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"We would be grateful to aid your newly formed order, the tasks of our two nations align in this cause."
"This one is humbled by the presence of one who has faced the Tyrant directly, may you find peace during your stay here."
Alkabah has a short moment where it ponders the meaning of having no desire to return to the old ways, that seems almost anathema to the ways of it's patron. "We all have many arduous tasks to endure. These tasks are the tests which prove we are worthy of moving forward."
"On the contrary," Raneshi offers to the Ustalavi prince. "I think we have many things in common already. We should be able to come to some agreement."
The final emissary to stand up is a well-built figure wearing a blue robe and the silver mask of Razmir, which completely conceals his features. As he rises, almost everyone in the room looks at him with suspicion and doubt (all except Clavance, who looks bored). The man speaks clearly, despite the mask.
”Honored emissaries, I bid you greeting. I would like to thank the great nation of Kyonin for hosting this auspicious gathering. I am Alzarius, Priest of the 12th Step, Mask of Razmir. Athough there are no current hostilities between the Living God and the Whispering Tyrant, the Living God is no friend of death. He wishes for only peace and prosperity for all his people. The Living God is dedicated to the people of Lake Encarthan and he will show his love for all of them through his defiance of this threat.”
His sermonizing complete, Alzarius steps up to sign the declaration. He then glides up to the you gives you a slight bow, introducing himself again. He looks at Alkabah’s religious symbol. ”Ah, Findeladrlara, the Guiding Hand. She teaches the value of preservation, art, buildings and, most importantly, life. The Living God desires to preserve life as well. I feel that the two of us might find common ground to discuss as these talks continue.”
Idari Lucien appreciated Gorion the Glad. The Barbarian seems to have a bit in common with the enthusiastic gentleman.
Smiling warmly at his new bff, the Twight light Speaker places a gentle hand on the delegate's shoulder.
Whilst we have this threat, we all must tighten our belts and work together for the good of our realm.
As Idari speaks with Clavance Ordranti of Ustalav, the Twight light Speaker admires his like pale complexion.
What's your skin care regiment? This southern air doesn't quite agree with mine.
At the formal approach of Alzarius, Priest of the 12th Step, Mask of Razmir, Idari Lucien, Twight light Speaker for the Ilverani, bows
We welcome the assistant of the Living God. Findeladrlara be praised for this union of goals.
Blooms in Darkness notes the young princeling's inexperience and boredom with distaste, but marks the Razmiran as a possible worthwhile ally.
"Ah, you're from Xer, right? I think I've heard people talking about you. Only good things, of course!" Takarias exclaims.
After the introductions conclude, Dalamian informs the delegates of their schedule for the next several days. The following three days are set aside for small councils, during which each group will meet with no more than two other delegations per day to privately discuss challenges and opportunities, with the goal of establishing a web of agreements. Dalamian also mentions that there will be a special event or celebration each night to give the delegates a chance to form closer bonds with their new allies—a tour of the Temple grounds tomorrow night, followed by a garden party on the third night, and a trip into town to take part in the Founder’s Legacy festival on the final night before the council reconvenes in full on the fifth day to discuss any broadly agreed upon measures and sign any relevant treaties.
After this announcement, she says refreshments will be served back at the estate’s gardens, adding that there are long days ahead and everyone should take the opportunity to get some rest. The delegations are then taken back to the estate, where most have a drink or two before turning in. No one seems ready to talk just yet, and the six delegates and their assistants each retreat to their lodges to rest in private.
***
The next morning, you awake ready to begin your small councils.
A PC using magic to enhance their skills (such as through the use of a piece of gear that grants an item bonus to a skill) during these meetings is fine, but note that spells must have a duration of at least four hours to reliably grant a bonus (so something like honeyed words, which only lasts for 10 minutes, won’t be useful). Manipulating a delegate through spells like charm or suggestion is not acceptable.
