[PFS2 / GMGlyn] 1–09: Star-Crossed Voyages & 1-23: Star-Crossed Court (Inactive)

Game Master GHembree

Phin-ape shrinks down to Phineas again. "Best diplomacy I've found!"

Xun dismisses the Ghoul and begins playing a hymn of Healing

Arlo begins treating wounds using his Medicine skill.

Azel questions if this is really how diplomacy works?
Gordy thinks Azel is just lucky.

Phin-ape returns to just Phineas again agreeing that the diplomacy works so far.

Everyone is fully healed. Awarding Hero Point to Phineas.

Making it safely back to the embassy and telling Calisro and Eras about your success you get to rest before the trade discussion.

************ The Next day **********

The next morning, Calisro and Eras, along with the rest of the Vidrian delegation, leads your group to the Chamber of Stars, the meeting space of Ekkeshikaar’s ruling council, where the possibility of a trade agreement will be discussed.

The heart of a sprawling and partially-submerged government building made of glass and stone, this large circular chamber is one of the few parts of the building that extends up above the waterline, giving an only slightly-obscured view of the sky above through the midnight-blue-tinted glass dome that covers the room’s ceiling.

A group of seven iruxi dressed in long blue-black robes trimmed with gold sit at raised pulpits along one side of the room. A long table has been set aside for a handful of representatives from the Vidrian delegation, and additional seating holds crowds of native iruxi, some eager to see the trade deal pass, others to see it halted, and the rest simply excited to watch events unfold. Already, a queue of Ekkeshikaar’s citizens is forming behind a stone lectern set aside for citizens to speak their minds and ask questions on the proceedings.

Your group is led up to the table, seated alongside Calisro, Eras, Mirian Raas, and Jekka. Mirian explains ” You’ll be among the delegation members answering questions and arguing our case before the council and the people of Ekkeshikaar.”

Before the negotiations begin, Calisro hands the PCs four vials, containing a total of two doses of moderate cognitive mutagen and two doses of moderate silvertongue mutagen, explaining ” They may come in handy, and that you should use them amongst themselves as you see fit”

(You can wait until hearing a challenge, then decide to drink a mutagen before answering and apply it to your check for that challenge. The mutagens last for 10 minutes each, and because the challenges are scattered throughout the day, this means that whenever a mutagen is consumed, it applies to 1 challenge.)

Adjustments:

• Characters [ooc](everyone has this) with the Ally of the Iruxi boon gain a +2 circumstance bonus on all checks made as part of a negotiation challenge.
• Characters (no one has this) with the Iruxi Bane boon gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Intimidation checks made as part of a negotiation challenge but take a –2 circumstance penalty on all other checks made as part of a negotiation challenge.
• When a PC attempts the same type of skill check that they have already attempted on a previous challenge, increase the check’s DC by 1 for each prior use. For example, if a PC decides to attempt Deception checks for every challenge, the DC is 20 for Breach of Contract, 21 for Colonial History, 22 for Ill Omens, and so forth.[/ooc]

The meeting of The Council of Stars is called to order and the initial introductions and the opening statements are made for both the opposition and proponents of the trade deal then the negotiations begin in earnest. The Council expects several challenges to be raised during the course of the negotiations which must be answered or addressed.

The first issue to be brought by a concerned Iruxi ” We trade with Droon a much larger empire to the South. This trade deal might upset Droon and worsen relations for Ekkeshikaar, after all, we are dependent upon Droon for much of our outside resources.”

Your ally Kesstraka is the first to stand up and reply to the question pointing out diplomatically that more trading partners are better. ( Add one success. )

Status (hero Points): *** Exploration Mode ***

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (1 influence point)
2nd Issue: ?
3rd Issue: ?
4th Issue: ?
5th Issue: ?

Xun Saburo: (2) -
__Onyx: (statue)
Phineas Hatt: (1+1=2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (1) -
Azel the Rebel: (1) -
__Gordy - Leshy:

Usable Skills: Diplomacy, Intimidation, Mercantile Lore, Society, or Warfare Lore.
Other creative skill use will be considered. (remember if you reuse the same skill it’s at a higher DC.)
Not everyone has to attempt the check, but the group needs 3 successes total DC20. Critical success counts as 2, Critical fail removes one success.

