GM Endless Forms' PFS 07-22 Bid for Alabastrine (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Hope all of our American players had a good holiday weekend! Sorry I didn't announcement my absence but I had intended to update but traveling is always too hectic and I run out of time so I should have known better.

I didn't specify a skill for the Recognize check because, like the other checks, it is different for each person.

Temel Passad hosts the first round of the bidding in his mansion on the waterfront of Lake Encarthan. His event prominently displays the beauty of the lake and the bustle of Kerse’s navy, as well as his prize gardens featuring rare plants from around the Inner Sea region and beyond. He has treated some portions of the garden with a variety of expensive alchemical mixtures to cause the plants to grow in unusual colors and patterns.

DC 14 Craft (alchemy), Knowledge (nature), or Profession (gardener) check knows enough about Temel’s rare plants to pay him a knowledgeable compliment. Such a PC gains a +2 bonus on all influence checks against Passad for the rest of the scenario.

As you arrive, servants escort them onto the veranda that overlooks the lake, along with the other guests for the event.

The final guest
is a quiet dwarf named Hegio who represents the Resplendent Bureaucracy by
keeping track of the bids submitted and announcing the
current lead bidders at the end of the event.

Let's start out with the Recognize checks and that might give you guys a better plan on who should talk to whom:

And there is no check required for Temel Pasad, of course.

Craft(Alchemy): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
"Temel...what kinds of plants are these? Oh, I see. The balance of nutrients is perfect...what concoction did you use? I hope to make something this incredible some day."

Untrained Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
"Ah, that must be Myrosype, slithering her way into the auction. Best to steer clear of her."

Torriki looks around a little wide-eyed. Quietly to each "I have NO idea. I can talk, but someone needs to give me hints."

Shisen is every bit as excited as she would have expected to be, yet she has no idea what the various guests are interested in.

No relevant skills here too! The only one I could make is the DC 10 untrained Knowledge (nobility), but it has been made already. Unless we each need to succeed?

Zhatara follows the proceedings without uttering a word... yet.

Zhatara has no knowledges too. Any chance she can use diplomacy, intimidate or sense motive in this social situation?

From his check on Myrosype Kaye can choose whether to try to learn her strengths, her weaknesses, or the skills that can be used to influence her.

The bidders gradually trickle into the event and begin to mingle...

Cyran wears simple plain white robes with minor gold embellishments and an expensive headband. Cyran’s attire is almost heretically drab in comparison to the normally ostentatious strictures of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. The wizard only cares to impress those with at least a basic aptitude for magic, and spares no expense to cloak himself in a dizzying array of magic auras.

Irith Nomzamo is a tall Garundi woman, bedecked in white robes and a gem-studded cloth of gold mantle. Her robes are augmented with numerous spiked embellishments that make physical contact with the lord-councilor difficult. She speaks in a constant deep timbre, always making eye contact with her prominent jade-colored eyes.

Myrosype is an average sized woman with light brown skin, her ethnicity bearing hints of both Casmar and Vudrani. She’s garbed in a white peplos robe secured with a gold Aspis badge and embellished with a golden belt band around her waist. She speaks with a distinct accent—a speech with a measured cadence that one could scrutinize with a metronome and find few flaws. She wears an expensive perfume with hints of burnt incense and balsam.

Temel Passad is a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems. In following the tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade, he avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small amount of food or other refreshments.

Vayde is a skeletally gaunt man, whose bones visibly protrude from his ashen, papery skin. He looks comically tiny in impressive regalia of Kalistocratic robes, bedecked with jewels, numerous golden and platinum embellishments, and a gilded drake’s body.

With all of the bidders assembled, it is time to start working the room...

You can talk to anyone and attempt one check. The check can take any of these forms:

• Analyze: find out what skill(s) are needed to influence them
• Discover Strengths: find out which tactics the person is particularly resistant to
• Discover Weaknesses: find out which tactics the person is particularly susceptible to
• Influence: you don't know yet which skills are needed to influence anyone, but you can try to take a stab in the dark based on what you know about the person if you think you have a good shot.

Ok, have at it! (And I do give bonuses for particularly good RP!)

Selkin will approach Irith Nomzamo and try to analyze her as best he can.

Good lady, I must compliment you on the robes you are wearing, they are perhaps the most impressive of their type that I have ever seen. Did you make or design them yourself?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Shisen has picked an impressive red and silver oriental dress for that evening's event, high-quality red cloth flowing like tidal waves around her as she walks in. Her hair is held fast with a complex pattern of silver jewelry and a small constellation of rubies, conveying an idea of luxury as well as discipline. Her face's lines are contoured with crayon, lain upon a pale make up, save for blushed cheeks in a pure Minkaian style. Yet for all these ornaments, her face remains the most expressive thing about her, in particular her enthralling purple eyes.

