GM NovelEngima's Gameday X 1-08 Revolution on the Riverside (Inactive)

Game Master asdffghjkl01

"We need to get them together by some means and 'suggest' they work things out. We certainly need to speak to both. We could split the group in two and then meet up later?"

Splitting the group with very little social skill among you may not be the best idea. The Firebrands are a rebel group planning on regicide, and I don't think they will hesitate you eliminate bad negotiators. Also, from personal experience, nearly everyone dies every time I've split a party in 2e. Most recently, it was three deaths out of 4 players.

The threads of fate surround you. You can feel destiny calling you to enact change upon the world, but remember that inaction is a choice with its own consequences as well. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is realize that involvement could only make things worse.

The Venture-Captain has one more thing to say, "Remember, our main mission here was to gather intel on the old lodge and agents. Our secondary mission was only to see what trouble was brewing; no one ever said we had to get involved in the trouble. Find out more about the descendant of Pavo Crispin and then wait and see what happens around here. This isn't my country, and it certainly isn't most of yours, so I won't try to influence its fate, but I won't stop you if you believe that is what's best for the Society."

Just let me know what the group decides and we can move forward!

Try to meet with the King
Find an heir of Pavo Crispin in Artume
Meet with the Firebrands
Purchase gear
Inform the guards about the Firebrands
Do nothing and wait and see what happens. GM Note: This is a perfectly valid choice and you can still complete both the secondary and primary objectives of this scenario.

She is all for meeting the king. :)

"I agree with Caitlin. If we don't do something about the Firebrands quickly, all this discussion is going to be pointless," Zabu says.

"And who knows, maybe this leader we haven't been able to meet yet will end up being Pavo Crispin's heir. Or maybe the king will. Or both."

"But we're not ratting them out to the guards. If Edryd can't keep himself alive, he doesn't deserve to wear a crown around here and I'm not going to be responsible for having some people killed for enacting their gods given right to kill somebody who tries to lord over them."

"I think we should stick to our goal of finding out more about the lost Lodge, namely Pavo Crispin's relatives. But if you insist on trying to dissuade the Firebrands from their attack then we can do that first. Just don't expect miracles. If they're fired up enough to try something like this then they may not like that we know..." Klank finishes his beer and leaves it at that.

Klank isn't the kind of fella to poke around in someone else's business, but he's also not the kind to let his teammates go off with backing them up. First choice: Pavo, second choice: meet with Firebrands if that's the majority.

Kernal: Pavo Crispin or Firebrands
Zabu: Firebrands
Atae: King
Caitlin: Firebrands or King and Firebrands (split party)
Nothero: ?
Dramir: Guards or King

Need a consensus. If we can't reach a clear course of action, I'll probably go with "wait and see what happens" as you spend time deciding the best course of action or "Meet with the Firebrands" as it looks like the highest majority but in a roundabout way. Time moves forward even if you do not.

The sun has nearly set; time is running short. The fuse has long been lit, but the explosion is the main event.

Caitlin votes for Firebrands now, Pavo's heir or the King in the morning.

As it becomes apparent that they're at loggerheads, Zabu looks expectantly to Nothero. There is a suggestion in that look that he's either going to highly approve or disapprove of her selection.

“Let’s attempt to cool things with the Firebrands, then look into Pavo.”

"Fine"

You meet up with Chops in the aforementioned tavern. He then leads you to a secret underground entrance behind the tavern that leads into the Waterworks.

Several canals meet up in this giant underground chamber partly lit with lamps on the walls. Two great waterwheels turn under waterfalls that flow on the eastern side of the chamber. Clusters of barrels and crates are set around the room.

Chops then leads you behind a secret door on the east side that connects to the Firebrands lair. Numerous rebels move around the area quickly while a woman gives orders and directs the chaos, "Make sure group A distracts the guards so C and D can get into the keep."

She then notices Chops enter with an entourage of strangers. "Chops" she says with a nod, "And who are these people you've brought to our secret base?"

Chops shakes his hands, "Just some adventurers that proved highly effective at taking care of themselves. I thought they could lend us some extra muscle tonight."

Nalla nods before addressing you, "I know what you've probably heard. We are bloodthirsty rebels trying to kill the rightful king of this land. Such a statement is essentially true but paints us unfairly in a negative light. We aren't killing the king for a good time; we want to give the people the right to control their future. We don't need any more kings in the River Kingdoms. The last king was a tyrant that killed numerous innocent people, including my parents, and I won't allow someone else to suffer in my home the same way again."

