Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus will look them over before answering. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Assuming that he doesn't get the impression that this troop is in league with the goons they fended off...
Lutorinus steps forward, "As a matter of fact, we did meet a group of buffoons who had the ill conceived notion that they could best us." Gesturing to his group of colleagues, "My companions here made short work of them. Despite their speed with handling the problem, I must admit that I am disappointed security isn't tighter on this route. Now then, what is your purpose here?"
GM Dodo |
The troop seems to be as legit border guard as it gets.
Hachren raises his eyebrows at the mention of the bandits.
"So you handled these highwaymen? Great," he says, smiling. "We would have gone there and took care of them ourselves, but the road is within Isger territory- outside the reach of Druma's military."
He looks slightly irritated when you ask for his purpose. "As I have said, I am a colonel of the Mercenary League. Me and my men were stationed here to keep watch over the entrance into Drumish borders."
"Well, it seems you are good to go. Follow this path to Petitioner's Port," he says as he motions towards a path winding northwards, "And from there you can take the ferry to Kerse. It will take around a week, so I suggest you proceed with haste."
After following the path for about an hour, you reach Petitioner's Port, where you board the Sapphire Star and start sailing up the Profit's Flow River. After a few hours night falls and you pass by the city of Alabastrine; the city is brightly lit by the many colourful lanterns near its port. After a few days you take a brief stop at the calm, wooded town of Macridi, and eventually arrive at Kerse, where an aide guides you to Passad's manor.
"Welcome, welcome!" says a man in the main hall. "I am Temel Passad's chief of staff. The Kalistocrat himself is currently preparing for the auctions, but we will be glad to help you in anything you might need- showers, jewelry, just name it."
Alaric ir'Ganak |
Shaking off the fatigue from the long voyage, Alaric answers: "Yes. Is good to meet you. It is good to meet you. Excuses. Please. I would like everything you normally give to Master Passad's honored guests. Getting ready as he would, that is what I would like."
"Preening like a fluffed bird... Pah."
Alaric smiles softly and adds "Please do not pay the attention. Pay attention. Excuses. Pay attention to that. Let us begin."
Thurismund. Calm yourself. It is not the time. Stay quiet and vigilant for those who would betray us.
... At your command. Alaric Noclan.
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
"I am Lutorinus Exsuberia, esteemed member of the Dark Prince's clergy. You may prepare a meal and draw a bath."
FINALLY, some hospitality!
"When is Passad to meet us?"
Bambang Kuwatputra |
Bambang draws himself up to his full height of 6 feet. Glancing at Lutorinus, Bambang speaks in a formal, measured pace. "Thank you for your welcome. I am Bambang, son of Kuwat, heir of the chieftain of the Menguam Singa clan of Tengah Pulu, Emerald Isle of the Minata Archipelago."
"Just some water for cleaning up would do before we meet Passad."
Thaia Rossenvelt |
"Yes, some of us I'm afraid do not travel with soap. Or rather did not bring acolytes enough to carry such a burden." She pauses and blinks. "Did you say jewelry?"
GM Dodo |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"That is correct, milady. A courtier's outfit and up to 100gp worth of fine jewelry, all paid for by my generous master." The chief of staff bows and starts arranging each character's orders. Lavish feasts, warm baths and anything else a tired adventurer could wish for - Passad has it all.
Eventually, you are invited to a private meeting with Temel Passad. Temel Passad is a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems.
Prepare for EXPOSITION EXPLOSION!
"Welcome, welcome, my allies! It is great to see you. Our time is short, so let me cut straight to it.
There are a total of five districts up for purchase in the scheduled bidding for Alabastrine, as well as a conveniently matched number of bidders. Each of the five bidders is required to host a social function as part of the bidding. During these soirees, a member of the Resplendent Bureaucracy - Druma’s governing body - takes bids on each district of Alabastrine. At the conclusion of the social function, the Resplendent Bureaucracy representative relays the current lead bidder for each district. At the end of the final function, the winners are announced, and the allocation of Alabastrine is declared complete. The five different parties take place throughout Kerse, and while they are meant as formalities to allow the bidding to take place in stages, they also make for an opportune time to influence the bidders. I believe that you can influence the other bidders during these social functions. There are two events each day, taking place in the morning and evening respectively. The final hosted event takes place on the morning of the third day of bidding."
Temel Passad looks at each of you, then nods and sips from his glass of water. He takes a folded piece of paper from next to him and unfolds it on the table, revealing a map labeled 'Alabastrine' which can be found in the campaign description.
"The city of Alabastrine was meant to be one of the greater settlements in Druma. Its size alone positioned it to possibly become Druma’s second largest city - rivaling the shipyards of Detmer. Located on an island at the mouth of the Profit’s Flow, the city would have allowed the proper segregation of a refugee influx, giving adequate time to convert these newcomers to the ways of the Prophecies. Alabastrine earned the moniker City of Heathens from its intended role as a home for the uninitiated. Instead, the world surprised even the fiscally conservative minds of Druma’s elite, rebounding from the catastrophe of Aroden’s death quicker than anticipated. Alabastrine now stands as an empty city. It contains five distinct districts, each of which is open for bidding."
He points out the five districts on the map, giving a short description of each one.
"Courts of Abstinence," he points at the purple district to the west. "Numerous massive apartments fill this tightly crammed district. Where the other districts of Alabastrine are sparse and given to architectural fits of opulence, the Courts of Abstinence are as utilitarian as their name would suggest. The expected refugee population was meant to dwell within the labyrinthine apartment complexes, but none ever filled to their massive capacity. In recent years, the government of Cheliax and several Hellknight orders have requested temporary use of the Courts to improve their urban fighting skills.
