The iruxi council clearly has only slight regard for Aroden and the religious implications his death had on prophesies. However, they appear impressed by Theragond and Tybekk's knowledge of nature.
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Cilik thinks back to his years studying, and recalls several times that astronomy was interpreted incorrectly.
"If I might bring your attention to a few issues with holding too much weight to the rising and falling of stars: the Wise men of Avistan incorrectly interpreted the a meteor shower as proof that the Yellowtongue sickness was a hoax and a propaganda weapon of their political enemies. They died shortly after from the disease . Or we could bring up the Taldor Royal Astrologer who foretold the success of the Taldor expansion into the Mwangi Expanse in 2088. Not sure what happened it him... hmm"
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Brynn considers for a few moments. "Always, it's important to know all the sources of information. The stars tell a story, and perhaps it is one of caution. But it's wise to be cautious, so that is a good thing to see in the tapestry above us."
"But the wind and waves tell their own story too. Have you noticed the changes in the ocean currents? Gradual, but very much real. I know because even a cursory study as we arrived by boat showed me schools of fish that flow in with the tides. These schools are plentiful, and will feed your people," Brynn pauses, plucking a berry from the shrubbery that grows on Sprig. She pops it into her mouth, savoring the sweet taste. "Will predators follow the school? Maybe. But regardless of that, you will be fed, strong, and ready."
Cilik's tale elicits murmurs from the crowd, as they consider the unpleasant notion that their fortune-tellers might be interpreting the omens wrong. Still, the words seem to sway some. Brynn's suggestion that the sea's bounty will be rich is better received.
Dissent is not quashed among the council, however, nor among some in the iruxi audience. Bah! These Northerners know nothing of astrology and the signs of the stars! says one man in the gallery, raising his voice. If they lack such basic understanding, how can they possibly represent an advanced enough civilization to be worthwhile trading partners? A low buzz among the council seems to question the maturity of Vidrian and her diplomats.
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Dethor steps up to speak for Thulgrun. ”Perhaps it is true that we do not have as deep of an understanding of astrology as the iruxi, but there are many ways that a society may show how advanced of a civilization it is.
“ We have provided aid to all that have needed it around Golarian, when we can muster the forces. A while back, we fought in the Worldwound to protect against the fall of the wardstones and prevented the spread of the blight, and in the defense of the Diamond City, Nerosyn, it was Pathfinder heroes that killed the Balor general of their armies
“More recently, though, thousands of Pathfinders through themselves at the Whispering Tyrant, almost destroying the Society as a whole, while winning enough of a victory to prevent the Lich from spreading even further than he did.
“We have been working with other allies to protect them against their oppressors and powerful evils.
“Finally, look upon the members of the society. Perhaps the most diverse group of sentients ever to gather, the society judges you by what you can do, not what you are! Is this not the sign of a truly civilized organization?”
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Sun Fire Boom Boom so far continues to resist the urge to sing and instead explains why they would be good allies.
"You don't want allies who have the same strengths. There is no way we could possibly rival your star gazing prowess, but we have other talents, ones that compliment yours. The ability to source rare ingredients from across the inner-sea for example."
Thulgrun's hireling gives a compelling commentary on the contributions the Society has made, while Sun Fire reasonably points out that what may be lacking in star gazing can be made up with other strengths.
Theragond's offering is less well received, as most iruxi have never navigated by the stars visible above the Inner Sea.
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"Aye, one of the things that yae want tae ken aboot Pathfinders is that we're a clever bunch and we like tae dae a variety of things. Fer example, Ahh like tae tinker with mae watch and make sure it keeps on tickin. Ahh'm still in search of makin the most precise elemental time piece known tae humanoid kind."
To blether about his watches.
To blether even more about his watches.
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"I have every respect and understanding for the stars above us. They have guided me my entire life, ensuring that I do not lose my way at the darkest of times. But right now we stand in the light, and it is the stars that are hidden. So instead of waiting to see what insides they yield tonight, see what it about you in nature today." Brynn says, looking pointedly at the naysayer. "If you do, I expect you'll see confirmation in the star signs yet to come."
Cilik's insight into the academic field is received fairly well, while Tybekk's treatise on the construction of timepieces across Golarion elicits more than a few yawns as it goes on. And on.
