[PFS] Your House of Harmonious Wisdom (Inactive)

Game Master Yours is mined

"That would be lovely young man. I am Magdelina Ashwood of Varisia. Pleased to meet you!"

~*Before, with Chunhua*~

As Brand and Magdelina respond, Keiko looks increasingly uncomfortable. "Uhh... a friendly reminder that we are also representing the Pathfinder Society. Also - though I may not be trained in the arts of thievery, I *do* have nimble fingers. So perhaps, if we are creative with our skills," and lucky she adds to herself "..and plan ahead, we can yet prevail without 'international incident'."

~*Now, at the school*~
Keiko nods along with Magdelina's introduction, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible (since she is horrible at lying). Simply adding "That would be lovely, thank you Jiang."

BEFORE...

“I am Zhang Chunhua. I originate from a local farming family, but supplement our income by serving and learning in my Mistress’s home.”

...

Her eyes widen in excitement as her gaze alternates between Kenji and Radiarch’s faces. “Please, will you tell me about the Powers you serve and what your homelands are like!”

"Thank you for the breakfast," Radiarch says receiving his allotment. "I too come from an upbringing that pays special attention to well-tilled land. My family owns an estate just outside the capitol of the kingdom of Mendev. All my life, we have kept swarms of demons at bay, not only protecting Mendev itself, but Avistan and beyond! I have been duty bound to protect that which I hold dear and seek out resources to fight back the hordes. As an Erastilian, I pay close attention to my studies in perfecting my craft with the bow, and he blesses me in guiding my arrow daily."

~*Before, with Chunhua*~

As Brand and Magdelina respond, Keiko looks increasingly uncomfortable. "Uhh... a friendly reminder that we are also representing the Pathfinder Society. Also - though I may not be trained in the arts of thievery, I *do* have nimble fingers. So perhaps, if we are creative with our skills," and lucky she adds to herself "..and plan ahead, we can yet prevail without 'international incident'."

"And... I am representing the aforementioned Old Deadeye. Some may see it as a fault, but it is a sign of valor and respect. Things may of changed since this school has been dealt with. Perhaps we can take a more diplomatic approach? Perhaps those of us with peculiarities can... assuage their proclivities to hold on to things the generation holding fast to the map simply do not grasp?

Radiarch took a bite of his food, thought more on it, before continuing, "Regardless, we're fated to run this errand. The Society would not of set us out on this if they thought us fools. We can do this.

NOW...
EXT. School of Affinities
Upon reaching the school grounds and greeted by Jiang, Radiarch cordially nodded in reply and followed with the group, happy about that the need for snooping around would be unnecessary. At first, anyhow.

"That would be lovely young man. I am Magdelina Ashwood of Varisia. Pleased to meet you!"

"And you, Magdelina Varisia of Ashwood. Please call me Jiang.”

The student favors Maggie with a flirty smile. “You must tell me more of your homeland of Ashwood. It sounds leafy and beautiful.”

“That would be lovely, thank you Jiang.”

“Not at all, Senpai. Apparently the teachers didn't see the humor in the adjustments I made to their class schedules.”

Jiang bows to Keiko in the Minkaen style as another broad-shouldered man of Tian-Shu heritage, and perhaps in his early thirties, comes up behind him and frowns.

"Chaos follows the young master about like a heart-sick pugwampi."

Jiang gestures over his shoulder. "This is my bodyguard, Zheng. Don’t mind him – he doesn’t like fun very much."

The student pauses and then winks at the group. "Well then, let's get started! First, may I direct your attention to our marvellous fountain?”

Jianghong leads you towards a large fountain standing in the center of the school on a raised dais. Its multiple spouts feed several pools around which are inscribed a Tien phrase.

学习不是凭空而来的，必须用心去寻找，用心去照顾

"'Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor, and attended to with diligence.'" Jiang translates, before frowning:

"But still, doesn't every land have its stories of people who learn the most amazing things by pure luck or chance?"

Map

She bows formally to you all, before settling her eyes on Kenji. “You have hair like fire! I have never seen its like before!”

“Mistress says you and the angelic archer are holy warriors, who have sworn an inflexible oath to goodness and law, not unlike the Sun Shogun, Shokuro Toriaka!”

