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"Agree to disagree, I suppose. I always found Inevitables a little too straightforward. And you're right of course, all this squabbling is largely a waste of effort... but it does get you resources, which can then be put to better use."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Dragos arrived at the party, slightly later than the others. Slept hard last night - a finer bed than I'm used to. Better check in with our host first and hope he didn't notice... Fiddling lightly with one of the rings on his fingers, as if slightly uncomfortable with it, he makes his way over to Passad.
"Good morning sir. Looks as though your party is off to a fine start. I must say, your accommodations here have been fantastic - I haven't slept on such a soft bed in a long time!"
"We spoke a great deal last night about the other bidders, but not much about you. Do you have your eye on any particular district? Do you still get to bid when you are hosting? I'm afraid I'm not terribly familiar with how all this business works."
Cyran smiles as he nods his head before carrying on. "Resources are what turn my profit mill! You are a clever sort. I must make some token interactions with some other guests, but I'll be sure to find time to speak with you further on the matter this afternoon. A bid on The Working End will see to that..." He then flits away towards some of the other guests nearby.
Passad gawks a little at your statement, clearly caught off guard by your comment. He quickly recovers and responds. "Haha well it is a good thing you will be spending a couple more nights here then to get your fill!" His brow folds slightly as he mulls over his response and pulls you away for a slightly less public conversation.
"My preferred district would be the Courts of Abstinence, but I am afraid that my hefty fortune is dwarfed by my competitors. Even as a host, I am permitted to bid on a district. I'm hoping to charge militaries a mint to practice urban warfare within the labyrinthine halls. The multievent design of this auction serves to not only allow each bidder to showoff, but to also have a sort of home-field advantage," he explains to Dragos in a diminished volume.
Through your brief interaction with Temel Passad, you've determined a few possible avenues for influence. You've learned that he is somewhat of a coward, and is likely to easily fall prey to those who bully him into bidding more. Other means of convincing him would work too, but that is the easiest way. Discussion of further militaristic opportunities in the Courts of Abstinence could also get him to bid further. Mechanically, Intimidate, Bluff, Diplomacy, and History can be used to influence him.
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'Ahh there she is and just as I expected surveying the rest of the room like a lioness watching the animals gathering at the watering hole.' Bishop moves forward and presents himself to Irith Nomzano respectfully waiting a moment for acknowledgement and then speaking to her as if she had granted him permission.
"You must be Irith Nomzano the Lord-Councillor of Alabastrine. It is a honour to meet you, Lord-Councillor. If I might share with you my concerns with our beautiful city. I am wary to see what will happen to Alabastrine if you are not able to win the necessary districts to continue your skillful administration of the city. Your current policies have brought much prosperity to the city yet I bet that you only have met a small amount of your goals for turning Alabastrine into a city that surpasses even the great Absalom. Yet your competition seems to believe your time has come to an end and with it any dreams you might have had with growing Alabastrine. Still I have seen the way you view each of the other bidders scrutinizing who they are speaking with and watching as deals are made to push you aside. They have misjudged you."
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While the priest discusses more artifacts and religion with her, Ulena tries to read the man, hoping to figure out the easiest way to keep him in the bidding against the Societies enemies here in Druma. Unfortunately she recalls why she never had a knack for elven politics as she comes away with nothing. She nods politely. "Well, Prophet, I hope to see you later for some more lively discussion. Enjoy the rest of your morning."
She spends the rest of her time mingling with other guests, hoping her companions are fairing a little better.
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"That's right, I remember you talking about the militaries using the labyrinthine to practice. Fascinating! I can see all sorts of ways that would work out well, for everyone involved, if you win the day. The militaries will take their training more seriously if they see it as a more formal training ground, people always treat things they pay for more seriously than free things. This will lead to better protection of everyone's homes - as you know, that is of great interest to me." He pauses for a moment, thinking. "If Myrosype wins out on that district, I shudder to think at what will become of those who currently depend on that for training. She may smile pretty, but she's a snake underneath, believe me."
