How do you go about finding the Vault of Hidden Wisdom?
[Gameplay] 8. Vault of Hidden Wisdom
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How do you go about finding the Vault of Hidden Wisdom?
Unfortunately, the Tower of Ra's Glory collapsed decades ago, and it is not midsummer.
How do you use this information to find the entrance to the vault?
You could make a DC 25 Knowledge (Nature) check to work out the sun position at midsummer as compared to now, but you'd also need to know the tower's height to determine where the shadow would point.
Rolls
Rolls (12,16,13) - (3d20)
(1111) = 13
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Diplomacy (Cha) - (1d20+12)
(9) + 12 = 21
He scratches at the dirt a little, and then tells you that he will need a day to do the research, and 50 gold pieces for his time and materials. He's confident that he can determine the shadow, and prove to you it's correct as well.
Do you pay?
Rolls
Nature roll
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Sense Motive (Wis) - (1d20+4)
(15) + 4 = 19
The next day, he shows you his results. It's mostly a series of circles and lines and gibberish, but Ab-Holl is confident in his calculations. The determination of where the shadow would point reveals the actual entrance to the Vault of Hidden Wisdom is located in an otherwise nondescript wall of a bathhouse in the Wadjet’s Walk district. Once you know where to look, you find the door with little difficulty, although searching blindly would have been a very difficult task.
You wait until you cannot be seen and pass through.
Two deep alcoves open on either side of this dusty chamber. A small, battered bronze chest sits on the floor at the far end of the room. Beyond the chest, a passage continues to the south.
Iseret detects a pressure plate in the floor that looks to open a pit.
Rolls
Trapfinding - (1d20+13)
(12) + 13 = 25
Rolls
Disable Device - (1d20+16)
(7) + 16 = 23
Rolls
DIsable Device - (1d20+16)
(2) + 16 = 18
Rolls
Reflex save - (1d20+12)
(8) + 12 = 20
It's the width of the room, and ten feet across, so getting over it will be a challenge, especially for Andromeda!
Having been drawn back from the pit to consult in meditation, Khadi and Jaware take leave of your company. Perhaps it will be only for a short time, but Kepri calls her away to some urgent work and Jaware is convinced to protect her as long as he can.
Tabat and Iseret seal up the hidden library and seek additional adventurers to assist them in exploring this next tomb of tomes.
This leads them to the inn called The Beggars Oasis. It's a teahouse and hookah, ostensibly, but is a known hang out and gathering place for adventurers of a certain nature - that is, those with scruples rather than without. The hostess Tahirah is said to have a nose for such things.
This leads us to a fine one evening, with Tabat paladin of Horus and Iseret the halfling archaeologist meeting: Kyra, priestess of Saranae; Selquet Ashem, an agile man at arms; and Callum Blackstar, a half-elf warrior with a more mystical air about him.
The air of the Beggars Oasis is lightly scented with a sweet smell of aromatic incense being smoked at other tables. Several pitchers of beer have just been delivered by Tahirah herself, water condensing on their chilled sides. She gives Tabat a light nod, signaling that she had no objections to the company that have just sat at this table.
Greetings. I am Kyra, a Crusader of the Dawnflower. I come for to explore the tombs, and perhaps to see what my ancestors before might have seen.
Well met, to all of you!
Looking at the rest of the group, he nods his head in greeting, "Quite the group we have here ..." his eyes rest on the cleric, brow raised quizzically, "Are you the Kyra of Dawnflower? If so, I've heard tales of your exploits across all of Golarion. Our little group is lucky to have you join us. If not her, well, I'm sure you'll be just fine." he says with a chuckle.
Iseret has last uncovered a pit trap. 50' deep and spiked at the bottom. It's the width of the room, and ten feet across, so getting over it will be a challenge, especially for Tabat's camel Andromeda.
I can Air Walk across. I also have rope. Someone grab the other end of my rope, and once I’m across, the rest of you can negotiate with the rope over to me.
If we’ve enough rope, we might need repeat the process , everyone holding another end of rope, until we’re all across.
Kyra sheathes her weapons, grabs one end of her 50’ hempen rope, and offers the other end to a willing companion.
You see a few ways to go but after checking the corridors, you see the following:

In the central location (marked E2) you see desks piled with scrolls and codices.