While the PCs are free to meet with the delegates in any order, Molthune expects to be first and certainly won’t appreciate being met with after the PCs meet Nirmathas.
Each meeting takes place in that delegate’s lodge on the estate grounds and is 4 hours long. Due to the difficult nature of the negotiations, each Influence round is 2 hours long, so that the PCs each gain 2 opportunities to Discover and Influence per meeting.
After some deliberation, you decide to approach the delegate from Molthune first. Soldiers are stationed outside the door to the Molthune lodge throughout the council, and when you arrive, they escort you to a parlor to wait for General Lord Walder Resket to conclude other affairs. Despite being here for this council, the soldiers explain that the General Lord is still in command of the navy on Lake Encarthan and daily reports and orders take up much of his time.
Inside the parlor, comfortable chairs are arranged around a table on which is spread a map of the region. You note that Nirmathas is not named on the map at all. Instead, that entire region is labeled Molthune, with a number of the northern regions being marked as in “open revolt.”
You are made to wait for over an hour, with no one coming to check on you. A guard positioned just outside the parlor informs you that the Lord is still dealing with some pressing news from home if you ask about the delay. Finally, after about 75 minutes of waiting, you make out some shouting coming from the upstairs and a few moments thereafter, a guard arrives to take you upstairs to meet with the General Lord.
General Lord Walder Resket had his personal desk, which features a stunning carving of ships at war on the choppy sea, brought from his boat here to the lodge, and he waits behind the impressive wooden edifice when you arrive. The general is in full military regalia for this meeting. "Welcome. I apologize for the delay. Please, have a seat."
Once you are seated, he continues. "Thank you for coming to speak to me first. Let us discuss this alliance Kyonin is proposing. Molthune's position here is simple. We will sign any article of the Encarthan Alliance that is signed by at least three other delegates. But we will not sign Article 1 unless it is amended so that the filthy rebels are omitted."
"We appreciate your perspective, and your willingness to sign the accords," Raneshi begins. "We all have requests about the wording in the articles, but try to keep an open mind. There's bound to be some push and pull with their requirements as negotiations progress."
"This is only a beginning," Blooms in Darkness agrees, "We cannot get bogged down in any one triviality when greater threats loom."
The Ilverani Elf stands at the General's quick conditions. The Dandy then smiles disarmingly at him as Blooms in Darkness immediately contradicts the General's initial savo.
Disarming Smile
Unfortunately, Idari was munching on some almonds....
The Twight light Speaker presses his hands on the desk.
Perhaps, when mighty Molthune signs this much needed Treaty, the rest will fall in behind the example.
Takarias immediately feels a little kinship with the man -- after all, both are soldiers -- though his aggressiveness and rudeness feel highly unnecessary. He tries to size the man up, looking at the desk display and seeing how he reacts to Takarias' companions, before attempting to persuade him.
Both Raneshi and Idari are able to make some progress in negotiating with General Lord Walder. Takarias and Alkabah observe the man's behavior, noting that he is a navy office to his core. He is uneasy on land, but he still maintains decorum and demands respect in his dealings. Nirmathas' rebellion remains a sore spot for Walder, and mentioning its status as a nation or openly supporting its causes in his presence would likely greatly irritate him.
"We must present a united front, here. Otherwise, all of our militaries might be stretched too thin with internal concerns to effectively mee the threat of Tar Baphon,"[/]b Raneshi continues. [b]"We have already seen first-hand how he plans to use Lake Encarthan to move his troops into our territories."
"Now let me ask, should we not take this time to look farther ahead than these accords? We know that the world holds more horrors than the Whispering Tyrant and holds them nearer than we would wish. If a new Wound were to open, a demon lord to strike at the heart of one of our signatories, should we not seek the same aid, the same unity that we are hear to bind together against old foes? Should we fall as lost Sarkoris did, still searching for allies instead of calling on ready friends?"
