GM Kate's Debt to the Quah (closed) (Inactive)

Game Master Kate Baker

Here you will pay your debt.

Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin has invited you to a meeting room at the Grand Lodge. Please introduce yourselves here!

A shadow darkens the empty doorframe before a muscular half-orc stalks into the waiting room. His neck is covered in tattoos like shattered glass; long, greasy black hair hangs down the left side of his chest like chain.

Beneath a patchwork cloak of carmine-stained hide, his breastplate gloams like bleached bones on a cloudy night. He carries an assortment of weapons, and a ratty old spellpouch hangs off his belt.

He falls into a chair and breathes in deep.

Heavenly sea air and the sounds of Absalom in the morning. It's been a while. He puts out a callused hand. I am called The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak. If we become friends, you may call me "The Artist Formerly Known As…" for short.

He flips his braid back behind his head. I hope keep things Easy Listening. I've just returned from a summer tour with Catfolk Stevens and the Profession(Carpenters), but fear not: my songs always bring out a deep motivation and feeling in all who hear!

He produces a tiny muffin that's topped with bright frosting and colorful sprinkles and takes a dainty bite. Breakfast. The battle-scars on his cheeks twist like ghosts while he chews.

A large man leans in the doorway, listening to The Artist Formerly Known as Cudak Tunagak speak. He is tall and muscular, bearing heavy armor and a large spiked hammer over his back. His bald head bears an intricate tattoo in the form of a hawk. Ah, so it is to be that sort of party today, huh? Well, if we are to visit the Quahs, perhaps a storyteller will be of use.

"Hello, friend. My name is--"

"Mnaaar!"

He is interrupted as a large quadrupedal form pushes him into the room. You would be forgiven for jumping back in alarm, as at first glance she looks like nothing so much as a grizzly bear. It's only on second look you notice the oddities in her appearance. After all, you don't expect to find a ruffle of feathers about the neck on a grizzly bear. Usually, too, they bear powerful toothed jaws, rather than the wicked looking beak of this creature. She squeezes into the room, turning back to look at the large man, then pads up to The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tunagak, snuffling toward his breakfast.

"Mnaaar?"

"Nokka! Heel!" The large Shoanti man hurries after the creature, grabbing ahold of a large harness around her shoulders and yanking her back to his side. "Apologies, friend. She hasn't quite grasped the fact that all food is not her food. You'd think by the way she acts I'd never fed her, particularly after her recent growth spurt."

The creature looks up into the man's eyes, and a mournful wail escapes her beak. "Mnaaaaar."

"I don't want to hear it, you just ate." He turns back to the room. "As I was saying before, my name is Kahru Kuun, of the Shriikirri-Quah. This ravenous goof is Nokka, my companion."

A human man strides through the doorway. His sharp, gold coat bears all manner of accoutrements, and he idly twirls a black cane with a silver handle. With steely eyes, he observes the occupants of the room, thoughtfully nodding and muttering to himself as he pans from person to owlbear to person. He smiles. "Greetings, fellow adventurers! It is I, Quinn, investigator at law. The pleasure is all mine."

He turns to Nokka. "After my most thorough investigation and subsequent analysis, I conclude that YOU..." Quinn points dramatically at the owlbear, "...are ADORABLE!"

"Mnar!" Nokka knows a sucker animal lover when she sees one and begins to snuffle at Quinn's pockets, looking for a treat.

"Greetings, Quinn! You, ah, don't have any food in those pockets, do you? She can be rather relentless, I'm afraid."

Quinn laughs as the curious owlbear snuffles around his coat pockets, jostling quills, extracts, and various tools as she investigates the investigator. "Greetings be to you, Kahru. Unfortunately, I don't have any food on my person! Sorry to be of little use to you, Nokka."

Quinn then turns to The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak. "And hello to you, Sir The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tangak. I couldn't help but overhear you were on tour with Catfolk Stevens! I'm starstruck! I particularly love 'Morningstar Is Broken' and 'Peace Steam Giant.' Now those... are some GREAT TUNES!"

