There is a sign hung outside one of the conference rooms- Comparative negotiating tactics


Scarab Sages

Scarab Sages

A small male gnome with a twinge of white in his bushy eyebrows and mustashe, clad in white-and-blue clothing sits on several books perched atop a human-sized chair in front of a large conference table. Several books are laid out just so in front of him. Several other chairs are arranged around the table with complimentary packets of information in front of each one.

Welcome, welcome! As some of you may know, I am Thermin Oswin Grundersnutt, member of the scarab sages in good standing. I realize today's topic is a bit of a departure from the normal fare I usually publish, but I recently had a chance to negotiate a peace treaty between two . . . I guess 'gangs' is the proper term. Yes, Gangs. Anyway, though some careful negotiations with myself and some other notable pathfinders, I was able to non-violently diffuse the situation amicably, with no, or at least very little, reliance on magic. I feel that this is somewhat of a lost skill, so I thought instead of a normal lecture, I'd lead a workshop.

Let me start with asking, who has read the seminal work 'How to win friends and influence sentient creatures?'

Sovereign Court

A white suited Tiefling saunters into the hall. He taps a fine grey tobacco into a cigarette then rolls it out delicately. Removing a silver box of tindertwigs he lights the cigarette and breathes in the toxic fume. A shoulder holster flashes the tell tale buldge of a pistol, that you would guess is gold plated.

Sorry I missed the required reading. My own venue was to translate from infernal to Taldane for an insurrectionist's would be revolution. My Andoran friends oh yes Liberty's Edge now...my colleagues did not possess the required skills in diplomacy. They being a pair of inquisitors and I a humble rogue (ninja).

Scaramanga's infernal heritage denotes his estrangement from his Taldan family. He does however bear a title to a keep in Fangwood.

Sovereign Court

A dark haired, pale woman of Taldan ancestory walked in, fluttering a fan as she took a seat and nodded to the man servant as he stood by her.

"Well, I think you are a bit off on the use of magics. Some of them are a bit obvious of course, but there are ..small tricks you can do. Such as magics that last a while. There is a cantrip, Enhanced Diplomacy, it lasts a minute. I typically cast it as I take my curtsy while I present myself. Cultural Adaptation lasts for a bit, I typically can hold the spell for over an hour before it fades. Over two hours if I use my rod." She tapped the rod on her hip. She smiled as she looked to the tiefling, a ring on her finger flashing a lion holding a sword in it's paws.

The Venture-Captain of Landmass nodded as she looked through the pamphlet

"Well written, with a focus on negotiation and short term resolution. I like it. Covers the use of diplomacy quite well, but misses several points on the use of force and threats though. Sometimes you have to mortgage long term relationships for short term gain. They won't like you, but if you don't do it .. we might lose an objective."

Scarab Sages

Ah, yes, well, by magics I meant more forcefull things like charm monster or suggestion. No, I did have some minor magical assistance, a headband that increases my force of personality, and I have found myself more. . . Tactful ever since I adopted Bigby, my Thrush familiar. Also, the famed pathfinder Lem performed some background flute music that made me more confident in my diplomacy skills.

As for threats, while not particularly versed in them myself, I have seen them used to great effect before. However, in this case study, I felt ensuring long-term peace was the best option. The situation was very precarious, and any perceived slight might have tipped it into chaos. Additionally, a more. . . brutish attempt may have damaged the society's reputation.

I'm glad you find the packet acceptable though, though.

Sovereign Court

Im glad you elaborated, forceful negotiation to me means me talking and the negotiatee nodding at the end of a loaded pistol. Your methods seem far more pleasent and less damaging to my apparel.

Sovereign Court

"True, that is one to intimidate." the Venture Captain said with a flutter of her fan as she considered how many of her team mates had done that in the past. "You have other methods as well. I find that flashing a badge, A silver Aspis badge appears in her hand as her demeanor changes from cultured Taldane to gutter Varisian with a hint of Riddleport in her accent.

"Youse idiots are blowing my game! Git before I see about skinning the lot of you for interrupting the 'Serpents' work. I was sent down by the big boss men themselves, tell yer upstart wanna be leader if he interferes with me again, I'll have my boys skin him and you lot, and dip ya in the bay! Now Git!" Her smile is that of a cat in the cream as she tucked the badge away and returned to fanning herself.

