Azu
Thrass 1
Celestia 1
Kamil
Sylvia 0
Itka 0
Celestia reaches for her hat, only to realize the halo would get in the way. This error multiplies rapidly as the dinosaur bucks her right off. By some heavenly miracle, the dinosaur's feet manage to stomp over her.
"Hmm, no hats..." Leilin writes her observations down.
Azu leaps upon the beast and manages to ride upon it, only slipping on at the last moment. By then the animal calms down and he's able to direct it around the field, watching it nudge and tail whip the stone ball. The crowd cheers wildly.
Kamil gets on and begins to ride, holding on. His master's old wisdom suddenly comes to the forefront: If you ever have to ride a shelled beast in a game of sport, scratch its neck with three clawed fingers. This will come in handy some day. Kamil always wondered about that odd advice, but it comes in handy now. As soon as he stops, the animal is mostly calm, even though Kamil starts to lose his balance. The animal shifts its weight to keep him on for just a bit longer.
"Three-fingered claw..." Leilin finishes writing and makes a raking motion with her hands.
Thrass realizes the crowd has turned to him, eagerly anticipating his movements. Maybe it's iruxi pride, but he can swear he hears people chanting his name: Thrass! Thrass! Thrass!
Azu 5
Thrass 1/5
Celestia 1 (decide on Hero Point and see spoiler)
Kamil 5
Sylvia 0
Itka 0
Thrass bobs on the anklyosaur's back, enjoying the ride. Sometimes it's better to move with the flow than fight it, after all.
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Itka keeps her bad hips firmly planted on the bench, cheering for her team and *definitely* not feeling left out of the fun. Nope, she's definitely *not* silently cursing Zon Kuthon for the horrendous childbirth experience and lack of medical care that caused her hips to heal badly. "Hmp. Woo! Go Kamil! Go Azu! Keep it up, Thrass! Hang in there, Celestia!"
This much cheer is out of character for Itka, who's normally quite a grump. Anyone who looks closely can see in her eyes that her heart's not in it. This is a performance.
Celestia feels her grip slip, but she's able to keep going.
Celestia tries her best, but it's not enough. The anklyosaur bucks her off during her third attempt.
Even worse, the dinosaur tramples her before the handlers are able to calm it down. The rest of the iruxi team takes over, calming all of the anklyosauruses down and safely dismounting you.
"Incredible!" Leilin claps as you step off the ankylosauruses. "This will help us greatly against... them. We must reclaim what they've taken from us." She looks solemn. "Absolutely nothing."
She turns back to you. "But as for you... to the winner, take this belt." She presents a belt to Kamil. "We call it a >lifting belt<. When you focus, you can lift very heavy objects overhead." She turns to Azu. "We have a smaller cash reward for you. Spend it during the game and wish us good luck."
"Give a big round of applause for the foreign dignitaries!" Leilin riles the crowd into an excited cheer. Already some of the iruxi are approaching you for autographs, while others have left the stadium to spread word of your escapades.
After a hard day of paperwork, protection, and negotiation, Eras the Needle and Calisro Benarry invite you to a good night's rest. Or a wild party followed by some rest somewhere. The next day, you prepare to visit the Chamber of Stars.
"Hey, hold on to this." Calisro hands you four vials. "They might come in handy during negotiations."
Two of them are marked: >moderate cognitive mutagen<
And the other two are marked: >moderate silvertongue mutagen<
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Celestia ends up taking a dirt nap. Still, she takes it like the good sport she is, and after casting some discrete healing on herself, picks herself up with a slight smile.
Better to have tried and lost than not to have tried at all she says quietly as she limps slightly to the edge.
She spends the rest of the day, alternating between relaxing on the nearby beach and cavorting in the water. If a wild party does occur, she entertains with some exotic dancing.
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Kamil is quite proud to have been designed the winner and wears the champion's belt.
With a flourished bow he gives his goodbye to the crowd.
