Cassandra Cressen's page

The Guardian hesitates for only a moment, then a large grin runs across his face. ”That is quite clever! The answer is in fact the lions. I do consider myself an expert on lions so the answer why is quite clear. If the lions haven’t eaten in three years, they most surely will be dead. I must say though, I quite enjoyed that riddle, so I will provide you with the key.”

A key materializes floating a few feet in front of the Guardian.

That was... easy.

This does not change Cassandra's imperative to provide the Lion with some satisfaction for his curiosity. She relates the mystery of Hammerfell, going into as much detail as she can recall.

Speaking of recall, she had one last question for the Guardian before they left:

"Sir Guardian, I've noticed a few key phrases throughout the library: 'Our monarch’s virtues are our own,' 'To serve Zobeck, I must first learn the history of Zobeck,' and 'Persevere, persevere, persevere!'

Do these phrases have any special significance? Are they references to a specific literary work or code?"

”Why is it that you only have until the end of the concert?”

Cassandra quickly interjects, "We have an appointment to keep this evening, Sir Guardian, where we must deliver our findings."

Vors Aman wrote:

"Where might we locate these books, Guardian?”

”The professors brought most of those books into either set of the double doors along the south wall, they both lead to the same place. I don’t know much about what is through those doors. The caretaker is the one responsible for taking care of that area, in fact, he should be there currently, probably in his personal quarters.”

"Most excellent, Sir Guardian. Thank you so much for your indispensable wisdom and knowledge. I do believe that this Caretaker is who we must speak to next, and posthaste!" with this Cassandra begins to walk towards the double-doors along the south wall.

"Now I think I get another question. Who asked you to research the shadow fey? It is strange that they sent such a… mundane group of people. No offense meant. I am just surprised that they did not send a more qualified group of people to do this research if it is so important.”

With this, Cassandra stops in her tracks. She about-faces and, blushing with fury, controls the next words out of her mouth very carefully...

"Sir Guardian, I understand you mean no offense, but we were chosen to come here due to our wide array of skills and life experiences. Something that an intelligent it- wait..."

Cassandra's fury fades, and is replaced by a look of deep concentration, with a hint of sadness.

"Sir Guardian, you must have had a creator who instilled in you a love and respect for knowledge, a love and respect that I share with you and understand deeply. However, your creator has rooted you to the spot, rendered you unable to acquire more knowledge for yourself. You cannot move, correct? That is a most cruel existence indeed. And to be forbidden to be told about the outside world..."

Cassandra roots around in her mind for more current events, recent history, things of interest for someone like her with an inquisitive mind and the same obsession with self-education. The plight of this Guardian now spoke to her on a personal level, and she has nearly forgotten her mission in an attempt to brighten its existence.

Kn: History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

I know Zobeck is essentially Taldor, but I didn't want to presume that their history is the exact same. Let me know if I can use some Taldan History or intrigue and I'll happily re-skin it for Zobeck: No need to find me a specific instance for the check if you don't want to.

Thank you, friends. She was a neighbor of mine who’d been in Hospice care for some time with advanced brain cancer, so thankfully it wasn’t anything sudden or unexpected. She made her preparations and we all got our chances to say goodbye long ago when she was still lucid, but it still doesn’t stop her passing from being a somber event.

Hi, all.

Due to dealing with complications from the death of a friend, I'm afraid I can't post today. Hopefully I can resume tomorrow.

” If you would be willing to tell me about the outside world, I would be more than happy to help you in your research. What did you say your research was about again?”

"We had not mentioned it yet, your guardianship, but we are researching the scáthesidhe, the Shadow Fey.

What is going on in the real world is precisely why we are researching them: after being cast into the shadow plane, the scáthesidhe have mostly kept to themselves.

Recently, however, merchants venturing into the shadow have gone missing, and there are reports of the scáthesidhe amassing their forces. Understandably, we wish to understand more about them."

After addressing the lion, Cassandra once more checks her hourglass.

Cassandra, also startled at the talking Lion statue, is dismayed that none could deceive it before their Kobold Comrade gave up too much information.

Cassandra speaks to the edifice: "Greetings to you, O great lion. We are but a group of humble researchers who have been given leave to seek truths within your great library. Might one as lowly as myself entreat you for your name?"