Brynn's regard for the stars is likewise noted, and the council agrees that the breadth of knowledge that the Society can provide by way of Vidrian is worth pursuing.
One council member raises a new objection. I must say, much of what we once received from Sargave -- now Vidrian -- is of little value to us now.
An audience member leaps to his feet in agreement. Yes! Ekkeshikaar wants for little and we have thrived without any assistance from those north of us. What can Vidrian possibly offer us that we could want?
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”Aye, it is tempting to isolate yourselves from the outside world. Prevent yourself from being contaminated, some might say. But ponder this... what are the chances yer neighbors and the Society have things you never knew you needed? Perhaps it is just small trinkets for the littles, or a new delicacy you’ve never tasted?
“Or, more likely, the treatment for a disease that has been plaguing you for years, or lost knowledge of your ancestors? There is far more to lose than you would ever gain by isolation. ”
Cilik's history lesson leaves little impression.
Thulgrun points out the dangers of isolationism, while Theragond speaks from the heart as he describes numerous herbs and plants that ferment into alcohol. Both seem to capture the attention of segments of the attendees.
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"Aye, yae may have known this land as Sargava, but did yae ken that one o' the first acts of the Vidric government was tae stop payin protection money tae the Free Captains. The Captains were nae willing tae lose that income and attacked Vidrian. Ahh dannae ken if yae know the rest o' the story, but Vidrian managed tae drive awa the Free Captains and establish their oon nation. Now, if Ahh was yae, Ahh'd want an ally and a trade agreement with a country that would dare dae that! It might even give yae leverage with the Captains."
Tybekk's inclusion of the Free Captains catches Lashweather's attention for sure, but not that of the council.
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"What you propose is like taking the wind away from the world. Not only will you never feel the pleasure of a good breeze, but the pollen in your trees will have nowhere to go. The birds will have to work harder to stay in the air, never benefiting from an up draft. The ships will all need to be manned by oars. You rob yourself without even realizing."
Sun Fire catches himself before he makes an irreversible faux pas, but invoking Cheliax doesn't bring the iruxi to his side. Brynn's metaphor is very close to swaying some, but ultimately not quite close enough. The council tables further discussion of the topic.
Another member of the council rises, her advanced age apparent, but her stature among the iruxi just as evident, as the room falls hushed as she speaks. I will address what has been ignored thus far, she says, straining to ensure her voice can be heard, and that is Droon. We trade with Droon for a great many things. And she is much larger and more powerful than we. Will such a treaty upset our neighbors to the south and result in a worse overall economic condition for Ekkeshikaar?
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"The way I see it, if you have more trading partners, you become more healthy as a nation. It is like when you have a festering wound in your leg. You cannot move as fast and are a burden on those around you. Eventually, your good leg will suffer, as your limping puts extra strain on your hips and knees, and then your back's gonna go out.
"But clean up that wound, and let it heal, and everything can go back to walkin' normal. Maybe you even get stronger for it, havin' fought off the fevers and infections.
"Bein' stronger, you stop bein' a burden on your neighbors. Plus, trading' with us and our partners, you'll get access to new medical treatments and the like, so might be somethin' you act as a middle man and trade with Droon as well. Gives you even more advantage!"
Byrnn's declaration isn't very reassuring, nor does Tybekk manage to be convincing. Sun Fire's moxie and Thulgrun's analogy are both helpful in their own way, but it's the wisdom of Theragond that saves the day!
As the morning sun rises to noon overhead, the negotiations come to a close, and the Council of Stars takes a vote as to whether or not to enact the trade agreement as it has been presented.
After counting the votes, the Council agrees to ratify the trade agreement with Vidrian!
Eras and Calisro are grateful to the party for their assistance, and Kesstraka and Lashweather both come by to offer congratulations before departing.
Primary objective
The PCs succeed at their primary objective as long as they are successful on at least 3 out of the 5 negotiation challenges, which you were.
Secondary objective
The PCs fulfill their secondary objective if they either succeed on all 5 of the negotiation challenges -- you missed one, unfortunately -- or succeed on at least 3 of the negotiation challenges while also successfully recovering the requested documents and convincing both Kesstraka and Lashweather to attend the negotiations, which you did do. Yay!