His eyes get very serious, as he meets the gaze of his host. His forceful personality comes to the forefront, as he says very seriously "That cannot be allowed to happen! I know that if you put in a good showing, particularly early on, Myrosype will focus her attentions on other, easier to obtain districts. I have spoken with you at great length now, and I trust your character in running this district - you simply must put in a strong bid, and early! I have every faith in your ability to not only win, but hold and manage this district spectacularly."
Bishop's approach warrants no visible response from Irith. After a significant pause, she acknowledges your presence with a steely gaze.
"They have," she states flatly, looking you squarely in the eyes. "What is your proposition?" Her expression is disconcertingly neutral.
Even through her spectacularly brief statements, it is apparent that she can be swayed by mercantile pursuits. Her arrogant sense of confidence indicates that politics and nobility are also another avenue for persuasion. Utilizing her arrogance in a different way, it may be possible to cheat her into bidding on a certain district. Mechanically, Merchant, Nobility, Diplomacy, Bluff, Intimidate.
Temel Passad visibly shrinks a little at Dragos' suddenly stern words. "I-I-I will do my best," he fumbles, and quickly heads for the bid taker.
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Tagir spends some time watching Ulena and Vayde converse at a distance, but he is too distracted by Ulena's flattering attire to learn anything more about Vayde. He then catches sight of Bishop and Irith's interaction.
Well, well, what could she be hiding under all that regalia? Only one way to find out... After Irith ends her conversation with Bishop, Tagir smoothly slides up to her and makes his move.
A well placed double entendre here, and a bold statement there, Tagir finds himself in a favorable position with the Lord-Councilor. He even detects a slight crack in her stony face after his subtle words. Like taking candy from a baby.
While she doesn't immediately head for the bid taker, some of you do notice near the end of the event she makes her way over and submits a bid for a district.
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Does not have skill for recognize checks.
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"It would seem that your greatest opponent must be Myrosype. She seems to be poised to purchase many of the districts with little effort on her part, she will anticipate which districts you and the other bidders covet. However, this is where you must prove her wrong. You must bid for the district she covets most while still protecting the your own interests."
Irith takes a step closer to Bishop and brings her face to your ear. "Do not waste my time again," she whispers severely and storms off. Seeing his chance, Tagir steps in to smooth things over...
You learn that Temel Passad feels rather insecure about how his wealth. It simply doesn't compare to that of the other bidders. His insecurities can be preyed on through the use of any social skill.
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As the sun begins to rise high in the sky, Hegio begins to ring his little bell and the crowd quickly falls into silence. "The results of the first round of bidding are in:
"The top bidder for the Courts of Abstinence is... TEMEL PASSAD!
The top bidder for the Luminous Wharf is... MYROSYPE!
The top bidder for the Prophet's Burg is... IRITH NOMAZAMO!
The top bidder for the Scriptum is... MYROSYPE!
The top bidder for the Working End is... CYRAN ANDROTUS!
"I now declare this event complete! Bidding shall resume at the Petronax Gala!" Hegio steps down from his podium and leaves, amid a chorus of applause. The bidders all look pleased with the outcome, save Myrosype. Her face remains mostly neutral, however she seems a bit miffed at the result of her efforts.
After an afternoon spent resting, preparing, and planning, night begins to fall. Servants each come to your rooms with a rolling rack of costumes. "Please, forgive my intrusion. For this next event, it is requested that everyone wear a costume," he says as he gestures to the rack. "Now, which one suits you best..."
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Ulena smiles at her companions.
"Well, we're off to a decent start, she only has 2 districts, let's keep up the good work! I'll have to talk to Vayde and see why he's giving up on the Scriptum so easily!"
When the servants bring out the costumes Ulena sees one with a feathered cowl and winged arms, made to look like an Avoral.
"This one is perfect!" she says, whisking it off the rack and trying it one. "Shelyn's blessing it fits like a glove!"
