PBP Gameday 2 - The Blakros Matrimony (Inactive)

Game Master Netopalis

Blackjack purchases a masterwork armoured coat, which he will hang in a relatively accessible area (back of seat, nearby cloakrack etc). He has his Nodachi (of rather hiqh quality) peacebonded.

He dresses in a Courtiers outfit in the Andoran naval style, yet with a Galtan kerchief in his breast pocket.

The Raven follows the Sterling Sapphire at a respectful distance with a showy fanfare and decked out as fancifully as her Captain.

Emeria is decked out in her Calistrian jewelry, including her jeweled head ornament with the symbol of the Savored Sting (triple daggers). She wears her dress using her sleeves of many garments as a deep red dress in a modern chelish style, and makes certain to apply a base of make up to accent her features, going for striking but also accentuating her beauty where possible.

She slowly makes her way over to speak with Lady Gloriana Morilla. "Lady Morilla, it is a pleasure to speak with you. My name is Emeria. Master Valsin sent me as part of the delegation to speak with the guests. Who should we be attempting to speak with first?"

Picture of Lady Morilla

"Ah, yes, welcome! It is a pleasure to see you as well, especially as well-dressed as you are! Red was nice touch, given the Chelish leanings of the family. It promises to be quite the party, indeed! So many notables in attendance...it's hard to know where to start. Courtesy demands impressing the mother of the Bride, of course. Hamaria Blakros, the matriarch of the family, is a very wealthy and powerful individual, and solidifying her friendship would be a good move for the Society. Additionally, I'd be on the lookout for Tancred Desmire. He's an up-and-coming Chelish noble who's been rising through the ranks at a meteoric pace. I'd watch out mentioning him to dear Zarta, though - I think she feels rather threatened by him."

Sosuke is wearing his magical O-yuri (black lacquered armor with gold trim. The helmet has a gilded phoenix resting on it with ruby eyes.) and carries his peace bonded matching masterwork Nodachi and masterwork Katana. His wolf is wearing a masterwork chin shirt, and is most likely below deck taking a nap at this time.

Sosuke will speak with Paracountess Zarta Dralneen. "Mistress is great pleasure to be seeing you again. I do not know if you recall our first meeting, but is was most... entertaining. How may I aid the Society on this most auspicious of occasions?"

"Zarta Dralneen! I knew you would be here. You are even more ravishing than I recall, though last we met I think I was substantially underdressed. You know, I believe I chose red just because of the way your private chambers at the embassy managed to seer itself into my mind. "

Blackjack ponders for a moment, wondering whether he was best suited to speak to Lady Morilla - who represents a country that once founded and ruled over Andoran, or to the Paracountess who represents the country who took Andoran off the Taldanes until they too lost control of the country to the glorious peoples revolution. What's a loyalist to do? Furthermore he is torn that the option is also between two rather enchanting mademoiselles, igniting the passionate Galtan blood - so Blackjack does the only thing he can do, talk to the least path of potential trouble. He instead slides in beside the Trade Prince, whilst looking a little ruefully towards the two women.

"What say you Sir, two elegant beauties no? How does one compare them - the lotus and the rose - and do either of them justice?" he jokes with mock exasperation "Though no doubt being a Trade Prince, such tough decisions must be faced by you daily in weighing matters of commerce and politics, so perhaps your insights would be all the more powerful, no? How fares things in Qadira, and how fares more...immediate...political waters?"

Rolling various checks for knowledge and listing them out for each as they are rolled. Non-interactive checks

Knowledge Nobility for Hamaria Blakros1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Knowledge Nobility for Tancred Desmire1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Ah, yes, Sosuke! A pleasure to see you again. Ah, and Esmerelda! It is a beautiful color on you, but I'd prefer to see it off you...perhaps later on during the party?", says the Paracountess, smirking. "Of course, we are here for both business and pleasure, so don't spend the entire time with me...you should probably speak to Alexander Bedard. Andoran councilman, and quite interesting...I have reason to believe that he's not exactly happy about this wedding. Also, have you met Jeong Rang-Woo yet? He's a friend of the Blakros Family and has quite the penchant for alcoholic beverages. Booze him up, and you'll go far with him."