"Luminous Wharf," he points at the blue district to the south. "A constellation of magical lights gave this district its name. The wharf’s builders installed the lights atop hundreds of marble towers to assure those seeking refuge from the tumult of the rest of the world that Alabastrine was always open. Now, the lighting serves a new purpose: reminding passing ships of the existence of the city, which they might otherwise condemn to fade into obscurity. None of the bidders have a keen interest in the wharf, and you would need to specifically champion it among the bidders to see it taken from Myrosype’s ambition.
"Prophet's Burg," he points at the golden district to the north. "The center of Alabastrine was never completed, leaving an abandoned patch of land in the city’s core. That changed when High Prophet Kelldor invested in the city, self-funding an entire city district, which received the unofficial title of Prophet’s Burg. The most ostentatious structures in the whole of Alabastrine reside in this district, which is considered to be prime real estate for those seeking to live within the city. The city’s ruling council meets in the central structure of the district - an awe-inspiring edifice of glass and gold known as Kelldor’s Spire.
"Scriptum," he points at the pink district slightly to the west. "This district houses dozens of titanic libraries, containing innumerable treatises on the history of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. Other libraries detail different religious, but always from a clinical examination devoid of religious fervor. It was here that the architects of Alabastrine intended to indoctrinate the new arrivals, by providing free access to the texts within Scriptum’s libraries. Many ideas from this district were later employed in the successful Drumish settlement of Twingate.
"Working End," he points at the green district to the far west. "Much of this section of the city was meant for industrial purposes. Vast empty warehouses and smaller uninhabited structures fill the majority of Working End. This district is commonly thought to be one of the least appealing bid sites, and has most commonly been used in the past as hosting sites for illegal trade or the long-term storage of goods by outside nations. One of this district’s attractions is that any goods not specifically removed from the warehouses by the completion of the bidding are forfeit to the new district councilor."
He stretches and thinks for a moment.
"Now, on to the five bidders.
Cyran Androtus; No one really knows much about Cyran. He’s an elf; perhaps one of the longest lived devotees of the Prophecies. He is said to traffic outside of Golarion, supplying extraplanar factions with raw materials and facilitating negotiations among them. He possesses considerable magical abilities. If you can learn something from him, you’ll do better than most.
Irith Nomazmo; Can barely get close to that woman, what with all the eccentric clothing she wears. If she speaks more than ten words a day, I’d be surprised. Can’t help but feel sorry for her though; Irith made a good run of ruling Alabastrine since the last bid, and now that trade looks to be on the upswing, her time as lord-councilor is running out. I’d be surprised if she manages to acquire more than a single district.
Myrosype; She’s no prophet, nor does she even hail from the Inner Sea. I have heard that she hails from the distant land of Iblydos. I hold no grudge against Myrosype, though I know your Society does. She’s always been pleasant in our interactions, and she has a reputation for always keeping up her end of a bargain. She has enough clout to have made her way into the bidding, and is poised to take the lion’s share of the districts if left unchecked.
Temel Passad; What can I say about myself? I’m a devout follower of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. I only hope to carve out a single district, though I remain unsure if I possess the wealth to contend with the likes of Myrosype and the other attendees.
And finally, Vayde Petronax; He’s a damn skeleton of a man. Some say he adheres to the strictest tenures of the Prophecies when it comes to the consumption of food and drink. I can barely stand listening to his hoarse voice for more than a few minutes, but it’s clear the wizened elder of the Petronax family knows much about the city. After all, his family’s servants and soldiers have been working the streets since before High Prophet Kelldor enacted the bidding process."
He gives you all a moment to let the information sink in, then opens his mouth again.
"Finally, I shall remind you that the Druman society does not tolerate violence or theft of any kind. Any one who attempts this kind of shameful action will be harshly punished. I trust you will maintain this code. Now, do you have any questions?"
The bid uses the rules for the influence subsystem from Ultimate Campaign. Currently, each of you can make a single Knowledge (Local) or (Nobility) check at a -5 penalty to receive a piece of information from the bidder's Discovery section. You have three options: Analyze, Strengths or Weaknesses.
Alexander d'Louison |
Freshly bathed, and with a slight buzz from the complementary wine, Alexander nods along to Temel's briefing.
"This elf, Cyran, seems like an interesting fellow. Perhaps I could woo him with my considerable knowledge of the arcane arts and the outer planes..."
Sadly, there'll be no Local or Nobility rolls from me...
Alaric ir'Ganak |
Alaric , deep in thought, tries to recall something about the elf Alexander mentioned. Alas, he cannot think of anything that has been said of him.
Would a ten total tell us anything?
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Can't make any of those rolls either :'(
Skin glowing with warmth and wrapped in fine jewels and clothes, Lutorinus swirls a glass of a fine brandy.
"If for some reason we are attacked, how is self-defense viewed? I have no desire to anger the city or its guardians for any reason and knowing our options is paramount to staying within their graces."
"Is there a district in particular that you are hoping to acquire? Do you have an idea of which district would be in our best interest for Myrosype to gain? Knowing what to funnel her towards would be immensely helpful in this endeavor."
Melea Shemroe |
Nor me.
"If she is to gain a district at all," Melea interjects. "The other bidders could shut her out, were they to be convinced."
