Of Kings and Commoners - Kingmaker AP

Game Master RPGGGM

"Oh, I've got Oliley and Stanver to keep me company." she says indicating her horses. "I wouldn't worry about Mr. Finch. See there Shepherd Jhod is standing right next to him. Though for some reason he doesn't look as enthusiastic as Mr. Finch does."

....

"Anyhow on with the show!"

perform (act): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 :D

Honestly, I'm crying on the inside.

Yes, folks will be talking about your performance of Tenchi of Mendev for years to come. It's the story of the complicated life of an apprentice temple oracle blessed with charisma but cursed with an overwhelming sense of duty. By turns to accept an arrogant Taldon noblewoman, her kid sister, a notorious Shackles harridan, her strange ship's pet, and an ageless, crazy, ex-Technic League gizmolotrix into his family home. When all the women fall in love with their host hilarity ensues. There's fights with demons and cultural misunderstanding and conflict between the women and lot's more. Still it was the hot springs spa scene that really sold it.

Jhod had to use all of his divine training to revive Larimus.

6d60 ⇒ (24, 28, 23, 6, 4, 45) = 130 Over the course of the three days Esme hauls in 130 sp of which she shares half (65 sp) with the party. She also gives thought to hiring more folks to perform with her in future engagements.

He turns to Mr Renault "Nettles crossing burnt? Where is that please, sounds like bandits to investiate?"

"Come by the house when this is over. I could show you on a map." Renault says keeping his eyes focused on the state. Then after a moment in a more conspiratorial tone he adds: "Maybe bring your elf friend with you--it could be a sort of afterglow party." *Nudge, nudge*

I've gone ahead and put it on your area map.

Thankyou.. no price would be worth subjecting myself to seeing Renault trying to make moves on Alia, although the beating that followed might be worth it

"Thankyou good sir, again you prove yourself a man of rare worth."

With that Zokon shall go and congratulate his friends although he can't quite stop giving occasional glances at Alia and Scarlet

"Well done all, masterful work, I shall be famous just for being an acquaintance."

Scarlet thought the plot had a million plot holes, but she doesn't follow this social stuff too well. No idea why people were staring at her during the dance, but positive attention can't hurt.

"Esme, that was fun. Almost as much exercise as the morning routine!" Scarlet laughs. "Safe travels to you. Sounds like we have a mystery to solve."

Zokon thanks Scarlet for a performance well done. "Ahhh, I think Esma and Alia did the hard work. Felt kind of odd to swing a wooden sword without hitting someone with it, though!"

"We'll see you afterwards, Renault. Don't know if we have time for a party, though" Scarlet doesn't seem to fully understand Renault's implication.

Posh merely nods at the suggestion of heading to Renault's home.
"That would be most helpful. We could use all the help possible when making these lands safe again." Posh states with a smile "I'm sure we can get along very well and help with anything you need."

Damn...I never did get around to watch Tenchi Muyō! Now I'll have to do so, if only for the Spa Scene.

Alia, happy that the performance went so well, sits behind the stage, still panting, and holding a towel to keep herself covered up: "That was....epic! It's even more touching than when one simply watches! You, Esme, are a Virtuoso! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me part of this!"

Turning to Scarlet, she continues:"And you have to teach me how to do this shaking body control thing with your hips. Not that the elders would approve of such suggestive movements, they'd probably consider it dirty dancing..."

Checking to see if they are not watched, then figuring that she just had a topless scene on stage, mentally shrugging, and changing into her regular top regardless of onlookers, Alia looks around as if to save the memory of the stage to take with her, addressing Esme:"A pity you mean to travel on alone, but it's your decision. Do make sure you stay safe, and if you ever need more company than them horses, do come to Olegs and wait for us..."
Alia would refuse to take any of the money from Esme, feeling that the experience of being on stage, in such a memorable performance no less, was more than enough payment for her part.

Posh merely nods at the suggestion of heading to Renault's home.

"That would be most helpful. We could use all the help possible when making these lands safe again." Posh states with a smile "I'm sure we can get along very well and help with anything you need."

"And who said I need any help." Samuel says a bit testily.

Sudden a loud commotion rises from the crowd.

Checking to see if they are not watched, then figuring that she just had a topless scene on stage, mentally shrugging, and changing into her regular top regardless of onlookers....

"What? WHAT!? Did I miss something? What? ...You... pesky... little... *Grrrr*."

