PBP Gameday 2 - The Blakros Matrimony (Inactive)

Game Master Netopalis

Ambrus Valsin sits behind his desk at the Grand Lodge, which is suspiciously empty right about now. He's waiting on the team of Pathfinders which he requested for a special, diplomatic mission.

(Opening this thread for dotting purposes.)

The sharply presented frigate pulls into the harbour, Andoran flag gently dancing in the wind – its eagle seemingly in flight. A gilt nameplate reveals the ship as ‘The Raven’. Moments after it docks, a sharply dressed but slightly disreputable and roguish looking Galtan begins to disembark, several of the crew are heard to shout to him as they flick off lazy salutes ”Adieu le Capitaine!”, he waves back to them with a bit of a flourish as he strides down the gangplank with the surety and confidence of a man used to being in command.

The handsome fellow adjusts his tricorne, ensuring the cockade is well presented, before continuing through the streets humming the national anthem of his native homeland, his feet almost dancing as he makes his way to the rendezvous – pausing only momentarily whilst he avails himself of some red wine, fresh bread, and soft cheese.

Dot

Sosuke Rengu, a man in miniature, knocks sharply on the door to Ambrus Valsin's Office. The armored glove of his Oyori, making a solid thud as it strikes the worn wood. He sifts his weight from one foot to the other as he wait awkwardly for the door to open.

*doh*

Jacques strides up to the door and the man in miniature knocking upon it "Ahh, nobody answering?"he enquires in a lilting Galtan accent, looking a little surprised, "Captain Blackjack of The Raven" he joins the fellow in knocking to gain entrance.

The halfling looks up quizzically to the man who has joined him in knocking on the door. His voice is thick with a Tien accent."Buraku Jaku? Strange name, I am Rengu Sosuke, samurai warrior of the society."

Sosuke give the human a respectful bow, the heavy armor creaking slightly as he moves. He looks to be more armor and weapons than man. On his belt are at least two swords, the scabbard of one nearly dragging onver teh ground, and crossed over his back is a pole-arm of eastern design and a strange longbow.

Blackjack removes his tricorne with a flourish and returns the formality with his own neat bow. He notes the weapons, then looks to his own nodachi with a smirk.

The Grand Lodge's chamberlain sits behind an organized desk, reading a recently printed chronicle, and tapping his finger on an elaborate open envelope, the only sound in the eerily silent Pathfinder Society headquarters.

"Can you believe this place?" Valsin calmly asks, keeping his eyes squared on his chronicle. "Almost every agent worth her salt is off in Varisia right now. I bet you the Heidmarchs' manor has more Pathfinders in it than this place." Valsin finishes his reading and places the document on the desk, while sliding the envelope forward. "Desna smiles upon us that I have you fine agents here, as I doubt anyone else in Absalom is better qualified for this mission. I won't lie, this is probably one of the trickiest tasks I've ever had to send a group of Pathfinders on, and much rides on its success. I need you to attend a wedding. And not just any wedding, mind you, but a Blakros wedding."

"The wedding is taking place on a secluded summer retreat on nearby Pariol Island, which the Blakroses own. There are two boats heading there before the first wedding festivities. One is a small supply runner set to leave in an hour that could get you there early tomorrow morning. The next is a larger ship that will transport the majority of the guests in the morning. Your travel is paid for of course, but you'll need to get on one of those two vessels."

With a grave nod, Valsin passes over the envelope containing the invitation, and continues. "Also, you'll need to peace-bond any weapons when you arrive on the island, and I'd recommend only wearing your finest armor, if yo wear any at all. We're not too concerned about security at the wedding, but making a good impression on the Blakroses and their guests is key to your mission. You'll need to mingle, and get on the good sides of as many people as you can. I can't stress this point enough: This is a social gathering, and the Society could really use the extra clout with all our current efforts being so far abroad. I don't care if you save the wedding from a dragon, find out the bride is a doppelganger, or discover some grand plot to take over the Inner Sea - I only care that you leave this wedding having made people happy and improving our standing among the attendees! Are we understood?"

