Ongoing PFS campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Chyrone

"Ahhh, this is great! I love to get stuff for free!" he shouts and starts changing.

Molos happily puts on the offered clothing, feeling quite full of himself. ”That’s a quite nice look, I must say,” he says, admiring himself.

Sheperd Mordel looks quizzically at the offered clothing. "Note that I have some er, differences from normal humanoid form. Also this is more fancy than I am used to but becoming part of a Community means to adopt the norms of that people." his tail swishes to bring attention to itself while he also holds a hand to his larger neck where the tigerlike head joins into his torso.

Towards Sheperd,

"If sir would examine more closely."
There is a custom tailored hole where a tail can fit through.

"Sir is not the first of his kind to have visited Druma."

After a little while, the aide enters a closed door further back in the hallway, at which he returns quite quickly.

"Gentlemen, Mr Passad is ready to receive you. If you would follow me please."
The aide takes you to a study, where a man in stylish attire and with several rings, sits in a comfortable armchair.

"Welcome, pathfinders.", he stands up. "Temel Passad, at your service. I hope the journey here was without too much trouble."

”Thank you! It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Passad... and I have to send regards from the trade prince! It is unfortunate that he cannot be here with us! But the exchange faction sent two members together with these distinguished Pathfinders to attend the auction! And with respect to your question on our journey, I have to admit that we unfortunately were attacked by bandits but my companions here had everything under control!“ he says with an exaggerated bow.

”Can you please enlighten my companions and myself with respect to the process of the auction as well as the people that will attend? We are eager to support and want to understand the situation better as we have heard that many powerful people will be present!“

When the servant brings Sheperd his set of special clothes

Oh yes, I've seen this kind of custom hole in clothes once... I mistankenly wore it with the back at the front...At least it made a few ladies smile.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

There is a glint in Lukaas eyes. Is he joking... or just reminiscing?

Ha ha! I am really LOL. :-)

Theophilus puts on the expertly tailored suit, but within minutes minor telekinetic flutterings have rumpled the folds and given it unseemly creases.

"You'd know all about bandits, right Temel? Just a cost of doing business most of the time."

To whomever added the radius and line slide, thank you kindly.
Though my slides have all been set to a parchment color default, when adding new ones?

You'd know all about bandits, right Temel? Just a cost of doing business most of the time.

He shrugs,

He's pleased the others are satisfied with the facilities he is offering.
"Now, on to the topic your dwarven friend has brought up, the auction."

He takes a map of the city slide 2 from a case and spreads it on his desk.
"The city of Alabastrine was meant to be one of the greater settlements in Druma. Its size alone positioned it to possibly become Druma’s second largest city—rivaling the shipyards of Detmer.
Located on an island at the mouth of the Profit’s Flow, the city would have allowed the proper segregation of a refugee influx, giving adequate time to convert these newcomers to the ways of the Prophecies. Alabastrine earned the moniker City of Heathens from its intended role as a home for the uninitiated."

"Though events after Aroden's death caught the high elite by surprise. Society recovered more quickly than anticipated, and the city stands empty today. The city is devided into five districts, each up for auction."

"On the right, we have what we call 'Courts of Abstinence'. It was urban development to house the many refugees, it is crammed with high reaching housing, as much as possible. In recent years, the government of Cheliax and several Hellknight orders have requested temporary use of the Courts to improve their urban fighting skills."

"Where everyone arrives, and he points to the docks at the southern edge, The Luminous Wharf. It was made after a celestial constellation. Initially its towers would light the sky to remind people the city is always open, but in recent years it's to remind people the city is still here."

"From what i gather, the wharf is not of particular interest to the other bidders, so if you want to prevent it falling into Myrosype's hands, you'll have to influence the other bidders."

"On to the third, and he points at the central zone, which looks like a keep, 'Prophet’s Burg'. The center of Alabastrine was never completed, leaving an abandoned patch of land in the city’s core.
That changed when High Prophet Kelldor invested in the city, self-funding an entire city district, which received the unofficial title of Prophet’s Burg.
The most ostentatious structures in the whole of Alabastrine reside in this district, which is considered to be prime real estate for those seeking to live within the city. The city’s ruling council meets in the central structure of the district—an awe-inspiring edifice of glass and gold known as Kelldor’s Spire."