Poshment Underhill wrote:

Posh merely nods at the suggestion of heading to Renault's home.

"That would be most helpful. We could use all the help possible when making these lands safe again." Posh states with a smile "I'm sure we can get along very well and help with anything you need."

"And who said I need any help." Samuel says a bit testily.

Sudden a loud commotion rises from the crowd.

Alia of the Blade wrote:

Checking to see if they are not watched, then figuring that she just had a topless scene on stage, mentally shrugging, and changing into her regular top regardless of onlookers....

"What? WHAT!? Did I miss something? What? ...You... pesky... little... *Grrrr*."

Posh simply shrugs

Given Renault had to turn around to see it...

At Renault's anger as to missing Alia's one girl show of "Elves Gone Wild" Posh gives a big grin
"Don't worry, I saw everything." he states as he lets that sink in "But seriously, the offer still stands. Think of me what you will, but you can trust them a lot further than you can throw me."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

in the hopes that despite the insults he sees that Posh really does intend for him to trust the group if not him...but chances are he's already distrustful of Posh and doesn't like him much.

Later at Reanult's house in his big trophy-room

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Amid the elk, deer, mountain lion and bear heads upon the wall Zokon notices a framed map of the local area complete with relative elevations, terrain, labelled homestead boundaries and such.

Renault puts a notation on your rough regional map as to the location of Davik Nettle's ferry.

Obtaining the wall map (or a copy) would count as 'exploring' this hex.

Did you want to start exploring from here or head back to Oleg's first? Also, did you want a day or three of downtime to get your gear together?

As far as "Elves gone Wild", I fully expect privacy to be a luxury. Wether toilet breaks, cleaning clothes, washing oneself, sleeping...I think it's hard to actually have much "alone time". For example, if we break camp, fetch water to refill the skins, and wash up, I don't really expect we're taking turns for sake of privacy - realistically, more like a mixed mercenary outfit. And wandering off into the night to pee out of earshot/sight is just an invitation for stuff to pounce you in such untamed lands.

Alia has no real preparations to make, and enjoys more time with Esme and Fan, if possible.
She will attempt to re-aquire a few choice items, some of which alchemical concoctions(alchemists fire, acid...), but wether they are available or not, would be ready to depart.
If anybody (e.g. Luna) has something they ordered in Restov waiting for them at Oleg, Alia would head there first.

As far as "Elves gone Wild", I fully expect privacy to be a luxury...

Totally gave me an idea for a custom magic item - something that works as a portable shower - a combination of create water and either invisibility or maybe obscuring mist.

Posh has no preparations to make besides possibly getting to know Faux and Esme a little better before they leave, not knowing when he may run into such beautiful young ladies again.

Diplomacy on Esme: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Diplomacy on Faux: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Faux's customs are still new to Posh it seems, but he's more than happy to pick up and get along where as I hope Posh has managed to make Esme giggle a few times when talking about the recent show with how much of a big hit it was and looking forward to seeing her perform again.

He's attempting to hit on them, somewhat falling back into his old bad habits, but he'd like to see how far he gets before they need to leave.

As far as "Elves gone Wild", I fully expect privacy to be a luxury. Wether toilet breaks, cleaning clothes, washing oneself, sleeping...I think it's hard to actually have much "alone time". For example, if we break camp, fetch water to refill the skins, and wash up, I don't really expect we're taking turns for sake of privacy - realistically, more like a mixed mercenary outfit. And wandering off into the night to pee out of earshot/sight is just an invitation for stuff to pounce you in such untamed lands.

Good point...may have to adapt that into the roleplaying and see what I come up with as well as reflect that on Posh's own backstory. Certainly in that situation doing that would be difficult as we'd want to be careful and I've seen FAR too many movies, TV shows and so on where someone leaves camp to relieve themselves and then they get their throat cut out before whatever it is out there advances on the undefended camp.

Later at Reanult's house in his big trophy-room

1d20+6
1d20+4

Amid the elk, deer, mountain lion and bear heads upon the wall Zokon notices a framed map of the local area complete with relative elevations, terrain, labelled homestead boundaries and such.

Renault puts a notation on your rough regional map as to the location of Davik Nettle's ferry.

Obtaining the wall map (or a copy) would count as 'exploring' this hex.

