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Not what he was looking for, but other general information
Tala is renowned for her fairness. As a retired Eagle Knight—a freedom fighter from Andoran—she appreciates the skills and influence that both Pathfinders and the church of Iomedae can use to help Almas and Andoran. She especially appreciates some of the Society’s more recent efforts in fighting against the slave trade across the Inner Sea.
Tritus is a retired Pathfinder, and sometimes he mentors young locals interested in joining the Society.
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Hui Kong follows along the party, uncharacteristically quiet. Not that he is usually much of a talker, but he would occasionally make snide comments along the way. He glances occasionally at his hands, brows furrowed. Eventually though, he sets whatever concerns aside and turns back to the discussions.
"And we have no idea on what basis the Iomedaeans doubt the legitimacy of your purchase? I mean, you have the receipts and all?"
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“They will be arguing that the deal that gave me and thus the Pathfinder Society control of the Cathedral was made under duress. That’s not true. I simply seized on the opportunity for a discount when the Church of Aroden was having some financial troubles.”
“In cases like this, sometimes the Council weighs the evidence and also takes into consideration what best serves the people. In this case, though our evidence is technically stronger, in my opinion, the Council may deem the people of Almas and Andoran better served by acquiescing to Valor’s request.”
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Zazu relates what he knows "Most members of the People’s Council take their responsibility to serve their country and its people seriously. They are as diverse in their membership as they are in opinions. Andoran prides itself on welcoming all, and open disrespect of others is not acceptable."
"The People’s Council can be swayed by arguments that focus on how a decision makes Andoran better and stronger. While the letter of the law is important, in many cases, the impact of the law on people and society takes precedence."
He lets the information sink before saying
"We should argue why having Pathfinders around is good for Andoran!"
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Morthos looks at his sister and almost opens his mouth to speak, but ultimately keeps it to himself as they walk along.
Is it good to have the Pathfinders everywhere? I know our last case wasn't directly the fault of the local lodge, but even the attention they draw seems to impact lives...
His youngest sister is going to be a constant reminder of his doubts on this day.
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Tifali returns to the group. "Not what I was expecting to find, but apparently Tala is renowned for her fairness. She is a retired Eagle Knight and appreciates the skills and influence that both Pathfinders and the church of Iomedae can use to help Almas and Andoran. She's been especially impressed by some of the Society’s more recent efforts in fighting against the slave trade across the Inner Sea."
"Meanwhile, Tritus is a retired Pathfinder, and sometimes he mentors young locals interested in joining the Society. Both seem like worthy witnesses to our case no?"
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You are shown to their meeting room by a page upon entering the Golden Cathedral.
The room is well lit, furnished with warm wood furniture, and has a large window that overlooks a courtyard. On the wall is a painting depicting a unit of Eagle Knights—Andoran’s elite freedom fighters— routing undead foes in a gloomy forest. A plaque under the painting indicates that this is a thematic presentation, rather than a depiction of a specific battle. The room is set up for three individuals to sit at a long table with their backs to the window. Facing this table, and to the left, is a table with a single chair. To the right is a slightly larger table, with enough chairs to accommodate VC Brackett and the rest of your party.
Your group is the first to arrive. The next to arrive is the Iomedaean representative, Valor, who acknowledges your group as they enter:
“Greetings, Venture-Captain Brackett. I hope you had an agreeable morning. I, myself, enjoyed the walk today. I see that you brought some friends with you. Are you hoping to sway the representatives with personal tales? Please, take no offense; I would do the same. I think you’ve done a great job with the Cathedral so far, but— don’t take this personally—the church and I believe that it can be put to better use under our more-legitimate stewardship. Your Society spends too much time collecting and hiding away the past, and not enough time looking to the future. The Society’s numerous enemies are only going to continue causing problems for Andoran if it has such a prominent position in our capital. This transition is long overdue. Well, now I’ve done it, given away my big speech.
Please, allow me to begin again. My name is Valor. Who will I be deliberating with today?”
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Keliara reflects silently on everything presented by her colleagues and the Venture-Captain. Having no experience about this kind of process, she just follows the team.
I wonder how we are going to be useful in this. I mean, yes we can dispatch specters and handle spied, but court matters? Surely other people would be better suited to this kind of endeavor, no?
