used as a polite 'Please Go Away' sign -- and they are VERY obvious in both design and lethality. Truebloods generally understand this, and it takes a significant reason for someone to engage in open warfare between communities. Generally speaking, if two 'warrens' want to communicate, there are designated envoys who are very good with the talking that have their scales painted to show that they are a diplomat of sorts. These diplomats aren't as skilled with traps, but make up for it in sheer negotiation skill, capable of talking even stubborn dwarves down from genocidal warfare."
Having almost shifted to 'lecturer mode' before pausing yet again to let their audience catch up, Ikilwa continues...
"Traps and other devices are a force multiplier in terms of defense. They cannot defend a location effectively by themselves in the long term. Eventually someone will come along -- usually Pathfinders -- and disable the trap, and at that point if there is no one watching over that point of failure it becomes an open road into a snarl. If a trap is obvious, then that trap is more than likely being watched to see what if any intruders are capable of.
Traps are also impersonal, like the wrath of a mighty dragon. A trap doesn't typically care if their target is a noscale, vermin, or even a trueblood. Also like a dragon -- particularly if the device resets -- it is still there, and generally can't be negotiated with. It can be avoided, disabled, or suborned, but very rare in the category of legend are the 'deathtrap oozes', which 'look' like a trap... and then eat wary trap disablers."
Ikilwa takes a sip from their waterskin. "Sorry for the lecture, I really, really delved into how to get into trap design when I started learning how to make them, and it's a bit of a passion for me..."
Then, as if realizing they were asked a question...
"Oh, right, go ahead and give it a go. I don't suggest poking it 'there', over 'there', or right 'here' as those are flimsy work-arounds to ensure that the device is actively disabled."
"Oh, right, almost FORGOT! This was made by either a kobold trap-making team or a master trapmaker!"
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"I'll let you take the lead, and assist from the sidelines" was what Elmon was about to say, but before he could even get the words out, the kobold went to town disabling the traps at such a speed that Elmon could only watch.
After Ikilwa was done, Elmon turned to Grisaia and replied, "I think it might be smart to cross the bridge from lightest member to heaviest. That way even if it can't hold the heaviest party member, we won't all have to take a swim."
Ikilwa seemed to be going off on a rant about traps, and specifically kobold traps. Elmon wasn't paying him much mind. But he did hear the last statement.
"Well then," Elmon said, "I hope you don't mind if we have to fight your kin. I don't consider myself blood thirsty, but I will protect myself if they start something."
The group edges across the bridge and it holds. Once you cross the bridge a group of reptilian creatures come into view.
These short, reptilian humanoid have scaled skin, a snout filled with tiny teeth, and a long tail. These particular kobolds are kobold yapper.
~
One of the creature steps forward, smiles and speaks to you in halting common. "Greetings. I am Bridge-and-Logs. We welcome you pilgrims from beyond come to visit the Hall of Trails."
He turns and beckons several of his group forward. "Whirling-Teeth, Ants-and-Clay, and Burning-Badger step forward."
Three move out toward him.
"These are the latest to complete their trails. Would you like to congratulate them?"
As this is going on more kobolds emerge from the trees. There are now 14 in total.
They all wear asymmetrical patterns and have any metal equipment or armor dusted with soot or smeared with mud so that it does not show a reflective surface.
Some of the kobolds wear a face paint on only one side, while others wear clothing with different colors or patterns on the left and right.
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"Greetings! I am Ikilwa Underfoot. My companions can introduce themselves. What is the manner of your congratulations? We do not want to fight but will if we must. And I was just telling the team here that when a trap is placed, a trap is watched -- thank you for demonstrating that."
The purple-scaled reptilian smiles. "Are you more comfortable speaking in growl grumble hisss murmur?"
Bridge-and-Logs looks at Ikilwa and nods appreciatively!
"Yes, we can speak draconic but these pink faces do not understand anything then!! Oh and traps is our perfection task! And we not fight you! No! We do rite of passage! This library back there, it is our sacred trial grounds. Evil spirits haunt but each generation of Scalebreakers sneaks in to lay new traps and keep them trapped inside. Each Scalebreaker who seeks to be a warrior must enter!!"
The kobolds nod with a smile and some of the young ones are really excited to see you all.
"Yes, yes, evil spirits in the library! Only young kobolds and those who choose to die repairing the traps instead of letting old age or sickness take them are allowed inside. You must pass the rites inside the library yourself. You will be adults when you leave though, so that’s good!! Be proud! Too few real adults amongst those who are not kobolds. The fact that you are adults will help you survive." Bridge-and-Logs says with a toothy grin.
