GM Peachbottom's War for the Crown

Game Master Peachbottom

Event: Check-In

”I didn’t ask you here just to look over your shoulders. There’s a young woman here: Malphene Trant, the daughter of Senator Trant. She’s a belligerent, narcissistic ass, and a bully as well. If she’s here, it’s likely to intimidate one of more of the junior senators into backing her father. If one or more of you could keep an eye on her and... quietly intercede should she try, I would be quite grateful.”

"I shall take this burder from your shoulders", Trevor coos, as the statuesque Miss Trant is pointed out. "Perhaps a lovely night climb is what I need to finish the night."

"I shall take this burder from your shoulders", Trevor coos, as the statuesque Miss Trant is pointed out. "Perhaps a lovely night climb is what I need to finish the night."

"Don't take Dame Trant lightly. She talks with her fists and likely is accompanied by some of her degenerate friends. I implore you though, if it comes to blows, don't kill anyone. It will create way more problems than it solves."

Trevor considers Lady Martella. "I have heard that Calistrians are able to use fists to great effect", the cleric smirks.
"But we Caydenites tend to have a lighter touch. When sober. But I shall heed your council, fair lady."
The Kastner noble bows to those in attendance and walks over to the Arcade of Triumphs.

Lir listens to Lady Lotheed talk about their progress and the upcoming challenge.

"I'm done with my task, I could take a look at distracting her for you. I am quite good with words, although I do have one specific matter I'd like to tie up first. Do you think she'll try something soon, or could someone watch her for a bit while I take care of said sensitive matter?"

Trevor would know she means that she wants to swipe the dagger she had her eye on from earlier.

Henrika shrugs. "It sounds as if Dame Trant is well-handled. Perhaps it would do for me to work on one of the nobles that Ichabod has been spying on? I will speak to Countess Abrielle Pace, and see what I can divine about her intentions."

Thank you for your advice, I will make an attempt to engage the Duke once more

Icabhod will take his leave and will meet with the Duke once more if able.

Apologies for taking such an abrupt leave. The deigns and workmanship of your chair holds a particular interest to me since I am employed in providing security and safety for an employer. Being able to perhaps gain further experience in such matters from those who have demonstrated practical applications of such skills is quite an opportunity.

Icabhod seems a bit nervous, not wanting to appear the fool.Discovery? To discover the skills needed

Know Nobility, Inspiration: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 7 + (2) = 19

And Tychus, your job is the most demanding out of the group. Don’t neglect to work on it. Speaking of which, I have another message for you to deliver.” She hands Tychus a second sealed envelope. ”Please deliver this message to Lady Glorianna Morilla in the courtyard.”

Tychus's face reddens slightly at the reprimand. He takes the new letter and slides it quietly into a breast pocket. He listens to the rest of the conversation at the back of the group. Once it looks like Lady Lotheed has finished her speech, he cracks his neck and starts heading off before stopping suddenly.

"I'm about to seek Lady Glorianna Morilla, but before I do, has anyone looked into the Phalanx Guards, and who could have possibly given that suspicious ingot to the servant?"

(Xallis is 1 off =(. His Influence roll is not a success.)

It's fine. I'm fine =)

Event: Check-In

(You can make a Perception roll.)

Xallis' Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

"My new friend is proving to be a tricky debate partner." Xallis says with a smirk. "He's actually making me earn this. As for the Phalanx Guard? Haven't the slightest. I've been too preoccupied to check, and I didn't want to bring us any undue attention. I don't mind being quiet about it for now, but if anyone gets any clever ideas, feel free to let me in on it."

Navia's eyes shift towards the little item on display before she goes back to looking towards the group. "And hey, lemmie know if anyone needs help," she chirps up. "Hanging around and listening to Xallis talk about Chelliax stuff gets boring."

”Do you think she'll try something soon, or could someone watch her for a bit while I take care of said sensitive matter?"

Martella responds, ”I couldn’t say. I just have a hunch that she’s here to cause trouble. You’ll have to wait and see if or when she acts.”

"Has anyone looked into the Phalanx Guards, and who could have possibly given that suspicious ingot to the servant?"

”In theory, the Phalanx Guards are supposed to be impartial guards of the senate and noble houses. But they are people like anyone else. Let’s hope it was the work of a lone guard who wanted to create a disruption aimed at the Princess and not part of a greater plot. I’ll help keep an eye on them as well.”

Navia's eyes shift towards the little item on display before she goes back to looking towards the group.

Martella notices Navia’s eying her cricket. ”I see you’ve taken an interest in my clockwork creation. I invented it myself to deter eavesdropping. I call it a brass chatterbox. I brought two with me to the gala. Here, take one. You might find a use for it.”

Xallis/Navia receives a brass chatterbox. It is a unique item, so I’m adding a description to the magic items link.
If wound as a full-round action, this elegant clockwork cricket clicks and chirps softly for 2 minutes. Though it’s generally too subtle to be noticed, this noise obscures speech and similar sounds nearby; speakers within 5 feet of the brass chatterbox can hear one another without difficulty, but anyone beyond this space takes a –5 penalty on Perception checks to overhear details of the conversation. If attached to a door, the brass chatterbox instead imposes this penalty on Perception checks to hear noises through the door.

You now have 3 more social rounds until the next event.

Social Round 1 of 3

Bonuses/Penalties:
•You can use any of the skills listed for the Senate Floor to influence any other location: Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive.
•Trevor and Tychus have a +2 bonus on their skill checks for their missions.

Special Notes:
•Princess Eutropia is difficult to corner so only one character can attempt to influence her in any given social round. You can do as many discoveries on her as you want though.
•Kalbio has no weakness and no influence skills. The first player to spend a social action to interact with him gets an automatic success.
•Court Orlundo is writing a letter for Tychus this round. He can receive the letter at the end of the 1st round as a free action.
•Dame Malphene Trant is currently in the Arcade of Triumphs. If you spend your social round in the area, you can observe her as a free action. No roll necessary.

Since Trevor asked for a description of Malphene Trant: Dame Malphene Trant is a towering, broad-shouldered, athletic young woman, and despite her recent coming out as a refine young lady among Opparan society, she remains happy to leverage her size and strength to intimidate her father’s political rivals. The Trant family hails from Whitemarch, and its members are quick to use the threat of Qadiran aggression to maintain control of their holdings. While they don’t care one way or the other about women’s rights, much of their influence comes from supporting the staunchly traditional Maxillar Pythareus.
She has her short brown hair up in a bun and she wears a striking emerald dress. She is nearly 7’ tall and her arm muscles bulge under her sleeves.

(Icabhod can keep that roll for the Duke for his action.)

Social Round 1 of 3

Trevor will ask some indepth questions concerning some of the art pieces of the curator in the Arcade of Triumphs, observing Dame Trant as a free action.

Diplomacy (Charming): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"If I have the time, I might try looking into the guards. But my other task takes precedence..."

Giving the group an informal salute of sorts, Tychus leaves and makes his way to the Courtyard in order to search for Lady Glorianna Morilla.

He finds a crowd here that is just as boisterous as the one in the Archives.

"Once again, into the fire..."

