GM Frost's S05-10 The Crocodile's Smile [PaizoCon Online 2024 PbP] (Inactive)

Game Master Frozen Frost

Dot in and delete.

The adventure begins with the agents in the Niswan lodge being led to speak with Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra and Venture-Captain Safa.

Massive racks of fine clothing and multiple full-length mirrors line the walls of this large, circular room. Tailors and attendants wait on Venture-Captain Rashmivati Melipdra, who stands in front of a mirror admiring a colorful saree. An attendant clears her throat and Rashmivati turns in a warm greeting. “Hello, my friends! Thank you for coming. Please, come sit with us and get comfortable.” She gestures to cushions arranged in the middle of the room, where someone already sits—an elegantly dressed djinni wearing multicolored silks, their azure skin draped with jewelry of gold and bright lapis lazuli.

See this Slide for images of both Venture-Captains.

After they sit and are offered refreshments in the form of appetizers and chai, Safa begins. Safa closes their eyes and deeply inhales the spiced aroma of the teacup in their hands. “Ahh, truly, there is no chai like Jalmeray’s. I have missed this place dearly. But, to business.

“After my previous binder’s mysterious benefactor reached out to the Society with that threatening letter, we’ve been hard at work trying to uncover their true identity. Thanks to the lodge and the help of other genies, we’ve managed to learn a few important pieces of intel. First, we believe them to be a female rakshasa who meddles in the politics of multiple nations aside from Qadira. Most recently, her attention has been focused on Absalom, and now Jalmeray.”

“Second,” says Rashmivati. “The Benefactor seems to have rather expensive taste in rare and ancient gemstones, making them a regular attendee of high-class auctions in Niswan. Attendees in similar social circles are our current best lead for new information.”

“Which means that you all,” continues Safa “are heading to a proper Maurya-Rahm party!”

Rashmivati gestures to the room packed with clothing and attendants. “Before that, however, you need to look and act the part. There is a definitive dress code and etiquette for such events, and as you will be representing the Niswan Lodge during your attendance, we must ensure you put on a good face.”

“Luckily, I’m an expert in such matters!” Safa stands with a mischievous smile and a glint in their eye.

Kindly introduce yourselves and ask if you have questions. Also indicate if you have a weapon with you.

While he may have been one of the first Pathfinders to arrive, he was the last to enter the meeting. Deosil seems to either always either be nervous or lost in thought. He often hums to himself in an odd fashion. Sounding out single notes and then listening quietly, sometimes long after the note has faded.
Like most Gnomes, his hair is unusually colored: A mix of bright blue, transitioning into a straw-colored blonde.
He often wonders if the blonde is unknowingly fading to grey.

Deosil looks a little overwhelmed by everything that he just heard.
A nervous little gnome, Deosil keeps his posture stooped most of the time, as if bracing himself for bad news.
"Um yes, hello Venture captain...s...?
This whole affair sounds terribly, terribly interesting. But also potentially quite dangerous doesn't it?
I worry we may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves.
After all, what even is a Maurya-Rahm party?
Isn't a Rakshasa a foe well beyond our capability as novice agents?
Aren't we just..." He sighs and suddenly stops talking, as if realizing he's gone on too long.

Deosil keeps a bow strapped across his back, but it seems largely unused. What is far more loved is the relatively small zither in his hands, which he clutches between his two hands. As he talks, his thumbs run along the lowest note but he refrains from plucking any of the strings.

"Well met, Venture-Captains! I am Kanbashii, but my friends call my Bashii."

The speaker is a catfolk of medium height dressed in leathers and sporting various bladed weapons. He concentrates briefly and a large plant creature materializes beside him. Bashii's face reflects his glee as he appears to want to rub on the plant.

"Never get tired of doing that." he says cheerfully, "This is my friend and companion, Catnip." he says, pointing to the plant.

I just realized that I need to update his statblock and create one for catnip...