A wiry figure enters the room. Their polished breastplate is strapped with red leather to well-tooled hides, and the spiked head of an earthbreaker fastened to their back peeks from behind their hips. Beneath their shock of red hair, curious emerald eyes peer out from a face covered in the thick blue, black, and red lines and whorls of their many tattoos.

They're already speaking as they pass the threshold, waving a thin hand as if to brush off an encroaching cloud of annoyances. "Hello! Sorry I'm late. Transportation from the Worldwound has its problems, up to and incl—" They stop when they spy Nokka. "Hyvää päivää, feathered friend! Which must mean..." They crane their neck around Quinn to find Kahru. "Aha! And how did you get here before I did? Surely we were part of the same caravan."

They clasp forearms with Kahru, then kneel to scratch Nokka's chin, looking up at Quinn as they do so. "A pleasure. Quinn, was it? And The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak? I can't say I know your work, but I'm always happy to hear new music!"
They eye his cupcake. "And baking recipes. I can make pancakes from most anything, but I don't cook with much more than a campfire. It limits things a bit."

take 10 local: 10 + 10 = 20

The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak grins. Oiur's pancakes are renowned in the halls of the Grand Lodge. (At times, some might even wish that these pancake praises could be screamed a little more quietly, or at least in tune… but nevertheless….) Absolutely delightfiul to have you along!

The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak is in the same faction as Ibb, one of my other characters, who has an obsession with pancakes thanks to Oiur :)

Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin paces in front of a small table in this meeting room in the Grand Lodge. In front of him on the table is a packet of parchments.

“Pathfinders, a rather concerning development has come to light. I have received a summons requesting Pathfinder presence at a meeting of the Shoanti quahs. The impetus for this request is troubling, to say the least.

“About one year ago, a Pathfinder named Lumketul Simset returned to the Grand Lodge with notes on a rather exciting discovery: a Thassilonian ruin, tucked in a remote area in the Iron Peaks in Varisia. He also returned with several artifacts, which we took in for further study. Lumketul’s notes were the basis of a tale published in the Pathfinder Chronicles shortly thereafter, which has become rather popular among those endeavoring to uncover new Thassilonian discoveries.

“However, I recently received a message from Cousin to All, an ally from the Shriikirri-Quah. Shadde-Quah traders came across a copy of the Pathfinder Chronicles. Upon reading Lumketul’s entry, they realized that he was speaking not of a Thassilonian ruin, but of a sacred Shoanti burial site known as the Muschkal Sepulcher. Shadde-Quah leadership contacted the Skoan-Quah, which sent out their boneslayers to confirm the reports. Turns out—unfortunately for all parties—Lumketul did in fact damage and plunder the sepulcher.”

Valsin gives an apologetic look to Kahru and Oiur. He then rubs his temples with one hand, and continues. “Our relations with the quahs have already been somewhat strained, although friendlier than their other connections with outsiders. Fortunately for us, we have some history of goodwill with the Shoanti, so Cousin to All was able to convince the other quahs to send representatives to hear our side of the story. Unfortunately for us, our side of the story is still bad. Lumketul showed no regard or respect in his blind pursuit of discovery, and frankly, the Society doesn’t have much grounds to deserve forgiveness. The Muschkal Sepulcher is an important location for all the quahs, and Lumketul’s disregard has cast the Society as a whole in a bad light. We’ve tried contacting Lumketul, but he has cut contact with the Society, and no one in the Society has heard from him in over a year. This is where you come in. I would like for all of you to travel to the meeting of the councilmembers and represent the Society. I believe excuses will not be received well; rather, please petition the council with utmost earnestness and sincerity.”

"Oiur, Kahru, I've specifically asked for you to be on this mission. I know you must be personally outraged by this, but I hope you can help us rebuild relationships with the quahs. The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak, you have spent much time with the Shoanti, and your music is legendary. Quinn, your expertise in basically everything will be of utmost importance."

