Gnome Sorceress 3 HP: 20/20 | AC 13 | T 13 | FF 11 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +3 | CMD 10 | Init +7 | Perc +2 | Sense Mot +0
Cyrinda sighs as she is completely ignored Temel Passad, but listens in on his exchange with Petra. As Petra sneaks off on her business, Cyrinda decides to follow. However, upon seeing the problem - a locked door, the gnome decides to head back out and try to mingle some more. But first, she tracks down Nicolae and tugs on his trouser leg to get his attention.
"Pardon me, but our friend Petra could use your assistance out in the hallway."
She then extends her hand to Doritannia and introduces herself. "Hello, I am Cyrinda, of clan Wix. I don't know about you, but I never seem to feel comfortable around all this nobility and people of prominence. How are you holding up with this terrible loss?"
Thinking she spots a weakness, Cyrinda's tone changes. "I mean, it's obvious you don't really belong here, right? You're just riding on some benefactor's coattails, I imagine. I'd suggest that you watch yourself around here - all this old money, and power, they usually sniff out those who don't belong."
Assuming Petra is unable to complete the favor at the moment. Moving on.
The wake continues...
Maximilian completely wins over Metella with his conversation, but that seems to irk Temel, who watches the interaction out of the corner of his eye.
Cyrinda takes an odd route to find common ground with Doritannia, nearly insults her, but finds misery loves company as both are having an awkward experience at the event.
Some have acted already. Still need actions from Cathis, Nicolae, and Petra.
Influence Phase 1:
Cathis Salte - Pellius 0
Cyrinda Wix - Temel 0
Maximilian Arcos - Metella 4
Muzhaa'f - Jakti 1
Nicolae Tiberius - Rafella 0
Petra Venkman - Temel 2
Influence Phase 2:
Cathis Salte - ?
Cyrinda Wix - Doritannia Raffella 1
Maximilian Arcos - Metella 4 (total 8) *-1 to Temel (Total 1)
Muzhaa'f - Jakti 2 (total 3)
Nicolae Tiberius - ?
Petra Venkman - ?
I did act, but never saw any feedback. Am I to assume that I failed, and need to move on to another target?
Cathis moves on, speaking with Temel this time. "The princess would be honored by the numbers and status of the attendees here to mourn her passing, and celebrate her life." Pointedly looking toward Metella's entourage, he adds softly, "Though some bring more in numbers, than any real status..."
Gnome Sorceress 3 HP: 20/20 | AC 13 | T 13 | FF 11 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +3 | CMD 10 | Init +7 | Perc +2 | Sense Mot +0
Yeah, it was a weird tact. But the notes said that after the diplomatic roll that I had to roll an intimidate, right? Looking back, I guess I should've made a it clear that she should join up with us, or I would do something bad. I'm not good in social situations.
Slayer 5 [ HP 49/49 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 21 | F +6 R +6 W +5 | Init +6 Per +9(11TF), SM +6]
Nicolae wanders around at a lost in the party. Eventuall he tries to start a conversation with Pellius Melkior, but he seems unable to retain the merchant's attention for more than a few seconds.
Sorry Cathis, I meant to give you feedback, but got lost in all the interaction. You don't need to move on to someone else, but you can if you want, and you were successful this time with Temel.
Cathis approaches Temel and speaks a few words that seem to reach his interests. "Yes, a true professional knows that the best business is about quality, not quantity." Temel frowns in Metella's direction, then raises an eyebrow at Cathis. "I spoke earlier with one of your companions, but have not seen her since. I don't suppose you could check on her? She was doing me a little favor..."
Temel explains his favor again to Cathis and hopes she might be able to manage getting her hands on Metella's speech.
Meanwhile...
Nicolae's attempt to garner influence with Pellius does not gain traction. Apparently, all of the local secrets and lore Nicolae knows are things the merchant has already managed to acquire himself.
Keleshite Theologian of Sarenrae 3 | HP 24/27 | AC 19 FF 18 Tch 11 | CMD 11 | F+6 R+3 W+8 | Perc +4 | Init +1
Per Diem:
Spells [2nd] 2/3 [1st] 3/4 | Channels 0/5 | Firebolt 6/7 | Beacon of Faith: Not Used
Quick question: is the "Jakti 2 (total 3)" indicative that there are three total influence points possible and I have acquired two, or indicative that I have acquired two this round for a total of three altogether?
Slayer 5 [ HP 49/49 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 21 | F +6 R +6 W +5 | Init +6 Per +9(11TF), SM +6]
Oh no problem babe. The varisian say with a crooked smile. I have it here with it, show me... Search 4 Traps:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 D.D.:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Nicolae opens the door for Petra, allowing her access to Metella's room. Now all he needs to do is get in, find the speech, and get out without being noticed.
