Bummer, was really hoping they could all be Diplomacy, One her best skills.
Ok, delete info for Aslaxin and Taskerhill.
Use Discovery: Analyze on Knowlern & Vanderboren.
<- Vanderboren
<- Knowlern
She is going to use the same text, not sure how that will really sound in the moment, but I think its still the tact she'll use.
Dalamus will casually walk up to the door and he will try to smuggle in his dagger, he will have it hidden in his boot.
Dalamus will wait for anyone to make conversation with him, in the meantime he will observe all the the distinguished guests. How they talk, what they talk about, the body language they display and their reactions to questions.
Vanderboren
Perception
Not sure if this qualifies for Discovery, if it doesn't I can work with whatever you tall me I attain with perception
Sense Motive
Knowlern
Perception
Sense Motive
The party filters in now, leaving weapons at the door.
The next person to enter is Lord Ankhin Taskerhill, who sweeps in grandly, removing his gloves and cloak with the discipline and fastidiousness of a military general. He scans the room with a stone-faced look across his chiseled features and cracks for a moment when he spies Epik, already engrossed with the Vanderborens. He scowls noticeably and moves to a table furthest away, sitting upright and ordering a hot tea.
Skie and Tygot enter together, the gnome and halfing with their heads together laughing and talking about something only the two of them can make out. Once entering, they move to say hello to Jenyan and Lady Knowlern and take up their own table. Skie excuses herself from Tygot and moves over to the Vanderborens to greet them warmly. They respond in kind.
The final arrival in the middle group is the Foreman, whom you haven't seen since before the siege. He enters limping and as he comes down the steps a grimace of pain flashes across his now fire-scarred face accentuating the eye patch he is wearing and letting it slip a bit showing the gaping socket underneath. He looks around the room, undisguised rage on his face and he stalks to the bar, ordering two stiff drinks.
Epik nods to Skie as she approaches the Vanderborens. ”Greetings, Lady Aldersun. How’s business at the Treasury? I pray that the Inheritor is watching over you and your establishment during our city’s plight. The righteous adventurers amongst us will have need of your gear as we purge Cauldron of Vhalantru’s tyrannical grip.”
<- Lord Taskerhill
"My Lord Taskerhill, Might I join you?"
"I wish to offer my condolences for your wife's passing. We are all suffering under this evil, the spirits as well. Only when we vanquish it once and for all, can the spirits truly rest. Until the town has a strong leader, we will be as a bird with its head cut off. Unable to find our way. I believe in Nowzai, I think he can truly lead this city through these tough times.
Sam will arrive on time, leaving his weapons at the door. He won't engage much with anyone, choosing to stand alone and watch. This isn't his town, he doesn't really care who rules.
Aeberrin Vanderboren seems like she might be loose of lip, hence she is the target.
Nowzai arrives to the Cusp ten minutes early, responsibly punctual. He wears the new outfit he purchased while performing duties as interim mayor. The clothing is functional and nearly as plain as a uniform, though clearly made of expensive cloth and accented with jewelry. He leaves most of his well-worn adventuring gear behind, but openly wears Alakast, his magical headband and ioun stone. He also makes no attempt to conceal the Sign of the Burning Eye.
As he enters, Nowzai looks around the room, smiling warmly and greeting those who meet his eyes. He nods to Epik and Jenya. After ordering a cup of tea, he walks over to Lord Taskerhill. As he approaches, he bows at the correct and respectful distance. "My Lord Taskerhill. I am pleased to see another sober soul at this gathering. I expect securing Cauldron's future is going to require clear eyes and clearer minds."
As the wizard approaches the nobleman and watches his face twist up in outright hostility, he is reminded of the last time the party met him here.
"It appears someone left the door open and the vermin got in again." he says maliciously as you walk up, his eyes sparking with anger blatantly ignoring Nowzai's opening pleasantries.
As Ma'puande takes a run at him, unknowing of the history, she blunders into a conversation. He listens at first somewhat politely, unaware of the relationship, but as Ma'puande mentions Nowai, his eyes grow large and he looks incredulously at the oracle, "Perhaps they've clouded your mind, my lady, but this fool and his companions know nothing of duty to the citizenry of this town. They make their own way and do their own thing, mindless of the damage they wrought. Besides, as everyone knows, I intend to run for Lord Mayor myself. Why waste breath on figuring out who else can do it, when I could just do it myself."
