GM Ladile's League of Kick-Ass Dudes: A Pathfinder Society Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

Denair only has to leave Meredith's side for 2 hours every day, which is nice. That ring Meredith bought has paid dividends. Denair has noticed Meredith seems reluctant to fall asleep. Meredith is still haunted by what she saw in the tomb, so Denair chats about her previous life as the Queen of Thorns. Meredith seems to eat it all up.

Denair loves hanging out with Frankie. He's so mischievious! Meredith didn't even notice how many pranks she fell for. And he's found so many hiding places.

Denair curls up underneath Meredith's chair, pretending to sleep as she hears everything about defiling tombs and kissing up to clans. Still, a Queen has to do diplomacy.

"A new mission?" Frankie jumps up out of an empty barrel as the missive is delivered to Meredith's farm. FINALLY! In one swift motion Frankie tips the barrel over from the inside, steps out, and nudges it quietly back to its upright standing.

"We best pack our stuff guys, I'm sure its a big rush rush and probably hush hush he whispers, looking around for any eavesdroppers, ducking just as Denair leaps at him from behind the tree."

---------

New people? Who's not coming... He looks around to the gathered friends, then gets a bit sad when he doesn't see Jan or Laz. "Aww, did Laz get trapped in the library again? I SWEAR it wasn't me locking the door!"

"Jan didn't get captured again by those slavers? We gotta rescue him!" He looks to Meredith to make it happen.

Both topics quickly get swept under the rug though by the VC, who waves off the kid's concern, and instead hands them a stack of paperwork. "Homework? HOMEWORK? GAH!" Frankie quickly spies the map and snags it, something he can get a bit interested in at least.

"Looks like a big dungeon, just like the one we just left! Hope its not full of those ghosts..." He gives Serge a look and a smile At least Serge made it out alive.

The humble monk walks through the brightly decorated streets of Absalom's Ivy District stoppig occasionally to watch the performers or admire the art on display. He finds the noise and stimulation oddly calming and would walk meditatively for hours, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the great city.

'The City at the Center of the World' they call it. Hehe. Their world, perhaps. It's likely they've never been to Goka. Or even heard of it, though it's just as big.

His feet follow no path or plan as he wanders the city, though he does somehow end up at the Little Princess, the brothel exclusively of halfling women which doesn't discriminate against tall folk as clients. He can't put his finger on it, but there's something about halfling women - but not dwarves or gnomes or diminutive humans and certainly not children - that he finds ... exotic. As he approaches, the touts welcome him in and greet him as "Hoo-dee." It's a nickname he picked up from a Tien halfling girl that works there. In Tien it means "butterfly," and the girls use it to describe a man that flits from one pretty flower to another never visiting (polinating?) the same flower twice. It is several hours later, while relaxing in the salon of the Little Princess, that the messenger from the Society finds the monk to deliver his summons.

Back to work. Good. It has been a relaxing and ... pleasant ... time off, he thinks as he bids the ladies goodbye.

------------------

Quang Chi listens quietly to Captain Valsin describe Simset's atrocities and their mission to smooth relations. When it's his turn to look over the packet of papers he asks, "Is there any significance to the blotches of ink on his notes? Was he trying to edit or cover up something, I wonder?"

As he passes the papers to the thin newcomer sitting beside him, he comments, "I have never even considered exploring a tomb by myself. Without a team to support each other. This Simset was either very powerful or extremely stupid."

"Right? We're going to the meeting among nobles, right?"

Valsin offers a wry chuckle. "You don't know much of the Shoanti, do you? I'm not sure that the word 'nobility' as we think of it would hold much meaning for them - though of course your new teammate(s) can explain it much better than I can."

"Many of the council members will be suspicious of your intentions, but Cousin to All did convince the rest of the quahs to at least entertain this meeting, so I believe they’ll approach this meeting with somewhat open minds," he goes on to explain. "I believe that your best bet is to approach them with honesty and respect, owning our mistake and presenting a clear solution to the problem. However, don’t try to play the relics off as a bargaining chip; we are *obligated* to return the items, rather than doing so as a nicety."

"Looks like a big dungeon, just like the one we just left! Hope its not full of those ghosts..."

