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This is the RP forum for a private group running The Merchant's Wake. To begin, please post your character write-ups here, so we all know what each player is running and then we can get into the scenario once everyone is ready to go!
If you have any questions regarding your character or the scenario, please let me know. I'll also be inviting you to the roll20 game I've put together for combat soon.
Just as a quick reminder, this is for PFS credit, so all characters must abide by the build rules laid out in the latest Guide to Society Play.
I look forward to getting this going soon!
Tim
I'm in. Will post character info when I decide which one to play and I'm not on my phone. - MJC
My character options for this game are:
Burning Wind - 3rd (1/3) level human monk
Billy "Squishybear" Whishpucket - 2nd level halfling rogue
Zebastaine - 2nd (1/3) level tielfing inquisitor of Ragathiel (Melee)
Stohlm - 2nd (2/3) level halfling summoner
Jayriann - 1st (1/3) level tiefling time witch
Myraculous Fitzscriven - 1st level gnome Arcanist
I know Zak has a bone oracle. Don't know what Josh is planning to play. Jason said he thinks he may play his Sorc 2. So depending on what we've got, I'll pick what I'll play.
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Hey, guys Jason here. Character details are now in my profile. Brief character background below.
Charles was raised with heretical views that have made it difficult for him to accept most religious beliefs and often caused him or those he loved to be treated as pariahs. As a result, he has turned his back on religious teachings. He followed the path of an investigator to prove that these powerful gods and deities might not be as powerful as they would like others to believe.
Hey guy -- getting a late start to this. Sorry about that. Zach here.
My vote is the ring
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"I have never traveled to Quadira, and know nothing of our host. If any of you have knowledge pertaining to him, or the area, please share. Otherwise we should simply pick one and proceed."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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You know that she was a religious woman, who primarily revered Sarenrae. As such, after some deep thought and recollection, you are able to recall the following about typical wakes in the city of Katheer, City of a Thousand Caravans.
A typical wake begins as a somber affair, but it’s common for the mood to lighten as the sun warms the room and the living share stories about the deceased and comfort the surviving family members.
As dusk approaches, those in attendance wish the deceased peace through speeches and gifts that might accompany the deceased to the grave. Not only does this honor the dead, but it’s also an opportunity to comfort the living and remind those present to make the world a better place.
A less common funerary practice involves exposing the corpse to the sun for a week or more in conjunction with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing. During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away.
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"Given this information, it seems clear that the shield would be the perfect choice of gifts."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Seeing no objections, we'll go with the shield and move on to the next part.
Your group arrives at the sprawling estate of Zarmina Bahjari.
A young Qadiran servant bustles over to you amid the commotion of the final preparations.
Assuming at least one of you is visibly wearing a wayfinder...
"Ahhh, welcome esteemed Pathfinders! My name is Abir." He pauses to bow..."Please, do not hesitate to let myself or the rest of the staff know if you have any requirements prior to the Ceremony. For now, please let me show you to the study. Your presence has been requested."
He shows you to a small, but lavish study where you are greeted by a familiar face.
Dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam stands behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief.
"You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari - a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests.
"It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina's family to conduct business at her wake.
"Though I have. Inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations.
"For that reason, I requested the Society's aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from, given your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?"
Ill agree that this seems the only logical opportunity to security these rival factions... I will agree so long as my companions see fit-- but my heart tells me this is ill will toward the spirit at rest here...
shifts eyes and waves a hand around his right ear as if to flick away a fly.. Or perhaps the whispers of those who haunt him
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"The spirit is not our concern right now. Let her soul pass in peace to the presence of whatever power she may have bent her knees before." Turning towards the Prince, "Who are these rivals and what can you tell us about each of them?" Jayriann removes a notebook, pen and ink well from his pack and prepares to take notes.
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"While I appreciate your candor young man, I assure you my late aunt's spirit would expect nothing less. In fact, her soul most assuredly would be upset by the lack of strategy, were I to decided not to take this opportunity."
Aaqir turns to Jayriann
“I or one of my assistants shall point them out as they arrive. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential.”
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"The only rivalry I know of for sure is the fact Passad's business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, which has led to a rivalry with Metella Rauger. She will most likely be on edge with Temel here.
"That strategy could well work for you, master Thoradin. Your group may do as you see fit, 'ganging up' on one merchant or spreading your charms or deceptions among many at once. I honestly care little for the sincerity of your friendliness, so long as positive influence and persuasion is the outcome.
"Are there any more questions? I must return my attention to the preparations."