"Do you know the order of the hosted events by bidder, or their location? All information will likely prove useful."
Thaia Rossenvelt |
knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 5 = 4 Me neither. ;)
"Honestly, your local politics all seems rather boring to me. Given our schedule it is perhaps better that we focus on the heart of the matter. Master Passad, which district had you set your eye on? And should you fail to acquire it, what would be your second choice?"
If he answers.
"And why, precisely, these?"
Bambang Kuwatputra |
Nope, don't have those either. This is the 2nd time in two consecutive scenarios that I'm cursing my decision not to take knowledge (local). Sigh.:)
Bambang adds on to Thaia, "Your western politics is still strange to me ..." and he glances at Thaia here, expecting her to make another jape on his expense on this some time in the future, but continues, " ... but what can we do to help you with your bid?" Bambang prefers to be direct and frank as well. *gasp* something he has in common with Thaia!
GM Dodo |
First, Passad replies to Lutorinus with a smile.
"Trust me, should anyone dare attack you, self-defence won't be necessary. A troop of blackjackets would be immediately dispatched to protect you and incapacitate the aggressor. This is all in theory, though; no one in his right mind would attack a guest at the bidding." he sighs briefly at your second question. "Any district will suit me, should I manage to purchase one. I am, however, sure I could make strong gains by renting the Courts of Abstinence as training grounds for armies from all over the Inner Sea. Finally, I may have made it unclear; a bidder can acquire more than one district, and Myrosype is planning on taking all of them. According to my correspondence with your Society, it seems that you should prevent her from acquiring even one."
He then turns to face Melea and nods at her statement.
"I do not know the exact schedule of the event, no. My event will be the first, held tomorrow morning. All of the functions should be held within Kerse, to my understanding."
Passad is slightly taken aback by Thaia's bluntness.
"My favored district would be the Courts of Abstinence, as I have explained before. I am not sure my wealth can accommodate more than a single district. There is not much you can do to help me acquire this district, except perhaps make sure nobody else is too interested in it."
A servant enters the room and gestures at a piece of parchment in his hand. Passad nods and straightens his back.
"This is all the time we have for today. I have some important matters to attend to before the bid starts tomorrow. Good night, and good luck."
GM Dodo |
Temel Passad hosts the first round of the bidding in his mansion on the waterfront of Lake Encarthan. His event prominently displays the beauty of the lake and the bustle of Kerse’s navy, as well as his prize gardens featuring rare plants from around the Inner Sea region and beyond. As you arrive, servants escort you onto the veranda that overlooks the lake, along with the other guests for the event. The final guest is a quiet dwarf named Hegio, who represents the Resplendent Bureaucracy by keeping track of the bids submitted and announcing the current lead bidders at the end of the event.
Here's how the influence system works:
During each event, you will be able to make a single Influence check on a bidder. The check is a skill check determined by the person you are trying to influence, and you must achieve a certain number of Influence Points for that bidder to win the district you want them to win.
Alternatively, you could make a Discovery check- a Knowledge (Local) or (Nobility) or a Sense Motive check that will reveal your choice of either the Strengths or Weaknesses of the bidder or Analyze the bidder, to determine which skills could be used to influence them and other relevant pieces of information.
During this event, the participants are trying to size each other up, giving you all a free Discovery check at the beginning of the event. This means you have a Discovery check and either a Discovery or an Influence check.
Alexander d'Louison |
I can't fail the Knowledge (Nature) check, but can I share what I know with the rest of the party?
Entering the manor, Alexander takes note of Passad's interesting garden. Once all the guests have arrived, he decides to size up Vayde Petronax from afar, as not to incur any suspicion about his motives.
Free Discovery check on Petronax:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
And we're off to a great start!
Confounded by the enigma that is the Petronax patriarch, Alexander turns his attention to Cyran Androtus instead.
"Ah! My good sir. It's good to see other masters of the arcane here at this shindig. I hear that you deal with the outer planes, which, I must say is very impressive. Being Chelish, I have myself communed with the orderly beings of Hell on several occasions. It's tricky work, but once you get the hang of it, the devils can be quite honorable, in their own way."
Influence check on Androtus:
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
GM Dodo |
A character has to make the check by himself to gain the bonus; Passad would notice if multiple characters complimented him on the same things, after all.
You try to catch whatever information you can overhear from Petronax's conversation, but his hoarse voice is a pain to listen to and you find company by the elf instead. Cyran wears simple plain white robes with minor gold embellishments and an expensive headband. Cyran’s attire is almost heretically drab in comparison to the normally ostentatious strictures of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. He listens to you quietly before speaking back.
"Did you now? Indeed, quite interesting, though the business Cheliax has with interplanar beings differs by quite a lot from my business. It is good to have someone intelligent to make conversation with, though; you see, I don't really intend to bid on any district. I came mostly to enjoy the social functions."
This counts as a single success, but you'll have to encourage him to bid on a district in order to gain more.
Alaric ir'Ganak |
As Alaric enters the event, he attempts to infer from what he has been told what Irith Nomazmo's topics of interest might be.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Shaking his head, he nonchalantly approaches the woman. After all, nothing speaks more than a person's body language.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Analyzing the bidder
GM Dodo |
Irith Nomzamo is a tall Garundi woman, bedecked in white robes and a gem-studded cloth of gold mantle. Her robes are augmented with numerous spiked embellishments that make physical contact with the lord-councilor difficult. She speaks in a constant deep timbre, always making eye contact with her prominent jade-colored eyes.