Phineas clear his throat. "I'm a bartender by nature. Imagine a bar where only beer was served, nothing else, no food, no liquor, nothing. Sure my beer-maker would be happy to take all my money, but what if a patron wanted mead? Or a mixed drink? They can't supply that. It makes for a dull bar and unhappy patrons. I'm sure Droon would love to be your only trading partner, but folks can't live on beer alone. Droon knows this as well as you do."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16

Diplomacy, Iruxi Boon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

"If Droon is your only trading partner you should be looking for another one, right now you are fully dependant on them. Having two partners makes your situation better, Droon might want to discuss the matter, but if the need arises we can help you in that conversation. The last thing that we want is to put you in a worse spot." Answers Xun to the question

Phin, maybe you want to reroll that? You have a decent chance of making that 20, and we need a lot of successes.

Just checking: the penalty for rising DCs is per PC, right? If I try Diplomacy, I won't raise Xun's next DC, right?

Arlo steps forward and clears his throat.

"You know, I like to wander the world. And the great thing about travelling is the variety of things I encounter. We might be able to supply things Droon isn't able to, or doesn't have access to. With proper arrangements, we can make sure we don't step on Droon's toes. You might even be able to sell more stuff to Droon, which I'm sure they'll be happy with."

Diplomacy check, iruxi boon: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26

...

Just checking: the penalty for rising DCs is per PC, right? If I try Diplomacy, I won't raise Xun's next DC, right?
...

Correct it is per person.

Phineas speaks about the nature of being a bartender and how folk can’t live on beer alone. The comparison is lost on the Iruxi.

Xun offers an argument that the Iruxi or too dependent on the Droon. The Iruxi understand and agree. Succcess

Arlo suggests that there are things in the world that even the Droon can’t supply and in the end they may be able to sell more to the Droon. The Iruxi agree on this point. Success

With the first issue decided in favor of the trade agreement, the meeting continues with little details until the second issue comes up.

The Opposing Iruxi brings up a point ” The original contract with the people of Vidrian (formerly Sargava) was broken, why should the Ekkeshikaar be so foolish to open into another agreement? Not until appropriate fees have been paid for the time during which they were in breach of contract!” One of the proponents points out in disbelief ” That is well over a thousand years’ worth of fees!”

Having the original documents give your group an advantage so you start with 1 influence point.

Status (hero Points): *** Exploration Mode ***

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (3 influence point) success
2nd Issue: Breach of Contract (1 influence point)
3rd Issue: ?
4th Issue: ?
5th Issue: ?

Xun Saburo: (2) - (diplomacy +1 DC)
__Onyx: (statue)
Phineas Hatt: (2) - (diplomacy +1 DC)
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC)
Azel the Rebel: (1) -
__Gordy - Leshy:

Usable Skills: Deception, Legal Lore, Mercantile Lore, or Society.
Other creative skill use will be considered. (remember if you reuse the same skill it’s at a higher DC.)
Not everyone has to attempt the check, but the group needs 3 successes total DC20. Critical success counts as 2, Critical fail removes one success.

Arlo mumbles to the rest of the party, "A thousand years worth of fees? I get the thought behind it, but that'll just make it impossible to start up trade again."

He looks at the rest of the group to see if they have anything to contribute.

I have none of those skills.

Deception. boon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16 Ugh, I will use my HP

Deception. boon, hero point reroll: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 22 ok, I have hard time how to argue the use of Deception here :(

"Look, We can focus on the past or look into the future. The people of Vidrian were as much devastated by the lack of trade agreement as you were. If we want to change anything we need to have a little faith in us."

Xun eyes the one that raised the idea about paying back the fees.

I am out of HP, but I still have the inspired competence to give someone +2.

"Well you see... That was the Chelaxian navy's fault. They just rode their ships in one day and said this is ours. You can't really blame the locals for an act of war."

lore sailing?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Hero Point
lore sailing?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Society: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Hero Point!

Society Rerolled: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"I believe you'll find that custom dictates that a conquered society is the responsibility of the conqueror. Therefore you'd have to seek compensation from Cheliax and House Thrune."

Gordy just looks at Azel and Phineas and laughs a bit. " It's like night and day."

