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The Tien monk bows to nearly horizontal and holds the position for a 2-heartbeat count in a show of extreme contrition. When he rises, he addresses the vulture's owner.
"As you say, the damage to your Legacy that the Society has inflicted cannot be repaired in one day. Nor could we repair such a breach of trust in one day, either. Histories are built up over the course of many years, as is trust. But each must start with a single step."
Quang Chi motions to his teammate responsible for the relics.
"Our first step is to return to you the relics that were removed," he states as he watches Memory Tender's reaction.
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After a prayer to Mother Moon for guidance, Skye approaches Togimal-in-Shadow, who reminds him of Ally Sheedy in Breakfast Club.
"Greetings Togimal-in-Shadow. I am Skye, a shaman of the Lyrune-Quah." He introduces himself to the Shoanti leader with respect and appropriate humility and deference. "The Pathfinder regrets the actions of its agent Lumketul Simset and his deceit. We wish to make amends and right this wrong and restore the sacred Shoanti burial site known as the Muschkal Sepulcher."
"Lumketul cut ties with the Pathfinder Society over a year ago. We seek Lumketul and will hold him accountable for his thoughtless actions and accept no excuses."
Skye empties the sack with reverence for the objects it contains, four carved wooden weapons mounted on simple bases: a bolas, a bow, an earth breaker, and a klar as well as a small stone statue of a wolf cub and a ring stylized as a scarab beetle. "Lumketul took these from the Shoanti. And we return them to the Shoanti as a gesture of goodwill and our first step towards atonement."
"Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin also gave us this." He shows her, er, him, er, the person-who-prefers-third-person-plural pronouns the egg-shaped rock that emits a warm, red glow. "it’s a Scavenger’s Stone - if you touch it to a broken object, it will gradually repair it. It won’t last forever, but it should have enough magic left in it to restore the damage done."
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Serge is slow to approach Lake-at-Dawn, but he recognizes a priest when he sees one. "Lake-at-Dawn, I have looked upon my own ancestors for knowledge, just as I imagine you do. Those ancestors lead me to my calling, that of an empyreal lord. Perhaps you and I are not that different, in some ways."
"While I follow the path of vengeance, it is only to serve the downtrodden. I'm not an unreasonable man, and we must remember that it is important to be reasonable even in the worst of times. A partnership between us would help to right the wrongs of the Society. It is important to remember that holding a grudge begets as much suffering in the grudger as it does in the grudgee. Better to put things behind us, and trek forever forward. Do you not agree?"
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Frankie watches as everyone starts mingling with the different tattooed folks, all except the angry one. He gulps a bit then puffs out his little chest and walks up to the angry man.
"Hi, I'm Frankie. I know you're mad, I'd be mad too if someone did those things to one of my ancestors' homes, who ever they were." He smiles and pulls out his cocoa skin, still warm. "Would you sit and have some cocoa with me? I'd like to know your Grammy, I've never met mine, but I bet they were both really swell."
Frankie tries to lay on the charm, even though it sounds like a line, Frankie is sincere as heck when it comes to family and friends.
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Caller will rely upon his personal experience to guide him in his contact with the dignitaries of the Shoanti. Drawing himself to his full height of six feet, six inches he approaches Payah-Against-the-Wind with all his tattoos on display, and earth-breaker in his off-hand.
"I have fought with the people of my tribe and with these members of the Pathfinders. These are not wanting in bravery or abilities. I will be with this group as they attempt to right the wrongs done to OUR people. I will NOT allow them to dishonor our dead or sacred places. You have my oath!"
In a general display of bravery and confidence, Caller will attempt to demonstrate to Payah-Against-the-Wind how serious a warrior he is.
"Protecting the PEOPLE is the duty of all of us... Give these outsiders a chance to redeem the actions of the rogue agent. If necessary, I will hunt the Rogue down myself and bring him here for justice if necessary."
Payah-Against-the-Wind is toned and athletic, dressed in a hide vest with a skin-tight, long-sleeved hemp shirt beneath and cloth shorts. As Meredith and Denair approach her they can see that she is blind in one eye, with a scar crossing over it from her forehead down her cheek. She has incorporated the scar into her facial tattoo design, which is something that Caller easily recognizes - that of Cilvat, the Wind Soul.
