The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

While Peppers works on expanding his arcane knowledge, Gallix goes to the Society's preferred fletcher and plops down a bag of gold on the counter. "Alright, pal," he says, "It's taken me forever, but I finally figured out how to shoot one of your fancy bows. So I'm here to get me a new bow. Now, I'm not one of your usual customers, all skinny and whatnot. No, I got these!" He cracks his neck and flexes his biceps and triceps for the bowman. "So yeah, I'm gonna need something that packs some punch alright? You think you can hook me up?"

The bowman huffs grumpily and turns to pull an already shaped bow stave from the wall. "Blasted melee-ers," he grumbles under his breath, "Coming in here buyin' up all my composite stock." He strings the massive bow in a single smooth motion, then places it carefully on the counter. "Ya want anything special for arrows, Muscles?"

"Uh...yeah. Cold iron. And silver, not mithral. Just the cheap stuff for now."

"Got it." He grabs a quiver and throws a handful of arrows in. He hands over the quiver and arrows, weighs the bag of gold and nods. "Don't shoot yer eye out. Or if you do, don't come runnin' to me."

"Thanks," Gallix says simply, nodding to the fletcher and turning to head out of the shop. "Hey, Uesugi! Check out my new bow!"

Knowing that he will likely have more than just one battle against things requiring it, Stali checks around for a temple with Oil of Bless Weapon and buys two jars.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Heavy clouds are gathering above Absalom, and the city is tense with anticipation of the coming battle. Suddenly, bright light patterns flash from atop Skyreach. A few minutes later, the sound of an explosion rumbles through the city as an old wooden granary erupts in flames. A little farther away, a stone bridge collapses, dropping a group of soldiers to their deaths. Soon the air is alive with frightened screams, the sound of hurried footsteps, and moments later, the booming blare of a brass horn that rises above the din of a city in chaos. A messenger runs past, shouting: “The horn! We should gather at the Grand Lodge! Let’s go!”

GMs, you have one day to complete the mustering and preparation section. I will signal the beginning of part 2 tomorrow (October 2nd).

"But! I thought we had passed along word about that bridge! No," Gallix shakes his head in frustration, "The message must've gotten waylaid. Or someone stopped it being delivered. Damn! Either way, let's get to the Lodge, folks!" Gallix thrusts his fist into the air and charges up the street toward the Ivy District and the Grand Lodge!

The clerk hands Sirettis her +1 construct bane crossbow bolt just as the granary explodes. She curtly thanks the man, runs outside and hears word that the bridge collapsed.

"Come Isa. To the Grand Lodge!"

Mr Peppers looks up from his half eaten slice of toast, covered in a healthy dose of fig jam. A small round of soft goat cheese on a wooden plate beside him. "Seems the festivities have begun Master Hideyoshi. Best we take this tea and snacks on the road."

He waves to the proprietor for a paper cup and a few extra napkins to protect his goodies from the dust of the rampaging hordes. The mindless undead kick up such a cloud of dirt and dry skin, I hope these napkins are at least 50 thread count.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Several agents assist in marshaling Pathfinders as Marcos Farabellus unfurls several maps of Absalom’s districts. Once a crowd has gathered, he straightens to address the gathered Society. “Pathfinders, Absalom is under attack. We have received many reports of undead saboteurs attacking armories, granaries, water supplies, and guard outposts—targeted strikes to undermine our city’s infrastructure. Absalom is losing key resources, and enough people are panicking that it’s difficult to organize an effective defense.”

Zarta Dralneen, head of the Dark Archive faction, steps forward and interjects. “I have learned someone—someone who knows our home well—has stolen the Black Echelon codebook from our archives. A force of Taldan agents attacked Absalom long ago while following those encoded orders, and with the right combination of illuminated signals, one could draw these oathsworn operatives from beyond the grave to continue their attack.”

Farabellus narrows his eyes. “That explains the acts of sabotage. Absalom’s First Guard is struggling to restore order, and they need our help. Pathfinders, stand by for instructions!”

Ollysta Zadrian of the Silver Crusade raises her sword high, announcing, “We should not wait—Absalom needs us now!” Clasping the paladin’s upraised hand with her own, Lady Gloriana Morilla adds, “Each of us has accumulated considerable influence and resources in recent years, and this is the prime opportunity for each of us to lend Absalom our strength in its our of need. We may call ourselves factions, but today we can act as one!”

