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"Go for it, Seoni. The cognitive mutagen looks good to me, but I don't have to have it."
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After staring in awe at the fascinating architecture, Salaish takes some time to observe the iruxi around her and think about what she's learned of them so far.
"Hmm. I wonder who those people up front are. Let's ask around, shall we?" Salaish approaches a nearby iruxi and asks, "Excuse me? Can you tell me who the seven people at the raised pulpits are?"
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"Woo! Ring of the Ram? BAM!" Scratch really enjoyed the competition, and of course the associated accolades. So much so he spends the evening partying it up with the team and some of their biggest, and most generous fans. "Must be some nice night life here eh? I'll be back soon!"
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Scratch takes the other silver tongued mutagen as well after hearing its uses. "If it can keep me from putting my boot in my mouth at the wrong time its well worth it!" He chuckles slowly as he remembers such times in the past.
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The light stings the eyes a bit in the morning and it takes a while to put all his faculties back together, but heck it was worth it. He mostly tries to keep quiet and blend into the background while the others plead their cases in front of the judges, or diplomats, or whatever they are.
"Alright Salaish. Let's go talk to the judges and diplomats."
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Captain Benarry gives Luna a wink before handing her a waterskin. "Thirsty, eh? This water should help you out." She straightens her face before Eras the Needle turns to look at her. "What? Luna's thirsty!"
Salaish notices the emphasis on astrology and other facests of Occultism are woven into iruxi society. Many people are wearing clothing patterned after the starlit sky, or the bright sun. She sees aspects of the Dark Tapestry woven into their clothing, and she notices sometimes they point upward in their speech.
Salaish sees Lumki. "Oh, hello Saliash." She waves and adjusts her seat to make room. Lashweather is fast asleep, lightly snoring next to her. "Ah yes. The council members. They get to make the big decisions around here."
"That is Barashk, he's from The Treasury and keeps tight records on the budget."
"She is Shulkuru, a historian. I... failed her advanced history class." Lumki blushes a bit. "But she is always up to date on the news. She and Kesstraka are friends, actually."
"The eldest iruxi is-" Lashweather snorts in his sleep, interrupting Lumki. "Best I not say their name, Professor Lashweather considers them to be a rival. They are both astrologers and use their analysis to read our future."
"And the youngest member is Inishish, an actor who found themselves getting involved in politics until a council seat opened up. They established strong ties with Droon, the nation to the south."
"The other three-" A loud gong sounds through the chamber, and guards begin ushering people to their seats. "Are mostly assistants, so they won't speak up much. Best of luck to you!" A guard arrives to escort Salaish back to the Vidrian delegates and Pathfinder Society.
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."
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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."
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 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 particularly 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."
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Scratch starts to nod off during the proceedings, the back and forth banter, pandering, and political maneuverings just aren't interesting. That and he's pretty sure he's still half in the bag from last night. Someone however calls him out to help support their position.
"Uhh, hello there. Name's Scratch, uhh, I hope some of you saw that Ekkeshikaar Dunkers practice yesterday!" He not so subtly drops that nugget, hoping for some good will in his response. "I think what delegate Barashk may have missed here, is umm, well, while maybe setting up a new trade route can be expensive in black and white numbers, you'll more than make up for that with the new jobs, new relations, maybe a new vacation spot that has some amazing root crops? New allies even!" His delivery is spotty, and his direction is all over the place. But sometimes luck is good.
"Remember what I said about amazing root crops? Well.. exactly. So yummy." He hopes they don't remember the gassy side effects..
"No one wants to go to war, but sometimes you need help if someone attacks you for no good reason. Besides, who goes to war over a trade route?" Scratch is really over his head here, pulling at straws.
He finally sits down, sweat pouring from his skin after the hot lights of scrutiny melted his face.
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Ugh. Meetings. 'None of us as as stupid as all of us.' And I have no idea if it would be rude to play a soft accompaniment. Salaish tries to keep her mind occupied with the intricacies of the discourse, but is justifiably annoyed at all the bluster and repetition. People may look different in various parts of the world, but they're all people.
Occasionally a topic comes up that she feels would benefit from her input.
"You are absolutely right Barashk about the unprofitable tariffs and taxes for the trade route that you specified. But as Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry has mentioned, there are better trade routes to benefit from."
"Knowledge of better trade routes. We're Pathfinders! We traverse the world and report everything that we discover. I'm sure the Venture Captains will be willing to share information with you which could be benificial to all of us. We also know where to get coal, and could trade that with you."
"It is understandable that you would. They are afterall, also Iruxi. But trading with us is not necesarily something that they would frown upon, especially if you buy coal from us, and sell to them - with a small mark-up of course."
