The Stolen Heir (Inactive)

Game Master Matthais777

I'm okay, Persephone murmurs, as much to reassure herself as to inform the rest of the group. Everyone else all right? Her hands move almost of their own accord to reload her gun; while she does return it to its holster, she makes sure it sits only loosely. Myth's probably right - we should be prepared.

Aiden smiles "Myth's got the right of it. Let's see what we can surprise this alchemist with." He follows the half-elf into the shop.

This shop is spacious and lined with rack upon wooden rack of exotic herbs, spices, tonics, smoking paraphernalia, and a smattering of glass vials of brightly colored liquids. More such vials stand in display inside a glass-fronted countertop. Strange and smoky odors waft from a back room past a mostly closed door.

Standing behind the counter is a beautiful elven woman. As the young man leads the team in, he calls out,

Ms. Koriana! Customers!

The shop is cramped with so many people filing in. Thalia stays back at the door with the tiger as they enter, and the elven woman sees her and smiles, though it doesn't reach her eyes.

Thaaaaalia.... I had heard you'd been kidnapped. Seems you've been rescued. How... wonderful.

She looks at the pathfinders and smiles at them all.

And I suppose you all must be the brave investigators that rescued her. How might I help you today?

The man that brought them in speaks quickly.

They got attacked by mad dogs ma'am. Don't want them catching the madness themselves, you got a tonic that might help them?

The woman nods.

Why yes, I believe I do... She begins pulling out vials and setting them on the counter, clearly labeled "Anti-Plague".

"I wasn't bitten ma'am, thank you nonetheless..."

Myth nods to Aiden and Q'lack knowing their speaking skills are much better than his...Myth drops back to rest against the wall between the shelves in the NE corner, a hand nonchalantly resting on his bow...

Nigel is clearly uneased by the man and his matter of speech. She sure didn't sound happy that she is rescued . He knows he doesn't offer much to the group in the way of talking, but had hoped that this woman was innocent for if I could, I would recruit her to the exchange but we will need to see if that is a possibility now.

He stands prepared to make another eagle if this talk goes poorly.

Looking at the vials for a moment Eroil strokes Struggler with her left hand. "Well is that poison or coloured water. I mean we arrive with the hostage you ordered abducted and to tell you the truth, that failed spectacular. But maybe that is true antiplague, and in that case we can handle this in a civilized way. That would be nice. So do we want to be civilized?"
DIplo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

And she comes out of the gates swinging! wall of text time!

The woman smiles a little bit broader.

Civilized, of course. I'm glad we have that sort of understanding. The vials are actual anti-plague dear... after all, if you had no knowledge of my involvement and this was happenstance, it wouldn't have done to alert you would it? Although you may think I enjoy profiting from healing injuries inflicted in this neighborhood, I consider it unprofessional for customers to get those injuries inside my own shop. Let’s talk.

She turns to her man and smiles.

Fetch us some tea Barnabas. No poison.

Her man steps through a back door real quick and is back in mere moments with several cups and a teapot. Koriana pours herself a cup first, sipping it in plain view, before pouring for others.

Now, let us speak like civilized people. We all have our goals, and the elder Andares did not hire you to investigate, so what is a band of Pathfinders hoping to acquire here? If I understand correctly, it's to gain financial and military backing for that messy business at the world wound. So I offer a simple proposal. Turn Thalia over to me, and I'll ensure you get the backing, both financial and Military.

She smiles.

Don't get any silly ideas about me blackmailing Andares, or him being so grateful for you returning her that he'll meet your requests. This was his plan, and he'll be most upset if you interrupt it.

She sips her tea slowly and gives a soft sigh.

Perfect as always Barnabas. Though I will admit, I am appreciative of you dealing with the Galtans... it was gonna take me at least another 2 days to arrange for them to be killed and for Thalia to be "rescued" by a dashing Qadiran prince, rescuing Thalia from the kidnappers as they took her to their employer in Absalom, and she chooses to marry him straightaway and live out her days in his distant homeland surrounded by luxury. Or perhaps it was going to be that taken by slavers to Thuvia, where she was freed by an order of monks that she then decided to join. We did not orchestrate her ultimate destination before she had time to ruin everything, so this kidnapping is merely a temporary solution. Although there is no denying she will no longer be a part of the Andares family, I promise that I will do my best to ensure
that no harm will come to her wherever she goes.