The Barbarian seems pleased with how the negotiations are going. He begins to expound up on how Molthune navy could really assist in containment.
Unfortunately, those damable almonds are covered in chocolate....
"By land or sea, we will fight together, wherever Tar-Baphon threatens us!" Takarias says. "We're stronger together."
"I cannot deny that the Tyrant is a threat," the Lord General says. "His plague barges are a scourge on Lake Encarthan, and they have already significantly hindered Molthune's naval forces. But I agree with you, Blooms-in-Darkness. There are more threats arrayed against us, both in the shadows and in the light. If we can come to an agreement on this alliance, we should then shift to a war footing, training troops and building boats for the conflict to come."
He doesn't divulge many more details about these "other threats." It seems you'll have to do more to get him to warm up further.
***
The first small council comes to a close. After a break for lunch, it's time to decide which delegation to spend the afternoon with.
You head to the lodge where the Druma delegation is staying. When you arrive to meet with Chalzo Rove, your’re greeted by her servant, Kefra, who asks you to enter a private study to clean and purify yourselves before the meeting. Kefra explains that, for this in-person meeting, the Prophet of Kalistrade would prefer to conduct business free from the distractions of filth and foul odors.
The study is divided up with screens, giving each of you a chance to fully cleanse yourself. Each area has a private bath, an array of mildly floral scented soaps, and clean white robes. In addition, Kefra offers you the opportunity to purchase an array of lotions to cleanse and revitalize your skin. The most inexpensive lotion is 1 gp (the silver balm), while the most expensive is 20 gp (the platinum unguent, which gives the skin a slight metallic sheen).
Once you finish, you're escorted upstairs to Chalzo Rove’s chamber. This room is divided into two halves, with the Chalzo on one side, seated behind a low table, and the guests packed on the other side, behind their own separate table. A gloved servant is on hand to pass any documents or notes back and forth so that Chalzo does not have to risk coming in contact with the outsiders. Although this might at first appear to be demeaning, Chalzo is quite pleasant and welcoming, asking if you would like any refreshments.
Once the pleasantries have been dealt with, Chalzo jumps straight into serious talk. "This conflict is going to need arms, armor, and magic if it is to succeed," she begins, "and Druma would like assurances that it will be the primary source of such needs, serving as a barter point between the Lake Encarthan nations and the broader Inner Sea region. I assure you that our trade routes through Isger and Andoran offer us safe supply lines, and we have solid trade pacts in place with the dwarves of the Five Kings Mountains as well.
"Thus, our starting position is this: all arms, armor, and magic sales need to pass through Druma. The markup will be capped to no more than 50% of the original value, which, of course, is already a sizable discount." She smiles pleasantly and steeples her gloved hands.
Raneshi relishes the chance to clean up, "I haven't had such a luxurious toilet since I left Nantambu." She admires the effect of the platinum unguent on her skin.
"There is a difference between being the primary source of general goods and enforcing a trade monopoly, envoy," she begins. "Such an agreement would be very logistically limiting when we are hopefully to have supplies flowing in from all points of the compass. It introduces unnecessary time and expense to ship minerals from Highhelm to KErse when they could come straight north to Kyonin for our smiths."
Idari partakes of all the Druman hospitality provided by the Delegate's routine. The Twight light Speaker purchases the Platinum unguents.
While I am certain such arrangements would be better for Druman alone, we are inviting everyone to participate in defending our shared shores from the undead hoards. Did I mention undead hoards.
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Alkabah waits in the private bath for a time, and applies the cheaper of the balms. Neither of them are exceptionally good for it's frame, but knowing some of the Kalistrade faith the Conrasu understands that some mild personal prettiness will aid before none.
Folding it's multiple hands together across the table Alkabah intones with a refreshing air of pleasantness to be in the company of another member of a faith alongside one of his own. The room feeling just a tad bit less empty than it usually is when it is just those of the faith of the guiding hand. But these busi ess terms seem to speak that Chalzo may indeed need some guidance back to the pathway that Kalistrade once walked.