With her costume set, she makes her way toward the gathering area, eager to see what her companions have chosen to wear.
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Dragos grins as the results are read aloud. If he can catch Passad's eye, he will give the man an encouraging nod and gesture of congratulations.
As the servant arrives with the costumes, Dragos grimaces in distaste. "I must admit, I'm not overly fond of these... creatures. Still, I must be a dutiful guest." He examines each costume at length, before arriving at one with a mighty lion's head. "Ahh, the Leonal. A mighty hunter, I hear tell. This will do."
Tagir picks out a stunning costume of a Raelis, a powerful Azata garbed in colorful clothing covered in glowing runes. A pair of feathered wings flair out boldly.
You all congregate in a common room on the ground floor, admiring each others costumes when a servant comes to meet you. She leads you all to Vayde's temporary estate in Kerse and then within to the Gala proper. With a bow, she leaves you to your fun.
Held within a vivacious ballroom, there is already a sizable crowd of people in all kinds of costumes. Devils consorting with Angels, Inevitables laughing with Demons, and more planar oddities can be found.
Shortly after you arrive, Hegio comes shuffling in and makes his way to the head of the room. Distinctly out of place in the room of outsiders, the dwarf rings his signature bell. "Welcome all to the second event of the Bid for Alabastrine. All the bidders are present and the papers in order. By the power vested in me, let the bidding begin!"
Vayde, dressed as a Barbazu, is asking all who come to speak with him about the reasoning behind their costume choice. If you wish to attempt to impress the host, you may make any of the following checks:
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"Oo a Raelis! It suits you Tagir, it really does, Raelis love stories, maybe you should recite some poetry to one of our bidders!"
Ulena smiles behind her mask and looks for Vayde Petronax.
"Good evening Prophet! What a lovely place you have here! And what a scandalous costume party too." She chuckles as she looks around the room. "The costumes are a thing of beauty, they really are. I've done some thinking since our last discussion, and, while my parents do not have any connections with religious artifacts, I might have another avenue for you to consider."
She pauses briefly, and considers her words.
"I don't know if you've heard of the Silver Crusade, but I am affiliated with that particular Society faction, and we operate with the goal of making the world a better place. To that end, we have combined the followers of many religions under one roof and goal. I may be able to help you make some sort of arrangement with them in exchange for allowing us to see the texts within the Scriptum in an effort to find common ground and forge new alliances." She smiles sweetly and places her hands on her hips, her feathered arms flowing out behind her.
"Of course, that assumes you keep bidding on the Scriptum, I was sad not to hear your name as top bidder after the last announcement."
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"I'm feeling a little more humorous. White wine tends to do that to me. Let's see if our host's sense of humor is as tasteful as his costumes."
Tagir approaches Vayde Petronax, and thinks pensively before answering the host's question. "I confess, the choice was less one of reasoning than of intuition. All of the women in front of me were choosing devils, so it wouldn't do to pick the same. I want them to see how corruptible I am!"
After a minute of light chatting, Tagir excuses himself so that the host may entertain other guests. He looks around for his companions, then waves them toward a corner of the room. "So, what's our plan for tonight's bidding? With this masks hiding my eyes, I feel like I could convince Irith of just about anything!"
to impress Vayde
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I should keep working on Cyran. Though the costume party would provide an excellent opportunity to dress as an Inevitable, Evariel worries it might be seen as heavy-handed. He chooses a brightly-colored costume reminiscent of a lantern archon, and enhances it with his own magic by casting a light spell on his own chest.
"Fantastic party, don't you think?" he asks Cyran. "The costumes provide quite an interesting touch. I could swear I saw a garuda earlier with real feathers. Have you thought any more about your bid?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Dragos also approaches their host and begins a discussion with him. "My costume? Well, as a follower of Erastil, I highly prize skill in hunting. Not only is the lion itself one of nature's most potent hunters, but the Leonal, as I understand it, is likewise known as a straight-forward and powerful hunter, who also prizes protection of their families. Such values align so well with mine own, I could scarcely resist the option."