She sets her teacup down.

Now, before you suspect something underhanded, let me be clear. I am telling you all this because you have no proof, and I can easily deny everything. I want you to understand what kind of situation you've found yourself in, and how easy it will be to act in a civilized manner where we all benefit.

Thalia finally steps forward, slapping her hand on the table.

When my father is convicted of kidnapping me and betraying his oath
to uphold Common Rule, his property will be forfeit and pass to his next of kin—me—and I will provide all the funding that my father could.

Koriana nods.

Perhaps. But only your father can provide the military aid they want. For that matter, even if you succeed, you will risk the stability of the entire region, triggering a veritable witch hunt for corrupt politicians that would harm innocent leaders and direct attention away from the Worldwound instead of toward it. And before you say anything about due process or how Andoran can pay attention to Mendev at the same time, let me ask this: Have you been to Galt? Go there if you
want to see the enduring and self-absorbing power of human vindictiveness, still churning after decades of revolution and punishment

Koriana nods to the pathfinders and sips her tea again.

It's all really rather straight forward. Give her back to me, she goes off to some covenant across the sea, you get your help, and everything goes back to normal. Are those acceptable terms?

Thalia sputters with disbelief and turns to the pathfinders.

You... you aren't listening to this nonsense are you?

Watching her sip the tea, Myth, not trusting her, politely refuses any...he stays where he's at and tries to get a read on her to see if she's hiding anything...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Thank you, but no tea for me, ma'am."

He listens to Thalia, happy to hear she'd provide funds for the Crusades...

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

...but from what he discovered previously around the streets of Sauerton, he's not sure she would be certain to succeed him.

"While Thalia's family may have renounced their nobility" starts Q'lack.
"That they are of noble blood sings forth loudly in her words. To hand her over to such a scoundrel as yourself would seem beyond belief."

He shakes his head.

"I also find it hard to believe her noble father is as tied in this as you claim. Surely that is lies piled upon lies. While he may have skirted some laws, I am sure it was done for the overall benefit of his people."

Myth turns to Thalia, "Our primary mission is to secure funding for the Crusades, and then secure more troops. This lady's deal gives both...

For you to succeed your father, we will first need definitive proof...if we can't prove his guilt, we'll anger him, have no military funding, no military support, the Demons will wreak havoc, innocents will die, and you'll still be in danger..."

Myth turns to Koriana. "So the choice is obvious...while I believe you when you say her father is involved, I agree with Q'lack...no way will we turn her over to you.

We still need proof though...perhaps we'll find it here...provide the proof and we will leave you be..."

Myth grabs his bow tightly, ready to bring it up at a moment's notice...

Nigel tries not to let it show on his face for he doesn't want to loose ground in negotiations but he is very conflicted.

We have assess to the military we need and we can leave this craziness behind now. But we do that, we are condeming an innocent woman who is just trying to do her best for her country.

The alchemist laughs at Q'lack.

The benefit of the people! Oh goodness, you are quite the bard with your fairytales. Let the adults talk little frog, I'm sure we can find a puppy for you to save so you can feel better later.

Myth believes she's telling the truth.

I hope your not threatening me. I can just imagine the sight now...

She pouts and whimpers.

Officer, I don't know why they attacked me! These scoundrels came in making the most awful accusations and then they attacked! Tried to murder me in my own shop! T

She chuckles again.

You are not nearly as scary as you think yourselves to be archer. How about you others? Are you really so convinced to back this Naïve little girl despite what it will cost you?

She nods towards Aiden

Surely you at least can see the foolishness in this "Common-Rule" Andoran nonsense and the practicality of what we have established here.

Well ma'am, I am pretty new to this whole politics thing but I can't see why I would have any reason to trust you? You are clearly a person of ill morals. The woman you tried to get rid of may be naïve, but I trust her morals and I believe she would do what she could to keep her word. You on the other hand have only shown us lack of character and just admitted that you would lie to the authorities. What would make us believe you?

Nigel seems shocked in his own confidence to speak out like that and then readies himself in case his insults made her hostile.

Maybe I should've just stayed silent...too late now. Myth gives a humorless grin, mimicking, "Officer, who are you going to believe, this deceptive woman that kidnapped the mayor's daughter...or the mayor's daughter herself?