"I hope not either," Valsin agrees with a grave expression. "That said, given the desecration involved it's not outside the realm of possibility. If you're able to negotiate entry into the Sepulcher then perhaps the clans will be able to tell you more about what lies inside."

"I have never even considered exploring a tomb by myself. Without a team to support each other. This Simset was either very powerful or extremely stupid."

Before he can catch himself, Valsin remarks, "Well, what do you expect when dealing with gn-" but then winces and stops. "Wait, I had best rephrase that. We've got many, many fine agents of all races doing good work in the Society, including gnomes. But, erm, in my experience, our gnomish agents often tend to be more...brazen...than most. Lumketul was no exception."

A tall and very muscular Shoanti male steps forward and speaks in a calm, but loud voice, "I am Caller of the Eastern Storm. I have long been with the Pathfinders and know that many are good of heart. I will got with you to let my people know that WE will do whatever needs to be done to make this right."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Caller then addresses VC Valsin, "Do you think Lumketul did what he did in direct violation of his duty as a Pathfinder? Could this somehow be a mistake or did his KNOWINGLY commit this crime? It would be good to know what the Society intends to do with Lumketul when we talk to the Shoanti. Otherwise they will be honor-bound to hunt him down."

Caller ponders for a moment before continuing, "Has Cousin to All spoken with all of the Quahs? I know not all of the 'People' share the same attitudes about outsiders. Is there anything else we should need to know about my kin? I have not been home for two years."

"At the very least, if we do end up accessing the sepulcher, we have some indication of what we might be encountering, this time," Serge taps his finger on Lumketul's notes. A few days had passed since his return from the wraith-tomb, and he was feeling better, yet no more protected against such threats.

"Good to see you again, Frankie. And you, Quang Chi. Hope you enjoyed a few calming days off. I had looked for an onsen - did I say that right? - in town, but I don't believe there are many natural springs in Absalom. Warm, cleansing waters would have been lovely after that last adventure."

Frankie raises an eyebrow when Serge said he went looking for... a... BATH! What is it with adults and their love for one of the worst things in the world!

"Hi Serge!" Frankie gives the armored man a hug, then turns to greet the new guy with the bald head and lots of tattoos. "Hey, I'm Frankie! What's up with all the tattoos? What do they mean? Are they permanent or like the ones you can get at the circus that wash off? Do you shave your head or are you bald naturally? How come your name is so weird?" Frankie just lets the questions flow, and flow...

"Frankie asks a lot of questions." Meredith stands up and gives the newcomer a hearty shake. "But he means well. I'm glad you are able to join us. I've heard some stories about the Shoanti and Norther Varisia region, but... I'm just an outsider."

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Skye was born in the borderlands between Irrisen and the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, the son of an exiled jadwiga White Witch and her Kellid lover from the Night Hunt following. He carries a stone fetish resembling a saber-tooth tiger, representing his spirit animal guardian. As an adolescent, Skye was taken prisoner from a trade caravan out of Irrisen by a Shoanti raiding party. He was later adopted by his captors, the Lyrune-Quah, the Moon Clan of the Storval Plateau in Varisia.
His midnight blue eyes sparkle like starlight, and he exudes an aura of otherworldliness. When he calls upon the Spirit of the Heavens, his eyes turn pitch black and the colors around him drain for a moment. Skye’s familiar, a snowy owl he calls Sova, might not be often seen, but she is never far from him. Sova is half-blind during the day and a bit clumsy as a result, but she’s at her primal best at twilight. She can also be a bit absent-minded, but Skye loves her all the more for it.

---

Having heard he'll be joining a mission heading north into Shoanti lands, Skye recalls what he heard while serving as a shaman among the Shoanti of the Lyrune-Quah.

When he meets the rest of the team in Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin's office, he shares a few pertinent tidbits.

"Some of you probably know that the fierce Shoanti are spread throughout the Storval Plateau in northern Varisia, where they eke out a living in harsh, inhospitable conditions."

He pulls a pouch of tobacco from his belt, digs around in his robes, pulling out a cylindrical pipe, and grabs his waterskin from his handy haversack. He fill the pipe with water and packs in a fair amount of tobacco, then fires it up, taking a long, gurgling pull. He holds it a few moments, before releasing his breath in a large, blue-gray smoke ring.

