☠ Season of Ghosts w/ DM rainzax ☠

Game Master rainzax

Auntie Wu implores earnestly: "Imbalance is weakness. Pulling all those resources to either side of the river will strengthen one side while weakening the other. Would you rather Willowshore be like a steady soldier, with both legs equally strong; or like a lame person, with one very strong leg and one weak and withered leg? Which do you think is more capable of withstanding repeated assaults? We must not cripple our ability to protect all of our people and resources!"

Diplomacy, DC 17+?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Granny Hu smiles at Lan "Good! Then it is done"

"Mixing armies need not be 1:1. You can have a few predominantly Northridge units and a few predominantly Southbank units, with enough crossover so that people learn to work together."

She challenges what seems to be his - and the other PCs' - fundamental assumptions about "Southbank people are not soldiers. Have you even asked them if they want to fight? They are farmers who know the land, and little else. They know not military discipline. And yet, imagining you know better, you presume to speak for them? And negotiating on their supposed behalf before you even know whether or not they are up to what you propose?" she laughs condescendingly "You may be Little Celebrities, and capable of defending yourselves. But Strategists you are Not!"

Auntie Wu implores earnestly: "Imbalance is weakness. Pulling all those resources to either side of the river will strengthen one side while weakening the other. Would you rather Willowshore be like a steady soldier, with both legs equally strong; or like a lame person, with one very strong leg and one weak and withered leg? Which do you think is more capable of withstanding repeated assaults? We must not cripple our ability to protect all of our people and resources!"

In the other room, Kim Gu-won considers the metaphor, and counters "One sharp sword is better than two dull knives. Willowshore needn't just stand: She must fight!"

The negotiation seems on track to fail so far... 4/9 successes so far when 6/9 keeps progress towards 15/25... ...and no mention yet of what Northridge's "Additional (Reasonable) Provision" might be!

Looks like Sigurd got a success in Round 2 that wasn't given a star or counted in your total.

Round 2:

Kazuki refuses to feel embarrassed. He reiterates what he said earlier about training townsfolk to fight, trying to get his point across.

Survival (E), +1 Forest: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23

"One sharp sword is better than two dull knives. Willowshore needn't just stand: She must fight!"

"All the sharp swords in the world won't matter if the soldiers who wield them starve in the spring because they couldn't defend the source of their food!"

Survival, moderate DC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Round 3

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

You are too fixated on rigid division of roles. You have no idea who amongst the farmers may make great soldiers.

Vekka is getting frustrated and unfortunately less convincing.

"We must be careful about food shortages." Sigurd thinks. "A standing army will need more to stay healthy, fit, and strong. The farmers may grow to resent rationing their food and sending their crops to the armed forces. Give them the opportunity to join the army, and they will see with their own eyes why your suggestion is sound."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Sigurd tries to invoke Granny Hu's weakness, but he's also being earnest: he didn't understand why combat was so necessary amongst the clergy until he saw the horrors with his own eyes.

Lan emerges from the backroom, smiling. "We worked out our differences," he nods to Granny Hu.

"People from Southbank need not need to be melee combatants in order to be a useful part of a fighting unit. They know the terrain, they can help set ambushes, and they can scout."

Round 3:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Hero Point Reroll
Diplomacy, Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Well, at least not a CF.

EDIT: Uh, not sure what's going on, but when I previewed, the dice roller showed a nat 1 on the first roll, so I rerolled, and I think it was a nat 4 that rerolled. The total was 14-15.

Kim Gu-won takes on everyone's points one by one!

Kim Gu-won wrote:

"One sharp sword is better than two dull knives. Willowshore needn't just stand: She must fight!"

"All the sharp swords in the world won't matter if the soldiers who wield them starve in the spring because they couldn't defend the source of their food!"

"With the Wall of Ghosts looming, blocking our trade paths, we all stand to starve. Maximizing our military might now is our best chance"

You are too fixated on rigid division of roles. You have no idea who amongst the farmers may make great soldiers.

"Training in the field is what matters - Something I know these farmers do not possess"

"We must be careful about food shortages." Sigurd thinks. "A standing army will need more to stay healthy, fit, and strong. The farmers may grow to resent rationing their food and sending their crops to the armed forces. Give them the opportunity to join the army, and they will see with their own eyes why your suggestion is sound."

