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Wanakeena smiles warmly. “I believe we’ve heard enough. It’s true some of our people have had misgivings about your organization, but it’s also true you have demonstrated your ability and commitment to the Segada Protocol and the peoples of Arcadia. You have shown us courage, honesty, and a healthy amount of stubbornness. These are all traits you will need in our home. I, however, can’t make this decision on my own. Our council requires consensus. So now I ask my fellow members: should the Pathfinder Society be allowed access through the Akrandida Mountains so they may have the star gun restored?” She raises her hand, and slowly, the rest of the council joins her. She beams once more. “Arcadia has listened, and it has thrown its arms wide.” She rises to her feet, offering a handshake. “We will deliberate and decide on who shall accompany you past the mountains. Your organization will be contacted once we have decided on a guide. In the meantime, you’re free to stay in the lodgings we provided and take in the city.” Wanakeena looks over to Rahaksenwe, who’s already pitching strategies and plans to Tekawenda. “As for us, it seems our day has only just begun.”
---
Tieri 1 Check
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 3 Influence Point
---
Tieri
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 1 Influence Point
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash 1 Influence Point
Councilor Skawahann Duburra 3 Influence Point
The group pummels the remaining cultist, Tieri sinking an arrow deep in their chest followed by Maurice and Locho closing the distance to strike them down. The dust settles quickly and two figures are seen rushing towards the commotion. Rahaksenwe and Uanae rush towards the Pathfinders, providing aid to their wounds. "We were on our way to escort you back to the council chambers when we heard the commotion but you handled them quickly. Please let us tend to your wounds then make our way there." As they walk, the protestors part begrudgingly to allow them through. The chambers are filled with the same members with only Suhko missing as Rahaksenwe informs the others of the past days events. The members all nod and says it will be discussed after they have finished.
The day's discussion begins anew as the Pathfinders attempt to finalize their support of business here.
Maurice and Dart run down the yellow cultist, tossing him aside after he crumples in the mounts jaws. Tieri sends a bolt into both green and purple feathered cultists as the first drops. As the bolt pierces the purple cultist they invoke a curse of blood.
Lohco shifts their attention to the blue feathered one. ---
---
Lohco moves in and swings at the first cultist he can reach.
Lucky begins to play a tune to empower the Pathfinders as they move out in vision of the cultists.
--- The purple robed cultist moves along the water before casting a hex onto Tieri.
He begins to feel sleepy, weakening his ability to focus and resist spells. The other two cultists prepare to attack, the yellow feathered one moving around Lohco before attacking.
---
Tieri and Locho have thee most fitful dreams of the night, something is off in their dreams. The comfort of sleep soon slips away as the safety of dreams is invaded by a rolling purple mist. Out of the mist steps a woman dressed in owl feathers. As the mist fades, it’s clear that this is the woman who was taking notes in the meeting room. She strolls through the dreamscape, a bemused expression on her face as she takes in the scenery she’s interrupted. “This is what you dream of?” She scoffs. “No matter. I’ll find what I’m looking for eventually.” She waves her hand and the scenery around her begins to morph. Buildings from Segada, the Skyrise Lodge in Port Valen, and the Grand Lodge in Absalom all erupt out of the ground. “Unless, of course, you’ll just tell me what you know about the star gun. It’ll make all this so much easier.” There’s a shock of pain as Suhko digs through dreams and memories, prying for any information related to the star gun.
The however resist the probing within their dreams before Sukho disappears back into the purple smoke, allowing them to fully rest. --- The Pathfinders awake from their sleep well rested, and prepared to reconvene with the council for their last statements. As they step out of the tavern, the crisp morning air is abuzz with life as crowds of people hustle by the tavern, travelling toward their jobs, the market, or to meet with friends for tea. The crowds are disrupted by tall figures pushing against the current, steadily making their way toward the tavern. Their dark cloaks stand out from the normal colorful clothing of Segada, and their owl skull masks stand out even more so. They stop in front of the tavern,
The leader of the group steps forward. “This is your last chance. Tell us of the star gun and you can be on your way. Deny us and... well, we trust you’ll make the smart choice.”
