Sensing that he is not getting anywhere with Goldfield, Kael excuses himself to talk to the Mayor of Restov. As their nearest city, establishing good relations with Restov would be of out most importance. "Ah, Mayor Sellemius. Did you hear of this unfortunate business with the Daggermark "ambassador"? What with this and the attack on us last month, ser d'Tor is most displeased with assassins operating so freely in the city. He is concerned that opening the borders between our new state and Restov will only invite such scum in our lands as well. I am trying to convince him otherwise, but he is being very stubborn. I guess people trying to murder you in your sleep does that to you."

I guess this is bluff, though I'm not sure it's the correct approach. Damn. 19.

09:59, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Bluff (Restov, Secret).

"That's all very interesting, but I think I'll need some time to pray, and maybe drink, on the arrangement." Dominique grins to the siblings as he politely excuses himself, planning to try to get one of them separately later on for a less distracting appraisal. After fetching himself a drink the inquisitor begins to make the rounds again, watching the guests with a keen eye until he comes across Kael and overhears his ploy with Sellemius. The Inquisitor can immediately see through it, but makes an attempt to lend some credence to his ally. Butting in he asks curiously and urgently, "What's this about an assassin? Maybe we should end the ceremony early and hasten away. All these politics mean nothing if our leader is cut down."

17:36, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Aid Bluff v Sellemius.

8 pm hour.

Caramip had been going to talk to the druid next but time was limited and she saw that the court magician was talking to them. She decided to lay down their borders a bit more secure. They'd already signed with Varnhold so now it was time to secure the borders to the west.

She approached Hannis Drelev from Fort Drelev to learn more about what his motivations were. "Greetings Lord Drelev, I am Caramip Scheppen, court musician of Lord d'Tor I do hope we can come to a formal agreement. Let me know of your concerns?"

12:13, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Knowledge (Nobility) - Drelev motivation.

Anton Garess and Cara hammer out the final arrangements for their trade agreement. As promised the new kingdom would set aside agents to help in penetrating the dwarven mines to find clues for the dwarven disappearance and in exchange House Garess would provide high quality metal ores for a good bulk price.

Anton balks a little bit as Cara starts adding conditionals to the agreement. While the pricing is good and the commitments of scouts to Garess are minimal, there is the concern about what would happen if, say, a civil war were to disrupt the flow of supplies. At first Anton acts indignant about even the hint that Garess would be unable to fulfill shipment demands but when pressed he finally admits that if Garess does not fulfill its obligations it is reasonable to allow the new kingdom to import its ores from elsewhere. Anton negotiates with Cara to agree for a two week contingency window for Garess to fulfill its shipments before the deal is null and void, although he asssures Cara that such an event has never happened nor will it ever happen.


Pass! Deal has been taken!

Malchan and Elena sit down and have a chat and it ends up being quite the unexpected delight for Elena. Malchan gives off this pleasantly humble aura which is quite refreshing compared to the arrogant and self-righteousness attitude given off by most of the other nobles and ambassadors in attendance. Malchan completely agrees with Elena that he has no real business here and fully expects his humble offer to be rejected. He doesn't shy away from his church's reputation and instead turns it back around on Elena. He explains that re-enacting the birth of their god is a way to strengthen their faith and draw a personal connection to him. Is it any different than Iomedae sending teenagers to their death fighting in the Worldwound or Pharsma's followers dying in droves fighting the undead. In every case it is a sacrifice in the name of their god to make the world a better place. In their case one lone person's death means the riverways that the entire River Kingdoms rely on become safer and more secure as the sacrifice strengthens Hanspur's control over them and helps defend against the real evils in the area. Hanspur's death and rebirth and practice helps keep Charon, the Horsemen of Death and Archdaemon of Drownings, at bay.

At the end of his story he laughs and smiles, explaining that he fully understands an outsider not understanding the deeper meaning behind the sacrifice. Hanspur isn't for everyone and neither is the river life but, he adds, just because you don't understand or even approve doesn't mean you can't take advantage of it.

In quiet voice he leans in closer and explains that Hanspur is banned in kingdoms up and down Golarion and yet it is still practiced. Especially this close to the River Kingdoms the Church is going to be active whether the new rulers want it or not. It has existed for hundreds of years before them and will exist hundreds of years after them. He is here to offer a formal connection so that the leaders will be able to use the church that is active in their borders, perhaps even set some guidelines about suggested ways to practice their ritual drownings instead of just grabbing random travelers as they normally do.