Arlo mumbles that the fee would be impossible to pay.

Xun uses her deception to heroically argue that that the Iruxis need to focus on the future, not the past. Which scores a point for their side.

Azel points out that the Chelaxian at fault for invading. While she described it in terms of the types of sailing ships used in the Chelaxian navy, the Iruxis still managed to understand and agree with her heroic argument. (Applied a higher DC target, but still successful with the reroll.)

Phineas uses the history of Society to argue that Cheliax should be responsible for the overdue fees. Many Iruxis chuckle at the thought of getting the Cheliax or the house of Thrune to pay up. Critical success.

The group has successfully convinced the Council on the second issue. They will not seek back fees from the Vidrian as a condition for future trade.

The deliberations continue for an hour on the proposed trade treaty when an old Iruxi stands up stating ” I have performed auguries and seen omens that now is not an auspicious time for Ekkeshikaar to begin making new trade deals!” A lot of the Iruxi are mumbling and shaking their heads taking this issue very seriously.

Your friend Lashweather stands up challenging the interpretation, ” I too have performed the Cho’aatan ritual just last night and the omens were favorable to proceed perhaps you need to look deeper into your interpretation.” Several Iruxi are impressed by the Cho’aatan ritual Counts as one success

Status (hero Points): *** Exploration Mode ***

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (3 influence point) success
2nd Issue: Breach of Contract (5 influence point) success
3rd Issue: ILL Omens (1 influence point)
4th Issue: ?
5th Issue: ?

Xun Saburo: (2-1=1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Deception +1 DC)
__Onyx: (statue)
Phineas Hatt: (2-1=1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Society +1 DC)
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC)
Azel the Rebel: (1-1=0) - ( Sailing Lore +1 DC)
__Gordy - Leshy:

Usable Skills: Fortune-Telling Lore, Deception, Nature, or Occultism.
Other creative skill use will be considered. (remember if you reuse the same skill it’s at a higher DC.)
Not everyone has to attempt the check, but the group needs 2 more successes DC20 for a total of 3. Critical success counts as 2, Critical fail removes one success.

Xun listens to the question and wonders how much charm has he left to lie on the topics that he has no idea about. He silently begins to hum a tune, the same tune that he used to inspire his friends to stay fighting. He just hopes that Arlo will listen

Inspire Competence, DC20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Casting Inspire competence - to aid Arlo in Nature/Occultism check. Sice it is a crit success, Aid gives +2

Bolstered by Xun at his back, Arlo pipes up again.

"Omens are funny things. They're easy to misinterpret. That's why it's best to use multiple kinds of divination techniques. For instance, Lashweather says he got a different reading. Personally, I like to look at the clouds in the sky to see what Gozreh wants me to know. I could do a reading for you know, if you'd like."

Nature check, iruxi boon, Xun's aid: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 22

Not sure if Xun's aid will count, as that's clearly something magical, otherwise, just subtract the 2.

Phineas considers. "I once saw a fellow who lived by nothing but omens. Boringest fellow you ever met. Wouldn't put his shoes on without consulting the cards. Never did anything because it might lead to a negative outcome. Turns out his negative outcome was spending too much time worrying over the future instead of living his present. He died of an infected paper cut from the cards."

Deception, Ally of the Iruxi: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 = 14

Last Hero Point re-roll! Deception, Ally of the Iruxi, re-rolled: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29

Xun listens to the current issue but can’t think how to spin the case in their favor. Instead, he hums a tune inspiring competence in Arlo.

Arlo pipes up speaking about how Omens are funny things that are easy to misinterpret… The Halfling makes a good argument and he sees several Iruxi shaking their heads in agreement. (success. Note: Inspire competence and Iruxi boon are both competence bonuses and don’t stack unfortunately )

Phineas talks about a fellow who lived by omens, never doing anything for spending too much time reading cards. At first, the Iruxi didn’t get the point since they live by omens themselves, the Gnome heroically adds the death by paper cut part, and the Iruxi nod in understanding. critical success.

With the third issue successfully decided the council takes a break for lunch before returning to the trade discussions.

