Edward: I make my way over to Abrielle Pace and put on an air of pompousness, asking her why she was so rude to my friend.
Edward: [SKILL] Intimidate [d20+8 = 16]
Edward's aggressive approach visibly shakes Pace, and she apologizes for her rudeness profusely. Further discussion and probing reveals that the woman is duplicitous and, though outwardly a firm ally of Princess Eutropia and the end of primogeniture, Countess Pace sycophantically trails political power like a wolf chases prey, allying herself with whoever offers her an advantage.
[Party gains +2 circumstance bonus on skill checks to influence Baron Okerra, Lady Gloriana Morilla, and Princess Eutropia.]
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: You know Charlotte, I've been told I have a thing for the covert arts. That I practically blend into the shadows at times, almost like camouflage, given I have the proper attire. This particular ability has served me well in the past.
Valkian: [SKILL] Stealth [+3] [d20+13 = 33]
As Valkian skilfully moves the subject to the shadowy arts, he senses the Marquess's interest perk up, and it's obvious the two of them have much in common. In the ensuing discussion, Charlotte reveals that she disdains colorful attire, almost always dressing entirely in dark clothing. She is also incredibly skilled with short blades, and has strong connections to the Pathfinder Society.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: I talk to Kastner about his work as a paladin. As a soldier, I'm particularly interested in the impact that access to divine healing magic would have on the tactical situation of a battlefield, compared to regular old field medicine.
Ivan: [SKILL] Heal [+3] [d20+3 = 13]
Your lack of experience in combat matters, and especially the tactical side of it, is apparent to Kastner, but he does his best to listen to you attentively and respond. It's plan his mind is elsewhere though, and you still haven't managed to grab his full attention.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I spend more time with Marquess Tanasha, keeping her company and continuing to try to make her laugh.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Perform (Comedy) [+2] [d20+3 = 23]
GM: Tanasha deeply appreciates your increasingly amusing attempts to entertain her, and in the course of your interaction increasingly opens up about herself. The noble and senatorial position held by Marquess Tanasha Starborne is one of the few in the senate that is not hereditary. Instead, the gnomes of Wispil, a city in the heart of the Verduran Forest that supplies much of Taldor’s lumber, elect one of their own to take on the position, usually once their incumbent senator can’t stand the drudgery any longer. Marquess Starborne is an energetic gnome who took up the position roughly two decades ago, but the monotony and rigmarole of her senatorial duties are starting to take their toll, so she does whatever she can to liven up her routine-ruled life in Oppara and the senate, including vexing her more staid colleagues.
[TURN] Edward
Edward: I'm afraid I'm having considerable difficulty completing my portion of our tasks. Would I be able to be compensated for completing Cedric's task instead? I happen to be in a favourable position to convince Baron Okkera to join your side.
Lady Martella Lotheed: That would be wonderful if you could pull it off. The Baron is a formidable opponent to primogeniture. You really think you can do it?
Edward: I can try, I've had some success in convincing him that the princess being in power is not as detrimental as he may think.
Lady Martella Lotheed: Well off you go then, there's not much time left before the vote.
Edward: Alright.
Edward: I bow and make my way to Baron Okkera.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: This conversation was very pleasant Miss Charlotte. I think I will explore a bit. I will talk to you later.
Marquess Charlotte Deschamps: Sure Valkian. We'll talk soon.
Valkian: I leave the gallery and swiftly head to the courtyard.
Valkian: Greetings.
Stylishly dressed, foreign-looking woman: Greetings, stranger.
Valkian: My name's Valkian. You don't look like you're from Taldor, judging by your dress.
Stylishly dressed, foreign-looking woman: I'm Taldan. I'm from Taldor.
Her answer was delivered with a terseness that makes it clear she's been offended.
Valkian: Ahh, my apologies. I didn't mean any offence by that.
She barely acknowledges your apology, and turns to look at the pond.
Valkian: What's your name anyway? It's no fair if I only give mine right?
No less fair than being assumed a foreigner despite your family's being here for centuries.
Valkian: Point taken.
Valkian: Centuries huh?
Valkian: That's pretty impressive I have to admit.
Valkian: What does your family do?
Stylishly dressed, foreign-looking woman: Sir, would you mind going off to annoy someone else?