With a confidant stride he heads into the mix.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

He manages to squeeze through several groups of nobles and hangers-on, and spots Lady Morilla. He has a tight grip on the letter in his clothes, and if he gets close enough, pulls it out and hands it to her while making sure his aide badge is clearly visible.

Social Round 1 of 3

Icabhod

Icabhod finally makes some headway with Duke Centimus. ”While I appreciate your interest in my tinkering, I must inform you that I’ve been told that I can get a bit long winded when discussing such topics. Before I go into too much detail, you should know that I am more than just my chair. Believe it or not, but I was once a thin, handsome, ladies’ man who rode upon a white horse and travelled the countryside and even sailed to other nations. Why I recall this one time…” The Duke goes on to dreamily ramble about his adventures as a young man for the next fifteen minutes.

(Icabhod succeeds at a Discovery check on Duke Leonard Centimus and learns that he is interested in the world travel and horsemanship and he can be Influenced with a DC 15 Knowledge (geography or nature) check.)

Trevor

Trevor gets a personal tour of the art on display. With his arm wrapped around the curator’s shoulder, her eyes are only on him and not any opportunistic thieves.

Trevor keeps one eye on Copernia and the other on Dame Trant. For the moment, Trant is accompanied by four young male sycophants who are fawning for her attention. The five of them are drinking heavily and being completely disrespectful to the serving staff; insulting the servants to their faces and spilling wine and smashing glasses on the ground.

(Trevor distracts Copernia again, giving Liraela a +5 bonus on Sleight of Hand to steal an item on display.)

Tychus

Tychus successfully makes his way up to Lady Morilla and offers her the letter. She is happy to see him. ”Oh, thanks so much for this. Poor thing. Lady Lotheed must have you running all over the place tonight. She can be a hard taskmaster but she means well. Make sure you fit some time in tonight for yourself too. Princess Eutropia was quite taken with your conversation you had earlier. Maybe you should talk to her again before she has to leave to prepare for the vote. I’m sorry to do this, but would you be a doll and run this letter back to Lady Lotheed and a letter for Duke Centimus in the archives. I’d be really appreciative if you did.” Lady Morilla hands Tychus two more letters and bends forward to give him a peck on the cheek.

Afterwards, Count Zespire comes and finds Tychus. ”There you are, my boy. I’ve finished my response. Please deliver this letter to Junior Senator Duo in the gallery. He’ll know what to do with it.”

(Tychus successful delivered the letter to Lady Glorianna Morilla. He received three more letters to deliver: to Lady Martella Lotheed in the Gallery, to Duke Centimus in the Archives, and to Junior Senator Duo in the Gallery. Tychus will be busy.)

Henrika, Lireala, and Xallis can still act.

Henrika casually makes her way upstairs to the Gallery, where she seems to look with interest at the various nobles below, and disdains to focus too closely on the performers and the children who make up their audiences. When she is near the Countess Abrielle Pace, she begins to comment to herself on the figures downstairs, as if reminding herself who they are and what they are doing, but loudly enough that the countess might overhear her and be impressed by her knowledge.

Knowledge (nobility) to Influence (DC 15): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Leaving the rest of her compatriots to handle the potential disrupting influence, Lir makes her way back to the display, quickly swiping the exquisite ‘letter opener’ on the pedestal before disappearing back to the gallery to aid in any confrontation there.

Unsure if I need to reroll this, just tell me if I need to do so!

”Well isn’t this just the most unruly scene.”

Xallis once again finds his influence target. His smile is slightly more artificial, as the young noble can only imagine how annoying it would be to have one particular aspirant clinging to your coat tails. But a promise is a promise and a job is a job.

"Hello, there." he says, once again engaging with the man. "If you'll indulge me, I would love to engage a bit further. As I'm sure you can understand, these conversations are a wonderful respite from some of the more..." he gestures towards the rest of the crowd. "...mundane interactions."

Diplomacy to Influence the Baron: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Of course, Xallis has already practiced his lines in preparation for his eventual success, so the only true effort is to make sure the delivery is still natural.

Icabhod nods politely as the Duke goes on about his past exploits but feels his eyes beginning to glaze over and a sense of panic creeps up since he knows very, very little about what the Duke is talking about. He then mutters through his messanger broach.

Hello? I need help in the areas of the local geography and nature facts. The Duke is expounding on his past travels and I need to engage him

Social Round 1 of 3

Henrika

Countess Pace does overhear Henrika and joins her on the banister. Listening to the comments Pace makes, it is clear that she only respects those she deems useful. Powerful senators are praised while newer ones are completely dismissed as “useless people”. She has especially harsh words for Kalbio. ”You can put lipstick on a pig farmer, but it will still be a pig farmer.” She comments.

(Henrika’s Discovery is a success. Countress Abrielle Pace can be Influenced with a DC 15 Intimidate check.)

Liraela

Unsure if I need to reroll this, just tell me if I need to do so!

(It’s fine. I’ll let you keep the roll. Liraela swipes the dagger. She now has a +1 silver dagger.)

Xallis

After conversing with Xallis for a few minutes, then nods. ”Of course. Lady Lotheed has always been good to me. You can let her know that she has my support tonight and in the future. I also look forward to working with you again, young man. Xallis, was it? I’ll remember that.”

(Xallis successfully completed his mission! Baron Nicolaus Okerra has been fully influenced. He does not provide any immediate benefit but there will be future benefits for befriending him.)

Icabhod

He then mutters through his messenger broach.

(The brooch doesn't work that way. Only Martella can initiate a conversation with her master brooch. If she contacts you, you can respond with a 25 word response. However, you can freely travel the senate building without any actions. You can just walk around and ask for help. I also tried to give you the best skill for you to use with the discovery. I know you don't have those knowledge skills but it was Int-based. The other skills to influence the Duke are Cha-based that you also don't have. For influencing the Duke, I'll allow you to make the Knowledge checks untrained.)

At the end of the round, Malphene Trant and her cronies move to the Courtyard.

Social Round 2 of 3

Bonuses/Penalties:
•You can use any of the skills listed for the Senate Floor to influence any other location: Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive.
•Trevor and Tychus have a +2 bonus on their skill checks for their missions.

Special Notes:
•Princess Eutropia is difficult to corner so only one character can attempt to influence her in any given social round. You can do as many discoveries on her as you want though.
•Kalbio has no weakness and no influence skills. The first player to spend a social action to interact with him gets an automatic success.
•Dame Malphene Trant is currently in the Courtyard. If you spend your social round in the area, you can observe her as a free action. No roll necessary.

You can take your social actions for the next round.

Trevor gets a personal tour of the art on display. With his arm wrapped around the curator’s shoulder, her eyes are only on him and not any opportunistic thieves.

Trevor keeps one eye on Copernia and the other on Dame Trant. For the moment, Trant is accompanied by four young male sycophants who are fawning for her attention. The five of them are drinking heavily and being completely disrespectful to the serving staff; insulting the servants to their faces and spilling wine and smashing glasses on the ground.

As Dame Trant and her sycophants leave for The Courtyard, Trevor gives Copernia a gentle hug and a discreet squeeze and slap on her rear.

Social Round 2 of 3

Trevor hasn't been to the Courtyard yet, so he's gonna try to influence the location.

Knowledge (nobility) DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

As a free action, Trevor continues to observe Dame Malphene Trant.