Irith is a merchant by trade, and those using Profession (merchant) in their talks with her appeal to her life’s work. A PC can also use Knowledge (nobility) or Diplomacy to appeal to Irith’s political interests, or use Bluff to cheat his way through negotiations with her.
Additionally, after the financial problems she had as lord-councilor of Alabastrine, you find it likely that she seeks to acquire and make a profit out of the luxurious Prophet's Burg district.
Thaia Rossenvelt |
In the formal reception room abutting Thaia's suite.
"Alaric can set your whatever it is to spy for us?"
Overheard at a party
"What is there to know about nature? You shoot it and it falls over."
"Kuwatputra. What do you make of our host's lawn?"
Most of Thaia's time is spent shadowing Myrosype the Aspis pawn over her wine glass and through small cliques of Drumans.
GM Dodo Do you have a link to the pertinent points of the campaign rules we are using? I can figure out what 'strengths' and 'weaknesses' are, but what does 'analyze' actually do for you? It just sounds like a less extreme version of the other two from which you can infer both strengths and weaknesses from if given time and more rolls.
knowledge (nobility, Myrosype, strengths): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
knowledge (nobility, Myrosype, weaknesses): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Melea Shemroe |
Analyze checks tell us certain skills we can use to influence a bidder
Craft (alchemy)(untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Melea keeps her distance from most of the bidders, but still tries to figure out what makes them tick. She has Galilah in her arms, as she doesn't trust any servants to take care of the leopard, and she doesn't want her to eat any poisonous or valuable plants or people. When Alexander comes back to the group with little information on Vayde Petronax, she focuses her efforts on the wizened man.
Sense Motive (free discovery, analyze): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
The aasimar then shares whatever information she gleans and starts chatting with Irith Nomzamo. While caring and knowing very little about nobility of any sort, she attempts to hold her own in the discussion.
Diplomacy (influence): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus will take his time learning about two other bidder's favored topics of interest. I believe that is two discovery checks to analyze. Preferably two bidders we have yet to find relavant skill checks about
Discovery via Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Discovery via Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Lutorinus will then locate each party member and inform them of what he has discovered (if anything).
GM Dodo |
@Thaia The scenario makes it unclear whether you should know exactly what each one means, but since it makes more sense if you do I'll tell you. Analyze describes the skills that can be used to influence the NPC in order of their DCs. Strengths describes a certain action or attribute that, should it be present, give a -4 penalty to an Influence check against the NPC. Weaknesses is the same, but with a +4 bonus. Any of these checks also reveal the NPC's favored district.
Thaia finds Myrosype much to her liking. She tries to size her up a bit, and it is clear from the very beginning that she is far beyond the Society's influence. You cannot make any influence checks against Myrosype. You may choose to use your second Influence/Discovery check on another NPC.
Just when Melea thinks she made her mind about Petronax's motives, the old man makes a short comment that topples her theory. She then goes to speak with Irith Nomazmo, a woman of few words, who seems exceptionally comfortable around the sharp-fanged Galilah. Despite a few careless comments about Irith's low chances of remaining the city's lord-councilor, she seems to enjoy Melea's company. 1 success against Irith.
Lutorinus stalks around the garden, his attention mostly leaning towards the inter-planar businessman Cyran Androtus. After listening to a few conversations, you manage to gather the following:
A PC who demonstrates knowledge of the greater universe with Knowledge (planes) impresses Cyran. A PC who succeeds at a Knowledge (nobility) or Profession (merchant) check can appeal to Cyran’s devotions to the Prophecies. Alternatively, a canny PC can use Bluff to bewilder the accomplished wizard, whose interest in Material Plane matters is minimal. You overheard him telling Alaric he has no interest in actually participating in the bid, but it seems you could influence him to try and acquire the Working End, which he can use for his business on this plane.
Bambang Kuwatputra |
"Kuwatputra. What do you make of our host's lawn?"
knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Hiding his surprise that the Lady Thaia is actually speaking to him, he turns to examine the gardens. Astounded by their beauty, he is unfortunately unfamiliar with their origin. Shaking his head, he replies, "These are rather exotic specimens our host has put together. I regret that they are unfamiliar to me, where I come from."
As Bambang mingles around, he hears the updates from the rest of the party. Noticing that no one has quite gotten a grasp on Petronax, he wanders close by, listening in. However, his low voice is hard to catch and Bambang does not learn anything useful.
Free discovery check
sense motive, Petronax, analyse: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Sigh
Grunting in frustration,he joins Alexander and turns his attention to the elf. Keeping in mind what Lutorinus has in mind, Bambang chimes in.
"I came mostly to enjoy the social functions."
"Perhaps you might wish to reconsider. I have heard that you are in the business of extraplanar trade. To transport goods between the planes must be a massive undertaking. Raw elements from the elemental planes? Positive and negative energies? Or even raw ectoplasm from the ethereal planes? The Working End contains vast numbers of empty warehouses and smaller uninhabited structures. Perhaps not too aesthetically pleasing for your elven sensitivities, but it would serve finely as storage and waypoints for your trade. Besides, do you know that if there are any goods not removed by the end of the bidding, it would fall to you? Who knows what treasures you would find to boost your trade?"
Influence on Cyran
knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
GM Dodo |
Cyran listens as you explain the benefits of purchasing the empty warehouses. He seems uninterested, but raises his eyebrows at the final sentences.