Feeling like a fish in the water she casually treads among the guests, nodding and ushering a tight yet expressive smile to those who cross her gaze. After a few curtsies and introductions with various guests, she calmly walks towards their clear opponent in this soirée, though she hopes Myrosype may not yet be aware of who she is.

"Greetings, you must be Lady Myrosype. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Shisen of the Fallen Cherry Blossoms, hailing from Minkai. While I am not a bidder myself, I am quite curious as to the matter of how you people of Avistan deal with land control. Quite an interesting experiment, don't you think?"

Sense Motive (learn weakness): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Kaye spends a few hours before the event looking for a courtier's outfit and some jewelry to wear. His robes have a lined pattern to them, like one of his more complicated alchemical formulae. After a good wash to remove the chemical residue from his bombs, Kaye is ready for a night on the town.

Spending 80 gp for a courtier's outfit (includes 50 gp of jewelry)

"What a good day for a bid, eh?" Kaye laughs as he approaches Temel Pasad. "Hopefully no one contaminates your plants with wine- but I suspect you made sure alcohol wouldn't interfere."

"You know what I'm here for. But what are you here for? Why waste your time at this auction?"

Sense Motive(Analyze): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

I think Temel Passad lent us a courtier’s outfit and 100 gold pieces worth of jewelry.

Oh, well then. Let's say Kaye bought a spare suit, then.

The young warrior, feeling quite out of sorts in the courtier's outfit and lacking her trusty bow, approaches Irith Nomzamo. Being a bit under-sized, she barely comes up to the Garundi woman's shoulders. She stammer's a moment then speaks, "Pardon me, but I couldn't help but notice the, um... magnificence oh great, you haven't even said hello and you're messing up this conversation... magnificence? um, what other word would describe her outfit ... oh, and grandeur of your clothing. It is a powerful look and inspires me to think of a true warrior. And, I suppose, here... at the auction... it is a battle, of sorts. A contest, if you will." okay... decent recovery...

"What designs do you have for Alabastrine, should you prevail?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Selkin will approach Irith Nomzamo and try to analyze her as best he can.

Good lady, I must compliment you on the robes you are wearing, they are perhaps the most impressive of their type that I have ever seen. Did you make or design them yourself?

"Myself? No. I am a lord-councilor, not a seamstress." She

"Greetings, you must be Lady Myrosype. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Shisen of the Fallen Cherry Blossoms, hailing from Minkai. While I am not a bidder myself, I am quite curious as to the matter of how you people of Avistan deal with land control. Quite an interesting experiment, don't you think?"

"Please, the pleasure is all mine." Myrosype with unexpected civility. "Yes, this quite different from how control of a parcel might be had under normal circumstances. But I suppose these are not normal circumstances. After all, we are not bidding on farmland but a whole city district!"

"What a good day for a bid, eh?" Kaye laughs as he approaches Temel Pasad. "Hopefully no one contaminates your plants with wine- but I suspect you made sure alcohol wouldn't interfere."

"You know what I'm here for. But what are you here for? Why waste your time at this auction?"

Temel smiles graciously, clearly a bit humbled by the other guests and glad to speak with someone more familiar. "Indeed," he laughs at Kaye's joke and then says, "I think we all have the same goal here, but mine is perhaps more realistic. I have my eye set on only one district, the Courts of Abstinence. I think I could make strong gains from the labyrinthine apartments by renting them to militaries across the Inner Sea region that wish to train in urban combat."

Throughout the conversation, Kaye gets a better sense of Temel Pasad and how he might be manipulated: Passad is somewhat of a coward, and easily falls prey to bullies using Intimidate to force him to increase his bidding beyond what he’s comfortable with. More social skills, such as Bluff or Diplomacy, can help you talk Temel into throwing most of his wealth at Alabastrine. Finally, discussing the military viability of the Courts of Abstinence using Knowledge (history) prompts Temel to further his bidding.

"Pardon me, but I couldn't help but notice the, um... magnificence ... oh, and grandeur of your clothing. It is a powerful look and inspires me to think of a true warrior. And, I suppose, here... at the auction... it is a battle, of sorts. A contest, if you will."

"What designs do you have for Alabastrine, should you prevail?"

I'll assume that was an Analyze check since you didn't specify.

Irith is quite an intimidating presence but seems to recognize and respect Faellynn's skills, even if they aren't in negotiation and social graces. "I have been ruling Alabastrine and will continue to rule Alabastrine, or what is left to me, when the bidding is done. It is a strong economic position to be in and I am not going to let it go easily."

As the conversation continues, Faellynn learns a bit more about Irith: Irith is a merchant by trade, and those using Profession (merchant) in their talks with her appeal to her life’s work.