No knowing what to think, she opts to simply chat with the Pathfinders on the way to the meeting. "Glad to see you back on your feet, Tifali. Did the poison leave any effects? I might have a poultice or brew for that if that's ever the case." She says, pointing a small satchel overflowing with herbs at her waist.
Upon entering the Golden Cathedral, Keliara looks around, wide-eyed. She tries to stay with the group so as to make a good impression, but her curiosity gets the better of her and she walks to the windows to admire the courtyard, then takes a few seconds in front of the painting to take it in.
She greets Valor with curiosity. "Greetings, Valor. I am Keliara. Please indulge my curiosity; what do you mean when you say you would put the Cathedral to better use? What do you plan to do with it?"
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Whatever needs yo be done to defeat Evil. Take in refuges from the Whispering Tyrant, and provide them food and clothing to replace what they lost when they fled. We will also gather fighters and supplies to take on the evils of the world, like we did for the WorldWound, and failed to do at Lastwall. We continue the fight around the Gravelands to keep the Whispering Tyrant contained, and that takes resources. Some of those resources will be collected and sent from here.
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Morthos, still frustrated with the Society itself picks up on his sister's hint that their claims to this place are not really very different. And so he begins an angle of probing that might just reflect on both organizations...
He enters conversation curtly, with no introduction and a stern, business-like demeanor.
And how do you protect your own when you send them out into danger? Surely you don't see your recruits as "resources." How many of those refugees turn around and join the fight?
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Tifali nods to the automaton. "I am Tifali, and this is my better half, Xixotli. With all due respect, Valor, given the disaster at Lastwall I'd think the best thing for the Church of Iomedae to invest time and resources into would be rebuilding the front against the Whispering Tyrant. I'm not convinced how picking up new real estate liabilities in Andoran further your benevolent cause. The Society, meanwhile, benefits the world by having stable footholds across Golarion. Our networks are what facilitated so many refugees escaping the Gravelands alive when Lastwall fell. Do your really want to cripple our ability to rally support from across the globe?"
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At this point, the representatives of the People’s Council arrive and take their seats. One introduces herself as Tala Farthing, who acknowledges each group with a polite yet firm handshake before taking the center seat at the table.
Another introduces himself as Tritus Fiddlewort, who, after introducing himself to Valor, excitedly greets Brackett and your group. He expresses just how excited he is to be working with Pathfinders once again, even if it’s not in quite the way he imagined.
The last to enter the room is Freya Greensong. She greets Valor but barely acknowledges VD Brackett, much less the rest of you.
Tala gets the hearing underway.
Everyone, please take your seats.
This is a reminder that this morning’s session consists of two parts. First, the council members want to get to know everyone a little bit more.
Second, we want each group to justify your claim for the Cathedral. Be respectful and not interrupt.
Tala starts the meeting.
Round 1: Introductions
First, Valor and the Pathfinders must introduce yourselves to the arbiters and explain a little bit about why you chose to join your respective organizations.
The council members ask Valor to go first.
“As an automaton, I have often felt like I don’t belong anywhere. I have always been afraid of people taking advantage of me, or not treating me as a person. Yet, when I doubted myself most, Iomedae called to me and gave me purpose. I found my calling in helping protect others from evil. I have freed the enslaved and helped to provide sanctuary to refugees. I have fought the armies of the Whispering Tyrant and, sadly, I was there when Lastwall fell. Yet through all of this, in the Church of Iomedae, I feel a sense of safety and belonging. I want to spread this sense of love and protection to all that I can. The Almas Cathedral can be a sanctuary that provides a safe place for people to gather and learn. It can be a refuge against evil, instead of a place where evil is hidden away.”
When Valor is done speaking, Freya addresses you:,
I would understand if you felt for Valor’s cause and want to rest your case.
Tritus also speaks up:
Please tell us a little about yourselves and why you joined the Society?
Round 1, Bold May act
Hui Kong
Keliara Irsiya
Zazu Darksnout
Morthos Talandro & Lidya Irsiya
Tifali & Xixotli
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Zazu stands up and walks a bit to stretch his legs "Please excuse me, those chairs are not accommodating the ones with tails."
He takes off his topper hat and bows "My name is Zazu Darksnout, and I had a similar story as Valor here. The world is not as friendly and accommodating to non-humans as Almas is. At first, I got into a circus as I am an illusionist, a place where my being different could earn me some money. But then I found Pathfinder Society and found my place there, I found that their tolerance and understanding likable..." Zazu continues with his speech about how Pathfinder Society integrates well and accepts everyone in making the world a better place.