Did you want to start exploring from here or head back to Oleg's first? Also, did you want a day or three of downtime to get your gear together?

on that option I'm all for exploring this land and discovering what secrets there are hidden away.

Scarlet meets up with Fan.
"Hey Fan! Always good to see you. My boss is moving on, and I move with her." Scarlet goes for a handshake. "I'll keep my eyes peeled for the rest of the company."

I have rations, torches, and bedding. I'm all set!

Celyne has provisions to purchase... basically a horse if we don't already have one for her, and a couple of alchemist fires.

@Celyne: No worries, our horses multiplied by mitosis...we're set.
@Numalar: Don't even dare to make it a gnomish practical joke-item using Vanish instead that makes you invisible only sufficiently long to get completely undressed.
@Scarlet: If you want, Alia can come thank you again for participating, and clear up her utterly failed "Transmit Secret Message"(turning red as a tomato and starting to stutter when you tell her what everybody THOUGHT it was about). If you want to pick up on the misunderstanding, we can leave that open, of course(and give Posh a bleeding nose by innuendo)

"Hey Alia! That was pretty fun, ey?" Scarlet returns to the elf as they get ready to continue their exploration. "Esme's play almost felt real-kinda lost myself for a second back there!"

"Just uh...one thing." Scarlet isn't sure how to explain this. "I'm not really one for romance, especially with my charge. It isn't you, it's me, alright? Just...hmm."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Scarlet scratches her hair, trying to find the right words. "This is a lot easier with humans. Usually I can say, 'you'll die a lot sooner than I will' and they get the point. I could give my standard 'I'll die on some battlefield someday, and I don't want to break your heart' but I'm your bodyguard, that's pretty standard. I guess I'm saying I don't have a good excuse here, but I'm not interested." Scarlet blathers on for a bit.

So, playing it out, hu? ^_^
"Aye, that play was really fun! I totally want to do that kind of thing again in the future!", adding a moment later:"Maybe not the Spa Scene. I think it was a pretty close call for Larimus, there-"

When Scarlet continues, Alia first grows pale, then intensely red, incomprehenibly trying to react as Scarlet speaks on:"What...what are you talking about? I...never...interested? Whats going on? I...I...", she looks around confused, expecting, or rather hoping that it's a prank, then just staring at Scarlet with a blank expression, only getting out a "What...? I can't even..."
Just for the record, Alia is a virgin, and will stay that way at LEAST until she gets to ride a Unicorn.
J/K about the Unicorn, but seriouly, I see her as a bit of a Sword Maiden, sublimating sexual drive into her sword art and the creative process of forging. Any kind of courtship would be a lenghty...lenghty affair. As in, several years before "doing the deed", as such, I fully expect her to remain celibate throughout the AP.(Open for everything, just saying she won't opt for that by herself...but some shenanigans like the Performance or taking a bath with Celyne or Scarlet, thats fine ;) )

Wisdom Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Scarlet looks at the elven woman stammer, unable to form a complete sentence.
"Oh boy. I didn't mean to be so harsh, Alia. Just...let's keep it professional for now. I should...um...sharpen my swords or somethin'...I'll be back in a bit."

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Scarlet turns away and heads off, looking for something to do. Now I've upset her. Maybe she needs time to absorb the information. I thought I was gentle back there.

Love never really crossed Scarlet's mind, although she doesn't mind friendship. She would be a robot if I could play one, but a Dwarfish Ifrit makes more sense in Kingmaker!

As it seems like a semi-dramatic scene unfolding Zokon is observing two of his female companions

Zokon is examining their mannerisms, movements and words, even if he can't fully hear all the words as he may have to be maintaining a discreet distance.

He uses studied target on Alia to try and figure out what's she's saying

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Then he turns to observing Scarlet he uses his studied target ability on her to see if he can work out some of what she is saying/doing

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Celyne seems a bit confused by the banter between the women, and then something dawns on her and she smiles... I do believe they maybe more than like each other or are starting to, and neither of them knows it yet. This could get interesting.

Posh is still completely unaware of the situation, attempting to woo either Fauxish or Esme at the time whilst telling a few lymrics.

Perform Comedy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"...so I told her. You better bring him over. He's good at pitching a tent when you're nearby!" Posh laughs along, re-telling stories of his own experience when working with a group of his 'Comrades' in the past.

So, playing it out, hu? ^_^

I personally think this is the more hilarious option.

Just for the record, Alia is a virgin, and will stay that way at LEAST until she gets to ride a Unicorn.