Know-Geography,Inspiration: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 3 + (4) = 19 3/4 left

Icabhod nods some. Ah yes, lovely fjords...I have heard of the hazards of that country's forest.. Icabhod tries stringing together important sounding phrases to make it seem like he knows what he is talking about.

Satisfied with his work, Xallis weighs his options. The freshly anointed noble looks like an interesting investment. Make friends early, get in on the ground floor, be the first name he remembers...

But there;s still work to be done. And he's part of a team, after all.

"Well well well, if it isn't the man with the best seat in the house." Xallis says as he approaches Duke Centimus. "Xallis Livara. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Knowledge (Nobility) to learn an Influence skill: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Xallis couldn't answer a question about geography if his life depended on it, but he can certainly fish up a different skill that might work better for the party!

Liraela, with mission complete and a shiny new weapon in hand, considers this night a smashing success already. Seeing some of her companions not having the same luck, however, she makes her way over to see if she can be of use.

Once we know some of the Charisma-based skills for the Duke, I’ll take a shot at it!

Social Round 2 of 3

Trevor

Trevor mingles with the guests in the courtyard. He charms those that he talks to but it is a big crowd and there are plenty more people to meet.

Courtyard: With a Knowledge (Nobility) result of 23, Trevor is 11 points above the DC 12, earning him 11 influence points. The first threshold for the Courtyard is at 15 points.

Malphene Trant entertains herself in the Courtyard by visiting the menagerie of beasts in the tiny zoo. Her friends pick up sticks and prod at the animals to “do something interesting” while Malphene just stands impassively watching with little interest.

Icabhod

Even though most of what Icabhod relays is made up, Duke Centimus finds it very interesting. ”I must say, I’ve never heard of many of these places. I will have to look them up later. Perhaps a trip is in order.”

(Icabhod influences Duke Leonard Centimus. You’ve completed 1 out of 3 successes needed to fully influence the Duke. However, for Icabhod’s mission, the Duke only needs to be influenced once. So now he can attempt a DC 15 Sense Motive or Perception check to learn his position on the primogeniture vote.)

Xallis

Xallis joins Icabhod chatting with the Duke. He replies ”The pleasure is all mine. I’ve been talking with your friend Icabhod here. I can tell you work for the same senator because of your matching badges. Icabhod can spin a fantastic tale.”

(Because Xallis exceeded the DC by more than 5, I’ll let him learn the other two skills to influence Duke Centimus. They are Bluff or Diplomacy DC 15.)

Liraela, Tychus, and Henrika can act.

Henrika smiles to herself. She has managed to lure the countess into conversation, and so she presses the advantage to sound her out about primogeniture. "Do my eyes deceive me, or is that the Princess holding court over there? Lining up supporters for her bid to overthrow the old ways and ring in the new, no doubt?"

Sense Motive (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Social Round 1 of 3

Tychus

Tychus successfully makes his way up to Lady Morilla and offers her the letter. She is happy to see him. ”Oh, thanks so much for this. Poor thing. Lady Lotheed must have you running all over the place tonight. She can be a hard taskmaster but she means well. Make sure you fit some time in tonight for yourself too. Princess Eutropia was quite taken with your conversation you had earlier. Maybe you should talk to her again before she has to leave to prepare for the vote. I’m sorry to do this, but would you be a doll and run this letter back to Lady Lotheed and a letter for Duke Centimus in the archives. I’d be really appreciative if you did.” Lady Morilla hands Tychus two more letters and bends forward to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Your concern is appreciated. I'm somewhat accustomed to difficult tasks. While this isn't something I'm too familiar with, Abadar will see me through. I'll definitely make some time to speak with the Princess again. I enjoyed my conversation with her much more than I anticipated."

Tychus gives her a respectful bow before leaving. Not long after, he is accosted by Count Zespire.

”There you are, my boy. I’ve finished my response. Please deliver this letter to Junior Senator Duo in the gallery. He’ll know what to do with it.”

"Ah, Count Zespire, I was just about to come find you. You have my word that this message will find it's recipient with all due haste."

He tucks away the new message into the folds of his clothes and gives it a playful pat. He proceeds back to the Gallery. "Two birds with one stone, old boy." he thinks to himself. He then attempts to find Senator Duo.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Indeed Duke, Broadening the horizons is always good and can help with socializing as one can learn the proper etiquette when meeting with foreign dignitaries.

Social Round 2 of 3

Henrika

Countess Pace eyes Henrika suspiciously. ”It does indeed look that way. And what about you? Do you or your master support overthrowing primogeniture too?”

(Henrika influences Countess Abriella Pace. You’ve completed 1 out of 3 successes needed to fully influence the Countess. For Icabhod’s mission, you can now attempt a DC 15 Sense Motive or Perception check to learn her position on the primogeniture vote.)

Tychus

Tychus is getting the hang of running around the senate building and easily makes it up to Senator Dou.

”Thank you, sir. Oh, this is from Count Zespire. I suppose he’s working with Lady Lotheed then. You know at first, I thought supporting keeping primogeniture was the correct way, but Lady Lotheed has since coaxed me into changing my mind. I’m afraid I may have angered a few old allies but I’m sure its nothing to worry too much about. I may just be a Junior Senator but I’m want to make a name for myself by doing what is right.”

(Tychus successfully delivers a letter to Senator Dou. He doesn’t have any additional letters for him.)

Liraela

Liraela attempts to Influence Duke Centimus.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 4 = 14

(I was hoping Liraela was going to post because she could literally only fail on a 1, and of course, that's what the dice roller gave me.)

Social Round 3 of 3

Malphene Trant moves up to the 2nd Floor Gallery.

Bonuses/Penalties:
•You can use any of the skills listed for the Senate Floor to influence any other location: Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive.
•Trevor and Tychus have a +2 bonus on their skill checks for their missions.

Special Notes:
•Princess Eutropia is difficult to corner so only one character can attempt to influence her in any given social round. You can do as many discoveries on her as you want though.
•Kalbio has no weakness and no influence skills. The first player to spend a social action to interact with him gets an automatic success.
•Dame Malphene Trant is currently in the Gallery. If you spend your social round in the area, you can observe her as a free action. No roll necessary.

Icabhod

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Indeed Duke, Broadening the horizons is always good and can help with socializing as one can learn the proper etiquette when meeting with foreign dignitaries.

”You are quite right, Icabhod. I’ve grown to suspect that the reason that I’m getting so much attention from House Voritas is that you’ve been sent to find out my stance on the primogeniture vote. Well, you can tell the curious senator that I intend to vote to abolish primogeniture. I believe that any person is capable of rule, regardless of the condition of his or her body.”

(Icabhod successfully learned Duke Centimus’ position for his mission. I will also consider this as successfully influencing the Duke since besides learning his position, he has nothing left to offer. Icabhod gets 2 Influence successes for being 5+ over the DC 15, completing Influencing the Duke (3/3 successes))

Henrika, Liraela, Trevor, Tychus, and Xallis can act.

Social Round 2 of 3

Tychus

Tychus is getting the hang of running around the senate building and easily makes it up to Senator Dou.