They miss a statue of myself next to the entrance of the arena. He thinks when they get out to get back to the Venture Captains.
After a good night rest and dreams of being cheered and loved for his prowess, Kamil wakes up rested.
Lets go show the Council that we Pathfinders are trusted people and winners!
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.
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Thrass takes a victory lap around the arena and waves at his fans. He then jumps off his mount and picks up (and supports) Celestia.
Better to have tried and lost than not to have tried at all she says quietly as she limps slightly to the edge.
"That's the spirit," he beams at her. "Very well done, I hadn't guessed you were up for a bit of roughhousing. I can help you train when we're off duty, if you want." His tail swishes happily back and forth.
Adjusting her glasses, "I... I'm ready."
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Itka heaves herself off the bench and hustles over to Celestia as she is escorted to the sidelines. "Hmp. You're braver than me, Celestia. Let's take a look at you."
"Hmp. That'll do for now, I guess."
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Glancing around the domed space, Itka is awed by the impressive architecture. Hmp. I'd like to study here for a while. Forcing herself to stay focused on the task at hand, she turns her attention to the people. She sticks both hands in her pockets as she scans the crowds and individuals. In one pocket is her rat, and in the other is the cognitive mutagen.
You are directed to sit beside Calisro, Eras, Mirian Raas, and her iruxi brother Jekka. Mirian is clearly the most out of place, still wearing her exploration clothing, even if it doesn't have traveling gear. You suspect she didn't even pack more formal wear. "Listen up. These negotiations will take hours to finish. We'll need you to speak up during some of the more... pointed debates."
Kesstraka turns to face you. "Ready for another rousing day of negotiations? I'll help however I can, but be prepared to make your own conversation." She looks at the two empty chairs next to her. "Lashweather is late again. He should be here in three... two... one..."
The doors open as Lumki holds Lashweather by the hand. "Oh! We're almost late! This way professor."
"Yes, yes, I'm ready... oh, it's you..." Lashweather's absentminded mind suddenly focuses on one of the Councilmen, who glares back at him. Lashweather silently marches to his seat, with Lumki hustling into place.
We Trade with Droon
The iruxi Inishish slams their hands on the table. "Why are we having this talk? We mustn't upset the empire of Droon. If they hear we are trading with this tiny nation Vidrian, they will accuse us of betrayal. We will lose access to good trade routes. They will raises prices and cut us off from vital goods these Vidrians know nothing about. We are letting ourselves bleed to feed these foreigners!" Some of the crowd cheers in agreement and have to be silenced by the guards.
As the crowd dies down, Kesstraka shakes her head and addresses the crowd. "Insishish was an actor before they ran for council, did you know? My mother helped them with a particulary troublesome passage in a play. They have a tendency to be overdramatic." Some of the middle aged iruxi fight back a few laughs before Kesstraka turns to the Council. "Droon relies on many of our crops and see them as a fine delicacy. They know they do not have a monopoly and cannot demand who we trade with. Besides, the Pathfinders wouldn't be short sighted enough to provoke a war to make a few more gold."
Tariffs and Taxes
After some more conversation, the iruxi delegate Barashk pauses the pleasantries. "Even if we open the trade again, there are tariffs and taxes we need to put in place. They are quite expensive and ultimately unprofitable according to my accountants." He adjusts his glasses. "We would be better off ignoring the trade altogether in that case."
Casilro Benarry burps in response. "Sorry, boredom makes me gassy." She unfiurls more pages. "Besides, you're using the wrong trade route. We can use a cheaper, faster one over here. Reduces import and export fees for both Ekkeshikaar and Vidrian. You'll be helping a neighbor and become rich. Win-win if you ask me." She turns to you. "I'm certain you have something to say as well."
