SFS 4-15 - Feuding Faiths (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

The PCs’ goals in this part of the adventure are to make a good impression on the three delegates selected by Radaszam while simultaneously trying to secure aid from the Church of Triune for Celita.

This event is divided into four phases. During each phase, each PC can interact with one of the delegates, either to learn more about them (with a discovery check) or to befriend them (with an influence check). Instead of attempting their own check, PCs can spend their phase attempting to aid another PC’s influence or discovery check. If the PCs succeed at three influence checks against a delegate, they earn that delegate’s favor.

The first time each PC interacts with a delegate, whether for an influence check or a discovery check, they can also attempt a Sense Motive check. On a success, they learn that delegate’s biases

Influence Check: A PC can attempt a skill check to influence one of the four key delegates. The skills the PCs can use to influence each delegate are listed in the delegate’s statistics. The PCs don’t automatically know which skills are effective at the beginning of this encounter, but they can guess based on the information they’ve already learned or apply knowledge they’ve gained from successful discovery checks

PCs who succeed at an influence check by 5 or more also gain the benefit of a successful discovery check against the delegate. PCs who fail an Influence check by 5 or more can’t attempt to use the same skill to influence that delegate again. If they fail by 10 or more, they can no longer attempt to influence that delegate by any means, though the other party members can still make their own attempts.

Discovery Check: Instead of attempting to influence one of the four key delegates, a PC can attempt a Sense Motive check to learn more about them. PCs who succeed on the required check can choose one of the following pieces of information to learn: the delegate’s Strengths, the delegate’s Weaknesses, or one of the skills that can influence the delegate (starting with skills with Easy DCs). For every 5 by which a PC exceeds the DC of the discovery check, they earn one additional piece of information. After the first success, all PCs gain a +4 bonus on their discovery checks against that delegate.

Other Delegates: A PC can converse with the other delegates present and attempt a skill check to learn about one of the four key delegates of their choice.

Diplomacy, influence@High CHancellor: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24I am guessing that diplomacy can be used as my Sense Motive is horrible!

"High Chancellor Melorian Cadusys, I must congratulate you on organizing that Summit, it is a risk but bold move. My name is Vesco Asynti."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Verrek stands next to Nevis and starts the process of analyzing her words from a small but very powerful computer embedded in the form of a tablet on his arm. He is still silent and just collects information, listening to how and what she says to others.

Melorian is a middle-aged woman with her long hair tied in a braided bun. She’s unarmed, wears high collared formal clothing, and is accompanied by three Knights of Golarion who serve as her personal guard.

Why thank you she says in response. She then shares her vision of the interfaith summit with him, with all faiths working together under the assumed leadership of Iomedae’s faithful, particularly herself.

Influence successful

Verrek listens to Nevis but unfortunately doesn't discover what would best influence her.

"High Chancellor, I am very impressed by what you have done here. To bring together so many disparate groups in one room and have them cooperate to achieve a single goal is not something to be taken lightly. If you can achieve what you've set out to do today, the entirety of the Pact Worlds will be the better for it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

After listening in with the master talespinner, Shokil slips along toward the rather scary figure of Shadebringer Nevis. Extending out a hand he introduces himself. "Good day to you Shadebringer!" he says not extending a hand at all.

Biff then suggests "Ahh Shokil the Shadebringer is very busy and important, and might not really want to discuss setting your latest novel in the outskirts of Xovaikain."

"But surely" claims the author "people should know more about it? Is that not one of the points of this interfaith meeting? "

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

free sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

It seems our author is not really a people person, even with the help of a press secretary

Twich approaches the big Vesk.

She tries to see if she can draw him into a discussion of the uses of magic in warfare.

free sense motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Are we waiting on someone? I can bot if that helps.

Tanila will try sense motive on Shadebringer Nevis.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
She is too flustered by Nevis' attractiveness to make any deductions.

One point of Influence has been achieved on Melorian Cadusys

Twich doesn't get very far with discussing magic in warfare. Neither does Shokil.

That concludes the first round of Influence. Starting Round 2 of 4.

I thought we had two successes on Melorian, from Vecro and Cavaler.

Cavaler, excuses himself from the presence of Melorian, hoping that, Vecro can finish the job with her.

He moves across the hall to Asthanad Zerkos.