Beyond that, at the farthest extent of darkvision (for those that have it; location E3), you see the ends of racks that hold more scrolls.
To the east, at the end of a passage in a small chamber (location E4), two clockwork soldiers have just animated and are coming toward you. Faintly over the din of their clanking, you think you hear a few more coming, but those are out of sight.
Let's say that you're at the intersection just below E1. They are medium sized and moving at normal speed so they'll be upon you in a round or two. What do you do?
Rolls
Crossbow vs. clockwork soldier - (1d20+11, 1d6)
1d20+11 : (7) + 11 = 18
1d6 : (5) = 5
Rolls
Fireball - (8d6)
(33431466) = 30
Those of you with ranged instruments quickly take them down, and they clank to the floor. When the gears stop turning, you hear the matched clanking footsteps of two more coming toward you from the southeastern passageway.
Rolls
Reflex Saves - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)
1d20+4 : (9) + 4 = 13
1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12
Rolls
Reflex saves - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)
1d20+4 : (15) + 4 = 19
1d20+4 : (17) + 4 = 21
Rolls
Sling - (1d20+10, 1d4+10)
1d20+10 : (11) + 10 = 21
1d4+10 : (2) + 10 = 12
Will Opportune Parry and Riposte the first attack I have directed at me this round.
Rolls
Khopesh Attack - (1d20+16)
(10) + 16 = 26
Khopesh Damage - (1d8+9)
(2) + 9 = 11
Opportune Parry - (1d20+16)
(7) + 16 = 23
Riposte (Khopesh Attack) - (1d20+16)
(5) + 16 = 21
Riposte (Khopesh Damage) - (1d8+9)
(5) + 9 = 14
At the sight of the clockwork attackers, Tabat pulls free his adamantine heavy flail and prepares to attack.
Rolls
Attack and damage - (1d20+11, 1d6)
1d20+11 : (6) + 11 = 17
1d6 : (4) = 4
That leaves them both standing. CS1 15/31, CS2 6/31
The two servants attack Selquet who is taught there, ignoring the archers for now... However, they're not much of a threat from this hardened crew of adventurers.
Rolls
Slam - (1d20+6, 1d4+6)
1d20+6 : (4) + 6 = 10
1d4+6 : (1) + 6 = 7
Slam - (1d20+6, 1d4+6)
1d20+6 : (14) + 6 = 20
1d4+6 : (2) + 6 = 8
Rolls
Attack and damage - (1d20+11)
(10) + 11 = 21
Damage - (1d6)
(4) = 4
Rolls
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+12, 1d6+11)
1d20+12 : (19) + 12 = 31
1d6+11 : (1) + 11 = 12
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+7, 1d6+11)
1d20+7 : (16) + 7 = 23
1d6+11 : (3) + 11 = 14
Crit - (1d6)
(4) = 4
Crit on Iterative - (1d6)
(4) = 4
Crit Confirm - (1d20+12)
(12) + 12 = 24
Crit Confirm on Iterative - (1d20+7)
(15) + 7 = 22
Luckily, despite being mechanical in structure, neither of them have the sturdiness of some constructs.
Battle is over.
You see a few ways to go but after checking the corridors, you see the following:

In the central location (marked E2) there were desks piled with scrolls and codices.
Beyond that, at the farthest extent of darkvision (for those that have it; location E3), you saw the ends of racks that hold more scrolls.
To the east, at the end of a passage in a small chamber (location E4), is where the first two clockwork soldiers animated. Down the corridor toward the W is where the second pair came from.
Rolls
Perception (Wis) - (1d20+11)
(6) + 11 = 17
The contents of the room are a kind of library, and researching it will take time, a lot of time.
Callum steps over to the clockwork construct instead, inspecting its build to see if anything useful can be gleaned.
Rolls
Knowledge (Engineering) - (1d20+8)
(12) + 8 = 20
Callum is able to determine that the clockwork servant could be wound up with a special key, but that key is nowhere in sight.
Yes, Callum. Lead on, please, I’ll be right behind you.
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+11)
(17) + 11 = 28
But what's most on your mind when you enter are two strange creatures from beyond imagination. You're all struck by mental flashes of burning books and scrolls from their envisaging ability before attacking.