"What about you, good sir? Your costume is particularly fierce-looking. What was your reasoning in selecting it?"
What little you can see of Vayde's dower face morphs into a smile as Ulena makes herself known to him. The Barbazu costume making it all the more sinister... "It is lovely, but unfortunately nothing compared to my real estate!" When you mention another avenue, he looks at you seriously. It is a strange feeling having a Barbazu staring at you so intently without trying to strike...
"The Silver Crusade, you say?" he inquires with his rattly, paper-thin voice. "Hehe, I am sure they have had many religions under their umbrella, but I doubt they would have one such as me in their ranks. I trade deal may be within reach however..."
You are unsure if you have influenced him or not. Essentially, you have neither failed nor beat the DC by 5 or more to tell either way.
There is an awkward moment of calm as Tagir's joke simmers over the group. Other guests eyes subtly turn to Vayde, trying to react in kind. Just as you are about to attempt to recover the situation, the bidder bursts into genuine laughter, his devilish features creating a peculiar scene. Taken off guard by his outburst, most of the guests hastily join in. "How droll of you, I do hope to see more of you, let us talk more when things begin to settle down!"
You have successfully impressed Vayde and have a +2 bonus on all checks to influence him for the rest of the scenario.
With uncanny style and timing, Evariel strikes a resonant chord with his fellow elf again. Cyran turns to you, his own costume that of an overly large Arbiter, "You saw it too? What remarkable work! It was as though I were looking upon the very beast! I have thought more upon it, but what are your thoughts? You are clearly very well versed in these matters, surely you have thoughts on what would workout the best for me. I shall pour everything I have into it and guarantee a victory for myself!"
You have once again beat the DC by enough to earn 2 successes or 1 success and 1 discovery check. Let me know what you choose!
Vayde nods his head seriously at Dragos' words. "Wise selection, hunter. Leonal are fierce hunters, such focus, such power. The mighty Barbazu is the sentinel of Hell, the same way that I am the sentinel of my family. Any who would cross us shall feel my wrath, and any who would aid us shall be rewarded justly," he explains proudly, almost getting a little out of breath with his sudden enthusiasm and vigor.
You aren't quite able to get an idea about Vayde, but you have successfully impressed him with your costume choice!
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Later in the evening, Tagir begins chatting with a group of women near Irith Nomazmo, making sure to speak a little too loudly as if he had had a little too much to drink. "Did you hear the latest rumors about the Prophet's Burg?" He pauses uncomfortably long before continuing, "I heard that Myrosype is already negotiating several deals for when she buys the district, so I asked around to find out who she was dealing with. And lo and behold, I found several groups of investors complaining about dealing with her."
to influence Irith
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Evariel nods. "I have been giving it some thought, and I think you have a good eye-- the Working End would be a good fit for your line of work. Though I won't say I don't have an ulterior motive here; I hear Myrosype has been gunning for the Working End district as well, and I do not want to see it fall into such incompetent hands. She has no respect for the other planes. I was doing some research on elementals-- quite groundbreaking work, if I might be so bold; I have a theory that they can be taught spellcraft. Well Myrosype found out, and told me in no subtle terms that writing about elementals was a waste of good paper. And I don't know what she may have told to whom, but after that no one would lend me their books or answer my questions. My line of research was stopped dead in its tracks because she's an imbecile."
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"Our goals are always within reach my friend Prophet." Ulena smiles before taking a moment to compose herself and reciting a poem her father had often read aloud as a way to inspire himself.
"Oft have I brooded on defeat and pain,
The pathos of the stupid, stumbling throng.
These I ignore to-day and only long
To pour my soul forth in one trumpet strain,
One clear, grief-shattering, triumphant song,
For all the victories of man's high endeavor,
Palm-bearing, laurel deeds that live forever,
The splendor clothing him whose will is strong.
