My understanding of this situation is that we are making checks to influence both at the same time (rather than calling out who the argument is directed at).
What skills are allowed? Is it any skill you find reasonable paired with a connected argument? If there is a small list of relevant skills, is there a way to get a list of the skills that would affect the two?
Cold aura: All creatures within 5 feet of the dragon take cold damage at the beginning of the dragon's turn.
Ice shape: Can shape ice and snow at will, as stone shape
Icewalking: Words as spider climb, but only on icy surfaces. Can move across icy surfaces without penalty and does not need to make acrobatics checks to run or charge on ice.
Snow vision: No penalties on perception checks in snow.
Hm, I wasn't clear in my description: you need to influence each of them separately, but the way you influence one might impact your successes on the other. They each need 3-4 successes, depending on how things go. Here are the listed skills, though I have some latitude to allow other approaches, especially if you expend resources for them:
Quiselle: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), or Perform (any)
Vallahk: Intimidate, Profession (hunter or trapper), Survival, Perception, or Stealth
----
Tooth, would you have done something different, knowing this?
Andrietta, I'll accept that as a Linguistics check toward Quiselle, if you'd like.
Male Tengu Investigator 9 | HP 48/48 | AC 24 touch 15 ff 20 | CMB +6; CMD 21 | F +6, R: +13, W +11 | Init +4 | Perception +16 (+d8) | Speed 30 ft.
Watts looks with some interest toward both the queen and king of the realm although with more curiosity toward Vallahk. Watts matches Andrietta offering a plea in Sylvan while translating it into common following. His phrasing is cautious, not wishing to draw the ire of either so short into the discussion.
Directing himself at Vallahk Watts answers, "Tooth speaks correctly for the cause that brought here, and in other cases I might feel more pressured to give you reason to allow us entry into your domain. However it is the case that this incursion by the dragons have already created one. While I have no doubt that you could drive them back, I do not believe it would be without some loss. We have with us an army willing and able to fight for the sanctity of your kingdom. With your permission and aid, they may be driven off with minimal cost to you and your kin."
Watts watches carefully how the king and others react to his statements trying to adjust to the mood of the room as well showing some attention to the more well hidden fey who may be less inclined to attempt a defense alone.
Tengu (Tooth) and Fiendish Giant Mantis (Claw) Hunter (divine verminous) 11 | AC 24 T 15 FF 20 | HP 98/98 | F +13 R +14 W +11 | CMD 26 | Init +4 | Perc +19 lowlight, carrion sense | vermin focus (11/11) | Sudden Shift (7/7) | Master's Illusion (11/11) | Spells (-, 6/6, 5/5, 5/5, 3/3)
GM Dennis wrote:
Tooth, would you have done something different, knowing this?
I'll stick with the Survival check. Even though the dice roll was poor, it was an appropriate skill to try. And hey, I have useful skills for this influence game! I can still try perception, stealth and handle animal with OK bonuses. I'm up for trying out with Perception and Stealth for sure.
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
Kel bows to Quiselle, his hand over his heart as he does thusly. "Greetingss, fair one. I am Kel-Aurthraxis Maleocorr, Sentinel of the Platinum Band in service to Apsu the Waybringer and Silver Crusader of House Tullian. As a servant of Apsu, it iss my duty to know about the dangerss of chromatic - that iss to say evil - dragonss, and all the destruction they can bring to a region if left unchecked. As a silver crusader of the pathfinders, it iss my duty to explore, report, and cooperate with otherss in the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of the livess we touch. We stand before you now at the junction of these aimss. Dangerouss dragonss abound in and around your lands, and also stand between uss and our ability to aid those in need and learn ancient lore. As such, we beseech you to allow uss safe passage through your territory."
I am activating Kel's once-ever "Duplicitous Charm" boon from the Pathfinder Tales novel City of the Fallen Sky to give him a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy checks (to ask for favors or to improve attitude) and Bluff checks (to lie) versus Quiselle for the rest of the scenario.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31(plus if anything he said gives bonuses?)
"You ask why should you allow us to help you? As you can see, we are mighty warriors. For instance, I am a living weapon." Kaa demonstrates by summoning his weapon out of thin air.
Lissa glances nervously at the fae nobles, before stepping forward, seemingly out of Kaa's shadow. "I am called Lissa, from the Villasani clan. Unlike the others, I have no fancy titles or place of importance in human society. Just another daughter of the road. However, being a child of the road means I've had more chances to learn the lessons that nature tries to teach us all. I know that man aren't the most... considerate creatures when it comes to caring for nature, but I'm sure that I can ensure that our passage through here won't disturb your realm. As such, our goals and yours are mutual: You have dragons causing problems for you and yours, and said dragons in our way too. Help us out, we will get the information we're looking for and leave, and your lands will be back to the way they were before the kobolds and dragons came."