Rolls
Creature initiatives - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)
1d20+6 : (16) + 6 = 22
1d20+6 : (18) + 6 = 24

Could you each let me know where you are on the map, assuming only one of you has entered the room before they attack? Then where you move to and then your actions.
All of you are up, in whatever order you post.
Rolls
Will save - (1d20+4)
(7) + 4 = 11
Crossbow attack - (2d20L1)
(1114) = 11
Damage - (1d6)
(5) = 5
Rolls
Will Save - (1d20+10)
(2) + 10 = 12
He attempts to retain his focus, moving up to the closest of the enemies and swinging his heavy flail.
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Will - (1d20+11)
(3) + 11 = 14
Tabat Menes: Adamantine Heavy Flail - Atk/Dam - (1d20+15, 1d10+9)
1d20+15 : (10) + 15 = 25
1d10+9 : (5) + 9 = 14
Stepping past Callum, our Sarenaraen priestess strikes at the lead creature with her trusty blade!
I was following Callum, so let’s have Kyra start at D4 or just behind Tabat. On my turn, I’ll move to C5 and attack cr1 please.
Rolls
Kyra: Will - (1d20+14)
(16) + 14 = 30
Kyra: Knowledge (Religion) (Int) - (1d20+11)
(11) + 11 = 22
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (11) + 9 = 20
1d6+8 : (2) + 8 = 10
Move to C6 and attack the front creature.
Rolls
Will save - (1d20+2)
(20) + 2 = 22
Cokd Iron Khopesh attack - (1d20+16, 1d8+9)
1d20+16 : (5) + 16 = 21
1d8+9 : (1) + 9 = 10
Knowledge (Planes) is correct, rolling for Callum... and that's a failure.
Also rolling for Tabat's disadvantage... still hits!
Iseret's attack hits and damages #1 for 5. Kyra also strikes that one for 10 more, then Selquet also for another 10. Tabat adds another heavy blow for 14.
Callum can still act, then the creatures.

cr1: AC 20, 39 dmg (76 max)
cr2: undamaged
Rolls
Callum Kn Planes - (1d20+6)
(2) + 6 = 8
Tabat's disadvantage roll - (1d20+15)
(20) + 15 = 35
Kyra's second Will save - (1d20+14)
(11) + 14 = 25
Selquet's second Will save - (1d20+2)
(17) + 2 = 19
Rolls
Attack - (1d20+16)
(13) + 16 = 29
Attack (disadvantage) - (1d20+16)
(2) + 16 = 18
The creatures attack back with their limbs and two crystal tentacles. The back one attacks Selquet, the front attacks Tabat.
Rolls
2 slams - (1d20+13, 1d6+4, 1d20+13, 1d6+4)
1d20+13 : (10) + 13 = 23
1d6+4 : (5) + 4 = 9
1d20+13 : (6) + 13 = 19
1d6+4 : (6) + 4 = 10
2 tentacles plus fate drain - (1d20+8, 1d4+2, 1d20+8, 1d4+2)
1d20+8 : (20) + 8 = 28
1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6
1d20+8 : (6) + 8 = 14
1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4
2 slams vs Selquet - (1d20+13, 1d6+4, 1d20+13, 1d6+4)
1d20+13 : (7) + 13 = 20
1d6+4 : (3) + 4 = 7
1d20+13 : (1) + 13 = 14
1d6+4 : (2) + 4 = 6
2 tentacles vs Selquet with fate drain - (1d20+8, 1d4+2, 1d20+8, 1d4+2)
1d20+8 : (6) + 8 = 14
1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4
1d20+8 : (9) + 8 = 17
1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3
Rolls
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (4) + 9 = 13
1d6+8 : (3) + 8 = 11
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+8)
1d20+4 : (9) + 4 = 13
1d6+8 : (1) + 8 = 9
Rolls
Attack and damage (firing into melee with sneak attack) - (2d20-4L1, 1d6+3d6)
2d20-4L1 : (1416) - 4 = 26
1d6+3d6 : (3) + (546) = 18
both attacks are at +2 forgot to add flanking if its applicable.