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Keliara reflects for a moment, looking at Morthos.
We're hardly the right people to make a case for the Society. I'm not even sure I trust them yet! Did the Venture-Captain intend to test us this way!?
Hearing Zazu's discourse about tolerance and acceptance, her thoughts drift to Lidya.
I have to do this, if only for Lidya's sake. She'll be inconsolable if I let her down again this way. I'm not sure I believe in the Society, but I do believe in her.
As the ratfolk ends his speech, Keliara takes a deep breath and steps forward.
"I am Keliara Irsiya. I am from Osirion and have only joined the Society recently." She glances sideways at Morthos. "The one thing I can say for the Society is that it gives purpose. My sister..." she pauses for a few seconds, refraining from speaking about her death. "...joined the Society because it gave her life meaning. Because she wanted to work toward something greater. And that's something that no one else had given her before. Say what you will about the Society's intentions or repercussions, the one thing I know for sure is that, without purpose, no city or nation will ever manage to eliminate the Evil from within itself."
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Hui Kong takes a moment to look around, wondering if anyone else is going to speak next. Realising though that the pause is starting to stretch into awkwardness, he gives a smirk and stands up in a flourishing, sending his cloak swirling through the air.
He gives a bow, before introducing himself. "My name is Hui Kong, not Hui, not Kong, unless you're my mother, and as far as I can tell, she hasn't come back from the dead." A smirk but tinged with melancholy before he continues. "I'm quite far from home actually. Yes, from Tian Xia, more specifically Quain. Yes, I'm a walking stereotype, the fighting monk from the land of pugilists." Again, the self-mocking smirk comes on, but his silvery aasimar eyes flash, and he sighs, turning serious.
"What can I say about the Society? I left my monastery after finding out that ... well, that I have been lied to for pretty much my whole life, by the aforementioned mother in case you were wondering. Those who declare from the rooftops that they are doing good - well, who knows what is hidden within." Here, he very carefully avoids giving the Iomedaeans a pointed look before continuing. "But I stumbled onto the Pathfinder Society. And despite all that they seek to do is to explore, delve into, and otherwise experience what Golarion has to offer, ends up doing much good in the world, more so than many do-gooders. So perhaps there is goodness after all. And that is why I'm with the Society."
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After Hui Kong has finished, Freya asks Tala:
Do we have to sit and listen to all their personal stories? What does this have to do with Valor's claim?
Tala responds in a disapproving tone:
We are here to make an impartial evaluation of this case. If you need to recuse yourself, we can make other arrangements!
Freya is obviously chastised:
No, no, I can be impartial. I'll stay.
Round 1, Bold May act
6 Argument points earned
Hui Kong
Keliara Irsiya
Zazu Darksnout
Morthos Talandro & Lidya Irsiya
Tifali & Xixotli
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Tifali clears his throat. "My name is Tifali, and this is my eidolon, Xixotli. My companion and I actually hail from Arcadia. Were it not for the Pathfinder Society making landfall on our eastern shores, I would not be standing before you today. Venture-Captain Benarry promised us purpose and influence across Golarion, and thus far she has not disappointed. The Pathfinder Society has connected people from across many continents, opening new trade routes, diverse religions, and brave politics from around the globe to the peoples of Avistan."
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Morthos seems irritated at the whole affair, but now he's more irritated at Freya's dismissiveness. However, after Keliara's input he can feel the piercing gaze of Lidya, expecting him to say something. He struggles internally with this mightily, sighing and grunting under his breath all throughout Hui Kong and Tifali's testimonies.
Finally, he sighs and steps forward into the latest silence with no idea of what to say.
I... haven't been with the society for very long. It would be dishonest for me to say that it "saved" me from anything. My life was just fine beforehand, although there were parts of it I could have tended to better... What I can say is that I came into it looking for something very specific. While I will continue in the endeavor that brought me in, I found something very different with this particular group of people. I found a group of people willing to use their expertise and talents to notice a local problem, and to put their energy into it. A spirit with great unease was put to rest. The thing that finally released her? A warm welcome from the Society itself. Nothing less. I must admit... that is powerful belonging. He scratches his chin, seemingly unsure about it himself.
Not knowing how to proceed, and afraid he might wander into more negative personal territory, he ends abruptly.