"Yes, they are quite lovely flowers, but there are others in attendance as well that I have my eye on. But, honestly, this is a business trip more than anything..." says the Trade Prince absentmindedly. "Such a shame. I'd probably enjoy this weekend otherwise. Qadira is doing quite well, of course, but I've got my eye towards making some new business connections. You'd be surprised at the influence of some of the people here. The Blakros' head of security, Rubaani Shafar, is shockingly well-connected for a woman of her career. Also, have you heard the news about Nigel Aldain getting involved in Varisian archaeology? Fascinating stuff."

Emeria: You know that Hamaria Blakros is the mother of the bride and is the matriarch of the extremely powerful and wealthy Blakros Family. You haven't heard of Tancred.

Emeria would make her way gracefully across the floor first to introduce herself to Hamaria Blakros. She would wait courteously if she is with any guests, then would bow respectfully before introducing herself.

"Lady Blakros, I am humbled and honored that you would have us as guests for this happy occasion. My name is Emeria, member in good standing with the Pathfinder society, and part of the delegation that has come to honor your daughter's wedding."

Esmeralda makes a mental note to see the Paracountess later, and moves across the ship, picking up alcoholic beverages as she goes, "The strongest you have please, sir. And make it a triple."

Upon reaching Jeong Rang-Woo, she smiles her best smile and asks, "My, what a beautiful ship. I am just fascinated with all of the . . . opulence! Tell me good sir, would you care for a drink, and perhaps a chance to speak about the wondrous family that is Blakros?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

I assume we are info sharing our findings etc, also if people need a hand with skill checks for macking on schmoozing please holler :p

Blackjack makes his way to Bedard, "Comrade Bedard! How did I miss that such an esteemed man of freedom would be aboard this vessel? We both call Andoran home, I have forwarded a missive applying to become an Eagle Knight with the next intake, perhaps I will be able to act as an even greater instrument for the glorious peoples than before no? Oh you note my Galtan accent? Yes it is true, my heart shall always remain in the fine country of Galt, but my countrymen go too far and the revolution has lost its way unlike that of our fine brothers in spirit of Andoran, whom I now serve with great love and passion - perhaps one day our example of being the shining beacon of 'Liberté, égalité, fraternité' will inspire them back to the right path?"

True story - this mission will (if all goes well) allow Blackjack to buy into the faction PP EagleKnight, and he will be moving to the PrC next level

Sorry, I should have mentioned: Hamaria Blakros and Tancred Desmire are not currently present. Jeong, Nigel, Bedard and Rubaani are.

Jeong smiles at Esmerelda. "Certainly! I never turn down a drink from a fair maiden such as yourself...", he says. He gratefully accepts the drink and says, "Of course, such opulence really isn't my style...I'd prefer to trade all of this for a dive near the wharf anyday. The things we do for our friends. But, enough complaining - I am more interested in knowing about the beauty who is making such a generous offer to me."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Bedard, garrulous as always, greets Blackjack heartily. [b]"A prospective Eagle Knight, you say? A fine choice! Fine choice indeed! I must say, I respect the work of the organization, and I'm sure that you'll be a tremendous addition to their ranks. Our boys in blue are the backbone of our democracy, and I'm proud to support them whenever given the opportunity! And Galt, you say? Yes, it's unfortunate some of the bloodier things that have gone on there, but it's just a testament to the fact that kings and nobility repress the individual! Why, before I became a member of the People's Council, I was but a dockworker! Those were the days, hard, manual labor...you really had to earn a living. Of course, I'm too old for that now, but I have to respect anybody who is trying to better themselves. The best that Andoran has to offer is the fact that any citizen, no matter how far they have fallen, can make something of themselves!"

As he continues, you realize that you are having an increasing difficulty getting a word in edgewise.

You all also notice that you have a scrap of paper in your pockets.

Sosuke will move to speak with the tien man, electing to speak with a fellow countryman. He takes the time to find a drink at the bar native to their shared land before following Esmeralda. He lets the effect of the highly ceremonial O-Yoroi sink in, the armor worn almost exclusively by high-ranking samurai, gives weight to his words. "Jeong Rang-Woo, I have heard of your exploits with the Blackrose family. It is good to have such a discreet person as an ally. Here let us drink to our homeland, I found this fine example of sake at the bar and it would be a waste to drink it alone."

Sosouke will press the man after giving the drink a chance to work on him. His tone is more of a low growl as it escapes his mouth. "Brother, you would find it most useful to join your fellow countrymen in their efforts to aid the society, more... directly. Our efforts are not far off from the families that you hold so dear. If would be a true shame if something... unfortunate befell you or the Blackros if you neglected to aid us in our endeavors.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

I'm assuming this is like other RP heavy missions where using intimidate doesn't follow the standard rules of wearing off after an hour?