"Grand Preceptor Asthanad Zerkos I presume; my name is Cavaler Traleth. I cannot help, but be direct in saying that in my opinion worshippers of Damoritosh are not known for their ability to cooperate with those of other religions. Do you really think you can be of any benefit at this conference."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 16 + (1) + 1 = 26

Diplomacy@High Councellor: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Vecro tries to keep on the target

"So I heard objections being raised that some representations that came to the summit are of the very radical point of view. Some believe that none should be speaking with them, what is your opinion on that subject." Vecro tries to engage her in a conversation

Shokil makes his unsteady way toward Accordant-Contemplator. "Hello!" he says, extending his hand.

Biff quickly interposes himself between his boss and the high priest before the author throws up over the dignitary. "So good that Triune is represented here. With the Drift coming from Triune you have so much to offer all of us. And " he leans closer "we have already shown that the Society can work well with the church.."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

However it appears that maybe he is too late.

I gota get good rolls at some point.

Free Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Verrek tries to start a conversation with the priestess of Zon-Kuton through the artificial intelligence of his computer, but at the most inopportune moment it begins to glitch and utter random phrases. Freaking pirate software, the dwarf grumbles and walks away from her.

Such luck even made me smile. I hope I have collected all the bad rolls for this game.

Tanila will also try to start a conversation with the Kuthite priestess.
Free sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Dicebot and I need to have a talk

((Since it looks like we are, in fact, in low tier, you do indeed have two successes on Melorian Cadusys))

Cavalier manages to score a point with Asthanad Zerkos
Vecro scores the required third point to fully influence Melorian.
Shokil gains a point with Accordant-Contemplator
Tanila fails to influence this round but it looks like she is on the right track.
Verreck has no luck at all, especially when his computer starts speaking Klingon.

((Waiting on Twich))

Twich continues talking to the Vesk.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Melorian Cadusys is fully influenced
Twich also gains a point with Zerkos for a total of two

Start of Round Three.

Seeing that Accordant-Contemplator seems receptive to his social media managers chatter, Shokil listens in on the conversation.

"Given the increasing number of sentient, ahh, artifical beings in our community.." starts Biff "The church of Triune obviously must be working with other faiths to ensure the well being of ... such individuals who join other religions. Not to mention the uses to which other faiths have been putting the Drift."

diplomacy (AC): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

The author himself somewhat sighs, looking around to see if there are any waiters who may have a strong beverage to fortify himself with while the eclectically minded folk talk.

"I don't think you want to know what will happen to you if you don't cooperate with the rest of the religious groups today. The Starfinder Society is very powerful."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 16 + (5) + 1 = 39

Vecro moves towards Accordant-Conteplator-16 and tries a different approach

"My name is Vecro Asynti, it is an honor to meet a representative of Triune church. Does it excite you, the amount of races, languages and cultures coming to this summit?"

Influence with Culture, sidereal: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 13 + (6) = 36

Twich quietly continues her conversation.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Zerkos is now fully influenced and a second point is made with Accordant-Contemplator-16. Biff also scores a point making Accordant-Contemplator-16 fully influenced.

Waiting on Tanila and Verrek

Tanila will roll sense motive on Shadowcaller Nevis.
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Tanila discovers that Nevis responds well to those who are willing to discuss matters of faith beyond stereotypes (Culture or Mysticism). She can be convinced by polite words (Diplomacy) or a cunning argument (Bluff).

I apologize for the absence, it's been a couple of difficult days.

Verrek will spit (mentally) on the priestess of the Lord of Midnight and go to vesk, the servant of the God of War.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Damn pirate software...

Tanila will try to influence Nevis with Mysticism.
Mysticism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
"I have a joke i think you might like. A worshipper of Domiritosh, a worshiper of Besmara, a worshipper of the Devourer, a cultist of Nyarlathotep and a Kuthite are in a bar drinking. The Besmaran says"We should steal a pig." The worshipper of damoritosh says" We should steal a pig and then kill it." The worshipper of the Devourer says we should steal a pig, kill the pig, and then set the corpse on fire." The cultist of Nyarlathotep says" We should steal a pig, kill it, set the corpse on fire and then resurrect it with dark magic." The Kuthite says "Oink".

Hahah! I'll ask for a big situational bonus to Tanila - it's really funny ))

Nevis frowns, not finding the joke at all amusing. So you cling to the stereotype that Kuthites are merely a bunch of sadists hmm? Some of us try to help others deal with their emotional pain and make them stronger. I, for one, believe Zon-Kuthon’s faith can help people navigate the trauma of ordinary existence that so many struggle with.