---

I'll give the others a chance to make their checks and say something during this event before moving on.

Torriki spends his time before making sure the borrowed outfit is just right before going in. While he has had dreams of flitting through riches and royalty like this, the reality is far scarier. He watches as the others work their ways and techniques.

If they only new my secret, if *I* was ready with my plan. Alas, not yet... not yet. Easy now, act like you belong, watch and wait, just like Sensei taught. Kaye is really good at this. I shouldn't get involved. I'll mess it up like I did that time in Sargava. Best to let him do his thing. If I can help later I will.

Torriki's eyes move to the elf, Cyran. Torriki moves about unobtrusively trying to whisper half-heard subjects on a variety of topics, hoping to draw an expression or insight into what makes the man tick. It's not the technique of a bard or charmer, but it's what he does...

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

He finally bumps into the man, "Oh my dear, I'm so sorry. You're Cyran, yes? My apologies. There are a lot of faces her holding a lot of wealth and potential. What draws you here, other than the obvious?"

Torriki's smile is genuine, if a bit comical in size. He hopes to draw something out of the elf.

As the rest of the party discretely takles all the other participants Zhatara dedicates herself to the gaunt Vayde:"Well met. My Name is Zhatara Smirsset and you must be Vayde Petronax, right? I'm told you are a devoted followers of the propecies but I confess I don't know much about them... care to enlighten me maybe?" she says trying to make the old man talk in order to discover his secrets.

Sense motive check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Oh my dear, I'm so sorry. You're Cyran, yes? My apologies. There are a lot of faces her holding a lot of wealth and potential. What draws you here, other than the obvious?"

Cyran nods his head and responds in a soft-spoken tone, "Yes, I am Cyran and you must be one of the Pathfinders. Yes, there are many important and influential people here. Is there any better reason to attend the auction? I have the money to bid, of course, but honestly I hold little interest in the city or its potential. I am a scholar, after all, but one of high ambitions. Someone here might provide me with an avenue to pursue my research even further."

Torriki learns from a few responses that go a bit over his head that Cyran is very interested in planar travel and the wider universe. Thus someone who demonstrates knowledge of the greater universe with Knowledge (planes) can impress Cyran.

"Well met. My Name is Zhatara Smirsset and you must be Vayde Petronax, right? I'm told you are a devoted followers of the propecies but I confess I don't know much about them... care to enlighten me maybe?"

Vayde talks with a rasping voice that belies his advanced age. "Ah yes, child, our Prophet has written much and it would take years, decades even, to teach you all I know. Lately I have been preoccupied with the somewhat macabre subject of death and the differences in religious beliefs surrounding the subject. Tell me a bit about your own religion, if you do not mind."

After a bit more deep talk, it becomes apparent to Zhatara that Vayde has little interest in discussing the actual auction but educated discussions of philosophy and religion seem to intrigue Vayde And as such you can use Knowledge (religion) in influencing the elder.

---

At this time the evening is getting late and soon the event is called to a close. As things currently stand, Myrosype is still favored to purchase all five districts of Alabastrine. However, there are still four more events to go and plenty of time to win the others over to your cause.

---

The next night you prepare for the second event. Nighttime heralds your welcome to Vayde Petronax’s temporary estate in Kerse. The event is held in a vivacious ballroom. Servants offer you a variety of costumes and allow you to select whichever ones appeal to you most. Provided costumes represent dozens of deific servants, from demons to devils to psychopomps and angels. You can select an appropriate costume and those who have at least 1 rank in Knowledge (religion) or Knowledge (planes) can specify a particular outsider that they wish to imitate.

The costumed nature of the gala grants a +2 circumstance bonus of Bluff checks, and imparts a –4 penalty on all Sense Motive checks.

Vayde is interested in the reasoning behind each attendee’s costume choice. If you succeed at a DC 14 Perform (act, oratory, or comedy) check or Knowledge (planes) check you can provide a sufficiently entertaining or well-informed answer to satisfy Vayde. This gives you a +2 bonus on all influence checks against Vayde for the rest of the scenario.

---

This is the same as last time; you can attempt a Knowledge (local), Knowledge (nobility), or Sense Motive check to either Analyze, discover a strength, or discover a weakness about the person. Or you can try to Influence them directly, either by using one of the skills you have discovered that will work for that person or by guessing at a skill if you don't yet know which skills are used to influence them.

You can make one check of your choice during the event. Aaaand go!

[ooc]Going back is tricky. I know I don't have the skills to continue working my target. Should we build a cheat sheet?"[/b]

Kaye doesn't care which costume he wears. He grabs a random one.

"Hmm? Ah, yes. Vayde Petronax. These costumes are silly, aren't they? I guess we can pretend to be a being from the outer planes. I guess this is... an Inevitable? Haha, what a silly name!" Kaye almost drops his mask in a flourish.
Perform: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Kaye excuses himself when he sees the man satisfied. Costumes...what a foolish concept.