Ill Omens
More conversation happens, but you can't help but notice one elder iruxi has their gaze firmly fixed on Lashweather, who hasn't moved since he sat down. Finally the councilmember slowly stands, getting assistance from their peers. "I have consulted the stars. They have spoken. They say Ekkeshikaar should NOT make any new trade deals. Forcing an allegiance against augury is audacious, awful and antagonistic." He turns to you. "What say you to this? The stars have spoken!"
"Now see here Bouldstrom!" Lashweather leaps up from his seat. "You also said it would be a bad time for the Cho'ataan! You were wrong! If it weren't for the Pathfinders I'd never learn the secrets of the stars, and their incredible powers at my fingertips!" He raises his hands marvelously as Lumki gently lowers him back in place. Their glares are still fixed on each other.
It feels like you're a little over halfway through the debates over the last few hours.
Topics: We Trade with Droon, Tariffs and Taxes, Ill Omens
Azu
Thrass
Celestia
Kamil
Sylvia
Itka
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Itka leans over to the Pathfinders to tell them: "Hmp. I have no idea what the Council is thinking, but the crowds here look like they're about to break into a riot at any moment."
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Itka chugs her Moderate Cognitive Mutagen and stands to speak. "Hmp. Droon is smart enough to know that this trade agreement with Vidrian will enrich them, too. Whatever enriches you will spill over to your other trade partners. Unless you specifically prevent that, but you have control over your own destiny there.
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Deliberately allowing a hint of suspicion to show in her expression, Itka stands and sneers at Barashk, pointing a finger at him accusingly: "Hmp. You completely missed a superior trade route? Or is it that you deliberately chose to run calculations on an inferior trade route so you could misrepresent the value of this trade agreement? You're either incompetent or untrustworthy. Your word is worthless. Hmp!" She sits back down, glaring daggers at him.
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"Hmp. Augury is famously vague and easily misinterpreted. Did it mean that Ekkeshikaar shouldn't make any new trade deals yesterday before dawn? Or that you should never make any new trade deals, ever? Even if Droon and all your other trade partners cease to exist in the centuries to come? You have paraphrased what you learned in your augury. Considering that you have been completely wrong before," Itka gestures to Lashweather, "We cannot trust that your understanding of that augury is correct."
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Ekkeshikaar will gain all the advantages to this trade agreement with Sa... Vidrian. They will become the stronger trade partner with Droon! By diversifying their trade sources they will become less dependent from Droon resources and Droon will still be dependent from you.
You will be able to renegotiate your own deal with a much stronger position!
I've once worked for a much less regarding party than the Pathfinders. Some that know only Strength and Profits. The Pathfinder are different they see only partnership. As representative of Sa...Vidrian, we are here to be sure that this trade will be a win-win position for both of you.
Like when I've won the riding competition and helped you to win your next confrontation!
The Stars never lies, that's true! But we, people, could be wrong in their reading. I've seen several religious people be sure they will win, even if they were on opposite side... Most extinct civilization were certain to last eons and used sacrifices and omen to be sure, only to fall and be lost for eternity! Don't follow blindly the Stars or they will send you to eons of Darkness...
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What sort of training? Celestia asks. And yes, I don't mind a bit of roughhousing as long as it is not too painful
"Well, that all depends on what you want to do. We can balance on some logs, do some meditations and stances, some light sparring... I can whip up a plan if you want."
Thrass keeps murmuring to himself about possible challenges. You catch phrases such as "firedancing," "bullwrestling," and other dangerous-sounding challenges. It sounds like he means well, but he might get carried away a little.
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During the debate, Thrass remains mostly quiet. However, he shoots up at the mention of the Pathfinder Society.
"Besides, the Pathfinders wouldn't be short sighted enough to provoke a war to make a few more gold."
"Yes," he nods in agreement. "We know war is disastrous for everyone involved. The Society has a history of remaining civil and even helping the underdog in times of need. We can probably reach an agreement to help you if others start muscling you out."
Thrass stays silent during the talk about taxes. He knows when he's out of his depth.