Hast thou beheld the deep, glad eyes of one
Who has persisted and achieved? Rejoice!
On naught diviner shines the all-seeing sun.
Salute him with free heart and choral voice,
'Midst flippant, feeble crowds of spectres wan,
The bold, significant, successful man. "
When done she raises a glass to the host and smiles again.
"So, perhaps by the end of this affair, we may be successful and newly minted partners."
As Tagir finishes his bold claims, he spies Irith, in a Kolyarut costume, nonchalantly looking over. Even through the cowl of her hood, he very clearly sees the look of a predator who has caught the scent of weakness and fear.
You have beaten the DC by greater than 10. You know you have influenced her and have a choice: earn the effect of 2 successful influence checks or 1 influence check and 1 dsscovery check. These checks would all be with regards to Irith.
Cyran looks taken aback at Evariel's words. "Truly? How petty and untoward of her to do something like that! I admit that elementals are not my focus of study, but that would still be an astounding achievement. The Working End shall be mine, I won't let such a person beat me," he promises you.
Congratulations! Cyran has been successfully influenced to maintain his bid towards the Working End to the best of his abilities without further prompting from you.
Vayde closes his eyes as you recite your poem, rocking with the weight of your words. His eyes remain closed as you conclude. When he opens them, he speaks again. "Ulena, you never cease to impress me. Where did you learn this poem?" The other guests in the area are genuinely shocked at the level of rapport you have with Vayde.
Vayde is sufficiently impressed with your poem and you will now receive a +2 bonus towards influencing him.
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Part way through the evening, you happen upon Irith having a discreet conversation with one of her advisors. Listening in, you manage to hear the following:
"Weakness isn't tolerated in rulership. The Prophet's Burg will be mine. Dissatisfied dealers will back me," she informs him. The advisor nods his head in agreement.
Shortly there after, she makes her way to the bidding table. She plants her rigid script upon a sheet and slides it to Hegio. Even from where you stand, you see can see his eyes grow wide at her bid.
Congratulations! Irith has been successfully influenced to maintain her bid towards the Prophet's Burg to the best of her abilities without further prompting from you.
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Tagir searches the room until he finds Evariel, then beckons the elf toward a more private space. Look at him, what has he done? Well, he can be the messenger of my success!
"Have you seen the others? Let them know, I've secured Irith Nomazmo's commitment to the Prophet's Burg. Now, I have more work to do!" And Tagir rushes away quickly, before Evariel can ask any questions or express his doubts.
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"Ah, it's something my father recited often when making a new painting or composing a new piece. It's one of the things that reminds me of him, and I can always recite it by heart." Ulena smiles politely at the Prophet.
"But you are the host, and I have taken up so much of your time! I'll go mingle elsewhere, but I'll find you at the next event, once you've had time to consider my proposal."
Ulena goes off in search of wine and to mull over her potential successes with Vayde. She's unsure if she's actually gotten anywhere with the mission but she certainly seems to have made a friend in the older man.
I hope everyone else is doing better. She thinks while she waits to hear the results of the bidding.
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Bishop enters the room with the last of the guests dressed as a fox like creature that he overhears one of the costumers call a vupinal agathion.
Steering clear of Irith from the last encounter he moves around and looks for others and sees Ulena speaking with Vayde. A little crowd forms around them and intrigued he gets there just as Ulena finishes reciting a poem.
"Greetings Prophet. It seems that I just missed a reciting of an elegant poem? I was surprised that Myrosype won the Scriptum last round. It would seem that this district holds the most interest to you. Do you happen to know what interest Myrosype would be planning for this district? She does not seem to adhere very much to any tenets of religion. Do you think she will change the practices of denying public access to the wisdom located in the libraries? There are far too many atheists out there these days and giving control of this district to one seems almost blasphemous. What are your feelings on this Prophet?"
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Evariel still has an opportunity to impress Vayde (as the host) if desired.