"But you might not know that the Shoanti formerly inhabited much of southern Varisia, until they were forced northward into the Storval Plateau after bloody conflicts with Chelaxian colonists. This violent history has led to many Shoanti being mistrustful of outsiders."

"Shoanti Special Blend No. 7." The shaman offers to pass the pipe around. "I grow it in the flowerbeds of the Dark Archive."

"Despite seeming xenophobic, Shoanti are not completely closed off. Many outsiders have been known to join their ranks, but only after a history of demonstrating loyalty to their clan and dedication to its principles."

"Oh, I'm Skye," he adds, having forgotten his manners. "'Ssup?"

Caller looks at the young human child with some curiosity and scans him intently before continuing, "My name is Caller outside the lands of my people... my true name, the name my people call me is a secret that is considered sacred among the Shoanti."

Then in a more lighthearted tone Caller points to the tattoo on his right forearm, "This is one of my marks of honor. I received this after I completed the trial of the wind and slayed several monsters. Among my people tattoos mark not only your status but your accomplishments. Unlike the folks of the South Lands they are much more than just decoration."

When Meredith offers her hand Caller will grasp her in a wrist to wrist clasp, "It is good to meet you warrior. I am sure after this journey into the lands of the Shoanti you will know much more of my people than you might have expected."

Turning to the rather pale human who just introduced himself, "Skye of the Quah. That is a story I would much like to hear over a flagon of good ale and a warm fire. I am Caller of the Tamiir."

Quang Chi stands and bows to both of the new arrivals, greeting them each by name and introducing himself. "It will be good to have two members of the Clans that can speak for us."

He politely declines Skye's offer of the pipe.

Master Kae would rip my lungs out if I poisoned my body that way, he thinks, remembering without exaggeration what the Master did to that one initiate that sneaked some in to the monastery.

Denair hears the Caller speak, and continues to lay still. Heh, the Boss found a new friend, that's nice. Wait, what is that smell?

Denair's beady eyes open and her ears perk up as she looks at Skye's pipe full of... burnt herbs and leaves! Why would you burn skin and hair? Why are humanoids like this? First Frankie wants to drink tree blood and now this man smokes...

Denair goes right back to sleep, frustrated.

Frankie stares at the smoking pipe, lost in a memory. He quickly ducks behind Meredith, obviously an unpleasant one. "Smoking stuff is bad. People can get mad when they smoke things." He cuts off any more questions he was thinking of asking and goes silent.

"Are you one of them inquisitor types, dude?" Skye asks the little guy. "Don't judge me, bro."

"My weed makes you mellow, man." He shrugs, indifferent to the criticisms of the ignorant. "Opens your mind up to all kindsa possibilities."

"And it kinda makes you hungry, too," he says, rummaging around in his pockets and pulling out some dry rations. "Where'd I put that Chelaxian salsa-guacamole, the one Zarta made me?"

"Has Cousin to All spoken with all of the Quahs? I know not all of the 'People' share the same attitudes about outsiders. Is there anything else we should need to know about my kin? I have not been home for two years."

"To my understanding, yes. Considering the seriousness of what has happened it was deemed vital for a representative - not necessarily the leader - of each quah to attend this meeting," Valsin nods.

"And to that end, Cousin to All also passed along what she knows of each one that will be in attendance. I've written it down for you here," he pulls out another piece of parchment and slides it across to you. "Hopefully you'll find it useful."

Council Member Dossiers

"Any other questions?"

Meredith notices Frankie and Denair hiding behind her and goes to shake Skye's hand. "I'm Meredith. That's Denair and Frankie. Hmm, normally they're friendlier..." She stares at the pipe , confused a bit before declining it. "Whatever gets you in the mood."

She turns to the Venture-Captain. "No questions for me."

Skye forces his dilated eyes to focus and leafs through the dossiers.

"Togimal in Shadow will represent my clan, the Lyrune-Quah," he notes. "I don't think we've ever met. But I hope he's cool."

The shaman runs a hand through his long dark hair, trying to recall anything he can about the man.