Sense Motive on Lion Statue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Now THIS is what I'm talking about!

Presented with such a huge repository of books, Cassandra's eyes widen in excitement. She stands at the entrance with reverence and wonder, almost forgetting about the mission. As her companions foray before her, however, she snaps back into the task at hand.

At the closest table, Cassandra lays out the reference on what she had affectionately begun calling the "Dewey Decibel System" and begins explaining it to her comrades.

Cassandra uses the reference to grant all checks in this room to find books a +2 for the rest of the adventure.

She herself begins looking for relevant texts, hoping that their answers would be found here.

Kn. (History): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23

...it alphabetizes its texts based on the progression of major musical scales instead of using the common alphabet.

UGH! Bards and their frivolous esotericism. They can't do ANYTHING right! SERIOUSLY WHO DOES THIS?!

After her own internal screaming bout, Cassandra looks at her hourglass to note how much time has passed since they left the last room. She then quietly urges:

"We should probably continue when we get the chance. I believe we've exhausted this room's resources as well."

The books prove much more interesting. You find two texts of note. The first is an aging card catalog system notes where one might find various types of information. The reference seems somewhat dated, but it might still be of use. Use this clue to learn how many clues or texts remain in any two rooms.

I see... so seeing as this is a much smaller repository, we may have already exhausted its useful resources...

She stows the card-catalog, rationalizing that it would be far more useful in a larger wing of the library. Besides, they could always come back to this room... right?

Cassandra is also mystified on the portrait of Prince Stavian, and takes specific note of the placard underneath.

Another adage? Hmmm... perhaps this one is also worth noting. "Our Monarch's Virtues Are Our Own," and "To serve Zobeck, I must first learn the history of Zobeck."

She memorizes the phrase and quietly follows Magniventris into the next room, grabbing the hourglass on her way. She inverts it so as to begin its sand falling.

Once entering the next room, she once again searches for clues.

Kn. (History): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

She is also entranced by the quote "Persevere, persevere, persevere!"

Now this is... different? This isn't even a complete sentence! Just a command! I wonder if these are actually useful. No matter, it doesn't hurt to simply record...

Hey all,

Just a heads-up: I've been overworking myself for the past few days and in my exhaustion seem to have caught a case of the flu. If I post less frequently in the coming days, it's probably because I'm in a NyQuil fueled haze...

Forgot to mention that Cassandra still has both Detect Magic and Read Magic active.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Cassandra peruses the spines of the books present with swift and obsessive intensity.

GM Voiceless: Would Perception be the appropriate skill check to search the room's books?

Also, setting up a Roll20 as we speak. Will message you when it's done.

Progress continues to be slow... During the time it takes you to get down the stairs, you notice that the orchestra makes it through a few classic Zobeck tunes during the process of making your way down the stairs.

Hm. While I'm sure Mr. Aman knows what he's doing, we may not have time for his standards of caution.

"Fellows," Cassandra voices in a muffled tone, "There is such a thing as being too cautious. I fear if we do not pick up the pace, the risk of our mission's discovery will increase exponentially."

While I'm usually all for taking 20 in dungeons and the like, GM Voiceless is making it pretty clear that we're on a tight timetable. I'm not saying we should barrel through the place, but perhaps split the difference?

The south wall bears a 10-foot-square field of carved divots that create no particular pattern. An inscription above the carving reads “The keenest eyes cannot see everything. Always remember to see the big picture.”

Hmmm...Stowing her book under the crook of her arm, Cassandra takes off her glasses and lets her vision come into a soft focus.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Ah yes, the so called "Magic Eye" Puzzle. It does seem like the Academy employs some rather unique tactics... "Our monarch’s virtues are our own." Is that a password? A code? Best to keep it in mind.

Cassandra memorizes the phrase, and then quietly offers, "Let us try the door on the left."

Anyone have issue with "The Rule of Lefts?"

"Words spoken by George to Tobius open the door. Interesting. What does one make of that? Did Tobius intentionally give us the key? If so, the illusions are sufficient. Perhaps I should go first, making sure there are no traps and certainly giving George and Moonshine a nice view. It would be nice if someone could keep a lookout for magic." Vors moves to the door and inspects the corridor.

