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Purple is down. I missed marking them dead on the tracker.
Peter assists Martin/Mavenee with their Bleeding. I will note there is a special Medicine Skill Check to Stop Bleeding.
Bold may act
Grace of the Owl Purple ,
Peter Plus-Haut
Zhamie Zhapp
Witch’s Wing Red ,
Grace of the Owl Blue ,
Voron Keyphyra
Witch’s Wing Green ,
Martin and Mavenee ,
Jiggo and Salera , , ,
Clover ,
"W-what?" Salera looks confused as Princess Clover addresses her directly. "Y-yeah, I can do this..."
"Thank you, Princess. That feels much better."
Jiggo hustles over and tries to help. "Just hold still, I'll try to help with those tendrils."
"Ow. Watch the wings..." Salera snaps at Jiggo. "Sorry. Sorry! That just hurt a bit. I know you're trying your best."
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I am going to call the combat. Any remaining damage to Salera/Jiggo will be negligible.
Once you have dispatched the assassins, Rahaksenwe and Uanae appear and offer their aid to you, asking what happened. Once they’re caught up to speed, they insist on accompanying you to the
council to share this information.
Accompanied by Rahaksenwe and Uanae, you are escorted back to the council chambers to finish your
negotiations. The protestors have still gathered outside the chambers, but Uanae’s presence and his endorsement of your group is enough for them to begrudgingly step aside and let the group pass. All members of the council are present except for Suhko, whose notes have vanished alongside her.
Once you are back inside the chambers, Rahaksenwe steps ahead of you so she can brief the council on the situation with the coven. Tekawenda solemnly nods and promises to discuss these events further once the meeting is complete.
Since you successfully defeated the coven, your proven ability to defend yourselves and protect Arcadian secrets further sways the council, granting you 1 Influence Point with every councilor.
This one additional Influence Point has won over OJIHAM NEKERO and you should not make any more attempts to Influence him.
To be honest, you have a difficult task to convince all the Councilors. Skawahann is almost there, but you need a lot more successes to convince WANAKEENA AWASUUL.
You have one final hour, comprised of two 30-minute Influence rounds, to convince the remaining council members. During this time, Rahaksenwe assists you in their efforts, focusing her attention on convincing
a council member of your choice. You can pick a different council member on each of the two remaining rounds. The DCs of all checks to Influence the council member Rahaksenwe is talking to are reduced by 2.
I suggest you start by deciding who Rahaksenwe will assist with.
Bold may act
Voron Keyphyra
Peter Plus-Haut
Zhamie Zhapp
Martin and Mavenee
Clover
Jiggo and Salera
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Zhamie makes a great impression with Wanakeena, Critically succeeding for 2 Influence Points.
Peter unfortunately tells a confusing and unbelievable story, Critically Failing and losing 1 Influence Point.
Bold may act
Voron Keyphyra
Peter Plus-Haut
Zhamie Zhapp
Martin and Mavenee
Clover
Jiggo and Salera
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"Hey, Rahaksenwe, can you give me a hand here?" Clover says quietly, "You know the mayor better than I do, I think."
She then approaches openly, her hands out. "Mayor! This certainly hasn't been going entirely like we'd hoped. I know you're probably distracted and frightened right now, and who can blame you? Still, while I know that knowledge makes you feel less safe, the danger was already present. It's exposed now, which is a good thing.
"These conspirators really seem to be after you and the council, yet their first open action was against us. They're afraid of us, and it seems they're right to be! We weren't making any effort to investigate or attack them at all, and how could we have? We had no idea about them! But now their plans are revealed, their spy exposed, and their numbers reduced. I hate to exploit the situation, but you can't deny that our presence has been helpful!"
Shifting into a more relaxed pose, her tone becomes more casual. "That's how I got into this, you know. The exploring and reporting and cooperating and all that is fine and all, but I'm really a monster hunter. The Society provides funding and opportunities to travel around the world and help people with monster problems. That's what I get out of it."
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Eventually the pain stops, and Jiggo takes the time to carefully mend their wounds. They have to remain presentable after all.