Hopefully not this unicorn

J/K about the Unicorn, but seriouly, I see her as a bit of a Sword Maiden, sublimating sexual drive into her sword art and the creative process of forging. Any kind of courtship would be a lenghty...lenghty affair. As in, several years before "doing the deed", as such, I fully expect her to remain celibate throughout the AP.(Open for everything, just saying she won't opt for that by herself...but some shenanigans like the Performance or taking a bath with Celyne or Scarlet, thats fine ;) )

I can totally understand that and that is the feel I've been getting from the character too. Living a somewhat, almost religious life with her blade and with it being the main focus of her life. The innuendo moments can always be hilarious, especially when I was role-playing a female Paladin who had a good enough intelligence, but I role-played as her being somewhat naive and not understanding innuendos or why the maid who always served her seemed so shy and flushed around her. This will certainly be very interesting to see how Alia develops over the course of the game and is Posh was the suiter that'd be a hilarious opposites attract moment, but again, I'd say about 60% of what's made this game fun has been the characters and the many interesting interactions between them and the NPCs. Not to mention I enjoy the many surprises around the corner too and can't wait till we get to Nettles Crossing or certain locations that I shall not mention due to potential spoilers in Part 2. Eitherway, I so do love this group. :)

Sorry about the 12 hour delay. Here we go.

Exploration: Day 1: The Farmlands
It is a beautiful spring day (mostly clear skies, 53 F/12 C). The party sets off from the fairgrounds with an additional (non-borrowed horse) for Celyne. The party moves from homestead to homestead. The fields are alive with farm folk and their animals.

Did you want to stop and tarry with the locals or move quickly through the area?

I think with the extra intel from the map Zokon saw, even without aquiring a copy, we should be able to move from homestead to homestead efficiently...at least save us some time to tarry with the locals, imho?

Posh, the previous day:
Fauxish is stand-offish. She looks at Posh the way a cat might look at a small rodent were it to come up and start telling it jokes. She doesn't laugh once while you are with her. Instead she concentrates on her katas and making camp for herself and the weird bird man she is hanging out with who is standing near the pathway and dispensing advice to passersby for a small fee.

Esme however is much more open saying in fact that she is thinking of enlarging the cast of players in her traveling theater company. She proposes to take Posh on as a roadie (1sp/day).

"We'll be hitting all the classy venues: Greengold, Liberthane, Gralton, Tymon, Deadbridge, Daggermark, Mivon, Restov, New Stetven, and finish up with a big show at that new opera house in Pitax. Just imagine my name in lights!" She puts one hand on Posh's back and frames an imaginary marquee before you both with her other. "You could even help me scout for talent. Well, what do you say?"

I think with the extra intel from the map Zokon saw, even without aquiring a copy, we should be able to move from homestead to homestead efficiently...at least save us some time to tarry with the locals, imho?

Not a lot in fact, as you would have to cover most of the same ground regardless to get to the tarrying part. Talking with the natives takes time (most want to ask you a bunch of questions about who you are where you come from, what the outside world looks like now, why you are here and they want to show off their farm, their animals, crops, children and home cooking. You have a choice to tarry (in general), not tarry (in general) or skip wandering over this hex and copy Renault's map instead.

Oh, ok. I figured we know the locations of the homesteads and the road connections, so should be able to plot a rough course in advance, as opposed to completely exploring a hex we have no prior knowledge about. But you are right of course, travel time still applies, obviously.

Posh, the previous day:

Fauxish is stand-offish. She looks at Posh the way a cat might look at a small rodent were it to come up and start telling it jokes. She doesn't laugh once while you are with her. Instead she concentrates on her katas and making camp for herself and the weird bird man she is hanging out with who is standing near the pathway and dispensing advice to passersby for a small fee.

** spoiler omitted **

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Posh notices nothing with Fauxish, but believes that she is far too focused with her Katas to relax and pay attention.
"I hope we meet again." he states gladly, once again doing the same greeting as before with the arms locking before leaving her to herself.

I had a feeling she wasn't into short people...That or cultural reasons due to how she's already claimed these lands are barbaric, but that's just my opinion as a player, not Posh's. For all Posh knows she's just playing hard-to-get and may want to continue this cat and mouse game...until she knocks him on the head with something heavy.