Valkian: No worries, enjoy the rest of your evening. I am not sure if you will be able to seeing as you get offended by simple questions though. But good luck.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: While moving around the party, I bump into Edward and thank him warmly for his help with my mission.
Ivan: Returning to the archives with a plate of food, I restart my conversation with Kastner about the wars with Cheliax. I try to delve deeper into the past and figure out whether my noble ancestors ever crossed paths with his.
Edward: No worries my friend.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: Oh, and one more thing.
You realize the lady is sensitive about her heritage and her place in Taldan society, so you decide to turn this weakness into your advantage to get another chance with her.
[Weaknesses: Bluff or Knowledge [history]]
Valkian: [SKILL] Bluff [d20+6 = 23]
Valkian senses that the lady stands apart from the other nobles because she's conflicted about something, some important decision that she hesitates to take. He tells her he understands the life of the outsider, and the constant struggle between words and emotions that are hard to reconcile. Finally, he relates how, in his experience, it is a valid solution to abandon the desire for truthfulness, and instead embrace bluff and cunning, not seeing them as a disgrace, but as a fascinating and fulfilling game.
As Valkian delivers his inspired monologue, the lady's eyes widen with admiration for this stranger she had rudely rebuffed, but who seems to have the power to read minds. Once Valkian concludes she introduces herself as Lady Zariyah Clement, Taldan senator whose family originates from the Mwangi Expanse. Given the current political climate, Clement explains, she does her best to maintain her family’s position. She endorses Princess Eutropia’s ascension to the throne but has yet to declare her support publicly, aware that the remainder of senate will ostracize her if the effort fails. She agrees that bluff and cunning are the solution to her problem, and she thanks you for helping you see them as challenging and fascinating rather than disgraceful approaches.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: While moving around the party, I bump into Edward and thank him warmly for his help with my mission.
Edward: No worries my friend.
Ivan: Returning to the archives, I continue to talk to Kastner about the wars with Cheliax, delving deeper into the past and trying to figure out whether my noble ancestors ever crossed paths with his.
Ivan: Returning to the archives with a plate of food, I restart my conversation with Kastner about the wars with Cheliax. I try to delve deeper into the past and figure out whether my noble ancestors ever crossed paths with his.
Ivan: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [UNTRAINED] [+2] [d20+4 = 12]
Kastner seems to have little interest in your family, and is getting visibly annoyed at your persistent attempts to ingratiate yourself with him. He ends the conversation, and heads out of the Archives, in the direction of the courtyard.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I continue enjoying the time I spend conversing with the Marquess, relating stories about my time in the Verduran while asking her about life in Wispil.
Arco Arboros: Tell me, Marquess Tanasha. Do the citizens of Wispil feel happy about their relationship with Taldor?
Marquess Tanasha Starborne: Unreservedly so, I would say. It's a profitable relationship, for starters. And culturally too, there are strong bonds. Taldan opera in particular is very popular in Wispil these days.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Perform (Comedy) [+2] [d20+3 = 8]
Arco Arboros: I try to make a joke about Taldan opera.
Tanasha enjoys opera and doesn't take kindly to your attempt to ridicule it.
[TURN] Edward
Edward: I approach the bald, aristocrat with a circlet.
Edward: Greetings, my name is Edward, how do you do?
Bald, golden-circlet crowned aristocrat: As well as can be expected, given the circumstances, young man.
Edward: Oh, is the vote on primogeniture on your mind perhaps? Seems like that's on everybody's mind at the moment.
Bald, golden-circlet crowned aristocrat: Very perceptive of you.
Edward: What's your take on the matter?
Bald, golden-circlet crowned aristocrat: Do I know you or your family, son?
Edward: I'm not sure. I don't believe we've met. My family is just notable enough to have gotten me an invite to the gala.
Edward: [SKILL] Bluff [d20+8 = 24]
Bald, golden-circlet crowned aristocrat: [d20 = 8]
[Delete two rolls above.]
Duke Georgi Backus Talbot II: That's good to hear, as there are quite a few present tonight who don't belong here. I am Duke Backus Talbot II, pleased to make your acquaintance.
Edward (deeply bowing): The pleasure is all mine.