Will need a stealth check from one of you to complete the favor.
Temel frowns in Metella's direction, then raises an eyebrow at Cathis. "I spoke earlier with one of your companions, but have not seen her since. I don't suppose you could check on her? She was doing me a little favor..."
"I see. While I'm sure Petra has things well in hand, I can make sure that Miss Rauger is otherwise occupied, so as to give her plenty of time to achieve your purpose."
Wandering around the room a bit, Cathis eventually works his way to Mettela. "It seems Mr. Passad is making a power-play for an alliance with the Pathfinders. It would be impolite not to offer you an opportunity of your own. Perhaps we could work something out?"
Bluff to play both ends against the middle:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Intimidate:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 Diplomacy:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Slipping into Metella's quarters, Nicolae quickly finds the speech she was preparing for the Wake. Just as he's about to leave he notices Metella down the hall, apparently returning to her fetch her them. However, just before she reaches the door Cathis catches up with her and distracts her just long enough for Nicolae to step out and casually slip away back to the event. Once there he hands the notes to Petra, who in turn presents them to Temel.
"Excellet!" Temel grins and bows to Petra. "Very resourceful you Pathfinders are. I am in your debt."
Metella returns soon to the hall wearing a stern look upon her face. Noticing Temel speaking happily with Petra she scowls, but her attitude is tempered again upon resuming her conversation with Maximillian.
Second Phase Complete
Influence tally:
Metella 7
Temel 4
Jakti 3
Doritannia 1
****
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.” 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.
Knowledge Religion DC 23:
Umut's execution of the funeral is less polished than one would expect of a priestess of her stature.
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.
At last it comes time for one of your party to place your selected gift and make a small speech.
Sense Motive DC 20:
You can tell that Metella, Passad, and Jakti seem more interested in who you mention in your speech, rather than what the gift is.
You can attempt a Perform (oratory), Bluff, or Diplomacy along with the speech. Only one can make it, so you'll need to decide who is going to do it.
Keleshite Theologian of Sarenrae 3 | HP 24/27 | AC 19 FF 18 Tch 11 | CMD 11 | F+6 R+3 W+8 | Perc +4 | Init +1
Per Diem:
Spells [2nd] 2/3 [1st] 3/4 | Channels 0/5 | Firebolt 6/7 | Beacon of Faith: Not Used
SM:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
"I am willing to offer our reverence," says the cleric. "I am at home here among Sarenrae bright grace, after all. Unless Cathis or Maximillian would prefer to do the honors?"
In a quiet voice, the paladin says, "Perhaps it would be best to allow you to give our eulogy, Muzhaa'f, since you are a priest of Sarenrae. Although it pains me to notice, it would seem that Metella, Passad, and Jakti seem more eager to know of whom you would mention in you speech rather than the significance of the gift we are presenting the deceased."
"I believe they are looking to see which of them we favor. The least disruptive way to do it would be to mention all of them, but the ceremony is about honoring the dead, not glorifying the mourners."
It's probably another chance to add influence, based on who is mentioned, if anyone. Max would have the highest modifier, but he'd prefer to speak of the dead than use the occasion to garner influence.
Keleshite Theologian of Sarenrae 3 | HP 24/27 | AC 19 FF 18 Tch 11 | CMD 11 | F+6 R+3 W+8 | Perc +4 | Init +1
Per Diem:
Spells [2nd] 2/3 [1st] 3/4 | Channels 0/5 | Firebolt 6/7 | Beacon of Faith: Not Used
"Very well. I shall speak. And I think I know just who to mention..."Going to try to get all of them to pay attention to Aaqir, rather than making just one of them happy.
When the time comes, Muzhaa'f of the Burning Desert strides forward with the party's gift. "As the heat of the desert day fades into the coolness of night, so has a burning light of the Dawnflower's grace passed from this world," he begins, before echoing the words of others in commemorating Zarmina's many talents and glories. He closes, however, with a few pointed words -- and a special trick. Uttering a brief prayer to Sarenrae in a quiet voice, he runs his hand along edge of the party's curved gift, wreathing the sword in flame. Casting sun metal."But, as a blade kept sharp through the diligence and toil of its bearer, Zarmina's many wonders find renewed light and flame through the splendid works of her brilliant protege and successor -- the magnificent Aaqir al'Hakam. May Zarmina's memory never be forgotten due to her glorious and continuing legacy."
With that, he places the blade on the bier just as the magical flames go out.
EDIT: Herp derp forgot to add a roll: Diplomacy:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Ehhhhhh... hopefully my magic trick makes up for it? Lol, sorry folks.
The crowds murmurs in the moments after Muzhaa'f's speech. Though it was honest and to the point, it was also a bit hesitant and awkward. Off to the side Aaqir raises a glass in thanks, but his smile a little tight.