"The right threat, poised in the right manner.. does a lot. As does a well played bluff if you're in a position of less than optimal strength. The threat of someone out of your reach, can do oh so much more than a soft word and the clink of coin. Also, one doesn't always have the luxury of wooing and courting a mark you are trying to woo. She shrugged as she settled back.

Scarab Sages

Knowing the person you wish to talk to is the basis for reaching a mutual understanding. What do they want? How do they feel about heavily armed intruders in their domicile? What has worked for them in the past?

Sovereign Court

"What ever you do , do not trust the Gozrehian Druid to not toss water on to the Azer's pet magma ooze whilst you are trying to calm them down and enter into a diplomatic phase of a Chelaxian stand off"says the large scared half-orc nobleman, who despite numerous attempts to wash it off still smells slightly of volcanic ash and magma.

Dark Archive

A full plated humanoid...in black dragon scales sits among you. His armor seems Ancient although it has a fine luster of use and usefulness. His tail betrays him as a Rakshasa spawn. A fine blade rests across his lap, the black metal clearly adamantine.

As a member of the Darkive, I find a good word and a bribe goes farther than just a good word. The key is knowing what someone may value. Even a taste of honey can be considered gold to someone who is too used to gruel.

Scarab Sages

Grundersnutt looks a bit flummoxed at the colorful stories.

Ladies and gentlemen, I fear we are being led astray from the intended purpose of this meeting. While yes, a bribe or not throwing water on a pet made out of magma is important, they are . . . Situational, to say the least. Here I will be discussing the basic theories behind diplomacy, and how to talk to people the right way. All of you bring up valuable points, to be sure, but I want to emphasize the basics of how to manuvers through a negotiation. A bribe may help, or assaulting a pet may hurt, but those do not detract or add to the core basics of diplomacy. Now, Tod over there had a point, if you'll turn your packets to page 12 . . .

Sovereign Court

"Not interrupting the paladin whilst he has things under control to insult beings of flame with their inherent opposition element isn't really situational it points to a basic under lying rule of negotiation ...let the negotiator do his job."

Scarab Sages

Grundersnutt sighs visably.

Yes, alright, yes. First and foremost in negotiation tactics is not to attack the opposing delegation or their pets. Now, can we get on to the theory of mutually benificcial peaceful linguistic attitude realignment? Now, if you'll note in my packet, page 12 paragraph 3 subsection 1, you'll note that the basic linguistic premise behind negotiation is to extrapolate their secondary or tertiary domain goals. . . the gnome begins to drone on in a monotone making the concept of negotiation seemingly as boring and lifeless as possible.

Grand Lodge

A portly man in his middle years steps into the lecture room, and patiently takes a seat. The divine symbol of Desna hangs prominently from his neck and his great coat is in the white and blue colors of the faith. A weasel appears from under the great coat, runs down the mans leg and starts running around the room sniffing people's boots.

As the gnome drones on he mumbles quietly to himself. So this is the gnome that presented that in-comprehensible essay on Ancient Thasallonia, and now lecturing on negotiations. What an ambitious jack of all trades. I'll wait this out and see if I can speak with the gnome when we break for tea.

The man sits patiently with a manila folio in hand and pays rapt attention to the lecture, apparently immune to the monotone boredom.

Scarab Sages

Joe the First wrote:

A portly man in his middle years steps into the lecture room, and patiently takes a seat. The divine symbol of Desna hangs prominently from his neck and his great coat is in the white and blue colors of the faith. A weasel appears from under the great coat, runs down the mans leg and starts running around the room sniffing people's boots.

As the gnome drones on he mumbles quietly to himself. So this is the gnome that presented that in-comprehensible essay on Ancient Thasallonia, and now lecturing on negotiations. What an ambitious jack of all trades. I'll wait this out and see if I can speak with the gnome when we break for tea.

The man sits patiently with a manila folio in hand and pays rapt attention to the lecture, apparently immune to the monotone boredom.

. . . so as we see, the solution to this situation, logically, is to start with the offer of grape juice, and see where the negotiation takes us . . . theoretically.

Grundersnutt chances a glance up at the windows to see that it is already into the afternoon.

Oh, dear, have I been speaking all this time? Yes, sorry, I do tend to get carried away while theorycrafting. Here, I have some refreshments available. I need a glass or two of water myself. We can take a bit of a break . . .
The gnome hops down from his books and makes his way over to a counter to start pouring himself a glass of water from a carafe.

