GM Bearington's Bid for Alabastrine (Inactive)

Game Master Gummy Bear

"I shall have an answer for you by the end of the auction, if that is sufficient? And would you be needing the assistance of my allies as well? I'm sure they could be convinced to offer their aid as well.

"Especially, Ulena here. She is a rather noble and helpful personage."

Dragos continues to watch Passad as he leaves, a frown of concern on his face. I hope I didn't push the man too much...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"That shall prove sufficient. It would be a pleasure to have her work for me as well, I'm sure I could find a suitable arrangement there too!" Vayde responds before diving back into the debate raging around him. Everyone can see the joy he experiences in the back and forth of argument, subtle rhetorical maneuvering, and raw intellectual prowess.

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Just waiting on Bishop's action before moving onto the next event. Two events left, hang in there everyone!

apologies busy weekend

Bishop walks away from Irith and does his best to secretly quaff the antitoxin.

'Let's hope this works.'

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Waiting for about ten minutes he heads back to Irith who is entertaining a few others in conversation.

"Lord-Councillor." he respectfully bows his head at her and grabs a chull tentacle. "I do not think I have ever had one of these." With that he puts the tentacle in his mouth and begins to chew on it.

if save needed: 1d20 ⇒ 8

The taste is horrid and he feels the sweat begin to build on his forehead.

I couple of people look curiously at Bishop as he throws back a curious vial, but nobody seems to do anything about it.

The tentacle squirms a little as you chew it, as though it were feeling the grinding of your teeth. Shortly after the squirming subsides, you feel a tiny prick in your mouth and a severe numbness blooms from your tongue to the side of your face.

Irith sneers at Bishop as a portion of his face falls slack and his words come out slurred and sloppy. "Your inexperience is apparent," she responds in her typical flat.
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No worries! Life happens to all of us. If you so choose, you can always request for me to bot you. You aren't having a stroke btw. The effect lasts a couple of minutes and can be waited out. You still have a discovery or influence check to make.

Bishop does his best to keep his anger in check. 'I now see why Temel was wary of this viper.'

"Youuur...test is...amu..sing, Lorrd Council..lor. Let..us..end..these..street..magician..tests..I...do not...an..ti..ci..pate this..is how..you..will..win..back..your..cov..et..ed..ti..tle. You..must..also..claim..the..Work..ing..End..dis..trict..or..lose..what..ev er..you..have..un..doubt..ed..ly...stash..ed..there. You..have..secur..ed..the..Pro..phet's..Burg..but..must..give..Myrosype..pa use..with..three..rounds..left."

Influence Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

lol I give up my rolls are killing me here

Irith incinerates you with her fierce glare as you dare to talk to her after that embarrassment. "Begone," she says curtly and turns her back to you before greeting another guest worthy of her attention.

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No joke! Those rolls, sorry Bishop! Failing by 5 or more means you cannpt use Bluff to influence Irith for the rest of the scenario.

When the sun has all but set, Hegio can be seen practically rolling out of his chair. Amidst a series of moans and grunts, he climbs upon it and begins to ring his iconic bell and the crowd quickly falls into silence. "The results of the third round of bidding are in:

"I now declare this event complete! Bidding shall resume at Cyran's Planar Jaunt!" Hegio very carefully steps down from his chair, the table creaking with effort as he steadies himself. As soon as his dismissal is complete, most of the crowd continues to linger and enjoy the remains of the feast.

The bidders look content with the results, except for Myrosype. Where before she was able to maintain her calm, she is quite plainly revolted at leading in only one district's bidding. After Hegio's departure, she storms out of the banquet chamber and into the night.

The following morning, after a fulfilling and well earned rest, you all find yourselves waking to the smell of a plentiful breakfast. When you have had your fill and are ready to leave, another carriage, this one trimmed in gold and crafted of the finest mahogany, takes you to an incredible unremarkably warehouse.

In disbelief, the driver checks his papers and the address again. "Ehrm... This appears to be the place lady and gentlemen," he says with a severe lack in confidence. If one of you poke around a little, you notice that there are plenty of people inside with the same look of confusion plastered across their faces. At the center of the warehouse floor lies an intricately drawn circle, clearly arcane in it's design.