Catnip bows, but stays close to Bashii

Bashii is a rogue with Summoner Dedication. This is actually the first time I've played him with the eidolon

A halfling female with a headcloth and a smirk waves.
"Ooh a party. I'm Glenda. A cook, and then my restaurant burned down. Was cursing my lot next to a river and this fish jumped out and slapped me, and been with me since. I don't know if a fish is a weapon, but it's pretty deadly. Flies around and smacks people and for some reason coughs out fruit."

A kobold with silvery scales rushes towards the rest of the group. "Am I late? I'm usually late. But maybe first this time? Tooth came out much easier this time, and less screaming!"

He flicks a razor open and closed inattentively as he continues, "I am Tieri. I will care for your medical and grooming needs on this trip." He lowers his voice slightly, "...and maybe dentistry? If it comes up. Just need to ask."

Tieri has a wickedly-sharp razor in a holster on his belt, as well as a set of sharpened throwing rings. His shield also looks to have been modified to deal damage.

"Um yes, hello Venture captain...s...?

This whole affair sounds terribly, terribly interesting. But also potentially quite dangerous doesn't it?
I worry we may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves.
After all, what even is a Maurya-Rahm party?
Isn't a Rakshasa a foe well beyond our capability as novice agents?
Aren't we just..." He sighs and suddenly stops talking, as if realizing he's gone on too long.

"Maurya-Rahm means the nobility of Jalmeray nation, so basically, it is the party of Jalmeri noble officials. Highly respected people from across the nation's capital city Niswan sociopolitical scene will be in attendance. For your purposes, there are five attendees we believe you should focus on: Brasshorn, Malqees, Nazreiha, Pikkry, and Tisbah.” Rashmivati replies, ticking off each name on her fingers.

See Handout #1: Persons of Interest.

"Of course—it wouldn’t be a high-class event without social rules.” Safa settles into a seat on a cushion before explaining. “Unless instructed otherwise, you should address attendees as master or madame before their name. Make sure to drink any tea with your right hand and while sitting down. Your formal weapons are exactly that: formal, and not to be drawn. It’s a lot, but we ask that you follow these rules, lest you disrespect the attendees or the host and discredit the social standing of the lodge.”

"And since this is a formal event," Safa stands up again and checks everyone's outfit. "Don't be shy to change your outfit with everything here of your choosing. Jewel tones are in style right now, while pastels are out. Geometric patterns are trending, worn alongside accompanying scarves with gold borders on the edge, and simpler style throughout the middle. Men’s scarves should be shorter and less intricate, and worn draped simply over the neck with a waistcoat or sherwani. Formal weapons should be visible on the waist.” Safa advises, draping a scarf over their neck and peeking into a mirror.

Just fo you to know, a formal weapon is a necessary part of your outfit as a display of strength and ability." they tells them. For anybody that doesn’t have a weapon, Safa lends them a dagger with a jewel-crusted handle. For those with weapons, Safa uses magic to provide a similar bejeweled look. "That's better." they say with contentment.

"There will be an auction and it will happen in one week at the home of Faqhir the Steadfast. He’s a lesser member of Jalmeray’s nobility, the Maurya- Rahm, and located in the Heights district.” Rashmivati informs them. "Attendees are not expected to have funds on them. Instead, they’re billed afterwards. You can and should bid on any item that interests you, especially if doing so aids your information gathering. However,” Rashmivati raises an eyebrow and smiles, “we ask that you not win anything. While we have plenty of money to dress and pay you, we’d like to avoid spending money on expensive frivolities.”

The agents are provided with their choice of a minor healing potion or a minor silvertongue mutagen. Choose one for each PC.

Since this involves an Influence System, and if you want to spend time before the auction to Gather Information in Niswan about your targets, we can treat it as a single Influence round to Discover information about the relevant NPC. Remember that Discover checks are secret rolls, so tell me if you want to Gather Information first before we go to the auction event.

A young human woman in black robes, her face covered by the hood of a white cloak, speaks. "Oh, yes. Hello."

She removes her hood, her long black ponytail pouring down her back before reaching her waist. How does all that hair fit in that hood? Who knows.

"My name is Sianfinn Duuslan. I'm a sorcerer."