Topics: Tariffs and Taxes, What do you have that we want, We trade with Droon
Scratch: Diplomacy, Nature, Mercantile Lore
Salaish: Diplomacy, Deception, Society
Seoni: Diplomacy, Deception, Society
Luna and Caitlin ponder what they should say.
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Tariffs and taxes
(Using +4 circumstance bonus)
As she said yeah, go that way. Luna says, indicating Benarry. She too is looking bored. Besides, as some people say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'd say go for it. The way I see it, the benefits outweigh the risks.
What do you have that we want
Herbs and stuff .... yeah. Besides, they're bound to have other stuff since you last traded with that area. Maybe some of that will be useful.
We trade with Droon.
By this stage, Luna is getting fed up. Lunch break can't come fast enough. She also wonders how her asaamar friend has the patience for this sort of thing. If it wasn't for Calisro's liberation, she'd be climbing the walls about now. She has to actually resist the urge to pound her fist on the table.
((Hero Point))
Look. This is stupid. Frankly I don't care if you trade with Droon. Besides, trading with both is better for you. Break some monopolies perhaps. And besides, who's not to say that Droon won't want a piece of that action too, so they'll benefit.
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Ever-uncomfortable in negotiations, yet seemingly always at them, Caitlin adds to the discussion.
Tariffs and Taxes
"Trade has always seemed somewhat like sleight of hand to me. You move one thing one way and something else the other, hoping that the advantage you gain isn't spotted until you've made a profit. We're trying to help you do that switch with extra partners."
What do you have?
"We have knowledge. For good or for ill, our agents are everywhere and have seen such wonders and learn such things as are only speculated of for most folks. We have people who know what grows where and how to transport it here."
We trade with Droon
"If Droon thinks that they have a monopoly on your trade, you need to disavow them of that notion. No-one goes to war over a few non-exclusive trade routes. Only a fool would launch a trade blockade when they still value you as a partner."
Tariffs and taxes
As she said yeah, go that way. Luna says, indicating Benarry. She too is looking bored. Besides, as some people say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'd say go for it. The way I see it, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Luna strikes a critical chord amongst the crowd, and they begin mumbling in agreement. Barashk's position softens a bit as he acknowledges Luna's words.
What do you have that we want
"Remember what I said about amazing root crops? Well.. exactly. So yummy." He hopes they don't remember the gassy side effects..
"Like the sample crate of rutabaga?" Shulkuru grimaces as the audience gasps. "Oh no, you can keep those to yourself." She shakes her head as the crowd agrees with her assessment. Turns out Scratch blundered into a critical mistake and a sensitive topic amongst the people here.
We trade with Droon
"If Droon thinks that they have a monopoly on your trade, you need to disavow them of that notion. No-one goes to war over a few non-exclusive trade routes. Only a fool would launch a trade blockade when they still value you as a partner."
Inishish scratches their chin and ponders her words. "A war wouldn't be profitable in the long run. And a little competition never hurt..." Their opinion is turning around...
After a short lunch break, you continue the rest of the negotiations. Most of the contention comes from two iruxi in particular...
"Now see here Bouldstrom!" Lashweather leaps up from the crowd... Which explains why there's an empty seat at the delegation table. "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 he is ushered to the empty seat.
"Oh, hello!" He waves to you with a smile before glowering back at Bouldstrom.
The elderly iruxi glares at the delegates. "You northerners do not understand the signs and portents of the stars. Your astrology is lacking, you barely understand your dippers from your solar streaks!" The crowd chuckles for a bit before the elder turns, silencing them. "How can you ever become advanced enough to understand trade deals if you lack astrological knowledge? Go on, prove me wrong."
"Bouldstrom!" Lashweather lifts his head out of his book and points at the elder. "I've witnessed the Pathfinder's skill and knowledge about the stars. It's like it was yesterday..." He stares up for a long time before Bouldstrom coughs.
"Ah yes, where was I? Right, the Cho'ataan! I taught the Pathfinders here the meaning behind the symbols. They adapted quickly and even defended me against the elemental backlash. And if they could learn this quickly, imagine what the other Vidrians can learn."
Lashweather turns to you to give a not-even-remotely subtle wink and thumbs up before growling at Bouldstrom.
Topics: Tarrifs and taxes, What do you have that we want?, We trade with Droon
Caitlin Deception, Nature, Deception
Seoni Diplomacy, Deception, Society
Scratch Diplomacy, Nature, Mercantile Lore
Salaish Diplomacy, Deception, Society
Luna Diplomacy, Society, Intimidate
The negotiations finally come to a close after you speak up at 2 more critical points...
"You are right! The stars have spoken! But, who interprets and how is it interpreted? Lashweather has already mentioned that one interpretation was wrong. We all need to study the stars more, to learn what it is that they want to reveal to us."