Ambrus pushes the packet of parchments across the table. “I’ve had Lumketul’s notes on his expedition dug up in the hopes they’d be of some use. I’ve also included a copy of his Chronicle publication, although his embellishments and obfuscation of truth may have rendered it useless; nevertheless, maybe you’ll glean some helpful information from it.” Ambrus then reaches down beside him and pulls up a large satchel and an egg-shaped rock that emits a warm, red glow. “The bag contains the items Lumketul plundered from the burial site. At the very least, we must return the items to the Shoanti, and I request you try to convince the council to allow you to restore the sepulcher to its proper state. As for the stone, if you touch it to a broken object, it will gradually repair it. It won’t last forever, but it should have enough magic left in it for this mission.” The venture-captain pauses for emphasis. “It’s important to the Society to develop further relations with the quahs, so this could be an opportunity to show that we can be trusted.”

"Please, familiarize yourself with these documents and let me know if you have questions."

Handouts and the map are up on the slides! The bag is a type II bag of holding containing four carved wooden weapons mounted on simple bases: a bolas, a bow, an earth breaker, and a klar. It also contains a small stone statue of a wolf cub and a ring stylized as a scarab beetle.
The glowing egg-shaped rock is a scavenger’s stone.

"Incidentally, a rather disheveled sylph asked if she could be assigned to this mission, but she kept referring to me as Venture-Captain Valentine. I suggested it might be better for her to sit out this one, as we are in a very delicate diplomatic position."

The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak frowns at the description of such crass sacrilege.

Can you tell us more about Cousin to All?

Kahru closes his eyes at the description of Lumketul's carnage, a pained look on his face which is verging on anger. He takes a deep breath, holds it for a moment, then lets it out slowly before answering The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak's question. "She is an emissary from my quah to Nirmathas, and is likely the only reason we have this opportunity at all. She probably has a better understanding of the Society than any Shoanti not currently in this room, and if she is on our side then we may have a chance. All of the quahs hold her in high regard, and I would bet that is the only reason some of them even agreed to meet with us." He pauses for a few moments, then suddenly slams his fist on the table. "Pirun kaikki! We'd been making such good progress at forging bonds between the Society and our people, too. That kirottu ryöstelyhirvi may have ruined everything!"

Nokka stops nuzzling at Oiur's pockets in search of pancakes, standing bolt upright at the sound of Kahru's fist. "Mnar?"

"Indeed. Cousin to All is beloved by many Shoanti—a respect hard earned, with her being a former outsider. She is also well respected in Nirmathas, where she often visits on diplomatic missions. She’s a valuable ally, and her presence is sure to keep heads level and discussions civil. And we'll need all the help we can get."

"Payah Against the Wind is a warlike lightning-raid leader, defending her quah’s lands. She has earned respect through her combat prowess and strong leadership in battle. Against the Wind is renowned for her might. No doubt she is intimidating, but don’t let that deter you from trying to convince her of your intentions. She values strength, so show that strength in your conviction."

"Kemchet Flame Stoker is the jothka (war-chief) of a prominent Sklar-Quah tribe and one of the foremost in Sklar-Quah leadership. Flame Stoker definitely has a reputation as a tough leader, equal emphasis on ‘tough’ and ‘leader.’ As he is strong willed and protective of his people, I seriously doubt you’ll be able to convince him that your intentions are true."

"Togimal in Shadow is a huntmaster and widely regarded as a wise decision-maker in uncertain situations. I don’t know much about Togimal in Shadow other than what rumor holds. Skilled hunter, vigilant tracker. I’m not sure what their attitude will be heading into this meeting, but I know the Lyrune-Quah wouldn’t send In Shadow if there was any doubt regarding their wisdom and judgment."

"Lake at Dawn is a priest of ancestor worship who believes the ancestors can provide the answers to problems in the present. His demeanor and wisdom have lent themselves well to his role as a peacekeeper among the Shoanti. Many say Lake at Dawn is one of the foremost reasons the Shoanti haven’t broken out in civil war. While that’s certainly hyperbole, there is no doubt as to his ability to broker peace between the quahs. Although he is protective of his people, I think you will be able to convince him that your actions will be for his people’s good."

"Memory Tender is part of a noble lineage of oral historians who pass down tales of Shoanti heroes and accounts of Shoanti historical events. She formerly served as a boneslayer. The Skoan-Quah is known for their amazing recall of history, and Memory Tender is known for being one of the best, preserving Shoanti history through tales passed down through the generations."