"I don't know much more about who or why but they turn into owls to snoop on you. Or that is the legend my mother always told me. Nothing to worry the council surely. However, don't take my superstitions the wrong way, I personally am glad to have all kinds of visitors like yourselves. You are the lifeblood of my establishment. Perhaps with time the people here will feel the same if you all live up to your reputations!" Awade says.
"Owls. Mother always said they were signs of death You have to shoo them away when you see them. Also people who put their hands and minds into dark magic...I'd rather they stay far away from here. Poor for business when people come here to relax. But parrots are okay." she says replying to Movyu after hearing the question about owls.
The Pathfinders band to gether to finish the cultists off as Movyu strikes a decisive blow, striking his foe down in a bloody spray. Tai Ghee (-20)
The group examines the bodies and finds a letter. Rahaksenwe comes rushing down the alley to see what the commotion is, apologizing for not making it sooner due to protestors. She accompanies the Pathfinders the rest of the way to the tavern. It is only a short walk further and other than discussing the note there is little left in the day. The tavern still vibrates with life, despite the late hour. Tables are filled with tourists, visiting dignitaries, and ambassadors from other Arcadian nations. The tavern keeper, a grinning halfling woman, approaches with arms outstretched, offering a hug. “Welcome to Seeker’s Rest! Have you eaten yet?” She doesn’t wait for a response before she’s disappeared behind the counter, preparing plates of food. She soon returns with bannock and berry sauce. “My grandmother’s recipe.” she explains. “When the council told me we were getting visitors from Avistan I had to make sure that we put our best foot forward. Your rooms are up the stairs, on the left. Best rooms
Maurice dashes in piercing another hole in the red robed cultist before Locho rushes up and cuts him down with a strike that digs into the weakest spot of their defenses. Tieri sends two arrows sailing through the air with a whistle, only to be answered with a groan from the green cultist, who is quickly turning into a pincushion that is oozing blood. He is wavering, barely able to stand. Tai Ghee takes advantage of the situation, pummeling him to the ground while he is distracted. With his last blow the cultist slumps unconscious. The first fails to connect any swings on Tai Ghee but the Red cultist connects a biting slash on Movyus chest after dropping his bow. ---
Panicking, the blue cultist swings wildly hoping to take down the monk. ---
Movyu moves in to push the action towards the cultist but fails to connect.
Lucky wheels around the corner and hurls some debris with incredible aim, crashing into the red cultist. --- The green and red cultist opt for their blades, attempting to cut their way out of the situation.
The first fails to connect any swings on Tai Ghee but the Red cultist connects a biting slash on Movyus chest after dropping his bow. ---
Maurice charges in before wheeling back arounnd, leaving red with a large bleeding hole in his robe. Tai Ghee quickly closes the distance and begins his assault, but struggles to connect as the frightened enemies dodge out of the way. Lohco easily identifies these cultists, the run of the mill lot with nothing special or magical about them. They are agile and can dodge many things but weak of body. Tieri doesn't like the look of the cramped alley but doesn't let that stop him from landing an arrow directly in the chest of the green feathered foe. --- The cultist in the blue feathered robe quickly puts his blade to work after stepping out of view of the ranged Pathfinders.
His blade cuts into the monk's arm but the second swing is deflected by his impressive stance. ---
At the end of the alleyway stands a small group of people in cloaks, huddled over shards of clay, sharply whispering at each other. Initiative:
They stop when one notices they’re not alone, and quickly draw their weapons. “She won’t care about the pot.” One of them calls
The sharp eyed person in the red feathered cloak quickly fires off an arrow that whizzes by Lohcos head, as he peeks around the corner. ---
Tieri
After taking care of any business needed the group nears the tavern. The noise in the city begins to die down. Storytellers reach the end of their tales, promising to continue their lessons in the morning. Street vendors set small fires next to their stalls, burning off the last of their unsold stock to feed the spirits. The streets gently begin to fill with light as people settle into their homes for the evening. The calm atmosphere is cut short by a sharp crash down a nearby alleyway and a whispered argument.
