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After about a half hour of introductions, an hour of opening arguments Calisria decides to stretch her legs.
By chance this is when opposing iruxi make the argument that because the original contract with the people of Vidrian (formerly Sargava) was broken, "...The city of Ekkeshikaar would be foolish to open into another agreement, or at the very least, not do so until appropriate fees have been paid."
Eras gulps. "fees for the entire time during which they were in breach of contract. That's... That's... well over a thousand years’ worth! he says. "I can't lie to them, that's Calisria's stick? What should we tell them?"
or Society
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Celister half-listens to Eras as he lazily raises his hand toward the iruxi . He doesn’t even wait to be called on before he starts speaking.
”Sorry, quick question: how long has this breach of contract been in effect?” ”Exactly. You seriously expect us to pay over a thousand years’ worth of compensation? What happened? Did they steal half of your race’s children or something? Because unless that’s the case then that kind of request is just plain ridiculous—and that’s coming from the half-naked elf in a diplomatic debate.”
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"Hmmph. Ancient legal disputes huh? Perhaps we should settle this like our ancestors then. Which of you is willing to face me in a trial by combat?"
Astrid cracks her knuckles.
"No? We moved beyond that you say? Then perhaps we should solve this in a more rational, civilized manner. Your contract was with the nation of Sargava, a colony of Cheliax. That nation no longer exists and is not responsible for the obligations of its forefathers. If you wish to collect your 'fees' look to Cheliax and not Vidrian."
Calisro is a Faction Leader.
Yes everyone needs to make a check.
(+2 instead of +1 with the badge)
The opponents shake their head at Celister's charming response. However they do seem swayed by the Astrid barrister's words as well as those of Umbra, Quinoline and Pytor and nod in agreement. Additionally, Astrids study of the documents recovered yesterday provide another solid point the opposition cannot dispute.
(ps slide 6)
Challenge 2, Colonial History
After another hour or so the Pathfinder's arguements about Cheliax's involvement gets turned around.
One iruxi, whose white dewlap and subtympanic scales suggest an elderly beard, says "How long will Vidrian remain free? This independence seems doubtful." The iruxi voice concerns, "Those who ruled there previously may return and try to subjugate them again. He wonders if Vidrian can maintain its independence, "This trade agreement will drag Ekkeshikaar into a war it neither wants nor needs!
Venture Captain Eras make a convincing argument, but it becomes clear that he is one person against the council and asks the rest for their testimonies.
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"Well, if you're to pick an era to open up during, this would be a fine choice. The age of colonization seems well and thoroughly over! And rightly so, despite all the tales it spun. But rest assured, Cheliax would be unwise to come after its former property. Your fair nation might be asked to defend Vidrian, but it would do so along with nearly the entire Inner Sea against one aggressor."
While Pyotr is fairly sure that no more colonizing will occur, he tries to play things up a bit for his audience.
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"I concur with my colleagues. The if the past agreement was suppressed, it was by the Chelish government, and they should be offering both of you parties restitution."
"Vidrian has a powerful ally in the Pathfinder Society. You've seen what even a small group, such as ours, is capable of. I assure you that the Society has powerful political connections as well. We've recently brokered a deal with the Free Captains of the Shackles to allow safe passage--in fact, one of the Free Captains is also a Pathfinder Venture Captain!" Namza looks to see what effect his argument is making. "Vidrian is not an isolated settlement for Cheliax to take advantage of any more. And Abrogail Thrune has other things to worry about, with the return of the Whispering Tyrant much closer to her doorstep."
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Astrid slams her gauntleted fist on the table.
"Ha! I'd like to see those devil-loving rat bastards try something. They're currently in no position to try an overseas invasion. They've lost a third or more of their territory to returned runelords. An overseas conflict will likely end up as a war on two fronts while any alliance with such powerful foes will mean the end of Cheliax's sovereignty. It's clear that it will be some time before Cheliax challenges anyone militarily."
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"Tell me, as patient observers of the sky, what do the stars tell you? Does Cheliax's constellation rise or fall? My understanding of the heavens is limited, but I believe it says the same thing as my friends say - Cheliax is no longer an imperial power. Its brightness wanes with each passing night."
Kesstraka stands up from the crowd and looks at the Pathfinder's for a long while. She gives a slight nod of appreciation and turns to the council. "These folks that stand before you, jumped to my aid without any agreement or treaty or even regard for personal safety." Her opening line is dramatic but the skilled diplomat builds from there.
The iruxi point out that should trade be resumed, there would be certain tariffs and taxes they would need to put in place, which have arisen since the days of the prior agreement. These fees are steep, and they would certainly reduce the profitability of trade for both sides, if you can’t find a way around them. As the council goes quiet the Pathfinders realize it is their turn to make a point. Calisro and Eras are not here at the moment.
Just as the dino rider Celister is finishing a rather pique point, Eras returns and dolls out a historical fact from the documents you recoved earlier. "And they threw all that tea into your harbor." The council agrees with your assessments. And the Vidrian delegation is looking pretty good.
Lunch is served at the table, and the conversation continues. After the meals starts to settle in and the Pathfinders are finding staying awake a slight struggle the conversation turns to humans and other northerners. "They do not understand the signs and portents of astrology and other divinations," their is some grumbling along the lines of learning the alphabet song is done by every five year old hatchling. "If the northerners lack that basic understanding, how can they possibly be a mature or advanced enough civilization to be worth trading with?