However the Conrasu seems to just chime away in it's alien tongue mindlessly for a good while, musing on the teachings of both Kalistrade and Findeladlara respectively. Which equates to a whole lot of no progress. But it doesn't make bad background sound to the other's discussions.
Blooms in Darkness scowls at the waste of time, but ultimately assents to bathing before the meeting, purchasing some of the lotion as a final attempt to mask whatever fungal odors might offend the Kalistocrat.
"Interesting. A starting position is only fit to stage an attack or an ordered retreat from. Why do you treat us as enemies when we are here to determine our friendship? Speak forthrightly, and let us see what is acceptable to all."
Takarias takes his time bathing, and is thrilled to buy the platinum unguent. "This is amazing!" he enthuses. "I don't think my skin has ever felt so clean, and I've definitely never been this sparkly before!"
"That definitely seems like it could be a problem," he tells Chalzo sadly. "What if we need more than Druma can provide, or more likely, need something more quickly? Kyonin can certainly produce some of the goods just as well."
Idari accidentally spills some wine on the carpet. It is only a single drop, but he figures appears more like a tsunami to the Drumans.
Distracting Flattery
Chalzo entertains the discussion of religion with Alkabah, but it's clear the conrasu has not done much to sway her. She turns to Blooms in Darkness. "I do not consider you my enemy. I have made my career as a trader, and as such, I understand the ebb and flow of negotiations. I do not expect you to agree to my initial terms. We will talk, we will compromise, and we will ultimately reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. But you're going to have to convince me that it that the arrangement is of benefit to the Kalistocracy."
She dismisses Takarias's concerns, but she listens politely to Idari and Raneshi, nodding along with some of the points they make. "Very well. I would see fit to reduce the markup on goods to forty percent instead of fifty percent. I'm inclined to sign the first two articles of the agreement, but I'll need some more assurances before I sign the Self Defense Agreement."
Raneshi warms to the negotiations, drawing on her knowledge of craftmanship around the Inner Sea: "Even at a 40% markup, many supplies will become too expensive. And that's not factoring in the added shipping costs. Tar Baphon has a very low overhead, with his lack of need to feed, or even outfit, much of his troops. We need to seize every advantage that we can."
Idari Lucien nods at Chalzo's points. The Ilverani Elf smiles.
That is most generous. I am certain the percentage can be arranged for equity of purpose for our mutual benefit.
"A mutually beneficial arrangement is my favorite type of arrangement!" Takarias agrees. "Won't protecting the Kalistocracy from Tar-Baphon be beneficial? If the Whispering Tyrant destroys or everyone you trade with -- or even Druma itself -- that's going to hurt your profits."
"Friends should treat one another with more trust, and less jockeying for advantage. That is what you would surely receive if you join us in this compact."
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"Seeketh not quick ways to riches is not the path we should seek. Though reaching enlightenment by personal wealth is valuable, were we all to fall to the Tyrant's grasp would not all those riches go to waste? This one and those in attendance are welcome to your understanding and willingness to move from your original pricing, however it must be stated that if any of our nations fall then it will be less beneficial to the continued prosperity of your nation."
Blooms' words fail to make much impact on Chalzo, but the Druman prophet actively engages the rest of you in spirited debate and negotiations. As the hours move on, the pragmatic woman becomes more friendly and accommodating to your requests. As the meeting nears its conclusions, she leans back in her chair with a smile.
"Forgive my earlier hesitations. I had fully ascertained your motives in seeking this alliance, but now I can see that you are true allies. I will sign Article III of the Alliance along with the first two, as well as reduce Druma's markup on goods to twenty-five percent. I will make one further concession of your choice. I will either sign Article IV of the Alliance, or I will reduce the markup even further to a mere ten percent."
Whatever you decide, at the end of the council, Chalzo offers you a token of friendship: a Drumish pearl token.
