Meadow isn't able to figure out much besides Silence discovering plenty of things to eat. Maneki figures something out about Irena and Basag notes something interesting about Efala.
Meanwhile, Fjorn puts on the charm and breaks Efala's neutral demeanor.
"You really enjoy fish-squash. Ha! Many River Sentinels say it is sour, but my mother insisted on the extra vinegar." Efala smiles. "You are a warrior of the sea, yes? Tell me about your strength and bravery."
After hearing the story, she puts an arm on the table. "With bravery comes strength. Come, I will test yours. Don't confuse my height with my torque. It's all in the wrist!"
The conversation continues as you finish the first course of the meal. At the end the River Sentinels all start to clean up and get ready for the next course.
However, Mr. Riverside would consider this rude and it will be harder to Discover or Influence him.
Meadow
Fjorn
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
Efala: Influence +2
Progress
Meadow:
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2
Maneki: Discover Irena (?)
Basag: Discover Efala (?)
Irena seems to be an herbalist, and she seems to enjoy animal and plant facts. Any plant or animal Lore should go well with her, as well as a general study of nature.
Efala is a warrior and defender of her people, and she enjoys hearing tales of bravery and heroism. Any Warfare Lore or Performance could be used to influence her.
Maneki confirms Efala has feet. She also notices Irena has one arm; her left sleeve is stitched up at the shoulder.
However, Mr. Riverside would consider this rude and it will be harder to Discover or Influence him.
Meadow
Fjorn
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy),
Nature (moderate)
- Influence: 0
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Influence: 2
Progress
Meadow: -,
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
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Fjorn turns his attention to "Irena - did I say that right?" he glances at her missing arm, but turns the conversation elsewhere "You like Komboucha?" he pulls his alchemical familiar - a living Komboucha - out of it's case: uncorking the bottle, and taking a sip "Don't worry - she'll grow back" and offer her some!
◆) Versatile Vial @ Moderate Silvertongue Mutagen
"Yes, squash has many healthy benefits." Irena is polite but not very interested in Basag's facts. But she notices Fjorn's drink. "I am not drinking its blood, correct?" She seems curious before taking a sip. "This could be very alcoholic if you did it right..."
Maybe it was as she's a bit more talkative. "Now Efala, she's never much of a drinker. When she's on the job. When's she's off the job, however..."
Fjorn realizes Irena is about to gossip. He has the opportunity to ask about Efala's Resistance OR Weakness
Meadow gets Silence to calm down long enough to notice Irena. Diplomacy is a given, but she also realizes Intimidation and Deception could influence her. They would be difficult, though. Doesn't seem like anything else could be done to influence her.
As everyone is preparing the next course, >Mr. Riverside< joins the others who have gathered for the meal.
"Welcome, Pathfinder Society. I am the elder, Atamu Godoko. But please, call me “Mr. Riverside.” He takes his seat, directly opposite from you and continues staring at you. "I may as well be blunt. What are you hoping to get out of helping us? Complete altruism is impossible. I wonder what you want in return from helping us."
Efala maintains a stone-faced expression while Irena hides her disappointment behind drinking a lot of water.
Meadow
Fjorn (Learn Weakness OR Resistance of Efala)
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy),
Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 1
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Influence: 2
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills:
- Influence:
Progress
Meadow: -,
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1,
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
"Well..." Irena leans in close. "Efala enjoys physical comedy and practical jokes, even if she herself isn’t very good at them."
Irena is caught off guard with Meadow's sudden questions. "It... well, they look pretty." She remains polite but defensive and Meadow isn't able to make any headway.
Meadow
Fjorn (Learn Weakness OR Resistance of Efala)
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy),
Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 1
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 2
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills:
- Influence:
Progress
Meadow: -,-,
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1,
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
Meadow puts up an arm to wrestle with Efala, and learns size isn't everything. "Come on... ha!" Efala starts to gain the upper hand, but Meadow pulls through with a surge of strength. "Hmpf! You threw me off balance... incredible. I'll ask you more about your technique later."
