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I just submitted the chronicles to Paizo. You should see the chronicles come up soon. I'll close this thread by Wednesday. --- Your journey to Ekkeshikaar was one of diplomacy and intrigue. You followed the advice of Eras the Needle, and as a result the iruxi of Ekkeshikaar are very likely to become essential allies to the nation of Vidrian and the Pathfinder Society in the years to come.
>Click HERE< to download your chronicles. If there are any problems, let me know.
Once everyone signs off on it I'll report it to Paizo.
>Retraining< rules. In PFS, you spend 1 day of downtime out of your 8 days. HOWEVER, thanks to the Remaster, every PFS character is given 1 free Retraining that acts immediately, provided they are Remaster compliant. You can check the >Remaster page< for more information on that.
Primary Objective:
Secondary Objective:
If you want me to include anything in the notes like earning income, mention them now. You can always add it in afterward.
After an hour or so, Captain Hazar looks down at the door and shouts out. "Attention: The council have returned. Please be seated!" He opens the door and the council members emerge, returning to their seats. Inishish looks around the delegation. "After deliberation, we have decided your terms are very fair. The Council of Ekkeshikaar will ratify the agreement as it is written. We hope to learn more from Vidrian, and we hope this is the first of many steps to prosperity." Casilro Benarry pulls out a victory flask. You wonder if it would have been a consolation flask if negotiations didn't go well, or there was a storm, or if it were Tuesday. "A toast to a job well done!" She takes the first drink before pulling out a few shot glasses. "Time to party. Good job, everyone." "Good news, everyone!" Lashweather butts in and takes a shot without asking. "Oooh, minty. Where was I? Oh yes. Bouldstrom admitted the Cho'ataan may have spoken to me wisely. Now, I may be able to harness enough astrological energy to empower a legion of superiruxi, capable of conquering any other team in a game of Exuto. It's good timing, as the Globetrotters may return any day now! I could use some volunteers to practice my Cho'ataan granted abilities upon." He grins in your direction...
Ill Omens
"You are right! The stars have spoken! But, who interprets and how is it interpreted? Lashweather has already mentioned that one interpretation was wrong. We all need to study the stars more, to learn what it is that they want to reveal to us." The crowd begins discussing the meaning of the stars, and Bouldstrom feels his focus waning. "Fine! More research is needed!"
You don't know the stars
"Learning astrology isn't hard. Professor Lashweather only needed about a quarter of an hour to explain the properties of a dozen constellations. I am particularly fond of the family orientation of Shal'mokk, the vigilance of Sharbosh, and the life-giving nature of Shalor. And that's only a dozen! We can't wait to learn more!" "Preach, sister!" Lashweather claps and rallies the crowd into song. It takes the guards a moment to calm everyone down.
The conversations come to an end, and the iruxi councilors stand. "Excuse us while we begin deliberations on finalizing the deal. Please be patient with us." They move to a room underground before the captain of the guard closes the door and stands nearby. "Well, that went well." Mirian Raas kicks her feet up on the table and leans back, earning a shocked look from Eras. Calisro seems more offended she didn't think of the idea first and follows suit.
2 more skill checks and we'll be done with this scenario. I'm very happy both of the final skill checks involve Lashweather.
Progress and Skill History:
Topics: Tarrifs and taxes, What do you have that we want?, We trade with Droon Caitlin Deception, Nature, Deception Seoni Diplomacy, Deception, Society Scratch Diplomacy, Nature, Mercantile Lore Salaish Diplomacy, Deception, Society Luna Diplomacy, Society, Intimidate The negotiations finally come to a close after you speak up at 2 more critical points...
GM Screen:
After a short lunch break, you continue the rest of the negotiations. Most of the contention comes from two iruxi in particular... Ill Omens:
One elder iruxi slowly stands, getting assistance from their peers. "I have consulted the stars. They have spoken. They say Ekkeshikaar should NOT make any new trade deals. Forcing an allegiance against augury is audacious, awful and antagonistic." He turns to you. "What say you to this? The stars have spoken!"