After 7 checks (2 from Lissa, one from everyone else), here's where you stand:
Despite his annoyance at your diplomatic overtures to Quiselle, Vallahk seems about 75% convinced. He was impressed by Lissa's show of stealth, Kaa's intimidating display (and his self-confident attitude), and Watts' keen eye for strategy.
Quiselle rolled her eyes when Kaa challenged Vallahk, causing the fey to adopt a more aggressive posture, and she seemed to lose interest near the end of Lissa's demonstration of knowledge (just missed, I'm afraid. It's a tough DC for the knowledge (nature) check). Still, Andrietta and Kel can be quite pursuasive, and she seems about half-way convinced.
5 checks remaining, and at least three must be done by someone other than Lissa. Vallahk is at 3/4 successes, Quiselle is at 2/4.
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
Yay insomnia...
Kel will segue from diplomatic overtones with Quiselle into how helping us will in turn help them in keeping their lands safe - especially the animals and living creatures - from the deprivations of evil dragons and those that serve them.
I am using my Diverse Training boon: 1/adventure Kel can attempt a skill check as if he was trained with a bonus equal to 3 + my GM Stars (5)
"It is quite important that we do not allow the dragons and their lackeys to hunt some species out of existence. We must keep the balance of nature intact."
Another success for Kel, Quiselle is now at 3/4. I also want to point out that there's nothing in the rules for this one that says you have to vary your checks. Sorry if I wasn't clear on that. 8 checks used, 4 remaining, two of which must come from someone other than Kel or Lissa.
"Kel and myself are followers of Apsu, Lord of Good Dragons. That means we are dedicated to defeat evil ones like the white dragon plaguing you. I would not stand in our way." Kaa states as he raises his ectoplasmic blade in the air while looking at Vallahk.
Male Tengu Investigator 9 | HP 48/48 | AC 24 touch 15 ff 20 | CMB +6; CMD 21 | F +6, R: +13, W +11 | Init +4 | Perception +16 (+d8) | Speed 30 ft.
"And I will attest to both their faith and devotion to their cause. I know few as well versed in draconic combat as Kaa and Kel-Aurthraxis."
Watts tries to come to some argument to convince Quiselle. Drawn into his mind are works of the philosophers of Galt before the kingdom began it's journey into anarchy.
"This is still your choice to make, but I implore you to accept our offer of aid. If not for yourselves then at least for those of your citizens that depend on your strength. The position of lordship you hold places a responsibility on you to use the tools at your disposal to grant them succor when they have little ability to do so for themselves. I plea for you to allow us to use our power to your benefit."
Knowledge (nobility) directed at Quiselle. It can be Knowledge (nature) at the same bonus if this isn't applicable. Using Secrets of the Sphinx for +2 on roll.
Tengu (Tooth) and Fiendish Giant Mantis (Claw) Hunter (divine verminous) 11 | AC 24 T 15 FF 20 | HP 98/98 | F +13 R +14 W +11 | CMD 26 | Init +4 | Perc +19 lowlight, carrion sense | vermin focus (11/11) | Sudden Shift (7/7) | Master's Illusion (11/11) | Spells (-, 6/6, 5/5, 5/5, 3/3)
"Yes, yes, Watts right! Us nobles have to help lit- uh, not-nobles-who-we-more-important-than. That part of being noble!"
know.nobility, aid Watts:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8Tooth puts his foot in his beak again.
if Vallahk is not fully influenced:
Then, turning to Vallahk: "Me know what to look for. Me in tune with nature, me know how to watch for signs. Me know way of the mighty mantis, see all around."
perception vs Vallahk, wasp focus:1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 4 = 30
OR
if Vallahk is fully influenced:
Tooth keeps his attention on Quiselle. "Me know how to keep animals safe. Tooth and Claw can guide wild animals. Steer away from danger of kobolds and dragons."
handle animal vs Quiselle, expend Fortune's Return boon and one use of grave treader's inspiration:1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 + (1) = 19
Andrietta attempts to get a feel for how the party is doing. while watching the two leaders and the rest of the Court.
I've seen this sort of paegentry back home. No wonder nothing gets done... they're too in balance with each other, each time one suggests something, the other counters it. I hope we can pull this off, kids...