"In the short term, yes. But when our village is protected, and the Wall of Ghosts is dealt with, they will understand why tough decisions had to be made. And if not - if they wallow in their resentment - so be it. One cannot force another man to open his eyes. He must do so himself."

Lan emerges from the backroom, smiling. "We worked out our differences," he nods to Granny Hu.

"People from Southbank need not need to be melee combatants in order to be a useful part of a fighting unit. They know the terrain, they can help set ambushes, and they can scout."

Granny Hu emerges too, but lets everyone else continue to discuss. Her lieutenant seems to be holding his ground, and she nods to him in praise.

Luda Bama emerges suddenly, and stands next to Lan.

Kim Gu-won continues.

"They can be given simple tasks, yes. But not expected to fight. And will be in need of some management. Yes."

The room seems firm in their belief for division - leaving an opening for Granny Hu to force a concession at the last moment with her cunning!

8/14 puts on track for Failure so far... most of you have two rounds to go!

Didn't realize I missed round 3!

"People from Southbank need not need to be melee combatants in order to be a useful part of a fighting unit. They know the terrain, they can help set ambushes, and they can scout."

Kazuki points at Lan, visibly excited and upset as he glares at Kim Gu-won...

Survival (E), +1 Forest: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14

Kazuki droops his shoulders in defeat.
"But you all just think I'm an idiot." he remarks, then goes to sit down and sulk.

Kim Gu-won has held firm. Pragmatic, but Sigurd worries.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"We must be very careful. Each and everyone one of us must make a sacrifice." He realizes the team's words are falling on deaf ears. Darius reminded him that there are two sides to a wall.

"Would you be amenable as us doing a favor for you in exchange? I hate to be so blunt. But it is very important to us to have both sides participate."

Sigurd decides to talk business.

All the measured breathing in the world can't keep Auntie Wu's blood from boiling. How can they be so pig-headed?! Can't they see we're trying to help?! But she knows that losing her temper will play right into Granny Hu's grasping, greedy hands.

"With the Wall of Ghosts looming, blocking our trade paths, we all stand to starve. Maximizing our military might now is our best chance"

She cocks her head. Ah! Ignorant folly! "You'll burn through our resources at double speed, reducing the time we have to solve this problem. How do you propose we destroy that Wall? We need time to figure out how to do that. Our plan will give us the most time!"

Round 4
Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Lan wrote:

"People from Southbank need not need to be melee combatants in order to be a useful part of a fighting unit. They know the terrain, they can help set ambushes, and they can scout."

Kazuki points at Lan, visibly excited and upset as he glares at Kim Gu-won...

"See!?! What he said! That's what I've been trying to say this entire time!"

Kazuki droops his shoulders in defeat.
"But you all just think I'm an idiot." he remarks, then goes to sit down and sulk.

"No, not an idiot. You are very competent in your profession. As I am in mine"

She cocks her head. Ah! Ignorant folly! "You'll burn through our resources at double speed, reducing the time we have to solve this problem. How do you propose we destroy that Wall? We need time to figure out how to do that. Our plan will give us the most time!"

"Applying resources with strategic allocation" Kim Gu-won is quick to correct "Nobody, as of right now, knows the Wall's weakness. But as there have been already at least one wave of enemies flooding into our town borders, another is sure to arrive. To pretend as if dealing only with the coming winter would be the task at hand is folly."

"Would you be amenable as us doing a favor for you in exchange? I hate to be so blunt. But it is very important to us to have both sides participate."

At this, Granny Hu perks right up, glaring right at Sigurd. Kim Gu-won gives a nervous glance as well...

"There is one small thing that needs tending, yes. Of course, that won't affect our negotiation here. If you are amenable." Of course it will affect the negotiation.

Anyone who willingly volunteers a Favor for Granny Hu gains ☆, ☆☆, or ☆☆☆, depending on the size of the Favor. Please declare your intent (and number of ☆'s) in-character or in Discussion!

Urrrgh! That hag! Despite her distaste for Granny Hu, Auntie Wu is willing to do a lot to ensure that this deal goes through for the sake of all of Willowshore's people. She squares her shoulders and announces: "I am amenable."

Auntie Wu is willing to do a ☆☆ favor for Granny Hu. Does this count as an action for one of the rounds, or is it a bonus?