During the part about the stars he listens closely again. "Lashweather is right! The stars even helped us during the Cho'ataan! I suddenly doubled in size and shot fire from my fists! If the stars are so bad, they wouldn't have helped us during that ritual."
He might be conflating things there, but at the core his message is true.
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Underwater breath holding, long distance swimming .,... yeah ... log balancing sounds fun. I'll ..... leave it in your capable hands. Might even be able to convince Luna to come too, even if it is only to laugh at my pratfalls. she says to Thrass,
To Itka she also comments Sometimes there is a very fine line between bravery and stupidity. My best friend, Luna, she says I have a tendency to cross that line on several occasions.
During the debates, she listens carefully to the arguments. She also maintains her Comprehend Languages just in case someone decides to argue in iruxi.
She also nods to support her companions arguments.
Trading with Droon
Diversifying your trade is good for you, and good for everyone you trade with. Plus, trading with new cultures gives you a chance to learn from them and also trade knowledge of your own which should benefit everyone. I have to admit, I have had fun in learning from your culture and wish to experience more of it.
Tariff and Taxes
She frowns a bit, drinking a silvertongue mutagen before considering her words carefully. It does seem a bit odd to me that you hadn't considered the alternate route, although it is highly possible that you just didn't see it. I'm no expert in this field but, it should be possible to negotiate something that is fair to both sides. As a neutral party and a trained negotiator, I could help you with that. I must get some of these she thinks to herself.
Ill Omen
Again, I have no expertise in using the stars for prophecy, but, as a Desnian, we are always told to follow the stars and seek out new horizons, new civilisations, and to keep boldly going, hopefully making more friends and allies along the way. Besides, as Professor Lashweather said, we did help him with the ... erm .... Cho'ataan ... did I say that right? ... and that tells me that, ... with our help and support, that should make this trade deal successful.
Sylvia adjusts her glasses and speaks to Inishish's points after drinking her cognative mutagen
"Upset, why far the opposite. Your greater strength from greater diversity in training is an advantage to all."
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Sylvia follows Celestia's path in speaking with Barashk. "Surely you are not suggesting the task of such accounting is impossible for your country. Surely a challenge but one I imagine you are up for,"
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Sylvia listens to Bouldstrom. "Sure... surely you know that prophecy is not that simple. Avoid certain trade deals I understand, but avoiding all surely couldn't be right?"
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I forgot to add the +4 for the sports thing. I thought it worked like Assurance, not adding anything else. But reading it once again I think I can add that +4, hopefully not turning it into a crit fail.
Thrass repeats his speech from earlier with the embassy lady. "Trade isn't just about profit, it's also about mutual enrichment. We could offer each other goods and services we lack of our own. Short-term losses will turn into long-term growth."
Ekkeshikaar will gain all the advantages to this trade agreement with Sa... Vidrian. They will become the stronger trade partner with Droon! By diversifying their trade sources they will become less dependent from Droon resources and Droon will still be dependent from you.
You will be able to renegotiate your own deal with a much stronger position!
Kamil can already feel the audience rallying behind him, filled with Ekkeshikaar pride.
She frowns a bit, drinking a silvertongue mutagen before considering her words carefully. It does seem a bit odd to me that you hadn't considered the alternate route, although it is highly possible that you just didn't see it. I'm no expert in this field but, it should be possible to negotiate something that is fair to both sides. As a neutral party and a trained negotiator, I could help you with that. I must get some of these she thinks to herself.
Barashk feels the wind taken out of his sails, and sits back down. Kesstraka shifts her body ever so slightly to indicate approval.
"Hmp. Augury is famously vague and easily misinterpreted. Did it mean that Ekkeshikaar shouldn't make any new trade deals yesterday before dawn? Or that you should never make any new trade deals, ever? Even if Droon and all your other trade partners cease to exist in the centuries to come? You have paraphrased what you learned in your augury. Considering that you have been completely wrong before," Itka gestures to Lashweather, "We cannot trust that your understanding of that augury is correct."