A tiny smile appears on her face as she conjures a small ball of flame in her hand before quickly dismissing it.

"I've never been to Casmaron before, but if it's a fancy party we're off to, I can hopefully be of some assistance with hobbnobbery and such."

No weapon per se, but Sianfinn does carry a wooden shield on her person. Also, sorry for such a delayed response! I've been Sarenrae's sleepiest warrior today.

Tieri glances down at his glamoured weapon. "Looks more like something you hide under the floorboards than use for proper hygiene." He grabs a healing potion and some appropriate looking clothing, though he likely frustrates Safa multiple times before settling on something appropriate.

Glenda takes the mutagen.

"Oooh.. such a pretty dagger. Better than my kitchen knife!"

Glenda is excited and tries to find out info about the auction.
(Diplomacy +6)

Jessa is a human woman who carries a heavy shield and wears heavier armor. She wears a longsword and carries javelins as back-up weapons. And a dagger, though she considers that more of a tool than a weapon.

"I'm not a doctor, but I can help with that too," she says to Tieri, indicating medic's tools at her belt.

"Fancy party, pretty dress. That's different. I can do that." Jessa looks over the jewel tone garments Safa directs them towards. "And 'could be dangerous,' I can do that too."

Frowning a little, she taps on her armor. "Both at once might be problematic, though. Will we be able to keep our gear nearby?"

Deosil looks down at his outfit - his first set of explorer's clothing, covered in padded armor and both encrusted in grass, dust and caked mud. Smudges of blood can be seen through the other stains. He smiles sheepishly as he points to the same covering his face.

"Would it be possible and prudent for some of us to bathe first Venture captains?"

Deosil looks nervously at Tieri's razor.

"Are...are you a doctor my friend?"

Given enough time, Doesil will also Gather Information. Diplomacy+7

While thumbing through the selection of clothes, Sianfinn overhears Deosil's comment. She turns to him and raises an eyebrow.

"You didn't bathe before we got here?"

Also, yeah, gathering information sounds good. Diplomacy +7.

While thumbing through the selection of clothes, Sianfinn overhears Deosil's comment. She turns to him and raises an eyebrow.

"You didn't bathe before we got here?"

"Well...no...

"Well...no...
Does...everyone here bathe before every mission?"

"I do, at least. I like to look presentable before I meet the people that I'm reporting to."

Sianfinn's learns from the people she asked that Brasshorn, one of the guests they should focus on likes magic tricks. We will get back to this later on in addition to the Influence System when we get to that.

Once they are done with their preparations, the Pathfinders proceed to the event's place to do their mission. They arrive at Faqhir’s manor in the evening via a decorated carriage pulled by giant pangolins. Faqhir the Steadfast, a male oread catfolk noble, greets them, wearing a formal, knee-length emerald coat. He directs the party around the back of his manor grounds to the garden where the auction is taking place.

See this Slide for the image of Faqhir the Steadfast.

Other attendants file in before and after them. Nazreiha makes her entrance inside a decorated palanquin carried by her attendants. Brasshorn arrives sitting in decorated saddle atop a white tiger. Tisbah makes her way to the manor sitting on a fluffy cloud of traveling air. Malqees and Pikkry appear at the front gates simultaneously: Malqees riding on top a land-traversing wave of water that disappears into her clothes, while Pikkry is dropped off by a huge, silverfeathered falcon. Other attendees of the auction appear in even more ludicrous ways.

Floating lights illuminate a large tiled garden. Fragrant flowers decorate immaculately maintained hedges carved in the forms of various fauna. In the middle of the garden, two statues of a meditating Vudrani man with a long braid decorate the front of a recessed pond in which brightly colored fish and water elementals swim under a layer of glass. Four large, glass cases stand at different points throughout the garden, each holding a different item: a purple crystal crown, a painting, a red bridal dress with matching jewelry, and a large diamond.

Unless otherwise noted, the hallways are 10 feet tall, and the rooms are 15. The doors are wooden with decorations of gold and silver. Except for the kitchen and worker rooms, all the golden designed tile is magically heated to prevent unpleasant coldness when walking barefoot. The garden and house are lit up by a combination of lamps and floating balls of light.

