|
Standing behind Gutter, a well armored halfling with his arms folded and a stern look on his face doesn't initially appear all that intimidating. The not-quite-three-foot stature generally won't do the trick. However, as soon as Gutter drops his voice in a not-so-subtle hint to Madame Raffella, he snaps his fingers, suddenly raising Luna's hackles and eliciting a low, long growl.
|
Quietly to the other Pathfinders, Hakime states simply, "I have a little knowledge of religion and a bit more skill as a soldier, but I will attend whoever wishes to speak to someone on such matters and assist as I can, or act as lead if that is what you wish."
She will wait for the opinions of others before making any approach to one of the merchants.
|
Influence round 1
Gutter works Doritannia like a professional. He plays on every little fear she has and soon has her eating out of the palm of his hand.
He and Pooka also learn that she owes Temel a lot of money. If the pathfinders bought up that debt, they would have a lot of favour with her.
Harlynne meanwhile tries to get into favour with Pellius. However it seems she is a little out of luck, as her first gambit is listing some corrupt officials which he is already aware of. She does learn he has some tight contracts with Metella Rauger. If Aaqir al’Hakam were to give her some good contracts, that may be advantageous to the society - at least in terms of influencing her.
Aramil hones in on Pellius as well. He has a lot more luck, and they end up chatting for a while and swapping some tales. He is certainly an ambitious man who has plans for the future.
|
|
Hakime approaches Metella Rauger and speaks with her. "It was a pleasure to meet you, and perhaps now we have a few moments to speak in more depth. The state of affairs among those with professional skills is can be a touchy subject I know. Some professions pay more than others, yet require no more skill sets. I, myself, have served as a professional soldier and I know a bit about how hard it can be to find work that pays according to one's abilities. And yet, I know, for example, moneychangers and bankers who make far more than military arts pay. It is a sad disaparity, yet still good to know some that some professions do so well. Tell me, my dear, if you will, what you think of such a dichotomy? What might the future hold for our skilled professionals"
|
|
Master Temel, You seem to take quite meticulous care of yourself, I bet you are more than capable of handling yourself should things get rough in your business. I am curious, did you ever have the pleasure of accompanying the pathfinders on your business dealings?
Pooka continues to make small talk, careful to make sure the man is at ease.
|
|
Metella nods at the words of Hakime. "But not all professions are as valued as others. Just as some are easier to learn than others. The Market will move and dictates, the laws of supply and demand will prevail. However I'm interested to heard some more of your tales as a professional solider... You must have had some interesting moments in your life up til now?"
Metella seems impressed with Hakime, and the pathfinders note that Pellius’s attention is also on them. It looks like you managed to impress him indirectly.
Metella leans close to Hakime. "Temel is a bit stuck up. He'll be delivering a long winded speak this afternoon. It would be funny if he didn't manage to finish it..." she looks around.
"He takes snuff.." she reaches into a pocket and takes out a packet. "If you add this to it, he will sneeze a lot...Certainly it will lower his esteem with this company, and raise you in mine."
Aaqir al’Hakam points out the elderly priestess Umut Tepemkau when she arrives. She heads off to the temple, and doesn't talk with the guests. It appears she has rites to perform on the dead before the offical wake in half an hour or so.
|
|
"You have a fine understanding of professions and the marketplace, with much more perspective than my own meager knowledge of it all. I am honored to be the recipient of your wisdom in this regard. As for my own experiences, why I never really thought of them as being that interesting, but if you really wish to hear of them, I'd be happy to share."
"Most of my time as a professional 'soldier' was in private forces protecting the wealthy... Bodyguards are in high demand, especially in Absalom, but I think my most interesting years on the job were my time in the north near the Worldwound. Fighting demons and cultists is a challenge to be sure. I was blessed to have access to cold iron equipment from my captain at the time. Demons are fierce combatants, with strange magical abilities. I recall one fight where we were pretty evenly matched against a small squad of demons, when suddenly, they all summoned more of their kind. We were suddenly outnumbered and surrounded! I have to say that our support squad of healers kept us going long enough to turn the tide back again and we finally managed to take back some control of the battlefield again. A small group of the demons broke through to our back lines and threatened our healers, but with the aid of the gods and our few wizards, we saved the clerics. At one point I found myself surrounded and in desperate straits. I fought off the demons until just two were left, and they sundered my shield. I pulled out my last remaining dagger, fighting with sword and dagger. Badly wounded, I called on the power of Sarenrae to guide my blows. The larger of the two demons was my chosen target and we fought, trading blows, until I was nearly blinded by my own blood and he was near destruction as well. He grappled me in a final cold-blooded attack meant to cripple my blows, but with the strength of my goddess guiding my blow, I thrust my dagger into his eye and deep into whatever sort of brain demons have. He dropped me and fell as if in slow motion. As I turned my crazed eyes on my final opponent, he returned my gaze with a look of terror and teleported out. I barely survived that fight, thank goodness for the clerics and their conduit to the gods!!"
