Defenders of the Blackfeather - Tariff of Relkingham

[esparkhu]

Skill challenge Complexity 2 (requires 6 successes before 3 failures)
Running total: Successes 2, Failures 2

The mayor looks surprised at your good insight. "Well now, I might know at that, but that is not what you are here to talk about. Besides I'm not a smuggler anymore, everyone knows that is in the past. These so-called smuggler tunnels will not be mentioned in my chambers anymore.

He continues. "All I ask is that you try to convince Founder Neelani to not start the sacrifice tariff. I hope your insight also works well on her."

Your high level of insight lets your understand that the Mayor cannot be intimidated.

 

[garyh]

"Of course, you Honor," Sena says. "A upstanding civic leader like yourself wouldn't be involved in anything untoward."

"Perhaps you could be gracious enough to tell us more of what you know of the Founder's half-elf steward?"

Diplomacy Check (1d20 8=21)

 

[esparkhu]

Complexity2 ( requires 6 successes before 3 failures)
Failures 2 / Successes 3

Since you ask I don't mind telling you about her chief steward, his name is Fiqinasi. I'm all for efficiency and the Founder cannot run the land all by herself, but he is just too controlling. You won't get near the Founder unless he personally escorts you.

 

[garyh]

"I've heard the rumblings about the Vecnites, too," Hal says. "You mentioned them as well. Do you know anything more on that front?"

Streetwise check (1d20 7=11)

 

[esparkhu]

Complexity2 (requires 6 successes before 3 failures)
Failures 2 / Successes 4


The mayor responds warmly. "You amuse me and almost remind me of myself in years gone by. Alas, I'm not sure I can help you much with this question. I certainly am no expert on Vecna or his cult followers.

"I have heard his followers are evil, and above all secretive. It would be very hard to know who might be a Vecnite."

 

[garyh]

"Ah, but you sound as if there is something else you might be able to share with us," Lindus tells the Mayor.

Insight check (1d20 5=19)

 

[esparkhu]

Complexity2 (requires 6 successes before 3 failures)
Failures 2 / Successes 5

The mayor smiles, "I can see you are just trying to butter me up. Really, if I knew more I'd try to help.

"However, I can see from your ability to size me up that you might just be the right people for this job. If your skills at persuasion are this polished, perhaps I can make your journey to Wyllea a little easier. We'll see."

 

[garyh]

"We're definitely the people you want looking into this," Sena says to the Mayor. "In fact, we already found other leads before coming to meet with you that should make this an easy problem to solve, combined with what you've told us."

Bluff check (1d20 3=13)

 

[esparkhu]

Complexity2 (requires 6 successes before 3 failures)
Failures 2 / Successes 6

"Alright, you've convinced me." The mayor says.

[COLOR="plum“]I will increase your pay to 1,500 gold pieces. In addition I will pay for any supplies, including horses, for your trip. Give me a moment to write a letter of introduction. Hopefully I can encourage the Founder to see you quickly and look on your petition favorably.”[/COLOR]

The Mayor writes and seals his letter and hands it to Sena. [COLOR="plum"]“Give this to Fiqinasi when you reach the palace. Now go. The journey will take you three days. I hope nothing hinders you on your path.”[/COLOR]

 

[garyh]

Fresh from their success with the Mayor, the Defenders of the Black Feather go to the stables and choose three fine riding horses - a tall, chestnut mare for Hal, a stout dapple gray colt for Sena, and a red dun filly for Lindus.

Leaving through Relkingham's town gate, the Defenders begin the ride to Wyllea at a brisk pace...