"Indeed, Mr. Aman. It may be that Tobius is our patron's man on the inside? And I agree: it would be wisest for you to proceed first. Hopefully your expertise with security measures will prevent many unnecessary pitfalls. Cavasin or I should bring up the rear, as our armor seems the most formidable.

Let us set our illusions and be on our way."

Cassandra sets her card in place to make it seem as though she's reading at a chair... and has an idea. She takes a quill and inkwell from her bag, as well as a piece of parchment. She writes with extremely clear penmanship, and then folds the page into a triangular prism shape so the message is facing out:

Please do not disturb. Our work must be completed in utter silence for sake of concentration. Thank you for your consideration.

She places this by the side of her illusion, so the message faces the door and, seeming quite proud of herself, draws her shield and holy book. She utters two quick phrases, accompanied by a few gestures:

"जादू लेखनहरू स्पष्ट हुन्छन्।"

"रसियाले मलाई देखाउँछन्"

She then looks at the group and states: "Well, shall we?"

Cassandra casts Read Magic, then Detect Magic. She will continue to concentrate on Detect Magic as she walks, and will recast it every minute. She will Recast Read Magic every ten minutes.

Perception on the passage and stairway ahead: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

[ooc]I'm unsure as to which knowledge check would be most appropriate for Vors's question on the Collegium, but my modifiers are all the same for Arcana, Local, Nobility, and History: Appropriate Knowledge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

As Tessarra whimsically moves the hand to the words, Cassandra is notably impressed. I must admit, I'm far too tentative to take that level of action so quickly. I may overthink things too much. Let us see if her experiment yields any results...

"Mr. Aman, I would hesitate to use the deck of illusions until we are ready to leave this room. Activating the illusions prematurely might cost us some time."

She then addresses the group as a whole: "While Tessara experiments with our statued finding, look for books in this room with the following words in their titles: Innovation, respect,knowledge, courage, integrity, honor, excellence, glory."

Perception to search for those titles: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Perception on Tobius: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Spellcraft to Identify spell or SLA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"And here we are. The rare books collection. If you should need anything, please do let me know. I will make sure to check up on you periodically in case there is anything you need. I should inform you though, that the Collegium closes after the concert concludes, which should be in about two hours, you will have to leave then. Good luck with your research, I hope you find what you are looking for." Tobius nods towards you all, and exits the room, closing the doors behind him.

"Thank you sir. Much appreciated."

The moment Tobius leaves the room, Cassandra begins poring over the stacks, searching for anything out of the ordinary that might lead to the secret library.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

In the rare books room, once Tobius has left, Prince Magniventris mutters to Cassandra, "My draconic lineage is no laughing matter. I thought it best to at least give the pretext of actually perusing the common stacks to throw off any suspicion."

Slightly embarrassed by that portion of the conversation, Cassandra responds gently and diplomatically:

"Nor do I actually believe it to be a laughing matter. My apologies, friend, I had frankly suspected the academy to be more prejudiced towards your kind. It's good to see they're a great deal more tolerant than I gave them credit for.

Your request, however, was something that might throw suspicion on us rather than divert it: If we have come at a strange time to peruse the rare books section, why would we waste time with the common stacks at all? But it is no matter: we haven't much time. We should focus all our energy on finding the secret entrance."

It's times like this I wish I could prepare Detect Secret Doors!

"We head for a library. This is your specialty, I believe. I am sure it will be no surprise to you that I have spent little time in these environs. I understand that one should be quite and not speak. Also, I would think a group would be unusual and may look suspicious. I will stay by you so as to observe the proper etiquette. We would appear to be the average couple to the untrained eye. Have you any advice?"

HA! In your dreams!

Keeping stride with the rest of the group, Cassandra gives him a curt answer: "Such deception should only be necessary if we are suspected. I'm sure you know that the most effective way of deception is via not supplying specifics until absolutely necessary. It is not wholly uncommon for research groups to enter libraries together, especially under the guidance of a more experienced academian. A couple in the library would in fact be more suspicious: any experienced librarian is always on the lookout for..." she falters for a moment, trying to find the right word, "congress in the stacks. Should we encounter others, simply follow my lead."

Upon entrance to the library, Cassandra seems at home. She takes in a deep whiff of the scents of the room, especially enjoying the mild addition of wood smoke to the composition.

"Please excuse my absent-mindedness. Can I be of any service to you?"