Rolls
Cold Iron Khopesh - (1d20+16, 1d8+9)
1d20+16 : (4) + 16 = 20
1d8+9 : (1) + 9 = 10
Parry - (1d20+16)
(16) + 16 = 32
Riposte (Cold Iron Khopesh) - (1d20+16, 1d8+9)
1d20+16 : (14) + 16 = 30
1d8+9 : (5) + 9 = 14
He attempts to fight back, swinging his heavy flail at the creature before him.
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Will vs DC 17 - (1d20+11)
(8) + 11 = 19
Tabat Menes: Adamantine Heavy Flail - Atk/Dam - (2d20L1+15, 1d10+9)
2d20L1+15 : (115) + 15 = 16
1d10+9 : (5) + 9 = 14
Kyra's attacks miss.
Selquet, moving to flank slaughters the beast. (24 more damage takes it to -3.)
Tabat steps forward to attack the second and misses due to the befuddlement.
Cr1 is dead, cr2 remains.

cr1: dead
cr2: undamaged
Rolls
Ray 1 - (1d20+6)
(18) + 6 = 24
Ray 1 (-) - (1d20+6)
(1) + 6 = 7
Ray 2 - (1d20+6)
(3) + 6 = 9
Ray 2 (-) - (1d20+6)
(11) + 6 = 17
Second edit: okay I'll type that roll for you
Success! Touch AC 15, SR 23. You rolled four to hit rolls for two rays, so my house rule is to take the first dice dropped. That's one hit and one miss. It does 4d6 damage. I rolled that too for you.
It attacks Selquet with its hands and tentacles... but misses work all of them.
You're all up again in whatever order you post

cr1: dead
cr2: AC20 (15 touch), SR23, Resist Fire 10; 4 damage
Rolls
Caster level check - (1d20+8)
(16) + 8 = 24
Scorching Ray Damage - (4d6)
(6242) = 14
Recharge time - (1d4)
(3) = 3
2 slams - (1d20+13, 1d6+4)
1d20+13 : (9) + 13 = 22
1d6+4 : (4) + 4 = 8
2 tentacles plus fate drain - (1d20+8, 1d4+2)
1d20+8 : (13) + 8 = 21
1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3
Other attacks I forgot to roll - (1d20+13, 1d6+4, 1d20+8, 1d4+2)
1d20+13 : (10) + 13 = 23
1d6+4 : (1) + 4 = 5
1d20+8 : (13) + 8 = 21
1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5
Rolls
Attack - (1d20+11)
(19) + 11 = 30
Attack (disadvantage) - (1d20+11)
(8) + 11 = 19
Rolls
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (16) + 9 = 25
1d6+8 : (2) + 8 = 10
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+8)
1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17
1d6+8 : (3) + 8 = 11
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Adamantine Heavy Flail - Atk/Dam - (2d20L1+15, 1d10+9)
2d20L1+15 : (812) + 15 = 23
1d10+9 : (9) + 9 = 18
Selqet steps forward and slashes with his Khopesh.
Using Swordplay Upset to Feint as an immediate action when the creature misses, then
Rolls
Feint - (1d20+7-4)
(1) + 3 = 4
Cold Iron Khopesh - (1d20+18+2, 1d8+11)
1d20+18+2 : (19) + 20 = 39
1d8+11 : (3) + 11 = 14
Confirm Critical - (1d20+18+2, 1d6+11)
1d20+18+2 : (3) + 20 = 23
1d6+11 : (5) + 11 = 16
Combat is over. The staggered condition passes from those so inflicted.
The two alien creatures lie in death in the room.
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Perception (Wis) - (1d20+5)
(16) + 5 = 21
Confirmed crit in that battle puts me back to full Panache.
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+11)
(11) + 11 = 22
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+11)
(15) + 11 = 26
The room is a library and once you're ready to conduct research, you can find more information. That research is made once per full day of study, so best to clear the remainder of the dungeon first.
The two locations marked E4 are where the clockwork servants came from, and haven't yet been explored. E5 you've not been to yet.
"I like that idea Kyra, but perhaps we should check where the automatons came from first, make sure nothing else sneaks up behind us."
E4 is fine with me too.
Also, upon inspection of the destroyed soldiers, you find 4 +1 halberds, and you can salvage 4,000gp worth of "scrap" materials.
E5: A ring of stone pillars supports a white domed ceiling above this circular chamber. Along the perimeter of the rotunda, shelves crammed with crumbling papyrus scrolls and clay tablets stand behind iron mesh doors.