Edward gets the sense that the Duke is absent-minded and perhaps would rather be somewhere else.
[Weakness: Diplomacy or Bluff]
Edward: [SKILL] Bluff [+2] [d20+10 = 20]
Edward feels the Duke is hiding something so he engages him in involved discussion to find out what it is. As he skilfully ingratiates himself with the Duke, he comes to realize the Duke lives two lives. His first life is that of a senator and a political figure in the machinations of the Taldan empire. His second—the one he pours a majority of his energy into—is that of a business magnate. Georgi maintains a vast trade empire, exchanging all manner of mundane and magical goods throughout Taldor and the Inner Sea region. He uses his position on the senate to push for greater trade reforms, allowing him to make further inroads with former Taldan territories, such as Andoran, Cheliax, and Galt. If this fact became widely known, the Duke's loyalties would be question, and his position in the senate would be jeopardized.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: Earlier I asked about your family. We seem to be getting along now, care to answer me this time? What do they do? You said they've been here for centuries so they must be of some importance.
Valkian: [SKILL] Sense Motive [+2] [d20+5 = 6]
Valkian: [SKILL] Sense Motive [+2] [d20+5 = 24]
Zariyah has no misgivings about talking to Valkian any more as she has come to value his opinions and insight despite the short time they've been acquainted, and she opens up about her ancestors' immigration to Taldor at the conclusion of the Sixth Army of Exploration’s disastrous expedition into the Mwangi Expanse. These forebears had acted as guides for the Taldan army, battling side-by-side against the depredations of the Gorilla King. After decades of dedicated service and political marriages, the family won entrance into Taldor’s nobility, along with a seat on the senate, which its descendants have been careful to protect in the centuries since. Zariyah is the lady of her household, balancing management of a relatively small estate just northeast of the Verduran Forest with her duties in the senate.
[Influence Check: Knowledge [history, geography], Diplomacy, Linguistics]
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: Frustrated once again, I wander into the gardens to clear my head. Seeing Kastner there, I decide to try just one more time to impress him. First, I think back over our conversations so far, trying to work out a way that I might discern a weakness of his.
Ivan: While I was thinking, he moved into the Arcade of Triumphs, and I followed him there.
As Ivan approaches Kastner in the artifact-laden glass room, he sees him deep in discussion with a haughty warrior in striking shining armor.
Ivan decides to probe Kastner's feelings about Cheliax, since it seems to be his main preoccupation, even though he clearly dislikes discussing it.
[Weaknesses: Knowledge [history] or Diplomacy]
Ivan: [SKILL] Diplomacy [+2] [d20+1 = 12]
Ivan tries to butt into the discussion, but before he's got out a full sentence he arouses the ire of the two men who turn around long enough to give him a harsh glare, and then return to their heated exchange.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I notice Tanasha does not appreciate my joke.
Arco Arboros: "I admit opera is not my area of expertise. In fact, I know nothing about it."
Arco Arboros: Taking my loss in stride I try to continue my attempts at comedy in a direction away from the topic of opera.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Perform (Comedy) [+2] [d20+3 = 15]
[Arco's last two Comedy rolls were unnecessary, so he gets to play two rounds now.]
Arco Arboros: Well, my lady, this truly has been wonderful. A reminder of my previous home in the woods before returning here. I do hope we meet again, and soon!
Marquess Tanasha Starborne: Oh yes! Let's make sure of that.
Arco Arboros: I make my way over to the senate floor to see what my companions are doing, looking for Edward in particular.
Arco Arboros: Hello Edward! Who's your friend here?
Edward: I briefly turn away from the Duke to give a nod to Arco.
Edward: Hey Arco. This is Duke Georgi Backus Talbot II.
Arco Arboros: I bow to the Duke.
Arco Arboros: Hello, my lord. Arco Arboros, priest of Carden Cailean.
Edward: I quietly and briefly fill him in on the Duke's double life.
The Duke's visage turns to visible disgust at the mention of Cayden's name.
GM: The end of the Empire must be near if women and drunks are allowed on the senate floor.
Arco Arboros: Hey! I may be a drunk, but...uh...well, I guess you have a point there...
Arco Arboros: I sip at what remains of my win.
Arco Arboros: Outraged at having my god ridiculed I huff my way back to the courtyard in search of less rude party attendants.