One sour-looking Iruxi stands before the council ” We all know the History. What would prevent Vidrian from being colonized again? How long will Vidrian remain free? I’m sure those who ruled there previously may return and try to subjugate Vidrian again. I wonder if Vidrian can maintain its independence, or if this trade agreement will lead to Ekkeshikaar being dragged into a war it neither wants nor needs?”

Your ally Kesstraka stands up telling the Iruxi ” The world is a dangerous place there are no guarantees.” She rallies some Iruxi behind her (counts as one success)

Status (hero Points): *** Exploration Mode ***

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (3 influence point) success
2nd Issue: Breach of Contract (5 influence point) success
3rd Issue: ILL Omens (4 influence point) success
4th Issue: Colonial History (1 influence point)
5th Issue: ?

Xun Saburo: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Deception +1 DC)
__Onyx: (statue)
Phineas Hatt: (1-1=0) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Society +1 DC; Deception +1 DC)
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Nature +1 DC)
Azel the Rebel: (0) - ( Sailing Lore +1 DC)
__Gordy - Leshy:

Usable Skills: Deception, Intimidation, Occultism, Society, or Warfare Lore.
Other creative skill use will be considered. (remember if you reuse the same skill it’s at a higher DC.)
Not everyone has to attempt the check, but the group needs 2 more successes DC20 for a total of 3. Critical success counts as 2, Critical fail removes one success.
(Remember you have 4 potions at your disposal (see player’s notes)

Phin will drink one of the Silvertongue potions. "She's right. There are no guarantees, but Vidrian's tasted freedom after slavery and no free man will ever allow their freedom to be taken away easily after that. They'll fight. With tooth, with claw, with bloody stumps if they have to. And they'll win." He glares menacingly.

Intimidation, with Iruxi boon and silvertongue: 1d2 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 14

Silvertongue, so just a failure. booooo.

Phineas, you accidentally rolled a d2, rather than a d20.

Arlo puffs himself up a little and he tries to lower his voice to an imposing baritone before speaking.

"We Pathfinders prefer peace as well. Though we'd rather not get involved in other people's wars, if it comes to it, be sure that we will send our best, meanest, and most powerful warriors to help you out. When you hurt an ally of the Society, you hurt the Society itself!"

Intimidation attempt, iruxi boon: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22

Darn, I was afraid of the same type of bonuses :(

Xun takes the second bottle of mutagen and drinks it. He takes a few deep breathes as his eyes look like he would be a bit high.

Intimidation, Iruxi Boon, silvertongue mutagen: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 20

"Verdani? Oh yeah Verdani." says Xun looking around

He speaks in his even more melodious voice

"Look, if someone wants to invade you, take your freedom and money. They can attempt that without a trade agreement! The agreement is about ... trade. Having one more friend can increase your safety. World is changing the battles at sea moved to the battles at marketplaces, if you make for a good trading partner you will be valued."

Oh wow, just barely.

Xun takes a sip of water.

Azel just stands there very nervously hoping that her allies make the arguments without needing her.

Holy monkeys! You're right! Typo for the win!

Correctly rolling a real die: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 28

Phineas knocks back a Silvertoungue potion and sweetly but with force talks about freedom won is not easily taken away from those who fight for it. (success. Using corrected dice roll.)

Arlo puffs himself up and speaks about preferring peace, but that pathfinders are willing to help their allies. Using his most intimidating voice. (success.)

Xun drinks the second silvertongue mutagen and speaks in a deep melodious voice warning the Iruxi that invasions can happen without trade agreements, but that the more allies you have trade with the more friends you have if it comes to fighting. (success)

Your group has successfully convinced the Star Council on the 4th issue. The meeting continues on into the afternoon with small decisions and details are worked out.

Finally, one last Issue is brought up by the Council ” While we have been discussing the merits and legalities of the trade agreement. We have yet discussed what the people of Vidrian have of value that we Ekkeshikaar want or need? After all, we have thrived without any assistance for hundreds of years.”