"I kinda remember the in-Shadows runs a family-operated business, Duck Commander."

(Thinking of the real-life characters of my favorite TV family from Duck Dynasty. Got Uncle Si to sign a book for me.)

Caller looks over the document provided by the Venture Captain and sighs before continuing, "It appears that some of the representatives of the Quahs are going to be more disposed than others to helping us remedy this situation. My people are proud... this is the kind of grave insult that could spark open conflict. At minimum it jeopardizes every good intention that the Society has ever made."

Caller will take a few moments to think of any customs and practices, however nuanced, that may be used to 'break the ice' with each of these representatives. What are traditionally appropriate gifts? Tokens of honor? Titles of recognition and the like?

*I would make whatever roll or check you might deem necessary.*

Frankie pops his head up from under the table "Any grammies on that list? They love me and its been a while since I've had any fresh cookies..."

Frankie is good and oblivious, just the way I like him. Ready whenever.

"No preparations needed on my part," Serge checks his greatsword. Yep, still there. "Let's roll."

Quang Chi waits to take his turn with the dossiers knowing that he reads Taldane more slowly than the others. As he reads through the items, he stops to ask some questions.

"What is a 'boneslayer'?" he asks pointing to the notation by Memory Tender's name.

"Cousin to All is a former outsider, not born to your Clans. Do we know where she is originally from?"

When he gets to Togimal's entry, he pauses and looks unsure of something. "Apologies, Skye, but sometimes Taldane confuses me. Especially the pronouns. You called Togimal in Shadow 'him' but the dossier uses 'they.' Is Togimal phet thi sam? Apologies again, I do not know the polite Taldane word. Neither he nor she? I only ask so that we do not address them incorrectly and harm our efforts at diplomacy."

"The confusion is entirely understandable, Quang Chi." Skye rubs his temples. "Golarion sensibilities being what they are, humanoid gender is not considered a genetic or biological trait."

"One solution - probably proposed by some overfunded and overprivileged pesh addict somewhere in Taldor - was to 'simplify' things by using non-gender-specific third-person plural pronouns. "

"It varies from culture to culture. In some places, your identity is determined by whether you're on the 'giving' or the 'receiving' end of things, so to speak." The shaman ponders two hares rutting in the bushes nearby. "Thank goodness, the rest of Nature doesn't seem to give a crap, and goes about its business as it always has."

Skye takes another gurgling pull on his pipe. Although I did have a dog once that was deeply confused about its gender...

Caller looks at Skye and is just more than a bit confused by his off-topic ramblings.

"We should think about gifts befitting the honor that each of this representatives holds... for Rollics a great (MASTERWORK) fishing spear would be worthy gift, for Memory Tender a dragon-bone spirit rattle and for Payah Against the Wind a fine horse might be good gifts. For the rest I do not know. What do you think?"

"So we use gifts as a way to open conversation? Makes sense." Meredith ponders, surprisingly calm. "Some of the leaders here are strong warriors. Maybe we'll need a contest of strength or a tale of conquest.. Or maybe they want to hear examples of our leadership." She paces a bit.

"The last thing I want to do is give them gold directly. That would feel like a bribe."

"We're giving out horses? Well, I guess I'll ask for a pony!" Frankie chirps, then giggling can be heard under the table between he and Denny.

Caller will take a few moments to think of any customs and practices, however nuanced, that may be used to 'break the ice' with each of these representatives. What are traditionally appropriate gifts? Tokens of honor? Titles of recognition and the like?

Make a Kn. Local check; the rest of you may also roll if you like.

"What is a 'boneslayer'?"

"To the best of my knowledge, a 'boneslayer' is a person tasked with patrolling Shoanti burial mounds and other resting sites," Valsin offers. "Sort of a guardian of the dead, if you will."

"Cousin to All is a former outsider, not born to your Clans. Do we know where she is originally from?"

To this question, Valsin shakes his head. "No. Cousin to All has elven blood in her veins but that doesn't really help to narrow down her birthplace, does it? But it could be that it's a part of her past that she prefer remain in the past."

As you all must know by now, Frankie is the type to fly by the seat of his pants on missions. He's ready to go anywhere, anytime, to do anything. He just waits for the adults to finish talking about boring things before he can have fun.

