Damiar Apastron |
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Damiar gives Muesello an earful about Iliyana, and then proceeds to write urgently to every single VC. It’s time the society lived up to its ideals. Let’s free this innocent political prisoner, and reunite her with her son.
Finally, she writes to Eutropia herself, care of Lady Gloriana Morilla, for surely the faction head will know how to discreetly get the message to the princess.
Noble Lioness,
I am but a simple performer. Today it was my honor to help you in your quest to lead. I am quite proud of the infiltration we did of the library, and hope that the information we found will be of great use to you.
However, you should know that imprisoned in the library is one of your subjects — an elderly woman named Iliyana. She has been has been imprisoned not for her own actions, but that of her husband. Her son Maximilian was taken from her, and then she was blinded for the crime of reading the books that she had been asked to care for. Your Majesty, I know that you are different from your father. Don’t let an innocent old woman suffer. Iliyana aided us. She is still your loyal subject. Please, do better by her than your father has. If you need skilled people to mount a rescue, I will gladly volunteer on that mission.
I have the honor to be your agent of change,
Damiar Apastron
Iovo Apastron |
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I wonder if she has noticed me yet? Looks like she went on a really interesting mission!
"What'cha doin', sis?" Iovo asks from behind her sister.
Bluff, I totally wasn't reading the whole letter over your shoulder (unlikely): 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 5 = 18
GM Dennis |
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As you prepare to board the boat back to Absalom, a message arrives. ”Head to Katheer. I’ve left instructions for you there. -VC Esmayl ibn Qaradi”. The messenger is none other than Iovo, back from her hiatus! You switch your passage to a ship bound for Qadira (hard to find in Oppara, but you manage), and prepare for departure. As your ship pulls out of the harbor, you look around you and realize your number has shrunk by one! Where’s Kleines!? You see him standing on the deck of your previous boat, bound for Absalom, a sad-puppy-dog look on his face. ”Wait, where are you going?!” he calls, just before passing out of earshot.
When you arrive in Katheer, your met at the lodge by two more agents, one of them your old friend Verrix! Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi is abroad but has left written instructions for you (see the maps deck).
You may select a gift to take to Bahjari manor. Your options include a silver-chased scimitar (+1 scimitar), a gold ring bearing three sapphires (a ring of protection +1), or a steel shield bearing an image of Sarenrae painted in gold and studded with garnets (+1 light fortification light steel shield). Which would you like to take?
Iovo Apastron |
Can we attempt a Knowledge: Local check to know something about the aunt or her close family? Even simple things, like is she a follower of Sarenrae?
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
Phinellippa tries to figure out which of the gifts is the most valuable. Coco chimes in about which is the most shiny.
Appraise: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
GM Dennis |
Can we attempt a Knowledge: Local check to know something about the aunt or her close family? Even simple things, like is she a follower of Sarenrae?
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
You know that, like most in Qadira, the Bahjari family are worshippers of Sarenrae. In fact, they even maintain their own sizeable temple to Sarenrae, which they open to traveling clergy, neighbors, and—on particular holy days—to the public at large.
GM Dennis |
Phinellippa tries to figure out which of the gifts is the most valuable. Coco chimes in about which is the most shiny.
Appraise: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
You're not sure which is most valuable. They're all pretty shiny, but Coco is probably most interested in the ring, being the only one of these shinies she could carry.
Iovo Apastron |
Looking over the items, Iovo says “From what I understand, the family has their own temple to Sarenrae. Unless there is some religious significance I am not aware of, it seems the shield would make the best gift.”
Gesturing towards the other items, she says “The ring is pretty and useful. The sword looks quite nice. I’m not sure the sword is that useful though. I was under the impression that silver wasn’t the best material for such weapons; It can’t hold the edge as well.”
Garif Stonetoe |
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Garif studies the gifts available, paying particular attention to the ring and remarking on its stones, ”Ah, a corundum! Well, three of them, really. Rather nice ones, too. Plenty of blue in the primary hue, and not too much green or grey to wash it out. If these were red corundums - what you’d call a ruby - they would probably make an excellent gift for a Sarenrite but, sadly, I think the shield is probably the most suitable.“
As Nico ambles up to Garif’s side, the dwarf absently rubs the cat between his shoulder blades and asks his friends, ”Does anyone know anything of this trade prince? If he considers himself a warrior, the blade might make the best gift. If he is more in the vein of a merchant, then the ring would be a good choice. And if he cares most about his faith, the shield carries that message most clearly.“
Semi-ninja’d:
Nodding at Iovo’s words, Garif concludes, ”It seems the shield would allow this prince to call himself a warrior and a devotee of his god, while also offering a trade opportunity should he wish it. I say we take the shield.“
GM Dennis |
Sounds like several votes for the shield, so I'll assume that's what you take.