Evariel tried to respond to Tagir's update, but the man rushes off before he can get a word out. "Impressive, for a human," he says to no one in particular. "He must have quite a talent for this sort of thing."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Your successful analyze check reveals that Vayde enjoys the discussion of philosophy and religion. Capitalizing on his mood also works in your favor when trying to influence him as does showing due respect as appropriate for a Drumish familial patriarch. Mechanically, Religion, Sense Motive, Nobility, Diplomacy, Bluff.
Vayde shoots Bishop a harrowing look. "It does hold my interest. I can't speak to her intentions, but only a fool would do such a thing. What interest do you have in my own?" He continues to eye you suspiciously, unsure what to make of you.
After Bishop gets a chance to reply to Vayde, Hegio's bell demands their silence once again. A vivid sunset paints a stunning backdrop behind the dwarf, shadows making him appear taller than he his. "The results of the second round of bidding are in:
"The top bidder for the Courts of Abstinence is... MYROSYPE!
The top bidder for the Luminous Wharf is... MYROSYPE!
The top bidder for the Prophet's Burg is... IRITH NOMAZAMO!
The top bidder for the Scriptum is... VAYDE PETRONAX!
The top bidder for the Working End is... CYRAN ANDROTUS!"
"I now declare this event complete! Bidding shall resume tomorrow afternoon at Irith's Feast!" Hegio steps down from his podium and leaves, his silhouette shrinking as he abandons the backdrop. Another chorus of applause commemorates his exit and you all head back to Passad's manor for the night.
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You spend the morning through the early afternoon enjoying the many luxuries Passad's Manor has to offer you.
Once you have all prepared for the feast, a servant guides you to a carriage and you are taken to Irith's estate. You find the bulk of the party goers within a gilded banquet chamber, seats reserved for each of you are found at various points at the mighty table. The room is an immense rectangle with the dinner table almost matching it's length. As the host of this lavish and over the top event, Irith sits at the head of the table. To her left stand two servants at attention with a small table before them.
The scent of fine food comes wafting through the kitchen, guests are getting antsy with anticipation. Finally, Hegio comes shuffling in. He takes his time finding his seat, inspecting who is sitting where and eventually puts his heavy ledger down on his chair. He hikes upon it and rings his little bell. "Welcome all to the third event of the Bid for Alabastrine. All the bidders are present and the papers in order. By the power vested in me, let the bidding begin!"
The instant he completes his sentence, the doors lining the long edges of the room burst open and servants come filing out. Each servant has a plate of food and the first of sixteen courses begins. Those of you looking in Irith's direction note that there is a platter of...something... now sitting on the small table next to her. The platter's contents occasionally twitches, as though it were harvested very recently.
Irith challenges all who wish to speak to her to consume a Chuul tentacle. Looking at some of the other guests who attempt the challenge, she is visibly impressed if they manage to eat the delicacy without a portion of their face going slack, highlighting their lack of experience and class. Notably, she does not seem to mind if the challenge is refused.
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"I noticed," Evariel says to Temel, "that Irith has been the top bidder on the Prophet's Burg both times-- despite my friend's best efforts," he adds with a chuckle, indicating Bishop. "Do you think we can count on her to continue, or should I... brave one of those tentacles she's handing out?" He wrinkles his nose at the idea.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Temel tries to conceal his disgust at the thought of eating one of those tentacles. "Chuul tentacles are certainly an acquired taste. If you feel like you have comfortably assured her bid in the direction you desire, I wouldn't risk such a task. Knowing what I do about Irith, she is surely judging any failures as weakness and a severe lack in your nobility," he explains in hushed tones.
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Given a choice between food that hasn't yet been killed and conversation, Tagir quickly finds Vayde in the crowd and tries to capitalize on last night's good impression.
"Prophet Petronax, I hope this evening finds you well?"
Tagir lets Vayde lead the conversation for a while, until it naturally turns to the man's interests. "Hmm, that reminds me of something I heard before we left Absalom. There is an historian there that the Society occasionally works with, Yargos Gill.