But, he says with a shrug, he's not here to tell them what to do. He's here to enjoy the good food and the good company and with that statement he raises a glass for himself and offers Elena a glass of wine as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Naritha Medvyed and Vyntis continue their talk and while he brings up the subjects of druids their conversation ends up leading them to the natural rivers of the Greenbelt. Naritha obviously wants to limit logging and deforestation in the area but she brings up another interesting point which is her concern that any new kingdom in the area will also move to build locks and dams along the river to make it easier for river traders. While the natives to the River Kingdoms could easily traverse even the wild rapids of the Shrike, merchants from Brevoy and other surrounding countries are not so inclined to take valuable merchandise across rough waters.

For Naritha it isn't just about preserving the trees themselves but maintaining the natural boundaries of the wild lands themselves. She can be made comfortable that a new nation can co-exist with nature so long as promises and assurance are made that it will involve no large scale manipulation of the terrain. The rivers will be allowed to flow and the trees will be allowed to grow, basically.

Passed!

Neshka and Vyntis discuss arcane education and while Neshka is polite itself hearing Vyntis talk about trees and wood magic seems to quickly make her bored. She points at the iron orb which circles over her head, hovering at odd angles and the shape of it makes it appear as if it has an eye in the middle of it. She explains that there is much more ancient and powerful magic then from the elves and in Numeria they have full access to not just the knowledge of the ancients but secret knowledge from the gods themselves. The Iron Gods, as she calls them, have showered their land with magic beyond comprehension.

To demonstrate she pulls out a glowing rod with various studs on it and as she presses the studs in complex patterns the iron orb around her head responds accordingly. With a few stud presses the orb reconfigures itself around a long central metal tube. Another setting causes it to extend two small crab-like pincers. Another setting causes it to fly high into the air, circling around the room before settling back into hovering close above her head.

She explains that the iron star, as she calls it, is alive. Not just an extension of will like a golem or summoned servant but actually alive. It knows things that she does not and can solve tasks in ways even she does not understand. Her iron star actually came from the stolen lands as the borders of Numeria did not stop artifacts from the Iron Gods from landing all over the area.

Using the iron star she can find similar caches of hidden items and proposes a deal with Vyntis that if she was allowed into their borders to conduct a survey they could split anything that she recovers. All she would need is some guards and supplies and potentially any magic from the Iron Gods could be shared between them.

Side Deal discovered: For -1 Operations she will potentially unlock Numeria magical items for the kingdom.

Mayor Sellemius, Kael and Dominique chat about the assassin that had been thwarted and arrested in his town. He is beside himself at the implication, seemingly more upset about it than even the Aldoris even though technically they were the hosts. Mayor Sellemius took his role as mayor very seriously, thinking of himself as the father figure for the nearly 20,000 people that lived there.

The conversation wandered towards his job and possibly due to the alcohol or just stress Sellemius began talking about his upcoming re-election. Kael and Dominque acted like they knew all about it even though they didn't and Sellemius ended up confiding in them that he was in a very precarious situation as mayor. The city had invested a lot in the expeditions and the success or failure of the expeditions would definitely be the reason he won or lost. Kael and Dominique quickly got the impression that he didn't just want to make a deal for the benefit of the city but he needed to make a deal with the new kingdoms in order to keep his position as mayor.

Pass! Secret discovered!

Diplomacy Tracker

"Horseshit."  Elena replied quietly, making no move to take the wine.  She leaned over the table, repeating her judgement a bit more firmly.  "Horse.  Shit."

"People don't fight demons or the undead just to curry favor with their gods.  They do that stuff because they believe it has to be done, and they follow Iomedae or Pharasma or whoever because those gods share that belief.  What does Hanspur believe in?  Protecting the Six River Freedoms, keeping the Sellen river un-dammed, safe travel over water?  Great!  I like those things, too!"

She paused.  "Uh, aside from the thing about dams.  I don't really know enough to have an opinion on that.  But that's not important right now."

"My point is, what does any of that have to do with murdering random travelers?  How does Hanspur or his followers benefit from making traveling more dangerous?  Does the Water Rat even want people to imitate the Charon-worshipper who killed him?  He's not an evil god, he's like Gorum or Abadar, with both good and evil clerics.  And murdering innocents for power is Capital-E Evil, no matter how you justify it to yourself."