"Now see here Bouldstrom!" Lashweather leaps up from the crowd... Which explains why there's an empty seat at the delegation table. "You also said it would be a bad time for the Cho'ataan! You were wrong! If it weren't for the Pathfinders I'd never learn the secrets of the stars, and their incredible powers at my fingertips!" He raises his hands marvelously as he is ushered to the empty seat. "Oh, hello!" He waves to you with a smile before glowering back at Bouldstrom. You don't know the stars: The elderly iruxi glares at the delegates. "You northerners do not understand the signs and portents of the stars. Your astrology is lacking, you barely understand your dippers from your solar streaks!" The crowd chuckles for a bit before the elder turns, silencing them. "How can you ever become advanced enough to understand trade deals if you lack astrological knowledge? Go on, prove me wrong." "Bouldstrom!" Lashweather lifts his head out of his book and points at the elder. "I've witnessed the Pathfinder's skill and knowledge about the stars. It's like it was yesterday..." He stares up for a long time before Bouldstrom coughs. "Ah yes, where was I? Right, the Cho'ataan! I taught the Pathfinders here the meaning behind the symbols. They adapted quickly and even defended me against the elemental backlash. And if they could learn this quickly, imagine what the other Vidrians can learn." Lashweather turns to you to give a not-even-remotely subtle wink and thumbs up before growling at Bouldstrom.
Tariffs and taxes
Luna strikes a critical chord amongst the crowd, and they begin mumbling in agreement. Barashk's position softens a bit as he acknowledges Luna's words. What do you have that we want
"Remember what I said about amazing root crops? Well.. exactly. So yummy." He hopes they don't remember the gassy side effects.. "Like the sample crate of rutabaga?" Shulkuru grimaces as the audience gasps. "Oh no, you can keep those to yourself." She shakes her head as the crowd agrees with her assessment. Turns out Scratch blundered into a critical mistake and a sensitive topic amongst the people here. We trade with Droon
"If Droon thinks that they have a monopoly on your trade, you need to disavow them of that notion. No-one goes to war over a few non-exclusive trade routes. Only a fool would launch a trade blockade when they still value you as a partner." Inishish scratches their chin and ponders her words. "A war wouldn't be profitable in the long run. And a little competition never hurt..." Their opinion is turning around...
Progress and Skill History:
Topics: Tariffs and Taxes, What do you have that we want, We trade with Droon Scratch: Diplomacy, Nature, Mercantile Lore
Luna and Caitlin ponder what they should say.
For expediency's sake, do all three checks in a single post. There are more checks coming after this set.
We're up to the finale. Please double check your RPG Chronicles info to make sure it's correct. Everyone will have to make a skill check for each argument. Not trying is considered a critical failure, so it can't get any worse. This negotiation takes up the entire day, so any consumable buffs only last long enough to answer one question.
Tariffs and Taxes:
The iruxi delegate Barashk pauses the pleasantries. "Even if we open the trade again, there are tariffs and taxes we need to put in place. They are quite expensive and ultimately unprofitable according to my accountants." He adjusts his glasses. "We would be better off ignoring the trade altogether in that case."
Casilro Benarry burps in response. "Sorry, boredom makes me gassy." She unfiurls more pages. "Besides, you're using the wrong trade route. We can use a cheaper, faster one over here. Reduces import and export fees for both Ekkeshikaar and Vidrian. You'll be helping a neighbor and become rich. Win-win if you ask me." She turns to you. "I'm certain you have something to say as well." What do you have that we want?:
Shulkuru crosses her arms. "You know, when we did trade from Vidrian- Well, technically from Sargava- it wasn't that useful or valuable. Ekkeshikaar is self-sufficient." Some of the crowd nod. "What, exactly, could Vidrian offer us that would be useful?"
Jekka turns his head to you. "You should probably mention any kind of export Vidrian has. Might convince Shulkuru that we have something to offer." We trade with Droon:
The iruxi Inishish slams their hands on the table. "Enough of this talk. We mustn't upset the empire of Droon. If they hear we are trading with this tiny nation Vidrian, they will accuse us of betrayal. We will lose access to good trade routes. They will raises prices and cut us off from vital goods these Vidrians know nothing about. We are letting ourselves bleed to feed these foreigners!" Some of the crowd cheers in agreement and have to be silenced by the guards.
