The Merchant's Wake Gameplay Forum

Game Master Timothy Withem

"What's our plan to approach this Charles? "

he said with a leaned in whisper and glance amongst the people before him

Charles studies Pasad from a far for a moment, trying to better understand him

"Let's see if we can find out what tickles this Pasad's as$hole"

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 (to learn more about Kalistrade)

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 (to learn more about Pasad)

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 (to notice any additional personality ticks Pasad may have)

The tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade constitute that prophets avoid physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of
gifts. You also know that the ability to determine the value of items is very influential in this circle and could be used as a substitute skill to influence him.

Your knowledge of things local bring to the forefront of your memory some recent rumors you've heard about Doritannia running into some financial difficulties and Passad intervening...intertwining her fate with his.

You perceive Passad take more than the occasional pinch of snuff as he makes his way around the wake, chatting with the other guests.

Metella exits a brief conversation with a few of the deceased family members, leaving the perfect opening for you to strike up a conversation without interruption.

"Well well, isn't that uh.. What did that fella call her? Nutella? Matilda? She used to wrk with the society before... And seems to be an open target at the moment.. Perhaps we should switch bases momentarily?

May take some strategy though they did say she's stubborn as a mule..might have to be diplomatic with that one..."

sizes up Metella from afar...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (curious about her appearance and quirks...)

lmao first attempt at trying a roll and colossal fail lol /sigh

Olumb doesn't notice much about Metella, besides the obvious red hair and armor. Plus, she seems to be a dwarf.

Alright guys, you've sized up a couple merchants. Let me know specifically which ones you're going to chat with and give me your first interactions/approach.

Jayriann raises an wispy black eyebrow towards Olumb, "Thoradin already suggested that we approach Metella. I thought you and Mr. Custer were going to approach Pasad. What has prompted this change of direction?"

I need final decisions by tomorrow, plus what your opening remarks to each merchant will be to get the dialog going.

Otherwise, I'll just have you roll a flat diplomacy check for each interaction with no added insight/bonus.

"Now now, Lets not get all excited.. Stick to the Plan, and everything will go smoothly."

Thoradin approaches Metella with a Smile and a offer of a handshake.

"Hail, Miss Rauger, I am Thoradin, Devote of Iomedae and Member of the Pathfinder Society. How are you Finding the gathering?"

Diplo roll

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Jayriann trails the paladin and waits for him to finish his introduction, then bows deeply to the dwarf maiden, saying, "And I am Jayriann, Servant of the Chroniclers of Time."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 2

-Posted with Wayfinder

Thoradin and Jayriann, are you wearing a pathfinder in plain view? Also, do you by chance have a chronicle for scenario 5-01 (The Glass River Rescue)?

Also, I've added a picture of Metella on the Roll20 site.

Metella bows her head graciously, then looks up to meet Thoradin's gaze.

"Ah, Master Thoradin, pleased to make your acquaintance. The Pathfinders are a great lot! It's pleasing to hear you boldly proclaim your affiliation as an introduction. A servant of Iomedae, no less!"

She turns with a nod to Jayriann, somewhat unsure of his particular place in these festivities.

"Mister Jayriann, a pleasure to meet you as well."

She turns back to Thoradin with interest.

"How do your travels find you on this somber occasion? Any exciting travels as of late for the Society? The predicament with the Worldwound certainly is troubling, though I suppose it does offer employment for a wide variety of professions, in addition to the typical magic and weapon-users; if there is any silver lining. These festivities are enjoyable enough, despite the sadness which gathers us all. At least it offers a short respite from all that terrible unpleasantness.

"To be completely blunt, I'm less than thrilled with Temel's presence here. He claims to have come to pay his respects, but I swear he just enjoys vexing me with his presence."
Her voice slowly begins trailing off as she stares absently at Passad across the room.
"It would be most wonderful were he to find himself in an embarrassing predicament..."

Yes, Jayriann wears his wayfinder on a cord around his neck.

Jayriann pauses for a moment then subtly glances sideways to catch a glimpse of Passad, then raises an eyebrow at this new conundrum.

Metella glances back, as if coming back to her senses. It's tough to tell if she's trying to gauge whether you heard her last comment or if she's hoping you'll help her out...

Also, Charles and Olumb, I need your approach/opening remarks to Temel posted by the end of the weekend or else I'll just have you make a straight up Diplomacy check on Monday with no chance for bonuses.

"It is said that the greatest satisfaction is massive success. Our purpose here is to memorialize Princess Bahjari. Nothing might cause Passad's head to hang low during the memorial service than to have his rivals pay greater tribute to the deceased than he is prepared to give. Allow us to make the Grandest Trade agreement ever seen, and Put Passad to Shame"

Diplo roll
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

"It would be our honor to assist you with your tribute, by any honorable means that we are able to do so."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 11

-Posted with Wayfinder

Okay guys, I registered your first diplomacy rolls. Before I take these second ones into account, I want to specify that you do have enough time for a second diplomacy check, but you are not forced to make it with the same person (though you can).

If this is all part of the first interaction, I won't need the additional rolls; but we could spill this over into a continued conversation (second diplomacy check - at which point the second rolls would become necessary).