A man wearing a gray robe that shadows most of his face joins Nalla, "I'm Nalla's partner. A cleric with similar goals for the future of Artume."

Caitlin, Dramir, Kernal, and Nothero all notice that the grey-robed man has some form of disguise or illusion on his face due to subtle distortions in the way his face and hair move.

Atae, Caitlin, and Kernal realize that the robes mark this man as a Razmirian priest.

“We’ll met, Nalla. It was clear when we first met Chops that your group was skilled and determined. My colleagues and I have some thoughts on how you can best achieve your “power to people” goals.” Nothero will shoot a glance at the others, mostly Caitlin, to begin making their case.

Does she recognize the religious symbolism?

@Atae, yes. "Atae, Caitlin, and Kernal realize that the robes mark this man as a Razmirian priest."

Nalla raises an eyebrow, "Well, I won't turn down suggestions. I didn't get this far by being a fool and closing my ears. Unlike an oppressive monarchy, we support the free expression of ideas. Know that no harm will befall you for sharing an opinion or a suggestion."

Caitlin takes a deep breath. Here goes nothing, she thinks

"I hate tyrants. I was born into indentured servitude and was only freed through violence. You have my sympathy for the fate of your family. But the last king was not this king and taking your revenge on another person will leave a bad taste in the mouths of many." She briefly pauses to stop herself rambling. "You haven't tried anything else yet. No appeals to Edryd to work with the population, not lord it over you. He may be amenable to you. He was raised by Milanites! The Bloody Rose! Tell him to set up a proper council. Tell him to follow the ways of Andoran not Cheliax. Appeal to his better nature. Get the people onside. Bloody murder in the dark will result in more of the same!"

She turns towards the 'priest', but still addresses Nalla. "Nalla, you profess to hate tyrants, yet your partner is the servant of a Tyrant-King? I assume you all know that he serves Razmir?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Hero point.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Klank stands at attention, giving the young woodland girl the floor, and at the end of her speech, a nod of agreement and respect. "Yes, tell us Cleric, why hide your face? Certainly you have as much to lose as these fine men and women?"

She is going to watch the cleric in case he begins shenanigans.

Nalla looks over at Harsus with a flash of surprise on her face, ...I was...not aware of his religious affiliations until now. Nor were my eyes open to his magical disguise." she says before addressing Harsus, "Come Harsus, they make good points; perhaps it would be a good time to come clean? Though I will admit, I was aware of and accepted your masked identity for some time."

Harsus bows to Nalla, "You must understand my predicament, yes? As you noticed, I serve Razmir, the living-god, not the Tyrant-King." he says, glaring at Caitlin, "While the River Freedoms offer the freedom of worship, people hold an incorrectly negative view of my deity, so I have to preach in a bit obscure way to avoid unfair bias towards my faith."

He then gestures towards his face, "As for my mask, I do indeed have more to lose than Nalla or the other freedom fighters. While I fully support the mission here, I represent Razmir, and if such a mission fails, I can prevent it from reflecting on my own country."

Nalla nods, "Well, that does assuage most of my concerns and...does make some sense, I suppose. Regardless Harsus, it is as you say, freedom of religion is celebrated here up until the point where it impacts the freedoms of others."

She then returns her focus to you, "You may have the good of others in your mind, but I have no guarantee that King Edryd will not simply lock us away for attempting to start an open discourse. Most monarchs tend not to be fans of dissent or ideas that threaten their power."

You have 1 success so far, but it takes more than 1 to convince her to change her path.

"You don't know me from Aroden," Zabu says, "and I'm from here, so I know the word of strangers doesn't mean much, but I'll tell you this: if you try to meet with Edryd in good faith and he arrests you, it's going to be over my dead body and the dead bodies of a lot of his men."

Diplomacy (Untrained, Aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Do we know if there are any other skills that might work here? I have Legal Lore but I suspect that might work better on the King than the Rebels.

I'd consider Legal lore based on the River Freedoms. Atae has Politics lore which I'd also allow. If Kernal is creative, he may be able to use Labor lore. This section is very freeform RP with no listed dialogue, so it's mostly about what you say, with the dice backing you up (or letting you down).

