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Charles attempts to move in close to Temel for the pickpocket attempt and is dangerously close to being caught when, in a moment of inspiration, he plays another guest as a distraction. This gives him just enough time to remove the snuff, add the sneezing powder, and replace it on Temel completely unnoticed.
Later, as Temel makes his way forward near the coffin for tribute, he takes a small pinch from his snuff box. After wheeling uncomfortably and nearly tripping over the dais to avoid sneezing on the deceased pathfinder he proceeds to engage in an embarrasing fit of continuous sneezing for many uncomfortably awkward moments before finally calming.
One of the servants hastily rushes a cloth handkerchief to him, but the embarrasment is already settled over his face before he even begins his speech.
Metella nearly loses her cool, holding her hand over her mouth and trying not to openly chortle at her rival's misfortune. She discreetly shoots a quick wink toward you as she composes her trembling form.
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The rest of the speeches (and even Temel's, just with the addition of the embarrasment) go as previously stated.
It is now your turn to speek and present the shield.
As, I previously mentioned, Jayriann and Thoradin relize that Metella, Temel, and Jakti all seem to be watching moreso to see whom you'll reference in your speech than to see what the actual gift is.
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Thoradin Gives a Gentle speech about the deceased, commenting that he did not know her in life, but knows she was a good person, did well with her duties, and was devout in her prayers, based on the conversations he had with all three of the prominent guests, Mentioned in order, Metella, Temel, and Jakti
Diplo roll
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LOL...I had already spoken with Jay about this, so I'll allow Charles' roll to stand as a stand alone roll.
As you give your speech and attempt to placate all three merchants, you realize Jakti is smiling broadly as you simply mention the other two merchants and don't overtly praise either of them to the crowd.
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After a few minutes, Jakti al’Awar proposes everyone raise a glass and toast Aaqir al’Hakam and Emir Thalzar Gaatan.
Jakti begins the proceedings by raising his glass high and parising Aaqir and Emir's gracious invitation of everyone into the estate and the extreme care with which they've honored the deceased Pathfinder.
Everyone can give me a Sense Motive roll.
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Jayriann, you can't quite get a good read on how sincere Metella is during her speech.
Anyone else want to give it a try?
Actually, for the sake of time, everyone can just give me 5 Sense Motives for each of the respective key merchants' toasts (although we already know the first one from Van's check).
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Okay guys, between the three of you, you can get an accurate read on each of the speakers during their speeches.
Pellius' speech seems genuine and heartfelt.
Everyone else's speech seems polite, but not particularly heartfelt.
You would guess this perhaps corresponds to your current influence with each of them.
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After the last toast is given, Jakti concludes the toasts by standing and stating, “And may our hosts carry on the legacy of the departed, may Sarenrae see her safely to Nirvana and its city of High Ninshabur.” As he says this, Zarmina’s body twitches to life.
The undead Zarmina tears herself out of the shroud with a pained moan. 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 immediately flee, as Aaqir al’Hakam hurriedly signals for you to intervene while he tries to keep the crowd under control.
Everyone, please roll me initiative.
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So initiative order is as follows:
Jayriann - 22
Thoradin - 21
Vandranell - 14
Charles - 8
Zarmina - 2
Jayriann's incantation is barely audible, mixed with the surrounding screams of fleeing mourners. As he finishes, the magic washes over Zarinna's head.
A fleeting glimpse is all it takes to realize the compulsion seems useless against the risen pathfinder, as you move away cautiously.
Thoradin, you're up.
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Positive energy springs forth from Vandranell's hand, forming into a ray as it leaps toward Zarmina. The ray slams into her chest, throwing dust into the air, as her body violently recoils from the damage.
A raspy voice cries out from her gaping mouth, further proof of the positive energy's effect.
Charles, your turn!
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The arrow whizzes past the shambling corpse, ricocheting off the funeral accoutrements and finally coming to rest on the floor.
Zarmina's corpse slowly makes it's way toward the party, stopping close enough to Thoradin for you to see the sun-baked flesh cracking and flaking from her face.
She lurches forward, slamming her arms toward the paladin.
Thoradin throws his shield up in time, as the loud thud of the corpse's failed attack echoes throughout the chapel.
Jayriann, you're up again.
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Positioning himself to stay out of reach of the creature (and perfectly happy to let the paladin stand against her), lowers the longspear (which, until now, has appeared as little more than a long staff, it's barbed metal tip obscured by by wisps of ceremoniously twisted cloth) and thrusts and the undead pathfinder.
His thrust misses as the corpse's flailing arms bat it aside, and the Daemon-Spawn hisses with irritation.
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Jayriann curses in some strange language, then calls upon the streams of time to align in favor of the target of his spell (i.e. he casts guidance on Thoradin).
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Pushing down his frustration, Jayriann lifts his longspear and thrusts towards the shambling wretch.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Sorry, I missed this until now. Thoradin and Jayriann, I need Fort saves from both of you as the undead creature crumbles into dust from Thoradin's mighty strike.
Aqir returns to the hall and as a token of thanks gives you a few scrolls. These include a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of endure elements, and a scroll of see invisibility.
The other guests begin slowly wandering back into the chapel, seemingly dumbfounded by the rising of Zarmina.