Hakime takes a deep breath and sighs as the memory floods over her and she shudders slightly. "I'm sorry it was such a long tale, I know your time is valuable, Madame Rauger."
Without thinking, Hakime takes the package from Metella and gives it a slight shake. As she listens to Ms. Rauger's request as to what she wants done with the contents, Hakime is shocked though she does her best not to show it. She opens her mouth to protest, but closes it again. It might be her place to make sure nothing so vile happens to Temel, but not her place to chastise this woman who has been so gracious up until now. She simply bows and says, keeping her voice level though she is in truth, a bit flustered, "I will take your request under advisement."
--------
When she gathers again privately with her fellow pathfinders, she relates all that happened (in brief) and then brings up the sneezing powder or whatever it is. "I cannot condone such an action, or ask any of you to do so either. We don't know what is in this powder, it could be a poison even if all does is cause him to sneeze. Perhaps the same could be done with a simple cantrip like Prestidigitation, but I still cannot say I condone it." She won't make a strong effort to prevent someone else from taking the packet from her belt, but she won't offer it either. "Perhaps the snuff she says he is addicted to will be enough for him to have a sneezing fit on his own."
If anyone takes the powder, she will give them a disapproving glance and simply shakes her head in disappointment.
|
Harlynne insterts herself in Aramil's conversation with Pellius after getting no where with the other merchant. Between a combination of sheer flattery, name dropping, and fained interest enhanced with physical attractiveness and revealing clothing she is most certain she gets the job done, patting Aramil on the shoulder before practically skipping off.
|
|
Aramil continues to talk local shop with Pellius. After a while they get involved in a conversation about a couple of local spice merchants, and ways they could be played off against each other.
Temel doesn't seem quite so impressed with the words of Pooka.
Hakime continues to discuss the details of the work of a professional solider with Metella who asks several pointed questions.
Harylnne joins the conversation with Pellius. He seems very impressed with her knowledge. They swap rumours of sunken treasure, and the names of the mistress of a couple of very important men.
The pathfinders seem to have currently won over Pellius Melkior and Doritannia Raffella. They have started to make progress with Metella Rauger, but still have some way to go.
Hold off posting until Adrianna selects her target, then we will be moving onto the next section. Sorry if this is kind of confusing, some things don't always translate well into PbP - I was hoping the social setting would work out better than this. Unless you aim to do the snuff raid.
|
|
Adriana opens up with genuine enthusiasm to Jakti, chatting away at the various items she planned on studying later once she achieved the desired rank in the Pathfinder Society.
"Its wonderful to chat with someone with a background in magical items, all sorts of secrets such items might have in store of the future, its simply marvelous at what some of these magical items can do nowadays...and you must have had loads of adventures...did you ever find a particularly wonderful artifact on your travels?"
|
Before leaving Rafella, Gutter jabs again (you said it was like combat, so another blow.)
The Gutter moves in on Temel, introducing himself, but, respecting Temel's obvious distaste of contact, does not offer his hand, instead, nodding his head in greeting. "I have heard much of you Mr. Passad. I man of with admirable personal codes ... if only I could learn a portion of what you know sir. Ha! The Pathfinders have a pleasant history of dealings with you, but not all business can be as smooth. I hear that Doritannia Raffella owes you a debt and seems to be quite burdened by it. If I may ask, how far is that woman into you for?
|
|
Jakti seems happy to chat with Adrianna and they exchange pleasantries for some time. He seems happier with some of the Pathfinder concepts than he did previously - but is not yet won over fully.