"So is this it, Myrosype?" Kaye fixes his mask. "Wear some costumes, speak honeyed words, bid for control of the town." He chuckles. "What drives you to seek control of the town?" He takes a cursory glance at her mask and carefully listens to her response.
Sense Motive, Masks: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 = 13

Selkin will try to talk to Irith Nomzamo again, hoping that the costumes might do something to improve the situation.

Do you have any specific plans for the district that you are planning to bid for? Selkin hopes being more direct will be effective. Is it possible to use Guidance? I don't think there's enough time but I'll ask.

Sense Motive, its all I got: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 = 9

Once the first bidding event has ended Zhatara shows disappointment about how the evening ended:"I didn't manage to glean much from the old stooge... just that he has a deep and unsettling interest in all matters religious" she mutters.

Next evening she enters Vayde Petronax’s estate determined to recover the lost ground. As the event starts she advances towards Temel Passad smiling sweetly under her mask and taking him away from the other guests before speaking:"Temel, dear friend, how do you fare? It's a splendid evening don't you agree? One that could mean a lot for you. You see... yesterday me and my friends managed to glean some interesting tidbits of conversation from the other patrons. The time to strike is now. You have a chance to show these people your worth but in order to suceed you will need to throw caution to the wind! Are you ready for greatness, Temel? I can help you but you need to show me courage!" she says softly and in an imperiosu tone at the same time.

Intimidate check (to influence Temel Passad): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

I assume we exchanged opinions on the bidders after the end of the first event so Zhatara should know about Temel's weakness against bullies, and she's a bully all right

Shisen has chosen a very different set of clothing this time, preferring to look like a wispy spirit of the departed. She spends most of her evening chatting with Temel Passad.

"Good eve to you! I was hoping we could discuss your implication in all this. So far, it looks like you do not want to throw yourself entirely in this race, yet I don't think you realize that your prosperity is at stake! Aspis agents like Myrosype don't like sharing, and she certainly won't agree to leave even the slightest breadcrumbs to you. Sincerely, I think you have everything to lose with remaining passive in this race."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24

"So is this it, Myrosype?" Kaye fixes his mask. "Wear some costumes, speak honeyed words, bid for control of the town." He chuckles. "What drives you to seek control of the town?"

"Really my dear?" she asks, genuinely surprised. "I would think by now you would have realized that our organizations' goals are at odds with each other." From the rest of the conversation, Kaye can confirm that Myrosype is indeed beyond the Society's influence. i.e. You can't influence Myrosype, she's your enemy!

---

Selkin will try to talk to Irith Nomzamo again, hoping that the costumes might do something to improve the situation.

Do you have any specific plans for the district that you are planning to bid for? Selkin hopes being more direct will be effective.

Sure, you can use Guidance.

In a curt and haughty tone Irith answers, "I will continue to run the city as I have."

---

"Temel... the time to strike is now. You have a chance to show these people your worth but in order to suceed you will need to throw caution to the wind! Are you ready for greatness, Temel? I can help you but you need to show me courage!"

Temel becomes a bit nervous as Zhatara starts playing hardball with the merchant. He acquiesces, "You do make a strong point, the market is about to turn and there is much potential for the Courts of Abstinence. Well, I must believe in my abilities though. Yes, I will throw my best bid in for the Courts."

See spoiler above for more info but I'm guessing Shisen will want to talk to someone else. I'll let you keep the roll if you want.

Shisen will gladly keep the roll and address Vayde Petronax, using the same main argument, along with the following.

"... Finally, you can't let someone as new as Myrosype just go over your head. Your house has supported Alabastrine for centuries now, yet an upstart powermonger like her would overcome your influence?"

For the record I was trying to analyze Myrosype's weakness.

"It was worth a try, though. Enjoy your bid, I wonder if it was truly worth it." Kaye chuckles as he departs.

So much destruction, just to buy a city... you must be careful on who you choose to represent.

Zhatara looks at Temel Passad witha pleased smile on her lips:"Well said! Have you seen your competitors, Temel? They have but one common characteristic: they, my dear friend, are OLD! You on the other hand, are not. They might have more resources at their disposal but YOU have ingenuity. Have no doubts, the Courts of Abstinence shall be yours!"

Yes, Zhatara will be more than happy to win Temel over to the cause, next target Irith Nomzamo

Question: can we do more than one attempt to sway different people during the same event or are we limited to 1 attempt per event?

@Kaye: ok, good to know. Unfortunately there are no strengths or weaknesses for Myrosype either and no potential to influence her in any way, since you're working against her.
@Zatara: one attempt per event.