As the group continues their conversations, the Mayor looks out her window to the city below and notices the quickly setting sun. “You have given us much to consider. It is, however, getting late. Something this important should not be decided by tired minds. Meet us again in the morning, once we’ve all had time to sleep on it, and we will make our final decision. Oh, and give Awedo my best. I hear she’s spent all week preparing the rooms for your arrival.” A secretary reenters the room as the rest of the councilors stand, preparing to leave. The group is ushered out of the building and into the street, where you notice a powerful perfume emanating the air. Secret Rolls[/spoiler:
The group is free to do any last minute errands in the city, permissions granted to visit any small shops, before retiring to the tavern.
The rules are very vague and have the rounds all differing as suggestions but i do see the line about one action, an have seen on the forums everyone doing it differently. The system is poorly explained and this encounter would be near impossible to complete if that were true. Some characters take 4 or 6 influence points to convince. That would require a smaller party literally hitting multiple success or critical without time for discovery. I don't see any party pulling this encounter off at this tier without multiple party members bruteforcing Diplomacy crits through. I'll move us forward.
The other two Pathfinders spend their time speaking of the councils interests and watching their expressions, finding a few key weaknesses. ---
Tieri 3 Actions
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 1 Success Point
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash
Councilor Skawahann Duburra 2 Success Point
---
Tieri
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 1 Success Point
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash
Councilor Skawahann Duburra 2 Success Point
[ooc]Councilor Ojiham Nekero: 2 Success Point
A few of the Pathfinders open up converstion with the excitable Councilman Nekero. Both Movyu and Tai Ghee giving effective speeches that keep him bouncing between benefits to the Society's cooperation. "You words speak strongly to your reverence to our ideals and focus on maintaining our society. If you carry this much in your words I have confidence in your ability to follow through with it. Perhaps if you are interested I can go over more history and impacts of the Protocol." he beams. With that you feel fairly confident you have at least won over one of the members present. --- Councilman Duburra appears to be a tougher person to persuade as the lore of the Pathfinders fall short of her expectations but she still smiles. "Those are some interesting tidbits but I have heard musings of it before. What other bits do you have to share with us. I know your society is holding on to many interesting bits of research in your archives."
---
Tieri 1 Actions
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 1 Success Point
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash
Councilor Skawahann Duburra
Lohco feels as if he is about to break through to the Mayor but she stays quiet after hearing him speak. However, looking over the mayor you see that she wears bright fabrics embroidered with quillwork and keeps her hair tied up into two tight buns. Her outfit incorporates fabrics, quillwork, or beads from each neighborhood in Segada. Something in the Peacekeeper finds value in Tieri's speech, "Tell me more about these Pathfinder, about your history of helping others. It is my duty to keep this place safe, including any Kobolds. Perhaps the Society has a history of keeping people safe." The kobold also notices Tekawenda keeps her hair back in a tight braid. She wears a hide jacket painted with geometric designs and a blue sash around her waist. She is visibly tired but refuses to let it affect her posture. Duburra also finds some common ground with Maurice, "Anything you can share I would be delighted in. The more esoteric and unique the better. If I can bring anything to the council it is knowledge." Tai Ghee notices that Nekero has multiple religious symbols around his neck and wrist, meaning he views divinity as a guiding principle
Lucky struggles to make any progress with the Mayor but recalls some of the information from conversations in the crowds around town. Wanakeena has been mayor for years. She has kept her position through being in touch with the community and its issues. Her community-first attitude is how she approaches all problems, even to the detriment of her own wellbeing or ideals. Movyu worries not for exploring their motivations, instead providing undeniable benefits in his speech. The Mayor begins to smile and nod. "Actions are truly the best proof but your words are moving us closer all the same. If we are convinced here this mission for the Star Gun will be of importance to our community." ---
Tieri 2 Actions
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul 1 Influence Point
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash
Councilor Skawahann Duburra
Councilor Ojiham Nekero