As the crowd dies down, Kesstraka shakes her head and addresses the crowd. "Insishish was an actor before they ran for council, did you know? My mother helped them with a particularly troublesome passage in a play. They have a tendency to be overdramatic." Some of the middle aged iruxi fight back a few laughs before Kesstraka turns to the Council. "Droon relies on many of our crops and see them as a fine delicacy. They know they do not have a monopoly and cannot demand who we trade with. Besides, the Pathfinders wouldn't be short sighted enough to provoke a war to make a few more gold."
GM Screen:
Captain Benarry gives Luna a wink before handing her a waterskin. "Thirsty, eh? This water should help you out." She straightens her face before Eras the Needle turns to look at her. "What? Luna's thirsty!" Salaish notices the emphasis on astrology and other facests of Occultism are woven into iruxi society. Many people are wearing clothing patterned after the starlit sky, or the bright sun. She sees aspects of the Dark Tapestry woven into their clothing, and she notices sometimes they point upward in their speech. Salaish sees Lumki. "Oh, hello Saliash." She waves and adjusts her seat to make room. Lashweather is fast asleep, lightly snoring next to her. "Ah yes. The council members. They get to make the big decisions around here." "That is Barashk, he's from The Treasury and keeps tight records on the budget." "She is Shulkuru, a historian. I... failed her advanced history class." Lumki blushes a bit. "But she is always up to date on the news. She and Kesstraka are friends, actually." "The eldest iruxi is-" Lashweather snorts in his sleep, interrupting Lumki. "Best I not say their name, Professor Lashweather considers them to be a rival. They are both astrologers and use their analysis to read our future." "And the youngest member is Inishish, an actor who found themselves getting involved in politics until a council seat opened up. They established strong ties with Droon, the nation to the south." "The other three-" A loud gong sounds through the chamber, and guards begin ushering people to their seats. "Are mostly assistants, so they won't speak up much. Best of luck to you!" A guard arrives to escort Salaish back to the Vidrian delegates and Pathfinder Society. You are directed to sit beside Calisro, Eras, Mirian Raas, and her iruxi brother Jekka. Mirian is clearly the most out of place, still wearing her exploration clothing, even if it doesn't have traveling gear. You suspect she didn't even pack more formal wear. "Listen up. These negotiations will take hours to finish. We'll need you to speak up during some of the more... pointed debates."
Scratch and Salaish get 1 Hero Point each!
The heart of a sprawling and partially-submerged government building made of glass and stone, this large circular chamber is one of the few parts of the building that extends up above the waterline, giving an only slightly-obscured view of the sky above through the midnight-blue-tinted glass dome that covers the room’s ceiling. A group of seven iruxi dressed in long blue-black robes trimmed with gold sit at raised pulpits along one side of the room. A long table has been set aside for a handful of representatives from the Vidrian delegation, and additional seating holds crowds of native iruxi, some eager to see the trade deal pass, others to see it halted, and the rest simply excited to watch events unfold. Already, a queue of Ekkeshikaar’s citizens is forming behind a stone lectern set aside for citizens to speak their minds and ask questions on the proceedings.
After a hard day of paperwork, protection, and negotiation, Eras the Needle and Calisro Benarry invite you to a good night's rest. Or a wild party followed by some rest somewhere. The next day, you prepare to visit the Chamber of Stars. "Hey, hold on to this." Calisro hands you four vials. "They might come in handy during negotiations." Two of them are marked: >moderate cognitive mutagen< And the other two are marked: >moderate silvertongue mutagen<
"Incredible!" Leilin claps as you step off the ankylosauruses. "This will help us greatly against... them. We must reclaim what they've taken from us." She looks solemn. "Absolutely nothing." She turns back to you. "But as for you... to the winner, take this ring." She presents a ring to Scratch. "We call it a >Ring of the Ram.<. When you focus you can kick someone from afar. Hiii-yah!" She leaps up and spins before kicking a ball meant for dinosaurs across the field. The crowd cheers her on before she turns to Luna. "We have a smaller cash reward for you. Spend it during the game and wish us good luck." "Give a big round of applause for the foreign dignitaries!" Leilin riles the crowd into an excited cheer. Already some of the iruxi are approaching you for autographs, while others have left the stadium to spread word of your escapades.