Iseret notices something off about the dome, that the proportions are wrong.
Rolls
Engineering: Selquet, Callum, Iseret - (1d20+4, 1d20+8, 1d20+12)
1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18
1d20+8 : (6) + 8 = 14
1d20+12 : (20) + 12 = 32
The sound it makes is odd as well. Hollow.
Rolls
Climb - (1d20+4)
(18) + 4 = 22
Rolls
Climb - (1d20+4)
(12) + 4 = 16
Derring Do - (1d6)
(5) = 5
Everyone in the room must make a DC 15 Reflex save or take the damage rolled below.
Also, roll initiative.
Rolls
Rubble damage, DC 15 Reflex save for half - (8d6)
(26223656) = 32
Lynx initiative - (1d20+7)
(3) + 7 = 10
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Reflex - (1d20+9)
(10) + 9 = 19
Initiative - (1d20+1)
(5) + 1 = 6
Rolls
Reflex Save - (1d20+5)
(4) + 5 = 9
Initiative - (1d20+11)
(20) + 11 = 31
Secret recovers his feet and will swing at one if he can reach it.
Rolls
Reflex - (1d20+10)
(14) + 10 = 24
Init - (1d20+6)
(12) + 6 = 18
+2 cold iron khopesh - (1d20+18, 1d8+11)
1d20+18 : (10) + 18 = 28
1d8+11 : (1) + 11 = 12
Her magical keen rapier in hand, Kyra makes clerically-minded assault!
Rolls
Kyra: Dexterity - (1d20+3)
(17) + 3 = 20
Initiative - (1d20+7)
(13) + 7 = 20
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (8) + 9 = 17
1d6+8 : (2) + 8 = 10
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+8)
1d20+4 : (7) + 4 = 11
1d6+8 : (6) + 8 = 14
Rolls
Spellstrike - (1d20+11)
(10) + 11 = 21
Damage (if hit) - Scimitar + Shocking Grasp (w. Intensify Spell) - (1d6+5+8d6)
(1) + (15353325) + 5 = 33
Rolls
Reflex save - (1d20+12)
(3) + 12 = 15
Initiative - (1d20+4)
(11) + 4 = 15
Attack and damage (sneak attack) - (1d20+11, 1d4+5+3d6)
1d20+11 : (19) + 11 = 30
1d4+5+3d6 : (2) + (246) + 5 = 19
Crit confirm? - (1d20+11, 1d4)
1d20+11 : (14) + 11 = 25
1d4 : (2) = 2
The second lynx let's out an unearthly howl.
AC 17, hp: 60
Rolls
Duration of frightened - (1d4)
(2) = 2
Rolls
Tabat Menes: Adamantine Heavy Flail - Atk/Dam (Reckless Strike) - (1d20+13, 1d10+18)
1d20+13 : (9) + 13 = 22
1d10+18 : (8) + 18 = 26
Rolls
Will save - (1d20+2+4)
(8) + 6 = 14
Rolls
Will Save - (1d20+10+4)
(5) + 14 = 19
Attack 1 - (1d20+11)
(17) + 11 = 28
Attack 2 - (1d20+6)
(4) + 6 = 10
Confirming Crit (17) - (1d20+11)
(14) + 11 = 25
Crit Damage (Scimitar) - (1d6+5)
(5) + 5 = 10
Rolls
Kyra: Wisdom - (1d20+9)
(4) + 9 = 13
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (17) + 9 = 26
1d6+8 : (1) + 8 = 9
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+8)
1d20+4 : (4) + 4 = 8
1d6+8 : (2) + 8 = 10
Rolls
Iseret - WILL SAVE - (1d20+4)
(1) + 4 = 5
Meanwhile, Selquet and Iseret diving to the supernatural compulsion to flee.
The creature attacks Tabat who hit it the hardest...
You're all up in whatever order you post.