Cassandra had expected there to be at least some presence in the library, but for only a single person to be here... were the festivities outside truly more interesting than the wonders of a library? Unfortunately this would make it far harder for them to conceal their activities. Thank Winlas for those illusions Lady Eshin gave us...

She puts her personal prejudices and worries aside and addresses the man in a quiet tone befitting a library:
"Good evening, sir. No need to excuse yourself: We have been given leave by Orlando, Guildmaster of the Arcane Collegium, to peruse your rare book section," she produces the scroll given to them by Lady Eshin, "Would you be so kind as to escort us there?"

Prince Magniventris walks up to Tobius and says, "Ah yes, I am here to learn more about honor, courage, and glory. Where exactly is your section on kobolds located?"

She shoots a caustic glance at Prince Magniventris. Stay on task, damn you!

Really? As if I can't tell which way to go?

Cassandra rolls her eyes and reluctantly follows suit, knowing that there's no point in further remanding him.

She stays alert, looking to see if anyone is noting their deviation from the crowd.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

"My-m-m-m-Ms. Cressen, I had the inopportune need to tie a bootlace just as the door was closed and just so happened to overhear a conversation behind said door. I am sure there is no truth to it, but they suspect your abilities may be insufficient in this endeavor. You seem to be quite qualified for just about anything as far as I can discern. How can that be? Will your tasks in this endeavor be so daunting?"

Is this man so truly transparent? Cassandra thought. I may need glasses, but I'm certainly not deaf!

She turns to Vors, a somewhat terrifying smile on her face. Cassandra is not to be trifled with in such a manner.

"Indeed you're right: I am qualified for most anything, Mr. Aman. My especially keen ears, for example, allow me to ferret out all manner of useful information. So keen are they, that I happened to hear the exact statement you describe, but I fear your ears must have failed you: You were included in that statement, as was everyone else here.

Mr. Musello's sentiment does not surprise me in the least: we are a group of strangers brought together to perform a highly important and dangerous task. We've each been chosen for our specific skills, but those skills are useless if we cannot work together. Most groups of what the histories call 'Adventurers' die horrible and painful deaths within the first few days of their 'Quests.' It is only through luck, and teamwork that any survive at all."

She takes off her glasses, without breaking eye contact with Aman, and begins polishing them. She does so slowly and methodically as her speech unfolds:

"In that vein, Mr. Aman, I'd caution you against deceiving me, especially under the guise of flattery. You seem to be a man of roguish persuasion, which I mean in the nicest way possible, and most likely have never met someone like me. I don't fault you for it. Not many young women are encouraged as I was to bury themselves in their love for knowledge, throwing society's expectations to the wind.

I fear I ramble, however. My point is this: I am here to perform a duty to my Sovereign Celestial Lord. The opinions of others as to my fitness, looks, or "prospects" (as an uncle of mine once called them) are not something I concern myself with. I bear you no ill will, but that may change should behavior such as this continue."

"Yes, my lady. I am glad we took the time to make your acquaintance."

Cassandra winces a little. She re-composes herself and quietly expounds, "I'm afraid I'm not comfortable with the being called 'your lady...' 'Cassandra' or 'Ms. Cressen' will suffice."

Cassandra notes that none of the other contracted individuals address her directly. That was just fine by her: she was not comfortable in this world of titles, social nuance, and decorum. She could certainly emulate it from having read tomes of courtly manners, but being able to recall it at a moment's notice or make it seem natural was another manner entirely.

I'd much sooner like to be in the library than stand about with this lot... she thought, but I suppose it would do well to know the strengths of each member of our expedition.

"Friends and colleagues," she begins, "I am Cassandra Cressen, Inquisitor of the Empyreal Lord Winlas, Guardian of Grimoires, Librarian of Lore. My strengths lie in broad range of functions and specialties, as for damage I can heal as well as deal, and have a great amount of knowledge at my disposal.

I am honored to make your respective acquaintences, but should we not dispense with pleasantries and head to the meat of the matter? Lives are on the line. It is best not to dawdle."

"Traps are one of my specialties. I will do my best to protect these fine folk from that sort of damage."

"Excellent, Mr. Aman. My mentors had often stressed to me how 'the more important the knowledge, the more deadly the traps.' It will be invaluable to have your expertise at our disposal."