You're finished here either way. If Tercio Andares stays in power, he'll not want you around as a witness to his involvement...if Thalia's in power, she won't let the woman who kidnapped her go unpunished. Give us what proof you have of her father's involvement and you can walk away."

She nods and sips her tea.

A fair enough question. But it is not a matter if I would keep my word, it's a matter of "Can" I keep my word. Ms. Thalia promises you money, and may try her best, but can't guarantee that she will be able to. And she cannot even try to guarantee military aid. I, on the other hand, can promise you certain military aid and financial aid, and you know I have the means to do it. I would even be willing to send one of my men with you to the Consul's residence to ensure that their is no miscommunication in what reward you are to receive for turning over Ms. Thalia. I am also willing to work with you as a established business partner to attempt to determine the best way to increase your confidence in this transaction. I am, after all, a civilized business woman.

Thalia stammers in shock.

I am NOT a transaction.

The Alchemist glares at Thalia for a moment.

Fair. That does make it sound awfully like slavery. I am Andoran enough to be disgusted with that at least. However, you are a child who has not yet learned the wisdom of her father, and I suggest you be quiet while your elders and betters discuss what the best course of action is. You are not in a position to be protesting anything.

Thalia glares angrily but quiets for the moment.

To Myth she nods and smiles.

Simple my good fellow. I have the mayor on my side. Who are they going to believe? The mayor's hysterical daughter just off of days capture from crazed Galtans, or the mayor and his trusted ally. And the Consul knows better than to try to get rid of me... I have made my own precautions to prevent that possibility. I am, after all, a civilized business woman, and that means insurance policies for risky ventures.

You keep saying civilized business woman, so essentially you keep lying to us. Civilized people do not kidnap other people. So even if you could keep your word, I have no reason to believe you won't do whatever you can to betray it. You can't lie over and over again, then expect people to want to make deals with you. I may not know politics but I do know business. And if someone lied as much as you have to us, no matter how good of deal they ended up offering, there is no way I would trust the deal.

She nods towards Aiden

Surely you at least can see the foolishness in this "Common-Rule" Andoran nonsense and the practicality of what we have established here.

Aiden smiles. "Indeed. These Andorans seems to be caught in a fairy tale of their own making, unable to see the truth in the world." He shakes his head in disbelief.

"However, you're asking us to take your word that her father is your employer. I don't doubt that he is hardly fighting to get her back, but if we're to think that by giving her to you, we'll get the military aid, then I would want some assurance of that. For all we know, you tried to kidnap her for ransom and found her father quite happy to see her gone and unwilling to pay. So, you're trying to get her back to salvage what little you can of your costs. We hand her over and either we never see you two again, or we're arrested for the kidnapping ourselves." He shakes his head again. "You're going to have to give me more than that for me to believe it."

He turns to Thalia. "On the other hand, I know she's the consul's daughter and a dreamy-eyed idealist. Even if she doesn't get her father's fortune and power, something tells me she would never stop trying to fulfill her promise to us, even if it bankrupts her. She seems to think she can live on ideas and democracy. Fine with me, as long as I get everything else." He smirks.

"You do have a point about triggering some Galtan-style witchhunt and crippling Andoran's military might, though. But you missed one thing..." He laughs. "I'm a Chelaxian! I'm hardly a patriot, but that idea does warm my heart! If she brings down her father, I get to see the collapse of a pillar of the Andoran military, potentially crippling the nation for years to come. I call that entertainment!"

The alchemist blinks in surprise at Aiden for a moment before laughing.

My oh My, I must admit, I did NOT see that coming! Well, it seems we are at an impasse... Boys?

As she speaks, two large men step out of the storeroom behind her, as her assistant makes a hasty beat to the back room. Both men carry saps and look like an ape's long lost brother. They twak them against their palms and the alchemist smiles.

Last chance. Give up the girl, take the deal, or I'll consider this a failure to negotiate in good faith and simply take her. Your choice.

The two thugs grin and the first one gives Aiden a missing tooth grin.

I heard Chelaxians bleed blue, shall we find out?

Intimdate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The other looks at Q'lack and licks his lips.

Wonder if Frog Legs dat big taste as good as the little ones?

Intimdate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Q'lack, your demoralized for 1 turn! Aiden, you scoff at the threat.

WILL BATTLE INITIATE? ORDER IF SO!