"My dear Jeong, are you flirting with me? I do say, it is a lovely opportunity if it is as I have read it to be. " Esmeralda beckons over her waiter, "Another as before, please." she asks the kind man, before returning her attention to Rang-Woo.

"There is little to tell about me, I am just another functionary sent off to make my masters look better than they should. Glorified eye-candy. But you, on the other hand, you are one of the dear friends of our esteemed hosts. Surely you have some stories that would make one such as me laugh, blush, and cry all at the same time? I could definitely use the distraction. It is just so . . . busy here." As she finishes her request, Esmeralda hands the man yet another extra strong beverage.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Blackjack will maintain his connection with the Councillor, hoping to form a bit of a bond of trust and level of rapport, letting the fellow talk through his achievements and grand view for Andoran. Blackjack picks and chooses his shots, limiting his interjections to salient points of interest... That of raising the proletariat up from the tyranny of the Bourgeoisie and the pursuit of social justice "as happy and charmed as I am to attend such an esteemed event, do you not feel that perhaps some of the excesses of the families and interests here are in opposition to the interests of true social freedom and democracy, and maintain a status quo of servitude through their economic activities just as true as if they kept their workers in chains and shackles? I would have considered the Blackros family to have acquired their wealth via inequitable trade and one sided affairs, but perhaps not, I understand you know the bride? What sort of woman is she? What of the groom?"

Jeong grins coyly at Esmerelda. "Would it be so wrong if I were flirting with you? After all, there are few others here worthy of my attention..." As he contineus to listen, he says, "Well, there was the story about the time that I single-handedly fought off a giant squid using only a katana, a torch and a bottle of brandy..." He lays into the story, then greets Sosuke as he approaches, eagerly accepting the alcohol. "Indeed! An excellent opportunity to share a drink with a friend!", he says to Sosuke. As Sosuke moves towards the substance of what he says, though, his face turns more dour. "What's this? Is this a threat? Against the Blakros Family? They've been more than supportive of your organization's efforts, and this is how you treat them?" He looks rather shocked.

Bedard shakes his head. "Absolutely! Such opulence is really uncomely, and the family...Well, let's just say that I truly despise it when marriages are entered into for political rather than romantic reasons. To me, it seems thoroughly wrong to shackle a young woman to a man she does not love...Especially when her sister does love the potential groom."

Been thinking on what to do.

Emeria, seeing as how the people that she had beed directed to speak with were not available yet, starts to make her way around the gathered people, trying to get a sense of the general atmosphere of the gathering thusfar. She would then make her way over to Paracountess Dralneen.

She gives a small nod, and then smiles to her. "Paracountess, Good to see you. Quite an event that the Lady Blakros is putting together for her daughter's wedding. Anyone among the guests that you would suggest speaking with?"

"I am sure no threat is meant, he is just a little gruff, where were we, sir? I believe something about brandy, a katana, and a giant squid?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Emeria, it's impossible to get points with the Paracountess as she is already an ally of the society. If you'd like to speak with her, feel free to do so in future rounds, but you've already spoken to one non-influencable NPC this round. Once Sosuke responds to Jeong, I'll update what Jeong says.

Ah, i see. THen I suppose I just want to sort of peruse the crowd then, and get a sense for what is going on. Considering both of my people are not available at the moment.

The gruff, but small Samurais sighs, "You misunderstand a sincere warning, for a threat. The Society and the Blackros family have long been allies, our aims are as one. A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle."

Esmerelda and Sosuke seem to have successfully smoothed things over with Jeong. You all have a moment to confer, then may choose new targets. We'll say that Blakjack managed to end the conversation with Bedard on a high note as well.

"I seem to have made friends with Comrade Bedard, how do you all fare?"

I'm assuming I have things as good as they can be with Bedard, otherwise Blackjack will keep schmoozing him, a good potential friends for an up and coming Eagle Knight

"Brother Jeong seems to be supportive if not a little drunk."
The samurai seesm satisfied with his conversation with the Tien man. Thinking on about the extra request from Valsin he speaks up again.
" Perhaps If I could have the aid of someone who has a better mastery of flowery words, I would like to speak to a Nigel Aldain, and his poor choice to interfere with our current operation in Varisia."

"I can aid you in this. I assume the Varisian archaeological expedition is something running against your interests? I am here for you should you need me - what is your planned approach, or is the message just so blunt?"