"The spirits look like us, but you can tell them apart because the spirits are always backwards. They stare into your soul and make you fight yourself as a test. If you fail, they eat you." they say with respect.
"Come, follow us. We shall escort you."
As you walk you are approached by one of the other kobolds.
They lean in and offer to sell you a map of the inside of the library for 50gp.
The scalebreaker pulls a piece of parchment from its pack and begins to draw a map of the interior of the library.
+4 vs humans, +2 vs monstrous humanoids
Ikilwa realizes that the kobolds are hiding something about the offered map.
Additionally, the kobolds offer you to buy items from them.
The scalebreaker grins and pulls a piece of parchment from its pack and begins to draw a map of the interior of the library.
"Here look! In three locations there are traps. Be careful there!"
+4 vs humans, +2 vs monstrous humanoids
Grisaia notices that the kobolds are hiding something.
The kobolds notice that and sigh.
"Well! Hey, ok! Sometimes the evil spirits just move the traps! The one marked by the long rectangle is a "rolling head trap", The smaller rectangle is a jar of acid and the one marked my tien characters is a dirt and ant trap. I do not know how to disable them and they could be anywhere!"
~ ~ THE SHEN PROVINCE IMPERIAL ARCHIVE - TAILING THE RUBY PHOENIX ~ ~
You enter the library with the Kobolds guidance and they look at you all with interest.
The ceiling inside of the library is 40 feet high from the floor of the entry hall, though several of the sections are on elevated platforms.
The interior of the building is dimly lit by a combination of chandeliers, dangling glowing glass orbs, and wall sconces with magically illuminated lanterns backed by shining brass mirrors.
The railings around the edge of raised platforms are vertical polished glass panels topped by handrails. Virtually all of these surfaces have been smeared with soot, ash, or paint to diminish their reflectivity, and those reflective surfaces at ground level which haven’t been marred or covered have been smashed.
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Mirrors along the walls of this hallway are smeared with soot and paint, many shattered into a spiderweb of cracks.
The south end of the corridor opens into a large and well-lit room.
+2 when underground, +4 vs humans, +2 vs monstrous humanoids
All except of Grisaia notice that you immediately attracted the attention of the shadowy dark creatures that the kobolds were talking about!!
The creatures still have plentiful surfaces from which to view you through shards.
You also notice in the mirrors that your reflections looks like Tian scholars rather than yourselves.
The creatures watching you quickly take the shape of the your reflections upon being noticed and grin broadly if the you look serious, or scowl if you are excited or exuberant.
~
+2 when underground, +4 vs humans, +2 vs monstrous humanoids
When you step forward Ikilwa and Elmon realize that an opportunistic and clever kobold trapsmith has incorporated the statue up the stair—specifically its severed head—into a trap that violently flings the head out of the cephalophore’s arm and down the stairs if you trip a wire right at the beginning of the great hall.
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"Your ways are different, but wise. Teaching no-scales how to be like truebloods sometimes seem impossible, but keep trying just the same."
"We should get moving, though."
Ikilwa plays a little game with the reflections, appearing serious to get a reflection to look jovial, then jovial to get them to look serious, then serious again.
"Okay, so the first thing to check is whether there's a secondary or tertiary trap behind what was already placed here. The head of the statue is a nice move, but given that we've been told that the ghosts like to re-purpose defensive devices, there may be a trap at the disabling point..."
"Okay. Once you do that, then you can move up and take a look at the obvious trap. If anyone who knows how to take one apart wants to help, you are welcome to! Is how you learn more about such."
Ikilwa's dexterous hands and masterful use of tools disable the trap and makes the area safe.
As Ikilwa moves forward into the area a large brass statue on the raised plinth booms out in Tien!
The statue is a 10 foot tall representation of a Tien scholar holding his own head tucked under one arm and a book under the other.
"The library is closed until further notice!"
The statue repeats what it said!
The statue suddenly starts to move and is about to walk in your direction.
It repeats its statement in Tien over and over!
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Ikilwa blinks as they watch the construct, then back up a bit.
"I... am an idiot. An idiot with a questioning mind and a keen eye for detail." Ikilwa begins as they look to the party. "Understand that the first part of having a disguise is knowing that you belong where you're disguised as. Don't do things that put you as out of place. Respect the security and the rules..."
"...disguise is a state of mind, not just draperies or clothing. Belonging here is a state of mind. Cross the bridge as if we own it, not as if we're thieves here to steal money."