Rolls
bite, 2 claws - (1d20+11, 2d6+5, 1d20+10, 1d8+5, 1d20+10, 1d8+5)
1d20+11 : (13) + 11 = 24
2d6+5 : (33) + 5 = 11
1d20+10 : (6) + 10 = 16
1d8+5 : (6) + 5 = 11
1d20+10 : (18) + 10 = 28
1d8+5 : (4) + 5 = 9
Rolls
Will if needed - (1d20+2)
(3) + 2 = 5
Rolls
Kyra: +1 Scimitar, power attack - Atk/Dam - (1d20+9, 1d6+8)
1d20+9 : (3) + 9 = 12
1d6+8 : (4) + 8 = 12
Kyra: Iterative - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+8)
1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23
1d6+8 : (4) + 8 = 12
Kyra: Will - (1d20+14)
(8) + 14 = 22
Crit! - (1d6)
(2) = 2
Kyra has her scimitar in position and slats the undead lynx before it can evoke more mischief.
The collapse of the false ceiling reveals the hidden fresco painted upon the dome of the rotunda.
The domed ceiling is one vast illustration, a fresco that must once have been incredibly vivid. The painting is confusing, however, consisting of several scenes surrounded by a mass of hieroglyphs and strange geometric shapes. The fresco depicts the major life events of the great architect Chisisek: his birth, study, marriage, designing the winged pyramid of an Ancient Osirian pharaoh, and eventually, funeral.
He can feel the faintest warmth of its magical essence, until it suddenly goes cold. Sighing, Callum puts the wand away and looks at Kyra and Tabat, "Would one of you be so kind as to patch me up a bit?"
While waiting for an answer he gazes up at the false ceiling, admiring the aged work of art, wondering what the symbols represent.
Rolls
UMD (Wand of CLW) - (1d20+6)
(13) + 6 = 19
Basically, each full day of research gives the participants a check. You can make this check untrained, but if you have one of the skills below, you get another +5. If the DC is beyond you, you can instead attempt a DC 10 check to assist another PC and grant them a +2 bonus to their own check.
If you succeed at DC 25, then roll for how many knowledge points (kp) you unveil that day. This is based on how scholastic your character class is, and reflecting campaign traits and so forth.
Iseret, Callum: 1d8+Int modifier
Kyra: 1d6+Int modifier
Selquet, Tabat: 1d4+Int modifier
Lastly, if you don't reach 25 kp in the first day, you'll have to either camp out for the night or return the next day for another full day of research to attempt to glean all of the pertinent details from the archives.
VAULT OF HIDDEN WISDOM
Complexity 25
Research check Knowledge (engineering), Knowledge (history), or Knowledge (nobility); Knowledge bonus +5
kp 25
Each library or collection of the Great Library has two statistics: a Complexity rating, which reflects the confusion of the library’s contents, and knowledge points (kp), which are an abstract representation of the amount of information a given collection contains.
A library’s Complexity rating acts as the DC for a Research check to unravel that library’s clues. A Research check is essentially a Knowledge skill check, though each library details the specific Knowledge skills that may be used for Research checks based on the nature of that library’s specific collection. A PC can attempt one Research check for each full day of research (from dawn to dusk). Characters who access the library at night can make one further attempt for the period from dusk to dawn. A character cannot take 10 or take 20 on a Research check, but Research checks can be made untrained due to the Great Library’s extensive collections. Each library grants a bonus on specific Knowledge checks (including Research checks) made within that library, and each full day of research (dawn to dusk) in a library grants a cumulative +1 bonus on Research checks in that library. In addition, up to two additional characters can aid another in research; if an assisting character rolls a 10 or higher on a Research check, the characters gain a +2 bonus on the primary Research check.
Succeeding at a Research check reduces a library’s knowledge points, similar to dealing damage to a creature’s hit points. As the knowledge points decrease, a library reveals its secrets. The PCs learn the listed information when a library’s knowledge points reach various "trigger points," as detailed in each library. How much a library’s knowledge points decrease depends on the character’s class. Bards reduce a library’s knowledge points by 1d12 + the character’s Intelligence modifier. Particularly scholastic characters, such as alchemists, wizards, and other characters at your discretion, reduce a library’s knowledge points by 1d8 + the character’s Intelligence modifier. All other characters reduce a library’s knowledge points by 1d4 + the character’s Intelligence modifier. For every 5 by which a Research check exceeds the library’s Complexity rating, the library’s knowledge points are reduced by 1 additional point. Rolling a natural 20 on a Research check acts like a critical threat. If the researcher confirms the critical hit by succeeding at a second Research check with all the same modifiers (this takes no additional time), the resulting knowledge point reduction is doubled. Conversely, rolling a natural 1 on a Research check automatically results in failure, and the library’s knowledge points increase by 1d8 as the library’s complexity causes a researcher to follow a wrong avenue of research.