Maneki discusses battle tactics with Efala, but it's clear Efala knows most of them.
Basag tries to study Mr. Riverside carefully, but isn't able to make sense of him.
Meadow
Fjorn (Learn Weakness OR Resistance of Efala)
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy),
Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 1
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 3
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills:
- Influence:
Progress
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check)
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1,
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
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One gulp restores his forehead depth into a prominent, erudite lump, simultaneously shrinking the circumference of his biceps, which noodle into soft flippers, and slouchens his posture to an aging stoop. Next, a secondary hump emerges tectonically upon his upper back! And finally, all the hair on his head, that isn't his hair-hair - eyelashes, eyebrows, nose hairs, etc - grow profusely and whiten as if he had biologically aged 50 years in a second...
...he speak of the sea, and all the animals he has seen in it's salt clutches - including a whale - and tells Irena a story or two...
◆) Regurgitate (Silvertongue) Muntagen
◆) Versatile Vial ➤ Moderate Cognitive Mutagen
◆) Inbibe
"Did you know they like to hunt orcas?" Irena follows Fjorn's knowledge about the creatures of the sea. "But more importantly we have to be careful about what we hunt."
She sighs as she utters the word "hunt". "Hunting was a way of life with the River Sentinels. Food, shelter, then stop and let the land regenerate. But it hasn't been the same since that eloko spellcaster named Wrigglemaw came to us. He was as clever as he was cruel. He tricked us into going to what we thought was a river, but it was a trap. Our previous leaders had to make a bargain with him for the Sentinels to survive. He said it would be a trade that would keep his hunters alive."
Mr. Riverside clears his throat and it catches Irena off guard. "Oh! Sorry, I forgot my manners. Maybe we'll speak of such matters later. Speaking of Mr. Riverside, would you like to know about his likes and dislikes?"
The next meal arrives; steamed fish with a mix of savory fried vegetables. Mr. Riverside is picky in the order he eats his food, while Efala digs in like this is her last day. Irena simply shrugs.
Meadow introduces herself to Mr. Riverside with a critical introduction. "It is an honor to meet visitors such as yourself. Not many are willing to enter the Laughing Jungle. There are dragonflies the size of wagons, and they'll scoop you up and fly you far away if you aren't careful!"
His gaze wanders to Efala and Irena. "Those two are about to break into another food fight... Try not to agitate them too much. They always bickered, but the iron bell made it worse."
"The cold iron bell was Wrigglemaw's idea. He charmed the River Sentinels’ leaders and forced us to accept stewardship of it. Every year we have to perform a ritual with the thing. It calls Wrigglemaw’s hunters, and they join the song. It drains our essence, combines with the bilokos' primal magic, and makes these... shadows of us. They are alive but not, and the bilokos hunt them down." He grimaces.
"I'm sorry, I'm ruining a good meal. Please, continue."
Meadow
Fjorn (Choose: Mr. Riverside's Weakness OR Resistance)
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy), Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 2
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 3
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Diplomacy
- Influence: 2
Progress
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check),Influence Mr. Riverside +2
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1,
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
Irena comes down to a low whisper. "Mr. Riverside made many hasty decisions on behalf of the community. He wants to consult others before making important decisions. He will resist if you ask him to take charge or behave like a leader."
Maneki tries to engage Efala with a bit of arm wrestling, but Efala is too eager to win. "HA! Got it!" She slams Maneki's hand on the table. "Small of stature, but full of strength!" Some of the song'o cheer her on as Irena tries to look bored.
Meadow
Fjorn
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy), Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 2
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 3
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Diplomacy
- Resistance: If you demand Mr. Riverside takes charge of the situation or otherwise suggest he behave like a leader, influence DCs will increase by 2 due to his regret and shame.
- Influence: 2
Progress
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check),Influence Mr. Riverside +2
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1, Mr. Riverside's Resistance
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-,-
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills)
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”Interesting tactic, creating duplicates that draw the bilokos. Are their numbers too superior as to take a more direct approach? Say, to make the hunters the hunted?” Fjörn matches leader’s menacing grimace with mutagenic mimeticry!