The invitation reads as follows:

WEDDING INVITATION
The Pathfinder Society is hereby invited to send a delegation of loyal agents to attend a wedding ceremony uniting

Michellia Blakros
and
Damian Kastner

The vessel Sterling Sapphire will depart from the docks of Absalom in the evening. Only those bearing an invitation will be allowed to board.

Day 1: Enjoy a luxurious boat ride to Pariol Island, followed by an evening reception.
Day 2: A morning wedding shall take place in an Abadarian chapel built for the occasion. A reception will follow, late into the night.
Day 3: A morning breakfast followed by a return voyage to Absalom.

You may ask any questions. Additionally, I would welcome a Knowledge (History) or (Nobility) roll. Finally, if you have played in any of the following scenarios under this character, please indicate as such:

• Mists of Mwangi
• Voice in the Void
• The Penumbral Accords
• Echoes of the Overwatched
• The Disappeared
• Fortress of the Nail
• Day of the Demon
• The Hellknight's Feast
• First Steps 1
• The Immortal Conundrum
• Library of the Lion
• The Traitor's Lodge
• Storming the Diamond Gate

"The morning always sounds better, it allows us to enjoy the night and listen for any sounds indicating future trouble"

Know History 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Blackjack is rather pre-occupied with what to do with The Raven to think on what's ahead.

"Agreed, we should take the first ship." He looks about slightly confused. Yes we are understaffed at the moment, but surely other agents must have been assigned to join us. This bodes ill.

"Forgive me if I have mistaken your customs, but is it not traditional for guest to bring some form of gift?"

Know History: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Know(Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

If the venture captain is finished with them, Sosuke will whistle sharply and step outside the office waiting for Ōkina-Warui-Ōkami, the nearly man sized wolf comes quickly to his summons its chain shirt gleaming. He sits and patiently waits for the small samurai to mount.

Sosuke has completed: First Steps 1 and The Traitor's Lodge

Sending out a prod PM to the other players.

I did the same for my games too...

Esmiralda smiles, "My apologies, I stand ready, sirs!" Esmeralda has completed the Disappeared and First Steps, Part 1.

Although she knows very little about History or Nobility, Esmeralda does pride herself on knowing those in the know, hearing of the mission, she makes every effort to pry any useful knowledge from anyone in the Lodge, casting guidance upon herself as she approaches each individual.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30

Sosuke eyes the curious woman who's now joined them. He smoothly climbs into the saddle on the wolf's back, the leather creaking as his weight settles. "What is your name? I am Rengu Sosuke, samurai warrior of the society." He gives her a polite bow.

"Captain Blackjack of The Raven" once more he bows, but this time looks up through his brow at Esmerelda, a roguish twinkle in his half-elven eyes.

"Bon chance! What a day for us to walk and talk, and even listen for what songs the birds may sing. I need to purchase some different attire perhaps" he taps his mithril breastplate "not the best for a wedding and carousing"

"Esmeralda, but everyone calls me Esmerelda. Esme works too! Pleased to meet you all!"

Sosuke give her a nod, trying to figure out how to pronounce her name.
Why are these names always so difficult...
"Esumi then. Have you any experience with the Blakros family?"

"None that I expressly recall, though the Venture Captain seemed to indicate they have their fingers in everything, so I imagine I have," Esmeralda responds to the strange halfling.

"I do hate showing up completely unarmed and unarmored, but I have in my travels procured a rather handy haversack. Perhaps it would do you all well to allow me to store your items in there so they are available, but not overly obvious?"

"Let me change quick like so I do not feel too out of place at a wedding!"

Esmeralda returns a short while later wearing a ruby red and silver courtier's outfit, complete with a well cared for billowing hoop skirt and corset top. The outfit is accentuated with matching silver and ruby bracelet, earrings, and locket. The deeply hooded cloak and pouch help complete the ensemble. "Is the spell component pouch too noticeable? I put it and the other pouch inside the pretty one."

"Not sure my belongings would fit, though I like your thinking, perhaps an armoured coat? I could purchase something a little fancy and have the coat nearby - a merchant sailor such as myself, I feel naked without a little insurance - so many competitors and rivals to contend with"

Esme nods at Blackjack, and removes herself to her room to unpack her handy haversack, "I assume possessions left at the lodge will be reasonably safe?"