"... Finally, you can't let someone as new as Myrosype just go over your head. Your house has supported Alabastrine for centuries now, yet an upstart powermonger like her would overcome your influence?"

Shisen tries a long shot in bluffing Vayde into thinking his situation is quite perilous. However, it seems to be working. "My house? My family? Well, yes, we have maintained power for such a long time it would be a disgrace to lose so much under my leadership. And I would so very much like access to Alabastrine’s Scriptum. I will consider your words but to throw so much wealth at this venture "

Gain one influence with Vayde but you'll need much more to win him over. Also, you learned in a roundabout way that Bluff works against him although I'll tip you off that that's the hardest check with him. I'll give you another hint for Vayde: you'll need three more successes to win him over. And he's not the only one to require 4 successes....

Zhatara looks at Temel Passad witha pleased smile on her lips:"Well said! Have you seen your competitors, Temel? They have but one common characteristic: they, my dear friend, are OLD! You on the other hand, are not. They might have more resources at their disposal but YOU have ingenuity. Have no doubts, the Courts of Abstinence shall be yours!"

Temel smiles as he becomes more confident in his decision to throw much more money at the auction than he originally intended. "You speak many truths. The Courts will be mine, as you say."

---

I'll give Faellynn and Torriki some more time to say something during this event.

My notes are getting a little confused. Is there anyone that we have not yet analyzed?

Torriki decides to go ALL out for this party. Instead of wearing a simple costume, when only the party is around he reverts to his TRUE lupine form. THIS should be impressive to people! The fox figure flits about the room feeling more comfortable as his normal self. Cyran is interested in things far beyond Torriki's knowledge. He sees PAssad is seemingly won over, but Vayde seems like a tough nut to crack. Let's see if THIS costume works...

Closing in on Vayde, Torriki begins to take on the persona of "The Cunning Fox!" something he's working on for use in Absalom. HE acts more lupine with sniffs and quick twitches, "Ah! Allow me to introduce myself, disguised as a fox spirit from far off Tian Xia, a land of music, mystery, and mischief!" Perform (Act): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 DOH! So close.

Torriki tries to crack the nut that is Vayde, what makes him tick, what weaknesses can we exploit? Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 "Looking about there is much here, much to learn, and much to see. What is it that excites you at a gala such as this? Honestly I'm more in awe of the people than my non-costumed self would let on." (Looking to figure out his soft spot.

No levels in vigilante yet, that's next level. For now Torriki just treats the human as one identity and his normal self as another.

Who...is that Fox? Quite an impressive costume! So lifelike. At least someone is taking this seriously.

Btw, I forgot to ask: I played Serpent's Rise (assigned the chronicle to another character though), does it impact this game in any way? I'm told that sometimes during season 7th that could be relevant

Faellynn works all day to assemble her costume. When she arrives at the party, she searches the crowd and finds Vayde. Approaching her she comments, "What an excellent costume! What inspired you to make your costume? It is quite stunning."

Bluff to Discover Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 2 Ugh!

Sorry, anniversary was yesterday so I didn't get a chance to sit down at the computer.

Actually, Serpent's Rise is going to become relevant soon. Does anyone have the Spoils of the Siege (Rataji) boon?

---

Torriki tries to get a better reading on Vayde, but the man is mostly interested in people's choice of costuming and the religious and philosophical implications. Really he's quite a bore.

Meanwhile Faellyn does her best to intervene and save Torriki but she only gets drawn into the conversation for the rest of the night, with little to show for it.

After some time, the gala comes to a close and while word has gotten out that Temel Pasad is willing throw all his wealth into a bid for the Courts, it still seems that Myrosype is favored for the other districts.

---

The next day in the late afternoon, Irith invites the bidders to a gilded banquet chamber within her estate. She hosts an extravagant feast, serving 16 courses of rare and expensive delicacies from around the world. Between each course, she leaves time for the guests to mingle and talk amongst themselves.

The frequent arrival of new courses interrupts conversations and makes some methods of influencing bidders more difficult. Diplomacy and Knowledge checks to influence an NPC take a –2 penalty during the feast.

One of Irith’s most unusual offerings is a plate of poached chuul tentacles. Even fter cooking, these tentacles contain a minor amount of paralytic venom. If eaten correctly, the poison is only enough to provide strange sensations on the inside of the mouth as a part of the dining experience. However, a PC who does not eat the tentacles correctly risks losing the ability to talk without slurring her words for several minutes in an unseemly display of inexperience. A PC who succeeds at a DC 13 Fortitude save, a DC 14 Profession (cook) check, or a DC 18 Knowledge (nobility) check eats the tentacles without any ill effects and gains a +2 bonus on all influence checks against Irith for the rest of the scenario.

Same deal as before: you can make one check during the event. Go for it!