She continues to idly play with her greatsword as she eyes Meredith and Denair up and down, as if assessing their strength.
"I'm very strong," she agrees, clearly not one for being humble. "Bet I could snap your and your twig friend like...well, like twigs."
Then she pauses and chuckles. "But I won't. Cousin-to-All wants me to talk and wants me to listen and for her, I will. You say you brought gifts? Offerings? Good. You should have. You should always show respect when you walk someone else's lands."
"So you want to put things right again, fix what your own broke. That's all well and good, but-"
Payah stops, turning to gaze at Caller as he also approaches. Where she seemed somewhat dismissive of Meredith and Denair, she looks much more impressed with Caller's obvious strength. Of course, the familiar tattoos of her own quah might have something to do with it as well.
"Well. Greetings, Brother of the Storm! I didn't know any of the Tamiir-Quah had joined this Pathfinder Society. Hmm...and you vouch for these outsiders, do you?"
She gives Caller another appraising look before turning to glance at the rest of the group scattered about the council chamber.
"You're quick to throw this 'rogue' you talk about to the wolves but I have to admit, you *DO* seem like you just might have enough piss and vinegar to be serious about making things right."
While Denair isn't able to get a good, solid read on Payah-Againt-the-Wind, it *does* seem as though your peace offerings and Caller's display of bravado has impressed the proud warrior and quieted a few of her misgivings.
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Memory Tender is stout and strong. She wears a sleeveless cloth shirt and a long animal-hide skirt, and she has a satchel worn with a strap over her shoulder. One of her arms is heavily tattooed from her shoulder to her elbow, featuring scenes of skeletal animals. As Quang Chi approaches, the vulture accompanying Memory Tender watches warily from a nearby ledge. The woman herself returns Quang Chi's bow with a nod of acknowledgement, though her gaze seems vague as if her mind is elsewhere.
Yet as Quang Chi speaks, there's a flicker of understanding in her eyes.
"Trust...I had not expected an outsider to make such a comparison...or to even consider the matter that deeply," Memory Tender responds, slowly. "But you are correct. The history of anything and everything has to begin somewhere - with a single step, a single word, a single action."
She glances over at Skye, bearing the returned relics as he moves to speak with Togimal-in-Shadow.
"And the return of that which is precious and sacred to us could, possibly, be that first step in building a new history between the Shoanti and your own people."
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Togimal-In-Shadow is of slim build and wears a simple cloth hood and cloak, a tight-fitting leather vest, and loose pants. They carry a longbow on their back, with a quiver containing myriad types of arrows.
As Skye approaches his fellow clansperson In-Shadow turns to face him, their cloak briefly fanning out around them as they do and revealing a tattoo depicting a stylized version of the Owl constellation.
They smile slightly as Skye introduces himself.
"Greetings, Skye of the Lyrune-Quah. It is to my sorrow that I meet a Brother under these circumstances. You must have set out on your hunt some moons ago, for I am afraid that your name is not one that is immediately familiar to me."
Though Togimal-In-Shadow may have given off a rather aloof and disinterested vibe from afar, they seem to be warmer in direct conversation - which might bode well for convincing them of your sincerity. Their expression shifts to one of contemplation as they consider Skye's words.
"Your Pathfinder Society has clearly given much thought to their appeal this day and has obviously gone to some effort to return the relics that are rightfully ours as well as seek a literal way to repair the damage done inside the Muschkal Sepulcher."
In-Shadow gives Skye an sharp, searching look. "I believe in your sincerity, my Brother, but I wonder...do you and your adopted people have the wiles to hunt the one you call Lumketul? If it has been a year then the trail has grown colder. He will likely not be easily found."
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Lake-at-Dawn is portly and of medium height. He is clad in a cloth tunic and cloth shorts, and he is wearing handwraps. Unlike most Shoanti, he wears his hair long and tied up in a bun. His expression as Serge approaches is calm and neutral, which is at least somewhat reassuring and encouraging.
"Hmm...'vengeance' and 'reasonable' are not often words that I hear used to describe a single person," Lake-at-Dawn muses. "Yet you are here and speaking to me, which is anything but unreasonable, as far as I am concerned. Of course it could simply be a matter of duty that binds you to this meeting today..."