Esme however is much more open saying in fact that she is thinking of enlarging the cast of players in her traveling theater company. She proposes to take Posh on as a roadie (1sp/day).

"We'll be hitting all the classy venues: Greengold, Liberthane, Gralton, Tymon, Deadbridge, Daggermark, Mivon, Restov, New Stetven, and finish up with a big show at that new opera house in Pitax. Just imagine my name in lights!" She puts one hand on Posh's back and frames an imaginary marquee before you both with her other. "You could even help me scout for talent. Well, what do you say?"

Posh smiles as Esme talks about the possibly travels and joining as a roadie, going to many different locations. Perhaps this would be where he'd belong, but at the mention of Pitax he loses his enthusiasm, but keeps up a brave face.

He pulls away with a serious look for a moment, but then just shakes his head and gives a wide smile.
"Besides, I think I'd drag down your performance. However, I am interested in learning a few things. Maybe you can teach me how to keep up my vocals and even re-enact some of your plays to keep the group entertained. Afterall, I'm sure I can convince Alia and Scarlet to join me if we decide to try and entertain everyone else." he laughs, thinking back to the performance "I have to admit, I never knew Scarlet could be so light on her feet and that scene when she was fighting with your...umm...portable companion despite going a little off-script, it certainly entertained the crowd, though one or two people were staring daggers, but that's a risk we all take. You can't please everyone." he pauses for a moment before leaving and gives Esme a smirk "If you ever get tired of your 'companion' you can call on me anytime." he gives a wink "But first, how would you suggest I stand when talking to an audience? Do I aim my voice up to try and reach audience in the back or focus to the centre of the stage?"

An interesting development and certainly a very tempting offer...with Esme asking for advice I'm considering maybe adding perform act, oratory or maybe sing for more adapting more skill and learning new ways to keep people entertained. Mostly because I find it difficult to imagine Posh "inspiring" people with jokes or dirty limericks.

Sense Motive, Faux: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
"Huh, strange fighting style." In all the excitement, Scarlet realizes she never spoke to the Tian woman.

Sense Motive, Posh+Esme: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
Scarlet wonders if she really did hit that prop too hard. "Well, you gotta stay limber."

Scarlet is fine with going straight to Renault's home.

"I think we have spent enough time talking to locals, with the fair and other engagements. We need to get more exploration done."

[dice=Sense Motive, Faux]1d20-1

"Huh, strange fighting style." In all the excitement, Scarlet realizes she never spoke to the Tian woman.

[dice=Sense Motive, Posh+Esme]1d20-1
Scarlet wonders if she really did hit that prop too hard. "Well, you gotta stay limber."

Scarlet is fine with going straight to Renault's home.

Sure that second roll isn't meant to be perception? That is if Scarlet is passing by when the two are talking and might pick up something with sensitive ears and with a +3...looks like you might make it.

Tarry = 1 vote. Not Tarry = 1 vote

Scarlet wonders if she really did hit that prop too hard. "Well, you gotta stay limber."

Scarlet you would have to be very close at just the right moment to pick up the whispered conversation between Posh and Esme so no dice this time around. Scarlet gets the gist of what is not spoilered and can reach your own conclusions.

Scarlet is fine with going straight to Renault's home.

Technically this happened the evening after the fair ended (the night before you set out). Posh and Zokon go to the after-party at Renault's house and Zokon notices the area map hanging on the wall. They were the only two to explicitly mention that they were going (folks intimated that Alia might attend). You're welcome to go the event is most a non-event after the all the fuss at the fair itself, most people just want to unwind. There might have been a few drinks, some hogshead cheese and biscuits and then folks go off an make camp (since no one mentioned returning to Oleg's).

Scarlet the previous day

"Huh, strange fighting style." In all the excitement, Scarlet realizes she never spoke to the Tian woman.

"WARK! Looking for some advice? WARK!" The strange little bird man cocks his head in your direction. He blinks twice and pounds his ring-topped stave smartly on the ground near his collection pail, making the rings jingle.

Tarry = 1 vote. Not Tarry = 1 vote

I vote for either. Posh would like to hang around with Esme some more and help her out for a while as a roadie (or in "other" capacities) before she leaves. Maybe even help out in locating a few people with some talent and if Alia and Scarlet wish to join in judging these people, then we've suddenly made "X Factor: Golarian Edition!" I can see it now with us behind a desk and Scarlet being hidiously blunt about her opinion of their performance.