While Darius reminded Sigurd of balances, he's always quick to remind him not to expose the trade. "It's like friends owing money. You're not supposed to keep a balance sheet." Sigurd wondered how the young boy knew about balance sheets already. Sometimes he wondered what children Darius stayed with.

Granny Hu catches Sigurd's daydreaming and responds with a direct glare. Yes, he did violate protocol. But all of this time wasted... he was getting exhausted.

"I will volunteer for some effort. I know we are putting your army at risk, and I will do what I need to."

Sigurd decides to perform a small ☆ favor for Granny Hu. The sooner he clears this debt the better.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Vekka refocuses and tries to push down the emotion from flinging pine cones at this brick wall. He looks down and scratches his chin, frowning a bit.

Hmm, I think we have different ideas about "strategic" allocation. You see, no matter how much you feed yourselves first the farmers will be forced to defend themselves from attacks when you can cover all of the ground with your forces alone.

Lan will volunteer to do a small-sized ☆ favor for Granny Hu.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"You have some strange entitlement about what 'fighting' entails. People marshalling troops, scouting, and even healing are as integral to a fighting unit as those who wield a sword. I think you would be a fool to consider Auntie Wu or myself unarmed, though we carry unsullied blades."

Being not very good with the social interactions, Kazuki is willing to do a 3 Star favor.

Granny Hu smiles with great pride as nearly everyone in the party volunteers to perform favors for her in the very-near future!

She spies Kazuki, the ever-obedient ranger, snaps her fingers, and suddenly he is whisked into another room!

⭐⭐⭐

Vekka will probably do a favor, but I was thinking on how to work it into the RP, because he's currently frustrated with bouncing off of their brick wall of "irrefutable" arguments (aka, player bad rolls). He sort of has to come down from that a bit for it to make sense.

Awaiting a response from Kazuki

Sorry. 2 day drive to Denver. Got a lot of work to do around the old house these next few days.

Round 5

More backroom deals. Sigurd shakes his head.

"I think we've made our points clear. Willowshore must survive as one. Without your army the forces of darkness can overwhelm us. But without food, the town will starve and there will be nothing worth saving."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Please consider our offer to train those from the North AND the South. We have much to learn through shared experiences."

Hmm, I think we have different ideas about "strategic" allocation. You see, no matter how much you feed yourselves first the farmers will be forced to defend themselves from attacks when you can cover all of the ground with your forces alone.

"One man, properly trained, is worth ten men untrained" Kim Gu-won seems adamant in his view.

"You have some strange entitlement about what 'fighting' entails. People marshalling troops, scouting, and even healing are as integral to a fighting unit as those who wield a sword. I think you would be a fool to consider Auntie Wu or myself unarmed, though we carry unsullied blades."

"The fighting men are the priority - without them, there is no fight. While these secondary roles are important, they are, indeed, secondary..."

"I think we've made our points clear. Willowshore must survive as one. Without your army the forces of darkness can overwhelm us. But without food, the town will starve and there will be nothing worth saving."

"Please consider our offer to train those from the North AND the South. We have much to learn through shared experiences."

"Your consult will be considered" Kim Gu-won assures him.

He turns as Granny Hu re-enters the room.

She takes the floor "We will decide. Any last words, Little Celebrities?"

4 skill checks left... 12 successes so far, plus 10 in favors, puts us on track for Failure but turned to Critical Success with Granny Hu favors... As usual, double-check my maths...

Round 5

"One man, properly trained, is worth ten men untrained" Kim Gu-won seems adamant in his view.

"All the new recruits will be untrained and wet behind the ears. Why are you so determined to limit yourselves to only recruiting from one side of the river? They'll all be trained together anyway."

Diplomacy DC 19?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"All the new recruits will be untrained and wet behind the ears. Why are you so determined to limit yourselves to only recruiting from one side of the river? They'll all be trained together anyway."

"We haven't the time to train discipline into these Southbankers... that is not something that can be taught"

Kim Gu-won exposes his disdain, stalwart in his decision.

Lan w/ Round 5, and Kazuki with Round 4 and 5 to go!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Then perhaps you can learn a little about versatility from the Southbank reinforcements! Remember, they are as motivated to keep the area safe as anyone else, perhaps you can learn from them."