"Vast and empty warehouses aren't hard to come by, but the various artefacts previous owners must have left here... who knows what my customers could wish for. Besides," he adds quietly, "both being seen attending an important social event and emerging triumphant... my reputation among the Kalistocrats would surely rise."
Cyran nods and whispers something to one of his aides, who scurries off towards the dwarven representative of the Resplendent Bureaucracy. He then smiles at Bambang.
"Thank you, my foreign friend. You have a good mind."
Thaia Rossenvelt |
knowledge (nature) = 9
Hiding his surprise that the Lady Thaia is actually speaking to him, he turns to examine the gardens. Astounded by their beauty, he is unfortunately unfamiliar with their origin. Shaking his head, he replies, "These are rather exotic specimens our host has put together. I regret that they are unfamiliar to me, where I come from."
*Sniff*
Do not expect a call back.
@Thaia The scenario makes it unclear whether you should know exactly what each one means, but since it makes more sense if you do I'll tell you. Analyze describes the skills that can be used to influence the NPC in order of their DCs. Strengths describes a certain action or attribute that, should it be present, give a -4 penalty to an Influence check against the NPC. Weaknesses is the same, but with a +4 bonus. Any of these checks also reveal the NPC's favored district.
Thaia finds Myrosype much to her liking. She tries to size her up a bit, and it is clear from the very beginning that she is far beyond the Society's influence. You cannot make any influence checks against Myrosype. You may choose to use your second Influence/Discovery check on another NPC.
Thaia targets the wizened Petronax, watching as her companions throw themselves like waves against a sea cliff wall. She tries to analyze for analysis sake instead of weakness.
GM Dodo |
Having dealt with plenty of annoying old men and croaky-voiced devils before, Thaia's analysis of Vayde Petronax is quick and efficient.
Educated discussions of philosophy and religion intrigue Vayde, and PCs would be smart to use Knowledge (religion) in influencing the elder. Alternatively, discovering Vayde’s mood by using Sense Motive or Diplomacy work equally as well for inquisitive PCs. Knowledge (nobility) can also be used by PCs showing due respect to the Drumish
familial patriarch. Being the most deeply religious bidder, Thaia finds it obvious that he seeks to acquire the Scriptum and its wealth of theological papers.
I believe everyone are done now.
The picnic comes to a close, and Hegio the dwarf calls all participants to the verdana and reads out from a page.
"Leading the bid on the Courts of Abstinence... Myrosype!"
"Leading the bid on the Luminous Wharf... Myrosype!"
"Leading the bid on the Prophet's Burg... Irith Nomazmo!"
"Leading the bid on the Working End... Cyran Androtus!"
"Leading the bid on the Scriptum... Myrosype!"
There is murmur in the crowd. Myrosype looks strangely dissatisfied and leaves quickly, while Irith shakes hands with multiple important-looking guests.
"Don't get too happy too quickly," Passad tells you when the event ends. "There are still four more gatherings, and Myrosype has the means to beat the competition in all of them. You need to make sure the bidders take the districts they want to, no matter what."
Alaric ir'Ganak |
***Previously***
Looking at Thaia with a look midway between one you'd give a petulant child and one you'd give a madman, Alaric replies, choosing his words cautiously: "Thurismund is not... Free of me. I need be near. And, excuses, but I am not ... Good at hiding. Also, Thurismund is ..."
"Did the painted harlot want me to go and rip the bones from that Aspis fae-lover? Best idea she's had thus far. Maybe her head isn't quite as empty as she lets on!"
Alaric, looking somewhat embarrassed by the interruption, lets a few moments of awkward silence go by before finishing. "Thurismund is more like the wild animals. He sneak only to kill. Excuses, but I do not think it work like you want."
***After the first round of bidding***
"Should we worry about Myrosype outbidding other people? Is... Does she have more money than others? Or should we worry she talk to others and say "Best you not bid"? How we make sure people get what want?"
GM Dodo |
"I highly doubt she will use intimidation against her fellow bidders. Myrosype has a very good reputation- and a very deep wallet- that will surely assist her in tipping the bidding in her favour. I suggest you make sure the bidders know they have to win these districts by any means of persuasion."
In case it wasn't clear, Passad is as much a bidder as any of the others, and you can make the same checks on him.
Nighttime heralds your welcoming to Vayde Petronax’s temporary estate in Kerse. The event is held in a vivacious ballroom. Servants offer you a variety of costumes and allow you to select whichever ones appeal to you most. Provided costumes represent dozens of deific servants, from demons to devils to psychopomps and angels. You can select an appropriate costume, and those who have at least 1 rank in Knowledge (religion) or Knowledge (planes) can specify a particular outsider that they wish to imitate. The costumed nature of the gala grants a +2 circumstance bonus of Bluff checks, and imparts a –4 penalty on all Sense Motive checks.
Vayde is interested in the reasoning behind each attendee’s costume choice. If you succeed at a DC 14 Perform (act, oratory, or comedy) check or Knowledge (planes) check, you provide a sufficiently entertaining or well-informed answer to satisfy Vayde. This grants you a +2 bonus on all influence checks against him until the end of the scenario.
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Haha we need a spreadsheet for this scenario! So much information. Has anybody consolidated the information we have discovered?
Lutorinus will find a costume that looks the most opulent it is a sad day when an Asmodean can't identify a devil XD and then attempt to further influence Cyran to continue bidding on his district. He will then spend the rest of his time finding more information on the other bidders.