--- Starting the fourth and final phase ---

Could you remind me who we still have to work on, and what we know about them? Nevis (culture/mysticism/dip/buff); Zerkos and AC are complete. Did we finish off Melorian earlier?

Yes you did

I did enjoy the joke

Culture: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 13 + (2) = 22

Vecro moves towards Nevis "I don't like stereotypes, part of Kasatha upbringing is to encourage them to taste the world before making their own opinions. I don't think Zon-Kuthon faith is frequently explored on that path, but I do believe that there is more depth to that faith. "

That is a successful impression. Anyone else?

Shokil returns to Nevis. Biff once again imposes himself between the author and impending social mishaps.

"We are all here together." he points out.
"And while we may have differences, we have common ground as well, as faith based organizations. Well, the Starfinder society isn't (yet), but working with them gives you the opportunity to influence them..."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

RNG hates me. Counting backwards: 5,6,3,6,7

Cavaler, approaches Nevis.

"It would be highly disappointing if a follower of Zon-Kuthon failed to cooperate with the other religious groups at this conference. Your faith does not have a particularly good reputation. Surely you understand the magnitude of the danger caused by the Data Scourge."

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 + (2) + 1 = 25

"I apologize if my joke caused offense. My intention was to poke fun at stereotypes about all religions mentioned. For example, Damoritosh worshippers are not always out to kill you and Besmarans are loyal to their comrades."
After apologizing, Tanila changes tactic.
"I have heard similar reasoning to what you mentioned as motivation for someone to join the cult of the Devourer. Is this something that you agree with?"
Mysticism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Tanila is successful in her apology and influencing. Two points on Nevis.

((Waiting on Verrek and Twich))

Boring. The dwarf pulls out a sonic whip - a great job of drow craftsmen who patented someone else's idea but developed it amazingly. I'd rather be in the thick of a good fight right now than here. And you? - he turns with a grin to the follower of Domaritosh. And immediately makes a juicy but accurate whip strike somewhere in the air, so that the whip describes a beautiful arc and emits a particularly powerful snap.

Snap Whip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
(an attempt to impress him with skill in weapon)

Botting Twich, she'll try to influence Nevis.

Twich Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Which is a success. She is now fully influenced.

Just then, raised voices draw attention to an area near the podium, where a group dressed in the black and red spiked armor of a Kuthite argues with the Iomedaean High Chancellor.

The apparent leader of the Kuthites points a finger at the High Chancellor. You lure us here with promises of cooperation, yet you betray us and your own Church! he shouts as the activity around the cathedral comes to a standstill. These people trust you to lead, and yet you only care for yourself and the love of the masses! Zon-Kuthon won’t allow you to avoid judgement! The pain will find you!

With that, the Kuthites turn and stalk away from the shocked Iomedaean delegates.

Make perception checks.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Vecro looks at the leaving delegates and tries to look for any signs that would tell him what this is all about.

Shokil, eyes still blerry from the night before, looks up in the hope of seeing a waiter with a drinks tray. His attention is drawn to the argument.

Ahh, Drama! The heart of a story! he thinks.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Cavaler, looks on as the inevitable breakdown in cooperation occurs.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Botting, Twich again.

Twich Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Tanila facepalms.
"Well, at least no one got smote."
Percep: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Those that succeeded (24+) spot two camouflaged grenades on the ground
where the Kuthites were standing a moment before.

((We now pause for GenCon Online and the fact I still need to set up the map - should be done in 24 hours. Combat is imminent. Those that succeeded above get to act in the surprise round))

"Grenades, take cover!" Cavaler yells as he points at them.

Shokil doesn't need someone to tell him twice before starting to dive for cover.

"Grenade!" Shouted Sgt. Smith. But there he was, the rookie. Looking around for where the death-ball might be, not realizing it was his own on the line. With a move that would make a linebacker proud Smith launched himself at the rookie, knocking the lad to the ground a split second before the grenade exploded. Which was the signal for Smith to explode. 'Next time I'll let it take off your balls. If I say jump you don't say "how high" you jump. If I say Grenade, you don't say 'where' you dive for cover."

Then, at the last minute realising that some of the dignitaries might not be benefitting from armour like him checks to see if he can interpose himself to save one of them... perhaps the Master of Tales?

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22