Lashweather startles awake. "Hmm? Yes, yes, no one can trust Bouldstrom's word. Listen to the young woman." And the crowd mumbles in agreement.
Luckily, no one seems to pay attention to Azu or Thrass. Maybe for the better as some of the crowd were quite confused by Thrass's actions.
Shulkuru crosses her arms. "You know, when we did trade from Vidrian- Well, technically from Sargava- it wasn't that useful or valuable. Ekkeshikaar is self-sufficient." Some of the crowd nod. "What, exactly, could Vidrian offer us that would be useful?"
Jekka turns his head to you. "You should probably mention any kind of export Vidrian has. Might convince Shulkuru that we have something to offer."
As the conversation continues, Barashk stands up and hisses. "Do you remember the contract we made with Sargava? When they changed their name to Vidrian, they decided to break their contracts with us!" The crowd murmurs in agreement. "Why would the people of Ekkeshikaar join another agreement? At least without being paid for the thousand years of dues? Preposterous!" He turns to your delegates and waits for a response.
"One moment, please. Mister Barashk?" Eras retrieves a few papers. "According to section 4, paragraph 23, payment is due based on services rendered, not a period of time. I'm not certain if anything is due, since Sargava no longer exists."
The iruxi hisses in disdain but provides no counterargument. Now's your chance to push the point.
You feel the negotiations are coming to a close. This is your last chance to influence the delegates.
Azu -,-,-,
Thrass Diplomacy, Diplomacy, Nature
Celestia Diplomacy, Diplomacy, Occultism
Kamil Intimidate, Diplomacy, Deception
Sylvia Society, Diplomacy, Occultism
Itka Society, Deception, Occultism
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Itka casts Guidance on herself before standing. "Hmp. There are many medicinal plants and fungi found exclusively in Vidrian. The Chelaxians weren't particularly interested in the locals' knowledge of their own land, so they tended to be unaware of, and therefore failed to export, such things. That won't be a problem now."
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Once again, Itka casts Guidance on herself before rising. "Hmp. I notice you have no response to M. Eras's statement pointing out the actual terms of the former trade agreement. Except to hiss." She pauses a moment to let the implication sink in. "Hmp. Besides, they didn't simply 'change their name'. The region was controlled by outside forces when the original contract was signed. Those forces were overthrown and an entirely different government is in place. This isn't the same nation with a different name. It is a completely different nation, and should not be judged based on the actions of its former oppressors."
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Vidrian is rich. Not gold rich, but people rich, goods rich. They need a strong partner to help them grow. Vidrian can grow by themselves, but they need a strong partner to grow with them. You could be that partner. Vidrian has plenty to offer, trading with them will give you access to new markets and access to things you have difficulties to obtain.
Yes, Vidrian was Sargava before. I know, I come to Sargava as a Chelaxian but I become a free citizen when it become Vidrian.
Don't take the ancient slave of the slaver! Vidrian is its own now.
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"Being self-sufficient doesn't necessarily mean you don't need outside help. Anything you import frees up your own labourers to do other work. If they produce or do something that's worth more than what they used to do, that's a net profit to you."
"If all your decisions are based on past experiences, you'll never innovate. Yes, someone might owe you a debt, but that shouldn't be the reason why you won't accept new trade agreements," Thrass says sagely.
Sylvia adjusts her glasses and looks to Shulkuru "Think of all the unique flora you have to offer then that you could profit from. Your unique biome gives you great leverage in any trades."
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Debts to Sargava and its master Cheliax are irrelevant to any new deals with Vidrian. Not only do they not have any claim over them, it would be ludicrous for them to make you pay their former aggressor, instead you could leverage your help in their cause by your witholding of payments to Sargave.
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Celestia is having to think carefully about these.
What do you have that we want.?