He glances over at Kemchet Flame Stoker.
"However, I believe if that were the case you would not be able to conceal your true thoughts, at least not completely. So I must conclude that your words and feelings on this matter are sincere - and while that alone does not mend the rifts between our people, it is certainly a good starting point."
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Kemchet Flame Stoker is towering and muscled. He wears an auroch hide cape, the hood still sporting the animal’s signature horns, and cloth pants. He carries a battle-tested earth breaker on his back. His head is covered in stylized flame tattoos and a large burn scar wraps from his solar plexus around to his back. Noticing Frankie approaching, he gives the child a cold glare.
"Bah! They send children mewling to us, attempting to curry favor and appeal to our good will," he snorts derisively. "Further proof that those of the Pathfinder Society do not truly respect us or our ways. And even if that were not the case, time has conditioned me against joy and adorable children! Leave us to fix our own problems boy and go home - and take your friends with you."
Shaking his head with disgust, he then notices...
...Lake-at-Dawn and Serge engaged in agreeable, amiable conversation.
"Do not take what these tshameks say seriously, Lake-at-Dawn," Kemchet calls out. "They're only telling you what you want to hear!"
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Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 0/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Kn. History (Easy Difficulty)
Bluff or Perform (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 0/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Profession: Hunter (Easy Difficulty)
Kn. Local, Kn. Geography, or Survival (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 0/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
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Denair is way too distracted to get a good read. Meredith is also distracted, but for different reasons. Luckily the Caller is able to get her out of a sticky situation.
"Right, sometimes snapping is... well, you'd beat me in a contest of strength. But I'm not gonna give up quickly. I'd love to arm wrestle with ya... maybe I can come back and try later." Meredith exhales and then excuses herself.
"Caller, you really saved me there. I can't convince them all with honeyed words. " She hears Kemchet Flame Stoker chastise Frankie. "Sounds like we need someone really perceptive to figure out what they want."
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Returning to his companions, Skye shares what he's discovered about Togimal-in-Shadow. "The surest way to impress Togimal-in-Shadow is to demonstrate your hunting prowess, or demonstrating an understanding of the Lyrune-Quah’s history of hunting, or showing general knowledge of wilderness survival and navigation."
"I'd like a chance to sway Togimal-in-Shadow." He looks back at the representative of the Lyrune-Qhah. "Kinda my sister-brother from another mother."
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Skye mutters another prayer to Mother Moon and makes his way again over to Togimal-in-Shadow.
"If you've a moment, I'd like to show you something interesting." He displays his wayfinder.
"This is a wayfinder, a magic tool used almost exclusively by members of the Pathfinder Society, so much so that the small device is a calling card of sorts for the explorers and chroniclers known as Pathfinders."
"The device functions primarily as a magnetic compass," Skye demonstrates. "And they can can emit light when instructed." He shows Togimal-in-Shadow how to activate it.
"It contains at least one slot that fits an ioun stone, and magical wires that channel and amplify the stone's power. Such augmented ioun stones conflict with each other, preventing someone from holding multiple augmented wayfinders, though some wayfinders have multiple independent ioun stone slots. When a wayfinder includes an ioun stone in this manner, it also reveals new behaviors that vary between wayfinders and ioun stones."
"Wayfinder designs are derived from ancient Azlanti artifacts, and a few such Azlanti devices still exist. While most experienced magical crafters can build a new wayfinder, many date back decades or even centuries and are handed down across generations."
"Most modern wayfinders are manufactured in the Pathfinder Society's Oppara Lodge, by the lodge steward and arcane crafter Muesello."
Skye hands her his wayfinder. "Please, accept this as a gift. May it help you navigate the best course for our people of the Lyrune-Quah."
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Quang Chi approaches the portly Memory at Dawn. He bows respectfully and looks meaningfully at the Shoanti's handwraps. As he rises, he rubs his jade wayfinder.
"Do you practice one of the martial arts? You speak of duty as one who does. Is it also only duty that brings each of you here today? Duty to family and clan is powerful, whether born into that family or adopted by them. Or if that family is one you adopt." He pauses to look over at Cousin to All. "Many of us do so with the Society. I have a duty to my School, to my Master, to the Society, and to Captain Valsin."