Nodding with approval, Marcos Farabellus calls out to the assembled Pathfinders. “It’s decided. Pathfinders, we’re deferring to the specialized expertise of these seven organizations to rally Absalom. Seek out the leaders for instructions, and make the city proud.”

Table GMs, Part 2 has begun.

You find Lady Gloriana Morilla, leader of the Sovereign Court, reading through a growing pile of reports. Every minute or two, a courier delivers another sealed letter.

"The city is in dire straits, Pathfinders. The Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn is a strong leader, but he’s had difficulty gathering the High Council—and in turn getting other nobles to focus. The recent acts of sabotage have caused many noble families to seal off their estates or begin evacuating the city in private ships. Not only is this cowardly exodus clogging the harbor and sowing confusion, but it is also disrupting other defenses because the nobles had earlier promised their household guards’ service in defending the city. Acting under authority granted by the Siege Lord, help me find them and remind them of their responsibilities as members of the nobility. History need not remember them and their descendants as the ones who failed Absalom."

Lady Morilla takes her feather pen to a paper, and writes down four family names as well as their presumed whereabouts.

The Docks District - The Tullians
Petal District mansions - The Arpadors, The Caperinas, and the al-Hadirs

_________

Roll below for some useful information on how you might convince these stubborn nobles!

Not much is known about the Tullians, other than the last reports indicated they are fleeing rather than holing themselves up in their homes.

Unless you have a preference, I'll assume we do these in order.

Mr Peppers begins slowly rubbing his long, white fingers together. It seems he's been waiting for this chance to prove himself once again to his peers as well as his home city. "Seems those with more gold than 'cents' of duty are deciding to protect numero uno. Maybe we should hit the docks first since time is of the essence?"

He thinks to recount what he may know of the different houses..

K Nobility, DC18: The Arpadors: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
K Nobility, DC18: The Caperinas: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
K Nobility, DC18: Al-Hadirs: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Hrm, The Arpadors were originally merchants who effectively bought their way into the nobility with their considerable wealth accumulated in the cattle trade. Mentioning their humble origins might fluster them. Remind them of what they once were instead of what they may become..."

He continues to recite well worded statements like he was just regurgitating the written word, Mr Peppers continues. "Centuries ago, the extended al-Hadir family produced many great warriors who fought Taldor and became war heroes. Reminding them of their family history may aid our cause."

"I am afraid I haven't heard much of the other two families."

K Nobility? Dice don't fail me now!
K Nobility vs Arpadors: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
K Nobility vs Caperinas: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
K Nobility vs Al-Hadirs: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Sirettis nods as Mister Peppers recalls the origins of the families and proper etiquette. He should have joined the Sovereign Court, but planar travel was too strong a lure.

"The Caperinas are from Cheliax and follow the law very closely. They do not worship Asmodeus, at least publicly. If you do not feel confident influencing with your natural charisma, you may use your linguistics or legal knowledge to converse with them."

You can attempt Linguistics or Profession (barrister) checks in place of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks to influence the Caperinas.

"The Tullians are notoriously secretive. All we know is they are trying to flee rather than fortifying their home."

“Shall we start with the most cowardly then, the Tullians clogging the harbor?”

"Yes, the Harbor. We don't want them to slip away while we visit the other houses." Mr Peppers checks to see his personal appearance is on point, not wanting to look like a frazzled commoner in this time of need.

He waves to the others, wondering why neither Gallix, Uesugi, nor Sir D have even made the slightest move at such an exciting, and perilous time. "Come now, there's no time to lose!"

Gallix, Uesugi, nor Sir D

Our forte lies in 'social dealings' and combat. :3

"Making the cowards cower even more, into staying, this sounds amusing."

D. is looking forward to this....

As you approach the Docks district, you hear the frantic sloshing of water and the screaming of two men and a woman. "Please, someone, anyone, help us! The undead ambushed us, so we jumped in! But..." the woman's head falls underwater. She quickly doggy paddles herself back up. "We can't swim! My jewelry's getting ruined!"

Map.

You can attempt a DC 18 Drag combat maneuver to pull a noble in, but must be within 5 feet of them. You can alternatively use an object to grab a noble and reel them in. Let's do this in rounds. Everyone is up!

"Please remain calm. Where did you see these undead? We're on our way to help now." Mr Peppers cautiously begins heading towards the water, looking around for hidden undead as he pulls out his mage armor wand and applies it.

Mage Armor, 1hr. Also I'll roll up my false life that stays on during 'business hours'

False Life: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"You should remove the jewelry at any rate. It is much too heavy to support yourself." Sirettis approaches the woman and lets her hair fall to her knees.