The iruxi point out that much of what they used to receive from the people of Vidrian years ago is of little value to the iruxi now. They point out that Ekkeshikaar wants for little and has thrived without any assistance from up north. "Simply put," says a woman that you are pretty sure is Kesstraka--allowing for a couple of decades, "What exactly does Vidrian have to offer that we could possibly want?"
Lore skill related to a potential export (including but not limited to Fishing Lore, Herbalism Lore, Mercantile Lore, or Mining Lore).
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As the lunch break nears its end Astrid lets out a mighty yawn.
"Ugh! This is soooo boring. I'm going to go see if I can find something to drink. I bet that bar that Ixhutl and Camaxtli took me to last night is open by now. I'll be back in a bit. Holmgeir! Get over here and sit down. They probably won't even notice I'm missing."
Astrid makes her guide take her place as she goes off in search of a refreshing adult beverage.
After the meals starts to settle in and the Pathfinders are finding staying awake a slight struggle the conversation turns to humans and other northerners. "They do not understand the signs and portents of astrology and other divinations," their is some grumbling along the lines of learning the alphabet song is done by every five year old hatchling. "If the northerners lack that basic understanding, how can they possibly be a mature or advanced enough civilization to be worth trading with?
The Iruxi tribunal looks to Astrid's chair and Holmgeir looks up, eyes wide with fright. Clearly terrified he looks around for Astrid and finding her still missing he hesitantly begins to speak.
"Um...well...you see... err...The stars are really quite simple to understand if you pay attention."
He goes on to describe in great detail how to navigate the seas using the constellations of Golarion.
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The iruxi point out that much of what they used to receive from the people of Vidrian years ago is of little value to the iruxi now. They point out that Ekkeshikaar wants for little and has thrived without any assistance from up north. "Simply put," says a woman that you are pretty sure is Kesstraka--allowing for a couple of decades, "What exactly does Vidrian have to offer that we could possibly want?"
** spoiler omitted **
Astrid returns just in time to rescue a terrified Holmgeir from having to speak in public once more.
"Are you kidding me? It's been what? A thousand years? The advances in science and culture alone are reason to resume trade."
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Celister seems genuinely confused at the sudden heel-turn related to the stars. ”How…do those even relate? Honestly, neither of those things have anything to do with each other.”
Celister begins coughing rather loudly. ”Sorry! Tickle in my throat.” The elf pulls out a vial and downs it to help with his “tickled throat” and turns back to the iruxi.
”You see, recent events have changed—I even hear the damn Whispering Tyrant has been released. Recent events have made life in general much more difficult. You say that you’ve managed to survive by yourselves up to this point, but the current present is MUCH different than any other ‘present’ we’ve ever seen. Having good friends in the right place when—pardon my Elven—sh*t hits the fan would prove to be a great boon.”
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"Indeed, we do understand the stars and their importance. We learn at a young age and continue to study them as we grow old. In fact that is why we have come here--the stars have guided us to initiate this trade agreement and we believe it is the best thing for each city."
"The trade agreements will be mutually beneficial to both cities. Your trade and commerce will grow alongside with Vidrian. Spices, herbs, hard to come by supplies, and more. Everyone stands to gain by this deal."
hero point
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"Pathfinders make extensive study of the guide of the heavens. I'm sure most could speak to you of the Celestial Caravan, and its influences, at least."
"Access to Vidrian would bring exports from all over the northern Mwangi Expanse. Many rare plants exist only in that section of the jungle, you know."
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"Most might not know these things, yes," Pyotr concedes. "The Inner Sea has had plenty of other lessons that needed learning first in recent decades. But speaking personally, my family and the Society's scholars are quite so inclined. Influential enough to have the common folk listen, too." He tries to spout enough know-how to make his point without sounding pretentious.
At this question, the Ulfen man spreads his hands wide, rises from his seat and launches into what's hard to define as a speech or a play's monologue.
"Opportunity is what you stand to gain! Will Ekkeshikaar always be such an idyllic paradise? Hopefully. Is it likely enough to be counted on? Even though it is more so than most other places, no. You will reap something from this agreement, perhaps nothing revolutionary. But your cooperation would cement yourselves as allies of the rest of Golarion. There will always be conflict on the horizon, and no matter what form it takes, you'll be better off as part of a greater whole."
Lashweather stands before the council and shares stories of sailing and stars and the constellations and the powers that you have experienced in his ritual.
Kesstraka stands up after Quinoline's speech. "You see mother? I told you they can handle their own."
Eventually, 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.
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Quinoline congratulates the Vidric delegation and the team. She'll stay in Ekkeshikaar for a few days, working on her crafting while she learns more about their beautiful glass.
She learns about their techniques for making rounded glass, and becomes a Master Crafter. The iruxi also teach her how to make a bottled lightning using just a thimbleful of infused reagents, albeit not as powerful as the ones Quinoline usually makes.
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Umbra nods in approval to the rest of the team, Umbra did good. Team did good! he thinks to himself as the group leaves Negotiations. He waits until the group is back to the lodge before he jumps up and down, claps his hands rapidly, and cheers "Great job! Yes, yes!!"
As the day quiets down Umbra is unsure where to go next but he is determined as ever to grow his shadow knowledge.
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Unlike Umbra, Pyotr has no compunctions about waiting to celebrate. The Pathfinders are once again victorious, on or off the battlefield!
Considering his great debut in Ekkeshikaar, the Ulfen man stays as long as he is welcome before another mission comes up. Plenty of new faces to talk with and works of art to witness.