Aiden
-----------
Brother 1
Brother 2
-----------
Myth
Q'Lack
-----------
Koriana
-----------
Persephone
Eroil
Nigel

Something told me the others wouldn't really go along with handing her over.

Aiden rolls his eyes at the man trying to scare him. "Koriana, you need to hire better help. These two are idiots." He pulls a snag net from his belt. "But something tells me, you're a lowest bidder-type."

He moves towards the alchemist and hurls the net at Koriana. He grabs the trailing rope.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Aiden is using a Snag Net. If it hits, she's entangled. DC 22 Escape Artist check to escape.

GM, is my "Readied Action" still active or has its time passed?

GM, is my "Readied Action" still active or has its time passed?

Sorry myth, both took to long and they didn't take an aggressive action before combat started. Threatened, yes, but didn't actually attack or anything similar.

@Aiden, unfortunately for you, she has cover. Unfortunately for her,
you still did good enough.

Koriana yells as the net is thrown over her, screaming as she struggles to try to escape.

The first brother steps forward, swinging his sap at Q'lack.

sap: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
NL damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He gives the poor frog a nice solid konk on the noggin.

The other hops up onto the front desk, scattering the vials of anti-plague and the tea set before taking a swing at Aiden.

GET OFFA HER!
acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
sap: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
NL damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The brother drops a staggering blow right on top of Aiden's head!

BOLD MAY ACT!
Aiden -7 NL
-----------
Brother 1
Brother 2
-----------
Myth
Q'Lack -3 NL
-----------
Koriana Entangled
-----------
Persephone
Eroil
Nigel

No worries, GM, makes perfect sense

Myth will move slightly to his right to get a better angle, and fire at Koriana...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 (vs flat-footed AC)

Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (3) = 11

Q'lack steps back and draws his bow. Quickly he notches an arrow and sends it into the figure in front of him.
attack,PBS, into melee, shaken: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

It would've been the simpler option to let Koriana take her... But Persephone had chosen to let others take the lead in negotiations - if this was their choice, so be it. She wasn't going to force her comrades to burden their consciences with a choice they believed wrong, even if she'd have chosen differently. And, truth be told, there was a bit of relief in knowing she hadn't forced Thalia into whatever existence Koriana had in mind...it might have been cruel or kind, but whatever it would have been, it would have been a prison for the liberty-minded young girl.

A new problem had arisen now, though, and it was time to solve it. The best way Persephone knew how.

For when my turn in initiative comes up, since I tend to post a little less frequently than everyone else:

Pistol attack, damage against the target she has the clearest line to: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 = 161d8 ⇒ 1

Aiden's AC is 15. I don't think the sap hit him.

Aiden's AC is 15. I don't think the sap hit him.

Your right, my bad, looked at the wrong line.

Koriana struggles in the net, pulling a strange clockwork thing with vials sticking out of it from her pouch.

FINE! DIE!

She tosses the thing forward at Aiden.

BOMB!: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
Oh dear...

However, it bounces off her own goon and explodes!
Boom: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
ref aiden: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
ref K: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Myth feels the foul stuff fill his lungs and he has to clap his hands over his mouth and face to stop himself from vomiting everywhere. Aiden stomachs it, but can barely see the man standing in front of him!

Persphone turns to the other brother and tries to shoot him, but the shot goes wild trying to shoot inbetween the stacks of vials and other dangerous items.

Aiden skips out of the way of the blast, Koriana and her goon are not so lucky.

However, the shattering blast causes something to roll of a high shelf and crash to the floor, letting out a stinking cloud of smoke.
fort aiden: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
fort Myth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
fort Brother 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

BOLD MAY ACT!
Aiden
-----------
Brother 1 -9
Brother 2
-----------
Myth
Q'Lack -3 NL
-----------
Koriana Entangled -3
-----------
Persephone botted
Eroil
Nigel

GM, what 'bout Myth's shot at Koriana? He fired before she threw her bomb...

My bad. Koriana is at -14 after the bomb goes off. Which means...

Koriana slumps down and screams out, the arrow she thought she could fight through having been jostled deeper by her botched explosive and is now bleeding profusely.

I SURRENDER! STOP! JUST STOP! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!

Her two brutes hear her, look at each other and drop their weapons before the one brother backs out of the cloud, then each drops to their knees, hands over their heads.

Us to!