Her eyes widen in excitement as her gaze alternates between Kenji and Radiarch’s faces. “Please, will you tell me about the Powers you serve and what your homelands are like!”

Kenji would blush if his dark skin and flaming appearance would allow that. He bows and seems uncertain about what to say.

“You seem to be a wise woman to embrace the teachings of such an honorable and decisive advisor!“ he says and it again sounds like a memorized phrase.

“I’m sure that you will do fine young lady!“ he says smiling.

“I am a follower of the master of masters and I am on the path to perfection! Many roads lead to them his goal and I very much hope for you and for everyone else in this team that one day we will reach perfection!“ he says dreamily.

Jianghong leads you towards a large fountain standing in the center of the school on a raised dais. Its multiple spouts feed several pools around which are inscribed a Tien phrase.

学习不是凭空而来的，必须用心去寻找，用心去照顾

"'Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor, and attended to with diligence.'" Jiang translates, before frowning:

"But still, doesn't every land have its stories of people who learn the most amazing things by pure luck or chance?"

Map

Kenji thinks for a moment.

“To be honest I think that you are right! I know that some people are just lucky! But nonetheless those that always try and always work can you become masters and that is very important!!!!“ Kenji says and nods to the boy.

“Can I speak to you in private young man!?“ he asks and if possible would walk a couple of steps away so no one can overhear them.

“Listen, I want to be very honest with you! You seem like a person that understands that not everything that is taught in this school is right! We are looking for something that does not belong here and it has been denied to us! And the school has it!“ he says waiting.

“I think that you understand that you could have a life that is very different … Maybe we can even help with that?!“

diplomacy to improve attitude : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Keiko watches Kenji lead Jiang away with worry creasing her brow, but doesn't want to draw any attention to herself so keeps quiet.

"What are you worried about girl? He'll be fine. He could cut that boy and his manservant in half with one swing if he needed to," Brand chortles, then gestures towards the main offices.

"While the cat's away..." he gives Keiko a look, wondering if she knows the idiom. "Nimble fingers?"

"Let's go look. This old man needs to pee," And then Brand begins to head towards the main hall, nominally to look for a bathroom.

I will stick with Mr. Haru," stated Radiarch to Keiko and Brand. "...in case more argumentation for our cause is needed. Do be careful and do not wander far."

"And you, Magdelina Varisia of Ashwood. Please call me Jiang.”

The student favors Maggie with a flirty smile. “You must tell me more of your homeland of Ashwood. It sounds leafy and beautiful.”

"Yes. The bush is thick and quite wild down there these days, or so I have heard..." replies Magdelina with a smile, as she follows the group, holding her handbag up to pet Daysie.

Keiko responds to Brand's comment "It's not that single manservant I'm worried about." and uses her eyes to gesture around at the throng of bodyguards all around the campus. She hesitates for just a moment, then follows Brand, as much to keep an eye on him as to avoid whatever Kenji is talking to Jiang about. She is not planning on removing herself entirely though (AKA actually splitting the party) - she is planning on entering the foyer of the building, but staying near the entrance in order to keep both Brand and Kenji in her eyeline for as long as possible.

The map is labelled - are there signs around campus or on the buildings as well so our characters would have this knowledge?

Let’s go retro briefly!

“You seem to be a wise woman to embrace the teachings of such an honorable and decisive advisor!”

“I thank-you for your kindness, Master.”

Chunhua looks away rather than meet the paladin’s eye. “But the truth is I had little choice. You see my parents sold me into slavery, where I was fortunate enough to be purchased by Mistress Mai, who immediately set me free while offering me an education.”

“I do not hold my parents' action against them, Master. They have nine children, and could not afford to feed and clothe us all.”

“However, I am grateful to live with them again, help my brothers in the fields, my mother with the twins and Mistress Mai with her household and students.”

“My family owns an estate just outside the capitol of the kingdom of Mendev.”

“I am sorry, Lord of Light. But this one is ignorant of the Heavenly Kingdom of Mendev and the Archseraphim Erastilian.”