Bluff to influence Cyran to keep bidding on Working End. Free Discovery check to find out relevant skills on any remaining bidders. If there aren't any, he will try to discern weaknesses of Petronax
Sense Motive, Free Discovery Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Bluff, Influence Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Edit: Sense motive should be a total of 7, forgot to add the penalty
Bambang Kuwatputra |
That's a good idea! Let me start working on the tracking sheet. By the way, we haven't analysed Passad yet, right? We know what district he wants, but not what skills to influence him with.
Do we still have the free Discovery check? Rolling just in case.
Bambang walks together with Passad as they walk through Petronax's estate, towards the party. He attempts to strike up a conversation to understand what might motivate him to make a bid for the Courts of Abstinence, but learns nothing.
sense motive: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 4 = -1 Sigh...
When he enters the hall, Bambang scans through the masks and costumes on offer. Smiling when he spots something familiar, he picks out a mask of a stylised lion, red in face and with gold fins as manes.
Impressing Petronax using costume
He then approaches Petronax. "Greetings, Elder Petronax. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bambang, son of Kuwat, heir of the chieftain of the Menguam Singa clan of Tengah Pulu, Emerald Isle of the Minata Archipelago. I am delighted to have found this exquisite mask of a Barong. I did not think that out here in the west, there would be those familiar with the spirits of my land. As the general of the spirits, the leader of the hosts of good, he battles Rangda, the demon queen, protecting the common people against her predations. Based on the cosmology of the west, I believe he would be a planetar angel, although I am keen to hear your theories."
knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Influencing Petronax
Bambang continues his conversation with the elder of Petronax family. "Which leads to the interesting question of exactly which diety does the Barong serve in turn? No scholar seems to know definitively. As a servant of Qi Zhong, the god of magic and healing, I am likely to be biased but I believe he serves my Master of Medicine. Qi Zhong, in gifting man the secrets of herbal medicine to stave off the effects of evil spirits, has always been the most humanistic of our dieties. Surely, in his indiscreet way, he would have recruited other allies to protect humanity." He pauses briefly, then continues, "Forgive me. As a scholar, such religious theories fascinate me, as I am sure it fascinates you. I hear that the Scriptum is up for bidding. Alas, I do not have the kind of wealth or influence to be a bidder. But surely, the collections in the libraries would be of great interest to your scholastic self?"
knowledge(religion), impressed: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15 Hmm, ok going to use my folio reroll.
knowledge(religion), impressed: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18 Sigh, guess this would have to do ...
Bambang Kuwatputra |
Okay, got the spreadsheet up. Open to all for editing. Please feel free to amend, correct, etc.
GM Dodo |
You do not get a free Discovery check on this event; it was a special Adjustment for the 1st event. This one's adjustment is the +2 to bluff and -4 to sense motive.
Lutorinus claims his contacts in Hell have expressed great interest in purchasing supplies currently stored within the Working End, and will pay a hefty sum to acquire them. Cyran seems convinced, and scribbles a surprisingly high number on a sheet of paper he hands over to Hegio. 3 success for Cyran; you need one more to ensure he wins the district.
Petronax seems very impressed by Bambang's choice.
"I am most honored to make your acquaintance, Bambang, son of Kuwat. It is always interesting to meet people who know their share about extraplanar beings," he says in his scratchy voice. "My family keeps an immense collection of texts and artefacts of faiths from all around Golarion, and those of the east are no exception." He listens intently as you talk about your belief in Qi Zhong, and chuckles a bit to himself when you mention the Scriptum.
"So, I see my intentions weren't hidden as well as I might have wanted them to. I indeed am planning on bidding for the Scriptum; the religious texts held there would certainly prove a perfect addition to my collection; or rather, my collection would prove a perfect addition to the Scriptum." He laughs and looks you in the eyes. "Perhaps I'll find some scripts about the faith of the Minata Archipelago, to entertain you with."
One success for Petronax. In addition, you gained an additional +2 to your check for discussing your religious belief with him, which is his bias (another thing to keep track of!). For only subtly suggesting to him that you know he wants to bid for the Scriptum, the amount of checks required to win him is reduced to 3, which is his weakness.
Melea Shemroe |
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Melea selects the costume of a garuda, as befits her heritage. She bows to Vayde upon entering. "As you can see, I am a garuda, the noble protector of the hills and towns," she says. "They are the mortal enemies of the nagas, since they freed the goddess Janasini and swiped immortality from their serpentine clutches. Quite the appropriate costume, in fact -" she pulls off her mask, revealing a very similar face before donning it once more, "- as a distant ancestor of mine was one."
"I am Melea Shemroe, and I claim no noble or grand title. I am a resident of Stag's End, a small community several miles off of Kaer Maga. It is an unexpected honor to be so far from the home I never wished to leave, in the company of such influential and powerful people."
Having said her piece, she moves off in search of Cyran after Vayde responds, intending to talk to him again in the future. Upon finding the elf, she attempts to catch him off guard in conversation, trying to lie as little as possible while trusting her celestial innocence to aid her.
"Sir Androtus, I am Melea Shemroe, desendant of celestials. While I can't say I represent any powerful extraplanar forces, or have any at my beck and call, I have some associates. I know they will pay a fair amount for resources, some of which would seem much cheaper than the hefty sum they are willing to offer. Wood, worked stone and glass are some, which the Working End has in abundance."