A loud bell chimes three times to signal silence as Faqhir takes a spot in the middle of the pool, hands spread wide in welcome. “Good evening and welcome to all of you, my esteemed guests, who have bestowed upon me the greatest honor in the form of your presence in my home. We have prepared some wonderful items prepared for the auction tonight, each of which stands in this garden for perusal at your leisure.” As he speaks, Faqhir turns in place to address the entire crowd. “As a night cannot truly begin without it, chai will be served inside before long. Afterward, we shall begin the auction here in earnest. Until then, please have some appetizers and enjoy your night. Thank you.” Faqhir bows deeply and steps away to the sound of polite applause.

Workers carrying trays of light appetizers and drinks enter and exit the manor from doors to the north and south.

There are four items up for auction: the Haunted Painting, the Strange Purple Crystal Crown, the Bridal Set, and the Shory Diamond. Each item is displayed in 10-foot-tall glass cases with magically controlled temperature and light. I am rolling the secret checks for you...

BRIDAL SET FASHION
This is an intricately bejeweled red bridal gown with a matching set of jewelry and an equally intricate handbag. Glenda knows that the Bridal Set is believed to belong to one of Khiben- Sald’s descendants who eventually founded Niswan. The style is old traditional for Vudrani wedding ceremonies and is much sought after.

PURPLE CRYSTAL CROWN
This is a crown made of jutting purple crystals reminiscent of an amethyst cluster. This is an artifact with origins in Nex, made by one of the Arclords inhabiting Jalmeray after Khiben-Sald’s departure as a ward against lingering elemental energies.

HAUNTED PAINTING
This is an impasto style oil painting of a man on his knees in the middle of a dark road, surrounded by a group of faceless figures. Both Seafin and Deosil knows that the painting was made by an artist who made a deal with the fey for their artistic ability, losing their name and life in the process. Anyone who looks at this painting is killed, pulled into the First World.

SHORY DIAMOND
A massive diamond cut in the shape of a perfect oval. Kanbashii knows that this is a relic of the ancient Shory Empire previously situated in Garund. It was recently retrieved from a Shory airship wreck deep within the Mwangi Expanse before coming under the hands of the zaiwara. Glenda also recalls that it’s believed the diamond has intrinsic properties of air magic which temporarily allows its wearer the ability to fly.

I will let you absorb all of these information for now. Apologies for this big wall of texts.

"Magic tricks, huh?" Sianfinn thinks. Her magic can't quite be described as tricks, per se, and the spells in her arsenal are a bit... dangerous for such a setting as a formal soiree. She picked up a few sleight-of-hand and mentalism tricks during her tenure in the clergy of Razmir, but whether the know-how is still floating up there in her brain is anyone's guess. Maybe one of her compatriots would be better suited to this...

She opens her mouth to share this information to the group, before quickly second-guessing herself. She's fairly confident in her ability to get information from people, but she still has the nagging fear that her source was either misinformed or was misleading her, and then what? Was some poor Pathfinder supposed to humiliate themself in front of an important figure on her behalf?

"I'm probably overthinking this..." she realized.

"I've heard that Brasshorn is a fan of magic tricks," she stated, as firmly as if she had never questioned herself for speaking i nthe first place. "It might be worth pursuing that angle."

There was one piece of information she felt much more confident in divulging, given the stakes.

"On an unrelated note, looking at that painting might kill you."

I know we probably don't have to explicitly relay our information to the party but I thought my internal monologue as I processed the information might make good Roleplay Content(tm).

While you are absorbing that...

The first part of this scenario involves the PCs trying to uncover information about the Benefactor from conversations with their persons of interest. These are done using the Influence System (Pathfinder Gamemastery Guide 151). While socializing, PCs receive the opportunity to gain Influence Points with whomever they speak with. During each social round, any PC can attempt to either Discover something about an NPC or Influence them in some way. These actions are detailed in the Gamemastery Guide.