Chunhua bows so low, you wonder how her back can stand it. “But if the leader of your Host is a holy archer perhaps we have something in common?”

The peasant girl appears to have shocked herself by saying something so bold!

“My family name is Zhang, which roughly translates to ‘Archer’ in the tongue of Taldor. And my role in the local militia is as an archer.”

She looks at her feet and blushes. “Indeed, my lance-sergeant says I have some talent with the longbow – which is one of the Sun Shogun’s, Shokuro Toriaka’s favored weapons!”

Sure looks like this party is splitting …

BEFORE...

Radiarch wrote:

“My family owns an estate just outside the capitol of the kingdom of Mendev.”

“I am sorry, Lord of Light. But this one is ignorant of the Heavenly Kingdom of Mendev and the Archseraphim Erastilian.”

Chunhua bows so low, you wonder how her back can stand it. “But if the leader of your Host is a holy archer perhaps we have something in common?”

The peasant girl appears to have shocked herself by saying something so bold!

“My family name is Zhang, which roughly translates to ‘Archer’ in the tongue of Taldor. And my role in the local militia is as an archer.”

She looks at her feet and blushes. “Indeed, my lance-sergeant says I have some talent with the longbow – which is one of the Sun Shogun’s, Shokuro Toriaka’s favored weapons!”

Radiarch realizes her fascination was more about his lineage than anything. When Knowing he did not have a whole day to tell his tale, he briefly touched on the connection between them both. Lifting his azure blue bow up from the table it was leaning against, he laid it against his palms to show Chunhua.

"Erastil, more commonly patroned where we come from, has guided my family for generations. My parents said I was blessed by the archons, perhaps beings sent by Erastil himself." he shared, showing her the in-laid markings of antlers and a mighty stag creature along it's surface.

"While I would never think myself so worthy of Old Deadeye's personal attention, there's certainly been evidence of it. The bow came quite naturally to me. My mother said the morning she first named me, my father stood atop a hill just outside our home, practicing with the bow raised as if to release a volley into the heavens as the sun rose behind him surrounding him in a radiant arch of light."

Where haughtiness could so easily take him, he exhaled, reflecting on the road that lead him here. "I do what I can to thank Erastil with a lifetime of servitude to him, to my country, to the land, friends, and most importantly my wife and child. I have little time for anything else. I am certain your lance-sergeant is proud of you. Keep mastering your gifts with the longbow. There is no stronger weapon to have at your side in the field of battle as far as I am concerned."

"Actually, I was hoping for zee course on decorum and etiquette. The nerve! Perhaps that's offered at a school where zay teach respect to onez elders and not disgrace their ancestors vith insults, mmm?" Brand remarks with a pointed squint at the person accosting them.

Then, to Keiko, "This school already sullies your feet and name, I am zhure zey do not possess zee art of caligraphy and cartography for one of your caliber. Vey vill go somewhere else. Perhaps zee great schools of Oppara, teach you to make maps like a conqueror."

~*Earlier, with Chunhua*~
Keiko gladly geeks out with the other archers about longbows. She nods soberly and adds "It would be a great honor if I were ever able to meet this Shokuro Toriaka in my life." I think I could learn much from him.

“Oppara!” She mutters contemptuously.

“That outpost of sophistication, where every meal is served with chips.”

Not in Team Pony but someone should fire a come back that she's mistaking Taldor with Andoran, where every fifth purchase is accompanied by a free bucket load of freedom fries! :P

Brand just chuckles to himself and shuffles along after Keiko. Other than that, he remains quiet and glares at the school marm, ready to Misfortune her or cast Ill Omens should the opportunity present itself. Nothing like getting a paper cut or tripping up some stairs at an inopportune time.

“May I help you … Ah, Master Jianghong! Come to pay your outstanding fines for this semester I trust.”

Having led you to the Administration Building, Jianghong opens the front door admitting Kenji, Razisus, Radiarch, Magdelina, and Zheng into the ground floor entry hall.

A prim school marm sits behind a reception desk, shifting her gaze from Brand and Keiko, who are inspecting an art piece in a nearby display case, onto the rest of you.

“And let me guess, your foreign friends are art critics. Is there a particular piece you are interested in seeing?”