Current status: You have won over three of the merchants now. That said, Temel has taken note of the attention you have been lavishing on Metella Rauger and seems to have taken a bit of offence to it. Win some, lose others.
For the snuff you have two options
1: Slip up to Temel and put it in his pocket (a single sleight of hand will do the trick here - but there are lots of folk around...
2: Slip into his room. You will need to make a stealth check, followed by a disable device. The apartment he has assigned is not too far away, so you wouldn't be missed, but again there are servants around (thus the stealth check).
Then we are onto the Wake itself. One of you will be expected to give a speach (better work out who). It is expected that some of the speach will be focused on at least one of the other people here (and you would guess most people like to be mentioned in a positive light).
Perform(oratory)) would be the best skill to use, but a good bluff or diplomacy check could also be used.
First however we have the issue of the snuff...(I'll move everyone onto the speaches once we have done that, so don't jump ahead just yet).
|
|
"Oh, you don't have to ask." replies Aramil with a grin as he takes the powder from Hakime's hands. "All is fair in the game of social warfare. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I have a last-second detail to take care of." With that, Aramil melts into the crowd and disappears.
Aramil moves as quietly as he can down the corridor to Temel's apartment, using every shadow and object as cover.
Upon arriving at the door, he quickly pulls out a set of thieves tools and goes to work on the lock...
...and slips into the room to add the sneazing powder to Temel's snuff.
|
|
Unfortunately Aramil trips over a bedpan, making a huge racket.
The household staff descends, and while he manages to eventaully make an exit, he is pretty sure at least a couple of the servants got a good look at him.
----------cut scene--------------
As the shadows lengthen, the cleric Umut emerges
from the temple, calls for the guests’ attention, and
requests they honor the deceased. With that, Aaqir
al’Hakam and several other members of the Bahjari
household carry a wooden bier bearing the shrouded
body of Zarmina through the front door, up the stairs,
and into the temple, where the guests file in
afterward. Aaqir al’Hakam and the others lay the
bier atop the altar of Sarenrae, and then join
the other guests in the pews
Umut opens the service
by recognizing the goddess to whom
the temple is consecrated as a sign
of respect before transitioning to an
invocation to “our lady of eternity, who
shepherds the deceased to an everlasting
afterlife.”
her execution of the funeral is less
polished than one would expect of a
priestess of her stature.
Most of her prayers are in her
native Osirian language, though her bidding the soul safe
voyage down the River of Souls is delivered in Common.
With that, she invites the guests to come forward,
place any gift to be interred with Zarmina on the table
near the altar, and address the guests and the deceased.
The merchants who have come to honor Zarmina all
give splendid gifts. Doritannia Raffella speaks highly
of Zarmina, and she further cites Temel Passad as
a similarly upstanding member of the mercantile
community who will certainly carry Zarmina’s torch of
fair business practices into the future; Temel seems to
expect this praise and nods in recognition of her kind
words. Pellius Melkior likens memories of Zarmina
to finely crafted dwarven stone—enduring, beautiful,
and formed gradually over many years of virtuous
work. Metella Rauger is somewhat embarrassed by this
reference, but by the end of the Andoren’s speech, she
is smiling in appreciation. Jakti al’Awar’s gift is a goldand
jewel-embellished ledger, and his speech praises
Zarmina for having lived a virtuous and charitable life
yet suffering neither the kowtowing of sycophants nor
the underhandedness of villains.
|
|
Hakime gives Aramil a disapproving glance when he takes the powder from her. Again she states softly but firmly, "I cannot condone this action." She looks upset but takes no action to physically stop him. Under her breath she mutters, "Sarenrae, forgive me."
When the actual funeral starts, she listens intently and with proper decorum sits (stands?). She has come to know a bit about the woman from speaking with others who are attending, so it is not difficult to both feel and express sadness at the passing of this great lady.
She notices nothing untoward about the service and finds it a fitting and appropriate funeral rite. She does chastise herself internally for having forgotten so much of the language of her birth and she barely recognizes a few words and even of those isn't sure of the meaning. She makes a promise to herself to re-learn the language she spoke readily as a small child.
|
|
Sensing that Harlynne may be having a bit of stage fright, Aramil quickly scribbles something down on a piece of paper while the others give their speaches. Before she gets up to take the stage, Aramil hands her the note and whispers "Just read from the paper."
|
|
Jakti seems pleased with the mention of himself and also of Sarenrae.