"He asked me to check on something for him, while I was here. Supposedly he has found references to the lost sword of the dead god, Namzaruum, along with mention of a text called The Forbidden Prophecies of Kelesh. And as would be expected, that text has been outlawed and destroyed--but Yargos believes there to be a surviving copy in the Scriptum."
Tagir pauses to confirm Vayde's interest, then asks, "Might one of your assistants be able to help me search for this text? I confess, my skills lean a different direction." At which point, Tagir turns his head to follow a pretty waitress walking across the room.
Vayde does his best not to give away interest in Tagir's plea, but the faintest glimmer in his eye gives him away. "The sword of Namzaruum, you say? Hrmmm..." He pulls a servant aside and mutters something to him. Handing off his serving dish, he runs out of the room. "I must confess that I know but little of this dead god, however I can provide an assistant if we can strike a deal. In exchange for the help of my assistant, you will use your skills to help me find something as well," he offers.
You were successful in influencing Vayde and beat the DC by at least 5, but not greater than 10. In addition to knowing you were successful, you can make a free discovery check with regards to Vayde.
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Dragos arrived at the feast dressed in a different, but no less fine, outfit; still in his preferred colors, the woodsy greens and browns, but with more of an emphasis on the deep greens than his previous outfit. As he settles in for the feast, his eyes seek out the various bidders.
Irideth appears to be in fine form; she's been consistently ahead in her bidding, and seems confident in her goals. I've yet to speak with her, but that dish looks atrocious. Maybe I'll focus elsewhere.
His eyes next seek out Cyran, the aloof elf that Evariel spent so much time with. Also seems confident, and Evariel certainly seems to have him well in hand. Don't think my help is needed there.
He then dances back and forth between Vayde and and Passad. Hmm, the only two I've actually spoken with, and I seem to have good rapport with both. His gaze focuses in on Passad finally. Temel is definitely in need of more prodding, though, and Tagir seems to have a good thing going with Vayde already. I think we have a winner. At the first opportunity, he gets up and goes to talk to their sponsor in all this.
"Thank you for another fine night in your manor, sir. You really do have an incredible property." "I was sorry to hear you'd fallen out of the lead for the Courts. I know how much you desire them. What are your thoughts on your task now? Think yourself capable of reclaiming the lead?"
A strange mixture of relief and worry crosses Temel Passad's face. "Dragos, I am unsure if I can reclaim the lead... I had put forth a bold bid considering my current finances. I think privately bowing out may be the best course of action here. I'll put forth some minor bid increases for show, but I know I can't win this one!" He chuckles a little awkwardly and tries to change the subject.
"What do you think of the food here? It is quite exquisite, ingredients gathered from across Golarion. The deepest pits, tallest crags, the darkest woods!" He continues to throw laurels upon the food and otherwise steer conversation away from bidding.
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"Failures, indeed." Evariel finally succumbs to the temptation of taking up the challenge. Someone must secure her bid for the district, he thinks. And if anyone can, it's me. "We haven't secured anything from her, and I don't know if we can afford to wait any longer."
He approached Irith and tries not to stare too long at the tentacles. "I notice these weren't one of the courses. I'm guessing there's a reason for that?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Irith cracks a cruel smile. "Those with the highest of class or the potential to achieve such can handle them. Try one or get on with your business. There are many others who wish for my precious time."
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A strange mixture of relief and worry crosses Temel Passad's face. "Dragos, I am unsure if I can reclaim the lead... I had put forth a bold bid considering my current finances. I think privately bowing out may be the best course of action here. I'll put forth some minor bid increases for show, but I know I can't win this one!" He chuckles a little awkwardly and tries to change the subject.
"What do you think of the food here? It is quite exquisite, ingredients gathered from across Golarion. The deepest pits, tallest crags, the darkest woods!" He continues to throw laurels upon the food and otherwise steer conversation away from bidding.