"Fourth, indicating a strip of land at the outlying western side of the city, 'The Scriptum. This district houses dozens of titanic
libraries, containing innumerable treatises on the history of the Prophecies of Kalistrade.
Other libraries detail different religious, but always from a clinical examination devoid of religious fervor.
It was here that the architects of Alabastrine intended to indoctrinate the new arrivals, by providing free access to the texts within Scriptum’s libraries. Many ideas from this district were later employed in the successful Drumish settlement of Twingate."

"And finally, this zone in the southwest. 'Working End'.
Much of this section of the city was meant for industrial purposes. Vast empty warehouses and smaller uninhabited structures fill the majority
of Working End.
This district has most commonly been used in the past as hosting sites for illegal trade or the long-term storage of goods by outside nations. One of this district’s attractions is that any goods not specifically removed from the warehouses by the completion of the bidding are forfeit to the new district councilor. "

"Concerning the bidders,"

"Cyran Androtus.
No one really knows much about Cyran. He’s an elf; perhaps one of the longest lived devotees of the Prophecies. He is said to traffic outside of Golarion, supplying extraplanar factions with raw materials and facilitating negotiations among them. He possesses considerable magical abilities. If you can learn something from him, you’ll do better than most."

"Irith Nomazamo."

"Myrosype."

"Vayde Petronax."

"And myself. I can't let everything be taken away, now can i?"
"Try to find out what makes the other bidders tick, and you might be able to steer them into outbidding Myrosype."

Know. History v Myrosype 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18. ”Ugh, this one is an Apsis member. Financed the attack on the Grand Lodge not long ago.”

Know Planes v Cyran 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Let me see if I remember anything useful about these fellows

Bardic knowledge, all check can be done untrained, bonus+2 (half bard level)

know PLanes DC 20, Cyran: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23
know Nobs DC14, Irith: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28
know Nobs DC15, Petronax: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25

Soon, Lukaas tells you everything you never knew you ignored about the bidders, that Cyran has ties with outer planes, specifically the Lawful plane of Axis, that Irith is the current lord-counselor of Abalastrine, and that the patriach of the Petronax (and his ancestors before!) has provided most of the soldiers and workforce since the beginning of the city.

Those are some solid rolls Lukaas. Nice job.

Prior to the auction, every PC can make a single Kn. Local or Kn. Nobility check to get some info about a single bidder attending the auction.
I will add discovered info in your journal, on slide 5.

Don’t have kn nobility.

kn planes dc 20 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
kn history dc 10 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

“You know a lot guys! Good to have you here with us!“ Toral says.

* * Single roll on single person: kn local for Myrosype.

kn local : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Theo lazily takes a few notes as Lukaas and Moro expound. "We're not really on my home turf here. Good to know the pressure points."

If Profession (merchant) can be subbed in then 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 for Irith Nomazamo.
Otherwise, Theo will just take-10 on a roll of Knowledge (local) on whoever's untargeted.

Unfortunately not here. Still going with Irith?
You take 10 for a flat result, you don't seem to have any knowledge trained.

Totally fair; I'll go for whoever's not covered by someone else, (if that person exists)

Toral tells you all about the Aspis agent.

Read spoiler.

“We better concentrate on the other bidders!“

Can we take 10 (or even 20) on the Know Local on single bidder?

Aid another know. Local untrained on Irish 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Theo and Molos briefly exchange bits of what faint rumors they have heard, but nothing concrete comes to mind, other than men's praises of exotic appearance and graceful manners.

@ Lukaas, take 20 is hiding i'm afraid.
I don't see any problem with take 10 on this check, though as a hint, you might want to roll for this particular check. Who will you be going for?

Pondering on what he has heard Mordel remains fairly quietly to the side for now.

Know Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

This is for Irith follow as above. No History, Nobility or Planes for other rolls.