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Caller has taken a small amount of his time between adventures to learn a little history of the realms, not to mention the Shoanti people. He will attempt to influence Memory Tender with some of his knowledge.
"I was able to study some of the writings these people have- words snatched from the air for all to see. I do remember reading something of the great empire that was here before the Shoanti- the great rulers of the runes."
Caller will attempt a knowledge (history) check- unless some else want to attempt a roll to influence Memory Tender, in which case my roll can become an assist.
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Meredith moves up to Memory Tender and studies her vulture. "Incredible. I see your lifetime companion will help you through thick and thin. Denair, here helps me out constantly. We once faced a terrible beast, standing taller than trees with teeth the size of daggers. We had to swing among the trees, cause rockslides to slow its speed, and enemy poachers tried to kill us- Denair can slam things like a tree trunk. Eventually the beast decided the enemy was a tastier snack, so it went after them instead." She laughs.
"Denair and I have been through a lot. We're no joke. If you put your faith in us and the Pathfinder Society we will make amends."
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Frankie shrugs as the angry old man shoos him away. He drinks his cocoa out of his waterskin by himself instead, seated on a rounded rock and watching the others. Adults are weird. They know we're here to fix something, they want it fixed, but first we have to convince them we're worthy of fixing it? We didn't even break it, GAH!
After some soothing sugar and caffeine hits the little man's brain Frankie hops back up and heads over to the large muscley woman with the big hammer and waves. "Hi, I'm Franki!"
He pulls up a seat near the woman and starts chatting. "You're the biggest, most muscley lady I've ever seen, how'd you get so strong? Meredith is strong and tough too, she gets it from working on her farm. She really enjoys it on our time off." He holds up his cocoa "Want some cocoa? Its good. Its even better with the milk from her farm."
Frankie continues to chat idly, hopefully it'll make the woman feel the sincerity of the group.
"I know I'm not big and strong like you, but I'm wicked good at kickball, hide and seek, tag, and marbles... wanna play?"
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After sharing his findings with the others, and hopefully listening to theirs in return, Serge makes his way to Kemchet Flame Stoker. "I apologize for the, er, child's antics," he nudges his head in Frankie's direction, "He is actually quite an apt Pathfinder, and one that wishes to make things right, just as we do. I had been speaking to Lake-at-Dawn about vengeance and redemption, and I can tell that you've no time for nonsense. Nor do I." Serge makes a tight fist, raising it up to his chest. "So tell me, what do you consider the most important traits a leader should possess?"
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Togimal-In-Shadow's eyes light up when Skye returns to show them the amazing powers of the wayfinder.
"Ah! I have heard of these but have never had the opportunity to observe one," they remark, observing carefully as Skye rotates it in his hands, explaining both the function as well as some of the history behind them.
When the lesson is done, In-Shadow nods appreciatively. "A useful tool. Tools are no replacement for personal skill but they do have their place. Now I see why Pathfinder agents carry them."
But when Skye offers the wayfinder as a gift, their eyes grow wide. "You want me to have this? Are you sure?"
In-Shadow gingerly accepts the instrument, testing its weight and running their fingers over it to get a feel for the craftsmanship.
"I...thank you, Brother. I will use it for the good of the Lyrune-Quah. It seems that Pathfinders, at least some of them, do exercise caution and proper planning. Perhaps you will be able to find your rogue clansman after all."
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"You are perceptive," Lake-at-Dawn remarks with an approving smile. "I do what I can for my people - all Shoanti, not just the Shundar-Quah. My ancestors speak their guidance to me and I pay them the reverence and respect they are due. And I encourage my people to do the same. Our ancestors often have much wisdom to impart and much of it learned through hard, painful experience. In my experience, they often advise caution and diplomacy where possible."
He glances down at his handwraps. "Of course they also advise being able to defend oneself when words are not enough. Regrettable when it comes to that, but we do what we must," the Shoanti muses, a rueful expression on his face.
"As I was saying, my duty is to my people, to help them find the best path forward...and I see that it is much the same with you and yours. We have more in common than some would have us think," Lake-at-Dawn says, giving Kemchet Flame Stoker a more noticeable, pointed look.