”Thank you, sir. Oh, this is from Count Zespire. I suppose he’s working with Lady Lotheed then. You know at first, I thought supporting keeping primogeniture was the correct way, but Lady Lotheed has since coaxed me into changing my mind. I’m afraid I may have angered a few old allies but I’m sure its nothing to worry too much about. I may just be a Junior Senator but I’m want to make a name for myself by doing what is right.”

Tychus nods along with Senator Dou.

"Good on you for the change of heart. We could use more people like you in the Senate."

Tychus had planned to deliver both letters in the Gallery, so he leaves the Junior Senator to look for Lady Lotheed.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Henrika smiles. She notices Dame Malphene Trant enter the gallery, and carefully shifts herself so that she can keep an eye on her while speaking with Countess Abriella Pace.

No action necessary to watch Trant while in the Gallery, right?

"My dear countess," she murmurs, "surely no one with a rational mind actually believes that women are any less capable of leading than men. Some might say it is self-serving to behave as if they believe otherwise. But of course, I speak only for myself. I couldn't possibly comment on my master's thoughts on the matter."

She watches carefully as she speaks, looking for a sign in the countess's expression or posture that suggests whether she is sympathetic or opposed to the proposition. She also pauses long enough to (hopefully) make the countess uncomfortable, encouraging her to respond.

Sense Motive (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Round 3 of 3

Seeing Miss Karthis follow Dame Trant back in to the Gallery, Trevor decides to take this opportunity to stay in the Courtyard, in hopes of meeting Princess Eutropia or Lady Glorianna Morilla.

Knowledge (nobility) DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Diplomacy (Charming): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Social Round 3 of 3

Tychus

Tychus delivers the letter to Lady Lotheed. ”You’re making good progress now Tychus. I’ll keep this message safe.” She tucks the letter into her dress. ”I just have one more task for you and then you are done. I promise.” She heads Tychus a file folder with some papers insides. ”I ”borrowed” this file from the Archives. It just needs to be returned before anyone else looks for it.”

(Tychus successfully delivers the letter to Lady Martella Lotheed. She gives Tychus one last item to deliver to the Archives.)

"My dear countess," she murmurs, "surely no one with a rational mind actually believes that women are any less capable of leading than men. Some might say it is self-serving to behave as if they believe otherwise. But of course, I speak only for myself. I couldn't possibly comment on my master's thoughts on the matter."

”Of course women are just as capable as men. But what matters more than one's sex is power. It seems like Princess Eutropia is going to win her bid to end primogeniture so I am supporting that cause. But if the vote shifts in the other direction, I’ll do whatever it takes to be on the winning side.” Countess Pace responds.

(Henrika successful determines Countess Abrielle Pace’s stance. Uncovering the countess’s lack of commitment to Eutropia’s cause completed Icabhod’s Discovery Mission. It also grants each of you a +2 circumstance bonus on skill checks to influence Baron Okerra, Lady Gloriana Morilla, and Princess Eutropia. Countess Pace is now considered fully influenced.)

Tychus and Henrika, being in the Gallery, see Malphene Trant continuing to grab glasses of wine from passing servants and watching the entertainers. She pesters Wyssilka, commenting that ”She is so small, like one of the children.” Which is also accentuated by Malphene’s large size. Wyssilka smiles through gritted teeth.

Trevor

It seems like you are attempting multiple actions.
You rolled Knowledge (nobility) to Influence the Courtyard?
And Diplomacy for…? It’s not currently used for either Princess Eutropia or Lady Morilla.
So I guess I’ll go with you Influencing the Courtyard which is technically a success but you only gain addition points for the amount you exceed the DC. Since the DC is 12. Your roll of 12 earns 0 extra influence points for the Courtyard. If you want to Influence Princess Eutropia or Lady Morilla, pick one each round.

Liraela and Xallis are up.

Seeing no one even approaching Kalbio, Liraela decides to pay him a visit in his quiet little corner admist the excitement.

"Hello there! You don't really seem to fit in among all of this pompous upper class stuff, you must be Kalbio. I heard you were an artisan of some renown? Tapestries, was it? I am a patron of the arts myself, though my art usually takes the form of ink beneath flesh." she says, rolling her sleeves up a bit to display her intricate and colorful tattoos.

I know you said no rolls needed, still going to make a diplomacy check to make a good impression.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"I don't really belong here, either, honestly. But it's all about making an impact and really finding your place amongst all the chaos. Hopefully you'll find yours, you seem to be a common enough name nowadays." she smiles at him, trying to hide her more intimidating features.

Social Round 3 of 3

Liraela

Kalbio looks at Liraela wide-eyed with joy. ”Hello, ma’am. Yes, Kalbio is ma name. I am purdy good at making tapestries. I suppose that’s why I was invited to da big city. I’m ta be a noble now.” He fidgets with his collar uncomfortably. ”These nobles sure do like to dress up. I’m sorry, ma’am. I must sound so out a place here. I must admit that I’m a bit lonely and overwhelmed here.” He takes Liraela’s arm admiringly. Her appearance does not seem to faze him. ”I love deez tattoos. Dey are so purdy. You don’t belong here either? I can understand that. I would be honored to accompany you, ma’am. On account of you not fitting in, that is.”

(Liraela influences Kalbio with her show of kindness and interest in his talent. Influencing Kalbio leads the impressionable man to follow the PC as his “big city friend.” This accompaniment is endearing to Princess Eutropia and Baron Nicolaus Okerra, granting the PCs a +2 bonus to Charisma-based skill checks while Kalbio follows the PC around. The yokel’s presence is a stain on the PCs’ reputation with more traditional politicians, however, imposing a –2 penalty on Charisma-based checks against Countess Pace, Duke Centimus, and Maxillar Pythareus.)

Xallis

Since Xallis is already in the Archives. He attempts to finish Influencing it.

Knowledge (Nobility) DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

His vested interest in Taldan history catches the attention of librarian Pabrus Telecoum, who offers Xallis a dog-eared and crumbling journal donated to the library but considered unsalvageable. The text itself is a somewhat compelling tale of a young wizard’s growth to womanhood and inheriting her family business in Cassomir 250 years ago. Though large portions are missing or damaged by water, tucked into the back of the book is a scroll containing, blur, mount, see invisibility, unseen servant, ventriloquism, and whip of spiders.

Archives: With a Knowledge (nobility) result of 23, Xallis is 11 points above the DC 12, earning him 11 influence points and increasing the threshold total from 11 points to 22 points and hitting the second threshold at 20 points.

(I’ll post the next event in the next post.)

Event: Dissenters

As Martella predicted, Malphene Trant eventually makes a move in the upper gallery alongside a few of her sycophants. She corners the young Senator Dou, and shoves him into the Beldam II Waiting Room. Henrika and Tychus who have deliberately kept an eye on Malphene see this automatically. The cordoning off happens too quickly to intervene, but those who witnessed the interaction gain a +2 circumstance bonus on their initiative checks when they confront Malphene. Martella alerts the rest of you to the scuffle via their senate aide badges and any of the attending servants or guards can point you in the appropriate direction.

The room itself is a 30-foot-by-30-foot area, with lavish white marble floors and sturdy wooden walls. The centerpiece of the room is a vast 20-foot-wide gold-trimmed window peering down over the city of Oppara. Chairs and tables are spaced throughout the chamber to promote socializing.