There are eight Influence rounds and these rounds are occasionally broken up by various events. So this is how we do it:
1. Each PC chooses which NPC they want to approach during each round.
2. Roleplay how you are going to Discover or Influence the chosen NPC.
3. If you want to Discover something about the NPC, indicate what skill you would like to use (including the modifier if they are not in the Macros) and I will roll the skill secretly or you can roll them spoilered. If you want to Influence the chosen NPC, openly roll the skill you want to use.

While they check out the items for the auction, the Pathfinders have the chance to mingle with the target guests of their mission to know them more or learn something from them hopefully.

Check out this Handout #1: Persons of Interest (big credits to GM Hmm for creating this one) as we go through these rounds of discovering and influencing.

ROUND 1: INITIAL INTRODUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Each PC chooses which NPC they want to approach during each round. 2. Roleplay how you are going to Discover or Influence the chosen NPC. 3. If you want to Discover something about the NPC, indicate what skill you would like to use (including the modifier if they are not in the Macros) and I will roll the skill secretly or you can roll them spoilered. If you want to Influence the chosen NPC, openly roll the skill you want to use.

Guest: Brass Horn, kashrishi merchant
Skills to Discover (secret check): Mercantile, Crafting, Society, Perception
Skills to Influence: ???, Games Lore (performing sleight of hand magic tricks), Thievery (performing sleight of hand magic tricks), ???, ???, ???, ???, ???,
Total Influence Points:

Guest:: Malqees, ratajin priest
Skills to Discover (secret check): Likha Lore, Theatre Lore, Jalmeray Lore, Performance, Religion, Perception
Skills to Influence: ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???,
Total Influence Points:

Guest: Nazreiha, Vudrani human, Maurya-Rahm member
Skills to Discover (secret check): Niswan Lore, Society, Perception
Skills to Influence: ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???,
Total Influence Points:

Guest: Pikkry, tengu merchant
Skills to Discover (secret check): Mercantile Lore, Crafting Lore, Society, Perception
Skills to Influence: ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???,
Total Influence Points:

Guest:: Tsibah, vishkanya consultant
Skills to Discover (secret check): Genie Lore, Jalmeray Lore, Society, Perception
Skills to Influence: ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???,
Total Influence Points:

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
➤ Jessa
➤ Sianfinn
➤ Tieri
➤ Glenda
➤ Bashii
➤ Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

I will put this here already just in case I'm not able to post in the evening today, to keep this going.

Glenda is delighted with the auction and the customs. And the pangolins. "Beats ponies anytime!" she says.

During the proceedings she studies Pikkry the tengu merchant. "Now he's an interesting one.. but they all are, aren't they, fishy?"

Perception +6 on Pikkry to Discover

Tsibah is the only one showing teeth, so Tieri will observe her first.

Perception +9

"I suppose I can put my unique skillset to good use."

Performance +7 on Malqees to Discover.

@Tieri, you forgot to indicate which NPC would you like to Discover.

Additionally, for those trying to Discover an NPC, please indicate what information you would like to learn if you succeed. Choose from the following options:
> The lowest DC skill(s) (excluding any skills you already know)
> One of the NPC’s personal biases
> One of the NPC’s resistances
> One of the NPC’s weaknesses
Please specify two pieces of information you wish to know. In case of a Success, I will prioritize your first choice. If you achieve a Critical Success, I will provide both pieces of information. This approach will streamline the rounds of Discovering and Influencing. I will also add this to the Instructions.

@Glenda, you get a Success to Discover Pikkry, what information would you like to know?

Sianfinn learns nothing from her performance for Malqees, unfortunately.

ROUND 1: INITIAL INTRODUCTIONS

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
➤ Jessa
Sianfinn
Tieri
Glenda
➤ Bashii
➤ Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

Recalling the certainty and social graces that Sianfinn showed previously, Deosil decides that action is required rather than hmming and hawing around. Relying on Sianfinn's expert knowledge of small rhino people, Deosil approaches Brasshorn confident that he can sell the merchant on his capability as an illusionist - he's a gnome afterall!

"Good Evening good sir. Isn't it exciting that there is such remarkable magic on offer tonight? And yet, I have heard that we have also might have magic in the air!"