"I tell you this, if you have the aim to better the live of the populace a conspiracy with the representant from another country to overthrow the government in a bloody coup is maybe not the best start. I know from the history of my people where infighting and civil war tend to lead. And if you believe you are so much smarter the dwarfs just look at Galt.
You really should ponder the possibility of dialogue – it is also in your best interest. Like my companion said we can broker and safeguard such a meeting.

"High minded ideals are one thing, but let's get down to brass tacks, as you humans say. Judging by what I have observed your plan has about a 35% chance in assassinating your target. Dividing your forces maximizes your casualties while providing your opposition with advantageous positioning. A lot of your subordinates are going to die pointlessly, especially since the chances of dialogue with Edryd are much higher."

For possible skills: Deception to trick them into thinking their plan is flawed and not worth the risk? Warfare Lore to convince them their plan is flawed in truth? Intimidation to accent the people dying part?

I am not sure why anyone would want to ally themselves with devotees of a false god. she murmurs.

I like the warfare lore to point out flaws in the strategy; good argument.
lore warfare: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Nalla thinks about your statements for a moment, "Fine." she says turning towards her crew, "Pause operations!"

Returning to you, "Help us find a way to have a discussion with the king and will do it, but I'm only postponing this operation three days."

She then looks at Chops, "Chops, go with them. Make sure they don't get lost in the waterworks here and back."

Off to the king?

That went well...let's visit the King and get Edryd on board for the peace option.

Excellent. Its nice to see a lore skill actually be useful. I can certainly see it applying here perfectly.

"Let's meet with the King." Let's hope he's reasonable. Klank offers a handshake all around. His grip is firm and binding.

Caitlin looks a little shocked. "Well, Edryd had better agree to it too." She says resolutely and with a more firm tone than expected.

You travel to Gildtmede Keep in the morning to meet with King Edryd. Presenting the Venture-Captain's letter of introduction, you are guaranteed an audience, though you are asked to wait while the King prepares to invite you into his chamber.

About an hour passes before you are allowed to enter his chamber. A wide red carpet runs across this hall of white stone, leading from a pair of iron doors to a dais with two thrones. Several statues and trophies line the walls of the hall as chandeliers light up the room. Light from outside shines through skylights set in the ceiling.

King Edryd, Queen Mother Sovella, and Brother Karyn (male half-elf) sit on various thrones. The king sits in the middle on the largest, while his mother, the Queen, sits in a slightly less decorated chair to his left. Brother Karyn sits further back and to the right to display his advisory position.

The King acknowledges you, "Greetings, Pathfinders. Welcome to the city of Artume. I do hope you're enjoying your stay, though I know you come here on business and not pleasure. As you are likely aware, we have a bit of a problem with the masses not enjoying my presence, and I have yet to arrive at a solution to this issue. Please, tell me why you requested an audience? Is there something I can do for agents such as yourselves?"

Brother Karyn openly displays the religious iconography of Milani.

Caitlin looks a little shocked. "Well, Edryd had better agree to it too." She says resolutely and with a more firm tone than expected.

"Yeah...he better," Zabu says, cracking his knuckles and displaying a feral grin that suggests he's willing to do whatever is necessary to make the king listen to reason.

The longer they are kept waiting the more the gnome grumbles and paces "...self-important...thinks he's better than everybody...what good's a crown on your head if your head's not on your shoulders...should have just helped the rebels..."

When they actually get into the throne room, he avoids walking on the carpet, though keeps near it's edge.

"It's more like what we can do for you," Zabu snaps but says no more and lets the more diplomatic and friendly members of the group speak.

Going to try a frame this to aim for a Society roll...

"Yes, as my colleague indicates, we can provide a service for you considering the current dissonance with the masses. As you are doubtless aware, tensions in this region can escalate quickly and dramatically. History has shown that force is matched with force, often precipitating a seemingly endless cycle of instability that a) prevents production of crops, goods, and services, b) prevents the free trade of same, and c) diverts resources that would otherwise enforce law and safety in the realm. To my knowledge, there is not currently a model for consistent dialogue between the masses and their ruler. You could be the ground-breaking and enlightened monarch to innovate the novel approach of defusing tension through dialogue. I'm sure the people would welcome such an invitation."