Dalamus hangs back and watches Lady Vanderboren engage with the others in the room. She makes contact with Lady Knowlern and then exchanges some polite words with Lord Taskerhill but there is an underlying nervousness that you can't quite place your finger on. She appears to have quite a lot of knowledge about the city and it's safety and security and responds to those with equal knowledge about local politics and governance. Also, no matter how rough her tongue and defensive, she warms quickly to a kind word and genuine compassion as evidenced by Epik's diplomatic approach.
The gnome grins at Epik and takes his hands as he approaches, "So pleased to see you here, Sir Epik. Pray tell, are you going to give voice to your wondrous exploits in the city recently? And do you have any delightful new things to sell me? Ah, forgive me. Let's not talk business, we are here for the future of the city. Tell me, who are you rooting for? I like the new guy, Vandy ... he calls himself. He has a mind for business, and honestly I think I might be able to push him around a bit. His wife is a good sort, and I think they are too new as nobles to be anything more than genuine. I mean, look, they both came. That must be embarassing when only one of them can vote!"
Epik smiles at the gnome and tries to answer all of her questions, "We have only done what was required to help our beloved city. You would do the same if you were in my position. I think we do have excess gear that I would be happy to sell you. I agree, Vandy and his wife appear to be reasonable people - your assistance with convincing them to do the right thing would very much be appreciated. I plan to vote for my esteemed colleague Nowzai al'Nazari. I'm sure Nowzai's leadership would provide a tremendous boost to the city's business through increased trade routes, reduced taxes and streamlined regulations."
"Oh! My dear Lord. That has not been my experience with this man, and his friends. Why, we even have Sir Epik! He is as Noble and Caring as any being I've ever..." Her voice trails off, and she stares past the lords shoulder. "oh dear, it seems that someone is cheating." She leans back in her chair, possibly to show off her impressive bosom , but mainly to whisper to Nowzai "the Lord here seems to be under some sort of observation. I can "See" a small eyeball is circling him. Don't say anything you wish to keep secret."
She abruptly stands, and looks at the Lord and says "I would have hoped we could be allies. Please try to keep an open mind during these talks, Please consider what a mistake it would be to misjudge your friends, and under-estimating our enemies. The way forward will be made easier if we can come together."
She will then find the others and whisper the same to them, and also check for eyeballs around anyone else.
Nowzai regards Taskerhill with a stoic expression. "Your attitude is disappointing but not unexpected, my lord. Resorting to personal attacks must mean you regard our presence as a legitimate threat. But you should not, for if you truly mean to lead Cauldron and bring its people protection and prosperity, then you know my friends and I seek the same thing." Nowzai takes a sip, not breaking eye contact with the noble. "But if you wish to rule the city, to take advantage of the mayor's powers to enhance your family's power and prestige, or to line your vaults with gold fleeced from its people, then yes, we are a threat to such designs."
"But I take you for a reasonable, sober man, Lord Taskerhill, and I hope I am correct. Cauldron needs leadership to break through the current crisis. Not petty bickering or divisive vendettas. Leadership... for all. What do you hope to bring to the table with your bid?"
Dalamus will approach Lady Vanderboren when there is an opportunity to speak with her. Ah, Lady Vanderboren is it not? Are you enjoying the wonderfully hospitality of the evening? There are so many great candidates here this evening, I am just hoping that they all have the best of intentions for our great city.
Are you aware that Nowzai is also in the running as the next mayor? I think he would be a fine choice myself, he has already sent a companion to help the town guard to stabilize the security of our city. I certainly hope whomever is the next mayor, they will take the same sort of approach to protect the city and all of the citizens, especially the vulnerable citizens that we hold with great regard, whether it is the orphanage or those of elevated years.
I'm sorry, here I am carrying on, please, tell me your views of our current situation."