Round 1: Activate Prehensile Hair hex. This gives me a reach of 10 feet so I can pull a little further away if I need to.

Stali rushes towards the docks.

They were so scared they jumped in without remembering they couldn’t swim? What sort of idiots are they?

Double move

Mr Peppers watches Stali race past Oh good, I was beginning to feel alone out here.

"Keep your eyes open for another ambush, they've got to be skulking around somewhere!"

Gallix races past Mr. Peppers as well, "Good call, Peps! You keep an eye out, we'll get these folks onto land. D! Come on and use those weird powers of your to get these people outta there!"

Also double move

D. shares Stali's thoughts on the jumping into water while unable to swim.

D. moves past Sirettis to the other side of the house.

Dressed in his heavy armour the samurai moves as quickly as he can to keep up with the others almost catching up to Stali. He watches as the nobles struggle to keep afloat while being equally concerned about their jewelry.

Double Move

One of the nobles slips underwater as he struggles to remain up. "No! Little cousin Niko! He's drowning!" The woman cries.

The noble on the left is underwater, but has not yet inhaled water.

Then there's the sound of a door opening from the house to the east, and the sound of metal boots on the ground. Looking to his east, D. sees the two Black Echelon undead minions as they creep out of their hiding spot.

"The undead are back! Those are the ones that tried to get us! Help us!"

You can use the +4 Initiative bonus now because these are undead. Let me know if you want to do so! Doing so will put Mr. Peppers and Sirettis above the enemies in initiative.
DC 18 Religion and DC 15 Religion for monster lore.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
D, Uesugi
Red & Cyan
Mr. Peppers, Gallix, Stali, Sirettis

-- Nobles --
Niko (left, underwater)
Roman (middle, struggling above water)
Kiki (right, struggling above water)

Uesugi rushes past Stali and then past the Barbarian as he runs along the side of the building parallel to the sandy ground. Coming around the corner he slides his katana from the sheath and strikes at the first undead creature. "Save the people in the water. The creatures of undeath are mine!"

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 2 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18

My telekinesis reaches 45 ft.

D. focuses on the clothing of the noble, and pulls the noble out of the water, putting him down on the pier.

"Fool. Get yourself to safety."

The noble spits out water and screams as he levitates into the air, but D sets him down easily. The noble cowers at the edge of the pier. "How did you do that? I-I'm safe! Thank you! But the rest of my family..." He looks on at the other two...

Meanwhile, Uesugi runs along the side of the building and slashes his blade at the Black Echelon menace, cracking a rib. His movement appears in slow motion due to the silent aura emanating from their bodies.

The undead shrugs at the katana slice, then marches almost through Uesugi this provokes, turning and slashing with its sickle.
Sickle: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 291d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The other Black Echleon operative steps south, and slashes at Uesugi from behind.
Sickle, flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 331d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Crit: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 281d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sneak attack: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) = 8
Sickle: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 281d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Crit: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 261d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sneak attack: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) = 8

-- Bold is up --
D, Uesugi (-45)
Red (-18) & Cyan
Mr. Peppers, Gallix, Stali, Sirettis

-- Nobles --
Niko (safe)
Roman (middle, slipped below water this round)
Kiki (right, struggling above water)

Damage may change because of Sugi's resolve

As the first creature moves past Uesugi he strikes.

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 2 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18

He watches as they strike at him simultaneously. The ferocity of their attacks with the deadly sickles would be enough to grievously injure most warriors but you watch as the samurai even while moving unnaturally across the wall of the building turns his body in such an angle that the impact of the second sickle gets absorbed by his tatami-do armour.

Use as my immediate action Greater Resolve to negate the second critical attack

Stali ahouts “D and Sirettis, let us know if you need help saving the two nobles still in the water!”

He then draws his dueling sword as he moves up on red and attacks.
+1 Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword, flank: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Sneak Attack damage: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 5) = 13 Bewildered

Knowledge (religion) vs DC18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Knowledge (religion) vs DC115: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
On a success, special defenses, weaknesses, then special attacks.

Gallix searches his mind for some recollection of whatever these things are, but his first priority is to do his thing and lay on some punching. He takes up his bouncing, mobile stance and quickly darts backward a pace before laying out some strikes against the undead surrounded by Stali and Uesugi.

5ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Combat Expertise, Outslug Style in effect.
AC26 from Combat Exp/Outslug this turn.