"Huh, Boneslayer. I don't think I'd like that job... dead things aren't very friendly."

Knowledge (Local)= Untrained: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

For a brief moment... Caller wonders if he is in fact just a brain in a vat of alchemical goo.

Who and I, what am I, what is a Shoanti?

Knowledge (local) Untrained re gifts: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
"The Shoanti who raised me were raiders, reavers. They captured me during a raid on a trade caravan. If we've got something they want, they won't be bashful."

Skye hooks a thumb at Serge. "We'll probably just have to rely on the Paladin's charm and good looks."

Though both Caller and Skye have grown up among their respective Shoanti clans neither one of them has ever really approached the angle of gift-giving from an 'outsider' perspective. There may or may not also be a general lack of that special intuition that goes into being able to get the perfect gift for someone - not everyone possesses such a gift.

That said, between the group of you you do manage to come up with some ideas that are both useful and practical - fine weapons, a good horse, etc. And even though Ambrus Valsin has a ride to the meeting ready to go, you do have just enough time to make a quick run to the markets and pick up what you need.

When you return to Valsin's office (or perhaps the lawn of the Grand Lodge if you have livestock in tow) you find him awaiting you, along with a slim half-elven man dressed in robes.

"This is Jia, a local wizard I've hired to teleport you to the Storval Stairs whenever you are ready to depart. He’ll wait for you to complete your mission so you can return back," Valsin explains.

Jia steps forward and bows. "Howdy folks, I'm Jia and I'll be your contractually-obligated transportation for however long it takes you to finish your business out in the middle of nowhere."

The wizard beckons everyone forward, motioning for everyone to join hands and firmly grasping...

1d6 ⇒ 6

...Quang Chi's hand with his own. As he begins weaving his magic with his free hand he announces:

"Now, are we all ready to go? If so, please keep your arms, legs, swords, critters, and any other appendages firmly in check and enjoy the riiiide~"
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

The air swirls and crackles with magical energy as Jia's spell whisks you away to your destination, a spot just outside of a rather large cavern entrance in the famous Storval Stairs. Awaiting you there in the late afternoon sun are two of Cousin to All's assistants, who lead you into the cavern.

The path leading into the earth beneath the Storval Stairs opens into an expansive cavern, chatter echoing off the striated rock walls. Smaller passages branch from the main chamber, winding deeper underground. The space is filled with people grouped in small clusters engaged in quiet discussion. Waiting near the entrance to the cavern are two Shoanti. One of them, a half-elf with a prominent facial tattoo resembling a styled hawk, approaches.

"Be welcome, my cousins. I am Cousin to All. Good to see you well. It seems the others are open to hearing your case, considering that they showed up, so I believe it's possible for a good outcome this evening"

The other Shoanti, a shorter human man, approaches as well. "I am Rollicks in Waves of the Shadde-Quah. Many thanks to the Society for their past help."
______________

I know the rest of you haven't but Caller, Skye, and Quang Chi - have any of you played #8-22 Wrath of the Fleshwarped Queen with this particular character?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
"Greetings, Cousin-to-All. Rollicks-in-Waves." Skye flashes them a two-fingered sign of peace. "I am Skye, shaman of the Lyrune-Quah." He reaches out to embrace them in a bro hug.

Frankie's eyes light up as the wizard mentions teleportation "Woah... say wut? A magic ride, saweet!" Frankie pulls the straps on his backpack tightly, securing the newly restocked cocoa and syrup supply for the journey ahead.

"I'm ready, come on Denny, time for a magic ride!"

---------

Frankie blinks as the scenery comes into focus, the mountains and walls before him. "Dang, where's the ocean? We can usually see the ocean.. or at least a river!" He lets his death grip on Denny's hand go and scratches his head, looking around and making sure the others arrived safely.

He bounds up right behind Skye and offers his own handshake, but one of small stature and a bright smile "Hey there, I'm Frankie!" And quickly comments on their tattoos "Oh you're covered in tattoos too! Just like Skye and Caller! What do yours mean? Are they in another language? I hear some people get tattoos in another language, but they don't know for sure what they mean. SOMETIMES they mean something else and its SUPER funny." He bends over a bit to get a better view of any leg tattoos they may be sporting.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Meredith takes a deep breath as the world changes around her. Smells like rosemary for a moment.