Knowledge Local
"I have heard of your friend, I intend to talk to him when I get a chance. As for my views, we are open to hearing what is best for the city. We need security and stability going forward. This rampant taxation, rioting and war can't be the way of the future."
"Just make it a good story, Epik. I'll do anything for a great story of adventure! Make it about history, or better yet, set it to song and dance! And if you can do anything about the taxes or find the right noble family that will avoid them, I could be game for leaning that way. Just saying!"
Skie kicks her feet to the side and moves to get a drink.
Lord Taskerhill appears immune to the oracle's "charms" and snorts as she speaks and watches her leave with disinterest.
"You are a latecomer to this party, al'Nazari and the Tercivals aren't around to protect you any longer. You were snowed by Vhalantru as much as the rest of us ... maybe worse so since he sent you off on errands to do his bidding! If you can't see through that, you have no place here. I run out of duty, my visiting Lord al'Nazari, as an obligation to the city that I have grown and loved, that my daughter was raised in and my wife lived and died in. Perhaps you should study up before you run your mouth."
You can roleplay all day long. I just ignore the roll
Epik sighs and begins to sing a lively song about the wondrous Mayor Nowzai al'Nazari. He then begins dancing a jig as he sings.
Nowzai does not give an inch to the truculent noble. "It is true, Vhalantru tricked us all, and I am ashamed to have fallen for its deception. Our recent understanding of the threat is a large part of what brought about this meeting today. We seek to reestablish the proper rule of law in Cauldron, legitimize its institutions and ensure the safety and prosperity of its citizens. All of them: noble to pauper."
"You may disdain my companions and I as newcomers, upstarts and, in some ways, vigilantes. I cannot assuage your prejudices through mere words. Our actions, while not always successful, should speak for themselves. Can you say the same of Annah and her Stormblades?"
"I did not grow up in Cauldron, as you and your family have, but I have grown to care for it and call it home. I have no real desire to be mayor, but as I've said numerous times, I will make it my duty until a valid, competent candidate comes forward. Are you that man?"
"Well, adventurer, it turns out you're not a complete neanderthal and can think for yourself. All that studying for your Academy exam, I presume." the nobleman still speaks with obvious distaste, but Nowzai detects a hint of surprise at the congenial approach and focus on duty and he tones down his spite just a touch.
"I am certainly a man of the people and the right one for this job, my duty is to the city and my family, you would be wise to not speak poorly of either!"
"A man of your impressive noble lineage should understand what makes the city work. It is born and bred on two things: the arcane and the mineral. The bones of this volcano and its awe-inspiring geology are the backbone of this economy and it's why my family has driven that trade for decades. Nowzai al'Nazari, competent in the arcane, you should be able to divine that you have no capacity to defeat a man of the people, dedicated to duty and invested in the city's success."
Jenya checks the time and sighs in frustration before she makes an announcement, "It is noon, but given some key voters are not here yet, we will wait a few more minutes for their arrival."
As she finishes, another individual enters. One you've seen before, the half-orc priest of Cayden Cailen, Asfelkir Hranleurt. It is obvious he is already drunk as he stumbles through the door with a half full mug of ale in his hand. He apologizes half-heartedly and then heads straight for the bar.
On his heels, two more people enter, the first is Kristof Jurgnessen, the caretaker of the Shrine of Sarenrae, who enters shyly and awkwardly and as he looks around, he shuffles his feet a few times before moving to the closest chair, obvious extremely uncomfortable. Right next to him, but apparently not attached is a severe and well dressed woman with well-defined muscles, short blonde hair and a very practical pant suit outfit made of leather and cotton that seems more appropriate for a man, but she wears it well. She makes the rounds quickly, cordially greeting the attending lords and merchants, but doesn't come by the party. She takes up a table with Tygot although they don't appear to be particularly friendly.
The final entrant is Lord Zachary Aslaxin, who strides in casually with a slight smile that is contradicted by the icy look in his eyes. He removes his gloves deliberately, tucking them in his belt below his fine silk outfit before he catches sight of Ma'puande. His smile broadens and he heads straight over to introduce himself.
"If you are such a man, my lord, then I have no need or desire to 'defeat' you. Indeed, I would be invested to advance your claim."