Malphene spends several minutes haranguing Senator Dou, then shoving him, providing you with time to gather your numbers. When you enter together, she is incensed at the interruption. She shouts, ”I don’t recall asking the “help” to come in here! Get out and go mop a floor or some sh!t.” The four friends accompanying Trant, all bored, bullying sons of local aristocratic families quickly join in on the mockery as well. ”Trash!” ”Freaks!”

Senator Dou crumbles to the floor and whimpers. ”Help me.”

Trant is particularly angry and slightly drunk. None of the enemies are currently armed.

(I’ve added a map to the links. Also Here. I didn’t have a map for this room so I cobbled together something on my own. The white tables will be considered difficult terrain and require a Climb or Jump check DC 5 to get on top of. Otherwise, you can freely move around the room. The chairs don’t obstruct. You should all be able to edit the map. If you can't, let me know.)

Initiative
24 - Icabhod
20 - Liraeala
20 - Xallis
17 - Tychus
17 - Henrika
13 - Trevor
06 - Malphene Trant
02 - Sycophant (Red)
02 - Sycophant (Yellow)
02 - Sycophant (Blue)
02 - Sycophant (Orange)

(Senator Dou does not participate in the combat)

(First combat! Break out your character sheets. Everyone is up.)

I forgot to add.

Xallis Wisom: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Navia Wisdom: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Navia recalls that this would be a good situation to place the brass chatterbox on the door and prevent people outside from hearing any fighting. She can do so before entering the room if she wishes.

You all can also do any precombat preparation before entering the room as well.

Event: Dissenters

Trevor excuses himself from any conversation to rush to check on the upper gallery.

Event: Dissenters, round 1

Henrika, with the full confidence of her military training in her youth, springs into action. While they are all still off-guard, she rushes around the sycophants and tables alike to place herself next to Senator Dou, and locks eyes with Malphene Trant. "Peace!" she says shortly, while her intimidating gaze dares Trant to continue her attacks. All the while, her hands work to undo the peacebond on her longsword.

Move action: move 30'
Swift action: hypnotic gaze on Trant (-2 Will saves)
Standard action: untie peacebond

If we are allowed to remove the peacebond from our weapons before entering, instead Henrika will ready an attack against Trant if she attacks Henrika, Dou, or one of Henrika's allies.

Round 1

Icabhod drinks an extract of Long Arm beforehand, and his arms grow unnaturally long.

Icabhod slips his club out and sneers at the rabble. How rude! It is time to give you a proper drubbing! He then steps up and thwacks at one.

club: 1d20 ⇒ 171d6 ⇒ 1

Getting flashbacks to how she was treated as a child on the streets of Oppara, Liraela instantly lets the newly acquired dagger she had slid up her sleeve drop into her hand as she glances over the group in front of her.

"I guess peace isn't in the cards for today, hm? Unlucky." she says snarkily, taking a step forward and preparing to strike if any of them enter her reach.

Draw dagger, five foot step forward, ready action to stab any of the vagrants that might dare to encroach upon her.

Social Round 3 of 3

Xallis thumbs through the book, taking note of the scrolls found inside. Assuming that they lack any notable marking of ownership from any particular house, guild, or other such organization, Xallis urges Navia to discreetly tuck it into his robes.

The soft, rhythmic ticking of the brass chatterbox plays like music to Navia's ears as she sets it against the door before taking her place in a protective stance in front of her summoner.

"Your crude insults are a poor substitute for wit." Xallis says with no small hint of disdain. "Navia. Everyone. Let's teach them a lesson in manners that they'll not soon forget."

Xallis begins by chanting and weaving magic, conjuring a slippery mass beneath their opponents. Navia steps forward, kicking at one of them with her talons.

Xallis casts grease on a 10 foot space underneath Trant, Yellow, and Blue. Navia takes a 5-foot step forward and makes a full attack against a hopefully flat-footedblue, taking a penalty to deal nonlethal damage.

Grease DC 14
Navia's Talon, nonlethal: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 = 2
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Navia's Talon, nonlethal: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 4 = 17
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Round 1

Icabhod’s arm unnaturally stretches and shoots straight out. The club in his hand connects squarely with one of the sycophant’s noses with an audible “twack!” ”Ow! What the hell? He broke my nose!” The man shouts with blood dripping down his face.

Sycophant (yellow) takes 1 non-lethal damage.

Liraela takes a step closer with her dagger out and dares the nobles to get within arms’ reach.

Malphene Trant Reflex DC 14: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Sycophant (yellow) Reflex DC 14: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Sycophant (blue) Reflex DC 14: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Xallis casts grease across the floor. Malphene and Sycophant (blue) manage to keep their balance. The noble (yellow) who Icabhod broke his nose slips and comically and lands flat on his back and groans. The man (blue) next to him shouts, ”Hey, you can’t do that to Frones. I’ll make you pay!”

Then Navia steps up and silences him (blue) by kicking him in the stomach; he crumples over in pain.

Sycophant (yellow) falls prone. Sycophant (blue) takes 2 non-lethal damage.

Henrika locks eyes with Maphene Trant and sneaks around behind her.

(Since it’s the weekend, I’ll give Trevor and Tychus some more time to post.)

Initiative
24 - Icabhod
20 - Liraeala (readying)
20 - Xallis
17 - Tychus
17 - Henrika (readying)
13 - Trevor
06 - Malphene Trant (-2 Will saves)
02 - Sycophant (Red)
02 - Sycophant (Yellow) (-1 non-lethal) (Prone)
02 - Sycophant (Blue) (-2 non-lethal)
02 - Sycophant (Orange)

Trevor and Tychus are up.

Round 1

(Since it’s the weekend, I’ll give Trevor and Tychus some more time to post.)

Trevor and Tychus are up.

I wasn't sure if Trevor could make it to the ruckus in one round.

Event: Dissenters: Round 1
The caydenite makes it in the door, to witness the sacred sacrament of a bar fight..but it's in Upper Gallery of Senate of Taldor!?!

Eveything in him is urging him to take part, but the scandal would ruin his reputation. Such as it was, quite frankly. The cleric, in a bout of taldoran pride tries a diplomatic approach and admonishes the roughhouse.

"DAME TRANT! This is the Taldoran Senate! This is not a place for low, bestial manners! You are a lady and should act accordingly. STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS, NOW!"
Diplomacy (Charming): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Seeing his new found friend flattened to the ground by the upstart noble, Tychus attempts to rush to his side.

Climb 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Climb 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

He vaults over two tables to finally reach the side of Junior Senator Dou.

"Big mistake. We've just become friends, he and I..." Tychus says as he nods towards Dou. "And I don't take kindly to my friends getting their noses broken."

He holds his fists up, ready for a fight.

The sycophants can take an AOO on me if they are able to do so with Unarmed Strikes (ex: Improved Unarmed Strike).

Tychus will ready an Unarmed Strike on Trant should she continue to prove hostile to Dou or other members of the party.

Round 1

The sycophants can take an AOO on me if they are able to do so with Unarmed Strikes (ex: Improved Unarmed Strike).

The enemies have not had a turn yet, so they don’t get any attack of opportunity. OOC: They also don’t have unarmed strike, so they wouldn’t anyway.

Tychus dramatically leaps of the tables while the nobles stare slack-jawed in amazement.