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"Mm...those that once walked and ruled these lands...our ancestors were their slaves," Memory Tender replies to Caller. "The history of the Shoanti cannot be disentangled from that of the ancient Thassilonians...but as important as it is to remember one's history, it is also important to consider how a facet of the past may relate to the present. Or how it does not. I am...not certain that the ancient rune-rulers have much bearing on current matters."
The Shoanti woman then turns her attention to Meredith and Denair, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she studies the pair. "I see that you two share a bond, much the same as he and I," Memory Tender observes, gesturing to her vulture companion. "You have a story to tell? I will listen..."
And listen she does, nodding appreciatively as Meredith weaves a tale of danger and of teamwork. Clearly entertained by the story, Memory Tender offers a vague, dreamy sort of smile. "A flair for the dramatic...and also direct and to the point...an unusual combination of skills for a storyteller but a combination that suits you, I think. And if even half of what you say contains a kernel of truth...then perhaps you may be able to put things to rights as you say."
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Payah-Against-the-Wind stares incredulously at Frankie for a moment before throwing her head back with laughter - but it's a good sort of laughter, not cruel or mocking.
"Haha! Damned if I know why your Pathfinder Society sent children out to do the job of adults but I like you, kid!"
She flexes a bit for Frankie, showing off her muscled physique. "One of the strongest of the Tamiir-Quah! And I got that way through hard work and practice, kid. That's the only way to do it; anything else is cheating."
"Cocoa? Hmm...okay, sure, why not?" Payah adds with a shrug, accepting the cup that Frankie offers. "A bit sweet for my taste but it don't hurt to treat yourself from time to time. Makes it easier to stick to my training if I do."
As Frankie chats away about Meredith and then all of the things that he's good at, Payah slurps her cocoa, seemingly content to let him rattle on for a few minutes.
"Really? She's got her own farm?" Payah glances over at Meredith, currently in conversation with Memory Tender, with a rather surprised look. "Huh. Didn't think she looked the type, but...huh. That's pretty cool, kid. Farming ain't easy, especially up in these parts. So good for her."
Payah finishes her cocoa, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Pretty good! Thanks, kid. You look pretty small for all this sort of stuff but you got a heck of a lot of energy...and a lot of guts! I saw you trying to talk to Kemchet; he's one of the best warriors out of all the quahs but he ain't the easiest to talk to. Especially when you're an outsider. So...kudos to you for trying, you know?"
"And sure, I'll play marbles," she adds with a fierce grin. "Won't go easy on you though, just because you're a kid!"
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Kemchet Flame Stoker gives Serge a hard, piercing stare as he sizes the holy warrior up and considers his question.
"The most important? The sense to know when to fight on...and when to quit the field. I see that there are no leaders among yourselves today," he sneers. Then he growls with exasperation as he notices Memory Tender visibly warming to Meredith and her incredible story.
"Memory Tender! These tshameks clearly never respected our customs before, so what makes you think they would change now?"
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Influence Successes: 2/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Kn. History (Easy Difficulty)
Bluff or Perform (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Profession: Hunter (Easy Difficulty)
Kn. Local, Kn. Geography, or Survival (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Kn. Religion (Easy Difficulty)
Kn. Local or Diplomacy (Moderate Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: Refuses to be swayed.
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Meredith gives Memory Tender a quick nod. "Thank you for your time. We'll make our amends and punish the guilty. Trust me." She takes her leave and meets up with the others.
"Okay, okay. So Flame Stoker is here as a formality. Don't waste your time with him. I should talk to Togimal-In-Shadow and Lake-at-Dawn. Anyone has a preference?"
"...and anyone knows what Payah-Against-the-Wind likes? Asking for a friend." She coughs. Denair chuckles.
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Frankie makes quick work of his pile of marbles, giving Payah a sly grin as he does so. "Prolly best you don't let me win, I've played a LOT of marbles..."
Once the game concludes Frankie gives the woman a big hug and leaves her with her favorite marble to remember him by. "Ok nice chatting with you, I gotta go talk to the others, bye!"
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"Payah likes cocoa! And she likes your farm. And she likes to be strong and to train to be strong." He shrugs his shoulders "That's it I think. She's nice."