As we’re all together again, there’s no need for spoilered posts going forward.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
"It seems... respectable. However, I'm not very familiar with the geography of Lingshen - is this a modern map, or a historical reproduction? The brushstrokes seem quite modern in style. Is this the work of a current student, or alumni?"

Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Brand spends most of his time squinting at the map, then holds up a piece of his dirty, stained robes to compare their color and age.

"Zees eez twelve years old from Trollheim," he compares the rusty brown blood stain to the map's edge.

"An' zeez 'ere, Qiang Tian nine yearz ago," he remarks to a burned hole in his sleeve as he sticks his finger through it.

"Eet looks older than zose, so alumni must be, else a veeery sheet student to still be here, but, euh, any child een Galt could paint zeez."

Maggie follows Jiang into the building.

“Any child een Galt could paint zeez."

“Ah yes, Galt. Whose populace renovate centuries old manor houses with a lick of flame.”

The administrator *rolls* her eyes. “That outpost of sophistication, where every garlic snail is served with a bucket of pommes de frites.”

“I think we can safely dispense with your opinion, monsieur. With little more than a 屁 in your générale direction.”

“Is this the work of a current student, or alumni?”

“Interesting take.”

The bursar looks over the top of her spectacles, as if seeing Keiko for the first time. “But you ask the wrong question. In the case of this piece, the artist is not important.”

“Its true value lies in the subject matter.”

The woman then turns her attention back to Maggie et al. “Now, what can the School of Affinities do for you?”

"We are tourists visiting your beautiful art scene and culture; the School of Affinities can actually relax and let us admire its wonders, but thanks for offering assistance!" replies Maggie, looking around the place for maps painted onto orange silk...

Thanks for botting Razisus while I was traveling.

Having never been to an institution such as this, Razisus has been unusually quiet. He studies the painting.

The bursar looks over the top of her spectacles, as if seeing Keiko for the first time. “But you ask the wrong question. In the case of this piece, the artist is not important.”

“Its true value lies in the subject matter.”

In response to the statement, Razisus rubs his beard and mutters a quiet prayer to the Lady of Graves, resulting in a casting of detect magic.

"We are tourists visiting your beautiful art scene and culture; the School of Affinities can actually relax and let us admire its wonders, but thanks for offering assistance!"

“That is no problem, Miss. All of the exhibits on the ground floor are open for inspection. Master Jianghong is probably capable of giving you a tour if you are interested.”

Maggie notices Brand and Keiko are already examining a map on orange silk in the display case beside the receptionist’s desk.

See the yellow arrow on the map.

“There are faculty members working upstairs, so unfortunately that floor is off-limits to unofficial visitors.”

As Razisus begins reciting the words of his orison, the administrator looks up from her work to address the priest. “I am sorry, 牧师. Despite the Lady of Graves being highly honored in Xiwu, magical cantrips and spells are forbidden on campus.”

“Because I am sure you were not aware, I will not report your breach on this occasion.”

Razisus’ spell reveals no magical auras, apart from any wondrous items the party is carrying.

As time passes, the administrator shuffles more paper on her desk before moving some of it into a desk drawer. “Visiting hours will soon be over.”

“If anyone is interested in providing a scholarship for one of our talented students, please let me know. Otherwise, I bid you all a good afternoon.”

"How much one of these scholarships cost?" asks Maggie, beginning a back and forth conversation of a boring, financial and administrative nature so that her companions can have more time looking around while the administrator is distracted.

Stoically taking in the art and more importantly, the conversation between the faculty and his fellow Pathfinders, Radiarch assumed he may of found an in worth pursuing, thanks to Magdelina buying them some time.

"Pardon me, Madam Administrator. My name is Radiarch Eklesya. I could not help but notice the seeming contrarian rule in place for spell usage here, in such a prestigious academy. Especially one called the School of Affinities. Forgive me, but could you kindly share with us exactly what affinities the name celebrates, thereby confesses? That could also aid my companions and I from any further amercements within such fine institutional grounds."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Keiko will take every moment to savor and memorize the layout of the map as her companions talk to the administrator. (I assume any "secret" locations would not be visible on this version of the map, but is there any kind of check I can make to verify that?)