◆) Versatile Vial @ Moderate Silvertongue Mutagen
Basag inspires Irena to think of something to handle the bilokos. "I wish it were that easy. The leaders have warned us direct assault will not work. Let me try to remember why..."
Fjorn moves up to Mr. Riverside with a killer smile and inspires him to action. "The bilokos are much too skilled. If they chose to directly attack us, I do not know if we could resist..." He hangs his head shamefully. Fjorn knows he's making some progress. Maybe a little more and he can get Mr. Riverside to really open up.
As the meal wraps up, you make one last diplomatic push.
Meadow
Fjorn
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy), Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 3
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 3
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Diplomacy
- Resistance: If you demand Mr. Riverside takes charge of the situation or otherwise suggest he behave like a leader, influence DCs will increase by 2 due to his regret and shame.
- Influence: 3
Progress
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check),Influence Mr. Riverside +2
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1, Mr. Riverside's Resistance, Influence Mr. Riverside
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-,-
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills),-,Influence Irena
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Fjorn switches drinks again... "What if we lured them to attack us? (On defended turf. Yes. Did I say that aloud?). What do they like? Or even, continue with the shadow dupe trick, but be waitin' in the bushes. Look, whatever numbers you got, are bolstered now, what with us fine four. I've seen these men and owls in battle - something fierce. Could easily handle a few bilokos! (What even is a biloko? Sounds like a doll. Did I say that aloud again!?)"
The multiple mutagens taking their toll on the poor fool's mind as he experiences hallucinations mid-sentence!
◆) Versatile Vial ➤ Moderate Cognitive Mutagen
Irena loves talking about herbs, and Maneki plays into her knowledge of Nature.
"Ah, now I remember. According to the terms of the bargain, if a year went by and we did not ring the bell, the bilokos could seize whomever they wished at any time." She frowns. "Furthermore, the agreement forbade direct violence against the bilokos—any River Sentinel who performed such an act would be doomed to waste away, consumed by their own shadow." She shakes her head.
"They can take no more than three victims each year if we do not participate. Any direct resistance, such as destroying the bell or fleeing the area, would end the bargain, allowing the bilokos to attack in full force and feast on the River Sentinels indiscriminately."
Mr. Riverside simply frowns as Irena keeps talking, but Fjorn distracts him. "As she said, we cannot attack them directly." While he doesn't want to talk about it, Fjorn notices how Mr. Riverside picks away at the food, silently critiquing it.
Meadow
Fjorn
Maneki
Basag
Info
Irena:
- Discovery: Herbalism Lore (very easy), Nature, Perception (moderate), Society (hard)
- Influence skills: Lore (any plant or animal Lore, Very very Easy), Nature (moderate), Diplomacy (hard), Intimidate (harder), Deception (very hard)
- Influence: 4
Efala
- Discovery Skills: Gladiatorial Lore (Very very Easy), Scouting Lore (easy), Athletics (easy), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Warfare Lore (Very very Easy), Performance (moderate)
- Weakness: You can reduce the DC by 2 to any Performance or Deception checks that involve self-deprecation when targeting Efala with Discovery or Influence.
- Influence: 3
Mr. Riverside
- Discovery Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Mercantile
Lore (moderate), Perception (hard)
- Influence Skills: Cooking Lore (very easy), Society (easy), Diplomacy
- Resistance: If you demand Mr. Riverside takes charge of the situation or otherwise suggest he behave like a leader, influence DCs will increase by 2 due to his regret and shame.
- Influence: 3
Progress
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check),Influence Mr. Riverside +2
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1, Mr. Riverside's Resistance, Influence Mr. Riverside, Discover Mr. Riverside
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-,-,Influence Irena
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills),-,Influence Irena
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"Irena is correct. We cannot leave this area." Mr. Riverside takes a deep swig of his drink. "Otherwise the bilokos can hunt us down with impunity. So these tents are more like our coffins." He frowns.