He listens to the others' reports on the remaining Quah's, growling a bit at Flame Stoker "Ya, he's not a very nice fella, I won't talk to him again, except when we WIN all this then I can waggle it in his FACE!" A small burst of steam escapes his little ears.
"Maybe we could both work on Lake at Dawn together Meredith? Help him see we're here to help. Someone should go talk to Payah, she seems nice and is leaning towards us I think." He grabs Meredith's hand and leads her off towards Lake's direction.
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Having already shared with the team the various ways to influence Togimal-in-Shadow, Skye considers what his companions have to say about the other Shoanti elders.
"I'll go talk to Memory Tender."
He approaches the stout, tattooed woman. "Greetings, Memory Tender," Skye says with respect. "I am Skye, a shaman of the Lyrune-Quah." Perched on his shoulder, a snowy owl flaps her wings, exposing the downy feathers of her breast, accurately reflecting the stars that would be visible in the night sky. "This is Sova, my companion and spirit animal."
"Your vulture companion and your tribal markings are powerful totems of the Skoan-Quah," he observes.
"I 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 shows Memory Tender his stone fetish. "A saber-tooth tiger, my spirit animal guardian."
"As an adolescent, I was taken prisoner from a trade caravan out of Irrisen by a Shoanti raiding party. Later, my captors, the Lyrune-Quah, adopted me."
He indicates the sacred relics the team returned to the Shoanti and shows her the egg-shaped rock that emits a warm, red glow. "We hope to repair the damage to the Muschkal Sepulcher with the help of this Scavenger’s Stone."
Displaying the star map of the heavens to Memory Tender, rotating her head and preening her feathers, Sova tries to help Skye.
*Hoot!*
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"Wait, Payah knows about the farm? Did she like it- oh, okay Frankie!" Meredith follows the kid to Lake-at-Dawn. She prepares with a little bit of Guidance first.
"Hello, Lake-at-Dawn. I'm Meredith, that's Frankie. This is Denair." She points at her favorite Fey creature. "So yeah. While it... well, it sucks to meet in these circumstances, it's wonderful to meet you." Meredith goes for a handshake.
"It's also a great opportunity to meet different people." Meredith points at the half dozen roses in her hair. "Denair talks a lot about the fey realm and the Court of Roses, but I don't remember it. She says it's a past life, and these flowers are proof. When she's here, the roses are here."
"So, for someone who hasn't been raised here, what can you tell me about your home? There are clearly some social taboos we need to respect."
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Frankie waves merrily "We can talk over a mug of cocoa! You can never have enough cocoa..." As he pours his hands tremble from the sugar and caffeine from his last batch with Payah.
"We like to help people, and, even though this isn't a mess WE made, another Pathfinder who I've never even met did it, WE'LL fix his mistake and make it right. We've even got some neat rock thingy that does the hard parts!" He smiles and slurps down some more cocoa.
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Having realized that Kemchet is a lost cause, Serge moves over to Torgmal-In-Shadow. "A huntmaster, I hear. I myself know little of hunting but I, uhm, er, I," the paladin begins to stutter and stumble, searching for the right words to use. But alas! They do not come to him. "I like animals..?"
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As he steps toward the muscular woman, Quang Chi again rubs his jade wayfinder for a little luck and guidance.
So Meredith, too, 'has a type' as they say here. Well, let's see if I can 'help her friend.'
"Apologies, but I could not help overhearing your conversation with young Frankie," he says as he looks over to where the boy and Meredith speak with Lake-at-Dawn.
"You clearly value hard work and practice. Both of which require a certain kind of patience. I wish to thank you for your patience with the boy. His energy can be ... overwhelming ... at times. But I would like to ask about the training you do. Do you have a Master or teacher? Do you train in a variety of styles, or focus on just one?"
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Caller will use his knowledge of the gods and their various histories to craft tale- more of a proverb about the need to cooperate for the good of all.
Attempt to influence Lake at Dawn-
"In the beginnings the gods of light worked to bring the spirits all things into being. Great lights were placed into the heaven as the gods of the son and moon began their sacred dance... but as these gods brought joy to humanity, the gods of evil plotted in their darkness to ruin all things."