As she arrives in Shoanti territory her demeanor changes almost immediately. She calms down, each step she takes is carefully calculated, and she thinks before she speaks.

She would have dressed up if the opportunity demanded it. Not that she wants to.

Meredith offers Cousin to All an arm lock and a calculated bow. "I am Meredith. This is Denair. The young one is Frankie. Serge and Chi will introduce ourselves. Caller of the Eastern Storm and Skye know much more of your customs than i do." She smiles.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"Rollicks-in-Waves, thank you all for allowing us the opportunity to apologize and make good on our fellow Pathfinder's folly." Meredith does the perfect curtsy. Show off a hint of grace and sincerity. "Now then, how may we help you?"

Caller blinks several times as the haze of magical transportation leaves his head. "That is most disorientating.'

Upon meeting the two Shoanti, Caller will approach them with all of the swagger and bravado of a full-fledged member of his clan. Throwing back his cloak, he proudly displays his numerous tattoos for all to see.

"I am Caller... My true name I will only reveal to you... my people at a later time." Looking over his shoulder at the outsiders. "These are good friends, who will honor our ways and traditions."

Nodding towards both of dignitaries Caller produces both of the items he had purchased for them. To Rollics he hands the masterwork fishing spear and to Cousin to All he hands the ornately carved bone flute.

"Please accept these humble tokens in honor of the positions which you hold during this most auspicious occasion. I do wish this gifts of honor could have been presented to each of you under less dire of circumstances.'

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Ever the outsider in Avistan, Quang Chi waits to see how the others greet the two Shoanti. Seeing Meredith bow he decides to follow suit. He bows to Cousin to All first, then to Rollicks in Waves as befits their apparent station with the bow to Cousin to All being just a tiny bit deeper. Though inwardly he doubts these yěmán rén - both his hosts and teammates - would even notice or understand the importance of the depth.

"Greetings, Cousin to All. Rollicks in Waves. I am Quang Chi, son of Quang Lin. It is an honor to meet you."

He elects to keep his words short and let the others do the talking here.

Serge approaches just as the others do, but isn't quite sure what traditions might be appropriate here. "Servant of the angel of vengeance, I am Serge Foxmourn, at your service, Cousin to All," his voice wavers.

Perhaps that was... too formal.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Coming up from the bow, he adds a second greeting, awkwardly scratching his head. "I.. I meant.. Greetings, Cousin to All. I'm Serge."

Though you'd all been told to expect at least *some* hostility from some of the Shoanti council members it seems that Cousin-to-All and Rollicks-in-Waves are not among them; Rollicks happily pulls Skye into a bro-hug and returns stoic Caller's nod of acknowledgement.

"Brothers! It is good see some of you among the Society's ranks," he exclaims. "Unlike some of the others, I've seen what good the Society can do and so this entire situation seems like one individual's mistake to me - the work of a rogue agent."

"Indeed," Cousin-to-All nods. "We were not expecting to see our own among those sent by the Society to the council but your presence here is a welcome boon. Perhaps that will lend weight to the idea that the Shoanti and the Pathfinder Society can work together, achieving much more than either side could do alone."

She turns to Frankie and the rest of the group with a bow and a welcoming smile. "While I do wish it were under better circumstances it is still an honor to meet each of you, as well. In my experience, Ambrus Valsin does not choose his agents lightly or recklessly - which I also believe bodes well for a good outcome."

"That's right!" Rollicks grins. "Especially with the way you all get right down to business. Some of the others will appreciate that, I bet, even if they won't admit to it publicly. And you, little warrior, have asked a fine question," he continues, now addressing Frankie directly. "Our tattoos tell our brothers and sisters something of who we are. Our dear Cousin-to-All, her tattoo tells every Shoanti she encounters that she belongs to the proud Shriikirri-Quah, or in your language, the clan of the Hawk."

Rollicks then gestures to his own tattoos. "Or they tell of our accomplishments and what each of us is most skilled at doing. My own, the Shadde-Quah or clan of the Axe, often call me a 'fish whisperer'. To hear them tell it I simply ask the fish to swim into my nets and they obey."