"Rollicks in Waves is a prodigious fisher who has recently earned a position as a representative for his clan. I’ve heard rumor that Rollicks in Waves is the greatest fishing prodigy the Shoanti have ever seen, not that you’d guess that from being around him. He tends to be loud and brash, from my experience, but kind. He’s friendlier to non-Shoanti than most, so his quah tends to have him deal with outsiders when necessary. Some of the Society met him a couple of years ago." Did anyone play 8-22: Wrath of the Fleshwarped Queen with this PC?

Oiur is very quiet during Ambrus's briefing, their face a mask. They rub their thumb pensively—even nervously—over the area beneath their lip. Occasionally, they trace the seven thick charcoal lines that run from lip to chin. At some point during the Venture-Captain' speech, they retreated to a far wall.

"Skeida. Well, it had to happen at some point."

They wipe the corner of an eye, stretch their neck, and exhale deeply. "Alright. This is a mess, for more than just Lumketul's irresponsibility." They rub their tongue along their bottom teeth before continuing. "The Venture-Captain said we'll be speaking with representatives from every quah. Like Kahru mentioned, the Shriikirri-Quah vouching for the Society means we have some measure of good will. But, ah..." They swallow. "If all the representatives are present, than that means the Shundar-Quah will be there. The Spire helps keep the peace between quahs. And they're definitely sending Lake at Dawn."

Their emerald eyes search the ceiling for answers. "So... before I joined the Society, I was Lake at Dawn's student. He mentored me on conflict resolution, deep listening, all the things necessary to keep things from escalating. He was part of my life for years and years." They wipe a hand along their brow and cheek. "But he wanted me to stay, and I wanted to go. Quah history is complex, and Lake at Dawn thought that I needed more grounding in history to properly navigate negotiations."

Their snap their eyes to Kahru, imploring. "But there's so much more! Couldn't I learn from others? Wouldn't it be helpful to get outside perspectives? Maybe there's something we're missing that other cultures have?" They slide their back along the wood paneling and slump to the floor.

"Anyways. My personal story aside, Lake at Dawn might not be so happy to see me. But maybe I can prove my way had merit. Baptism by fire. Not much choice, at this point."

Would Kahru or eye know anything in particular about the tomb, the lightning wolves, the glowing egg, or the bone-and-flesh figure, or other things mentioned on the handout?

They pry open their pack, left near the doorway; the red and blue leather of a small drum peeks from within.

Valsin's expression is hard to read as he looks at Oiur: sadness and sternness both.

"I know this won't be an easy mission for you, but you and Kahru understand this task better than anyone else possibly could. Many of the councilmembers will be suspicious of your intentions, but Cousin to All did convince the rest of the quahs to at least entertain this meeting, so I believe they’ll approach this meeting with somewhat open minds. I believe that your best bet is to approach them with honesty and respect, owning our mistake and presenting a clear solution to the problem. I'm sure this goes without saying, but don’t try to play the relics off as a
bargaining chip; we are obviously obligated to return the items."

The glowing egg you see in front of you, and it is a scavenger's stone! The other things sound consistent with a Shoanti burial site, but you're not too sure beyond that.

There's a knowledge check here, but since Oiur and Kahru are Shoanti, I'll just give it all to you!

The fierce Shoanti are spread throughout the Storval Plateau in northern Varisia, where they eke out a living in harsh, inhospitable conditions.

The Shoanti formerly inhabited much of southern Varisia, until they were forced northward into the Storval Plateau after bloody conflicts with Chelaxian colonists. This violent history has led to many Shoanti being mistrustful of outsiders.

Despite seeming xenophobic, Shoanti are not completely closed off. Many outsiders have been known to join their ranks, but only after a history of demonstrating loyalty to their clan and dedication to its principles.

Let me know if you have any questions for Valsin, or if you're ready to move on!

You've given us much to think about on our journey to this meeting of the councilmembers! The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak has no more questions.

"Indeed. I assume you've made travel arrangements for us?"

"This is... UNFORGIVABLE! "

He turns his gaze to the others, stony faced and hard eyed. "We must undo this injustice at once!"

“I have hired Jia, a local wizard, to teleport you to the Storval Stairs, whenever you are ready to depart. He’ll wait for you to complete your mission so you can return back.”