"Then perhaps you can learn a little about versatility from the Southbank reinforcements! Remember, they are as motivated to keep the area safe as anyone else, perhaps you can learn from them."

"One can possess the requisite motivation, but lack the discipline. A foolish general would substitute the former for the latter"

Kazuki - two more checks please!

Kazuki appears a bit shaken as he enters the room where his friends are still discussing terms of arming citizens.

"I'm alright, everyone." he informs his friends and takes a seat.

Kazuki continues to argue the same points as his friends in an attempt to convince Gu-won.

Survival (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Survival (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Skill Challenge a Success bumped to a Critical Success with Favors!

Granny Hu orders Kim Gu-won to stand down. The room falls quiet as the aged leader speaks.

"While I disagree with your assessment of Southbank, I understand that you are willing to work with those undisciplined to make them into fighting men. So be it. You have the promise of Northridge to conscript equally from the North and South in order to requisition additional provisions for those standing troupes"

Important: This moves the target quota for Food to increase by 10% village wide, as about 1 in 5 able-bodied will serve, and 50% more food for them means 0.2 x 0.5 = 10% greater total food quota!

She looks around the room, as if daring someone to speak against her decree!

Any takers!?

Kim nods, and accepts the consolation. Within moments, murmurs begin in the room, and everyone goes back to their usual business...

Sigurd knows it is time to be quiet and accept his victory. Beyond a short bow, he does not speak.

He will have to adjust his plans, now. The sooner he can secure the town the sooner he can work on morale.

Vekka simply nods, satisfied that the extra allocation will nourish both sides equally.

In his head many responses stew and play and replay but he keeps his beak shut.

The various conscripts are as disciplined as we focus energy on them. It's a choice. Do we want to rely on the only soldiers we think we have, or grow the ability to create more as our dire situation demands it? Bah, her pride is impermeable.

With a sour taste in her mouth, anticipating how degrading it will be to do Granny Hu's favor, Auntie Wu gives a solemn nod to the proposal. Hopefully Old Matsuki will appreciate how hard we fought to get even this small favor...and the price we'll have to pay for it. Ugh.

PS I LOVE these social encounters. Paizo doesn't talk enough about them and I find people get too wrapped up in combat mechanics to flex PF2's non combat systems.

With talks nearing a die-down, Granny Hu smiles to herself smugly as nobody either 1) challenges her decree and 2) the party stands ready to squander their leverage in abandoning the talks before pressing for a hard-earned "reasonable accommodation"...

Kim Gu-won, despite his hardened negotiation persona, blinks with a contrasting gentleness...

"It is settled, then. The army will conscript from both North and South, and we will coordinate to provide an extra 10% of food. This will be a first - North and South working together for mutual benefit! It would be fitting, then, for the Cerulean Teahouse to be the epicenter of said activities. Like the army, it would be joint ownership between North and South, and a place to heal and to cooperate."

"Just imagine how the people will think of you once you announce your cooperation with this idea. Granny Hu: The Great Uniter." Auntie Wu adds, managing to keep the sarcasm out of her voice due to the urgency she feels about this whole situation.

"Those from the South of the river have much to learn. Repairing the teahouse will give you an excellent location to teach from."

And those from the North have much to learn.

"Plus, everyone loves tea!"

Vekka lights up.

Yes tea! The North and South may collaborate on devising the Uniting Blend!

I know of a few mushrooms that could help us all feel *united* for a bit. Hmm...

"Some tea does sound quite good after all of these discussions and debates. I am parched!"

"I am also still willing to help train any of the people on the South bank, if necessary."

Granny Hu shrinks before the party aghast - the room itself seems to sweat in anticipation - what will she say!?

"Agreed" her generals, lieutenants, soldiers, all of Northridge it seems, at least, those of consequence, all collectively exhale. Then look to the party, furling brows. She continues "The Teahouse shall be the meeting space, you shall renovate it, and we shall conscript from both North and South, with extra provisions for the standing army. It is done"

That last phrase sends the entire Exchange into a whorl of activity - the party finds themselves whisked out. But not without her Word. Kim Gu-won bows as they leave - offers "Willowshore is lucky to have you" and smiles genuinely as the party departs!

Weather Die: 1d12 ⇒ 5

The first week of Fall is mild, leaves beginning to turn, winds light and gentle, still plenty of sunshine!

No bonus or penalty to Downtime activities!