Elena realized she was ranting, and made a visible effort to calm down.  After a moment, she took the offered wine-glass with a smile. "What I'm saying is, if there are good priests of Hanspur, then there has to be some other way of worshiping him that doesn't involve cold-blooded murder.  Things like drowning livestock, or...or even criminals.  I'm sure if we gave convicted murderers a choice between the noose and the river, some of them would be willing to die your way."

OOC: Knowledge (religion) to find out Malchan's secret. 16 for Knowledge (religion)

I don't know if there's any benefit to guessing at motivations, but I'm hoping expressing support for the Six River Freedoms and/or the possibility of us letting them sacrifice criminals can swing me some kind of bonus.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

The Inquisitor seems more than lost at the mayor's segue from concern over the possible assassination of his allies to concern over his re-election. Politics is the one aspect of civilization for which Dominique has no love, and as he quietly excuses himself from the topic he offers Kael an empathetic and apologetic pat on the shoulder. He quietly makes his way through the hall, beginning to dwell on his discomfort--he had always been a man of action enforcing laws and contracts and digging out scoundrels and deal-breakers. But now that he's the one making deals he sees that it is no wonder he had no shortage of work throughout his life--half of the people here seemed to already be scoundrels and every deal was an exercise in placating and manipulating grand egos. It would be a wonder if any of these contracts were kept--especially with a civil war looming on the horizon. And how could their young nation survive it? His displeasure is already showing even before he crosses paths with Elena, who seems to be spending her time cavorting with a murderous cultist and scoundrel, and soon it contorts to a scowl wholly unbefitting of a diplomat.

After crossing paths with a servant making the rounds to refill guests' goblets of wine, the sour Inquisitor takes the pitcher from the poor man and begins to wash the taste of this evening from his mouth. Finally with enough, or perhaps too much, wine in his belly, Dominique seeks out and unceremoniously plops down into a seat near Lady Gisvet and begins to speak his mind, "Lady Gisvet, pardon my frankness, but I have a problem I may need your help with. I have no mind for politics or back-room dealing, but what I do know is war. And make no mistake, war is brewing right here in this hall. Already we have nobles and politicians drawing lines in the dirt and refusing to deal with their newest neighbor if that neighbor deals with their cousin. Our nation, our venture, bringing civilization and hope to the wilds, could never survive being caught in the middle of someone else's war. I've tried reasoning with my allies, pleading with them, cautioning them against choosing sides in this ... but I'm afraid their loyalty to the Restov Aldori is too great. And for what? Nearly getting us assassinated in our sleep? Twice!" He shakes his head in disbelief and takes another swig from his pitcher before continuing, "The only hopes I can come up with, conflicting as they may be, is that a strong, reasonable ally, like you and your fellows, could help sway them towards staying out of the conflict, or, if it can be managed, join with us in suing for a peaceful end to this conflict." He sets the pitcher down and sighs, looking off into nothing, as the wine and confession grant him some degree of catharsis.

22:19, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10.  Influence Attitude, Lady Gisvet.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

8pm hour
Borric was glad that the dance was over. He didn't crush any toes and he didn't fall on his arse. He cast a glance at the other dancers before he retreated to the buffet table. He selected several meats and bread. He found himself hungrier than he thought. He was chewing a mouthful of delicious meats when he was standing next to Priestess Artanix.

"Priestess. My companions said that we've reached an agreement on the details of our arrangement. If there isn't anything else... shall we drink to welcoming you to join us?"

---

Don't know if I need diplomacy to seal the deal. But here goes :)
rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Diplomacy
Wow ;)

Vyntis approached Nhal Banbrook and began to ask some probing questions. "Where is the church located that you oversee? Is necromancy really such a problem in the area that you need to seek allies against it?  I have not run into any undead in the area and and it seems that bandits were the major concern here." Vyntis did his best to engage the priest, but he had never heard of an undead tree, so his interest in the field seemed half-hearted.

05:19, Today: Vyntis Overgrowth rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  Knowledge Local Secret,  Nhal Banbrook.

Searching for someone new to talk to, Kael find himself in the company of the lovely lady Orlovsky. Since his companions prefer the side of the separatists, he decides he may as well talk to the Lady and see just what support Orlovsky can offer to the new state. "Lady Orlovsky? What's your personal take on this whole situation? Myself, I was sure we would have seen a more... active opposition from the Regent to creation of new independent states."