"As to whether that's the truth or not, well...I will not spoil it," he winks.
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

"Now, you asked how you can help," Rollicks-in-Waves continues, getting back to the business at hand. "Like I said, I see this entire thing as a result of a single rogue agent and not a condemnation of your Pathfinder Society as a whole. And so you've already got a ‘yes’ vote from me. With mine and Cousin to All's votes, you’ll need to convince two of the others to vote for you as well — majority wins."

Cousin-to-All nods. "I think it would be best to get as many of the other councilors on board as possible. Having the quahs unified is in the best interest of not only each individual clan, but to the Shoanti as a whole. Opening them up to further alliances with the Society would benefit both sides, and hopefully lead to the other Shoanti becoming more receptive to interacting with the outside world, which I believe would be a massive boon for our people."

"The meeting begins very shortly - do you have any other questions or concerns to voice before we begin?"

Rollicks chuckles, turning the finely-crafted fishing spear over in his hands. "Concerns? Cousin, I think they likely have this thing 'in the bag' as I've heard their agents say before. They - and Ambrus Valsin - have already put forth much more effort than any of the others are expecting with these gifts. Oh yes, Kemchet will wave them off as mere bribes but I believe the others will see it differently!"

Meredith ruffles the horse's mane. He's a strong boy, able to run long distances. As long as he gets a chance to sleep well.

"Good to see you all, and good to hear of your support." Meredith smiles. "Let us meet the other leaders, and explain our actions."

"Can you tell us anything about Togimal in Shadow?" Sky asks the two Shoanti leaders. "Though I was adopted into the Lyrune-Quah and trained as one of their shamans, I don't think we've ever met."

"Hmm...I have only met Togimal-in-Shadow once and so I don't have much more information than what I sent ahead to Ambrus Valsin," Cousin-to-All replies with a shake of her head. "I remember them as being slim and quiet, of simple dress. But supposedly an extremely skilled hunter. Vigilant."

She thinks for a moment. "They also seemed reluctant to hold anyone's gaze, including my own. It might be a personal quirk but it might also be a natural outcome of spending much time alone on the hunt."

"I wonder, are there any topics that you would think taboo, Cousin-to-All? Things that we should try not to mention to the quahs? I regret I'm a little... out of my element, here." Serge scratches his chin.

Frankie spends a considerable amount of time checking out the individual tattoos of the two Shoanti, nearly to the point of being a pest. "Neat. Maybe some day I should get a tattoo... hrm, Meredith, what should it be? A kickball? An oversized jelly bean? Maybe a stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup!"

This goes on and on as the others ask more pertinent questions.

Quang Chi listens quietly as the team is greeted by the Shoanti. In between Frankie's questions he manages to catch something Serge said.

"Speaking of taboos, are there taboos of behavior that we should know? Or any ritual to the opening of this conference?"

"No particular rituals in this case," Cousin-to-All confirms. "As far as behavior? Be honest and respectful with your words. More than any associations you may have with us or the gifts you've brought, that will determine what the rest of council makes of you."

Seeing that there appear to be no more questions, Cousin-to-All nods at Rollicks. "The time has come."

Turning back to the cavern at large, she projects her voice for all to hear, her words echoing through the chamber.

"Brothers and Sisters! The time of our meeting has come! I call for those representing their Quah, join me now and take your places!"

At Cousin-to-All's summons, the council members walk up a sloping stone ramp to a rise featuring a row of wooden benches. Cousin-to-All and Rollicks-in-Waves take their seats toward the left side of the platform. A councilor with a rune pattern on her face formed with tattoo and scar takes a wide-stance seat, idly spinning a greatsword. A slight figure with hood drawn sits cross-legged and hunched, eyes downward. Another councilor sits forward on her bench, a vulture perched next to her. A long-haired man clad in a robe takes his place, waiting attentively. The last councilor stands near his bench, arms crossed and with a cold glare, auroch hood around his shoulders.

Cousin-to-All begins. "Thank you, all, for honoring my request and being here today. I understand that this is a situation of the utmost sensitivity, so I appreciate everyone's continued civility as we discuss this matter."