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Round 2: Arguments
Tala takes the floor again.
Impressive introductions from both sides, but now tell us: Why do you believe you are the right group to use the Almas Cathedral of Aroden? We have already reviewed the evidence from Venture-Captain Brackett regarding the Society’s purchase of the building, and are already familiar with the legality of the purchase.
Tritus asks Valor to go first, stating:
I admit that I very much likes having such a lodge in my current hometown, but I am interested in hearing the church’s vision for the Cathedral?
Valor responds passionately, if a bit nervously:
The church and I believe that the Cathedral can be put to better use under our more-legitimate stewardship. The Pathfinder Society spends too much time collecting and hiding away the past, and not enough time looking to the future. With all the evil in the world, maybe the Society could use the artifacts they find to fight it, rather than hiding them away. The Society’s numerous enemies are only going to continue causing problems for Andoran if it has such a prominent position in our capital. This transition is long overdue.
Tala resumes control of the meeting once Valor is done
Now we would like to hear the Pathfinders justify the continued presence of the Society in Almas.
Freya, Tritus had questions for Valor, do you have any particular questions for the Pathfinders?
Freya looks thoughtful for a moment before she replies:
Please explain how maintaining the Cathedral as your lodge does more than benefit the Society. I share Valor’s concern for how much you lock away, and how many enemies you bring to Andoran’s doorstep. What good comes of your presence? Why should you be allowed to stay?
Round 2, Bold May act
8 Argument points earned
Hui Kong
Keliara Irsiya
Zazu Darksnout
Morthos Talandro & Lidya Irsiya
Tifali & Xixotli
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"You see, by having Pathfinder lodge in Andoran, your city has access to the top-notch magical, occultic, divine, and primal casters who are members of the society. Agents will come and go, and they will make the city safer and better. It is not that church of Iomedale does not have enemies nor secrets..."
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With respect... the Church of Iomedae has enemies. I detected the uncertainty in Valor's voice as he spoke. Rather, the Society is established and it makes no sense to transition to... potentially the same sort of ally with a period of ineffectiveness. Surely Andoran has many buildings available and the Church of Iomedae can add their value without subtracting anothers'.
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"Look, I believe you should know the history of the Society's involvement in all the countless world-changing events, probably better than me. Fighting back undeads and dragons invading cities, foiling cultic takeovers, taking down tyrants. And most recently, helping put a poor girl deceived in an untimely death to find peace. And why do the Society do this? Because wherever it sinks it roots, it calls that place home. And the Society defends its home."
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Keliara goes forward last:
"The Society is also diverse, and in that lies its strength. There are agents from all over the land, from the depths of the Mwangi Expanse to the north of Avistan. There are powerful mages, scholars, warriors, priests, scribes, and all manner of competent people. There are people dedicated to helping out the poor, and people dedicated to battling evil forces. Just look at the Pathfinders assembled in front of you." she says with a sweeping gesture towards the rest of the party. "All kinds of people banding together for a common cause. Isn't that something to defend?"
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After the Pathfinders have presented their arguments, Tala takes the floor again:
Interesting arguments from both sides, Please take a short break while we complete our notes.
Tritus is furiously writing his notes. Tala appears to be organizing hers as she goes. Freya looks up and gives you a slight smile as she finishes writing in the margins of her earlier note pages.
Venture-Captain Brackett sighs with relief, and whispers to your group
You seem to have done very well indeed.
Just as the Councilors seem to be finishing their notes and preparing to continue the discussion, the relative silence is broken by the sounds of the Almas Cathedral of Aroden’s bells ringing in the distance.
Brackett immediately stands, a look of concern on his face.
“Chair Farthing, would you mind if I sent my colleagues back to our lodge? Something seems to be wrong.”
Tala replies:
Of course Captain Brackett, I think we can finish up here without the rest of your group.
Brackett says in a hushed, urgent voice:
Quickly now, return to the lodge. Those bells are a signal, an urgent call for aid against intruders. See what’s wrong, and help if you can. I will join as soon as I’m able. This is terrible timing! If there are intruders, try to capture some for questioning. Remember although defending the lodge is essential, the whole city is watching, and you should take care not to give anyone reason to further resent the Society.
Take these with you and he hands you three Lesser Tanglefoot bags
As you leave, Tritus slips away from the table for a moment. He hands you an Oil of Potency as he whispers.