"My Lady, you mentioned that the entrance to the secret archive is hidden in the rare books section... but do you have any more details on exactly where it is hidden, or any subtle markers that we might use to identify it?"

"Indeed, this is a primary concern of mine as well."

As Cruven's clandestine conduct becomes more and more suspicious, Cassandra Cressen's concern climbs. Meeting the Lady Eshin, however, abates all of her anxieties. She sweeps her arm along the ground into a deep bow. This does not mean, however, that she trusts the woman implicitly. She observes Lady Eshin's behavior and notes her words carefully, seeking to ferret out any deception or attempts to obscure her true intention.

Sense Motive vs. Lady Eshin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Regardless of her impression, she states:

"My Lady, I have many questions, but I will skip past those having to do with obtaining a Bag of Holding for the purpose of removing the entirety of the Collegium's Rare Book Section for my own perusal, and replacing them on the shelves with a semi-permanent illusion."

It is obvious Cassandra has dreamed of this course of action in the past. She continues:

"What specific information do we search for in reference to the scáthesidhe? Weaknesses? Rehabilitation? The initial banishment ritual?" The mention of the last one brings a visible twinkle to her eye. Her Librarian Lord would be most pleased should she uncover heretofore lost rituals of such great power!

I am currently having some trouble converting this thread into a campaign. Once I get that figured out, we will get started. I will post here when the problem is fixed with instructions.

See you at the gaming table!

Thanks so much for the selection! I can't wait to play with you all!

GM The Voiceless, let us know when you have a live Gameplay or Discussion thread. Vors Aman's instructions are legit, so just provide a link once it's all set up!

This is Tassadan submitting Cassandra Cressen, an Inquisitor of Winlas (The Empyreal Lord of The Great Library of Harmonious Scripture).

Her specific sect believes in guarding precious tomes with other precious tomes and use metal-girded Grimoires as their weapons of choices. Under her rather frumpy and unflattering dress, Cassandra's body ripples with muscle from almost ten years of rigorous combat training with her fellow Inquisitors.

Upon hearing that a secret library of the true history of Taldor existed, Cassandra was the first from her sect to volunteer her services. She can't wait to see what original rituals, practices, and other details such a library might furnish for the worship of her Librarian Lord!

I'm here now saying that I've been watching this thread from the start, trying to come up with a character, I'm trying to decide whether to go with a Summoner, or a Bladebound Magus.

Bladebound's pretty legit. Free magic weaponry leaves you with plenty of cash to spend on other magic items.

It's probably safe to say that we'd all like to be considered as alternates should someone drop out. That being said...

I'mcoolwithbeinganalternateifnotchosen.

What are your expectations from the GM/game?

I want my character to be legitimately terrified. If we can maintain a horror element to the game, other things should be able to fall into place, such as entertainment and a challenging level of difficulty. Allowing unique ways of solving puzzles and applications of real-life-esque actions that aren't in the rules (for example: a suddenly blinded creature running into a wall and taking damage after a Glitterdust) are fun, but I don't expect them to happen too often. These adventure paths often have very specific solutions. Half the fun is the trial and error of figuring them out, and if you fail? That's the game!

What are your expectations from other players?

To play their characters, not just a bunch of mechanics. Too many people whom I've played with and DM'ed for in the past have just used Pathfinder to assert their nerd-superiority over others. I don't want to play with people who just want to use a campaign to test out their latest build without actually making a character to along with it. RPGs like this should be a synthesis of mechanic and heart, not just decent attack and damage rolls.

On that note, I also expect people to not just play their character's strengths, but their weaknesses as well. If you have a -2 CHA modifier, you're not going to always be friendly and suave. A character who has dumped INT will not generally use 7 letter words or be able to create extremely complex strategies. This sort of thing should be common sense, and shouldn't be seen as a set of restrictions. They can instead bolster your character, making them a unique playing experience. Example: In what way is this character not charismatic? Is he socially awkward? Is he that boisterous guy that thinks he's the s%@$ but is actually annoying? Use some creativity and create a person that you like and can be proud of. As long as the people I'm playing with can do that (and not be a dick about it) I'll be happy.

Eidolon finished.

My apologies, initiative should read +6, not +8.

Very interested in submitting this character. I have yet to create his Eidolon, but Kaldur wouldn't be using him much of him after 1st level