Scarlet the previous day

Scarlet Scarab wrote:

"Huh, strange fighting style." In all the excitement, Scarlet realizes she never spoke to the Tian woman.

"WARK! Looking for some advice? WARK!" The strange little bird man cocks his head in your direction. He blinks twice and pounds his ring-topped stave smartly on the ground near his collection pail, making the rings jingle.

"I'm always up for advice. The name's Scarlet Scarab." Scarlet offers a hand to shake. "I like to stay quick on my feet. Want to spar? I have some wooden swords around here somewhere..."

Scarlet overhears Posh talking to Esme. Hmm. I wonder what he did. Is that what he was hesitant about in the inn?

Scarlet makes a mental note. Later that day, she gets a moment to talk to Posh one on one. "Hey Posh. What do you know about Pitax? I've never been there before, but I'm sure a world traveler like you has seen something interesting in there."

Bluff to pass message: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

"I'm always up for advice. The name's Scarlet Scarab." Scarlet offers a hand to shake. "I like to stay quick on my feet. Want to spar? I have some wooden swords around here somewhere..."

The strange creature notes the little sign on the bucket. 'Questions = 2 cp'

RPGGGM wrote:

Tarry = 1 vote. Not Tarry = 1 vote

I vote for either. Posh would like to hang around with Esme some more and help her out for a while as a roadie (or in "other" capacities) before she leaves. Maybe even help out in locating a few people with some talent....

Esme supervised the process.

"That's the spare axle it goes on top of the carriage. with those bails of hay for the horses. Hmm. There was this funny kobold with a pet dog that could do tricks and drool a lot--sort of the mascots of the Academy of Grand Art--maybe I could ask her. I would ask Alia but what with her anvils and all and me not having a roadie. Yes, I'm quiet sure, all of it goes on top. That and well she's only really funny with Scarlet. Hmm, a humorous stout girl and serious 'straight' air quotes one.... There might be something to that. While you're up there Posh could you shoo Mr. Finch down? Thanks. You're very talented. You should really consider a career as a porter."

Scarlet Scarab wrote:

"I'm always up for advice. The name's Scarlet Scarab." Scarlet offers a hand to shake. "I like to stay quick on my feet. Want to spar? I have some wooden swords around here somewhere..."

The strange creature notes the little sign on the bucket. 'Questions = 2 cp'

"Huh? Oh." Scarlet takes two pieces of copper and drops it into the bucket. "So. Sparring. Are your up for it?"

Poshment Underhill wrote:

RPGGGM wrote:

Tarry = 1 vote. Not Tarry = 1 vote

I vote for either. Posh would like to hang around with Esme some more and help her out for a while as a roadie (or in "other" capacities) before she leaves. Maybe even help out in locating a few people with some talent....

Esme supervised the process.

"That's the spare axle it goes on top of the carriage. with those bails of hay for the horses. Hmm. There was this funny kobold with a pet dog that could do tricks and drool a lot--sort of the mascots of the Academy of Grand Art--maybe I could ask her. I would ask Alia but what with her anvils and all and me not having a roadie. Yes, I'm quiet sure, all of it goes on top. That and well she's only really funny with Scarlet. Hmm, a humorous stout girl and serious 'straight' air quotes one.... There might be something to that. While you're up there Posh could you shoo Mr. Finch down? Thanks. You're very talented. You should really consider a career as a porter."

Posh smiles as he keeps up at the work, happy to assist.

Handle Animal untrained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Scarlet overhears Posh talking to Esme. Hmm. I wonder what he did. Is that what he was hesitant about in the inn?

Scarlet makes a mental note. Later that day, she gets a moment to talk to Posh one on one. "Hey Posh. What do you know about Pitax? I've never been there before, but I'm sure a world traveler like you has seen something interesting in there."

** spoiler omitted **

Later that day as Posh meets up with the group for a moment.

"Porter work is certainly hard." he sighed for a moment and then turned to Scarlet, freezing for a moment at the mention of Pitax.
"Well, that was the last place I visited before coming up here and it's a pretty dangerous city. There are many alleys with daggers waiting in them for those who aren't cautious." Posh seems to go dark at this point, pausing for a moment. "King Irovetti rules the kingdom, sometimes known as a Barbarian king, but when I left he was adding some strange machines to buildings and many metal tubes all connecting to each other, but I never paid attention to the machines, apart from that one time there was this half-elf woman working on one of the machines and as she was bent over she had the nicest-" he stops himself, realising he was going off course. "-But the main point is, I don't really have many things to say about it. I wasn't there for too long and I'll do see if Esme has anymore work for me before I turn in. Have a good night everyone." with this he gives a bow before finding a area away from the group.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Did you want to stop and tarry with the locals or move quickly through the area?