Again freaking 19.
11:46, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Sense Motive (Orlovsky, Secret).

In reply to Kael Valleni (msg # 74):

Borric spied Kael making a move on Lady Orlovsky. He smiled and made his way to the two. "Ahh, Lady Orlovsky. I'm certainly glad that I didn't embarrass myself too much on the dance floor. I can assure you that my friend Kael is an excellent dancer than I. But not only that he is one of my chief strategist, please lend him your ear."

---

rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19.  Sense Motive Aid Kael
Well a good dice roll is good. Maybe my mojo is coming back!

In reply to Borric d'Tor (msg # 72):

8pm hour
After he drank a toast with the priestess of Sarenrae, he turned and saw Mayor Sellemius immediately off his left shoulder. "Are you eavesdropping my good mayor?" Borric smiled in jest hoping to ease the situation. "No matter. I feel that since our last time in Restov still has me uneased... with the assassins and all. Did one of my companions inform you that he thwarted another assassination attempt this very evening? The ambassador, if that's what they call folks from Daggermark. But since I haven't seen him here recently, I certainly hope that he's been apprehended or chased off." Borric watched Sellemius carefully as he revealed the identity of the assassin. He needed to learn something of what he thought was one of his closest allies. But he didn't want to get swept into the internal turmoil of Brevoy politics. He kept a tight smile with the irony of his situation. "Let me show you my hand. It is obvious that we need allies... and that you need allies as well. Maybe you need them more than I." He made a gesture and showed that he was looking over many courtiers in the room. "But I'm having the most difficult time reading you. I've been entrusted... not by the Regent, but by those that live in the Greenbelt that I will protect them. I can lend you some protection given time, but can I really trust you?"

---

rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Appraise Sellemius

Elena and Fillinolds continue to discuss matters of religion. To his credit Malchon takes her ranting with an amused smile on his face. When she is done he seems to agree with her, that if a religion was all about murdering random passerbys to protect a single river it wouldn't be a very good religion, especially if its priests did so against the will of their god. That would be a terrible religion indeed. With a bit of bemusement he points out that her description isn't Hanspur. Its priests are in communion with their god the same as everyone else...well except for the crazies that still try and worship Aroden. He points out that while Hanspur's powers are focused in the River Kingdoms is that any different than Desna being prevelant in Varisia or Besmara in the Shackles or Iomedea in Mendev. Hanspur looks over all river travelers and the sacrifice is necessary to keep Charon and the apocalypse at bay. He concludes that as a mortal he isn't in a very good place to question his god. If his god demands a sacrifice then it is his role to deliver it as his faithful servant.

It is clear Malchon wasn't planning on doing this much talking, especially about his religion, but unfortunately Elena's ignorance (willful or accidental) seems to work against her making any real progress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:49, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Drelev and Cara speak, or more accurately Cara attempts to approach Drelev from a diplomatic standpoint while Drelev does everything he can to insult her without actually being so forward. He rolls his eyes, he speaks with a condescending manner, and offers plenty of backhanded comments.

Whatever his real motivation it is clear that he has no desire to be here and no real desire to create diplomatic ties with any of the other expedition leaders-turned-nobility.

Cara guesses that because Baron Drelev is already part of the aristocracy he is a bit upset by being lumped into a bunch of upjumped peasants. She guesses that as long as someone goes into a conversation with him ready to accept numerous verbal barbs and lays on plenty of flattery they should be able to actually make some progress.

Pass!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Lady Gisvet and Dominique speak about the upcoming civil war and Lady Gisvet points out that this is why the Mivon is putting the restrictions on their agreements. They do not want to get suckered into the civil war and they are concerned that these new nations will just become proxies. She takes a bit of delight pointing out how Varn is speaking closely with the Aldori while Drelev seems to be hanging out on the Surtova side of the room.

Of the next hour Dominique praises and flatters Lady Gisvet's astute observations and it seems she is warming up to the man, or at least the seemingly endless wine she is partaking of is starting to take its toll and dulling her inhibitions.

Lady Gisvet has been influenced

Banbrook and Vyntis discuss the presence of Pharasma in the area. He explains, rather grimly, the history of Pharasma as the goddess of the common folk. He points out their (relative) close proximity to Ustalav and the endless undead problems that arise from there. It is because of this constant threat of undead that the locals all across the region from Mendev to Numeria to the River Kingdoms are quick to turn to the Lady of Graves.