As Lord Aslaxin enters the room, Ma'Puande will check him out with True Seeing (assuming the spell is still up (12mins))
Skie laughs and claps joyously, "Oh, Epik ... that was .. well, honestly terrible. But it was a delight to watch. I appreciate your zeal for your comrade, but I'm truly interested in what he might do for us merchants?"
The lord approaches Ma'puande and reaches out to sweep up her hands, speaking with a nearly melodic voice,
Ma'Puande will bow low towards Lord Aslaxin, and replies:
I'd like to try to diplomacy him:
<- "Say, Wouldn't it be great if one of the city's true hero's, someone who has saved the city many times in the past, became the new mayor?" Also, aren't I pretty? <wink, wink>
Epik smiles patiently, "As I've already mentioned Skie, Nowzai's leadership will provide a tremendous boost to the city's business through increased trade routes, reduced taxes and streamlined regulations. What more could the city's merchants want in a mayor? I would again kindly ask that you consider voting for him. Remember, a vote for Nowzai is a vote for prosperity!"
"I may be a relative newcomer to Cauldron, but you may be surprised with how much of its lore and history is hidden in the tunnels and chambers beneath our very feet. Many of its citizens do not even realize what they stand upon, or what profound arcana helped create this city. Our enemies do, and they use that collective ignorance against us. Traditional defenses and systems will not protect us against their schemes."
"What my companions and I do is not glamorous, and I will agree aspects dip into unsanctioned vigilantism. But we also face our foes upon their ground. We disrupt those schemes in ways they cannot ignore."
Knowledge Local
At an appropriate time Dalamus will excuse himself from the conversation and get an ale/wine/water whatever is available and watch the crowd from afar while enjoying the drink.
Skie smiles, "Maybe, Epik. I certainly like Nowzai, even if he is a bit stiff. Let me see if I can roust some more entertainment here and I might be inclined to think on it some more ... with some liquid encouragement."
She departs for the bar
The chiseled Lord Taskerhill thinks for a few moments before replying, his eyes narrowing as Lord Aslaxin wanders in. Distracted for a slight moment, he then catches himself and looks back at Nowzai, "Ah .. yes, excuse me. I believe you will be a worthy candidate, Nowzai. It wouldn't be a complete loss if what you say comes to pass. I'm still certain I'm the man to guarantee delivery. Why vote for someone else if you can make it happen yourself ... or if you need to ensure someone else doesn't fill the vacuum."
"My lady, I could certainly get behind that statement. Are you referring to yourself or is there another newcomer to the city that you are looking to bring to the ... party." The older man blows out his mustache without undisguised desire
As Dalamus finishes his statement and moves away from the Vanderborens, the lady grabs his arm, whispering, "Tell your friend that we will vote for him. Make sure you deliver on your promises!"
"Thank you my lady, I will be sure to tell him."
Dalamus heads to the bar for a drink and he will observe the room. He is not looking for people to manipulate but more to make sure everything is ok and nothing seedy is going on. He doesn't trust a single one of them
Perception
Nowzai's eyes follow Taskerhill's for a moment, but he keeps his reaction neutral. "That is my precise intention. Cauldron suffered from a void in leadership that we were unaware of for too long. The Cagewrights engineered the secret coup and elaborate deception to make things appear normal. This must not occur again."
"I believe we understand each other, my Lord, even as rivals. What is your assessment of the other potential candidates? Capable or vacuum fillers?"
Ma'puande says to Lord Aslaxin "Oh, you dear sweet man! No, I was speaking of my friend Nowzai. He would be a very capable leader to lead us all through this dark time. But your vote of confidence is going to make me blush. Please join me for a drink" She takes his hand and walks him over to the bar and orders drinks for them both.
Lord Aslaxin smiles and responds, "I would be honored to get you a drink," and moves to step in front of the oracle as you head to the bar.
"I see you are with the wizard. He wants the job then? I was thinking we might want to elect someone who doesn't have ambitions of power. Someone reluctant is more likely to make Cauldron prosperous."
He eyes the chalices on the bar as you approach, "Pure gold with recently mined sapphires. Ophelia certainly knows nice things," he states with icy calmness.