Bluff, Innocent, Costume Bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 5 + 2 = 16
GM Dodo |
What is this innocent trait? It makes me reach a decision on my own! How is this PFS legal? :P
Petronax is impressed by your knowledge, and even more so by the fact you are a descendant of a celestial. "A person does not meet many of the aasimar during his lifetime. I have happened upon a few before, but it is still exciting to encounter another. Hopefully the masks I have distributed satisfy your knowledge." He grins and nods. "Go on, Melea Shemroe. Enjoy the masquerade."
You have a slightly hard time locating Androtus, as his face is hidden behind the blank golden face of a Marut inevitable, but his plain white robes give him away. Having heard a very similar lie a few minutes ago, Cyran is skeptical of your claim. However, your innocent guise and clearly extraplanar heritage are enough to convince him.
"Well, with so many promised customers, I guess there is no way taking this district would be unprofitable." He gestures to Hegio to come and whispers something in his ear. He then makes a wide arc with his hand in front of him: "To business!"
You'd have missed the DC, but since you are an aasimar, you are related to an outer plane, hitting his bias for +2 and influencing him with a glorious natural 1. He will now make sure he wins the district, now matter what; you don't need any more influence checks against him.
Alexander d'Louison |
Upon entering the Petronax manor, Alexander picks out a deep red mask with a crown of horns ringing its pate.
As he greets the aging patriarch, he smiles under his infernal mask at his own cleverness.
Impressing Petronax:
"Ah! Greetings, esteemed elder. I was quite delighted to find this mask among your collection. You see, it is the visage of a Phistophilus devil, the main cogs in the great, well-oiled machinery that is diabolism. Their skill and guile with pen and words is what we seek in our quest for greater power over the orderly beings of the Seven Layers of Hell. If one was a philosophical sort, one could even say that absolute truth can be found in the labyrinthine volumes of contracts they wield, but I have personally not reached that point yet. But I prattle on... I shall leave you to attend to your other guests."
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Once at the dinner proper, Alexander tries to get the feel of their gracious benefactor.
Analyze Temmel Passad:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
He is though somewhat distracted by the less than satisfactory discussion about philosophical truth he had early.
The dice are killing me here!
Alaric ir'Ganak |
I completely forgot that Skalds also have Bardic Knowledge. Could have used that on the plants earlier. Oh well.
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 ⇒ 1
Alaric puts on a costume, but his mind really isn't into it. And as he follows in Alexander's footsteps, he sizes up Petronax. "Thank you for party. For the party. Excuses. This costume is nice."
Realizing he has made a bit of a faux-pas, Alaric quickly moves on to the Lady Nomazmo. "My host, Temmel Passad, has been kind to explain to me more of you. I am very ... impressed? Is the right word? Excuses. Still learning. But yes. Impressed. It would be something to see what you can do with Alabistrine if you were to win the head district this time, with everything you have done to make it flourish come to... Fruition? Fruition, yes. To see someone else come and ... steal. Steal your reward. Very much a shame" he says in a soft voice.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
GM Dodo |
"I would say absolute truth is found in the Prophecies of Kalistrade, but alas, to each his own. If you ever find out, do tell me." Petronax smiles and nods Alexander farewell.
The witch goes on to try and analyze Passad's actions, but fails to find the man in the sea of masks and costumes. Meanwhile, Alaric approaches Irith once again, this time trying more than simple small talk.
"Oh, so Passad has told you about me? Interesting." A slight blush is visible upon her dark face when you compliment her about her management of Alabastrine. "I have indeed spent quite a lot from my own pockets to make the city what it is now."
While she doesn't usually speak much, Alaric believes she isn't currently willing to listen.
Still 1 success against Irith Nomazmo.
Silly Disguise |
random female outsider costume: 1d77 ⇒ 21
Knowing that the best way to talk to someone is to get them wanting to talk to you, Thaia collects together a group of people who are a part of Irith Nomazmo's circle of friends into a small side parlor and regales them with tales of her exploits in the Mwangi Expanse. Then when the lady is within earshot she switches topics to business.
profession (merchant): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 And then she rolls a six... Fortunately she is in disguise.... ;)
GM Dodo |
A couple of listeners walk away when Thaia abruptly cuts from her heroic tale to merchant's talk, but Irith seems intrigued. She comes to listen and Thaia manages to make a reasonable estimate of Irith's earnings from acquiring the Burg (Billions! Billions, I tell you!). Thaia throws a mocking look at Alaric when it becomes clear she has succeeded where he failed.
2 successes against Irith Nomazmo.
Petronax stands up on a raised stage in the middle of the hall. "Alright, everyone! Our pleasant time is over. Mr. Hegio, please announce the current standings."
The dwarf clears his throat and exclaims:
"Leading the bid on the Courts of Abstinence... Myrosype!"
"Leading the bid on the Luminous Wharf... Myrosype!"
"Leading the bid on the Prophet's Burg... Irith Nomazmo!"
"Leading the bid on the Working End... Cyran Androtus!"
"Leading the bid on the Scriptum... Vayde Petronax!"
Hegio shakes Petronax's hand and takes a seat next to the exit. Irith smiles and exits the ballroom, while Myrosype throws Androtus a thoughful glance and marches out. Temel Passad doesn't seem too disappointed to be the only bidder not on the list.
Alaric ir'Ganak |
Alaric sighs and rubs his face absent-mindedly.
Melea Shemroe |
Before they sleep and go to the next event, Melea decides to hold council. "So, I have taken the final step in having Cyran Androtus secure the Working End. It seems Nomazmo and Petronax require a bit more convincing, and then Master Passad more so. We should also find someone to champion the Luminous Wharf, as for now only Myrosype is interested. Perhaps someone we are already in the good graces of."