COMBAT ENDS! VICTORY FOR THE PATHFINDERS!

Myth recovering from his gagging, walks over to Koriana, bow still drawn. "Not so scary, eh? Now tell me...where might we find further evidence of Tercio Andares guilt in kidnapping his daughter?"

Aiden leaps over the counter and disarms the two brothers. He comes over to slip manacles onto Koriana's wrists. "I'm sure we'll find some evidence of payment."

He turns and levels a sword at the clerk. "What about you? Do you know anything about this kidnapping?"

Myth nods at Aiden, and seeing how the Chelaxian has things in hand, searches the shop thoroughly for evidence...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Please now, kneel down and cross put your hands on your head. Fine. Now you will sign a confession, detailing your handwork in the abdujction. This will be the terms of surrender. Well bargained and accepted? Or struggler won´t leave hungry!"
Diplo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Levering her spear towards Koriana with a winners smile Eroil looks her deep in the eyes.
"Myth, I am sure you would like to do the penmanship!"

Q'lack sneers at the common woman.

"This is what you get for trying to take on your betters."

He starts to hop around the shop, looking for documents that might help the pathfinders cause.
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Persephone joins Q'lack in the search after reloading her gun, looking for any record of her possible dealings with Tercio Andares. Her hand lingers long over a promissory note from the Bank of Abadar, and she fights the urge to swiftly pocket it...but eventually she turns away. Don't get the Society in trouble...don't get the Society in trouble...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

I am glad we haven't the need to kill anyone yet to be honest. I know fighting humanoids would be part of the job, but still. Not ideal to kill people.

Nigel also helps the search.
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
has a reminder, this is a moving weekend for me so I will not be on as much as I normally am.

Aiden steps close to the clerk and touches the man's throat with the point of his sword. He presses the point just enough to draw a tiny spot of blood. His voice some out with an edge, but smooth and inviting, like rich silk roughly cut. "Come now, tell us where she stores her documents and any other correspondence she might have has with Andares. This will go much better for you if you help."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Aiden is truly a terrifying sight, and the clerk whimpers in fear.

I'm just an apprentice! I don't know anything! All I know is that she spends all her time at her work station!

With that little hint, Myth is able to find a false bottom in her work station in the back room. Inside is a lockbox, that Myth is able to open fairly easily. Inside are letters between the Consul an the Alchemist. Collectively, the documents provide incomplete evidence that the Andares family has colluded with several other noteworthy families to rig local elections and keep each other in important offices. The documents also suggest that Sander Bryton might be involved in helping Tercio Andares to remain a consul in return for similar treatment. However, while Bryton's inquiries as listed are scandalous, they show that he hasn't actually broken the law or participated in the riggings yet. Even so, attachment to the scandal would surely ruin the consul.

Upon finding the documents, Myth exclaims, "Jackpot! With the documents combined and with both Thalia and Koriana to back them up, we should have enough to convict her father...and should be able to leverage this into an agreement with Consul Bryton for military aide..."

Aiden laughs. "Now see, Koriana, all you had to was show this to us. Hell, I might have turned the girl over to you." He gives Thalia a knowing smile. "But now, we can approach Bryton with this information even if Thalia isn't able to secure the military support. As, Myth says, this is 'leverage.'"

Thalia takes a look through the documents and nods.

Yes... My father will go away for sure with this and our testimonies. It also looks like Bryton is clean...ish. I'll keep hush about that part if you need me to Pathfinders. Again, he just seems to be a case of poor judgment, nothing more. I'll call the captain.

Soon enough, the captain comes in, and is astonished at what the pathfinders have found. He arrests the alchemist, her goons, and promises that the Consul will be behind bars by the end of the day. The alchemist, after some prodding, agrees to testify. The captain leaves a few... select pieces of paper at Thalia's request that happen to concern Bryton, and takes the rest. Thalia wishes the pathfinders well as she goes with the captain and his guard to arrest her father. They insist that the pathfinders not attend, as it may be seen in a bad light if anyone besides the guard arrests him. It's a solid victory... but the Pathfinders still need what they came here for military support. Good thing Q'lack asked about where they might meet Bryton later...
----------------------------------------

Later

Bryton is supping at a mug of mead as the pathfinders enter into the Pony and Tack inn. It's relatively empty, and he waves them to sit down with him at the table.