"Well, this certainly promises to be a surprise," Tagir notes, "Hopefully a pleasant one!"

Ulena eyes the circle on the floor and looks to her companions.

"Last night they called it a...what was it...a Planar Jaunt. Do you think?" She doesn't move toward the circle but she does look at Evariel. "Does this have something to do with the Planes?"

Dressed in finery as they are, Evariel has to admit this was not at all the sort of place he expected. However, when they see the arcane circle in the center of the room, he can't help but let out a laugh. "I would guess it's Cyran's turn to host, correct?"

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 +2 if this counts as a magic item

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Crackling streaks of magic form and suddenly Cyran and a small group of wizards appear in the middle of the circle. "My apologizes for being late. Let us be off!" he shouts, raising his arms above his staff. In synchronized movements, the entire group starts a sequence of intricate signs. The circle begins to glow brightly and a buttery, yellow wind begins to flow around the room. It picks up speed and swirls faster and faster until everything goes yellow.

When your vision returns, you find yourself and the rest of the crowd in a tall spire. Golden walls surround you and what are none other than inevitables are helping people up and offering them light food and drink. The large bay windows offer an incredible view of the intricate organization of the city-plane below.

With a finger to his throat, Cyran's voice fills the entire room. "Welcome to the plane of Axis! Hegio, if I may... The bidders have arrived, let the bidding for Alabastrine begin!"

@GM: I assume you meant "Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma-based checks"? As in, skills take the penalty, not just ability checks.

Tagir quickly seeks out his main prey, so as to have more time for dessert afterward. "Ah, Prophet! Just the man I was looking for. I had the most unusual dream last night. A vision, one might even say. I would've sworn it was real. Perhaps magic. You know more of such things than I, though."

Influence: K. Religion: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26

"Prophet! Still the highest bidder on the Scriptum, I'm so happy for you!" Ulena says, once she's able to adjust to her surroundings and find the bidder she'd been pressing all week.

"I never doubted of course, though Myrosype did seem to be winning it not to long ago. What do you make of this plane? I seem to feel quite comfortable here, as though everything is in order and following in the path of righteousness." She smiles widely at her new found friend and occasionally turns to look at the view around them.

"I believe we've just a few more events, yes? Do you foresee being able to hold onto the Scriptum the whole time? I certainly hope so."

Vayde's eyebrows raise in interest at Tagir's words. "A vision? It was good of you to come to me, tell me of your dreams." He turns his body to face you directly, granting you his full attention.

The folds of his face exaggerate his smile in response to Ulena's praise. "Thank you, Ulena. While it was a trivial matter, leading on this district brings me true joy. Myrosype has vast wealth, but she is a foreigner. Any bid she leads is because we let it happen! After this, we have but one event and it will be hosted by Myrosype. Between you and me," he says while lowering his voice, "She seems desperate enough to dump her wealth on a district at the last moment. It wouldn't surprise me if her event ended with a small, unexpected victory..." He stands up straight and continues speaking. "It is not as comfortable for me, there is an unearthly tugging at my body. My very bones feel drawn to the exit. I see some others who are faring much worse than me, however," he says, pointing to a few guests who look like they are about to be sick.

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Tagir, you are correct.

I really need to move here permanently, this is just too easy.

"Well, a nightmare really." Tagir's face and shoulders slump, the smile leaves his eyes. "I saw . . . our bodies skinned like fish, half eaten. I could feel the teeth digging into me. And just before I woke . . . I saw Myrosype delivering the The Forbidden Prophecies of Kelesh to some sort of winged devil."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Question, do we need to roll a second set of successes to convince a bidder to purchase the Luminous Wharf as well? If yes, could I split my 2 successes between those two districts?

Vayde's brow folds deeply within itself. "That is a very ominous vision indeed. You may need to take some protective measures for your safety. I recommend a week of fasting, 1 cup of water with the rising sun, and a public vow of abstinence. I understand that the Prophecies of Kalistrade are not your current focus, however a renewed commitment to wealth and severe limitation of the lesser base pleasures have been proven to be effective in increasing longevity." He pauses for a moment to think. "What do you think this vision means? It is highly specific, but I don't know your history with the prominent symbols."