Status (hero Points): *** Exploration Mode ***

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (3 influence point) success
2nd Issue: Breach of Contract (5 influence point) success
3rd Issue: ILL Omens (4 influence point) success
4th Issue: Colonial History (4 influence point) success
5th Issue: What Do You Have That We Want (0 Influence points)

Xun Saburo: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Deception +1 DC; Intimidation +1 DC)
__Onyx: (statue)
Phineas Hatt: (0) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Society +1 DC; Deception +1 DC; Intimidation +1 DC)
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (1) - (diplomacy +1 DC; Nature +1 DC; Intimidation +1 DC)
Azel the Rebel: (0) - ( Sailing Lore +1 DC)
__Gordy - Leshy:

Usable Skills: Deception, Diplomacy, Nature, Society, or any Lore skill related to a potential export (including but not limited to Fishing Lore, Herbalism Lore, Mercantile Lore, or Mining Lore).

Not everyone has to attempt the check, but the group needs 3 successes DC20. Critical success counts as 2, Critical fail removes one success.
(2 potions of remain at your disposal (see player’s notes)

Arlo steps forward again. "Well, I'm sure you have something around here that's useful. How about fish or wildlife? Exotic meats always fetch a good price. And maybe some vegetables that don't grow elsewhere? I'm sure we can identify some products that we can market to others."

Nature, iruxi boon, vs DC 21: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17
I'll use my Hero Point on that.

Nature, iruxi boon, vs DC 21: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15
:(

Diplomacy, DC21, Iruxi Boon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13 Only if I roll 1 would hurt us, huh ;)

"There is plenty that Vidrian had to offer to Ekkeshikaar. The fact that you survived for hundreds of years means nothing." says Xun, but completely looses his mojo

If there is a silvertongue left, I'll take it. Also I will be travelling the next couple days so NPC me if necessary!

"How do you know what you're missing if you're missing it? Sure they may not have the vitals of life but what they may have are the baubles of life: the things that make a life worth living. Give them a chance. I mean you're ready to dismiss the store before you even examine its wares!"

Diplomacy, Iruxi Boon, +1 DC, Silvertongue: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 21

The GM crossed the cognitive mutagen off in their post, but we used the silvertongue. So we're out of silvertongue, making that just barely a fail. :(
But wait, the boon from last session gave a +2, right? Not a +1?

"Well you see the climate and soil of Vidrian is far more conducive to providing a wide variety of crops and resources that you would necessarily be able to get otherwise."
nature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

If Abel has the boon then that would may be a crit success.

Which might be what we need, combined with Phin's just-enough, as I see we don't get a success from the NPCs.

The GM crossed the cognitive mutagen off in their post, but we used the silvertongue. So we're out of silvertongue, making that just barely a fail. :(

But wait, the boon from last session gave a +2, right? Not a +1?

Yes I did cross off the wrong potion. My mistake so I'll let it count anyway. Also, yes the iruxi boon is +2.

Woohoo that's a crit.

Arlo steps up and talks about what the Iruxi might have to sell to others, missing the point that the Iruxi were asking what the Vidrian has to trade to the Ekkeshikaar. ( failure )

Xun is next up telling the Iruxi that the past doesn’t matter. The Iruxi are unimpressed. (failure)

Knocking back another elixir, Phineas speaks about them not knowing what they are missing until they have a chance to give the trade a chance. The Iruxi nod their heads in agreement. (success)

Azel stands up and tells the Irxui that the climate and soil of Vidrian is more conducive to providing a wide variety of crops that the Ekkeshikaar may not have. The Iruix are impressed with her knowledge about nature and growing things. (critical success)

The issue was close, but the Pathfinders managed to convenience the Star Council to see things their way.

With the last matter settled 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. It doesn’t take long for them to agree to a particularly generous trade agreement with the Vidrian.

1st Issue: We Trade with Droon (3 influence point) success

2nd Issue: Breach of Contract (5 influence point) success
3rd Issue: ILL Omens (4 influence point) success
4th Issue: Colonial History (4 influence point) success
5th Issue: What Do You Have That We Want (3 influence point) success.

Calisro and Eras congratulate your team ” Without your help, we’re not sure we could have convinced the Council of Stars to agree with the trade deal. A job well done!”

Your mission has been an overwhelming success! I hope everyone got enough diplomacy action!

Reports get written and your standing in various Pathfinder factions has increased!

Primary Objective - successful +2 reputation.
Secondary Objective - successful +2 reputation.

( I would like to thank each of you for playing! I’ve had a great time GMing for the group! I’ll post the chronicles shortly in the discussion. )