RARE INVESTED MAGICAL
Price 1,200 gp
Usage worn; Bulk —
This silver brooch features an enormous freshwater pearl pulled from the depths of Lake Encarthan. They are often given to trading partners among Drumish merchants as a sign of favor—not as favored as a fellow Kalistocrat, but nonetheless worth treating well. Openly wearing a Drumish pearl token can work wonders when traveling through Druma, whether on legitimate mercantile business or not, but those who flaunt the token inappropriately must beware of repercussions from the Drumish government! The wearer of a Drumish pearl token benefits from a +2 item bonus to Diplomacy checks to Make an Impression and to their Perception DC when someone attempts to Lie to them.
Activate—Subversive Friendship [reaction] (concentrate, emotion, mental) Frequency once per day; Trigger You succeed at Making an Impression;
Effect: You automatically increase the target’s attitude to helpful. If the target’s initial attitude was unfriendly or hostile, they revert to this attitude after 10 minutes and realize they’ve been manipulated by you. Afterward, they might decide to act against you.
"Not at all, it was a spirited negotiation, and I hope all are satified with it," Raneshi concludes.
Idari Lucien stands and formally bows to Chalzo.
It has been quite a fun afternoon getting to know you and your people's purposes. We appreciate the friendship of Druma.
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"This one believes it has been a pleasure, would we be able to confer on your final offer of signature before the end of our talks or would you request that the choice is made here and now?"
Alkabah doesn't seem to know weather feelings would sour would play into the fact, but it would rather have at least one dignitary fully on board with the pact before trying for any silly trade deals.
"A pearl? How beautiful!" Takarias says, before his expressions falls. "But I didn't get you anything."
"I am sorry that I doubted you; I am sure that you and yours will be as a fastness against our foes."
After the first day of small council meetings, all the delegates are invited to take a tour of the Temple of Calistria where the opening ceremony took place. Attendance isn’t mandatory, and two of the delegates opt to sit this event out (Walder Resket remains behind to exchange correspondence with Molthune, and Chalzo Rove declines the offer for religious reasons).
After the delegates have had a chance to eat a light supper, those wishing for a tour of the temple are asked to gather at the gates of the estate where carriages await to take them to the temple. They’re dropped off across the way in front of a statue of Kyloss Syndar, Greengold’s founder.
The leader of this church, Luminary Companion Nalora, greets you and the other delegates as you approach the temple. Dressed in revealing yellow robes and carrying a thorn-covered staff emitting a pale yellow glow, the genderfluid elf greets each delegate by name, one by one, looking them in the eye to take their measure and favoring some with a sly smile.
"We're so glad you're here," Nalora purrs. "Calistria is a goddess of the many passions tied to the heart, ranging from carnal desires to the need for vengeance when one has been wronged. In all these passions have an outlet, and at her temples, they're fulfilled."
As the Luminary Companion explains these tenets, they lead the delegates through the various chambers of the temple, starting from the entrance into the central cathedral—a soaring space with a domed ceiling on which are painted thousands of wasps of varying shades. Taken together, the wasps form the image of Calistria’s smiling face. From there, Nalora leads you east into the Nest, an area that looks more like a tavern surrounded by curtained booths (some of which are occupied). Here the delegates can get wine and mead, but Nalora asks you not to disturb the guests in the curtained alcoves, who are here seeking the temple’s services.
After this, they lead the delegates down a hall to the private cells, each featuring a large bed, plenty of candles, and a variety of tools for prayer. With a sly grin, Nalora mentions that a variety of services can be had here as well. Finally, they lead the delegates back through the cathedral room to the west. Nalora points out the three shrines—places where the business of love, trickery, and vengeance are plotted, finally ending up in the sanctum hall, where the delegates had their initial meeting.