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I believe that you have to convince a bidder to purchase the Luminous Wharf separately. Tagir, are you trying to intimidate Vayde? You may try, but intimidate isn't one of his influence skills.

I must have been looking at Irith somehow. The roll is a failure no matter what, so getting it wrong still makes a kind of sense.

I'll take 2 successes then.

"Oh, I'm sorry that you are not enjoying it here today!" Ulena says, genuine concern in her voice. "Hopefully the bidding process will not be too long! In any case, I should go seek out my companions, try to enjoy your time if you can Prophet, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

Ulena then seeks out any of the other Pathfinders that she can find, speaking to them privately if possible.

"Vayde suggested Myrosype might dump the bulk of her wealth on a single district in an act of desperation. If we can get someone to bid on the Luminous Warf as well, maybe her resources will be spread too thin for that. Who do you think we'd be able to convince?"

"I have good rapport with Cyran," Evariel says to Ulena in a low voice, "but he isn't particularly interested in political power, and I've already convinced him that one district will suit his needs. How goes it with the others?"

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Bishop moves over to Ulena and the others as she does her best to indicate the need to talk. Listening to her suggestion he pauses, "Who are we planning on giving this suggestion to? I have worn out my luck with Irith it seems that I would be best for me to try another. A good rapport well let us see if our host might be encouraged then."

Bishop moves towards Cyran ignoring the contracts that have been laid out for their benefit.

"Greetings Cyran. I do not believe I have had opportunity to speak with you. You have done well to control the lead in the Working End, but it seems that your competitor Myrosype is likely to also make a move for this district. It would be wise to send her a message that she should look elsewhere. Likely bidding on the Luminous Wharf would have that very effect. She will not think that her district is in jeopardy so it should not be hard for you to do."

Influence
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Dragos, caught off-guard by the plane shift, seems to wander around distracted for some time. Having just overheard the conversation among the others, he tags along with Bishop as he interacts with Cyran.

"Indeed," Dragos nods when Bishop finishes, "as I understand it, she is so distracted by the other districts falling away, she likely won't be paying as much attention to her own. Placing a bid on Luminous Wharf would likely be cheap and effective in securing your own goals."

Attempting to influence Cyran along with Bishop, which if I remember correctly functions as an aid another? Adding in the -2 for being non-lawful and making a Charisma-based check.
Diplomacy aid another: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9

Cyran looks at Bishop crossly for a moment. "Do you mean to say that she is better funded than I?" He looks out the vast bay windows, his expression souring further. "I see no reason to bid on another district. What money is there to be gained from the Luminous Wharf? I have one district comfortably and will easily continue to have one," he snaps and walks off.
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Dragos, you are correct. Unfortunately the attempt fails by 5 or more, but not 10 or more. I think Evariel is the only person who still needs to make a check!

"I said he wouldn't..." Evariel sighs as he watches his companions crash and burn trying to talk to Cyran. Not particularly interested in political power, and evidently that hasn't changed. Perhaps I'll have better luck with one of the others. Seeing Ulena appear to succeed with Vayde, Evariel goes to him and hopes he's forgotten their last attempted conversation.

"Prophet. I hear you expect a sort of desperation from Myrosype soon. I take it she isn't a particularly avid follower of the Prophecies, then? Isn't that sort of thing beside the point? Perhaps you could snatch her prize away from her?"

Influence (Knowledge (religion)): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Ouch. Well you did say to roll lower...

"You are correct, she isn't even a follower at all! I could certainly snatch it away from her, but I would need the proper motivation to justify it. We shall see what this event brings..." Vayde says. After a couple more exchanges, he consults a few of his servants.

The familiar ringing of a bell summons silence across the partygoers. Cyran hands Hegio a wand, which he holds up to his throat. In voice that diminishes his stature, he proceeds, "The results of the fourth round of bidding are in:

"I now declare this event complete! Bidding shall resume at the final event, Myrosype's Finale!" Before anyone can get a word in, Cyran and his group of wizards begin a chant and the same buttery yellow wind flows through the room. After a brief build up, it whisks you all back into the warehouse where the guests quickly scatter to rest for the final event.