If you want to continue to schmooze with Metella, that is perfectly fine (and can be beneficial), I just wanted to make sure which way we were going (continued first interaction or second interaction) before I registered this second check.

Also, it seems that we lost Olumb. He spoke with me today and stated that he doesn't have the time to put effort into this on a daily basis. If I can't find a replacement by tomorrow afternoon, I will fill in with a pre-gen character.

Sorry, I'll try to post more consistently from now on. Is it too late for my approach on Pasad? That's cool if so, if not...

Charles approaches Pasad, while looking glancing about the room for something expensive to point out to him

Appraise+Inspiration: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 4 + (5) = 18 (to find an object)

"Excuse me sir but I couldn't help but notice you were looking at that (insert object here) over there"

if we've only got time for 1 roll per person, let's save our next roll for the next person to approach.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Yeah, basically one roll plus roleplay will work for the first set of interactions. After we finish up this first round, we can move into what happens/how much time you have to talk again or move to someone else.

Charles, that's fine...we can begin your interaction with Passad.

Metella turns her full attention back to Thoradin and Jayriann.

"Ah yes, the oration will indeed show the most sincere. I have prepared my speech in advance and even practiced it multiple times. Perhaps if we were to throw some dirt in Passad's forge, so to speak, we could wipe that smug look off his face."

She glances around quickly, leans in, and lowers her voice

"I'm sure you've no doubt noticed Temel's penchant for his snuff. It's caused us...issues, in the past. If we were to replace it with itching powder, it could cause uncontrollable sneezing; ideally during his funeral oration.

"He always has some on him, as well as extra in his room, no doubt. I'm sure contaminating either supply would ultimately find its way into his pouch."

She smiles broadly to herself, watching the scene play out in her mind's eye, before excitedly letting out a small snort, followed by giggling.

Temel raises an eyebrow as he returns his gaze to the exquisite candelabra on the main serving table, surveying it a bit longer before turning back to Charles with an amused grin on his face.

"Ah yes, good eye young man."

Temel nods his head deeply as if slightly bowing, never releasing his entwined fingers during the process.

"I am Temel Passad, prophet of Kalistrade and dealer of many breathtaking wares. I must admit, the trade princess had quite a few contacts in various trade industries. It is a great loss to us all that she has passed. Did you know her well?"

Even as he continues conversing with you, he surveys the room and after casting a knowing glance at Doritannia Raffella to gather her attention, his eyes fall on Metella Rauger and your companions across the room. He spreads his arms wide and takes his time, bowing deeply and overly-formally, grinning widely through the entire show of greeting.

From this distance across the room, you can still clearly perceive the twisted grimace on Metella's face as her head slowly shakes from side to side.

OOC side-note: I will be speaking with Ben (Zach's replacement) this evening and we'll get him in the mix with the aid another roll for Charles on this interaction.

As my first official post I will aid on appraise.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Jayriann allows a sly grin to cross his face, then bows cordially to the dwarf maiden. "My pious friend here may not appreciate the beauty of a harmless prank such as this, but it would not go unappreciated by many of us. Good lady, you can count on us to make your Druman friend the center of attention in due time."

With that, he bows and turns to meet the disapproving gaze of the paladin at his side, and says, "Lighten up, holy warrior, even your goddess must laugh sometime," then motions that it is time to move on.

Temel rises just in time to notice Vandranell's approach and catch his comment on the candelabra's matching serving utensils.

"Ah, I fine observation, young man. I assume the two of you are acquainted. Did you know the deceased well, my friend? Also, it is a great pleasure to meet you, good sirs..."

He calmly straightens, hands folded, awaiting a response of introduction from either Charles or Vandranell. The slightest grin and a glint in the eye beneath his raised eyebrow still betrays the glee he's found in tormenting Metella.

Vandranell bows in the Chelish fashion.
"Thank you good sir, a most kind offering. I am Vandranell, I hail from Egorian the seat of the Chelish Empire. This is my compatriot Charles. Sadly I did not know the deceased quite as well as I'd have liked to, though it is good to see some many honoring her memory here tonight.

Excuse me but I can't help but notice you and that dwarf seem to be casting glances at each other..."
Vandranell trails off hoping that Temel will pick up and discuss his dealings with Matella.

Temel smiles graciously and chuckles lightly to himself before clearing his throat and continuing.

"Metella and I are rival merchants who are constantly trying to outdo one another to gain even the slightest advantage..."

He trails off ever so briefly before the sudden glint in his eyes ushers in the mischievousness in his voice.

"Actually, I've an idea;brilliant really. If we could throw the short one off her game, I may have the opportunity to swoop in on a couple of her deals.

"By disrupting Metella's funeral oration, we could certainly ruffle her feathers. I suspect she has it written out, as she has never been one to simply improvise. She most likely keeps the tribute either on her person or in her quarters. If you could *ahem* procure it from her prior to her speech, I would be much appreciative."

Are there other merchants we can try to talk to? I thought we were told there were 5 in particular to try to cozy up to. Is there a reason we are targeting these 2 specifically?