The group is quickly lead towards the city center, only a short walk with little interruption as the crowds move at Kwari's behest. "Here you are. I do wish I could have heard more but something tells me we all will know soon." she says with a bow and a gesture to the secretary waiting outside. The Pathfinders are lead up a tall winding staircase, through wide halls, and into a circular meeting room with massive open windows that overlook the city. Within the room are four individuals seated around a large circular table and one off at a small desk to the side. As the group enters, from the head of the table a woman stands and begins to speak. “The room we’re gathered in overlooks the city. This is not to show our superiority, but to remind us of our duty. Look out in any direction and you’ll see our city, our people. Every decision we make is with the constant reminder of who we are meant to serve. It is with this in mind that we meet with you today. What we decide here will set a precedent, and the city is aware of it. You are here with good intentions. To restore something stolen from our lands is a welcome change. It shows that your organization listens. That they are willing to act toward the benefit of our peoples rather than themselves. Already there is talk on the streets about the problems of our citizens and how you can help. There are those, as you must have heard, who do not share this view. In fact, we can see them right now, gathered right below us. The Segada Protocol is intended to protect Arcadia from Avistani interests. They say that the Pathfinder Society, based in Absalom, is one of those interests. That by allowing you entry, we are exposing the continent to armed warriors beholden to a foreign authority. The Avistani
Finally, she sits back down behind the table. “Arcadia is listening, Pathfinders. Tell us why it should welcome you.” ---
Tieri
--- Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash
Councilor Skawahann Duburra
Councilor Ojiham Nekero
The next encounter uses the Influence subsystem. The rules will be summarized below: - Each round a PC may use the *Secret* Discover action to learn about an NPC or the Influence action to attempt a favorable impression. - Each Discover action is accompanied by a Perception or other applicable skill check (unique to each NPC). A success will allow you to learn one or two pieces of information among: Their most favorable skill check for Influence, their personal bias, resistances, or weaknesses. A failure could mean no information or one fraught with inaccuracies. - Each Influence action is accompanied by an appropriate skill check. Each successful Influence may grant up to 2 Influence Points but an egregious failure could result in a loss of an Influence Point. Let me know if there are any questions.
The Pathfinders move in unison as they overwhelm the remaining foxes. Tieri and Maurice pepper the fox with arrows and fire, leaving an opportunity for Tai Ghee to rain down a decisive blow. The red fox crumples under the landslide of force. The blue fox snarls in anger as its companion drops but can barely finish as Tai Ghee and Movyu pincer the creature. With one precise strike, Movyu's blade moves like lightning leaving the fox still on the ground. ---
--- As the dust settles, Kwari returns from the crowd beginning to rush over as she sees the creatures on the ground. "I don't know what you haven't told me about your mission but it appears others know...and do not like it. Please, stay by my side while we get you to the council building. My word should smooth over the lateness." she says ushering the group forward.
Lucky batters the red fox with rubble from the alley as Locho moves into position and leaves a hefty gash. ---
The red fox turns and pounces on it's assailant, landing one powerful bite on the goblin but being tossed off.
The blue fox continues leaping up and biting at Maurice. ---
--- Active Effects:
Tieri quickly snaps to focus and riddles the remaining spider with arrows, causing it to waver but it just manages to stay upright. --- The two foxes leap into their closest targets with fangs barred. The red furred one lashing out at Lohco and the blue for Maurice.
Both foxes connect with their first bite but flail around without effect after. The remaining spider attempts to fire a sticky web at Tieri then rush over the wood pile to close the distance to the kobold.
---
--- Active Effects:
Tai Ghee shrugs off venom of the spider but can't connect his blows but Lohco's dogslicer carves through the chitin thanks to their emboldened courage, felling the yellow striped dream spider. ---
--- Active Effects:
Movyu quickly works to pull herself free and masterfully begins pushing her equipment to new heights. Lucky also wastes no time emboldening his allies with a perfectly composed tune and then sends a paving stone crashing into the yellow spider with a loud crunch, breaking some of the chitinous shell. The yellow spider begins to waver before baring it's fangs once again. ---
The first bite makes it past Tai Ghee's defenses and he begins to feel the venom coursing through his veins but fights off the effects. ---
--- Active Effects:
Lohco identifies the creature's vulnerabilities , the creature is a Dream Spider who has venom that can leave foes stupefied. However, you recall that the creature has no inherent weaknesses of it's own. Tai Ghee narrowly misses the spider with his fists. --- The second spider rushes up to Tai Ghee with fangs bared, aiming to inject it's venom into the monk.
The monk's stance let's him deflect the blows with little difficulty. One fox rushes forward to bite at Tai Ghee as the second disappears around the building before leaping at the monk.
The first barely misses but gives the second just enough of an opening to sink it's teeth into his arm, but it lacks the strength to dig in deep. ---
Lucky
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