Seoni tries to talk like she knows what she's doing. "You stand on Kurdok (Death) if you are not with us. It is Ondess (Wisdom) to go with the Pathfinders. Give us Korlan (Chance)."
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Scratch winces at his root veggie faux pas, slinking down in his chair as best he can.
After lunch he hopes to do better, especially after Lashweather backs them up.
He sniffs two different bags of herbs, just to be sure.
"You wanna talk about learnin' weird? I know about weird!" Scratch rambles on, and on, and on.. something about a four legged chicken that crows all night and digs a hole to sleep by dawn, laying golden ooze eggs that taste just right when frozen, but are deadly when heated. The mana wastes are a strange place.
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Luna is starting to feel like she is on familiar ground. Or is that the contents of the waterskin talking?
Ill Omens
Yeah ... right ... I was there when he did it ... and .. well ... as far as I see the Cho'ataan would be more accurate instead of a standard interpretation - so he's right and you're wrong. She points a quivering finder at Bouldstrom.
You don't know the stars
Oh go soak your head Professor Bouldstrom. I am a creature of the Night. I know my stars, and even though your constellations are different from the ones in our traditions, they're still the same stars. And I've been learning your traditions as well. I'm hoping to actually do some more study under the RESPECTED Professor Lashweather after this. After I go soak my head and relax in the sea after this (insert tiefling words for incredibly boring and tedious) meeting
She then whispers over to Scratch After this, lets go to a pub and compare wierdnesses
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"Interpreting the stars is done in different ways by different cultures. The alternative perspectives will help you get deeper into your secrets."
"Elven culture has been observing the stars for as long as the Iruxi. The motion over time is something that has been studied in depth. You could come and learn more."
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Ill Omens
"You are right! The stars have spoken! But, who interprets and how is it interpreted? Lashweather has already mentioned that one interpretation was wrong. We all need to study the stars more, to learn what it is that they want to reveal to us."
The crowd begins discussing the meaning of the stars, and Bouldstrom feels his focus waning. "Fine! More research is needed!"
You don't know the stars
"Learning astrology isn't hard. Professor Lashweather only needed about a quarter of an hour to explain the properties of a dozen constellations. I am particularly fond of the family orientation of Shal'mokk, the vigilance of Sharbosh, and the life-giving nature of Shalor. And that's only a dozen! We can't wait to learn more!"
"Preach, sister!" Lashweather claps and rallies the crowd into song. It takes the guards a moment to calm everyone down.
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.
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Scratch nods at Luna's suggestion.
He finally relaxes when the council adjourns, his hands stop visibly shaking from the stress. Its clear he's out of his natural element, he looks eager to bolt for the woods.. or a tavern. He too leans back and closes his eyes, pulling out some dried jerky to occupy himself on.
Seoni looks at Scratch, puts her hand on his back and says "I understand perfectly."
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 looks around the delegation. "After deliberation, we have decided your terms are very fair. The Council of Ekkeshikaar will ratify the agreement as it is written. We hope to learn more from Vidrian, and we hope this is the first of many steps to prosperity."
Casilro Benarry pulls out a victory flask. You wonder if it would have been a consolation flask if negotiations didn't go well, or there was a storm, or if it were Tuesday. "A toast to a job well done!" She takes the first drink before pulling out a few shot glasses. "Time to party. Good job, everyone."
"Good news, everyone!" Lashweather butts in and takes a shot without asking. "Oooh, minty. Where was I? Oh yes. Bouldstrom admitted the Cho'ataan may have spoken to me wisely. Now, I may be able to harness enough astrological energy to empower a legion of superiruxi, capable of conquering any other team in a game of Exuto. It's good timing, as the Globetrotters may return any day now! I could use some volunteers to practice my Cho'ataan granted abilities upon." He grins in your direction...
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Salaish's eyes go wide. "Sounds like a game for the ages! Ooo! You know what'll keep its memory alive forever? A trio of songs! Why three you ask? A rousing ballad to record all the details. A bar song with a great beat that's shorter and humorous, and a 'family friendly' version that gets stuck in your head. With coverage like that, it'll be as close to immortal as songs can make it!" Stars in her eyes, she begins brainstorming rhythms and melodies in her head, sometimes humming them without realizing it.
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Ahhhh .... Luna replies, wondering of Lashweather is running on lots of caffeine and little sleep. Also this talk of 'testing strange abilities' is making her a bit nervous.
Well .... I was actually thinking of winding down and relaxing in the water actually Professor .... but .... if you could detail what you have in mind ... and what abilities you are wanting to test ..... um ..... I might be persuaded to help.
Seoni bids everyone farewell and heads off for yet another assignment.