Trevor tries to talk Malphene down but she’s too drunk to listen.

(That actually had a chance to succeed by the DC was a little higher.)

”Stop staring at me like that, b!tch! I’ll wipe that smirk off your face!”

Malphene - Unarmed Strike vs Henrika (AC 16): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Nonlethal Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Malphene swings her fist in a wide hook and punches Henrika in the side of her face.

Henrika takes 5 nonlethal damage.

Attack (longsword): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Damage (slashing), painful stare: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Adding a -4 for nonlethal

Henrika retaliates with the flat of her longsword but Malphene blocks it with her forearm.

Tychus - Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Nonlethal Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

At the same time, Tychus jabs Malphene in the ribs.

Malphene takes 3 nonlethal damage.

Malphene - AoO Unarmed Strike vs Tychus (AC 17): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Nonlethal Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Malphene grunts and makes a wild attack towards Tychus but hits nothing but air.
Malphene does have Improved Unarmed Strike, so she she takes an attack of opportunity on Tychus for his unarmed attack. Her attack of opportunity is now spent though, so she can’t make another until her next turn.

Sycophant (red) - Unarmed Strike vs Tychus (AC 17): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

”Malphene! I’ll protect you.” Sycophant (red) shouts and takes a running punch at Tychus. But these other nobles are not trained at fighting like the Dame is. Tychus leans back and dodges out of the way.

Navia – AoO Unarmed Strike vs. Sycophant (yellow): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 18

The sycophant on the floor (yellow) carefully pushes himself up and manages to avoid an attack by Navia. He then cautiously steps off the grease while still holding his nose; blood oozes out from between his fingers. ”My outfit is ruined! Do you know how much this cost?”

Sycophant (blue) - Unarmed Strike vs Navia (AC 13): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Nonlethal Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Sycophant (blue) punches Navia in the chest but afterwards he shakes his fist and winces in pain. ”What even is this thing?”

Navia takes 2 nonlethal damage.

Sycophant (orange) – Demoralize vs Liraela (DC 10): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

”Purple beast! Taldor has no place for you!” Sycophant (orange) hurls insults at Liraela.

Liraela is shaken for 1 round.

Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Round 2

Initiative
24 - Icabhod
20 - Liraela (Shaken [1 rd.])
20 - Xallis
20 - Navia (-2 non-lethal)
17 - Tychus
17 - Henrika (-5 non-lethal)
13 - Trevor
06 - Malphene Trant (-3 non-lethal) (-2 Will saves)
02 - Sycophant (Red)
02 - Sycophant (Yellow) (-1 non-lethal)
02 - Sycophant (Blue) (-2 non-lethal)
02 - Sycophant (Orange)

Everyone is up again.

At the same time, Tychus jabs Malphene in the ribs.

Malphene takes 3 nonlethal damage.

As a free action that Henrika can take once a round even when it isn't her turn, Henrika adds 1 damage to a successful attack on the subject of her painful stare.

Henrika grits her teeth and swings again, annoyed that she is limited by striking with the flat of her blade instead of the edge. Such considerations for someone who is drunk and menacing another guest do not seem fair to her, but she does not want to get her patron in trouble.

Attack (longsword), nonlethal: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 4 = 3
Damage (nonlethal slashing), painful stare: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Sycophant (blue) punches Navia in the chest but afterwards he shakes his fist and winces in pain. ”What even is this thing?”

Navia smiles as she winds up for another series of painful kicks. "What I am is beyond your comprehension, little fleshling!"

Talons: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20
Nonlethal Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Talons: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 4 = 17
Nonlethal Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Meanwhile, Xallis' eyes scan the battlefield, assessing the state of his allies. He steps up next to Navia, reaching into his scroll case and drawing a rune-covered parchment. He steadies himself, preparing to cast the written spell at a moment's notice.

Making two attacks with Navia against Blue. Xallis will 5-foot step, draw his scroll of infernal healing, and ready an action to cast it on Navia if she's knocked out by damage.

Round 2
Through the commotion, Trevoir looks to see if Senator Duo is alright.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
"STOP THIS AT ONCE!" The cleric attempts once more to bring sanity to the Gallery.
Diplomacy (charming): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Round 2

Icabhod stretches his limbs and strikes with his fist against Yellow

Unarmed: 1d20 ⇒ 71d3 ⇒ 3 Nonlethal

Seeing Trant as the bigger threat, Tychus attempts once more to hit her with his fists.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Confirm Crit?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Oof

He lands a solid blow, but is incapable of delivering the strike he wanted, due to how much his opponent is staggering around in her own drunken stupor.

Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Players selected post here to join the campaign. Additional details to follow.

Thanks for the invite, GM! Excited to get started.

Figured I’d post a bit about my character and her planned progression. She’s a deadly courtesan, which gets a bit of bardic performances (inspire competence and fascinate) by level 3, and I intend to switch over to actual bard levels starting at level 4 to have a bit of support and arcane spellcasting in addition to some secondary melee damage.

As far her personality, she’s a ‘rising star’ sort of character both in her art (traditional Vudran tattoos) and singing voice, both of which are what attracted Lotheed’s attention. Very personable and likeable, but sort of a snake in the grass type (literally) when it comes to advancement. Main goal is to rejoin her family that abandoned her, but I have a feeling that they won’t like her and it’ll turn into her wanting to gather power for her own name and future family name alongside the party.

Everyone please modify your character sheet so that under "Race/Class Levels" you have the following information so it shows as a header when you post: Alignment, Race, Class, Level, HP, AC, Fort, Ref, Will, and Perception.

For example: CG Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

If there is any other relevant information that you feel belongs there, you can include it too.

The rest of your character sheet you can keep in whatever format you want as long as I can make sense of it if I need to reference it.

Checking in. Thank you for the invite!

I have a few things to finish up (mainly just adding some mundane gear), but otherwise good to go.

Good idea Liraela, I'll add the same below for myself.

I added a link to a Player Folder that will have all the documents you guys can reference. If you have trouble accessing, let me know.

The link to the folder is at the top of the page and the individual links are under the campaign info tab.

Currently there are four pages.

Historical Figures: These are just the back pages of each of the 6 chapters of the adventure path. They have some interesting information. Most of it won't come up until much later in the campaign but there is no reason you can't see it.

Maps: This currently has a map of Taldor and a map of Oppara. Underneath the map of Oppara, I also included information on the districts and notable locations for you to reference. This will help you explore the city.

Persona: I made a page for each of your characters with your backstories if you want to read up on the other players. I also put in a picture that I grabbed for each of your characters. I'll use this for your tokens on maps. If you want to use a different image, just let me know. If you do want a new image, I would prefer a full body image if possible.

Succession Loyalties: This shows the current support for the different candidates for succeeding the crown in Taldor. It will change as the campaign progresses.

Additional pages such as treasure sheets, combat maps, etc. will quickly be added as they come up.

Welcome.

Lireala, I don't see an alignment on your character sheet anywhere.

Tychus, I'll grab a picture of the character and add it tonight when I get home. I have access to more images on my home computer.

Also, my name is Michael, so you can refer to me as GM Peachbottom or Michael or Mike.