Congratulations on softening Freya’s heart!
The quickest route back to Almas Cathedral takes you along the route you walked earlier that morning.
The din of the typically busy streets is replaced by stunned silence as everyone looks in the direction of the lodge.
As you pass through a market near the lodge, you find a scene of pure chaos.
A Clockwork Construct wanders the market, randomly attacking anything in its path and seemingly animating random wares.
Across the market, you see the Lodge Librarian, Wystorn Telfyr (N male human construct crafter), arrive at the market.
Seeing fellow Pathfinders, he calls out to you:
“Thank you for getting here so fast. Please, stop Junior! Please, don’t destroy it! If you get close, you can disable Junior with the mechanism on its back!”
The nearby vendors cry for help.
“Please stop it. It’s wrecking our carts!”
Nearby, an elderly woman is fighting off an animated statue of an Eagle Knight with her cane. Wystorn rushes to help her and shouts,
“You handle Junior, I’ll keep everyone back!”
New slide 6 added, with Junior and two swarms
Initiative
Round 1
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue
Keliara Irsiya
Junior
Tifali
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro,
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
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As they arrive at the market in time to see the mess, Keliara rolls her eyes.
"Talk about making a good impression." she points at Hui Kong as she prepares to cast a spell.
"You should probably take the oil! It will be most useful on your weapon!"
The witch moves as to have a clear line of sight to the statue, then lifts a rock off the grounds and flings it at the statue.
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Keliara strikes Junior soundly with the rock. It appears to be significantly damaged. It does not look like it took all the damage.
Junior strides up to Keliara and tries to strike her. It might have been insulted by being called a statue? It is a very fine Clockwork, Thank you very much.
◆ Stride
◆ Strike
◆ Strike
Junior's first strike catches Keliara off guard, and it manages to slap her.
Round 1
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Junior (-8 HP)
Tifali
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
Meanwhile the spectal woman strides in the opposite direction and slashes at one of the knick-knacks.
Get this one next! she yells out to the group, attempting to keep it busy.
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Morthos hits Junior with a Tanglefoot bag, engulfing the Clockwork in sticky tar.
Lidya Irsiya strides over to one of the swarms of tchotchkes and knocks about half of them out of the air with her firebrand. It doesn't look like the swarm took quite as much damage as she did.
Zazu runs over to Junior and starts to unwind Junior's spring. He makes progress, but it looks the there is still more to unwind.
Round 1
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Junior (-8 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 1 Disable Success)
Tifali
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
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Hui Kong nods as he receives a vial of oil from Keliara as the party races back to find out what's happening.
Seeing some of the party harrying the automaton, Hui Kong takes Lidya's lead to take down the animated debris first. He starts spinning his staff over his head, twirling himself to keep up the momentum and when he nears, the staff magically lengthens as he brings it to slam into the mass.
While he keeps the staff spinning in front of him, he utters a sharp incantation, summoning a magical shield for protection.
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Hui Kong smashes the remaining trinkets in the blue swarm with a swing of his staff.
Round 1
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Junior (-8 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 1 Disable Success)
Tifali
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro,
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red:
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Delaying Tifali
The Red Swarm of Knickknacks moves over and attacks Morthos.
And hits Morthos for minor damage.
Round 2
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Tifali
Junior (-8 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 1 Disable Success)
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro (-2 HP)
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
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Keliara flails ineffectually against Junior
Tifali's Electric arc hits Junior full on, while the Red swarm of Knickknacks dodges the worst of it, and does not seem affected by the remainder.
Xixotli moves up and grabs Junior, and Junior stands remarkably still.
Round 2
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Tifali
Junior (-13 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 1 Disable Success, Grabbed)
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro (-2 HP)
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
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Hui Kong uses his staff to smash the cloud of Knickknacks into a cloud of splinters.
Round 2
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Tifali
Junior (-13 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 1 Disable Success, Grabbed)
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro (-2 HP)
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red
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Zazu manages to get more of Junior's spring unwound, but it looks like there is still some tension left.
Round 3
Bold May act
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Blue (-4 HP)
Keliara Irsiya (-3 HP)
Tifali
Junior (-13 HP, Entangled, -10 ft speed, escape DC 17, 2 Disable Success, Grabbed)
Zazu
Hui Kong
Morthos Talandro (-2 HP)
ANIMATED KNICKKNACKS Red