GM Dodo |
In the late afternoon, Irith invites the bidders and you to a gilded banquet chamber within her estate. She hosts an extravagant feast, serving 16 courses of rare and expensive delicacies from around the world. Between each course, she leaves time for the guests to mingle and talk amongst themselves. The frequent arrival of new courses interrupts conversations and makes some methods of influencing bidders more difficult. Diplomacy and Knowledge checks to influence an NPC take a –2 penalty during the feast.
One of Irith’s most unusual offerings is a plate of poached chuul tentacles. Even after cooking, these tentacles contain a minor amount of paralytic venom. If eaten correctly, the poison is only enough to provide strange sensations on the inside of the mouth as a part of the dining experience. However, a PC who does not eat the tentacles correctly risks losing the ability to talk without slurring her words for several minutes in an unseemly display of inexperience. A PC who succeeds at a DC 13 Fortitude save, a DC 14 Profession (cook) check, or a DC 18 Knowledge (nobility) check eats the tentacles without any ill effects and gains a +2 bonus on all influence checks against Irith for the rest of the scenario.
"Without further ado, let the dining begin!"
Alexander d'Louison |
That night, when the group is in private, Alexander lays out his own plan.
"I refuse to give up on Passad! There must be some way to propel him towards a winning bid."
Next day:
Alexander partakes of the opulent feast, and dosen't shy away from the Chuul tentacles,
Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12, though perhaps he should have...
After the numbness of his tongue subsides, he tries once more to get a read on Temel Passad.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Folio re-roll, dammit!: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 4 = 26
Melea Shemroe |
Wait, did I imply we should give up on him?
Melea braves the chuul tentacles in an attempt to not seem out of place among the nobles and merchants, not doing a very good job.
Well, my rough attire and leopard might've given it away already, no need to be discouraged. And while we're on the subject of nobility and its insanity: Why in the Hells would they eat food that causes harm?!
Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
At some point during the dining or mingling, she sidles back up to Vayde Petronax. She takes the time to strike up a conversation, slipping in some hints about her faith as Bambang did to great effect.
"Mister Petronax, good to see you again. Enjoying the feast? I'm finding it all right, though those tentacles did not agree with me, and this simply isn't something I do very often. Lavish parties, an abundance of food, caterers on all sides...Not something encouraged by Old Deadeye. Some fellows back home would be outraged by such extravagant displays, I just acknowledge they're here and move on."
"I suppose, as a Kalistocrat, you have no particular patron, but you seem to be interested in such things. As am I, which is why the Scriptum intrigued me. Then I realized the magnitude of this bid, well out of my and my employer's price range. I'm sure there would be few writings on Erastil in there I would care about, just analysis by members of other faiths. He is not known for his writings. I believe you could win the district, however. You are currently leading the bid, and there is surely enough religious knowledge in the Scriptum to slake your thirst for several lifetimes."
Sense Motive (Influence): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 16
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Fortitude Save vs Tentacles: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
These insufferable fools, unable to handle a simple dish of chuul...
Still radiating from his success with eating the tentacles, Lutorinus approaches Irith and attempts to shmooze her over.
*sigh* time to play this fool's game...
"Madam Nomazmo, the tales of your dedication for this place are awe-inspiring. As someone who thinks of you as their hero, I must say, your lead in the bid for the Prophet's Burg is simply just! Hard work must be rewarded and what a reward it would be to have the honor of presiding over such a luxurious locale. Not to mention the manner of individual the architecture attracts is marvelous! Truly, I can think of no better person seated at the helm!"
Bluff, Influence Irith w/+2 bonus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Bluff, Influence Irith w/+2 bonus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Following Alexander's lead with a reroll
That was enough honey to gag a bee. Where is Thaia? Nothing like a Chelish noblewoman to sour you back up.
Bambang Kuwatputra |
@Alexander, lol! @Melea, I think he meant that he had been failing all his sense motive checks thus far. :)
During the council...
Bambang chips in. "Let me continue to focus on Vayde for now, since he appeared impressed with my choice of costume. Also, let's work to secure Irith, Temel and Vayde first before focusing on shutting out Myrosype completely.
At the party
Bambang, not one to turn away from exotic food, dig heartily into the dishes. He felt his mouth tingle after gobbling down the poached chuul tentacles, but quickly recovers. "Hmm, quite an interesting numbing sensation." Turning to Alexander and Melea, he adds on, "Don't you think so?"
fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 :)
His food craving satisfied, Bambang follows Melea's lead to join Vayde Petronax. "Yes, and imagine how much discoveries can come about with the combination of the Scriptum's knowledge with your collection! And certainly, I would be most interested what could come out from the research about the religious practices of the Minatan Archipelago. I admit that I have vested interest, too. My late mother was our tribal bomoh, gifted with the talents to commune with the spirits. I inherited some of this and trust they come from some divine sources. Qi Zhong, my diety, perhaps. I have been travelling halfway round the world to understand deeper the origin of our powers."
During the conversation, Bambang summons the power remnant spirit of his headband to heighten his wits, as well as to give him a boost in his understanding.
I've been forgetting to use my Sudden Insight ability! Bambang expends one divination mental focus to gain +1 to skill check. Also, been forgetting about his heightened awareness spell also, which he can cast discreetly, to gain +2 to knowledge checks.
knowledge(religion, impressed, party, heightened awareness, sudden insight: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 26