When a library’s knowledge points reach 0, the PCs have learned everything they can from that library. To learn additional information, they must visit another library or collection and continue their research there.
Rolls
ISERET - Knowledge (Engineering) - (1d20+12)
(9) + 12 = 21
Rolls
Knowledge Engineering With Bonus - (1d20+4+5)
(10) + 9 = 19
Rolls
Knowledge (History) - (1d20+11+5)
(18) + 16 = 34
Knowledge Points - (1d8+5)
(6) + 5 = 11
Tabat turns to Callum and nods. "I've got you, friend." He places his hands upon the man and sends a wave of positive energy through him.
Rolls
Lay on Hands for Callum - (5d6)
(61654) = 22
Kn: Nobility w/ +5 Bonus - (1d20+9)
(7) + 9 = 16
Rolls
Kyra: Knowledge (Nobility) (Int) - (1d20+12)
(1) + 12 = 13
- The PCs find the remainder of the journal of the Nethysian priest Khnenti. According to the journal, with Hakotep’s ib and ka trapped in his heart and funerary mask, the third part of his soul, the ba, remained trapped within the pharaoh’s body in his pyramid. In order for the Sky Pharaoh to pass into the afterlife, the three parts of his soul—his ba, ib, and ka—must be rejoined. Khnenti goes on to speculate that reuniting Hakotep’s divided soul might even return the Sky Pharaoh to life.
- The architect Chisisek designed and built Hakotep’s pyramid. When construction was completed, Chisisek was killed and buried in a hidden tomb to preserve the pyramid’s secrets. No plans of the pyramid seem to have survived.
- The Sky Pharaoh’s pyramid was capable of flight, and when Hakotep’s body was entombed within, the pyramid vanished into the sky. None know where the tomb now lies, or if it still soars through the skies over Osirion.
You haven't exhausted the scrolls and papyrus yet. The next day, you can continue the research to possibly learn even more.
All this reading is making his eyes go blurry. . . but, wait, here's something interesting. . .
Rolls
Research (Engineering) - (1d20+4+5)
(19) + 9 = 28
Knowledge Damage - (1d4)
(2) = 2
Rolls
ISERET - Knowledge (Engineering) - (1d20+12+5)
(10) + 17 = 27
KP - (1d8+2)
(3) + 2 = 5
Rolls
Knowledge (History) - (1d20+11+5)
(13) + 16 = 29
Knowledge Points - (1d8+5)
(5) + 5 = 10
Rolls
Kyra: Knowledge (Religion) (Int) - (1d20+11)
(8) + 11 = 19
Knowledge Points - (1d8)
(7) = 7
- Although none know the location of Chisisek’s tomb, his funeral was commemorated in the fresco in the Vault’s rotunda by the greatest artist of the age, Hor-hepu. This last clue is tantalizing, for the PCs might not have found a fresco depicting Chisisek’s funeral in the Vault of Hidden Wisdom. Hor-hepu’s fresco is the one that is actually hidden behind a false ceiling in the rotunda.
- By studying the fresco painted on the true dome of the rotunda, the PCs learn that Chisisek’s tomb, sealed with his double hieroglyph of an owl inside a house, is said to be located "across two bridges, where the sphinxes ponder the crook, the scarab, and the sun." At least one of you recognizes this as a reference to the area between the Crook and Scarab rivers and the Pillars of the Sun mountains—a desert region called the Parched Dunes—though the tomb’s exact location is not pinpointed.
- The geometric shapes on the fresco are far more than just design elements; they represent a fantastic weapon of vast size used against winged cities populated with strange figures bearing weapons that launch black fire. A character who succeeds at a DC 25 Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (history) check can identify these cities and figures as the Shory.
Rolls
Rolling Arcana and History for everyone - (5d20, 5d20)
5d20 : (272141) = 26
5d20 : (1310151213) = 63
In order to assist you in this venture I offer:
Congratulations, you advance to level 9!
I'll leave this thread up for a while so you can discuss all of this, and in a few days I'll start a new thread for Chapter 9. The Parched Dunes.