Pathfinders, good to see you. I hope you have good news about Ms. Thalia?

Myth gives a friendly smile. "Yes we did, sir. She is free now. We also found some interesting things in her notebook, how certain higher ups colluded with the mayor and such for benefits to themselves and their family...

But my companions came to talk to you 'bout the military aide you briefly discussed earlier..."

He nods to Q'lack and the others. He just wanted to drop a hint to the consul of what they found...but they're much better at negotiations...

Q'lack offers a courtly bow to senator Bryton.

"General... " he starts, trying to find the right words "It would seem that your cousin has been involved in various nefarious schemes. One's I am sure you had no knowledge of, but due to your own proximity may be peripherally implicated in."

He sighs.

"Upon discovery of these malfeasances Thalia confront him. He then engineered her kidnapping to secure his position. "

The Grippli shakes his head sadly.

"I found it hard to believe myself, but the evidence we uncovered is solid. I am hoping that we will be able to keep your name out of these proceedings - but that you would be willing to use your influence to secure Thalia's rightful inheritance, as well as perhaps ...

Here he grins broadly.

"Arrange for those guilty of the corruption to perhaps serve out part of their sentence in the military aid that we were discussing you providing for the expedition to the World Wound.."

Can I take ten on the diplomacy effort here? If so it is a 17 plus what ever I get from aid another circumstances etc

"Yes, Senator, we could greatly use your help to mobilize the Andoran forces for the Worldwound. With Consul Andares...removed...the military needs leadership and focus. Your strong voice again the demon threat could provide both."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Bryton folds his hands softly and looks at the pathfinders intently.

You are asking me to sustain a lot of political capital at great risk to myself. Capital that I suspect I'm going to have to use to get myself out of the mess my cousin seems to be about to drag me into. I'm going to need more than vague assurances of keeping my name out of things to do what you ask. A lot more.

"These documents are of no use to us... we could just hand them over to you. For safe keeping you understand.." offers Q'Lack.

My friend is right. You'd handle these far better than we would, Persephone adds with a small smile. After all, you know your affairs and your cousin's...I'm sure your experience far outweighs ours in knowing who would best handle such a complicated situation.

Diplomacy to aid Q'Lack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Sir, we are putting a lot of trust in you by offering you these documents. If they got out with the other ones, you may not end up in prison but you sure are out of a respected job. So please take this offer seriously. And in the future, remember that shady business always comes out. So try to stay clean and serve the people not yourself. We are making this offer because we believe you can be clean. So please consider what we have said. Even Thalia has agreed to keep quite about this. And that seems to be saying a lot with her.
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

"The Pathfinder society puts a lot of faith on you. There is a war going on, a war we can not loose. Please help us here!"
Diplo aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"Perhaps if we handed over this notebook we found of Thalia's to you for safekeeping...might not that be some measure of trust?"

We may need the documents we found at Koriana's to convict Tercio...if he's found not guilty, there's no funding which is our primary objective....getting troops is secondary to that...

Bryton takes the notes and looks at them for a long time, muttering softly a few times.
So that's what that was about.... that slimeball.... really? He was...

He shakes his head softly and stands slowly.

Alright Pathfinders. You have the backing of the Eagle Knights. And I will do everything in my power to ensure the transfer of the estate to Thalia goes smoothly and quickly. Excuse me... but I think I'm done for the evening.

The consul stands, looking much wearier before, and walks away, reading the documents he's been given with frustration and disbelieve.
---------------------------------------------------
PATHFINDER VICTORY!

PRIMARY SUCCESS CONDITION
Pathfinders must secure Financial backing of the Andares family, either by saving Thalia or surrending her to Koriana: SUCCESS!

SECONDARY SUCCESS CONDITION

Pathfinders must secure military aid by either accepting Koriana's deal or convincing Sander Bryton to dedicate forces: SUCCESS!

FACTION SUCCESS CONDITIONS!
LIBERTY'S EDGE
Save Thalia and help root out the Consul's corruption: SUCCESS!

SOVERIGN COURT
Secure additional military favors by recovering the old military contract. SUCCESS

CONGRADULATIONS ALL! STELLAR PREFOROMANCE! Feel free to post wrap up RP and anything else you may need to do here, I'll repost your success information in discussion and have your sheets available soon. Until then, EXPLORE, REPORT, COOPERATE!