---
Some things you might know about common funerary traditions in Katheer:
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.
-----
You select your gift and make your way to the Bahjari estate, where you are greeted by servants of Zarmina’s family. They see to your immediate needs, then direct you to a study where Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam is waiting (picture in the map deck). Dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, he 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 with 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 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?”
Iovo Apastron |
Kn: Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Feel free to peek at the spoilers. Iovo would have briefed any who wanted to listen on what she knew of the practices.
"Sounds interesting! I haven't done anything like this before." Iovo has a wide grin on her face.
She almost manages to look serious as she asks "Could you tell us a little of what to expect. It is my understanding that the funerary practices vary a bit and I imagine the details of the business etiquette can vary just as widely." It still comes off as light and cheery.
GM Dennis |
”Well, you shall have ample opportunity before and after the ceremony to speak with the other guests. During the ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to address the assembled, and some may present gifts to the deceased, as is customary. The ceremony will break from tradition slightly, however, as my aunt’s will clearly specified the funerary rites be performed by an old friend of hers, a Pharasman cleric from Osirion named Umut. What else would you like to know?”
Garif Stonetoe |
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Garif's grey skin goes even paler as he considers the task ahead. Oh, dear - people. Why does the society never send me to study rocks and minerals?
"Um, what can you tell us about the five people you wish us to, er, win over?" Garif asks, doing his best to hide the fact that he has no real notion how to win people over. "Do they have any particular interests we should be aware of? Do any of them study microcrystalline mineralogy, for example? Or something more general, like, um, stratigraphy?"
Damiar Apastron |
—Before departure—
“Iovo! Verrix!” Damiar leaps up from the notes she was writing, and bounces excitely. “Oh, I have so much to tell you!” Damiar shares the letters that she wrote about Iliyana and her plight. “Can you two help me spread the word about this? Or better yet, storm the library when the time comes? I think this is something that Verrix’s friends in the Silver Crusade can get behind!”
She boards the ship excitedly with her friends, and then watches with dismay as Kleines misses it. Turning to Phinnellippa, she says sadly, “Why is it that the handsome boys are sometimes dunderheads?”
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
—Now—
What Damiar wants to know is does she have to use Sense Motive to know what skills to roll to influence people!
Damiar emphatically agrees with Garif. “Yes, definitely tell us more about Umut and these guests we need to impress! I like to research people a bit before parties, so that I know what sorts of topics they like to talk about! Also... Who is that cleric over there?” She points to the cute redhead with the longspear and the Caydenite holy symbol. “Is she one of the guests we have to impress?”
Iovo Apastron |
Chuckling, Iovo says “If so, we should introduce ourselves. If not, well we should still introduce ourselves!”
She skips over to the woman and holds out her hand. “Hello! I’m Iovo! Who are you?”
Damiar Apastron |
“And I’m Damiar!’ Damiar says, happily following Iovo’s lead. “We’re twins!” Then she looks at the human cleric and whispers, “Er, not you and I. Me and Iovo!”
Iovo Apastron |
“...but if you want to become an honorary elf, we could get you some auricle extensions and maybe even a bow...”
Damiar Apastron |
...not the kind for your hair, but the kind you shoot arrows with!”
Iovo Apastron |
“Not that there is anything wrong with putting a ribbon in your hair. You have very pretty hair.”
She then looks over to her sister and gives a mischievous smile.
Damiar Apastron |
“Oooh! We could braid her hair...” Damiar gets excited.
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
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"And I'm Phinellippa! Don't mind the ink, I'm writing a dictionary and it does get everywhere. Do you have any favorite words?"
Iovo Apastron |
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“...just like we did with Rees!” Iovo finishes the sentence for her sister, completely oblivious to the gnomes interjection.
Damiar Apastron |
“CoCo is amazing.” Damiar smiles. “We’ve never braided Phinny’s hair, either! We could have a big braiding party before the gathering. Phinny’s hair is pretty too — more flamelike then ours, because she’s a gnome. Speaking of color, I’ve always liked the word, ‘balyage’.”
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
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"Ooooooo." Phinellippa scribbles notes on a sheet of paper.
Garif Stonetoe |
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”Balyage? Is that a color?“ Garif asks Damiar. ”Is it reddish and flamelike, like Phinelippa’s hair? Oh, and yours too, I suppose. And the Caydenite here as well! In any case, it brings to mind another word, ‘litharge’, which is a red pigment. Technically, it’s lead monoxide, a mineral pigment - but it’s relevant here because it’s red! Though I would recommend against using it to color hair - not that I’m suggesting any of you have colored your hair - as it can have some unfortunate effects on one’s health in large doses, particularly when used to color a keg or two of dwarven lager to celebrate..erm, you know what, never mind.“
Verrix the Pathfinder |
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"Hello, friends," Verrix says. "I have spent some time in training and meditation with my adoptive mother.