At the conclusion of the tour, the delegates are invited to stay a while and enjoy themselves at the Nest, while those who are ready to depart will find carriages waiting to take them back to the estate. Of the assembled delegates, all save Alzarius remain behind to have a drink and talk to the priests. Alzarius departs once the tour is over.
Raneshi will socialize with the delagate from Lastwall.
"This temple is quite elaborate, Gorion, but I imagine that we are interested in the same aspect of Calistria's worship: revenge," Raneshi chats with the Knight. "I hope this alliance will allow us to strike back against the Whispering Tyrant for his actions against your nation."
Aromina Influence Diplomacy, Nature, Society, Survival, Warfare Lore
Gorion Influence Athletics, Diplomacy, Society, Thievery, Warfare Lore
Clavance Influence Deception, Diplomacy, Heraldry Lore, Occultism, Society
Idari spends some time carousing with the remaining delegates at the Nest.
Blooms in Darkness seeks out Aromina, hoping to sound her out about Molthune's conditions. "Hail, Aromina, Speaker of the Heart. I am Blooms in Darkness. Tell me, what sacrifices is Nirmathas prepared to make so that we may all triumph?"
Takarias, seeing his companions talking to Goron and Aromina, approaches Clavance, hoping to get him to open up. "What do you think of all this?" he asks.
Idari carouses, drinking and laughing, though he doesn't leave much of an impression on the delegates.
***
Gorion gives Raneshi a tight grin. "Indeed. For many years, we knights have yearned for a chance to strike back at the Whispering Tyrant for his devastation of Lastwall. With this alliance, we may finally get that chance." He speaks to Raneshi at length about sorting out who might lead the force once the alliance is secured.
***
Aromina gives Blooms a weary sigh. "All we do is sacrifice, it seems. We have given blood, sweat, and tears for years in our war with Molthune. Of course, the Ironfang Invasion didn't help matters much. Now, the Tyrant threatens us on top of everything else. I don't know how much more Nirmathas has to give."
She politely excuses herself to drown her miseries in more alcohol.
***
Clavance is distracted by all the drinks and promises of carnal pleasure from the temple's courtesans. It takes a bit for Takarias to get his attention. "Hmm? Oh, yes, all of this is very nice! You elven folk certainly know how to party! I've had my fill of boring treaty talk for the night. I intend to fully enjoy myself tonight, if you catch my drift, friend!" The pale nobleman laughs and elbows Takarias as he downs his drink and calls for another.
Indulging the haughty nobleman, Takarias starts to get into his good graces.
***
Eventually, all the delegates return to their lodgings for the night. You turn in as well. The next morning, it's time for another round of small council meetings. You decide to start today by meeting with the delegation from Lastwall.
When you arrive at the Lastwall lodge, you find the front door open and unguarded. You can hear the sounds of battle coming from inside. Once you enter, you find Gorion the Glad with his blade drawn in the middle of the parlor, which is devoid of furniture. Across from him is a terrifying skeletal knight that looks not entirely dissimilar to the graveknight you fought at Lantana Beach.
Gorion gives you a glance and a warm smile. "I'll be with you in a moment, friends!" he calls before letting out a battle cry and rushing at the skeleton!
"Do you want a hand, Gorion?" Raneshi asks, drawing her sword.
"You're welcome to join in, if you'd like!" the orc calls back!
Raneshi hefts her shield and reaches out, a line of electricity tracing itself across the skeleton.
Traced Runes: Atryl (on shield, as damaging rune), ransu on knight
Engraved Runes:
Idari: Esvadir
Raneshi: holtrik, esvadir, kojastri (electricity)
"You stay vigilant, even at talks of peace." Blooms in Darkness grins darkly. "A credit to your brethren."
Proud to be able to walk the halls of the Lastwall Lodge, Idari 's blue eyes relish the art presentations, both military and not.
This place actually reminds me of home.
The Barbarian enters the parlor. He watches as Gorion the Glad maneuvers to Placate the Walking Statue.
Are we taking wagers?