Sense Motive (to gauge the two leaders, not engage them):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
The two monarchs whisper among themselves for a moment, before Quiselle gives you a sly smile and says, “Your proposal intrigues us. We shall consider giving you our blessing when your need is greatest.” She then waves her hand, causing a rush of oak leaves to fall from the tree and whirl around you. When the leaves clear, you and Enzial are back along the frozen lake’s bank. ”So, thaaat’s theeeeem. Whatya think? Pretty great, right? Anyway, the dragon’s lair is just up ahead over here. Should be pretty easy to find if you just head down this path.”
-----
The forest path Enzial shows you leads northeast, where dense evergreens give way to steep, rocky foothills. Several intersecting trails lead up to the cave system’s main entrance partway up the Tusk Mountains. The raised outcroppings in this area are about 10 feet tall, and scaling one requires a successful DC 12 Climb check. The frozen ground is not difficult terrain, but it does impose a –2 penalty on Acrobatics checks. You have time to cast 10min/level buffs and hour/level buffs, but it takes long enough that min/level buffs have expired.
Ahead of you, a large white bear with sharp, bony protrusions stands chained. It roars at you as you approach, and begins to strain against its harness.
Knowledge (nature) DC 18:
This is a dire polar bear, a particularly vicious predator. It’s rather short appendages look like they can’t reach more than 5 feet, but look well suited to latching on to whatever comes within reach. For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list
Male Tengu Investigator 9 | HP 48/48 | AC 24 touch 15 ff 20 | CMB +6; CMD 21 | F +6, R: +13, W +11 | Init +4 | Perception +16 (+d8) | Speed 30 ft.
"They are incredibly interesting, although I do wish we had more time to speak with one another. I might plea for my entry on a later date when your lands are not under a dire threat. Even with that, I would ask for your consideration of another matter. I work with a number fellows with a focus on scholarship and sharing knowledge. I don't know if such matters are of interest to you, even if it is far off story and art, but they would greatly benefit of your knowledge of lands here as well as the customs of the local fey."
Knowledge (local) DC 24 to recruit as a NPC scholar or extraplanar authority?:1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 2 + (3) = 38
"Even if not so, I'm grateful for your aid and wish well for you and your home."
On the path up Watts does share what he knows of the dragons the party likely is to find during the quest. During his descriptions he emphasizes their ability to reshape ice, various immunities, and spellcasting prowess.
"Their breath covers a wide area. It is even more critical to stay near Kel if we are to utilize his ward. That won't protect against the cold they radiate if you are within striking distance. I mean my range, not necessarily either Lissa's or Tooth's reach."
Bear stuff: Special attacks: None. Resistances: None. Fighting abilities: BAB +7, CMB +17 (+21 grapple), CMD 28 (32 trip)
-----
Suddenly, a wire leading to the bear's harness jerks, and the creature's harness springs open! Enraged, the bear roars, then charges forward at you! Double move.
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
Kel extends an open hand in the bear's direction and then thrusts upwards, the gesture summoning two Barbed Chains from the ground to try and trip the bear and then attack it!
Trip 1 + Bless:1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 1 = 27
If that trips the bear, it needs to make a DC 16 Will Save or be Shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 1 Rounds.
Attack + Bless:1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 = 25 Magic Slashing Damage:1d6 ⇒ 1
If that hits the bear, it needs to make a DC 16 Will Save or be Shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 1 Rounds.
Note that the shaken effects do not stack, so if it fails both saves it just takes the longer of the two durations.
Kel summons diabolical chains to disrupt the creature. The first is unable to trip the four-legged beast, though the second does leave a small scratch on its foot. Claw strikes from reach, but is unable to find purchase on the bear's thick hide.
Previously "Yes, dear. They are definitely the leaders of this particular realm." Andrietta offers in a very dry tone to Enzial.
Currently
As the bear comes barreling down the path, the weathered grandmother moves herself into position to prevent it from charging into the mass of the party, twirling her quarterstaff protectively.
Move: Diagonal into position
Readied Quarterstaff strike(Defensive, Current AC 31, Current CMD 28):1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 4 = 27Ready condition: If bear comes within reach
Damage:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
"Be ready for more tricks!" she yells as a warning.
Male Tengu Investigator 9 | HP 48/48 | AC 24 touch 15 ff 20 | CMB +6; CMD 21 | F +6, R: +13, W +11 | Init +4 | Perception +16 (+d8) | Speed 30 ft.
"I had thought the kobolds may have set bear traps, but this is not the form I would expect they would take."
Watts moves forward cautiously, weapon ready and preparing to dodge the bear's attack.