Luna's grip on the reigns start to slip immediately, but Salaish rallies the crowd to help her keep stable. She manages to stay on for as long as possible. Scratch manages to hold on easily, getting control of the anklyosaur and guiding it around the field. "Yes! Just do it!" One iruxi fan gets really excited. Caitlin almost falls out of her saddle immediately, but scrambles to maintain her grip.
We'll be up to the finale soon. Please nominate 2 players to gain a Hero Point. You can post openly, or put it in a spoiler, or PM me.
Seoni takes a seat and cheers Scratch and Luna on, while Salaish decides to rile up the crowd. What will Caitlin do?
Spoiler:
Scratch hears Leelin's description, looks at the beasts, and realizes they must be able to withstand intense cold. He's heard of their abilities to leap wide chasms in a single bound, as well as their razor sharp talons.
"Thank you. Let me show you how you can help." Some of the teammates enter the arena atop the backs of large lizards. Leilin points to them. "This is an ankylosaurus. Mind the tail and its feet. I've seen too many rookies fall off underneath its feet." She shakes her head. "Stay on for as long as possible."
We are up to the second optional encounter. Each of you may choose to participate in this event. There are rewards attached to this. If no one wants to try it out, we'll skip it entirely.
As you leave the observatory, you notice a group of athletic iruxi grumbling about themselves. One of them spots you. "Ah, perfect! The outsiders. My name is Leilin, star of the Ekkeshikaar Dunkers. Could you help us practice?" The locals lead the way to a large building, built from stone at the bottom, but with an enormous glass dome covering the top. Inside is a sophisticated arena with rising stands on the outside surrounding fenced-off pens for standing crowds to watch at ground level, and in the middle a large, muddy oval set to house the main attraction. Today, the crowd is relatively small—only about a quarter of the stands are filled with cheering Iruxi who watch as a number of giant, lumbering lizards are led onto the arena floor. "Ah, there you are. We could use your help." It doesn't take long for the iruxi spectators to crowd around you. "We need practice against... unorthodox players like you. We must defend ourselves against the Globetrotters." As the athlete mentions the name, the crowd hushes. "Astrologers believe they travel across Golarion. No, they travel beyond the planes, to new worlds! They have defeated us every time they arrive, staking their claim of absolutely nothing!" The iruxi stamps her foot against the hard earth. "This year, they have challenged us to a game of Exuto, and it is due next week." "Exuto is a beloved sport where you ride massive lizards and direct them to knock a ball into your opponent's side of the field. Were this another iruxi team I would crush them easily, but the Globetrotters are so unorthodox. We must think outside the box." "We need to practice against unorthodox opponents. Like yourselves. Can you participate in a practice game?"
Luna's magical barrier collapses as she blocks the blow, but it leaves her unharmed as she cuts into her foe.
Salaish and Seoni try to zap their foes, and they respond with a burst of agility. The elemental creatures wane and falter as they break up into their prime components, swirling around Lashweather before he hurls them into the night sky and laughs uncontrollably. "YES! I've done it! I am one with the stars! Bouldstrom said I couldn't do it, but now who's laughing! HAHAHAHA!"
Lumki opens the door and pokes her head in. "Is it over?" Lashweather turns around. "Oh. You're still here. Good news, everyone! The Cho'aatan was a success! I will only need a few hours to compile my results. Then, after a good night's rest, I will join the Pathfinder Society during their trade negotiation. Or, whatever you needed me to to do. Take this reward." He hands one of you a >diplomat’s badge<) as thanks. "Now, I'll see you tomorrow. Toodles!" He waves you off before turning back to his book and his sky. Lumki breathes a sigh of relief. "I will make sure the professor keeps his promise. Then again he knows... you-know-who will be there, so it may not take much convincing."