During the meeting, Salera sits back and lets Jiggo do the talking. He locates Rahaksenwe first before conversing. "Ah, hello WANAKEENA. We meet again. Your city is so exciting." He peers the room for the silent spy in the room, expecting they took a sudden absence.
"The Pathfinder Society is so helpful. They helped Salera and I through some very troubled times. There's always a struggle between the forces of Heaven and the Abyss that tug at us, but the Society reminded us to keep it simple: Focus on us, and the rest will follow."
"I guess I'm saying... the Society has a way of making big situations much more manageable. I do recognize the importance of our... cargo, but in the end this is more about us forging long lasting relationships and doing some good in the process."
Jiggo tries to influence, but he's also being honest.
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Voron assembles a good set of arguments to help convince Wanakeena, and she nods approvingly at the end of his presentation.
Clover also puts together a lot of words, but they seem to lack coherence and Wanakeena can't follow very well
Peter reconsiders what he had said earlier, and manages to barely turn around the discussion with Wanakeena.
Jiggo also lays out some carefully considered arguments and finally convinces Wanakeena to support the Pathfinders.
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"Ah, hello SKAWAHANN. Have you ever visited the Pathfinder-maintained libraries? They are so beautiful and well-organized. I used to work as a scribe, copying books page by page. It's not as easy as it looks, and the owners of the original copy are always antsy to get theirs back."
"Sorry, I'm digressing. Some of the publicly accessible books feature the Pathfinder Society's greatest adventures, stories about their most prestigious members, and the journeys across the planes of existence. I hope to write a tome about my journeys some day. With your support, we can freely share Pathfinder lore and history between both groups."
Jiggo remains humble, but he loves to geek out a bit about libraries.
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♫ La, la-la, la-la
Let's do something that we shouldn't do
You know that I want
Some more Influence and I so do
La, la-la, la-la
Take you there, cause it's so overdue
Hit you with a tune; knock you out
You know I'm dying to
No doubt, you got me to drop another song
I can't control myself
I've got you fiendin' for my voice
One song will make you in love, no fakin'
I can't control myself
I know you'll never get enough ♫
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No Critical Failures, so you are still good.
Wanakeena smiles warmly. “I believe we’ve heard enough. It’s true some of our people have had misgivings about your organization, but it’s also true you have demonstrated your ability and commitment to the Segada Protocol and the peoples of Arcadia. You have shown us courage, honesty, and a healthy amount of stubbornness. These are all traits you will need in our home. I, however, can’t make this decision on my own. Our council requires consensus.
So now I ask my fellow members: should the Pathfinder Society be allowed access through the Akrandida Mountains so they may have the star gun restored?”
She raises her hand, and slowly, the rest of the council joins her. She beams once more. “Arcadia has listened, and it has thrown its arms wide.” She rises to her feet, offering a handshake. “We will deliberate and decide on who shall accompany you past the mountains. Your organization will be contacted once we have decided on a guide. In the meantime, you’re free to stay in the lodgings we provided and take in the city.” Wanakeena looks over to Rahaksenwe, who’s already pitching strategies and plans to Tekawenda. “As for us, it seems our day has only just begun.”
This is the end of the scenario. I will try to get the Chronicle sheets out, but I am on travel for my work and won't be home until late Sunday evening. I definitely won't be able to get the reporting done before that time.
I try to give folks a few days between scenarios in this kind of run, so I don't expect to start until next Thursday or Friday.
Please let me know if there are any questions.
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"Thank you for your kindness and willingness to discuss these issues with us." Jiggo offers a handshake to everyone. "We are honored by your kindness and respect."
Salera taps him on the shoulder and motions towards the door. "Let's get out of here before they change their minds."
The art of negotiation is fickle, but it's much cleaner than any weapon or spell.
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Rahaksenwe glances at both ends of the street, then peers upward at the surrounding rooftops for several seconds before speaking. “First, let me apologize for the informal meeting spot; your guide requested it specifically. She should arrive shortly, but until then, I’ll go ahead and brief you on your task.