Around 1 o'clock the next day, a carriage with a small contingent of Myrosype's servants arrives. "Afternoon, we shall be your transportation today," they deliver, clearly bored with their work.

You all arrive at Myrosype's small, but beautifully provisioned, estate at the edge of Kerse. To the surprise of most of the guests, people are being ushered underground. A brief, well-light walk leads you to a modestly sized arena.

As soon as the bidders are located, Hegio pips up, eager to get the final event on it's way. "Let the final event of the Bid for Alabastrine begin!" With the event officially on it's way, the arena floods with athletes and gladiators. A variety of games and performances can be seen from your balconies and seating.

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Evariel, you couldn't tell at the time if you succeeded at influencing Vayde or not. However Myrosype's lead in the district indicates that he probably wasn't moved by your words.

Before heading to next event Bishop looks for Temel. "This is the last event but where does it stand. It seems as if each district is to be owned by one person. How will the Lord Councillor be determined in a tie?"

"I'm not sure, but letting her own a district gives her power to win others to her cause, and hinder ours." Ulena says with a frown. "But we would all need to persuade the same individual. I'm confident that I might be able to persuade Vayde, and I could perhaps try discussing with any of the others, but we'd need to all be dedicated to this. Otherwise we're better off just making sure the bidders stay dedicated to winning their district."

"Vayde does seem rather friendly to our cause."

"More friendly to some than to others, it seems. Perhaps he finds me intimidating."

I agree that Vayde seems our best chance. Roll it!

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While you all are talking over your strategy, a servant approaches. "Please pardon my interruption, Lady Myrosype requests an audience with you all in the room down that hall," she says, pointing to a passage 20ft away. "It will be the only door on your right." Without waiting for a response, she turns on her heels and walks away to attend to other errands.

Tagir waits for the servant to get out of earshot before speaking to his companions. "That's unexpected. And hard to trust. Perhaps I should go alone. If the wench does mean us ill, it's far better to have the four of you mounting a rescue than stuck in the thick of it with me."

Of course, I'll be perfectly safe once I accept her bribe. And perfectly placed to keep it all for myself.

"You don't suppose she'd notice if she asks for all of us and only one shows up? Your sacrifice is appreciated, but I think we should all answer."

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Ulena raises an eyebrow at Tagir and nods in agreement with Evariel.

"Besides, with all of us there, I doubt any of us would need rescuing anyway. I don't need my armor to defend myself after all."

She does however, size up the servant to see if they seem nervous or if they're just performing their duty.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Dragos frowns. "I don't like it. She can mean no good with this meeting. Why should any of us go? We have nothing to gain with a private meeting, but much to lose."

"You're too suspicious, Dragos. And not imaginative enough," Tagir answers the inquisitor. And too smart. Your suspicions and Ulena's honor are going to keep me a pauper.

"We should go. I would like to know more about our opponent and better yet what she knows of us."

Opening the door the servant directed, you notice the distinct lack of sound as it swings wide. Not a creak, moan, or whine comes from it. Those who enter find themselves in a small, well-light office. A commanding desk rests on the far side and the woman you all have been sent to sabotage at the helm. The door clicks closed behind you.

"I know who you are. I know who you work for. I know plenty about your family, friends, and other places of business. Your presence here has ruined my plans," she explains, every fiber of her being straining to keep calm. She takes a deep breath before continuing in an even tone.

"Despite your transgressions, I propose an agreement. In exchange for telling me who you've worked to influence and who you've convinced to bid for the Luminous Wharf, I shall provide you with a generous supply of gold. Your little Society won't even know you've earned it. Through a series of untraceable accounts and transactions, I guarantee that nobody beyond these walls will ever learn of it. Additionally, should the Consortium ever manage to capture you in the future, I can arrange for your freedom. I assure you that that will be worth more than the gold in the event that they do get their hands on a Society agent." Myrosype pauses, letting you digest her offer. "Do we have a deal? It only takes one of you..."

Ulena's face can not hide her disgust as Myrosype presents her offer. She frowns and balls her hands into fists.

"You threaten our families and then offer a hand to us? How dare you!? I won't take your gold, regardless of how untraceable it is. And I'll dance in the moonlight when you discover that your plans have failed."