"I must agree, be prepared for additional traps or hidden assailants! Do not discount the beast however, I have no down that if it lands a blow it will take hold easily and that it will be hard to force off!"
As everyone rushes in bewteen her and the bear, Lissa shrugs and begins to call on the ocean again. But in an effort to avoid hitting her comrades, her shot flies wide again.
5-foot Move action - Gather Power Empowered Water Blast vs. Bear
Lissa unleashes a mighty blast the fells a small tree just wide of the bear. Kaa moves boldly forward, though his blow lands wide, while Andrietta readies to strike and Watts studies his target.
---
The bear, furious at its recent confinement, steps forward and tries to savage the nearest target (5ft step, attacking Kaa)
Whole party may act. Tooth and Claw, the bear has 5ft reach, but 10ft siz, meaning you are adjacent if you're only 10ft up. Since you mentioned taking advantage of reach, I'm going to assume you're actually 15ft up.
"Watch for snipers!" Andrietta barks as she steps into the reach of the bear, quarterstaff spinning and snapping out at the bear every so often. "RARRRR!"
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
Kel moves up behind Kaa and casts Guidance on him before his attack, not wanting to bring too many of his spell resources to bear on this fight.
Andrietta moves forward and engages, thwacking the bear hard with her quarterstaff, and following that up with a sharp peck (primary and beak hit, primary confirms; so does the beak, because it's grappling). Lissa looks for a clear shot, connecting with a powerful torrent. Both of Claws strikes hit the bear as it holds onto Kaa, but he is unable to hold onto grab the bear in turn. Tooth misses as he calls for focused fire, but Kaa manages to damage the beast holding him. Watts strikes three times with studies precision, badly damaging the creature.
---
The bear drops Kaa and tries to drive off the creature that hit it hardest (Watts).
A strange, yapping song begins in the trees off to your left. It's extremely annoying, to the point of being distracting, even if you can't understand the words.
Draconic:
"Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall. Ninety-nine bottles of beer. Take one down...."
DC 16 Will save vs. mind-effecting, sonic (not language dependent) from everyone.
Pass:
No effect.
Fail:
-2 to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves for the duration of the song.
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
Will Save:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Will see what the rest of the party's deployment is this turn before Kel takes his actions.
Andrietta begins to sing-song along with whatever yappy tune the kobolds are singing in a much more precise and formal tone. The effort *is* a bit distracting.
Oh, this'll be fun...
Her quarterstaff spins in time to the music as she attempts to pull her blows to not murder the thing.
Andrietta, distracted by the song, thumps the ground twice with her quarterstaff. Kaa, however, now free of the bear's embrace, wheels and lands a solid blow, dropping the poor enraged creature! Bear is down.
Avoiding the worst of the bear's blows Watts pushes forward toward the archer, he considers traps for a moment and keeps to the bear's path taking a moment to wonder on the nature and temperament of the bear.
"Do not worry, the song the kobold's is chirping has a definitive end. It will have run through all the verses in ..."
Watts reconsiders for a moment as he measuring the timing of the song eventually adding, "I believe Tooth is correct, that is a far more effective strategy."
The irritating noise coming from the newly exposed kobold affects Lissa far more effectively then it does for the others. "Shutupshutupshutup!!!," she cries out as she dives through the woods to strike at the noise maker.
Move through difficult terrain Standard action - Attack (water whip) Vs. Orange
| hp 54/54 | AC 21 FF 13 T 20 | CMD 14 | Fort +8 Ref +4 Will +14 (+8 vs Poison, +2 vs Negative Energy effects that deal HP damage) | Init +2 | Perception +7 | Sense Motive +16 | Movement 40ft | Male Vishkanya Divine Paragon Cleric of Apsu 8 | Active Effects: Blessing of Fervor 5 rounds, Cold Resist 20, Deathwatch, Longstrider, Message, Loci Spirit Ritual (Healing), Wis +1 7rds |
I was going to cast Recentering Drone if more than a couple of people failed that will save...but I just realized that it's not a valid target for my spell *sigh*
Kel takes a step away from the kobold threatening him, weaving one hand in a complex pattern while the other grasps his holy symbol. Casting Spiritual Weapon, a wispy shape resembling the head of a Platinum Dragon (Blue lightning on the map) appears in front of the blue kobold, attempting to bite at it!
Tooth and Lissa combine to silence the yapping kobold, silencing its annoying song. Kel's spell targets the kobold, but the shifty creature dodges its ethereal attack.
----
Seeing Watts approaching, the blue kobold switches targets.