“As you know, the Pathfinder Society has recovered what we believe is a broken star gun—specifically one that was stolen by Chelaxians who broke the Segada Protocol. The star gun is called Hatahasi, and we need you to return it to its home: Niishan, a town near Lake Starfall. However, it would be deeply inappropriate to return Hatahasi in its current state. After significant research from Zarta, we have located a talented gunsmith who resides close to Niishan and is said to have the necessary skill set to repair Hatahasi. Your task is to find this gunsmith, repair Hatahasi, and then repatriate it to the mayor of Niishan.”
Rahaksenwe pauses to let the information sink in. “Here’s where it gets a bit complicated. There’s a night hag, Aslynn, who covets Hatahasi. You have already had to deal with the forces she’s sent along with her daughter, Suhko. They attacked you once, during your negotiations with the Segadan government. Though you managed to secure their permission for you to travel beyond Segada, we expect Aslynn’s daughter to pursue you. Stay alert during your travels, especially since this is a new environment for you. Aslynn and her forces aren’t the only threat present in the interior.
“Finally, the Envoy’s Alliance and the Verdant Wheel have requests for you.” She pulls out a pair of fliers and hands them over. “The Envoy’s Alliance is particularly interested in this mysterious gunsmith and has asked that you convince them to come out of hiding and work with the Society. The gunsmith’s knowledge is vast and deep, and the Grand Lodge in Absalom would benefit greatly from their cooperation. The Envoy’s Alliance is hoping to set up a Pathfinder Lodge in Niishan as well, so you should try to negotiate with the mayor on that. Also, the Verdant Wheel wants you to collect plants or animals endemic to Arcadia—toxic plants or animals, specifically. Your guide will be able to assist in this. Both factions have provided some supplies to aid in your efforts.”
Rahaksenwe withdraws a cloth sack and several odd glass cylinders from her belongings. “I feel I should say this: your most important task is getting Hatahasi repaired and repatriated. Don’t forget that Aslynn will go to extremes in order to steal it, and that more lives than just your own are at risk here.
Be careful. When you’re ready, I will give you Hatahasi and you can be on your way. Now, any questions?”
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Who is the gunsmith? Rahaksenwe shrugs. “Someone very secretive. I don’t even know their name, and but your guide has assured me they do exist. I do know they hide because of something that happened in their past; maybe you can convince them to talk about it. Ease their fears. Your guide can identify them when you get closer to meeting with them.”
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I have not met the guide , but have been assured by the members of the Council that she knows the gunsmith we seek. She is a guide who often travels into the interior of Arcadia on different missions, much like the Pathfinders.
What supplies are the Envoy’s Alliance and Verdant Wheel giving us? Rahaksenwe gives you the items from the Envoy’s Alliance and Verdant Wheel: a cloth sack of Segadan-spiced Arcadian bison jerky, its cerulean color bright even under the spices, and a set of three glass cylinders with screw tops. “There’s enough jerky to be an appropriate gift for either the gunsmith or the mayor of Niishan, but not both. It’s an expensive delicacy, particularly out on the prairies, so I advise against keeping it for yourselves. The cylinders are preservation chambers. They’ll alchemically preserve any organic material placed inside for a maximum of eight days without needing air or other sustenance,” Rahaksenwe says. “Also very expensive, so the Verdant Wheel will be expecting all three of them to be returned.”
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Jiggo has been practicing more on his medical skills, hoping to earn favor with the local populace. It's been pretty good so far, except everyone mentions how his dancing is lacking. It's a real shock to his confidence.
Salera assures him they're just jealous, and focuses on presenting herself with the air of nobility. She enjoyed some parts of her previous life, like scaring people with just a look while walking around royal balls in the finest clothing. Maybe she'll ask Jiggo to get something fancy.
Alas, the break is over. It's time to deliver the package.
"So, we'll have to find someone to repair this, and we'll have to deal with a night hag and her daughter." Jiggo pauses. "Poor woman. Free to choose her own destiny, yet swept away by her parent's story..." Jiggo muses.
Salera shrugs the comment off. "What natural hazards should we expect on the way to Niishan? I assume we should keep the package under wraps unless we're talking to the mayor or the blacksmith?"