When he looks at the letter that Damiar has, his brow furrows, and he says, "[b]I would not think of a library as a place where one might be held captive. She was truly struck blind?"
He looks up to Damiar. "Yes, I would agree that trying to liberate this woman would be a noble task."
...
After hearing the overall mission briefing, Verrix says, "Building friendships and securing allies is good work. But, please forgive me, for I do not wish to impugn your values, but how will securing trade routes either help the Society's mission to gather knowledge, or the goal of bettering the world? Or do we do this so as to help cement the alliance between you and the Society?"
Iovo Apastron |
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Smiling, Iovo says “Pigment is a strange word. Sounds like something you would feed to a farm animal.”
Looking to Phinellippa, she says “How about syzygy? That could make a good word for today. It is the alignment of planets in a straight line. Our mom taught us that one.”
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
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"Wonderful! Litharge...syzygy...With all of your help, this dictionary will be done in no time!"
GM Dennis |
Sorry folks, got a little bogged down last night. I'll get answers up to some of your questions later this morning.
Shieara Enric |
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Heh! Technically Shieara was there at the mission, uh...note-reading but I've only now had a chance to catch up and post so we'll say she ran a bit late and arrived separately from the rest of you.
________
If the young red-haired woman leaning against the wall of the study seems put off by the sudden rush of attention from the elf sisters and the gnome...and the dwarf...she does a fine job of hiding it. Instead, she grins, a bit sheepishly.
"Ah...name's Shieara, Shieara Enric," she explains, "an' what I am is late. Was 'sposed to meet with you folks back at th' lodge but I might've overslept just a smidge an' missed you. So here I am, only just walked in 'fore all of you did." She glances down at her meager possessions. "Pretty easy to make up lost time when you've not got much money to spend, you know?"
Sure is a lively bunch they paired me with! Should be exciting.
"Anyway, let's see...think I'll pass on th' bow for now - but thanks all th' same, braids are dandy if you got someone around to do 'em right, I'm partial to greens..." Shieara continues, using fingers to tick off each relevant topic, "...green colors, I mean, like malachite! Not like th' vegetables," she grimaces. "An' favorite words? How's about 'finagle'? Sounds like it oughta be someone's name instead of just a word, don't it?"
As entertaining as it is to converse with the more chatty members of the team, the armored man's questions to the Trade Prince are a reminder that they've also got business to attend to. "'Prolly that last one," she replies to the armored man (Verrix). "Makin' friends in high an' low places can pay off big in the long run...though I gotta admit, I'm a little surprised they decided sendin' me to help you folks was a good idea. From what I've heard it sometimes seems like the Venture-Captains just throw darts at names when makin' a team for these things!"
GM Dennis |
Al'Hakam grins at your antics as you catch up, a welcome distraction from his grief. He then answers some of your questions.
---
"Building friendships and securing allies is good work. But, please forgive me, for I do not wish to impugn your values, but how will securing trade routes either help the Society's mission to gather knowledge, or the goal of bettering the world? Or do we do this so as to help cement the alliance between you and the Society?"
”In a word: logistics. The society needs supplies for their missions, do they not? Building a network of trade allows for better and cheaper access to the necessary equipment and provisions, when and where you need it. A good trade agreement helps everyone involved.”
—
"Um, what can you tell us about the five people you wish us to, er, win over?" Garif asks, doing his best to hide the fact that he has no real notion how to win people over. "Do they have any particular interests we should be aware of? Do any of them study microcrystalline mineralogy, for example? Or something more general, like, um, stratigraphy?"
Damiar emphatically agrees with Garif. “Yes, definitely tell us more about Umut and these guests we need to impress! I like to research people a bit before parties, so that I know what sorts of topics they like to talk about! "
”I’m afraid I know very little of Umut, never having met her myself, but I can tell you a few things about the guests, and I or one of my staff will point them out as they arrive. I believe some of you may even have met a couple of them: Metella Rauger and Temel Pessad.
------
Any other questions?
Garif Stonetoe |
"Hello, Shieara," Garif says a bit absently, his mind a bit overwhelmed by all the details that have just been shared about the people they're supposed to 'win over.' "I'm Garif, and this furry beast is Nico."
Turning to Al'Hakam, he says, in the same tones one might use in declaring a readiness to face the hangman, "Well, let's get to it."
Iovo Apastron |
“Shieara, and your favorite color is green.” Iovo gives a quick nod. “Got it! I’ll be on the lookout for green hair-dye!”
——
Iovo says “Most of us have met Temel and Metella. The other names are not familiar to me.”
“You said they were rivals. Is it just business rivalry?”
“Oh, and how long before we are to meet everyone?”
GM Dennis |
"I believe it is primarily a business rivalry, though how they feel personally about each other at this point I shall not speculate. As for when, they should be arriving any minute, so as soon as you're ready."