Assuming no one has any shopping, Jia is ready to do exactly that! He transports directly you to the entrance of a cavern in the Storval Stairs.

The path leading into the earth beneath the Storval Stairs opens into an expansive cavern, chatter echoing off the striated rock walls.
Smaller passages branch from the main chamber, winding deeper underground. The space is filled with people grouped in small clusters engaged in quiet discussion. Waiting near the entrance to the cavern are two Shoanti. One of them, a half-elf with a prominent facial tattoo resembling a styled hawk, approaches. “Be welcome, my cousins. I am Cousin to All. Good to see you well. It seems the others are open to hearing your case, considering that they showed up, so I believe it’s possible for a good outcome today.”

The other Shoanti, a shorter human man, approaches the PCs. “I am Rollicks in Waves of the Shadde-Quah. Many thanks to the Society for their past help.”

Upon recognizing Kahru, Cousin to All’s face melts into a smile. ”Kahru! I should have know they would send you! How have you been? Nokka is so big now!”

Kahru smiles and shakes Cousin's hand. "I'm glad to see you again as well, Cousin. Present circumstances aside, I have been well, though this one" he ruffles the feathers around Nokka's neck, drawing a playful nip, "has definitely kept me busy lately with her growth spurt. Do you remember Oiur?" he says, pointing to his friend. "They're the one that bested me in Kasa Ajo at the Klaanin Pelejä last year. We've been on several missions together, since, and I have great faith in their ability to present our case today. Please, you should meet my other companions as well. This is Quinn, a steady mind and perceptive eye, and this is The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak, singer of songs to soothe the soul. Frankly, if it weren't for the involvement of our quah, I'd wonder what I'm doing on this mission. The rest of them seem better suited to the task."

"Don't sell yourself short, Kahru. A familiar face might help tip the scales. Oiur, it is good to see you again. Quinn, The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak, I am glad to meet you."

Rollicks in Waves adds, "I see this situation as the actions of a rogue agent. I’ve seen what good the Society can do, so this seems like one individual’s mistake to me. You’ve got a ‘yes’ vote from me. With mine and Cousin to All’s votes, you’ll need to convince two of the others to vote for you as well—majority wins."

Cousin to All nods. "I think it would be best to get as many of the other councilors on board as possible. Having the quahs unified is in the best interest of not only each individual clan, but to the Shoanti as a whole. Opening them up to further alliances with the Society would benefit both sides, and hopefully lead to the other Shoanti becoming more receptive to interacting with the outside world, which I believe would be a massive boon for our people. The meeting begins momentarily."

"It's been a long time." Oiur offers Cousin to All a firm handshake. In a number of ways...

They set their jaw and turn to Rollicks in Waves. "Two councilor, right. Are there any in particular you think could be more easily swayed?" They swallow. "And I should probably talk to Lake at Dawn. He's always been a key voice in any kind of consensus-building. At the very least, I need to see how deep his forehead creases have gotten since I've been gone. I can still picture his 'thinking' face." They mask their nervousness with a chuckle.

"Well, Kemchet will certainly be the hardest. He is furious."

Each councilor arrived with a contingent of their clanmates, who they are conferencing with prior to the meeting. Cousin of All summons the councilors to take their places, her shouts echoing through the rock chamber.

At Cousin to All’s summons, the councilmembers walk up a sloping stone ramp to a rise featuring a row of wooden benches. Cousin to All and Rollicks in Waves take their seats toward the left side of the platform. A councilor with a rune pattern on her face formed with tattoo and scar takes a wide-stance seat, idly spinning a greatsword. A slight figure with hood drawn sits cross-legged and hunched, eyes downward. Another councilor sits forward on her bench, a vulture perched next to her. A long-haired man clad in a robe takes his place, waiting attentively. The last councilor stands near his bench, arms crossed and with a cold glare, auroch hood around his shoulders. Cousin to All begins. “Thank you, all, for honoring my request and being here today. I understand that this is a situation of the utmost sensitivity, so I appreciate everyone’s continued civility as we discuss this matter.