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You should definitely keep the package out of sight until you get to the gunsmith. Arcadia will have the standard wilderness hazards, wild animals, probably bandits, and maybe even magical beasts.
Star guns are legendary weapons unique to Arcadia. They are said to have been crafted from skymetal by an isolated society called the Crowned Regents, and allegedly fire brilliant bolts of light. The Crowned Regents haven’t been seen in thousands of years, and very few star guns still exist.
Star guns are skymetal weapons unique to Arcadia and allegedly fire white-hot energy that resembles starlight, giving them their name. The Crowned Regents were the most well-known creators of star guns but haven’t been seen in nearly ten thousand years. In many legends, star guns are the weapons of brave travelers who ascended the Mildanesi Mountains and, through many impressive feats, were entrusted with one of their own by the Crowned Regents. Powerful Arcadian leaders are known to claim ownership of a star gun, though whether their weapon is a true star gun or not is difficult to parse.
Star guns are legendary weapons unique to Arcadia. They are said to have been crafted from skymetal by an isolated society called the Crowned Regents, and allegedly fire brilliant bolts of light. The Crowned Regents haven’t been seen in thousands of years, and very few star guns still exist.
You have the opportunity to procure any additional supplies you might need, and the guide will be here when you return.
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"I know star guns are legendary weapons unique to Arcadia. They are said to have been crafted from skymetal by an isolated society called the Crowned Regents, and allegedly fire brilliant bolts of light. The Crowned Regents haven’t been seen in thousands of years, and very few star guns still exist."
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Maybe the gunsmith would take refuge in leaving for a while to work with the society if they're in hiding here...
He thinks for a moment on the witch that might pursue them and asks
Are any folk in this country sympathetic to Aslynn? Might some citizens that we meet be working with her? Or will we only encounter her and her minions tracking us in the wild?
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When you return to meet Rahaksenwe, she introduces you to your guide, Tsimaan Ayika and gives you Hatahasi to carry.
The road from Segada into the interior begins as a well-maintained cobblestone walkway before quickly turning into gravel. From there it merges slowly with the winding bed of a dried-up creek; the path stretches about ten miles before it disappears into the swaying tall grasses representative of Arcadia’s prairies. Gusts of wind buffet travelers making their way through the interior, occasionally with enough force to stagger the unprepared. In the distance, a north-flowing river curves slowly across the land.
You can take this time to acquaint yourselves with the landscape as you begin your journey west. The prairies are much quieter compared to the bustling city streets they just left, and despite (or perhaps because of) the wind, the weather is mild. You and Tsimaan aren’t the only travelers departing Segada; other Arcadians, mostly Mahwek, converse among themselves as they head north along a main road leading toward Port Valen. Tsimaan marches ahead of the group, and her excited, confident grin is visible every time she looks back to make sure you are keeping pace.
Everybody but Clover notices a faint smell of smoke.
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Tsimaan informs you that some Mahwek are doing prescribed burns this time of year. “It’s nothing to be worried about,” she says. “They know what they’re doing, and they’re doing it way away from here.”
The bank of the river rises slowly across the clearing. Here the river bends with the land, wide but shallow enough for most humanoids to cross on foot. The water is clear and flows slowly, and the few fish that dart below the surface are small and harmless. Before she crosses, Tsimaan takes out a small pouch and sprinkles tiny seeds across the surface of the river, which are quickly devoured by fish. She peers into the water, then states There is nothing particularly unique about the flora or fauna at this location.
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Ikhanak is the name of both the river and the spirit inhabiting it, and that the seeds I have dispersed are an offering. Though the spirit hasn’t been seen in several generations, an offering is customary to avoid angering Ikhanak and to ask for protection while traveling near or through it. “The fish are part of Ikhanak,” Tsimaan says, “and maintaining a relationship with Ikhanak is important for everyone who passes through here. Most of us in this group are just guests on this land, and the last thing we’d want to do is disrespect our hosts—Mahwek or otherwise.”
You may decide our next location: the Berry Thicket of the Flower Covered Hill. We can only visit one, as it would take too much time to visit both. Both locations have interesting, unique flore.