"How much one of these scholarships cost?"

“Sponsorship of a single student begins at 100 gold dragons.”

The bursar hands Maggie an application form. “Please take this away to fill in and return to me tomorrow.”

“Please note, there is a non-refundable administration fee of 10%, which is payable when the form is returned.”

“You would be surprised how many people say they are interested in providing a scholarship, but never follow through on their promise.”

“Pardon me, Madam Administrator. My name is Radiarch Eklesya.”

“Chin Prim. And technically I am the university’s bursar.”

“Forgive me, but could you kindly share with us exactly what affinities the name celebrates, thereby confesses?”

“Of course. Here in Lingshen, we believe art provides an outlet for the artist’s self-expression via a medium that is both beautiful and functional.”

She smiles. “Art is an important component of our culture. Our students and staff have an affinity for producing work that defines and promotes the spirit of our nation.”

“Our rules are designed to keep students, staff and property safe. Your friend’s cantrip may have indicated the presence of a magical alarm, for example. I am sure you understand why we would want to keep such information confidential.”

After looking out the window at the lengthening shadows, Chin Prim rises to usher you out of the building. “And speaking of rules.”

“All visitors are required to leave the campus by the time darkness has fallen. Unless you can secure overnight lodgings on campus somewhere.”

"Thank you for the forms, Esteemed Bursar, but it will not be necessary. One hundred gold dragons is far too steep for a peasant such as myself. Perhaps the school should consider accepting partial sponsorships of a lesser value which could be applied, once aggregated together, to students from poor upbringings such as mine? just a thought... unless of course the high price is by design, and set this way so as to sustain the existing elite into a position of knowledge and power..."

Maggie smiles, curtsies and follows the others outside, as some of them are speaking of securing lodgings at the guest house...

"It would be our pleasure to utilize your guest dormitories, this evening. Thank you," Radiarch says cordially as he follows the others out.

As Razisus begins reciting the words of his orison, the administrator looks up from her work to address the priest. “I am sorry, 牧师. Despite the Lady of Graves being highly honored in Xiwu, magical cantrips and spells are forbidden on campus.”

“Because I am sure you were not aware, I will not report your breach on this occasion.”

"My most humble apologies," Razisus replies with a respectful bow. "And many thanks for your gracious pardon."

“All visitors are required to leave the campus by the time darkness has fallen. Unless you can secure overnight lodgings on campus somewhere.”

"If I may be such an imposition as to beg of your pardon again, but was I correct in surmising the presence of a guesthouse on the premises?" asks the cleric. "I believe that I, and some of my companions, would benefit from rest and would prefer to find lodging before darkness is upon us. Could you, perhaps, show us to such accommodations? While scholarly sponsorship may require more coin than that with which we can presently depart, I assure you that we are not without means and would, of course, graciously pay whatever costs for lodging this fine institution may require."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Result of 20, if the appropriate skill is Bluff.

Result of either skill check is increased by 1, if she would be attracted to Razisus.

“Of course.”

Madam Chin bows to Razisus. “Five silver luckies each will secure you all a room at the Guesthouse. I would be delighted to authorise a stay for the charming priest of Pharasma and his companions.”

“Jianghong will guide you to your accommodations, which are currently vacant. You should have the whole place to yourself.”

¥

“Zheng, you shall wait outside and guard the entrance until I return.”

Having escorted you to the Guesthouse, Jiang is keen to show you the layout of the plainly-appointed but clean guesthouse, which you have all to yourselves.

After dismissing his bodyguard Zheng, the cocky student grins. “Do you still want me to help with your prank? Perhaps I could create a diversion while you conduct the actual raid?”

“If not, I understand and will be on my way.”

Please see Discussion for how we are to resolve the next phase.

As soon as they are out of the bursar's earshot, and Keiko realizes Jiang is 'in' on it - she will hiss quietly to the rest of the group "I don't think that was the real map. I think it's a bad copy of the real map. It doesn't look old enough, for one, and... all the locations are familiar." she says vaguely, intentionally not mentioning the Summer Palace around Jiang.