No, August has the Shohiraj one though.

Saldoc decides that he needs to be persistant and will try to get a better read on Irith. Hmm, it might taste good...

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Wow, these are... unusually good. So, Irith, how do you run your city? As I understand it, someone else is highly favored to take over the whole thing. You don't seem to be the type to let that happen.

Diplomacy, with Guidance and Influence?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 14

If I can't use Diplo make it Sense Motive but the mod is +4 and not +6. However, with these rolls it doesn't seem it will matter. Selkin is useless.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Faellyn eats the delicacy with passion and fervor. [b]"This is excellent! This far exceeds anything I've had in my homeland of Varasia! How did you go about procuring chuul tentacles for the preparation of this feast?

Influence: Untrained Profession(Merchant): 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 1 = 11

Faellynn is such the wrong character to have brought on this adventure! LOL.

Happy Anniversary! And I do have the boon for Rataji.

FORT: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Torriki sits down and deftly eats his meal. IT's really not that much different than the fugu he at as a young lad, with an added burden on the diner and not just the cook. He gives a wide, if naive smile after. Unfortunately I can't even try to influence Irith if I'm not mistaken, we are aware of only Profession (Merchant), yes? Going for Bluff becaue it's all I've got.

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25 Torriki takes the opportunity to approach Irith.

I have to make sure I use hard to say words so she hears that I ate that chuul like a boss! Going to turn on the charm... if I can.

"Salutations my dear! I must say, I've been espying your proficiency at this entire affair. Your technique is markedly different than my own, as I prefer a more inconspicuous conveyance. I've spoken with a few of the others simply to learn, but I have yet to speak to you, saving the best for last. You are clearly a master at this. If you don't mind me asking, would you educate me on what really matters if you understand my intent. If you're willing to illuminate me, I'd be happy to not only help you here, but give you other opportunities. I may not have your skill, but I know just enough people for you to add to your wealth with a great opportunity for growth. Consider it an Exchange of wealth; your knowledge for my contacts."

Happy anniversary Mike! I answered about Rataji in the Discussion thread, I do have it.

Fortitude DC 13: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Despite the tricky chuul tentacles business, Shisen proves to be a decent and well-mannered guest at the dinner. She uses the opportunity to talk to Irith. "Your banquet is most exquisite, I thank you for the opportunity to taste rare foods such as this poached chuul tentacle. Interesting, really. I was wondering if you had... I shouldn't say, really. Have you heard the latest rumors? Another of your contestants in the bid for Alabastrine has been boasting about the social events that she is going to host to prove her superiority, both in the ways of luxury and exquisiteness and of riches. Of course this is little more than banter and shouldn't be taken seriously, but some people have been impressed and feel that the tide is changing here, that the powers that be aren't as keen as they used to be. I for one strongly believe they are wrong."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 22

Wow, these are... unusually good. So, Irith, how do you run your city? As I understand it, someone else is highly favored to take over the whole thing. You don't seem to be the type to let that happen.

"I am not. But some things are beyond one's control." Irith is quite short and Selkin's attempts to be nice don't seem to be winning her over.

"This is excellent! This far exceeds anything I've had in my homeland of Varasia! How did you go about procuring chuul tentacles for the preparation of this feast?

Irith raises her eyebrows in surprise at such a silly question. "They can be bought from any good decent vendor, if you pay the right price."

"Salutations my dear! I must say, I've been espying your proficiency at this entire affair. Your technique is markedly different than my own, as I prefer a more inconspicuous conveyance. I've spoken with a few of the others simply to learn, but I have yet to speak to you, saving the best for last. You are clearly a master at this. If you don't mind me asking, would you educate me on what really matters if you understand my intent. If you're willing to illuminate me, I'd be happy to not only help you here, but give you other opportunities. I may not have your skill, but I know just enough people for you to add to your wealth with a great opportunity for growth. Consider it an Exchange of wealth; your knowledge for my contacts."

Despite the tricky chuul tentacles business, Shisen proves to be a decent and well-mannered guest at the dinner. She uses the opportunity to talk to Irith. "Your banquet is most exquisite, I thank you for the opportunity to taste rare foods such as this poached chuul tentacle. Interesting, really. I was wondering if you had... I shouldn't say, really. Have you heard the latest rumors? Another of your contestants in the bid for Alabastrine has been boasting about the social events that she is going to host to prove her superiority, both in the ways of luxury and exquisiteness and of riches. Of course this is little more than banter and shouldn't be taken seriously, but some people have been impressed and feel that the tide is changing here, that the powers that be aren't as keen as they used to be. I for one strongly believe they are wrong."

Thanks for the anniversary well-wishing. It's only been two years but it has sure gone by fast. Doesn't seem that long when my parents are approaching forty years though.