To be honest I am personally not sure but some suggestions have been mentioned, medicinals for instance. Besides, we are talking about a completely different Society over there, one that most likely produces different things than before, so there is most likely something new that you can tap into.
((Hero Point))
Breach of Contract
I am not sure it can be called a contractual breach if you are dealing with a completely different set of people. No. You have to throw that one out the window and make a new one - and hopefully a better one
((Ouch - it's tempting to use that campaign coin but let's see if anyone else needs it more))
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Azu finally determines he might be of service.
"The Society is gateway to all manners of flora and fauna from all over Golariaon... Azu goes into the specfics
When the conversation turns to Sargava, Azu attempts to chime in.
"You enter a contract to acquire goods and generate good faith. The merchants need that legal reassurance, on both sides.
Vidrian is rich. Not gold rich, but people rich, goods rich. They need a strong partner to help them grow. Vidrian can grow by themselves, but they need a strong partner to grow with them. You could be that partner. Vidrian has plenty to offer, trading with them will give you access to new markets and access to things you have difficulties to obtain.
Kamil is talking out of thin air, but Shulkuru takes his advice wholesale and even writes a few suggestions down from his teammates.
Debts to Sargava and its master Cheliax are irrelevant to any new deals with Vidrian. Not only do they not have any claim over them, it would be ludicrous for them to make you pay their former aggressor, instead you could leverage your help in their cause by your witholding of payments to Sargava.
Barashk pauses to recollect his thoughts, adjust his glasses, and relaxes, unable to think of much.
The conversations come to an end, and the iruxi councilors stand. "Excuse us while we begin deliberations on finalizing the deal. Please be patient with us." They move to a room underground before the captain of the guard closes the door and stands nearby.
"Well, that went well." Mirian Raas kicks her feet up on the table and leans back, earning a shocked look from Eras. Calisro seems more offended she didn't think of the idea first and follows suit.
After an hour or so, Captain Hazar looks down at the door and shouts out. "Attention: The council have returned. Please be seated!" He opens the door and the council members emerge, returning to their seats.
Inishish stands tall. "We have deliberated and we say there are many problems with the agreement." They pause for dramatic flair. "Vidrian is asking for too little. We've made the offer much more generous to compensate. The people of Ekkeshikaar have much to learn, and we must cooperate with every nation to achieve peace and prosperity." They turn to you. "Thank you, Pathfinders, for giving us a taste of cooperation."
Eras is beaming with appreciation as he reads the counteroffer. "Incredible. They even lowered the import fees..." He turns to you. "Excellent work! This deal is even better for Vidrian than our inital estimates. I will put in an excellent word to your superiors."
Kesstraka claps slowly. "I don't know how mother put up with their... enthusiasm while acting." She turns to you. "Your negotiation skills are quite impressive. I'm glad I was able to see it in person. Thank you, once again." She stands up to bow before leaving.
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Many thanks to you all. We Pathfinder are as good as the challenge. Getting this deal done was something both Vidrian and Ekkeshikaar need and we put all our force into that.
But you help us achieve a great victory for both cities. Thank you.
Kamil was satisfy of the outcome of his mission. For once, they've done thing the "right" way and get rewarded for it!
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Celestia literally dances out of the hall in delight.
Thank you Kesstraka. I think I even excelled myself today. It was tough in places but we all did well.
As they leave, she turns to the others. I don't know about you but I can use use some rest and relaxation. Anyone want to join me at the beach for a swim? I found this really nice spot and it's beginner friendly. Yes, I asked the locals first.
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Thrass looks around bored during most of the conversation, but snaps awake when it's about to be concluded. He shrugs and apologises to his employers. "I don't think I helped much, most of the praise should go to my teammates. They sounded like they know what they're talking about."
When Celestia talks about swimming, he perks up again. "Sounds good, I need to blow off some steam after that day cooped up inside. We can start with your training, if you want. And I'll grill some fish afterwards for everyone, how's that sound?"