She also apologies to Brand for not sticking up for him earlier with the Bursar. "She was quite rude and bothersome, however, most nobles I've known don't stick their neck out for those in their employ, so I was afraid to blow our cover."

"Most nobles I've known got zeir necks stuck out for zem," Brand replies, and draws a line across his throat with a wicked smirk.

"Ah, the idea of a bed sounds good, though! Sod off weez zat feesh. Heir mozzer whaz a hamster, and her father smelt of elderberries!" Brand seems rather moodly and petulant as they leave.

"Dear Jiang, if you wish to further your studies and take a walk, and later come back to us to let us know what you learned, such as where some of the historic pieces are displayed for instance, that would be much appreciated. Based on their admission fees, I no longer feel like this school has the best intentions towards the common folk of this land. Study away, my young student of the arts!"

“Do you mean like where the original copy of the map is? Assuming Ms Keiko is correct?”

Jiang’s gaze jumps from witch to Zen archer looking impressed. “There is a second floor display case outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The one where they keep the good stuff.”

“So do you want me to play pathfinder in all this?”

Jiang is practically bouncing up and down with excitement. “If you escort me to the Administration Building, unlock the door or break it down, I can go in and get the map and bring it back out to you while some of you create a diversion and the others keep look-out.”

“A prank like this will NEVER be topped!”

The student suddenly looks serious. “Hmm … we’ll have to do something about Zheng though. I could send him on a lengthy errand or order him to stay with you.”

“What do you think of this plan?”

Kenji tries to assist his companions plans.

”It sounds like a great plan!!“

Razisus' lips form a smile, which hides gritted teeth and his disapproval of the Society requiring him to resort to theft and deception. Nevertheless, he nods in affirmation.

Keiko considers Jiang's question. "A secret is best kept by the fewest number of people? I think sending Zheng on an errand would be a good idea. Obviously, you know your bodyguard better than we do, though."

Jiang nods curtly before heading outside to confront Zheng.

If you observe, there is a short, terse exchange of words before Zheng removes his adventuring-style backpack and hands it to his master. Jiang pulls a number of heavy textbooks from the pack and hands them back to his bodyguard.

While the student equips the backpack, he points at a vague position in the distance and sends Zheng on his way. The bodyguard responds with a brief bow, before turning on his heel to take off at a run.

“Right, he’s out of the way for a while.”

Jiang beckons you all over “I’ve sent him to drop off some schoolbooks at my quarters before returning here with my night things, and camping gear for him to set up for himself outside the guesthouse.”

“Now let’s go do this thing!”

☾

With Jiang leading, the short trip back to the Administration Building is uneventful. Although the night is moonless, torchlight from the University Watch manning the campus walls is just adequate for those without darkvision to be able to navigate the grounds without a light source.

Once you reach the front entrance, Jiang drops to one knee. “Time for you people to open the door, either by picking the lock or breaking it down.”

“If someone else wants to create a diversion, so any random patrols have something else to focus on – that would be awesome.”

Please roleplay your PC’s actions, along with an appropriate skill roll. For example, disable device to pick the lock.

Razisus utters a few prayers noting if it be the will of the goddess that she provide some guidance through him to each of his allies
Each PC has +1 on a skill check

I got nothing... I can give Fortune to anyone with Disable Device, so that he can roll twice and take the best result...

Seeing the blank faces on her companions, Keiko will think Well, maybe my natural dexterity will help... and moves forward to face the door... with open hands. Uhhhh..... this won't do at all. She looks through her pack, for anything she might be able to use to jimmy the lock, but alas, besides her weapons, horse, and tea... she pulls out an alchemist's fire and makes a face, whispering "Well that won't do at all, don't want to burn the place down and lose the map in the process!" the only thing she can think to use is the small, slender knife from her mess kit. She holds it up, shrugs, and asks if anyone has something better? While they check their bags she will inspect the hinges as an alternative option.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
...but she can't figure it out at all.

Jiang doesn’t hesitate.

He reaches behind himself, pulls a crowbar out of his backpack and offers it to the party.

+2 to strength checks to break down the door, though you could also simply attack it with weapon damage.

“Is anyone going to create a diversion? It will probably help.”