Technically only one person can influence a single NPC at a time but treating it as an aid works in your favor:

It seems that by getting down to business and dropping some heavy rumors about mercantile infighting is just what it takes to get Irith riled up. "Is that really how it is to be? Well then, I must do what I can to hold on to at least one district. The Prophet’s Burg would suit my needs well, I think. Torriki, you must discuss these business matters with me further if I win the auction. Perhaps your contacts can help me make up for the significant loss I will take bidding above what I expected."

Irith needed three influence but with the aid and an RP bonus, you get all three at once!

I'll give the others a bit to respond.

Despite everyone else gulping down the tentacles with gusto Zhatara decides to avoid the culinary delicacy.

"You must forgive me but I don't think those... appendices... agree with my constitution. Besides when it comes to eating I believe in moderation" so saying the woman moves near Vayde Petronax nad asks him to join her for a private audience:"I'm sorry to disturb you again but I'd like to speak to you privately and it's not like we are doing much eating, you and me... so will you grant me an audience? I have matters of some import to discuss"

Once they are in a secluded place, away from indiscrete listeners Zhatara decides it's time to try swaying Vayde:"I tought about the discussion we had about religion and I found it fascinating even if I cannot reconcile all of what you said with my personal beliefs. But I'm not here to talk about that. I want to ask a favor of you. I'm not sure about your goals here but I'm pretty sure we have a common enemy. Myrosype. You might not have noticed but she's quite literally a serpent hiding in high grass, waiting for her moment to strike. She's a powerful agent of the Aspis Consortium and she's planning to take over the city. If this happens this palce won't be serving the prophecies of Kalistrade... it will be serving her and her alone! If you care for your beliefs and this town I urge you to take action. Doing otherwise would put both at risk, believe me!"

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Since everyone rolled so well against Irith I decided for a change of plans. I'm trying to influence the old coot and diplomacy seemed the safest bet (I would have used bluff but the modifier is the same and I wanted to avoid a sense motive check). Also I actually have the Spoils of the Siege (Rataji) boon. I've assigned that chronicle to another character though

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Kaye nibbles on the tentacles "Tasty. Very tasty, but something stingssss.. oh no, thhhhat's no good."

Kaye is intrigued by the poison, but embarrassed by his slurs. He considers talking to Irith, but he sees the party has her well covered. He takes this opportunity to speak to speak to Cyran.

Untrained Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19

"That chuul tentacle is quite tasty, Cyran! A bit offff a kick, thhhough!" Kaye laughs, hiding his embarassment.

"I've always wondered about the different realms, the different planes of existence. If only I can get more time to study. But a researcher's job is never done." He looks to Cyran, seeing if he's interested.

"What do you think of this auction? I've heard Myrosype is vying for control of this city. Who knows how much research she will shut down. Perhaps it is best to join forces with the others here and overwhelm her bid. What do you think?"

"I tought about the discussion we had about religion and I found it fascinating even if I cannot reconcile all of what you said with my personal beliefs. But I'm not here to talk about that. I want to ask a favor of you. I'm not sure about your goals here but I'm pretty sure we have a common enemy. Myrosype. You might not have noticed but she's quite literally a serpent hiding in high grass, waiting for her moment to strike. She's a powerful agent of the Aspis Consortium and she's planning to take over the city. If this happens this palce won't be serving the prophecies of Kalistrade... it will be serving her and her alone! If you care for your beliefs and this town I urge you to take action. Doing otherwise would put both at risk, believe me!"

Vayde nods along as Zhatara makes the pitch. "You are quite right and I recognize the risk. One must also take into account the financial risk of paying more for the district than would be lost by Myrosype taking over. Perhaps I have underestimated her power though; I will check my figures tonight and pray about the best course of action."

Very nice! You earn three influence with Vayde but that's not quite enough to win him over.

"I've always wondered about the different realms, the different planes of existence. If only I can get more time to study. But a researcher's job is never done." He looks to Cyran, seeing if he's interested.

"What do you think of this auction? I've heard Myrosype is vying for control of this city. Who knows how much research she will shut down. Perhaps it is best to join forces with the others here and overwhelm her bid. What do you think?"

Cyran's face lightens a bit at mention of research on different planes. "Oh!" he says in his soft voice. "Well yes, Myrosype's overwhelming control would certainly be inconvenient but to tell the truth I had no interest in bidding, only in making connections with the powerful company here. Do you really think control of a district would be useful and helpful? But which one?"

Cyran is interested and you win two influence with him, but that's not enough for him to enter bidding yet. Also, everyone else has divulged which district they are interested in but Cyran doesn't seem to have a preference so you should suggest something to him such that he doesn't bid against one of your other allies.