The rogue keeps a low profile and looks for anything out of the ordinary but his unfamiliarity with the entire environment prevents anything of interest from jumping out at him.
Regaining his composure that obviously dropped because of his apparent distaste for Lord Aslaxin, he deflects the question with. "It would be untoward of me to presume who the candidates are Nowzai, prior to the announcement on the agenda, but I believe there are some of both in this room."
A well-dressed servant walks around the room with a small silver bell that she rings gently with a white gloved hand. The various nobles and merchants appear to know what this means, as they immediately down their remaining drinks and head to take seats arranged in the open area just in front of the podium where Jenya stands.
Once everyone has gathered and apparently found sitting based on some sort of previously arranged ranking structure with the nobles in the front, priests in the second row and merchants in the third, the party finds the 4th and 5th rows at their disposal along with Meerthen and the scowling Foreman.
Jenya raps a small gavel and speaks in a clear, strong voice,
"Proud leaders of Cauldron, thank you so much for making the trip today and taking time to focus on this critical juncture in trying times. The absence of our Lord Mayor and the recently uncovered machinations of the villain known as Orbius, disguised as Lord Vhalantru have left a significant chasm in ruling direction for our once prosperous city. Add to that the recent taxation scandal and subsequent skirmish with Redgorge and we have a displaced populace, broken economy and have lost our Town Guard Captain to violence and treachery."
She pauses for a moment for effect before continuing, "I have brought you all together because your represent the major portions of the city and you all have shown a vested interest in a future that includes a prosperous Cauldron."
"The agenda today will be as follows. First, we will get first hand accounts of the atrocities of Lord Vhalantru and House Rhiavadi from the Heroes of Cauldron. Next we will open the floor for discussion on nominations for Lord Mayor and Town Guard Captain. After a short break, we will discuss the form of government in town and then we will vote on all three things. Everyone should know who the voting members are based on the invitations."
She looks up and around, "So, if there are no questions, we can get started with the Heroes who will bring us up to date on what they know so far."
Ma'Puande is going to "accidentally" leave her drink at the bar, untouched, and as she and Lord Aslaxin join the others, she tries to use Sense Motive on the lord.
Dalamus will look towards Nowzai and give him an encouraging nod toward the podium
While our story is told, Dalamus will look over the audience looking for any that have a hateful look while the story is being told. He will be taking note of all that appear unhappy.
Perception
Epik will join Ma'puande in conversation with Lord Aslaxin. "Sir, may I speak to you about your vote today? Nowzai is our only choice if we're to save the city."
Lady Knowlern will be Dalamus's mark of observation, as stated above.
As Ma'puande and Aslaxin break up for the start of the meeting, Epik gets a quick interjection in and catches the Lord slightly off guard, but the stony faced man gains his composure quickly.
"A lively story or debate about art, and I might get the measure of the man."
Ma'puande watches the Lord engage with the other folks and sees him warm up to the most attractive of the attendees, while primarily discussing the art in the room.
As Nowzai gets on stage and begins to blather on about the events of the past year, Dalamus watches the hitherto unrecognized Lady Ophelia Knowlern.
She pays rapt attention, silently nodding as Nowzai discusses taking care of the flood and helping the citizenry. She gets a firm line in her jaw and an intensity of purpose as she shows agreement for ousting the cancerous Lord Vhalantru and Lady Rhiavadi and finally looks at peace and ease as Nowzai explains the beauty of the trip down the river and through the jungle toward the Demonskar.
Nowzai explains the recent events and attempts to make the complex planar situation relatabe to the company.
Epik will tell a lively story of Nowzai's exploits.
Dalamus will approach Lady Knowlern with a glass of wine for her as well as one of himself.
He will approach her with a friendly nod and offer her the wine"That Nowzai really gets it. We have seen many of the terrible things that Vhalantru and Rhiavadi have done. These things have lead to a lot of suffering of the citizens of this fine city. The influences from the other planes has caused a deep sense of doubt among the citizens, and therefore trust shall be an issue. We will need someone strong and knowledgeable to help rebuild that faith, the faith that the citizens desperately need." Dalamus will take a drink
Knowledge Planes