“As you all know, a Pathfinder Society agent has desecrated the Muschkal Sepulcher—a severe offense. However, the Society would like to right their wrongs. They have sent these representatives to present their case to you, esteemed representatives, on how they would like to repair our bonds and fix this problem.”

The man in the auroch cloak hardens his glare. “What bonds do we have to repair? These tshameks deserve no such opportunity and no forgiveness. This is a Shoanti problem that only the Shoanti can fix, as we always have.”

“At least hear them out, Kemchet Flame Stoker,” Cousin to All bristles. “I understand your frustrations with this situation— believe me, I have some of my own—but the Pathfinder Society wants to make things right. I feel it only fair to allow them that chance.” Flame Stoker scoffs but speaks no further.

The hooded figure looks around the room as everyone speaks. They look almost as if they will speak, but they remain silent, instead studying each person.

The vulture and its owner stare at each Pathfinder in turn before the latter speaks. “The boneslayers reported extensive damage and missing relics from the sepulcher. This site is of the utmost importance to our history, built up over hundreds of years. That legacy can’t be repaired in a day.”

The woman with the greatsword sneers. “They certainly don’t look like much. How could we trust their ability to fix things?” She clangs her sword off the rock platform for emphasis. Rollicks in Waves shoots a look at her and retorts, “The Society is more capable than you think, Payah Against the Wind. Do at least give them a chance to prove that.”

The long-haired man speaks up. “This has been a most troubling development. I want to hear what these Pathfinders have to say. My only request is that the quahs reach a mutual understanding and maintain a mutual respect on this matter, even if our opinions on the best course of action differ. We must remain unified, even in our disagreements.” He shoots a pointed look at Oiur.

“Certainly a worthy goal, Lake at Dawn. I trust everyone to strive toward that,” Cousin to All remarks. “So, Pathfinders, please approach and state your case. How are you going to undo your misdeeds? How will you settle the Society’s debt?”

At this point, you can present your proposal that you return the items to the sepulcher and restore the burial site to its proper state.

The is represented with influence mechanics! There are five phases. During each phase, you can either attempt a discovery check or an influence check. The discovery check will let you know what skills are available to make the influence check with, or particular strengths or weaknesses of the person that you want to play up or avoid. The influence check is to directly influence the person. Diplomacy is always an option here, but a discovery check may reveal other options. There are often multiple influence checks required, and you don't know how many will be needed. You can aid someone else, but this takes your action for the round.

If you're making a discovery check on someone, I'll let you know that available skills for that. You'll also have chances to check in with each other and share information. Spell-casting is not generally okay (ie guidance), but if you put up a long-term buff like heroism before going in to the meeting, that's fine.

So, round 1! Who would like to attempt what with whom?

The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak makes his way to Memory Tender and will attempt a discovery check for skills we can use to influence.

Will put up heightened awareness as well, if that's OK. 10 min/level.

Quinn focuses his gaze on Togimal in Shadow, studying them with a keen eye.

Aloof. Quiet. Mysterious! INTRIGUING! What secrets do you hide, Togimal in Shadow?

Quinn will attempt a discovery check on Togimal in Shadow.

Heightened awareness is good! Each phase is about 10-15 minutes, so you can use the bonus for the first four phases.

Memory Treader can be analyzed with Knowledge (local) or Sense Motive. Togimal in Shadow can be analyzed with Knowledge (local) or Sense Motive. Also let me know what you are most interested in knowing: alternate influence skills, strengths, or weaknesses.

I also forgot to mention that everyone who speaks Shoanti gets a +2 bonus on Influence checks!

Quinn delves into the depths of his memories, poring over them one by one in the hopes of recalling anything he might have heard of or read about Togimal in Shadow's role in their quah and their areas of concern.

Attempting to identify alternate influence skills.

Knowledge (local) with inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 15 + (6) = 38

The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak walks over to Memory Tender and peers at the vulture, eye to eye. The bird turns its head to the side and stares back at The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak.

Hello. I am The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak. He turns to Memory Tender and politely introduces himself to her as well. Many songs have been written about vultures; they deserve much praise.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Quinn reads Togimal in Shadow like a book.

The skills to influence them are Profession (hunter), Knowledge (local), Knowledge (geography), and Survival.

