PFS #2-08 A Frosty Mug (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

That would be the best option to persue. What the concepts of free hand means to each group may be up to debate. If I am correct, perhaps a marriage of someone of rank between the 2 groups would help to cement an alliance between the two groups. I understand that this is not somehing which is uncommon in human nations and customs. the elf remarks.

"Hmp. Intermarrying works best if the couples end up respecting each other, so I'd recommend providing opportunities for their young folks to get to know each other under favorable circumstances over arranged marriages. Hmp. Not a bad idea, though. Their kids will want everyone to get along."

Hmp. I wonder what Anastasia would think of all this. Itka muses sourly. The people in this clearing could agree to a course of action, but if the absent leader of the Russians doesn't go along with it, it'll all be for naught.

"Hmp. Seems like this could work. Perhaps Anastasia could be given the title of 'Chesjilawa's Plenipotentiary in Zharchovsk'. That asserts Chesjilawa's preferred hierarchy, but also gives Anastasia full authority to rule Zharchovsk--and only Zharchovsk--as she sees fit. They can negotiate an appropriate tribute and make providing positive opportunities for intermarriage a priority. Hmp?" Glancing around the group, Itka looks for their reactions.

"I think some sort of tribute in exchange for an appropriate title and ruling the town might be a good solution. Should we try to talk about that?"

. "Hmp. Seems like this could work. Perhaps Anastasia could be given the title of 'Chesjilawa's Plenipotentiary in Zharchovsk'. That asserts Chesjilawa's preferred hierarchy, but also gives Anastasia full authority to rule Zharchovsk--and only Zharchovsk--as she sees fit. They can negotiate an appropriate tribute and make providing positive opportunities for intermarriage a priority. Hmp?" Glancing around the group, Itka looks for their reactions.

Dreadfang looks around. ”Is their queen here?”, he asks. ”I thought she wasn’t here. Isn’t that big-mouth guy in charge?”

Sounds like your proposal will be for Chesjilawa to be the nominal ruler of the town and to receive sone sort of taxes/tribute from the Russians, but they handle the day to day administration largely as they see fit.

"You are asking me to be a mere figurehead?" Chesjilawa complains.

"Our labors should feed our mouths," Seymon repsonds.

One of the witch's attendants whispers in his Lady's ear.

"Хотя мне не нравится вид этих красных шапок..." a Russian guard mumbles.

"I suppose they would still want to call the usurper 'queen'."

"Would you rather we call you 'comrade'?"

You can continue to revise your plan and state your case, or make a Diplomacy or Society check to convince them to accept your offer.

"I think you can see that we have some common ground here. With the assumption that any tribute would be a percentage of the excess rather than a flat amount, the village of Zharchovsk would have their Queen Anastasia under the rule of Chesjilawa, while Chesjilawa would have rule of the surrounding lands. Would this be acceptable if not the desired outcome?"

Krakazh is tiptoeing through this minefield for all she is worth. She hasn't offered to sing for them once!

Diplomacy to aid Jayma: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Ulrich nods when Krakazh is speaking. The way how aid work, Ulrich is unable to provide different type of bonus. Clue in also gives circumstance one :(

The gnome sits and listens trying to read the parties involved.

Perception +10 if it can aid in any way

When there is some apparent confusion between the relative positions of Queen Anastasia and Chesjilawa in Irrisen, Jayma tries to clarify things for the group. "Queen Anastasia is the queen of all of Irrisen, while Chesjilawa is merely a powerful witch who controls this small part of the country. In theory, Chesjilawa is subservient to Anastasia, but in practice, I expect that the local witches get to run their own affairs with a pretty free hand. I don't think we have time to petition the queen at this point and I suspect that politically speaking, there isn't much that she could do here anyway... at least not without risking an all-out revolt by all the other witches in positions similar to Chesjilawa's."

Turning back to Chesjilawa and Captain Gubkin, Jayma lays out the proposal. "Lady Chesjilawa. Regardless of your views on the current queen, she was chosen by Baba Yaga herself for the position. Doubtless the Queen of Witches would be happy to hear your opinion of her choice in person, but I don't think it unreasonable that the Russian citizens of Irrisen should continue refer to her as their queen. I also believe that you will find that an annual tribute based on a percentage of the excess production of the town under control of the Russians will likely fill your coffers far faster than the entire output of the ghost town that would be Zharchovsk if you were to raze it. Also, in addition to accepting your rule over these lands and the annual tribute, Captain Gubkin will be more than happy to listen with an open mind to any constructive opinions you may have on how to improve the running of the town and surroundings."

She turns to the Semyon. "Isn't that right, Captain? And, by accepting Lady Chesjilawa's rule over this land, Zharchovsk would receive the benefits that the protection of a powerful witch and her substantial entourage can provide from outside dangers that you and your men might not be able to handle alone. Quite frankly, I'm surprised that you two clearly intelligent people haven't come to these conclusions on your own, but I suppose that sometimes a clash of personalities has a way of interfering with clear thinking. I think that now that we've had this little talk that you will both agree that this is a far better solution to your disagreements than all out war. Don't you agree?"

I don't know what kind of Diplomacy roll this is, so I'll make it generic. If this is a Make an Impression, she gets an extra +3 from her familiar's Ambassador feat, as well as affecting up to 10 targets from being a Master diplomat with the Group Impression feat.

Diplomacy with Diplomat's Badge: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 1 = 34

Also, throw in a +1 from Krakazh's Aid and an extra +1 vs Chesjilawa because of Jayma's successful activation of her Diplomat's Badge gives her an extra +1 on Diplomacy checks vs Irriseni Witches.

The wizardress adda There should be a way for all sides of tangle to be honorable and come to a win-win situation. You will be stronger together than as enemies.

"You say you are willing to offer twenty-fice percent of the town's production."

"After accounting for the basic needs of the residents."

"Do not think that my minions will not be keeping a close eye on you."

"As long as they keep their hands to themselves."

"Can the fey play this 'hockey' of which you speak?"

"Бьюсь об заклад, они не продержатся и минуты против нашего волка."

Seymon and Chesjilawa continue bickering for a while, with the Pathfinders occasionally countering points or helping to hammer out details of the arrangement. Eventually, they settle on terms that are similar to what Jayma and the others proposed, giving Zharchovsk a large measure of autonomy but letting Chesjilawa save face with her sisters by retaining her as the town’s nominal overlord.

The witch gives the part her wand of mirror image and a single pearl from her wrist that never seems to warm to room temperature as thanks for helping her regain her rule of the town.

while neither party is exactly thrilled, Zharchovsk prospers. The village is freer and wealthier than before but still benefits from the protection of the Irriseni system. Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen starts immediately planning additional expeditions to Zharchovsk.

You can uneventfully complete the survey maps you originally set out to create, relying on your new ally’s familiarity with the land. Upon returning to Bjersig, if you turn over Osip’s notes, he ecstatically exchanges them for a set of three Pathfinder Chronicles: one regarding the district of Whitethrone known as the Howlings; one regarding mirror men, a type of construct employed by witches who rule Irrisen; and one regarding various winter-themed patrons of witches.

This concludes A Frosty Mug!