Know local on Petronax: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27

Lukaas has yet to see the man himself, but he seems to know everything about the old Petronax, down to his favorite taverns (basic knowledge among servants of the Eternal Drunk) to the name of his first cat. And of course his name, his quest, and his favorite color.

You surprise yourself pondering, "but what does he already knows about ME?"

If only it were that simple, eh?

Lukaas, having performed for a variety of arcane academics recently, has heard Vayde Petronax is quite an educated man, with an interest in philosophy and religious matters.

Sheperd has heard Irith is a merchant by trade and somewhat interested in politics.

Passad,
"Since you seem to be musing, allow me to give a little extra background on them.
Vayde’s a damn skeleton of a man. Some say he adheres to the strictest tenures of the Prophecies when it comes to the consumption of food and drink. I can barely stand listening to his hoarse voice for more than a
few minutes, but it’s clear the wizened elder of the Petronax family knows much about the city. After all, his family’s servants and soldiers have been working the streets since before High Prophet Kelldor enacted the bidding process."

"Irith. Can barely get close to that woman; what, with all the eccentric clothing she wears. If she speaks more than ten words a day, I’d be surprised. Can’t help but feel sorry for her though; Irith made a good run of ruling Alabastrine since the last bid, and now that trade looks to be on the upswing, her time as lord-councilor is running out. I’d be surprised if she manages to acquire more than a single district."

"Oh, and a vital piece of advice, while you are in Alabastrine.
There is a strict monitoring on illegal and criminal activities. Anyone guilty of such acts, and violence, are dealt with swiftly."

Oh, and a vital piece of advice, while you are in Alabastrine.

Whoops, that is supposed to be Kerse.

"Ah, i should mention we have a special way to proceed with an auction such as this. Each of the participants hosts an occasion, where the bidding for a single district happens. 2 per day, 1 in the morning, and one in the evening. Make most of the rest of the day, and see what wonders Kerse has to offer."

And so, the group of pathfinders spends the remainder of the day in Kerse, awaiting the auction early next morning.

========================================
Following morning:
========================================

The first auctioning event is hosted by Temel Passad himself. He hosts it in his mansion on the waterfront of Lake Encarthan. His event prominently displays the beauty of the lake and the bustle of Kerse’s navy, as well as his prize gardens featuring rare plants from around the Inner Sea region and beyond.

Some members of the bidders' entourages stand briefly admiring the flowers.
"I say, Margret, have you ever seen a flower in such a shade of blue? Almost like the water of the ocean."

"No dear, it is marvelous to behold, i admit. Such vibrant colors."
(fading chatter.......)
Servants guide you to a veranda, overlooking the lake and garden. Last to arrive, is a dwarf in a formal attire, with a kept beard and a professional look to him. He takes a seat near the auctioneer's stand.

A man takes the auctioneer's stand and clears his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we start the auction of the first district in an hour. Until then, feel free to treat yourselves on the refreshments and the gardens. Thank you."

Alright team. At each gathering, you can each make a check to either:
1) Try and find out what subjects (see checks) they are sensitive to.
You can use Knowledge checks you think appropriate, rolling for these though, as part of your talking to them, or through diplomacy. Sense motive can also be used to get a read on their mood concerning a topic, as you may be overhearing conversation.
2) Attempt to influence one of them, in effect encouraging them to bid more during auction. Social rolls work, some will or will not work, depending on who the target is. Alternatively, knowledge checks associated to their known weaknesses are a good way to get where you want.
3) Passad mentioned the wharf is not particularly of interest, as far as he knows, which means you could try to get a bidder to consider buying that district. This will require 3 successful checks, bring some good arguments why they'd benefit from owning it.

Of note, you can of course choose to await the result of another PC's prying/check to exploit the discovered weaknesses.
So, what will everyone do, what people will you speak to?

Lucas and Shepherd appear to be the best at this, so I’d let them choose who we try to influence.

Toral’s Knowledge skills are quite low and also his sense motive is not strong so that he will mostly concentrate on diplomacy to gain influence and the first task of the others should be to try to understand more about the different stakeholders! In this phase I will try to get people to bid for the wharf which only the Aspis want based on Passad’s information.