Sense Motive DC 10 on Aaqir:
Aaqir's eyes nearly scream "Not me, you dolt! Impress them!"
Breaking the silence, Jakti al’Awar proposes everyone raise a glass and toast Aaqir al’Hakam and Emir Thalzar Gaatan, and the guests each take a moment to praise the two. Some seem sincere, but others are not yet swayed by your efforts.
Sense Motive 15 on Temel:
He is sincere.
Sense Motive 15 on Metella:
She is sincere.
Sense Motive 15 on Doritannia:
She is not sincere.
Sense Motive 15 on Pellius:
He is not sincere.
Sense Motive 15 on Jakti:
He is sincere, and seems likely to have been swayed by Muzhaa'f's speech, regardless of who it was directed toward.
Jakti al’Awar is the last to follow his own advice and concludes his toast the hosts 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.”
Suddenly, a thump shakes the coffin.
Gasps and hushed words echo in the room, then a moment later the coffin begins to shake and Zarmina's corpse sits up! Tearing herself out of the funeral shroud with a pained moan, 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 frantically signals for the party to intervene while he tries to keep the crowd under control!
Muzhaa'f takes quiet note of who is sincere, and who is not.
Round the First
After a moment of shocked confusion, the cleric sends the blessing of Sarenrae to bolster his companions. "May the Dawnflower's fire grace your blades!"Casting bless; +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saving throws against fear effects for the next 10 rounds. Muzhaa'f then moves a little closer to the risen Zarmina.
Petra curses, "I belong in a museum..." She flips back her cloak and pulls out her scythe and holds it in both hands. Hesitantly, she approaches the undead.
"Well..." Cathis mumbles, as he withdraws a scroll from his bandolier and dives behind a pew, "I certainly didn't expect that. Turning an accusatory eye on the remaining mourners,"To which of you does she refer? A lie could mean all of our deaths! Out with it!"
Move Action Use Srroll of Mage Armor on myself 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Gnome Sorceress 3 HP: 20/20 | AC 13 | T 13 | FF 11 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +3 | CMD 10 | Init +7 | Perc +2 | Sense Mot +0
"Oh my!" Cyrinda cries out as the undead body rises. She immediately draws out her scroll of protection from evil and casts it. The paper disintegrates into thin air.
Not sure where Merck is. Assuming he draws a weapon and adjusts position. Moving on.
As the group prepares for battle Zarmina climbs from the coffin and begins attacking the guests, ripping into an older man near the front seats who was too slow to get away.
Across the chamber, Cathis confronts the patrons you've been tasked with gaining the trust of.
"What?" Jakti retorts, clearly insulted.
"How dare you!" Temel scowls.
"We have done nothing!" Metella says, looking to Maximilian for support. "Surely this is some vile trick!"
"This is not the time!" Trying to usher other patrons to safety, Trade Prince Aaqir points at Zarmina. "Stop her!"
INITIATIVE - All PCs are up!
Maximilian ⇒UP
Cyrinda ⇒UP
Petra ⇒UP
Cathis ⇒UP
Muzhaa'f ⇒UP
Nicolae ⇒UP
Zarmina
Gnome Sorceress 3 HP: 20/20 | AC 13 | T 13 | FF 11 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +3 | CMD 10 | Init +7 | Perc +2 | Sense Mot +0
Cyrinda draws forth a small bit of butter and rubs it between her thumb and forefinger, and points at the shambling undead woman. Suddenly, the floor beneath her is covered in a thin layer of grease.
Cast grease DC 15 Reflex save or the thing falls prone.
Although a bit slow on the draw, Maxmillian springs into action and approaches the formerly dead woman with his weapon drawn. Determining her level of threat, he calls upon the powers of Iomedea to smite her.
Double move, Smite Evil in effect if she's evil. If so, his AC goes up to 19 against Zarmina.
Keleshite Theologian of Sarenrae 3 | HP 24/27 | AC 19 FF 18 Tch 11 | CMD 11 | F+6 R+3 W+8 | Perc +4 | Init +1
Per Diem:
Spells [2nd] 2/3 [1st] 3/4 | Channels 0/5 | Firebolt 6/7 | Beacon of Faith: Not Used
Posting from the road so can't use the map; please move me 10ft forward.
Muzhaa'f strides forward and bathes Zarmina in the cleansing fire of Sarenrae, careful not to catch Max in the blast. Burning Hands:5d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 3, 3) = 14 fire damage. (Using my 1/day Beacon of Faith trait to increase caster level.)
This can be interesting.Let her pick her target. The whole thing may be a bluff. Nicolae whispers to his companions drawing his blades but stepping out of Zarmina's way.
Cathis, it's been almost 24 hours, so I'm putting you on hold and moving on.