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"Greetings, Child of the Lyrune-Quah," Memory Tender replies in kind as Skye approaches. "And to your Sova. It is always good to meet kindred spirits, those who have an understanding of the bonds formed between an individual and the creatures that aid them."
She listens respectfully as Skye shares the abridged version of his own past and how he came to be part of the Shoanti.
"You have learned our ways well - and yet I can see that you also have not forgotten your origins," Memory Tender remarks when the tale is done. "It eases my mind to see that agents of the Pathfinder Society have a proper respect for the past and an awareness of how it informs their present and future. Your sincerity and your wish to put things right and to bridge the gap between both of your peoples will not go unnoticed by me."
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Lake-at-Dawn can't help but smile a little as the Terrific Trio come over to say hello and make some small talk with him.
"Yes, would that the circumstances were different," he agrees. "But there's no sense in fretting about it now - I can tell that you and the rest of your companions are have come here in good faith, serious about repairing the damage that your fellow agent left behind."
He gestures for the three of you to sit and join him, accepting Frankie's offered mug of cocoa with a nod of thanks.
"Not to mention you have hit upon the same silver lining to this situation that I have - an opportunity to meet new people and learn a little about them. In turn, that will make it easier to find common ground between the Shoanti and the Pathfinder Society going forward."
"Now, you asked about my home! I belong to the Shundar-Quah and we make our home here on the Storval Plateau but also out in western Belkzen," Lake-at-Dawn explains. "We often act as mediators between each of the quahs and our clan totems are the earth elemental, mountain spire, rock fall, spirestalker and the storm roc. Sometimes we..."
The conversation continues on, quite pleasantly. Meredith and Frankie both think that maybe now Lake-at-Dawn will vote in favor of the Pathfinder Society, along with Cousin-to-All and Rollicks-in-Waves. And Frankie even picks up on some additional insight into Lake-at-Dawn's character and outlook thanks to his charming demeanor!
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The only response that Serge earns from Togimal-in-Shadow with his rather ham-handed attempt at conversation is a raised eyebrow. As if sensing that trouble might be brewing, Cousin-to-All is quick to swoop in.
"Ah! I believe what he means is that he respects nature's creatures, much the same that you do," she explains as she gently places her arm on Serge's upper shoulder and nudges him away. "Even the hunter must respect the prey, isn't that right? Yes! You two have more in common than you might think. But the time for us to adjourn is drawing close so perhaps you'll have more time to speak later..."
Cousin-to-All firmly guides Serge away from Togimal-in-Shadow, leaning in to whisper, "Ah...maybe next time, a different approach to In-Shadow would be better..."
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"Ain't no big deal," Payah remarks to Quang Chi with a shrug. "Like I told him, he's got a lot of guts for someone his size. Pretty mean marble-player, too. He'll be something to be reckoned with once he's not pint-sized anymore!"
"Anyway, so you wanna talk training? About time! So I picked up my first sword when I was..."
Payah-Against-the-Wind is more than happy to talk about training, fighting, swords, armor, and anything else that Quang Chi can think of that relates to combat. So much so that he's able to basically read her like a book, coming away from the conversation with a much better idea of how to approach her in the future.
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Seeing that Meredith and Frankie have apparently beat him to the punch on conversing with Lake-at-Dawn, Caller considers his options for a moment and then decides to try chatting with Togima-in-Shadow.
Though the two Shoanti do have *some* things in common, including a shared language, there still seem to just be too many differences for either to get comfortable with the other. While obviously strong and battle-tested, Caller is clearly much less of a hunter than Togimal-in-Shadow and the quiet, reflective Shoanti seems much more at ease with a bow in their hands than melee weapons.
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It's been nearly an hour that your meeting with the council members has been in session, when Cousin-to-All claps her hands loudly to get everyone's attention.
Cousin-to-All beckons the other council members to follow and leads them away from the main meeting chamber and down a small side passage, presumably to a more secluded chamber in which to talk.
Influence Successes: 2/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Profession: Soldier or Strength (Easy Difficulty)
Acrobatics or Intimidate (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths: Payah believes that people should stand by their teammates, and that a team bears collective responsibility for the sins of all of its members. If you make an argument that is primarily focused on distancing yourselves from Lumketul and throwing all of the blame onto him rather than focused on how you will make things right, you take a -4 penalty on your influence check.