Toral approaches lady Irith.

“My lady, may I disturb you for a moment. My name is Toral of the Exchange faction of the Pathfinder Society. Well, it is a pleasure to attend this auction and be able to meet you! It is definitely a competitive environment as far as I can see and therefore I would very much like to know if you also believe the wharf to be of such strategic importance to secure the direct water access to the city! I strongly believe that it will be one of the most sought districts!!“ Toral says with confidence.

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Irith, an air of authority around her, as required of her current station, looks sideways at the now approaching dwarf. Whilest one of her entourage is about to say something for disrupting their conversation, she silences him with but a raised finger.

She observes Toral while he shares his thoughts on the wharf.
"The society present at our auction, how peculiar.
The wharf most sought? Not as of present. While it is true everything must dock at the wharf, i am not convinced i should invest in a district."

1 of 3 marked for convincing her to bid on the wharf. She will need 2 more solid arguments in favor of it.

”I have always heard that whoever controls the water, controls the cargo, you know,” the tiefling points out, trying to drive up interest from the woman. ”Knowing what comes in and out, and who is having the particular cargo shipped could allow an intelligent sort to put that knowledge to good use to make gold.”

Diplomacy 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Theophilus tries to keep to himself, sliding through Temel's soiree with barely a ripple as he keeps his ears peeled for what rasps of wisdom pass Vayde's lips - and more importantly what they might mean for Theophilus's plans...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Mordel listens intently to the discussions with Irith and her reactions.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Sheperd isn't getting much of a read on the stoic woman, but Theo is more successful.

Theo, you've left me guessing a bit.
In future checks, could you specify about what you are trying to discover. Interests, strengths or weaknesses.

Theo discovers..: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Theo notices that someone of the staff greeting Vayde, speaks to him with respect, calling him patriarch of the family. This seems to please the old man. Theo reckons that approaching the man with the manners befitting a noble will work quite well.

Kn. Nobility works wonders on this man, on top of religious talk discovered earlier.

Between Toral's seeming conviction of his words and Molos' aditional comment, you notice Irith very briefly thinking.

"That is true, but that is not enough to make up my mind on the matter."

She nods slightly, then returns the conversation with the entourage.
2 out of 3 to get her to bid on hhe wharf. Theo has discovered the 2nd of 2 Knowledge types for Vayde.

The event proceeds casually, with all bidders speaking with the auctioneer at one time or another, the dwarf noting it down.

At the near end, he takes the stand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.
Current biddings on the districts, at present all highest bids are made by lady Myrosype. You may proceed at the event scheduled tonight. Thank you."

There are glances and a few hushed words among the bidders and their followers.

Almost forgot Lukaas. He's still up for an attempt.

The wharf? Milady Irith, please let me know if you're interested. i will try not to bid too high. I was keeping an eye on it, because I feel it might be a very strategical ressource for the city in the near future. A sharp witted entrepreneur would know how to make money in that place, with many oppportunities... Who knows, we could for the next centuries speak of your good fortune in folktales, and how Lady Irith turned water to gold...

says Lucaas with a charming smile.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 add one if Lukaas good looks tickles Lady Irith's fancy...

Lukaas, any checks towards a bidder, after the initial one are considered aid another. You'd either further a check that already has maximum result, or go for someone else.

So what can I do (what kind of skill check?) to influence Irith to bid on the wharf? You said she was at two third convinced..

Yes. At the next event another check can be made on this topic.
Depending on who you choose, that diplomacy check, differently worded probably, will work on another bidder.

I'm sorry - I misunderstood and thought that the Sense Motive was used to discover interests, strengths, and weaknesses as opposed to discovering interests, OR strengths, OR weaknesses. I'll be more specific going forward :-)

@ Lukaas, whom will be the next target of that diplomacy roll?

The event at Passad's estate comes to a close around midday, and the next event is early in the evening at the Petronax estate.