Olumb leans against the wall and folds his arms
"Passad seems like a good start... Although perhaps we may want to choose the most well spoken to approach this rather than the lot of us, so not as to cause so much apprehensive...simply a thought. My vote is Thoradin"
light chuckle
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The Tiefling finishes his notes, then reaches into a pouch and pulls out a pinch of fine white powder and proceeds to sprinkle it on the ink to aid in drying. As the ink dries, a long, slender red tail reaches over his arm and proceeds to place the pen and inkwell in a scrollcase, and places that into the meticulously organized backpack. "I agree, Thoradin seems like the logical choice. How much time do we have to work with?"
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"There may well be a few opportunities to persuade the merchants throughout the evening. To be truly diplomatic, however, one must spend ample time in cordial conversation or attending to other important sensibilities. A simple greeting and pat on the back will not be sufficient to thoroughly befriend our guests.
"It may not require a completely silver-tongue to ease into diplomatic relations, though I'm sure it couldn't hurt. Again, proceed as you best see fit.
"If there are no further questions, I will have Abir show you to a room where you can prepare for the ceremony and I will meet you in half an hour's time to proceed to the grand hall."
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Using his tail, Jayriann places the notebook back in his bag and fastens it close. He then bows to the Prince. As they are escorted to their room, he discusses the plan with his companions, "As you may have guessed, I do not always make the most postive first impression, so I would prefer not to make contact with the delegates on my own."
He reaches up and strokes the black goatee jutting from his chin, "I propose that we split into pairs and select a merchant to approach. After we speak with the first two merchants, we can regroup and discuss our experience, then move on from there. Mr. Custer, if you will assist Olumb, then I will accompany our paladin companion, in hopes that his honest demeanor will distract from my, ehem, exotic appearance. Agreed? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
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After approximately 30 minutes of preparing for the wake, Abir knocks gently and then almost immediately throws the door wide open to reveal Trade Prince Aaqir, once again arms wide in a grand gesture of welcome.
"Come noble Pathfinders. Allow me to show you to the grand hall where we can meet and greet our esteemed guests."
Shortly after entering the grand hall, Aaqir points out a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems.
“Temel Passad is a prophet of Kalistrade, an adherent to a strict set of personal codes that supposedly aid in one’s earning wealth. He is a clever man that the Society has dealt with before—typically under pleasant circumstances. As I stated earlier, his business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, leading to an ongoing rivalry with Metella Rauger.”
With only a short observation, it is readily apparent that Temel avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of the refreshments available.
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Following closely behind Temel Passad, an attractive Taldan woman who appears to be in her 30s with long brown hair makes her way into the hall. She is dressed finely but moves with none of the grace and bearing that might suggest a noble upbringing.
“Doritannia Raffella buys and sells alcohol and spirits. She comes from a common household yet elevated her status through her own acumen and hard work, though she recently fell on hard times. No doubt her experience would be a valuable asset to any business venture.”
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After a few unremarkable guests and a smattering of Zarmina's relatives solemnly enter the hall, Aaqir quickly gathers your attention to a redheaded dwarf who wears a tabard emblazoned with the Five Kings Mountains heraldry.
“Metella Rauger represents several trading houses from the Five Kings Mountains, and she has worked with the Society and its allies before. She’s stubborn but fair."
He nods toward her as she absent-mindedly touches her belt repeatedly, though unarmed.
"She does in fact, appear to be on edge thanks to Temel Passad’s having decided to attend and honor Zarmina’s memory.”
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After a short respite, Aaqir calls your attention to two men entering separately, yet simultaneously.
“The clean-shaven gentleman on the left is Pellius Melkior. He is from Andoran and has established himself as a reliable trader of durable goods in his country. Rumor has it that he has also looked into expanding his business into the River Kingdoms and Taldor.”
Pellius is of average height with sandy-brown hair. What he lacks in uniqueness, he seems to more than make up for in personality. He claps many others on the back as he greets them and is even quick to laugh with a good few, taking care to avoid the bereaved family.
Nodding toward the large and somewhat physically imposing figure, Aaqir states, “The bearded man to the right is Jakti al’Awar. He has spent much time abroad and only recently returned to Qadira. He maintains a small business in magic items, and some speculate that his travels and business are primarily for scholarly purposes. What is known is mostly speculation; he is something of an unknown here.”
Jakti seems to be quietly patient as he strolls around the party, allowing others to greet him.
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Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies you for several more minutes, introducing you to several family members, eventually concluding the serpentine stroll before a quietly reflective man alternatively greeting other guests and tending to three girls in white silken robes.
"Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to my wonderful husband, Emir Thalzar Gaatan and our three daughters."
Emir bows slightly.
"Thank you each for graciously representing the Society. It means a great deal to Aaqir, as I'm sure it would to Aunt Zarmina."
He glances over to the girls, who give a formal curtsy and nod in unison.
Aaqir then points over to a middle-aged cleric emerging from the crowd and hurriedly making her way toward the temple.
"That is Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment. She seems extremely busy with preparations at the moment, but might be available for introductions later. I pray you, good sirs, please make yourselves at home."
With that, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.