Reflex Save vs Grease:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 Reflex Save vs Burning Hands:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Maximillian advances on the wrathful corpse as Cyrinda casts a spell to grease the floor beneath it. It takes one step and crashes to the ground. Petra capitalizes on its fall and hacks it with her scythe. Muzhaa'f then calls upon his god to set it on fire with a fan of flames - its dry body and funerary wraps catch easily and it screams and blackens. In a rage, it pulls itself upright, its eyes glowing like small suns. Suddenly, a powerful heat fills the area and it raises a hand to slam at Petra.
It provokes an AoO from Maximillian and Petra.
HEAT EFFECT: All creatures within a 30-foot radius must attempt a DC 14 Fortitude save once per round, and each round the DC of this saving throw increases by 1. A creature that fails its saving throw takes 1d4 nonlethal damage and is fatigued, as if affected by heat stroke (Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook 444). A creature that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to this effect for 24 hours.
Nonlethal Heat Damage:1d4 ⇒ 1
Slam on Petra:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
INITIATIVE - All PCs are up!
Maximilian ⇒UP
Cyrinda ⇒UP
Petra ⇒UP
Cathis ⇒UP
Muzhaa'f ⇒UP
Nicolae ⇒UP
Zarmina
Gnome Sorceress 3 HP: 20/20 | AC 13 | T 13 | FF 11 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +3 | CMD 10 | Init +7 | Perc +2 | Sense Mot +0
Fort Save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
By some miracle, Cyrinda's small frame is able to withstand the immense heat radiating from the dead princess's walking corpse. "What on Golarion is happening?" she asks her self before coming to her senses and firing off a magic missile at the undead.
Cathis and Cyrinda, you can save those spells. They weren't needed.
Petra, no damage as Maximillian defeated the enemy before it could get that attack.
As the undead creature tries to stand, Maximillian takes its head with a single stroke of his sword. The heat slowly fades, apparently caused by Zarmina's strange undeath. Examining her remains you find a packet of dust of dryness in her torn shroud.
Aaqir al’Hakam comes over, a frown upon his face. "Good work Pathfinders! Well, except for that outburst..." He shoots a stern look at Cathis. "Despite her words, I cannot fathom what has caused this unseemly turn of events, but your quick actions saved the guests." Reaching into his vest, he hands you a small parcel. "Take this as a token of thanks. While I look into this, I ask that you patrol the manor and grounds while I send the guests to their lodgings, until we can get to the bottom of this."
Aaqir gives you a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of endure elements, and a scroll of see invisibility.
Maximillian nods gravely, "Yes sir. Let's go. Muzhaa'f, you should keep those scrolls unless someone else prefers to take them." With that, he heads for the nearest door outside.
Keleshite Theologian of Sarenrae 3 | HP 24/27 | AC 19 FF 18 Tch 11 | CMD 11 | F+6 R+3 W+8 | Perc +4 | Init +1
Per Diem:
Spells [2nd] 2/3 [1st] 3/4 | Channels 0/5 | Firebolt 6/7 | Beacon of Faith: Not Used
"Happily," the cleric says to Maximillian absentmindedly, peering with mixed sadness and pride at the burnt state of the funeral bier (as well as the remains of the occupant). He takes a moment to search through the bier for anything suspicious, including the gifts that others have laid. Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Taking the scrolls unless there's objection; will keep the see invisibility in hand. Shout if you want me to cast one on you.
Petra, you weren't hit since Maximillian defeated the creature before it had the chance to get that attack.
Also, everyone else can ignore the fatigue roll.
As the guests are escorted to their rooms and you patrol the grounds and manor, all is calm and you find nothing that might lead you any answers.
A short time later, you receive two separate notes, one form Doritannia and one from Jakti.
Note from Doritannia:
Noble Pathfinders,
Your preference for Passad’s dwarven rival has not gone unnoticed, and whether you realize it or not, it threatens any alliance you may have with Temel Passad. In a way,that makes us allies.
Eleven months ago, a caravan of expensive wine and spices I sent to Druma vanished along the Sellen River, likely poached by pirates or bandits. The loss ruined me, and only Passad’s timely intervention spared me from bankruptcy. However, he is utterly businesslike in his generosity, and I have become little more than an indentured servant to him. He has forced me to sell off my most lucrative businesses to meet his rigid piety, and every day he gains more power over me.
I am a talented accountant and businesswoman, and I wish to ally with a more reasonable patron so that I might rebuild my businesses. I can only do this if one were to purchase my debt from the Kalistocrat. Were you to speak to your patron Aaqir al’Hakam and convince him to buy my freedom, I would happily work with him in all future endeavors.
With all sincerity,
Doritannia Raffella
Note from Jakti:
I would appreciate your meeting me in the temple at your convenience, though try not to delay too long. Something strange is afoot.