"But Basag has an idea!" Irena pipes up. "We cannot fight the biloko, but they can! They are not bound by the pact." Efala stands up straight like a fire has been lit up from underneath, but Mr. Riverside claps his hands to silence her. "We must not speak of such matters during dinner. These Pathfinders are our guests. And I need time to think..."
Efala gives a nod and sits back down before you finish your meal.
As the others are cleaning up, Mr. Riverside looks to you.
“This bell... you have brought it back to help us, assuming we need it for protection. That is true, but it also ensnares us. In the name of protecting ourselves, I believe we have committed great evil—and for that, we... no, I... cannot be forgiven. When we were rid of the bell, I believed that we could move past the horrible things that happened, the sadistic rituals those bilokos forced us to take part in. I believe that we deserved the punishment that followed... punishment that continues to this day.
“But, like a cruel echo, the bell has come back to us. I thought we could move forward, like a river. But we are stuck, our sins... my sins... returning like ripples in a still pond. I see now that we must act. Before, the risk was too great, as our bargain with the bilokos spells out our doom should we take direct physical action against them. Perhaps, with you here, and with the bell... perhaps we can draw them out, and fight back. Only we River Sentinels can perform the song that lures the bilokos to the ringing grounds. But you must stand against them. If you have truly come to help us, you will fight them when they come to feast. Perhaps then, their leader, Wrigglemaw, will know the River Sentinels are not to be trifled with. Will you do this with us?”
Influence
Irena: 5
Efala: 3
Mr. Riverside: 4
Results
Meadow: -,-,-(Efala's Athletics Check),Influence Mr. Riverside +2, Influence Mr. Riverside
Fjorn: Influence Efala +2, Influence Irena +1, Mr. Riverside's Resistance, Influence Mr. Riverside, Discover Mr. Riverside
Maneki: Discover Irena (Influence Skills), -,-,-,Influence Irena
Basag: Discover Efala (Influence Skills),-,Influence Irena
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The mutagens wear off…
…Fjörn restores his usual habit of coating his nerves with a Moderate Serene Mutagen , and almost opens his mouth to speak.
Instead, the better part of (alchemical) wisdom bids he defer to Basag Bungo…
|
Basag stands and pumps his fist into his chest.
"As a fellow Song'o, I will not leave this mission with regret. I will help you with the best of my abilities. And I believe my fellow Pathfinders will help me save you from this... curse. Mr. Riverside, do not be cruel to yourself. You've made mistakes, yes, but remember, all things happen for a reason. The bell returning to you must mean something. It returned with us! We can fight in your stead!" he says, giving a heartfelt message to the leader before sitting back down.
He waits to his fellow Pathfinders if they agree to help the River Sentinels.
"I thank you, deeply." Mr. Riverside grows solemn. "I traded these to get rid of that accursed bell a long time ago. Please, take them and use them."
He hands you a >bracelet of dashing<.
"We will go to the ritual site tomorrow. Please, prepare yourselves."
Irena waves to you. "Ready? Follow me." She guides you about a mile through the jungle, along the tributary, to a circle of standing stones. The eight stones have carvings resembling those on the bell, and at the center of the circle is a larger stone arch. Beneath the arch is a circular pool of pure water about one inch deep and just wide enough to contain the cold iron bell.
Several other River Sentinels accompany you—a total of nine, one for each stone in the circle and one for the stone at the center of the circle. Mr. Riverside calls to you. "If you need to make any preparations, do it now. They will set upon you as soon as we ring the bell and begin the ritual. We will stand here." He points to the standing stones arranged in a circle. "The bilokos will likely come from there." He points to the across the river. "They will come straight for us, please stop them before they reach the standing stones and begin the barbaric ritual."
"We cannot help you directly in the combat. Please, you must finish all of them off. Wrigglemaw must know we have powerful allies."
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"If I may"
Fjorn wraps the gifted bracelet sash around his hefty middle section. It fits perfectly if he sucks in his tummy. And look positively ridiculous!
Anyway, after rolling initiative, he:
◆) Activates his Dread Helm
◆) Activates the Bracelet of Dashing
◆) Inbibes the Invisibility Potion in his Horn of Plenty