The elven cleric will smile at the royalty I am Atae, devotee and beloved of the Savored Sting, from Kyonin. These insurgents means you harm but knowing how people come to power in this part of Golarion, I am sure that you might be in favor of seeking vegenance against those who would dare to block your power in this area/ she says boldly.

society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
You know this result is a failure if you'd like to use a hero point.

The King doesn't seem too keen on your request, "I politely allow you to meet with me in my domain now, at the moment when rebels are likely trying to kill me, and you come to tell me how to rule my country?" he says before thinking for a moment, "While blunt, you are stating true facts, though I don't think any of that is necessary, perhaps you'll make a better case with Queen Sovella or Brother Karyn." he says before gesturing to the other two sitting with him.

Queen Sovella speaks next, "The people's duty is to obey their lawful King. Edryd sits on the throne legitimately; therefore, the people must abide by his rule. Any show of weakness or act that endangers the King's rule cannot be abided."

Brother Karyn follows after the Queen finishes, "I can sympathize with the rebels' desire to live in a more free country inside the River Kingdoms; however, a fullscale rebellion against Edryd is completely unjustified. Nothing we have decreed has ever brought harm to the people living here. Honestly, if they are fans of how Edryd runs Artume, perhaps they should simply leave."

You have 4 additional chances to convince the King to agree to your plan of negotiating with the rebels. You can gain a bonus on these checks by rebutting Queen Sovella and/or Brother Karyn's points. A check can only be made once for either advisor, but any number of you can attempt to Aid the primary check for them.

yes hero point

Society: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Zabu just shakes his head, almost snorting in derision.

"Look, la...MIlady, some of these people aren't from the River Kingdoms so they may believe all that 'legitimacy' business. But I was born and raised here. We both know there are no real 'legitimate' monarchs here. There are just people who lay claim and have the savvy, strength and support to hold on to it. We're giving him a chance to be savvy, get some support and be stronger. He can turn some of his enemies into allies and get a double win or take his chances with losing it all And if he does lose it all, assuming he doesn't lose his head, none of the other kingdoms are going to jump in and place him back on his 'rightful' throne," the gnome says.

Legal Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Dramir nodes his head to Queen Sovellas words but keeps his silence for the moment.

Caitlin seems surprised that these people seem more naïve than her. "Just because it's unjustified doesn't mean it won't happen. If you want to live a long life as a ruler here, surely you can see that you need as many people on side as possible? Give them a stake in the nation. Make it mean something to them." Switching to Karyn, "You say Edryd's decrees have never brought harm? Make sure that is well known. Set up a People's Council. Find out what they actually want and meet them somewhere in the middle. As I've said before, be more Andoran than Cheliax! His family history tells you what happens in the River Kingdoms. You have what you hold." She shakes her head and looks at Edryd. "You say 'at the moment when rebels are likely trying to kill me'. How do you not know about the plots to kill you? Why do you not know where and when they are going to try? My experienced colleagues, Nothero and Zabu make excellent points, albeit very differently. You're young enough and new enough to get away with making changes and it not seeming like a desperate attempt to save a sinking ship."

Caitlin sighs deeply.

Should I make the Diplomacy check (+5)?

The Queen looks almost shocked that a wild gnome would talk back to her, but Zabu's point is made and she remains silent.

Zabu rebutted the Queen's statement, giving you a +1 bonus on checks to convince the king.

Realization flashes on the King's face as he realizes the weight of Nothero's words.

Success against the King: 1
Attempts remaining: 4

Caitlin, feel free to make the check. Choose if you're trying to convince Karyn or the King. If you choose Karyn, no one else may rebut their point but succeeding will give everyone another +1 versus the King. You can then make one of the four remaining influence checks against the King with either a +1 bonus or +2 if you rebut Karyn.

Did her comment make an impact?

Fingers crossed

Rebutting Karyn:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Against Edryd:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

If the rebuttal was successful, it's one higher.

Klank keeps silent for the moment, watching the trio of 'royalty' for signals that could help their cause.

Not much I can do with social situations. I could probably work the labor lore angle a bit but I'm only at +4 with it.

@Atae, no, not directly, but you're more than welcome to respond to the current conversation. I lumped your statement and the other together for his response of "telling him how to rule," basically. You can definitely try to make a religious argument using the Religion skill, but it's going to be a bit harder if you want a peaceful resolution since your deity is more about vengeance. Milani has very different ideals than Calistria as well.