All of this he explains without a hint of emotion above grim. He looks like he is about to march to his death at every moment of the party and his voice and speaking pattern would make for an excellent sleep aide on restless nights but it is clear that despite his slow and monotonous tone there is a keen mind and a burning passion to protect the land from the dangers of the undead.

Unfortunately Vyntis is unable to penetrate the man's somber attitude and Nhal is quick to keep the conversation focused on the deal presented.

</b>Akilina, Borric, and Kael</b> spend some time together and it is clear that Orlovsky is relaxing around their presence. As they continue to talk about the civil war Akilina's fascade slips a little as she talks about the actions of the Surtova since taking the throne.

Officially the Orlovsky position is very clear, they are loyal subjects of Brevoy and while they will do everything they can to keep the peace and check the King-Regent's power grabs they have always said that if the time came for it that of course the Orlovsky's would support Surtova.

Hearing Akilina talk about the way that Surtovas have abused their position: using the state military as their own police force, cracking down the Swordlords and moving properties of the missing Rogarvia under their control "for safe keeping", it is clear that Akilina and likely the Orlovsky house would do very little to support the Surtova's to keep power. Why would they? Orlovsky have positioned themselves as the main opposition to Surtova so why should they want the Surtova's to gain any more power.

Borric and Kael guess that it is likely that Orlovsky has set up a deal with the Aldori Swordlords to break away from Brevoy and suppor Rostland instead.

Technically Kael would have still failed but I flipped it around so Borric was the primary and Kael was the helper.

Diplomacy Tracker

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Borric and Sellemius try to connect but a servant keeps running up and interrupting their conversation bringing this problem or that to the Mayor's ears. It seems he has a lot going on and even as the day turns to night it is hard for Borric to command the Mayor's attention long enough to have any meaningful conversations with him.

Dominique makes sure to keep the wine flowing as he continues to try to work his rugged and insightful charm on Lady Gisvet. He tries to reason with her that, with their lands being sandwiched between Drelev--who is cozying up with Surtova--and Varn--who is so loyal to the Aldori--neutrality would come at a great cost to them and anyone who offered their protections. In fact, any military deals between them would likely force Mivon to become involved in the event of a civil war--so why not ensure that their might is used to prevent bloodshed by tipping the scales? Dominique proposes that the deal be adjusted to allow Rivermarch to deal with the separatists in exchange for a reduction in their peacetime commitments. (-1 or -2 to .. Resources?)

09:49, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 16 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 6.  Diplomacy Gisvet.

Elena shook her head, sadly.  She had really gone out one a limb by suggesting the sacrifice of criminals.  That kind of compromise, of sending even guilty men to the kind of death that waited at Hanspur's followers, was the kind that would have cost her dearly.  But she had been sincere about making it, if it meant keeping the land safe.

And Malchan hadn't even acknowledged it.  He'd just babbled some bullshit about how the squabble between his tiny, regional god and a non-god archdaemon was somehow the only thing holding the apocalypse at bay.  How murdering people through drowning somehow weakened the archfiend of murdering people through drowning.  Well, she had wasted enough of her precious time with him.  The paladin stood up to leave, putting her wine glass down undrank.

"Thank you for the conversation, Malchan.  If you ever come into our territory, I'll kill you myself."

---

Hoping for a more stable religious conversation, Elena made her way over to the Nestorov's table.

"Orin, Fenna?  I've been meaning to ask about the Erastilite ruins throughout our lands.  Do you know anything about how they were originally built, or how they fell?   I feel like if we knew more about Erastil's history in the region, we'd be able to uncover and restore even more places of power for your religion."

She leaned in, pressing the point: "Specifically, do you have any ideas what might have befallen the Temple of the Elk?  When we first reclaimed it, there was a terrible curse over it that Jhod and ourselves were barely able to drive out.   There was this, uh, shadow-bear-man-thing that had the holy symbol of the Stag God burned into his palm.  Do you think Erastil did that to him?  What could drive Old Deadeye to that kind of vengeance?"

09:03, Yesterday: Elena Sazikova rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Knowledge religion to learn Erastil secret.  Hopefully the motivation helps me out, here.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sun 19 Sept 2021.