---

As it so happens, the event for the fourth day is hosted by Cyran. Cyran has no interest in hosting a vivacious feast. Instead, he has the guests brought to a warehouse in Kerse’s small industrial district. Irith and Temel scoff at the musty interior of the warehouse’s gutted interior. Once all the guests arrive, Cyran and his aides usher their guests to the center of the warehouse, where a vibrantly colored storm of magical energy is brewing. Moments after the guests assemble in the center of the circle, the warehouse disappears.

The guests find themselves transported to a tall spire in the city plane of Axis. Here, golden walls hold windows that gaze down at the planar metropolis below. Inevitable servitors act as security and guests to the extravagant planar vista, which is stocked with a sampling of small foods and drinks from across the multiverse. This large chamber has no visible exits.

The temporary planar escape to Axis puts all of the guests slightly on edge; as a result, all Intimidate checks against guests gain a +2 circumstance bonus. The eagle’s view of the well-organized nature of Axis also makes guests more susceptible to talks of efficiency and finance, granting PCs a +2 bonus on Profession (merchant) checks made to influence guests. In addition nature of Axis itself opposes intrusion from non-lawful creatures. PCs who do not have a lawful alignment take a –2 penalty on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma based checks for as long as they remain on Axis.

While many Kalistocrats enjoy finding clever ways to use the law for their own profit, Cyran takes particular delight in creating airtight contracts. During the event, he pulls out several contracts and attempts to engage each attendee in a discussion about the flaws they notice. Each of these contracts represents another person’s imperfect attempt to negotiate the purchase of mechanical parts from Axis. A PC who succeeds at a DC 14 Linguistics, Profession (barrister), or Knowledge (engineering) check notices a significant flaw and gains a +2 bonus on all influence checks against Cyran for the rest of the scenario.

Ok, the event has started! One check from everyone again! Remember, each NPC can only be influenced by one person but others can aid that check. You've already got Pasad and Irith fully influenced to throw their money behind the Courts of Abstinence and the Prophet's Burg, respectively. That leaves Cyran (two influence) and Vayde (three influence) left. Vayde wants the Scriptum and Cyran isn't sure what to bid on. The other districts (that Myrosype is currently favored to win) are the Luminous Wharf and Working End.

More information about the districts was given here under the "Alabastrine" spoiler.

Thanks for that useful summary, it's very helpful to us!

Shisen ponders things for a while, before discussing matters with her companions before Cyran's event. "So what do you think? Perhaps he's prefer Working End, since he's mostly interested in dealing merchandise. However, my fears are that Myrosype might want that district more than another. Since Cyran doesn't seem too interested in bidding, why not suggest the Luminous Wharf? It won't cost him too much I guess. However, I'm much less apt at this than some of you are. What do you all think?"

***Cyran's event***
Shisen is bewildered with all those wonders, most of which she would never have suspected to exist in the first place. Despite her feeling a little uncomfortable on that plane, she does her best not to show it. She doesn't seem interested by Cyran's passion in contract loopholes, and prefers discussing matters with Vayde.

"Good eve, your Holiness. I'm sad we didn't get to talk at Irith's banquet. As you may know, I'm a little worried about Myrosype. Reports of her wealth seem exagerated, yet they aren't. I wished you would show her the true worth of belief over sheer money and enter the bidding. The people of the Scriptum need your guidance."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 That's an aid, if Zhatara wants to chime in.

EDIT: I started writing this before I saw Shisen's post. I'd actually suggest Cyran takes control of Working End, since it's just a bunch of warehouses. Also I had an in-character reason for suggesting it.

Kaye takes a look at the contracts Cyran hands him. "Ah yes, a rookie mistake." he points at one of the lines in the contract. "Raw materials are fine, but the time and energy needed to process them into mechanical gears is immense- much more than forging a simple blade. I doubt whomever wrote this factored processing time." He smiles. "Do you know the person who took this contract, and if they managed to dump their stock? I may buy a small amount after my next journey."
Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Kaye takes a look around the venue, enjoying the beauty of Axis. Not the appeal of the colors, but rather how everything works together, like a finely tuned machine. Everything is so well organized, everything has a clear purpose. This Cyran fellow knows what he's looking for. Perhaps I should take up planar research as one of my studies.

Untrained Knowledge(Planes), Influence: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17
Later during the event, Kaye approaches Cyran again. "So this is called...Axis? Very beautiful, well organized." Kaye rubs his chin. "If you were to gain control of the Working End district back in Alabastrine, maybe you could clean it up to resemble this city's splendor." He chuckles. "At the very least, you'd find somewhere to dump all of that raw material you showed me in the contract! Haha!"

No worries, it was just a suggestion from Shisen, who doesn't know much about economics in the first place.

Selkin will try to aid in Diplomacy to whoever is in the lead as he hasn't been particularly helpful otherwise.

Aid Diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24