Iovo Apastron |
Smiling, she says “It is probably a good idea to keep Temel separated from Metella. The two seem to rub each other the wrong way.”
Ready!
Verrix the Pathfinder |
Verrix nods to the Trade Prince. " Yes, that makes sense. Thank you. It sounds like this will be mutually beneficial. "
" And, yes, we have met both Pasad and Rauger before. As far as I can tell they both seem like honorable folk."
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
"A scholar and magic item merchant? I'd certainly like to talk to this Jakti!"
Damiar Apastron |
Damiar grins. “It’ll be good to see Metella again. Hopefully Temel is over his annoyance at us choosing her. That was a while ago, though.”
Iovo Apastron |
"I suspect Temel will view it as a challenge. It isn't like we saw anything wrong with either of the offers presented and he should know that."
Garif Stonetoe |
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"I believe my companions are ready, even eager," Garif offers to Al'Hakam. More quietly, he adds, "And I am as ready as I expect to get."
GM Dennis |
Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies you for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters. “While you are speaking with the guests, I shall do my duty as a host and member of the family, as shall my husband Emir and our daughters. I would appreciate your taking care not to draw them into your business today, as my dear spouse in particular does not approve of my affiliations with the Society.” He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later. Once he is sure you are at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.
You have time for a little mingling here. This is a modified influence mechanic, and you will each get two checks in this phase. You can all make checks on the same person, you may split up, or you may use your check to aid another. Just as a warning, you do not need to influence everyone to be successful in this mission, so be strategic in how you use your chances.
You can influence a character using Diplomacy, Bluff, or an alternate skill for each character. They also have slightly varying DCs by character. Additionally, there may be other opportunities that arise to gain favor with these PCs and make your skill checks easier.
Who would each of you like to speak with in round 1? You’ll have a chance to share information and re-deploy before round 2. Also, please let me know if you are openly wearing a Wayfinder.
Shieara Enric |
Despite her earlier casualness and bravado, Shieara can't help but tense up as the time comes to actually head out and mingle with the visiting guests.
They all know each other, they've been on missions before.
She thinks back to what they'd been told about each guest, trying to decide which ones might be the easiest to approach. For sure Metella, since the others already seemed to know her. But who else?
Odd one out as always, Shie. Story of your life.
No...didn't Al'Hakam say that Pellius Melkior was from Andoran?
Hey, so am I...common starting point, should work just as good as any other right?
"Hey, um...unless one of you all's got a plan, I thought I might go an' talk with that Pellius fellow," Shieara whispers quietly to the others. "Seein' as we're both from Andoran an' all, I figure maybe I'll get on better with him than some of th' others."
Iovo Apastron |
Smiling, Iovo tells Shieara "Sounds good to me!"
Looking over the participants, she says "I am more curious about Jakti and his trade in magic." Looking to Phinellippa she asks "Want to join me? Perhaps we can learn something of interest!"
Is it Sense Motive to find out what the alternate skills are, or do we just have to guess? What happens if we use the wrong skill, do we just lose the turn or can we default to Diplomacy?
@Phinellippa: I'm thinking Kn: Arcana or UMD for Jakti. I don't have Spellcraft so if you use that I can't aid. Thoughts?
Garif Stonetoe |
Garif nods at Shieara's idea, saying "I'll come along too." He gives Damiar a quick look and says, "You're a lot better with people than I am, maybe you could come with us? You can charm Pellius, Shieara can talk about Andoran, and I can...help."
Shieara Enric |
The briefest of relieved expressions flickers across Shieara's face when Garif offers to come with her and also asks Damiar for her help. "Ah, yeah, th' more th' merrier! 'Sides, th' quicker we sweet-talk Pellius into helpin' us out, th' quicker we can speak to our next new-best-friend," she agrees.
________
Helping with Sense Motive or Aid Anothers is probably Shieara's best bet here unless someone's relevant skill happens to be something she's trained in :)
GM Dennis |
You only have two rounds of influence before the ceremony. You don't know for sure how much access you'll have to them afterwards, though they are all staying as guests in the house, as you are.
No need for sense motives to determine skills (there may be other reasons, in which case I'll call for them); you can ask Al'Hakam for some insight (I'd been planning to tell you the skills when you chose who to talk to anyway, but I guess it makes more sense to do it now).
Temel: Appraise
Doritannia: Intimidate
Metella: Profession (any)
Pellius: Knowledge (local)
Jakti: Knowledge (religion)
Everyone: Diplomacy and Bluff
Phinellippa Dioptrice |
Phinellippa can do Appraise, Profession (librarian), or Knowledge (religion), so she'd like to talk to Temel, Metella, or Jakti. Jakti seems like the one she'd be most interested in talking to.