Grand Lodge

Tucking away the journal of notes from Grundersnutts comprehensive lecture, Joe joins the rest of the attendees at the carafe; pausing to gently wake a snoozing pathfinder en-route.

Professor Grundersnuff, is it Professor? I greatly appreciated your work with the Worldwound Guidebook. Just last month I lent my copy to a compatriot patrolling outside the Worldwound, he said the footnotes on holy water and outsider swarms was a literal life-saver.

Would you sign my copy?

The manila folio remains conspicuously tucked under-arm.

Dark Archive

Sneeze (fake)..."brown noser."

Scarab Sages

Joe the First wrote:

Tucking away the journal of notes from Grundersnutts comprehensive lecture, Joe joins the rest of the attendees at the carafe; pausing to gently wake a snoozing pathfinder en-route.

Professor Grundersnuff, is it Professor? I greatly appreciated your work with the Worldwound Guidebook. Just last month I lent my copy to a compatriot patrolling outside the Worldwound, he said the footnotes on holy water and outsider swarms was a literal life-saver.

Would you sign my copy?

The manila folio remains conspicuously tucked under-arm.

Professor? Oh, my no. No, sadly I have not been accredited by a university yet, too busy with my fool gnomish biology and all this 'adventure' stuff. Funny story though, the Acadamae in Korvosa made overtures when they read some of my arcane theories, until they found out that I wasn't a wizard! They had to retract their offer, even after I offered to teach magical theory and history. Must have been very embarrassing for them.

Oh, oh, my worldwound guidebook! I hadn't realized that it had made the rounds yet. Grundersnutt rummages through his extradimential backpack for a bit of ink and a quill.Why, I'd be happy to sign it. Have to say, didn't quite think it would become very popular. Many pathfinders I've met tend to just swing greatswords at whatever's in front of them, y'know? Glad your friend made good use of it.

Grundersnutt finally finds what he was looking for and reaches for the book.

To whom should I make this out to? Grundersnutt asks as he begins signing.

Inscription:
Thank you for being a true pathfinder and looking for answers in all things: Thermin Oswin Grundersnutt

Grand Lodge

Please, make it out to Joe.

Turning to address Mr. C. Pardon me, I did not mean to interrupt your conversation with Mr. Grundersnutt. Is that black dragon scale armor? You've felled such a terrifying beast? I must hear this, over an ale, another day? Wait! Instead of ale, just last week I encountered a novel new drink, they called it the White Hallit they mixed coffee, spirits, and milk! I'm sure you would love it.

Now Mr. Grundersnuff, we would not be having this conversation if my praise was not sincere, you have a gift and I want to ensure future scholars witness it. Your technical knowledge is top tier, but to not mince words; you've repeatedly failed to communicate and market it to the audience; The Thasallonia essay, the Korvosa Academy, this Lecture. Gestures to a still napping pathfinder. Have you considered a role as a Expert Material Advisor to writers addressing a larger audience?

Handing across the manila folio.

This is an advisory essay on the arcane and in some cases divine interaction between a master and their bonded familiar, specific to the thaumatic enhancements of the base creature's language centers. Prepared and practiced technical pitch of the research: Knowledge(Arcana): 20 + 9 = 29 I've presented this to a small audience whom frequent the Grand Lodge library, the initial response was ... lack luster. With your technical input and my marketing, we can correct any mistakes in the research and address the second edition to a MUCH larger audience!

Scarab Sages

hmmm, I normally only publish my findings in order to further the knowledge of sentient creatures worldwide, but I do admit, when one is more famous, it is easier to get people to listen to you, hazzard of the field I suppose. . .). Grundersnutt looks down at the paper and skims it for a bit.

knowledge arcana check: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Hmmm, some decent ideas here, but I can see why your ideas weren't readily accepted. Recent discoveries with 'variant familiars' has changed the game considerably. In fact, I've heard of a pathfinder that has a crab familiar that cannot speak, even to it's own master, but can grow to a size even larger than me!

I wouldn't want to risk academic dishonesty, so I offer a counter-proposal. Allow me to recheck your work, I'll write up some notes and suggestions, and then you can try addressing those issues. If you wish to help spread the word of my chronicles after that. . . I'd be greatful, if not? I understand. Always willing to peer-review another's work.

Sometime later that week, a marked-up copy of Joe's paper arrives at his chambers. The paper contains several notes on theory (equivalent to aid another on knowledge arcana) and several more notes on proper academic writing (aid another: profession-sage)

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