"You know, when I am in a fight, sometimes the odds seem overwhelming" Dragos says, ignoring his attempt at changing the subject. "Like when the bandits attacked us on the road here. They had equal numbers to us, and were set up in a better fortified position. To consider how to beat them all was very overwhelming. I've learned, though, that when the odds are overwhelming, but the goal is important, it is best to have all that focus down into just the next step. All that matters in the world is just the next shot, that's it."
The man's gaze intensifies once more, fixating on Passad's eyes. "Your goal here is much the same. It is important, it matters, but it is overwhelming. You have an advantage here, though. Your opponent, Myrosype, wants all the districts, which means she's spreading herself thin. For you to compare your finances to Myrosype's may indeed feel impossible, but you can narrow that down to just this next bid, against just this one district. Let her chase after the others, and while she is so distracted, you can take the goal that is important to you. Don't let her get in your head, Temel. I know you can do this! So do it!"
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"But of course, good Prophet. Men of culture, like ourselves, should always look out for one another in this dangerous and dirty world.
"Are you in search of something--or someone--specific? Or simply thinking ahead toward future need?"
How did these fools ever get so rich? Their pockets are ripe for the picking, if only I didn't have that silly paladin to worry about. I just know Ulena would rat me out to the captain.
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Ulena continues tracking down the only bidder she knows she has anything in common with, though the constant arrival of food is a bit of an annoyance.
"My dear Prophet! I was so thrilled to hear your name as the top bidder, to think -oh, no, no more of that, thank you!- to think that you may be able to secure it and perhaps an agreement with the Silver Crusade mu- yes, more wine, thank you - must have you delighted!"
She smiles sweetly even as she continues brushing off the army of servants.
"I see as well that you have met Tagir." She waves to her companion. "He's a bit of a loveable rogue if I do say so myself, like Cayden Cailean in the flesh, although perhaps less drunk."
She continues, between bites to discuss the possibility of the arrangement she's discussed earlier while, stopping long enough to let Vayde address Tagir as well.
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Bishop snickers to himself when he enters the abode of Irith Nomazamo. His last meeting with her had not gone as anticipated and now looking at the challenge she was issuing to any that would talk to her he wondered if it was really worth it.
If this was a delicacy it should have at least been cooked. Still he had fared worse.
'Decisions. Decisions.'
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With a sheepish smile, Evariel withdraws from Irith. To say she's standoffish is an understatement. There must be an easier way to secure districts from Myrosype. He joins Dragos in talking with Vayde. "Petronax, correct?"
He tries sharing what he can remember of the man's family and its influence, but the interruptions of the food break his chain of thought.
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Passed pauses to ponder your words. ”You make the problem sound so… small. It is a risky thing for me to pursue this further. I shall think more on your words. Some fresh air will help me think more clearly. Enjoy the feast Dragos!” he says and takes his leave.
You are not sure if you were able to influence him to bid further since you did not succeed or fail the check by 5 or greater. You may roll Sense Motive to discover his bias.
”Future need. You will be well kept and given the freedom to perform as you wish, but you would be in my service until the job is complete. These would be the same conditions that the assistant I provide shall operate under. I guarantee that the scope of the job will not be greater than the help you are asking,” Vayde explains to Tagir. ”You do not need to answer now, think it over for as long as you need.”
Setting business aside, he turns to Ulena. ”My new favorite conversationalist! Ah yes, leading the boards for the Scriptum was an easy matter!” Vayde then proceeds to bring the conversation back to religious and philosophical banter and discussion. He even includes Tagir in the debate, subtly dropping hints about how grand it would be to work for him.
Evariel, you are unable to properly share what you know about the esteemed Vayde Patronal and his family. ”Don’t play coy with me, boy. Can’t you see we are having a serious debate? Join in if you must, but I have no time for games,” he snaps. His lingering gaze suggesting that he wouldn't mind an addition, regardless of how he spoke to you previously.
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