Flurry AdCestus, CE: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 3 = 15 Damage, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 101d6 ⇒ 1
Flurry MCestus, CE: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 3 = 24 Damage, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16
Flurry AdCestus, CE: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 3 = 20 Damage, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 141d6 ⇒ 3
Flurry MCestus, CE: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 3 = 18 Damage, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

K Religion, DC18: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Resists/Defenses/Attacks
K Religion, DC15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 Resists/Defenses/Attacks

"AHA! I TOLD you to expect an ambush!" He eyeballs the creatures as he moves ahead, sending a flurry of magical missiles at the red one. The other of course if its dead already.

Casting Magic Missile: Caster Check/Damage: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 214d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 4) + 4 = 16

Sirettis takes a moment to trigger her Flight hex, and then flies 60 feet until she is hovering over the water.

D. ignores the nobleman's question.

"Sirettis, would you get the woman, i can reach the other guy, but not her."

He then moves along the shore, doing his kinetic haul trick on the next guy's clothes.

As D reels in another noble from underwater, the rest of the party unleashes a series of slashes, punches, and magical missiles at the Black Echelon operative. Somehow, the undead still stands, and it tosses its sickle from hand to hand threateningly.

Though it looks like Uesugi didn't yet use his attacks this round, so that may quickly change.

Mr. Peppers knows the taller red-eyed creature is a Black Echelon Elite. It no resistances. The smaller of the two is a Black Echelon Infiltrator, and also has no resistances. He doesn't know much more about the two.

-- Bold is up --
D, Uesugi (-36)
Red (-92) & Cyan
Mr. Peppers, Gallix, Stali, Sirettis

-- Nobles --
Niko (safe)
Roman (safe)
Kiki (right, struggling above water)

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 - 2 = 32
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13

katana 2nd strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 2 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 = 19

crit? 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 2 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 = 15

crit? 2nd strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18

Uesugi strikes at the injured undead agent his blade striking with true purpose.

The undead crumbles to dust as Uesugi drives his blade along the length of its sternum. The samurai turns and slashes at the remaining Black Echelon Operative.

"Oh, wow! You guys are strong! But you're taking too long to rescue me, and my priceless silver necklace is getting all tarnished. Come on now!" The woman demands, then she slips underwater....

The remaining Black Echelon swings its sickle at Uesugi, and misses twice.
Sickle: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 191d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sickle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 111d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
D, Uesugi (-36)
Cyan (-19)
Mr. Peppers, Gallix, Stali, Sirettis

-- Nobles --
Niko (safe)
Roman (safe)
Kiki (right, slipped underwater)

"The silver necklace will tarnish your lungs long before then." Sirettis sighs, then flies over to where the woman was.

Hovering over, she reaches her hair into the water, like a pair of pliers.

Drag: 1d20 + 4 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 7 - 5 = 24

She wraps her hair around the woman and pulls her above the surface. "Please hold on."

Turning towards the pier, the rest of her hair flaps furiously.

Gallix quick-steps all the way back between Stali and Uesugi and reaches around the samurai, ducking in and out past him as he slashes at the remaining operative, to strike at his opponent.

10ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Combat Expertise, Outslug Style, Lunge in effect.
AC25 from Outslug this turn.

Flurry AdCestus: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Damage, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 151d6 ⇒ 4
Flurry MCestus: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 Damage, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
Flurry AdCestus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Damage, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 111d6 ⇒ 6
Flurry MCestus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Damage, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Confirm Crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Crit Damage, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16

In an effort to conserve resources, Mr Peppers draws out a dust covered wand, remembering fondly the good times they had together when they were just pups. If it wasn't for you I'd have truly been useless back during the first time we time traveled... the birth of the Red Arm.

He fires off one lonely, dull missile at the last undead.
Wand of Magic Missile: Caster Check/Damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 121d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Stali hugs the shore as he rushes past Gallix and Uesugi to leap over to the other pier. He then moves into flank on the remaining undead creature.

+1 Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword, flank: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 = 19
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Sneak Attack damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 5) = 13 and Bewildered

Spring Attack, so no AoO provoked

Gallix one-two punches the remaining Black Echelon operative across its skull, but it's actually Mr. Peppers magic missile that impacts it with such force that it flies through the wooden wall of the neighboring house. Its glowing green eyes fade as it melts away into the wind.

Out of combat

Sirettis drags the final Tullian noble out of the water, and she runs over to the other two in a reuniting embrace. "Thank you so much for your help. It is regrettable that some of our finery is ruined by the water, but at least we are alive!"