There are others. The group basically decided to split into two groups. You do have the opportunity to try to further influence these two or speak to others in a "second" round of interaction.

Vandranell gives a slight nod and an even slighter smile to Temel as he says:
"I'm sure we can come to an understanding regarding this matter"

As the celebration continues around you, you witness the other merchants milling about, eating and discussing the deceased trade princess and various trade deals in general.

You can continue your discussions with Metella and Temel or speak with others if you wish.

"If you'll excuse me, I have other duties to attend to, I'm sure Ser Jayriann can help you with your ploy. It has been a Pleasure speaking with you, Lady Metella."

Thoradin moves on to speak with the other guests on the list, speaking to himself softly.

"I wish they wouldn't pull this "prank", but it is their choice..."

"hmm...yes, I believe this is a task that me and good Vandranell can take care of for you"

charles takes a few moments to inspect Metella from a distance to see if she may check her person for the tribute or to notice it on her

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The tiefling shakes his head slowly at the paladin walking away, the smirk never leaving his face. Then he turns towards Metella and bows, "Pay no heed to my companion, but I share your sense of humor on the matter. I wonder, if someone were to attempt such an endeavor, where do you think they might find the itching powder to be used in said caper?"

Charles, you examine Metella for a bit, but don't seem to notice if she has her speech on her or not.

Metella grins mischievously.

"Oh, most wonderful! I'm sure with such a wide array of merchants in the city, I can procure a bit for you. I will have one of my crew search out a dealer and return some to me.

"I will let you know once I have secured the goods"

She gives you one last wink, before motioning over one of her caravan guards and whispering in his ear as she slips him a few coins from her purse.

"We can discuss the manner of your gratitude later friend. For now I feel we have some other mingling to attend. Rest assured we will do what we can regarding your... "pauses a moment then smiles. situation

Vandranell will make a perception check to scan the room for other merchants who might suit the groups needs.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"We shall await word from your servant. In the mean time, we shall leave you to any other business you have to attend." Jayriann bows once more to Metella and turns to catch up with Thoradin.

Once he has reached the Paladin, he ignores the disapproving look he receives and scans the room. "With whom should we consult next? The Qadiran perhaps?"

Vandranell, you still see all five merchants you were pointed out earlier, milling about the gala.

Temel Passad
Doritannia Raffella
Metella Rauger
Pellius Melkior
Jakti al’Awar

Vandranell will make a B line to Jayriann on his way to chat up Doritannia Raffella. Once he reaches Jayriann and Thoradin :
"So how did things go with Metella? Charles and I were able to find a path to the good Temel's appreciation. It will require some mischief delt to Metella. Asuming she is well with you, you might be able to help us further our ends with Temel. I'm on my way to find Doritannia to see what persuasion he might require."

Sighs

"Must we play pranks on each other like Children? I encourage both of you to find a better way to gain these folks trust, however I will not stop you from your Mischief. Do you think we should all go as a group and speak with the others one at a time? or Split up and each take one of the remaining Merchants?"

Vandranell puts on his best courtroom smile and address Thordin :

"Thoradin, you mis understand. These pranks are not our own but the concoctions of those we intend to ally ourself with (at least The the prince anyway). They are as of yet; for the most part harmless if not embarrassing. We are simply mediums through which what I conceive is common, if not unorthodox business is being conducted. We were asked to help the prince in any manner he needed, and he has asked us to use any means necessary to bring these merchants to the table. How could we be held responsible? We are merely executing our charge with vigor."
I simply propose that to that end we help each other. We need someone close to Matella to dole out a bit of mischief. As I'm sure anyone who would want something similar done to Temel, I or Charles is in a prime position to aid in that event.

As for the rest of the Merchants I agree. There are 3 left and 4 of us. Surly we will reap the most success by splitting our efforts. Perhaps keeping our 4th in reserve if any of us finds our selves struggling.

Doritannia actually remains fairly close to Temel Passad, frequently glancing toward him as you spoke with him and continuing to do so now.

She seems somewhat timid as you make your way back from your compatriots to her.

Vandranell positions himself to speak to Doritannia and be able to survey the room as well as possible. He bows in the Chelish fashion:
"Good evening Madam. My name is Vandranell, I hail from Egorian Capital of the Chelish Empire. Tell me, how are you fairing on this sad occasion?"

A sigh escapes his deep red lips as Jayriann resigns himself to the prospect of approaching one of the dignitaries on his own. He turns from the party and makes his way towards Jakti al’Awar from Qadira. Waiting until Jakti is not in conversation with another, the tiefling approaches and bows, "Greetings Jakti al'Awar. I am Jayrhiann Lahnisset, Servant of the Chroniclers of Time. I have heard tales of your travels and scholarly pursuits, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Jakti stares intensely at Jayriann for what seems like a while before replying

"Hello, Jayriann. It is a pleasure. The Chroniclers of Time, you say. I must admit, I'm unfamiliar with this organization. Might you expand on their goals and allegiances?"

Jakti continues to eyeball Jayriann carefully, specifically focusing on his unique features garnered from the daemonic blood in his veins.

"Are they a religious group?" he asks directly, never breaking his stare.