The speeches conclude as the sun approaches the horizon, its red light illuminating the room in crimson hues. Umut orates a closing prayer, finishing by brushing her lips against Zarmina’s forehead, whispers final message, and then brushing her hands gently down the body’s face as if closing Zarmina’s eyes forever. She then has several servants gather the gifts.
Approaching Aaqir al’Hakam she says "I leave to prepare the mausoleum for the interment." She takes her leave, along with the items that she is preparing for the afterlife.
After a few minutes, Jakti al’Awar proposes everyone raise a glass and toast Aaqir al’Hakam and Emir Thalzar Gaatan. It is not hard to see that Doritannia, Metella and Pellius are the most honest in their praise. Jakti al’Awar is the last to toast the hosts, concluding his remarks by saying, “And may our hosts carry on the legacy of the departed, may Sarenrae see her safely to Nirvana and its city of High Ninshabur.”
He turns towards the body, and gestures for the guests to come forward and bear the body to its final rest. It is then that Zarmina’s body twitches to life...
Zarmina tears herself out of the shroud with a pained moan and begins attacking the guests. As she does so, she points toward the door—in the same direction as Jakti, Metella, Temel, and Aaqir—and rasps “You have failed me! Betrayer!” Most of those in attendance flee, and
Aaqir al’Hakam hurriedly signals for the PCs to intervene while he tries to keep the crowd under control.
Order of actions
Bold may post (don't wait, just post, non bold, hold off)
Aramil
Harlynne
Pooka
Adriana
Zarmina
Hakime
Gutter
|
|
just curious Adriana, as I play an oracle in a few games, and I'm wondering how you can channel, as that is not an oracle ability. I'd love to stat an oracle who can channel energy... is that a particular mystery that allows that?
Bone Mystery ---> Undead Servitude Revelation.
Strictly speaking, you don't actually get channel, just the ability to Command undead 7 times a day. To actually GET channel on an Oracle, you need to pick up the Life Mystery, or be an Aasimar and pick up the Purifier archetype, which iirc gives you channel energy, although I believe its specifically for outsiders.
|
|
Aramil strides forward and strikes out with his Rapier. The blow is good, but less effective that he would hope for.
Harlynne directs a bolt of arcane evergy at the walking corpse, but in her hurry, it goes wide.
Pooka mounts his dog and thrusts his lance into the dead body that is displaying unnatural vitality.
Adriana calls out to the body.. Trying to wrest control of it.
Zarmina ingores the oracles commands.
A hot, dry wind blows from the body. It is as if the midday wind in the desert is blowing into the room, draining you all.
She steps up at Adriana and bashes her!
Order of actions
Bold may post (don't wait, just post, non bold, hold off)
Hakime
Gutter
Aramil
Harlynne
Pooka
Adriana
Zarmina (13 damage)
|
|
Pooka squints his eyes and rears Luna back on her haunches as the dry wind blows out from the corpse.
Steel yourself Luna!
Pooka coughs and sputters from the air, and weakness seeps through his limbs. The lance in his hand suddenly feels heavy, and his breath is labored. Realizing he won't be able to spur his mount forth with the speed necessary to truly charge, he circles around Aramil to put himself in a better position to attack.
for
The lance just simply feels too heavy in his hand, and the blow lands short of its mark.
Deep breaths, Deep breaths, it will pass... I hope...
|
|
The wind blowing from the body of Zarmina is horrible, people wild all around.
Hakime launches a good attack, even though fatigued. More of the mummies bandages are slashes away. Pooka tries to do likewise, but the hot winds blow aside his lance.
Order of actions
Bold may post (don't wait, just post, non bold, hold off)
Hakime (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Gutter (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Aramil (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Harlynne
Pooka (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
(Luna) (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Adriana
Zarmina (30 damage)
|
|
Harlynne tries again to disrupt the foul energies animating the mummy.
Again, her execution is off.
Bold may post (don't wait, just post, non bold, hold off)
Hakime (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Gutter (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Aramil (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Harlynne (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Pooka (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
(Luna) (fatigued, 4 non lethal)
Adriana
Zarmina (30 damage)
@Adriana, are you delaying until after the mummy? (which is effectively giving up your round.) You still need to make the fort save.