"You must be Pathfinders. There must be some way to repay you for saving our lives," Niko adds, wringing out his top hat.

Sirettis carries the noblewoman over. "Your assistance would be appreciated." Her hair twists itself into knots as it squeezes the water out. "We came here because the Tullian family chose to flee rather than help defend Absalom. We must all stand firm and cooperate, or we will all drown. Please, aid the Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn and fulfill your duty as members of the High Council. You must not fail the city that never failed you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Mr Peppers nods with satisfaction as his missile finishes the job. He twirls the wand and stuffs it back into his belt just like old times. Still got it... He thinks back, smiling to himself.

Tall, dark and reminiscent heads over to the trio of wet birds a smile on his face. "Greetings. We are indeed Pathfinders." He nods to Gallix to signal a proper introduction.

"And yes, you can repay not us, but the entirety of this city on our behalf. Rally your family and its guards and soldiers. Stay and help defend the city from these undead. Put those ships of yours to good use in defense, not in retreat. The city needs you." He makes a broad display with his arm, reminding them that they aren't the only ones with something to lose.

Diplomacy, Boon!: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25

"There certainly is," Gallix says, stepping toward the drenched nobles. "You can stand with Absalom in Her time of need instead of deserting Her. Commit your house guards to the effort to fight off Her attackers. Wealth has no meaning if there is nowhere to use it, and there's no better place to put your wealth to use than Absalom."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

If I succeed at convincing them, I have the Silver Tongued racial trait which may come into effect.

Wiping the gore off his sword, Stali then sheathes it as he comes over to where the nobles are.

“Absalom is strongest when the people work together. That is why no siege has ever succeeded against the city. Show the people that your family stands with the city, we will all be stronger.”

Aid Sirettis’s Diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"Works for me," Roman replies without a second thought, already stomping his wet boots back towards the Petals District.

"I mean, obviously fleeing isn't going to work, so we need to stand strong with everyone else here. We will rally the rest of the Tullian family together and assist in Absalom's defense!"

The noblewoman hesitates. "Fine, though I do hope we can avoid any further situations that may affect my clothing or jewelry. It would be... unfortunate to have to buy everything new once this charade is all over." Chin up, she ties her hair as high as it might go and shuffles off.

For saving their lives, the Tullian family have been convinced to stay.

To the Arpadors next, Caperinas or al-Hadirs? I don't think we had a preference. If there's no preference I'll go ahead and post the next one in the list in 20-30 min.

No preference here.

Back out to the Petals District and past the gates to a mansion, a guard accompanies you to the front set of double doors, and brings you into a sprawling sitting room inside the Arpador's Estate. A stout, pear-shaped man dressed in a gaudy, velvety red robe sewed with golden thread is seated a rich mahogany desk. The man twirls his long salt-and-pepper moustache in a finger. "My guard here tells me you are another group of Pathfinders. I take it, then, that you are here to convince my family and I leave our estate and assist in defenses. I do not think it necessary. An undead march is trivial compared to the matters my family and I must endure as high-ranking citizens." He pauses unusually long here. "I would therefore like to decline your offer. However, I am a man of fine tastes, even in times of strife. If you will join me, perhaps you can stay here and enjoy this fine ice wine."

You have three chances to persuade them: once each using Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate. You can Aid Another. You must succeed at two or all three of these checks to successfully convince the nobles to overcome their reservations and defend Absalom.

Sense Motive, DC23: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Mr Peppers listens on, enjoying the expensive appointments of the room and thinking about the wine...

Sirettis recalls their discussion on the Arpador family as they head toward the manor.

The Arpadors were originally merchants who effectively bought their way into the nobility with their considerable wealth accumulated in the cattle trade. Mentioning their humble origins might fluster them.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

"These kinds of disasters are potent at eliminating the concept of class." Sirettis pauses. "Without the granary to feed your servants, they will raid your food stores. Without passage, your estate will lose the supplies it needs to maintain its standing."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
"We need your assistance. The High Council cannot stand divided, and your help will make the Arpador name go down in history."

Oof.

Mr Peppers listens on as Sirettis sets the table. Not her best showing but he does his best to back it up. "This attack doesn't threaten only your estate, but the entirety of the city. While you may escape intact, what about those of a more humble station that haven't yet had the chance to climb the social ladder?"

Auto aid Diplo

Sense Motive: 10 + 14 = 24

“We have already slain some of the undead at the docks. If a humble merchant such as myself can do that, surely your family can do much better in defending the city.”

Aid Diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24