==================================
That evening,
==================================

You follow the directions given by Passad to find the patriarch's estate, and already people are waiting outside.

I recall Toral would like to cast a prep.

Once you enter, servants point you to a large costume wardrobe.
All guests are to enter in costume. Provided costumes represent dozens of deific servants, from demons to devils to psychopomps and angels.

Those with at least 1 rank in Knowledge Religion or Knowledge Planes can specify which they want. It's an odd description, i know.

Once dressed, you are allowed entrance to a vivacious ballroom. Violin music is playing.

In clear sight, you see the frail looking figure of Vayde Patronax, speaking to every guest received.
When speaking to him upon entrance, you can roll a perform [act, oratory, or comedy] or Knowledge Planes, DC 18, to satisfy his curiosity, which will benefit you on future checks you make towards him.

The masks of the costumes impose a -4 penalty to Snse motive checks, but give a +2 bonus to bluff checks.
So here we are gents, time for round 2.

Sheperd Mordel takes up his moniker of a servant of Erastil for a costume, hiding his tigers head with that of an elk.

Approaching Vayde Patronax on entry he bows a deep gesture of respect. "Greetings Honored Elder. May Erastil offer his guidance as you do so to the Community here. I am but a humble petitioner asking for entrance." he speaks with a deep rumbling voice that holds note of reverence for a community leader, while remaining simple and direct.

Act Oratory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Toral will take a mask of his deity Chaldira.

“May the lucky and those that are brave find the route to success in business!!! And may the forces beyond the material plane guide us.“

kn Planes , heightened awareness : 2 + 1d20 + 6 ⇒ 2 + (14) + 6 = 22

@ Lukaas, whom will be the next target of that diplomacy roll?

GM, I understood that table you have in the slides in a way that the wharf is kind of different animal so are we then finished with Irith when we have the wharf? If yes then Lukaas could just move his roll to Passad for instance. But if we still need to convince Irith then his roll can be counted for her personally instead of the wharf?

Both wharf and she herself are influence checks, but for separate results, to my understanding. You are trying to convince her of something in either case. With just one primary influence check per NPC per event, that leaves Lukaas to direct his good check on someone else.

Lucaas will chat with Ol"Petronax, using the same roll

May I pay my respect to the head of an old and respected family? I was wondering if there were parts of the biddings that could hold particular significance for you and your family, some place maybe linked to the glorious history of your ancestors, or something you intend to protect and cherish for the material future of your kin. It's not out of vile curiosity, but more to know if we could reach a gentlemen's agreement...

The idea of dressing up as an angel made Molos laugh for some reason, so that was the costume he chose.

He greeted the old man with a reference to the multiple planes, wondering if any of them had such a nice party happening.

Know. Planes 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Unfortunately, the conversation fell flat.

At the event in the morning,

Vayde faintly smiles at the respect he is addressed by, by Lukaas.
"Good evening to you, young man. So good to see younger generations who still have respect for their elders.
You are correct, one had caught my interest. I do appreciate a lot of sophisticated texts, so yes. There is but one place in Alabastrine that could sate it, the libraries of the scriptorium."

He slightly frowns at the comment of 'a gentlemen's agreement'.
"Young man, i must cut our conversation short for the time being. I am sure we may run into one another later."

Discovered what Vayde is after, and it got him slightly thinking of raising his bid for said district. 1 success on Vayde.

====================================
At current time at Vayde's event;
====================================
@ Sheperd,
The old man smiles modestly, as far as his frail figure allows it.
"And welcome to you, young man. An entertaining entrance. I am sure you will find your way around."

Toral will take a mask of his deity Chaldira's planar ally/servant

He has no masks with the faces of deities themselves. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"Hmmhmm, indeed so. May fortune favor us today. An interesting way of expression."

Toral wrote:

Toral will take a mask of his deity Chaldira's planar ally/servant

He has no masks with the faces of deities themselves. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"Hmmhmm, indeed so. May fortune favor us today. An interesting way of expression."

Ha ha, good, then he takes a giant button as a face mask! :-)

Theo and Lukaas are still up for the introduction check.