Discovery - Weaknesses: Payah is more likely to believe in you if she sees you working together in harmony. If you successfully use Aid Another to assist someone else's skill check to influence her, you gain a further +2 bonus to that skill check.
Influence Successes: 2/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Kn. History (Easy Difficulty)
Bluff or Perform (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 1/?
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Profession: Hunter (Easy Difficulty)
Kn. Local, Kn. Geography, or Survival (Moderate Difficulty)
Diplomacy (Hard Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths:
Discovery - Weaknesses:
Influence Successes: 2/2
Discovery - Skills to Influence:
Kn. Religion (Easy Difficulty)
Kn. Local or Diplomacy (Moderate Difficulty)
Discovery - Strengths: Lake-at-Dawn is unimpressed by people who show an unwillingness to compromise and apologize for their mistakes. If you attempt to justify or downplay the effect of Lumketul's ransacking of the sepulcher, you take a –4 penalty on your influence check.
Discovery - Weaknesses: If you mention your own ancestors as a part of your conversation with Lake-at-Dawn, you gain a +2 bonus on your influence check.
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Meredith thinks about Memory Tender's Weaknesses. She really liked the story about her escape from the king of lizards.
The Shoanti retreat for a private conversation. "So let's see... I can talk to Togimal-In-Shadow about surviving in the wild. Or I can ask Payah-Against-the-Wind for some arm wrestling..." she trails off before clearing her throat.
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"Feels like we're runnin' outa time, guys." He considers what to do. "Maybe we should focus on one of 'em at a time."
"Frankie, you've got the gift of gab. Maybe you could bullsh - er, bluff - Memory Tender with one of your tall tales or fabulous fibs. Wanna give it a try?"
"Quang Chi, your excellent survival skills might convince Togimal-in-Shadow. Maybe Meredith can aid you ."
"Or you could try to use your knowledge of history to help Frankie with Memory Tender."
"Seems a show of muscle and teamwork stand the best chance of swaying Payah-against-the-Wind."
"Caller and Serge are pretty brawny, , and they chance to succeed." Skye flexes his scrawny biceps. "I'll attempt to help, since I've already done what I could with Togimal-in-Shadow and Memory Tender. Perhaps one or more of you guys could aid us as well?"
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"Thank you, Skye," Serge's forehead is dripping with sweat after the failed exchange with Togimal. "I have not been so successful with some of the others, and I'd hate to hamper our efforts. Perhaps we can combine our skills."
The Paladin cracks his knuckles, setting his gaze on Payah-against-the-Wind. He comes alive with energy as he attempts to inspire a few others in the party, too. "Let's do this! In fact, it seems we've made great progress so far, working with each others' strengths. Diversity is our strength here, really. Let's keep at it!"
"Oh, oh! I can help with the wrestling, or the strength contest, or whatever." Denair waves her tree trunk arms. "And the boss can help with the Shadow."
She nudges Meredith.
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Frankie looks up and Skye and nods, sometimes its easier when he doesn't have to think for himself. He struts his stuff over to Memory Tender and tells him about one of their most interesting missions... embellishing just a little bit here and there, for story telling purposes of course. "And then I slew the monster with a single marble between the eyes! It was amazing!"
While you plan your final approach, the council members convene privately and discuss their own thoughts and impressions with each other. After maybe thirty minutes or so, the sound of footsteps down the passage heralds their return.
Cousin-to-All announces.
The expressions of most of the council members are unreadable but you do notice that Lake-at-Dawn, who had previously seemed convinced in your favor, looks surprisingly pensive.
And Kemchet Flame Stoker wears an expression of grim satisfaction.
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"Very wise, Skye. A good plan, I think. I shall speak to Togimal-in-Shadow."
As he crosses the room, he again rubs his thumb across the surface of his engraved jade wayfinder relishing the feel of the cool stone. It sparkles as the magic guides his words.
He speaks to Togimal of hunting, shows the Shoanti his jade wayfinder and explains its origin with his school and teacher. He asks the master hunter about their preferred style of hunting, weapons, and traps.