Caitlin really misses her bow. She also misses the hound. Scratch's luck finally wanes as he gets 2 glancing blows on the bird. The hound begins its counter attack on Caitlin. It bites her twice and tries to knock her down, but she maintains her footing.
The Red Cinder Rat runs up to Salaish. Blinding smoke fills her vision as it bites her twice, setting her on fire!
The hawk flies up between Luna and Seoni, clawing at both before retreating.
Lashweather's giggle erupts into cackling as he seems to glow with more celestial light.
Luna's knife cuts twice, once critically. Seoni tries to freeze the hound but it's no good. The hound is too tough and agile to get hurt.
The wind swirls to form into another yellow zephyr hawk. The heat creates another cinder rat.
Caitlin's first shot destroys the target she was hunting. She shoots the only other target in the room. The quadrupedal creature howls and runs towards Caitlin, its jagged jaws snapping to and fro.
The hot wind continues to blow through the observatory. Lashweather giggles with excitement as he adjusts his seat.
Luna, Seoni and Salaish enhance their defenses. Scratch unloads on the dog behind him. It's a critical shot, but not enough to stun it.
"Bouldstrom is one of the professor's... uh, rivals, and is a member of the council." Lumki's muffled voice comes from the other side of the door at the bottom of the stairs. "They tend to disagree..."
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Stunned or not, the rat is quickly dispatched with Caitlin's arrow.
2 Hounds made of dirt and mud coalesce as the sandstorm dies down. They bark at Lashweather as he finishes wiping off the dirt off of his telescope. "Oh, that's a beauty... Bouldstrom is going to be so jealous!" A hot wind begins blowing through the observatory.
The rat squeaks as Scratch critically blasts his target. It doesn't have much life left...
Scratch's first blast is enough to destroy the shark. What does he do next?
Seoni conjures a ray of frost and tries to blast the shark with it.
She mumbles something unpleasant under her breath and conjures a magical shield. The heat wave seems to peak as a rat wiggles into the observatory, covered in smoke. It's difficult to see its exact location. "My my, it's getting dusty in here." Lashweather reaches for a cleaning cloth to wipe off the sand and dirt that is sweeping through the observatory's windows.
Salaish quickly wriggles free from the shark's grasp and tries to shock it.
It's quite effective. So effective she almost destroys the shark entirely.
The heat wave continues through the observatory. Lashweather remains glued to the telescope, although he is tapping his feet to match Salaish's anthem.
Scratch scores a critical hit with his opening blast, almost destroying the hawk outright. With her longbow ready, Caitlin takes a Step back. She marks the hawk as her prey and tries to finish it off. Ranged +1 Striking Composite Longbow
The Cho'sath constellation lights up as she steps on it and lights the hawk aflame, destroying it. The shark, undaunted, sees a tasty meal and chomps on Salaish, managing to hold onto her arm. The flames continue to rage but they don't do much to it.
Salaish stands her ground and rallies her allies, before critically torching the shark. As it's made of water, it does resist some of the flames, but most of it gets through. Luna tries to follow up, and hits it once. The winds roar as a hawk made of wind flies up the stairs into the observatory. The winds die down and an heat wave picks up. Scratch and Caitlin have a chance to act quickly.
Salaish stands her ground and rallies her allies, before critically torching the shark. As it's made of water, it does resist some of the flames, but most of it gets through. Luna tries to follow up, and hits it once. The winds roar as a hawk made of wind flies up the stairs into the observatory. The winds die down and an heat wave picks up. Scratch and Caitlin have a chance to act quickly.
Seoni freezes one of the sharks, shattering it. Winds continue to pick up.
Scratch pops behind the desk and pops one of the sharks twice, his first shot with a critical aim. The sharks swim ahead and try to bite you.
Winds whip throughout the observatory.
Two aquatic sharks jump in through the rain. Scratch pops behind the desk.