The Paladin stands her ground, staring daggers into the other woman.

Tagir places a hand on Ulena's forearm. "Peace, Ulena. Our dear friend here is just bluffing to hide her weakness."

Does it affect everyone if Tagir sells out? It would be completely in character for him, but I don't want to change other players' chronicle sheets.

I'm thinking the same. Evariel would take the gold. But if this is an all-or-nothing situation he's willing to be Team Paladin.

"Seems fair to me. A supply of gold in exchange for information on our accomplishments? Doesn't the Society do the same on a regular basis?"

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"In exchange for empowering the Aspis Consortium? Giving them access to an entire city? Taking gold from the terrorists who attacked our people during the convocation? An organization that has taken the lives of fellow Pathfinders?"

Ulena stares at her companions in disbelief, anger writ all over her face.

"You are welcome to do what you want, but if you take that money, I will be informing our superiors in the Society. It will not go as unnoticed as Myrosype claims. Unless of course you intend to silence me yourselves."

I don't know that this is team Paladin so much as it's Team Good. The Aspsis Consortium is a notably evil organization. Obviously Ulena would be against this either way, but it's not exclusively because she's Lawful.

"Perhaps we can discuss this among ourselves?" he asks Myrosype.

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Dragos stays quiet during the course of the meeting, attempting to maintain a neutral air. He does not respond immediately to her offer, but allows the others to control the flow of the meeting.

Myrosype considers the request to a private discussion for a moment. "I will return in 5 minutes," she states as she stands up. She opens a secret door and disappears through it.

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As fas as 5 minutes in PbP, in about 24 hours I will post with her entrance.

Ulena nods at Dragos.

"Absolutely. Why else would she need this information if it wasn't to undo the work we've done? Why join the Pathfinders if you turn on their goals at the sign of some gold?. Why even bother with this whole week, you could have just turned our information in to Myrosype at any point for a pat on the back. I will not accept this deal, not for any reward."

"Of course Myrosype has a way to benefit from our information, but that's not the point. The important point is that WE would also benefit."

Tagir begins walking around, gesturing with his arms instead of just his hands. "What does the Society do for us, really? They don't pay us, but they do take a cut of what we earn. They don't get us out of bad situations, but they do expect us to get other people out of bad situations.

"All they really do is provide us with opportunities. Opportunities like this one. Our mission was to influence Myrosype's competitors. We have done that, and will continue to do that. We were never ordered to avoid doing other things."

Tagir stops pacing, and looks each of his companions in the eye. "Many Pathfinders have side jobs, be it as a craftsman, barrister or something else. The Society allows us to earn money elsewhere."

"You're right, we were never ordered to avoid doing anything that might help the Aspis Consortium because that's just common sense. I do not benefit from the deaths of countless others. This is the same woman that financed an attack on the Grand Lodge, that's what kind of money this is! I will not benefit from an organization that produces drugs and condones slavery. Gods have any of you read the chronicles involving them? You have my answer Tagir, and it's clear to me that I was wrong about you when I was speaking with Vayde, you're just a scoundrel and nothing more."

One last post, but Ulena is not going to budge. We've heard from everyone but Bishop so far, and it looks like we're an even split. As a Player and not a Lawful Paladin, I don't mind which we take, but my opportunities for RP here seem repetitive.

OOC, I think we've agreed not to help Myrosype. This is all for fun right now.

"What exactly is the problem with slavery? The Pathfinder Society and most of the nations on Golarion also condone it. It's a necessary and appropriate part of society, just like the nobility." I knew this was going to happen. She wasn't supposed to realize anything until it was too late.

At Tagir's last comment Bishop decides to enter the conversation, "You haven't dealt with the Aspis I take it? If you had you'd know that you'd never even touch the coin that she has to offer. It wouldn't be Myrosype buying you. It'd be the Consortium and they don't take kindly to no once you've supped on their blood money. If slavery is condoned by you then I have nothing more to say to you but accepting a deal with the Consortium will likely put you one step closer to seeing and living it personally. When you do your charm won't be of much use." Bishop rolls up his sleeves to show the scars left by the manacles of his life aboard the slaver freight.