Caitlin tries to rebut Karyn, but the half-elf shakes his head, "You are new here, but trust me, we have quite the network of information already established to determine the wants and needs of the people. Other than these rebels, no one seems to have any issue with King Edryd. I assure you, they are the vocal minority."

Regardless, the king appears swayed by Caitlin's words, at least partially, "Karyn, she has a point. If anyone in my kingdom is trying to kill me, I may have failed those people. A government should be judged by how it takes care of its worst-off citizens."

Success against the King: 2
Attempts remaining: 3

The king does not yet seem ready to accept negotiations with violent rebels. More debating is required to sway his point of view.

Ok

Would it be possible to get close enough to try her charming touch ability?

Let me try something a little more subtle than casting a spell on the king, lol

The elven priestess of Calistria knowing something about politics, since she hears many secrets in her liasons will attempt to convince the king that dealing with the rebellions subjects is the best course of action

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 diplomacy or
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 political lord

Can you please try and keep your posts together as a single post? You can press the edit button within 59 minutes of making the post, and it makes the thread easier to see and keeps the notifications accurate rather than saying (4 new). Thanks!

The King nods, Yes, as you said before, you serve Calistria making you an expert on vengeance. While I seek none, it seems some of my subjects are. Perhaps you can help sway them to seek vengeance in a more productive way? Perhaps with words in a debate?"

The King calls for silence for a moment to think, "You have made good points, and I would like to resolve this peacefully. Tell me, what do you suggest we do for a peaceful resolution?"

One more check is required to succeed!
Success against the King: 3
Attempts remaining: 2

Caitlin steps forward without thinking and looks surprised with herself. She breathes in as if to speak. Then exhales, shaking her head. She tries to formulate her thoughts again.

"Hold a grand council. Put forward your vision for the kingdom. Invite them to be part of it. Keep a council of the important members of the land. Guild leaders, influential shop keepers, priests. Be part of it yourself so they see you as part of Artume." she pauses, as if unsure "You probably need to talk to the rebel leader too. Without threats. One our goals as Pathfinders is to cooperate. We are stronger if we do. Look at our group. Wide experience, very different backgrounds. Working together to be more than we could be apart. I'm sure you bring a lot to the table. They will see and respect that."

Caitlin furrows her brow, hoping it's enough.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Hero point

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

I do hope the DC is 18.

Unfortunately, the DC is effectively 19 with the Queen's argument being rebutted, but you do have one more attempt...
diplomacy again: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Success!

The King nods, "I agree. Tell my people I will meet with them and work towards a peaceful solution. Let no one call my rein tyrannical nor close-minded."

You return to inform the Firebrands who agree to meet with the king under peaceful terms and work towards a compromise. When the day of the meeting arrives, you notice Harsus has mysteriously vanished...

Regardless, you have one more mission for the Society to complete. Meeting with the heir of Pavo Crispin. The Crispin family has quite a long history in the area and they have grown to be a prominent member of Artume, so questioning a few residents is enough to locate the family house. The house is a quite narrow three-story house in the better part of Artume, though it looks a bit timeworn. The descendant is named Aula Crispin, a half-elf woman. She’s widowed and lives with a local housemaid. Her children have already moved to houses of their own.

You arrive at her home and knock on the door. A grey-haried half-elf woman dressed in a green gown answers the door, "Hello? Can I help you?"

Nothero makes quick introductions. “My associates and I are Pathfinders looking into the fate of an old Pathfinder lodge and the abandoned village nearby. Pavo Crispin was a Pathfinder of that lodge, and an ancestor of yours. Do you know much about him?”

Klank nods in approval at the King's acceptance of a meeting. "Your wisdom is beyond your years King. We will help keep the meeting peaceful for both sides." He then offers up his ironclad handshake to the three.

---

Once the group arrives at the Crispin home Klank takes a quick glance around the exterior "This place needs work. I know some of you may be in a rush to do other things, but I may spend the day here helping out."

After the introductions Klank offers up his services to the household, a trade of sorts for the woman's information "I'm not a carpenter by trade, but I know my way around a hammer and have a strong back. I'd be honored to help with any repairs you may need around the place. Boxes of books that need to be moved, you name it." He takes off his metal gauntlet and offers a handshake.

Its a bit of a stretch perhaps, but me knowing widows quite well, a strong back and a repair kit are worth their weight in gold. Assurance in crafting, DC14