Deosil attempts a rather complex maneuver where he pulls a palmed torch from within his (now silken) sleeve, lights a tindertwig with his other hand from behind his back, and with a flourish, both reveals the torch and lights it in a single motion. The hope is to at worst, make it look like he drew a lit torch from his palmed hand. At best, the torch will not be traceable either.

Impress Brasshorn:
Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

@Tieri, I missed the name Tisbah on your post. Apologies. You got a Success to Discover, what single information would you like to know: the lowest DC skill(s) (excluding any skills you already know to Influence), one of the NPC’s personal biases, one of the NPC’s resistances, one of the NPC’s weaknesses?

With previous information before they went to the event, Deosil braves to head on impress one of the target guests. Deosil may have startled Brasshorn at first but the kashrishi accommodates his presence. He even allows the bard to perform a magic trick in his presence and other guests that he is with.

Seeing an impressive act, his horn lights up in excitement. "That is so wonderful, Brasshorn by the way. What is your name, wonderful magician sir? And how did you do that? Oh, don't tell me, magicians don't reveal their magic, right?" he gives everyone a hearty laugh.

Success to Influence Brasshorn.

Jessa and Bashii are up!

"Magic tricks, huh? Okay, I'll give it a shot."

Jessa meanders closer to Brasshorn. She sees that Deosil is already trying this angle, and perhaps more impressive than she is. So she doesn't approach directly, and just stays conspicuously in his sight as she plays idly with a coin, turning it over in her hand and then palming it, making it disappear and reappear in different places.

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

It's okay if you're not looking too closely, but then someone who isn't looking too closely might not notice her at all.

Glenda wants to learn about Pikkry's biases.

Lowest DC skill please

Jessa joins Deosil to passively impress Brasshorn with another magic trick. "Now, that trick, I already know. One of my children taught me that before." Brasshorn admits. Failure to Influence Brasshorn.

Glenda overhears Pikkry about his previous conflict with Brasshorn who told him that his stories are exaggerated. Pikkry also tells the other guests that he doesn't like being called a liar. It looks like there are no personal bias on the NPC's statblock, so I go for Resistance, unless you want other information.

Tieri learns that Tisbah likes to talk about genies and geniekin in Niswan.

ROUND 1: INITIAL INTRODUCTIONS

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
Jessa
Sianfinn
Tieri
Glenda
➤ Bashii
Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

Everyone can also post to Discover/Influence an NPC for Round 2 to keep us going!

For round 2 I'd like to try Discovery again on Malqees, this time with Religion +5.

Jiki turns his attention to Nazreiha, hoping to learn what skills will influence him (2 if he gets a crit please).

Perception +9

Round 2:
Glenda continues to study Pikkry and his lowest DC skill. Perc +6

Malqees, though a priest, interests herself more that is not related to her calling. Success, @Sianfinn, tell me what would you like to learn one information from her to Influence: lowest DC skill, resistance, weakness?

Tieri overhears Nazreiha talking with other guests discussing about past adventures. As a Jalmeray noble, she wonders what adventures are experienced by adventurers outside. @Tieri learns she can Influence Nazreiha with Pathfinder Society Lore, discussing past adventures

Meanwhile, Glenda's persistence to study Pikkry bears fruit. She learn that the tengu merchant is interested in unique cheeses and maybe acrobatic stunts. Glenda learns she can Influence Pikkry with Cooking Lore (talking about unique cheeses) and Acrobatics

ROUND 2: INITIAL INTRODUCTIONS

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
➤ Jessa
Sianfinn
Tieri
Glenda
➤ Bashii
➤ Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

Waiting for Bashii's Round 1 attempt to Discover/Influence, while the rest can Discover/Influence for Round 2!

Picking up Tieri's tip, Jessa makes her way towards Nazreiha. She tells her about her exploration of the Pallid Peek.

Pathfinder Society Lore to Influence: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

I will also go with lowest DC skill.

I will also go with lowest DC skill.

And I certainly didn't forget to switch my alias.