"As you all know, a Pathfinder Society agent has desecrated the Muschkal Sepulcher - a severe offense. However, the Society would like to right their wrongs. They have sent these representatives to present their case to you, esteemed representatives, on how they would like to repair our bonds and fix this problem."

The man in the auroch cloak hardens his glare. "What bonds do we have to repair? These tshameks deserve no such opportunity and no forgiveness. This is a Shoanti problem that only the Shoanti can fix, as we always have."

"At least hear them out, Kemchet Flame Stoker," Cousin-to-All bristles. "I understand your frustrations with this situation - believe me, I have some of my own - but the Pathfinder Society wants to make things right. I feel it only fair to allow them that chance."
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Another post to break things up a bit, please stand by~

Flame Stoker scoffs but speaks no further. The hooded figure looks around the room as everyone speaks. They look almost as if they will speak, but they remain silent, instead studying each person.

The vulture and its owner stare at each of you in turn before the latter speaks. "The boneslayers reported extensive damage and missing relics from the sepulcher. This site is of the utmost importance to our history, built up over hundreds of years. That legacy can’t be repaired in a day."

The woman with the greatsword sneers. "They certainly don’t look like much. How could we trust their ability to fix things?" She clangs her sword off the rock platform for emphasis. Rollicks-in-Waves shoots a look at her and retorts, "The Society is more capable than you think, Payah-Against-the-Wind. Do at least give them a chance to prove that."

The long-haired man speaks up. "This has been a most troubling development. I want to hear what these Pathfinders have to say. My only request is that the quahs reach a mutual understanding and maintain a mutual respect on this matter, even if our opinions on the best course of action differ. We must remain unified, even in our disagreements."

"Certainly a worthy goal, Lake-at-Dawn. I trust everyone to strive toward that," Cousin-to-All remarks. "So, Pathfinders, please approach and state your case. How are you going to undo your misdeeds? How will you settle the Society’s debt?"
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Another post with instructions to follow, please stand by~

Social Encounter

At this point, you can present your proposal that you return the items to the sepulcher and restore the burial site to its proper state. This will be represented with Influence mechanics.

There will be four phases to this encounter. During each phase, you can either attempt a Discovery Check or an Influence Check.

Discovery Checks will let you know what skills you need to use to attempt an Influence Check with a particular council member *or* particular strengths *or* particular weaknesses of said council member that you may want to play up or avoid.

The Influence Check will be to directly influence a given council member and attempt to sway them to vote in your favor. Diplomacy is always an option but a discovery check may reveal other options. Multiple influence checks may be required and you won't know how many will be needed. You *may* Aid someone else, but this takes your action for the round.

How this will work will be as follows:

1. Choose an NPC.
2. Decide your plan of attack with that NPC. You can try to directly influence them with a normal social skill, OR you can try to learn a bit about them so that future attempts at influencing them have a higher chance of success as you ferret out what will work....and what won't work.
3. The scene is fluid, with plenty of time for you to chit chat with each other and share the results of your work.

On your turn you'll need to post your in character action along with the mechanics:

A. The NPC you wish to approach
B. Influence or Discovery
**IF Influence, roll your dice.
**IF Discovery, choose "Influence Skill", "Strength", or "Weakness." Then roll a Knowledge (Local) or Sense Motive.
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As always, please let me know if anything is unclear~

Meredith pats and ties the horse outside of the greeting tent. "Frankie, maybe they would know more than I would."

"Greetings, Payah-Against-the-Wind." Meredith presents herself with a quick bow. "That's an impressive weapon you've got there. You're quite strong..." Meredith is distracted for a moment before Denair nudges her.

"Hmm? Oh, right. One of the Pathfinders made a real mess of things. With your permission, we want to at least begin to repair the damage we caused. I brought a horse with me. He's young, full of energy and well-trained. I was hoping to bring him to you and the Shoanti, as a sign of goodwill."

"Obviously that won't be enough, but I would like to know what you would want from us. How can we prove we are able to make right what we made wrong?"

Denair spends her time quietly at her Boss's side, paying attention to Payah-Against-the-Wind's body language.
Discovery, Influence Skill: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11