"I assume we are taking the ship with the guests no? I will have the Raven move to just off the island in case we find ourselves needing to make an unscheduled departure, if you wish, you may leave what you need with my Quaretmaster who will see to its safety and security, should you decide you need the item it will only be a jollyboat ride away"

Side note - Jacques plan is to have his frigate head into the vicinity of the island, decked out like a parrot with finery and colour. He will offer the convenient excuse that the ship is his generous offer of an honour guard and part of his contribution to the celebration. The actual plan is to park it off the coast in case we need to make a rapid departure, or wish to retrieve items etc.

"I thought we agreed on the supply ship. Leaves much sooner than the larger ship with the guests. "

Sosuke will leave what weapons that cannot be peace bound on Ōkina. Trusting that they will be safe enough in what stabling there is on the island. He rearranges his collection of arms so that the Katanas lie on opposite sided of his body and the Nodachi is slung over his back. He'll spend the voyage polishing the lacquer on his Ōyuri to ensure it shines.

Naginata, Daikyu and Tetsubo on his mount, I assume it would be impolite to ride a wolf at the wedding.

"Up to us, I just prefer to have options. If we just want to get there immediately we can move quickly on the Raven she's a frigate and much quicker than some fat supply ship, so we really have three options"

"Nice wolf, perhaps the story is you were hoping to do some exploring or hunting of pheasant on the island or something? We could always try pass it off as a loyal hunting hound?"

Yep we have three potential ships

You will need to, as a group, decide which ship you are taking. Once I have a consensus, we'll proceed.

"I have faith more in the Captain of our group's seafaring competence than my own, I defer to his choice."

Sosuke grunts his displeasure, "I do not like the water much, what ever ship will get us there most speedily is the one I vote for." He scratches his wolf behind one ear. "Ōkina, dose not mind it much, he likes to watch the waves and feel the wind."

dot so my PbP app will see this thread.

Esmeralda smiles at the newest wedding guest, and finishes packing up her goods into the handy haversack, along with anything others may request, up to the limit the pack will hold.

A tall Tian-Min woman arrives at the Grand Lodge, dressed in a fine kimono of purple silk. Her long, dark hair is secured by a clip of jade and gold, as well as several thin sticks.

"You have requested my presence, Master Valsin," she says upon arriving, her voice as smooth as the silk she wears.

Lady Noh has played First Steps I and The Disappeared. As a loyal servant of the Empire of Taldor, she would like to receive her faction mission if that is all right.

Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Lady Noh would also prefer to take the boat that is announced on the invitation. She believes it would be rude to refuse the gesture, and it would give us a chance to speak with other guests in a casual setting.

dot while I prepare character.

Sosuke breathes a sigh of relief to see more pathfinders showing up, all be it a little later than planed.

So, once you all agree on which boat to take,we'll be off.

Emeria walks up, her flowing and shimmering gown and overcoat trailing behind herself. "So sorry that I am late. Was held up with temple business. I am told that we are to attend a wedding? Did they send out an invitation?"

Once Emeria has a chance to inspect the invitation, she nods. "I assume we take the party boat. If our goal is to curry favor and standing among their guests, then we should not avoid extra face time with the guests."

Emeria has not played any of the listed scenarios, and would insist on taking the party vessel. Since we are to be functioning in a diplomatic role, avoiding the entire party to show up early seems like a fast way to hamstring our effort

"You make a valid point, perhaps my ship can tail or head there early. I just like having a means of egress to hand, and not to have to rely on others to make good an exit, scheduled or otherwise"

Emeria nods her head to the captain. "I don't suggest we remove our options sir, but what I do suggest is that we plan for the worst, but hope for the best. After all, these men and women are not common people. These are men and women of wealth and influence, power and resources. Resources and manpower are most likely being deployed to protect these attendees. Bring your ship, but lets hope we don't have need of it. Pathfinders are known for their resourcefulness, and if we can provide them with a way of escape, then so much the better."

Emeria looks about for a moment. "Did they happen to give a list of attendees at all? Who had been invited?"

"Sensible. I shall order my ship follow in full regalia at a respectful distance"

"That would be an appropriate solution," the Tian-Min lady replies. "Does the Sterling Sapphire depart this evening?" she asks the Venture-Captain.