"I think we have spent enough time talking to locals, with the fair and other engagements. We need to get more exploration done."

"I agree. It seems like we have hardly done anything to fulfill the primary goal of our charter."

I don't mind tarrying to talk to folks if that's what people want to do, though I don't feel it's necessary. I've kind of had my fill of NPCs for the moment. But I would prefer to ride around the area a bit to get the "feel" of the area, rather than just cribbing from Renault's map (which I would do anyway).

Other things...

Posh+Esme or Perception DC 15: (re: Pitax): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Numalar overhears Posh and Esme speaking. His head pops up a moment, but then he shakes his head and turns away.

It's none of my business, Numalar thinks. I shouldn't be eavesdropping. But... I suppose I should be on the lookout for Pitaxian agents, just in case.

Posh or Sense Motive DC 16: (re: Scarlet's inquiry): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Not even close.

Numalar wanders over to Esme after Scarlet and Posh start talking.

"Esme, if you happen to come across any legends about this Nyrissa figure I told you about, I'd be interested to hear whatever you find out."

"I only have fragments of the story, but I suspect it might make a good tragedy. I don't expect you to go searching for it, but if you do find enough material there could be a commission in it for you."

"Farewell, and good luck on your tour. Or I suppose I should say - break a leg." Numalar smiles, bows and doffs his hat to her as they part.

Zokon approaches Esme

"We've never had the chance to interact but I feel it would be remiss of me not to do this. Have a good journey wherever your travels may take you and please keep an ear out for anything that may concrrn us. I have a feeling we'll be here for a while. We shall do the same if anyone needs the great Esme."

With that he gives a nod of his head and returns to his horse and mounts up

i'm with Numalar on this one.... more than ready to move on.

Celyne waves goodbye to all those left behind, even though she really barely knows any of them.

sorry, just never really connected with any of the npc's

"Porter work is certainly hard." he sighed for a moment and then turned to Scarlet, freezing for a moment at the mention of Pitax.

"Well, that was the last place I visited before coming up here and it's a pretty dangerous city. There are many alleys with daggers waiting in them for those who aren't cautious." Posh seems to go dark at this point, pausing for a moment. "King Irovetti rules the kingdom, sometimes known as a Barbarian king, but when I left he was adding some strange machines to buildings and many metal tubes all connecting to each other, but I never paid attention to the machines, apart from that one time there was this half-elf woman working on one of the machines and as she was bent over she had the nicest-" he stops himself, realising he was going off course. "-But the main point is, I don't really have many things to say about it. I wasn't there for too long and I'll do see if Esme has anymore work for me before I turn in. Have a good night everyone." with this he gives a bow before finding a area away from the group.

I can't beat a 21 Bluff, so...

"Alright. Have a good night Posh. I guess we'll need to watch our back in Pitax. Although I wouldn't mind seeing one of those machine things up close."

Posh wrote:

"Porter work is certainly hard." he sighed for a moment and then turned to Scarlet, freezing for a moment at the mention of Pitax.

"Well, that was the last place I visited before coming up here and it's a pretty dangerous city. There are many alleys with daggers waiting in them for those who aren't cautious." Posh seems to go dark at this point, pausing for a moment. "King Irovetti rules the kingdom, sometimes known as a Barbarian king, but when I left he was adding some strange machines to buildings and many metal tubes all connecting to each other, but I never paid attention to the machines, apart from that one time there was this half-elf woman working on one of the machines and as she was bent over she had the nicest-" he stops himself, realising he was going off course. "-But the main point is, I don't really have many things to say about it. I wasn't there for too long and I'll do see if Esme has anymore work for me before I turn in. Have a good night everyone." with this he gives a bow before finding a area away from the group.

I can't beat a 21 Bluff, so...

"Alright. Have a good night Posh. I guess we'll need to watch our back in Pitax. Although I wouldn't mind seeing one of those machine things up close."

No. I meant a secret message, similar to earlier with Scarlet where it's aimed at her, but anyone else observing can pick up on it with a roll.