"I was asked to encourage him to end his efforts to compete with us directly. His motives are pure jealousy and is putting a strain on the Society's relationship with him. I fear if i were to speak to him myself I would be the ember that starts a fire. He is the curator of the Blakros Museum, and a former pathfinder. I simply lack the elegance to convey the message, polity."

Emeria nods listening to the pair. "Take care with your words though. As the curator of the Blakros family museum, I am certain that his words carry some weight with the Lady Blakros and her family. We need to approach things carefully. I am trying to find a man named Tancred, and also looking for the Lady Blakros herself. So far she seems to not have joined the party."

"I note your warning Emeria, we wish not to threaten the man, but perhaps guide his wisdom along another path. Does Esmeralda have a thought on the matter, for it seems that this fellow is our likely subject for the next conversation"

Esme, any target you need?

Esme smiles at Emeria, and follows her to the next target, "My voice is sore, I will let you chose the target, and I will follow your lead and assist as needed. I do want to talk to the curator though, my cousin helped out with an undead issue under his museum some time ago. "

Esme will "Take 1" on her Diplomacy (Aid Other) to get Emeria a bonus on all of her checks as the lowest Esme can roll is a 12. Please note that Esme is Helpful, granting a +4 bonus to Emeria's rolls rather than the usual +2.

Dip-bro-macy 1d210 + 4 ⇒ (203) + 4 = 207

Blackjack moves in quietly on Nigel Aldain, and eventually makes his move to enter conversation. "Aha, the scholar Aldain, world traveller and curator of fine and rare artifacts, such a pleasure to meet a man with feet as flighty as mine!" he jests "I wanted to ask, have you spent much time in the desert lands? I hear that many ancient treasures are awaiting their time to once again come under the light of the sun and be examined for their historical worth - unlike my poor homeland Galt where much of the great art has been destroyed, sad, but understandable, but a tragedy nonetheless. Of course so many people end up rushing to the same spot and get under each others feet - so no doubt the chaos becomes counter productive, best one set of experts arrive on a task at a time, allows the best result I suppose... do you think this might happen in Varisia? I wonder that there are already operations in play there, and yet more eyes turn to the potential wealth of artifacts the place hold and am curious if you see the Osirianic troubles this might cause?"

Fixed diplomacy:

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Nigel smiles politely as you approach. "Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well...I am honored that you've heard of me. Oh, yes, I've spent some time in the desert - a necessity for any true archaeologists. The deserts of Osirion hold such wonderful secrets...but I don't want to bore you. You raise an excellent point about there being too many interests in Varisia. You might want to raise that issue with Ambrus - he seems to be sending a lot of agents in to interfere with my operations.", says Nigel coolly.

Emeria comes up next to Blackjack as Nigel finishes speaking. "That may very well may be. However sir, you must also consider that when dangers have arisen within the Blackros museum, You have always had an ally in which you could rely on to handle the situations and keep them discreet. Perhaps if you were to inform us as to how we can more amicably work together in Varisia, we would not be so much at odds with one another? Even perhaps being able to assist you in carrying out your endeavors. Working together we could all benefit so much more."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 4 = 36

Sosuke hangs back a bit, watching how they handle the man. He opens his mouth to speak but stops as Emeria, begins.

Perhaps I have been going about this all wrong. Though I lack the tack to sound so... convincing.

The small man turns and gets a small sweet drink for the woman with the golden tongue.

Oops! It was a +10 for skill with MAYBE the +4 assist if Esme jumped in :) seems that my fast fingers dropped the bundle, but a d210 would be awesome

Blackjack seems to have been wondering how getting the man to walk the plank might have worked out as a short cut to problem solving. Perhaps it showed on his face a little too strongly.

Esme smiles at Nigel and nods enthusiastically as Emeria questions him.

Sosuke returns with a cool crisp fruity wine for Emeria, politely offering it to her after she finishes.

Emeria nods to Sosuke, taking the wine and sipping gently from it. "Tell me then, Master Aldain, what business is it that has been troubling you all this time? Surely a happy occasion such as this can be the grounds for us to reach a mutually beneficial understanding?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 4 = 27

Making the second roll assuming that the first roll doesn't apply to her second statement, if it does, then please ignore the second roll

"Indeed, what else are weddings good for if not bringing people together?" Esme asks, bolstering Emeria's attempt.

Again taking 1 to assist other

Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 11 "My friend, we have worked long with you, helped you family and saved your museum. There is no need to compete with such close allies."