Sosuke nods his agreement, still wondering if they should bring a gift for the couple...

Esme looks around as the conversation revolves around which ship and why. As soon as there appears to be a consensus, she quickly nods, "Good, I am packed. Let us set sail as soon as possible!"

Lady Noh examines the group. "I believe we will have to make sure we are dressed appropriately when we board the Sterling Sapphire. Armor, weaponry, and floating stones would be undesirable. It appears that we have some time to prepare."

"I also believe that there will be dancing at this wedding. I know of a shoemaker in the Petal District who could sell any of us new dancing shoes," the lady from Minkai muses.

So, we should probably prepare for an adventure full of social interaction and without weapons, armor, and overly-intrusive magic items, which means things like, in Lady Noh's case, masterwork dancing shoes among other things. What are you guys looking at doing to prepare?

Emeria is very much a face style caster and skill based character, but much more of a magical bent. She will be preparing a few disguises for her cloak, as well as finding any accessories she needs to be able to go with her sleeves of many garments. She also has her "nobility jewelry" which she invested a thousand gold into her nobles outfit. She will probably also stock up on illusion scrolls, invisibility spells and such just in case she needs to do some covert work around the party.

/OOC blackjack will still be rolling with his weapon, but peace bonded. Being a tian weapon, it is a bit of a conversation piece if nothing else. He will be picking up some nice clothes, but will also be picking up a masterwork armoured coat something he can hang nearby and get ahold of rapidly if things get rough.

We should probably dress such that we are like the other guests. If the NPCs aren't going to be wearing armor, won't be carrying weapons, and won't have floating rocks and glowing magic items, we definitely shouldn't if we want to make a good impression.

In other words, we probably shouldn't be better-armed and more-magical than the other guests.

Esmeralda is carrying a whole host of armaments into the wedding through the use of her pathfinder's pouch. She is wearing her 150gp worth of jewelry along with her Courtier's Outfit. I suppose I could go out and purchase some kind of Masterwork Diplomacy tool, but for the life of me I cannot think of what that might be.

Sosuke is wearing his magical and highly ceremonial o-yuri and only be carrying the weapon that can be peace bonded. The rest of the equipment will be with his mount. Still functioning under the assumption that there will be some sort of stabling on the island.

Emeria will start off wearing her Calistrian holy jewelry worth 500g. She will use her sleeves of many garments to change her dress to be a semi sparkling dark red dress in a contemporary Chelish design. She will also prepare some disguises for her cloak, and make some last minute purchases, but other than that she is ready to go.

I don't know why every time I start GMming a PBP, all hell breaks loose in my personal life. At any rate...

You all decide to board the Sterling Sapphire, and when you arrive at the dock, the ship is bustling. Nobles in extravagant outfits are present, mingling, enjoying drinks and, of course, working their political ties. You all get the sense that arriving on the boat with the rest of the guests was probably a very smart move, socially.

At this point in the game, if you have not yet described what your character is wearing on board the boat, please do so. We are about to enter the main mechanic of this mission, the influence checks. These checks will be conducted in a series of rounds over the course of the adventure - successful influence will win you points with certain guests. Here's how the mechanic works:

Each guest has an Influence DC, which will be met through a combination of three factors: Diplomacy/Intimidate/Bluff checks, Weaknesses and Circumstance Bonuses. When I post responding as an NPC for the first time, I will roll the appropriate roll for you, and will roleplay out the results. Certain guests have secrets which, if exploited, could mean that you are able to improve your standing in their eyes. Finally, a well-played conversation will leave a much, much more lasting impression than merely rolling the dice and refusing to talk in-character.

At the start of each influence round, you may take a free action and speak with any NPC affiliated with the Society before choosing a key NPC to converse with. Your success at the end of the mission will be based almost entirely on how these key NPCs feel about you at the end of the mission.

As you board the boat, you all recognize three people who are often seen around the Grand Lodge: Lady Glorianna Morilla of Taldor, Trade Prince Aaqir Al-Hakam, and, of course, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen. Please select one of these three individuals to speak to; you do not yet know who the key NPCs are for this mission yet.