Arco Arboros: I cross the courtyard and spot an interestingly dressed man in the Arcade of Triumphs.
Arco Arboros: Hello there, good sir. I couldn't help but notice your manner of dress. You seem well travelled. Where are you from?
Tall man clad in mixed regional clothing: I am from Taldor, but my lineage is originally from the Impossible Kingdoms. Are you interested in travel?
Arco Arboros: I am! I am an adventurer after all. The Impossible Kingdoms? I hope it's possible for me to visit one day!
Arco chats a bit with the man, who introduces himself as Earl Gahez Varima of Zimar, one of the main defensive Taldan strongholds against any future invasion from the south, vital to the long-term survival of the nation.
[Weaknesses: Diplomacy or Knowledge [history]]
Arco Arboros: I continue speaking with the Earl in an attempt to learn the man's nature.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Sense Motive [+2] [d20+6 = 17]
Claiming to be a direct descendant of the earliest Vudrani immigrants to Taldor, Gahez Varima now represents the mountainous region northeast of Zimar. He inherited this senate seat from his aging father, who served in the political body for decades, all the while both teaching Gahez the intricacies of Taldan politics and instilling in him an abiding affection for Vudra and desire for closer ties.
[Influence Check: Profession [merchant], Diplomacy, Knowledge [geography]]
Arco Arboros: I discuss with the Earl the importance of diplomacy not just in political matters but also in business.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Diplomacy [+4] [d20+6 = 17]
Earl Varima warms up to Arco quickly once their common interest in diplomacy becomes clear. The Earl loves speaking of his ancestral homeland, and he has made a point of personally visiting the Impossible Kingdoms on two distinct occasions, both times in an official capacity as an ambassador for Taldor. In each instance, Grand Prince Stavian III is known to have publicly remarked on Gahez’s visit, subtly communicating the emperor’s expectation that formal overtures from Vudra should result from the senator’s goodwill trips.
[ROUND 4]
[TURN] Stavian Agent 1
[TURN] Edward
Edward: Well, the Empire's decline is certainly noticeable. Even its territory has noticeably declined over the years, which surely is not solely caused by the mere presence of women and "drunks" as you say. Maybe it's a small symptom of the coming fall, but certainly not the main cause.
Edward: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [d20+6 = 16]
While chatting with the Duke Edward realizes he has heard of him before. Georgi’s greatest shame is his family. His son, Howell Backus Talbot III, joined the church of Abadar at an early age. Soon enough, Howell set off to distant Varisia in search of adventure under orders from the Church of Abadar, leaving Georgi alone with his senatorial duties and business empire—a disloyalty he has never quite forgiven his son for. Because of this abandonment, Georgi refuses to talk about his family and hates hearing about the exploits of adventurers.
[Influence Check: Profession [merchant], Appraise, Diplomacy]
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: Zoriyah, I have a question.
Valkian: Have you ever heard the language of the angels?
Valkian: [SKILL] Linguistics [UNTRAINED] [+4] [d20+6 = 23]
Valkian's perceptive psychological insights combined with his impressive knowledge of Celestial sweep the Lady Zariyah off her feet, until she throws caution and social decorum to the wind and invites him to her personal manse near the Verduran Forest, to relax with her far from Taldor's political turmoil and discuss culture, philosophy and life.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: I give up on Kastner and decide to try talking to the Earl Arco had been making friends with. I recount the story of a time my mercenary band managed to escape a dangerous situation through clever use of diplomacy.
Arco Arboros: I introduce Ivan as my friend to the Earl.
Ivan: [SKILL] Diplomacy [+2] [d20+1 = 21]
While Gahez enjoyed Ivan's tale of clever escape, he makes it clear his esteem of diplomacy comes out of a desire for peace as a good in itself and not as a tool to get one's way in the world. He makes it clear he detests war and aggression, and tries to impart his viewpoint to Ivan because he's taken a liking to the young man's due to his obvious love of adventure and capacity for negotiation.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I ensure Gahez that the exploits of my warrior friend, though of a violent nature, is sometimes an unfortunate necessity when negotiating peace.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20+2 = 10]
The Earl is adamant that violence of any kind is unacceptable among civilized people.
[TURN] Edward