Ah, apologies! Thanks for letting me know. Liraela is Lawful Neutral, but not in the same way as Tychus. She follows her own moral code, which reflects that of her deity,(Ravithra, the Karmic Pillar) believing that karma is the most important force in the universe. Those who betray their kind, family, or country, don’t deserve to live. That’s her most important motivation for working towards supporting Princess Eutropa (and the fact that her patron, Lady Lotheed, supports her as well).

She’s not a devout follower and doesn’t gain any mechanical benefits, but she aims to live up to the standards of the Mother of Nagas.

So even though it is called Exaltation Week, I am going to shorten the event to just the weekdays, starting on a Moonday and ending with the Exaltation Gala on a Fireday.

The first day will just be your meetup with quest giver, Lady Martella Lotheed. And the last day will be the gala. So it will really just be the second, third, and fourth days that will be open-ended for exploration. I don't feel like you'd need more time than that.

Even though Martella will meet you all in the same place, she meets you all separately. You may engineer crossing paths with some of your characters during the second through fourth days, but even if everyone doesn't meet, Martella will hold a second meeting on the Fireday before the gala begins where everyone will attend and formally form the party.

Once you receive your individual mission on the first day, you will then have the opportunity on the following days to do any additional purchasing, gather information on various topics (some specific topics will be provided), or just roleplay enjoying the week-long festival.

I do want to get to the meat of the action quickly so while I want you to have a brief opportunity to explore, I will continue to push things forward and have each day of information gathering last no more than an IRL day or two of posting. I did want to do it this way, however, so that Oppara feels more lived in rather than just a background setting.

Although, normally I'd have everyone meet up right away, this adventure path is set up a little different. But you can easily cross paths with another character as soon as your third or fourth post if you choose. And even if not, I will give plenty of hooks so that no one is lost.

I have my introductions drafted, but I'm going to wait until everyone checks in before posting in the gameplay thread.

Good evening. I am here to make sure our home are secure.

Hi everyone! I'll make sure everything on my character profile is correct.

Welcome Henrika.

Btw, that header looks perfect.

OK, I added Tychus' image.

OK, I added Tychus' image.

Appreciated. I can see about getting a more accurate picture. Paizo has very limited options haha.

If it’s from a 1e Paizo product, I probably have access to it. But it doesn’t have to be. You can give me a link or email or I can give you access to the page and you can paste it in. Whatever is easiest. It doesn’t have to match your profile picture either.

Greetings, all! Checking in. I didn't want to say this during the recruitment stage, but if the DM wants to keep these Adventurer fools alive,
they're gonna want a cleric. And that's all I gotta say about that!

Indeed Trevor. I made sure to pick at least one divine caster.

Just waiting on Xallis to check in now and then we're all set.

Lady Peacebottom and other party members, I'd like to ask your permission on something before we go forward.

When I play a divine caster, I like to add some fluffy goodness in order to ground them more in the world and their faith. So I'd like to propose:

Cayden's Channel
Trevor worships Cayden Caliean, The Drunken Hero, God of Ale, Bravery, and Wine. And thus would have a unique access to The Positive Energy Plane for clerical spells and channeling energy. When any character, NPC or PC, receives any healing from Trevor Kastner, the character must roll a Constitution ability check. If they make the Con DC 10, nothing happens other than healing. If they fail the Con save, their character is forced to let out an audible burp. If the character fails the DC by 5 or greater, the character lets out a monstrously loud belch.

Comparatively, if any undead is destroyed by any healing energy from Trevor Kastner, the undead explodes with a very loud belch and ceases to be.

Sorry, while that sounds amusing, I think it would get old really fast. I’m not interested in applying that. I do like the idea of adding the extra flavor to your healing that some of its power comes from ale, but it’d be up the the receiver if they want to roleplay feeling any alcoholic effect and it wouldn’t have any mechanical effect or require any roll.

I think I've fixed the header, and am ready to get this party started!

All Set

Looking good. I sent a PM to Xallis too, so hopefully he'll see.

Hello! Sorry for the delay, got caught up at work. I'm here and tinkering with the profile for quick reference stats.

And of course, a fashionably late Thank You for inviting me to play. I'm looking forward to it!

Awesome. Welcome. Everyone is here. I’ll get a post up soon.

Sorry, while that sounds amusing, I think it would get old really fast. I’m not interested in applying that. I do like the idea of adding the extra flavor to your healing that some of its power comes from ale, but it’d be up the the receiver if they want to roleplay feeling any alcoholic effect and it wouldn’t have any mechanical effect or require any roll.

That's fair. I hope to play along with my fellow party members! Cheers!!

I added the first post to the gameplay thread. You can read it and post your responses.

I realized that my post says Martella wants to meet again in one week. I typed that before I decided I wanted to shorten the week and didn't catch that it should have been updated. She means meet again on Fireday (Friday) which is in 4 days.

I will be out with friends most of Sunday. I may be able to get a post in early in the morning or late at night depending on who else posts.

After leaving, Icabhod decides to brush up on his knowledge of the duke and countess.

Ok. I think I may have been a little confusing.

The +9 bonus is only on Diplomacy checks to gather information and on Knowledge checks if you are using a library. You can’t do either of these on the first day. I did allow Tychus to make a knowledge roll to see if he knew anything about a person Marcella mentioned. And I’ll allow Icabhod to do the same with the two people she mentioned to him. I’ll allow other characters to make a knowledge nobility/local roll if Marcella mentioned someone to them too if they wish. These are without any bonus. This is only if Martello mentioned someone as part of your task. To get information on Martella, King Stavian, or Princess Eutropia you will have to gather information.

I guess I was trying to explain things too fast. Right now, I was just mainly looking for a response to Martella. You don’t need to pick your first place to go on day two yet either. Once everyone responds, I’ll close out day one and then open day two and go from there.

Knowledge checks are generally to see if you already know something on a subject. Diplomacy (Gather Information) is to learn things you don’t know yet.

I'll put all the possible knowledge rolls in the gameplay thread in a moment.

"And from what I've heard, being easy on the eyes is doing him no shortage of favors on that front."

I picture Baron Okerra as the Regé-Jean Page of the campaign.

Apologies for not posting yet, having family over this weekend and have been quite busy. I’ll get a post up tonight or early tomorrow!

Thank you for the communication, Liraela.

Before I post, I want to research Oppara a little more closely. I generally want to establish Trevor working at a Cayden temple/tavern, and I want to get the right districts and establishments correct according to printed resources.

Unfortunately, I work the next two days, 12 hours each. I shall try to make my post before Nov. 1st if I can. If not, it will be on the 1st.

Sure Trevor.

I'll provide some addition information for you.

Taldans are generally devout, and most homes include a small shrine to one or more gods who play an important role in the family’s daily life. As a nation, they worship Abadar, Cayden Cailean, and Shelyn over all others, generally depicting their gods with Taldan features and pointing out that Cayden himself was Taldan before taking the Test of the Starstone. Worship of other gods exists. But none with the same fervor as the so-called “Taldan Pantheon.”

Despite being one of the major deities of Taldor, no formal church to Cayden Cailean exists in Oppara. Instead, most taverns and inns have a shrine to the god built into their establishment. Most clergy serve as bartenders, brewers, or similar occupations.

I can't find any tavern names actually printed in any of the documents that I have, so I'll make some up below. If you can find any taverns in printed Paizo material that I missed, I'll accept them as well.