Memory Tender smiles slightly as the Artist Formerly Known as Cudak Tanagak speaks with the vulture. He is not one hundred percent sure, but thinks that an historian might impress her.

"Kunnioitettu edustaja, sekä Shriikirri-Quahin että Pathfinder-yhteiskunnan jäsen, kerron teille, että yhteiskunta on paljon kuin metsässä oleva karhu. Se voi olla vaarallista, uhka Shoantille. Se voi olla myös voimakas liittolainen, vaikka meidän pitäisi rakentaa ystävyys. Antakaa meille mahdollisuus rakentaa tämä suhde kaikkien hyväksi. Loppujen lopuksi kuka paremmin tietää ystävällisen karhun arvon?"

As Kahru finishes speaking, his features begin to elongate, his jaw jutting forward and his ears elongating as his once-bald head is covered in coarse brown hair.

Survival, speaking Shoanti: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

Tomigal in Shadow nods at Kahru's words and transformation, seemingly impressed.

That is a success, and also enough for a second discovery! Strength or weakness?

Also, I'll get a tracker up on the slides tonight.

Sorry, I was looking at the wrong DC! That was a success, but not enough for a discovery check as well.

Each NPC has a slide up now with everything you know about them!

It's alright. You can do this.

Oiur runs a hand through their hair and steels themselves for a reunion. They approach Lake at Dawn. The sight of him in his simple clothes, with his long hair and handwraps, brings back a flood of memories: an argument and a drum; lessons on listening; stern admonitions delivered nonetheless with a reassuring hand on Oiur's shoulder; laughter in firelight; heartfelt words on consensus.

Older. Stressful circumstances. But it's still him. The way he sits, the way he holds him self when he's paying close attention. I've missed him.

Worry fades, at least for now, and their emerald eyes brim with tears. "It's good to see you again, Lake at Dawn." Overcome with emotion, they move forward to clasp his hands. They take a moment to wipe a cheek and decide on what to say. "We're–I'm–here to help. To make things right."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 for discovery!

"Indeed, Oiur. I wish the circumstances were happier for your visit home. Has the Society helped you find what you've been looking for?"

Oiur knows that demonstrating knowledge of Shoanti ancestor worship or how sites such as the Muschkal Sepulcher play a role in ancestor worship with a Knowledge (religion) check impresses Lake at Dawn. You could also gain his favor with polite conversation or by demonstrating more general knowledge of local customs (Diplomacy or Knowledge (local), respectively).

First phase is over! Second phase begins.

Memory Tender, from "emperor" Xin to the Bloodsworn Vale, the Shoanti tribes have fought to retain their identity — perhaps succeeding, in part, by valuing history. I believe that to truly know the present, we must first understand the past. Perhaps you agree?

We are not emissaries begging you to forget yet another injustice — no: I would prefer the Pathifinders' desecration of the Muschkal Sepulcher be remembered for all time. The past cannot be changed, and should not be changed.

However, I'd also like to think that this gathering might be remembered, too: that regardless of the outcome today, Pathfinders came, and wanted nothing more than to work to make reparations.

Player doesn't know that much Shoanti history, so I imagine The Artist Formerly Known As Cudak Tanagak is filling historical details as appropriate for the check.

Influence Check: Knowledge History, Speaking Shoanti, Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 29

if I beat it by 5+ I want to know weaknesses as my extra discovery. If I beat it by 10+ I want this to succeed as 2 influence checks.

Memory Tender nods in agreement. "The bones lay where they must, and the vultures feed."

It seems like that means she agrees with you.

Two successes!

The Artist Formerly known as Cudak Tanagak nods solemnly. Indeed.

Sensing an opportunity, Kahru continues to speak with Togimal in Shadow.

Survival, speaking Shoanti: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

"Heittelisitkö keulan, joka rikkoi merkkijonon? Tai akselikanka, jossa on rikki haft? Yhteiskunta on epäonnistunut Shoantin ihmisillä, mutta se ei tarkoita, että meidän suhde, joka voi olla hyödyksi ihmisillemme, on heitettävä pois! Anna seuran tehdä muutoksia, ja osoitamme sen ystävyyden arvon."