Nazreiha is intrigued about Jessa's story about the Pallid Peak that she spends some time with her, asking what they discovered, among other questions. Success to Influence Nazreiha

Sianfinn learns that she can get Malqees attention by telling the priest about any lore. Any Lore, discuss special interest

ROUND 2: INITIAL INTRODUCTIONS

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
Jessa
Sianfinn
Tieri
Glenda
➤ Bashii
➤ Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

Bashii still up for Rounds 1 and 2, while Deosil is up for Round 2.

While waiting, I am posting the next part, Break 1.

Break 1 - Evening Chai
Faqhir calls the Pathfinders and other guests into the sitting room to be served chai and some accompanying fancy refreshments. The chai is pink, topped with pistachios, and has a rich, floral, milky tea flavor.

How are you going to drink the tea? Roleplay and you might earn something for the next round of Discovering/Influencing.

Bashii walks up to Pikkry and looks him over, Catnip stays nearby.

Perc +6

Bashii then attempts to impress Brass Horn with sleight of hand tricks.

Thievery to Influence: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Pikkry is not easy to gauge by Bashii. Fail to Discover anything about Pikkry

Bashii impresses Brasshorn one more time with his quick trick. "I can't even follow your hands! Amazing!" the merchant exclaims. Success to Influence Brasshorn.

We are left with Deosil for Round 2 to Discover/Influence. Everyone can proceed to Break 1 (see last part of my previous post).

Bashii sniffs at the tea, inhaling its warm spices. Catnip ambles over and shakes some dried bits of leaves into the tea. Bashii shudders with pleasure and begins purring as he drinks his tea.

Deosil will chat with Brasshorn for a moment about magic tricks and how charming and nostalgic they are in a world dominated by magic before he overhears Sianfinn talking to Malqees about performances.

Excusing himself, Deosil wanders over to the pair and tries to bring home some finer points on the beauty of both music and its absence. He's even willing to demonstrate with a few notes plucked on his Zither.

Performance on Malqees to Discover Influence skills +7 (unless you grant the extra +1 circumstance from virtuosic performance bonus

Tieri inhales the tea deeply. "Not too much sugar, so shouldn't speed up tooth decay." Neither his jaw shape nor his manners allow him to drink in a particularly dainty way, though he is aware enough of his situation not to let any spill.

Oh. Tea.

Jessa has never been a fan. More of her brother's thing.
But if you're going to serve tea, this is the way to do it. The pistachios are an unexpected but appreciated addition, and the fancy refreshments don't hurt.

"Ah, delicious! I see why a tea break is popular here. The way it's made here is much better than what we have at home."

Am running errands but will try to respond within the evening

"Oh refreshments!" Glenda says. She drinks the tea slowly and daintily. She takes small bites from the food.

Deosil learns nothing more from Malqees than hearing interesting lores.

The guests engage in conversation over tea. Tieri and Jessa notice that Nazreiha seems to be especially focused on proper decorum, while Sianfinn notices Malqees’s the most cavalier about proper decorum, shuffling the cup between her four hands.

We are going another round to Discover/Influence our guests!

ROUND 3: SHARING TEA

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN DISCOVER OR INFLUENCE!
➤ Jessa
➤ Sianfinn
➤ Tieri
➤ Glenda
➤ Bashii
➤ Deosil

Handout #1: Persons of Interest for your reference.

Bashii performs several acrobatic flips to try to impress Pikkry.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

I still need to update Bashii's statblock. He's lvl 2

Glenda will talk to Pikkry about unique cheeses. "My uncle Geofferey has a unique one.. smelled like acorns!"

Cooking Lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Tieri will seek out Malqees, the other guest who didn't drink in the proper fashion, and talk to him about all the amazing advances in the art of barbering!

Surgery Lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Jessa follows up with Nazreiha, picking up where she left off and adding details to her story about the Pallid Peek. Not having too many Pathfinder missions under her belt yet, she wants to get everything she can out of that story. If she has to branch out too much she might have to start telling her parents' stories instead, and that's just embarrassing.

Pathfinder Society Lore to Influence: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13