District: Tavern
Aroden's View: The Quiet Princesses' Alehouse. An upscale alehouse for wealthy nobles. Typical attended by chauvinistic males who joke the current Princess, Princess Eutropia, is anything but.

Canal Row: The Noble's Wineskin. Sits right on the edge of the canal overlooking the water. It is a clean and quiet tavern. Perfect for wealthier commoners and merchants who can't afford an upscale tavern but also want to avoid the seedier districts.

Crownsgate: The Burnt Troll. The watering hole of some of the most undesirable citizens of Oppara. The clientele are dangerous and the ale tastes like piss.

Eastport: The Lucky Devil. This tavern sits right in the center of a portion of Eastport the previous burnt down twice but miraculously the Lucky Devil was untouched both times. Some patrons claim the the tavern is blessed by Cayden Cailean. Others claim is protected by something more sinister.

Grandbridge: Cayden's Mug. A tavern/inn dedicated to Cayden Cailean. While not a temple, most of the staff are followers of the accidental god. One of the largest taverns in Oppara, Cayden's Mug is open 24/7 and always has a warm hearth and a cool drink for anyone interested.

Imperial Square: The Lion Club. Only the richest Opparans can attend this exclusive club. Powerful bouncers make sure only those on a VIP list or with very deep pockets gain entrance.

Jadrishar Island: None.

Lionsgate: The Gatehouse. Located just inside the main gate, this is the first tavern that most visitors see when they travel into the city. It is typically packed with foreigners and Opparans who wish to do business with them.

Memorial Park: None.

The Narrows: Gerey's Shed. Mostly an actual shed than a proper tavern. Gerey sells whatever concoction he brews up in his back-alley barrels to those brave enough to try it.

Senate's Hill: Lion Noir. An upscale coffee house. Caters to senators and other government officials who would prefer not to sully their fine shoes in a "tavern."

Seven Towers: None.

Westpark: None.

Westport: The Bottomless Barrel. Caters to Taldor's sailors and naval officers as well as well as some morally questionable patrons interested in the other activities Westport has to offer.

Worldbreaker Hill: None.

Also, you guys don't have to post in spoiler if you don't want to. I'm only doing it to keep my post from being a giant wall of text.

Thank you for this information, GM Peachbottom. Of all the places on Golarion I've played, I've never played in Taldor. So Oppara is a blind spot for me. I'm normally more prepared with character backgrounds.

One second inspection, I realized I only gave Trevor one background skill in Knowledge (history), so I'll fix that by adding Profession (bartender).

Thank you for this information, GM Peachbottom. Of all the places on Golarion I've played, I've never played in Taldor. So Oppara is a blind spot for me. I'm normally more prepared with character backgrounds.

I appreciate when people put some research into their backstory.

One second inspection, I realized I only gave Trevor one background skill in Knowledge (history), so I'll fix that by adding Profession (bartender).

That's fine to update that.

If anyone wants to observe Liraela's unusual eating habits and laugh at/with her, feel free!

There isn't much info on vishkanya in much of anything outside of a few pieces, so I'll be taking a few liberties with her habits and styles. If anything is too weird, let me know!

You probably know more about vishkanya than I do.

In Henrika's backstory, I said that she spends a lot of time at a tavern called the Lion's Head, which is supposed to be an artless copy of Shakespeare's Boar's Head Tavern. I was curious where in Oppara this should be located, and I was thinking Lionsgate would be a good choice, but closer to the center of town and away from the gate (and The Gatehouse). I was planning to write about Henrika going to visit her friends there in the interim. It would probably strain credibility to have any of our characters know each other beforehand, though maybe we could know some of the same people?

Well, this point likely needs to be approved by GM Peachbottom; but I'd like Trevor to cycle between 4 taverns each week to perform clerical duties and bartend in. Cayden's Mug in Grandbridge is the tavern Trevor considers his 'home tavern'. The caydenite would also work in The Noble's Wineskin in Canal Row, The Gatehouse in Lionsgate and The Lion Club in Imperial Square. And due to being part of one of the major noble families, he'd be allowed to move freely from one to the other.

In that case, Henrika, you might know Trevor as the weird noble bartender cleric.

In Henrika's backstory, I said that she spends a lot of time at a tavern called the Lion's Head, which is supposed to be an artless copy of Shakespeare's Boar's Head Tavern. I was curious where in Oppara this should be located, and I was thinking Lionsgate would be a good choice, but closer to the center of town and away from the gate (and The Gatehouse). I was planning to write about Henrika going to visit her friends there in the interim. It would probably strain credibility to have any of our characters know each other beforehand, though maybe we could know some of the same people?

Sure. We can add The Lion's Head to Lionsgate District as well. I have no problem with characters being acquaintances with each other. If you and Trevor want to work out something where you know either, that's fine by me.

Well, this point likely needs to be approved by GM Peachbottom; but I'd like Trevor to cycle between 4 taverns each week to perform clerical duties and bartend in. Cayden's Mug in Grandbridge is the tavern Trevor considers his 'home tavern'. The caydenite would also work in The Noble's Wineskin in Canal Row, The Gatehouse in Lionsgate and The Lion Club in Imperial Square. And due to being part of one of the major noble families, he'd be allowed to move freely from one to the other.

This is also fine by me. But just fair warning. Not to spoil anything, but you won't be staying in Oparra for long. So after this first week, you'll just have to see how the story plays out.

If you do want to have Trevor working this week, I will allow one Profession (bartender) roll for a week's income. It would be a d20 + your Profession (bartender) modifier + 9 for Oppara's Economy stat. You would earn half your result total in gold pieces.

Oh, also, I meant to ask, like for a session 0. Does anyone have any subjects that are triggering or that they are sensitive to? I will do my best to make this campaign welcoming to all my players. Luckily, this campaign is not heavy on any particularly gory or sexual situations. I can't recall any instance in any of the books that I would consider problematic. But I figured I'd mention this in case I need to keep my eye out for anything that might come up.

As long as the GM's okay with it, I have no problem with Trevor and Henrika knowing each other, at least in passing! It makes us assimilating into a cohesive adventuring group a lot easier. :)

Does anyone have any subjects that are triggering or that they are sensitive to?

It's not really a trigger per se, but I've found over the years that I get really uncomfortable being in a game where players are actively working against each other. PvP really kills my enjoyment of RPGs! I don't know how to suggest you accommodate that if the story requires it, but maybe just know that I might struggle to keep up if we have to play on opposite sides. Things like fear and mind-control are essential to Pathfinder, I know, but I'm cool with that as long as it's the GM deciding what happens, not me strategizing how to screw over my friends. :)

There is no part of the adventure path where you wouldn't be working as a group.

Since Trevor is established as a charmer, I'll make sure any sexual RP is done off-screen.

It is fate! I had exactly 15 GP left over, so she absolutely must have a fine outfit! Ravithra will insure I have what I need to thrive.

I'm sorry to inform you that the noble's outfit is 45 gp, not 15 gp (45 minus 30). A noble's outfit is normally 75 gp, so the 45 gp already includes subtracting 30 gp from it.

Well, shucks. I misread, but that’s okay. A normal outfit with a little bit of flair works fine enough. Sorry about that!

Happy Halloween!