GM Screen:
"Alright! Now make sure I am not reduced to shreds during the attunement! Elements from the greater beyond will certainly seek my scaly flesh!" He chuckles before standing in the center of the room and burying his head within a book, only pausing to stare up at the sky. He's not paying attention to you at all. A brief rainshower blows into the observatory, followed by a heat wave and cold snap that lasts less than a minute. Some of the weather patterns coalesce into a single spot. This can't be good. Initiative:
"Oh! You wish to know what the constellations will do?" Lashweather comes to life, gesturing and pointing to each symbol, explaining their benefits for standing on them. Lumki is scribbling down every word he says. 1. Cho’sath (Fire):
Shaped like a fire with three flames, this constellation is associated with fire. A creature standing on it deals 1d6 additional fire damage with their Strikes. 2. Shi’sath (Air):
Shaped like three wavy vertical lines, this constellation is associated with air. A creature who begins their turn on this constellation gains a +10 foot status bonus to their Speeds for 1 round. 3. Chal’soth (Water):
Shaped like three waves, this constellation is associated with water. A creature standing on it deals 1d6 additional bludgeoning damage with their Strikes. The Strike gains the water trait. 4. Shar’soth (Earth)::
Shaped like a large stone with three diagonal slash marks on it, this constellation is associated with earth. A creature standing on it gains tremorsense (imprecise) 30 feet as long as they remain on the rune, and they can strike creatures who are burrowing underground in a space within their reach. 5. Kaiross (Strength):
Shaped like a curved fang, this constellation is associated with military and physical strength. A creature standing on it gains a +2 status bonus to Strength-based attack and damage rolls. 6. Shalor (Life):
Shaped like a hatching egg, this constellation is associated with birth and fertility. A creature standing on it heals 2 Hit Points at the beginning of their turn each round. 7. Ondess (Wisdom)::
Shaped like a reptilian eye, this constellation is associated with wisdom and the knowledge of secret things. A creature standing on it increases the saving throw DCs of their spells by 2. 8. Kartek (Trickery)::
Shaped like a serpent, this constellation is associated with stealth, trickery, and dishonorable deeds. Whenever a creature ends its movement in this space, or begins its turn there, they must attempt a DC 11 flat check. On a success, they gain concealment from all other creatures until the beginning of their turn or until they move from that space, whichever comes first. On a failure, they are flat- footed for the same duration, instead. 9. Kurdok (Death):
Shaped like an iruxi skull, this constellation is associated with death and decay. Whenever a creature begins its turn on this space, it takes 1d6 negative damage. 10. Sharbosh (Vigilance):
Shaped like a turtle’s shell, this constellation is associated with protection and safety. A creature standing on it gains a +2 status bonus to AC and saving throws. 11. Shal’mokk (Family):
Shaped like a primitive nest, this constellation is associated with home and family. A creature standing on it gains no benefits but grants each adjacent ally a +1 status bonus to all attack rolls, damage rolls, AC, and saving throws. 12. Korlan (Chance):
Shaped like a skipping stone, this constellation is associated with luck and chance. A creature standing on it can spend their reaction to roll twice and take the better result on one attack roll, skill check, or save. Seoni's ancestors confirm the professor is quite knowledgeable, and agree with his assessment.
Lashweather nods along as you mention the constellations. "Of course! Of course! You see, I would gladly teach you about the constellations once I complete my research. There is a celestial alignment that is happening tonight. I must observe it now and spend several days analyzing the results before it is over." As you keep talking he seems to nod off and fall asleep, before- "Good news, everyone!" Lashweather snaps to attention. "I can try an alternative technique that can solve my research tonight! I call it the Cho'aatan!" He pauses and thinks. "So does everyone else..." He raises a finger. "I will have to attune myself to the very elements. Sadly this will also conjure elementals who will try to reduce me to shreds! I will need someone to protect me from these errant elementals! That will be your job. If my concentration is disrupted, then the Cho'aatan will fail. Then it's back to my week long study." "During the ritual, the constellations on the floor will be charged with astrological energy. Anyone who stands on them as they charge will be imbued with their power. Just imagine, creatures from the great beyond will give you powers we have barely begun to understand..." Lashweather grins. "I am jealous!" DC 25 Fortune-Telling Lore or Occultism: You are able to infer the benefits from each constellation.
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