Defenders of the Blackfeather - Tariff of Relkingham

[esparkhu]

“Rise my children,” Founder Neelani says, “You are as welcome here as I am.”

After you rise, she continues, “I have given much thought to the matter that Relkingham has brought to my attention. It is a difficult questions and one for which there might not be an easy answer. Nevertheless, I want to hear from each of you why you think this tariff should not be invoked.”

After she speaks these words, the steward quickly departs down the stairs from which you entered. The guard steps back into the place at the peak of the stairs behind you.

The Founder waits in turn for one of you to begin your petition, her daughter standing by her side. Now you need to convince Founder Neelani of the merit of the Mayor's argument.

Skill Challenge:
Complexity 4 (Requires 10 successes before 3 failures)
Primary skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Insight
Secondary skill: religion

Initiative
Hal
Lindus
Sena

 

[garyh]

"So, your worhsipfulness, I think you should really reconsider this tariff business," Hal says clumsily. "I've heard there's a revolt planned if you go forward with it."

Bluff check (1d20 2=8)

Lindus steps forward, saying, perhaps too forwardly, "You definitely seem troubled. Maybe you can tell us why you've designed the tariff."

Insight check (1d20 5=6)

Sena attempts to cover for her less than eloquent colleagues, telling the Founder, "You do seem very concerned about the people here in Wyllea. I'm curious as to how you arrived at such a... unusual rule."

Insight check (1d20 10=16)

 

[esparkhu]

Phelycha snorts at Hal's statement "A revolt, you've got to be imagining things. That is ridiculous." The Founder looks skeptical and adds "I agree with my daughter that your suggestion is not very believable."

Ignoring Lindus's attempt to get information, the Founder addresses Sena instead "Of course I am concerned for my people, but the will of Erathis comes first. I have discussed this with my closest advisors," She pauses and gives a knowing look at her daughter, "and the tariff seems to be what is needed to stop the drought."

Skill Challenge:
Complexity 4 (Requires 10 successes before 3 failures)
Total: 1 success/2 failures

Primary skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Insight
Secondary skill: religion

Initiative
->Hal
Lindus
Sena

 

[garyh]

"Your grace," Hal says a bit more smoothly, "surely it would do no harm to listen to us and let us explain why the tariff is unnecessary."

Diplomacy check (1d20 2=16)

Lindus attempts to argue theology with the Founder, but would have been wiser to leave that to Sena. "Founder, there's no way your goddess of walls and tree-cutting would want people harmed like you propose."

Religion check (1d20 2=8)

 

[esparkhu]

Founder Neelani

Founder Neelani nods at Hal, "Yes I am happy to listen to what you have to say. This is an important decision and I won't make it lightly."

As Lindus speaks, or rather puts his foot into his mouth, Neelani grimaces. Phelycha barely waits for Lindus to stop speaking and interjects "Mother you cannot take these people seriously, whatever the Mayor of Relkingham may write in a letter."

Founder Neelani sighs in agreement “Yes, enough talk. I had already given the matter much thought and, although you have not been very eloquent today, I believe you are right. Against the counsel of one whom I trust, I had already decided to change my mind. The sacrifice tariff would impose too great a hardship on our neighbors, many of whom are also loyal servants of Erathis. I will have High Priest Avonathemon annul it.

Thank you for your words on this matter. Wait here, I will ask Fiqinasi to show you out. ”

The two ladies exit the audience chamber without so much as a backwards glance.

 

[garyh]

Once the Founder and her daughter leave, the party quietly discusses what transpired while waiting for the steward.

"We weren't very sharp just now," Sena says, "but she said she'd already changed her mind, against the advice of someone close. That has to be her daughter. We need to find out more."

"Agreed," Hal says. "Lets hit the taverns and see what we can pick up."

"You just want ale," Lindus says.

"Well, yeah," Hal says, "of course. But info, too!"

"Afterwards, we should head to the temple - where I'll do the talking - and see what I can find out," Sena says.

 

[esparkhu]

Palace at Wyllea

Several awkward minutes pass, but Fiqinasi does not appear. The guards stand rooted at their posts and make no move to allow you out.

 

[esparkhu]

After standing around a while, thinking about hitting the Taverns, you hear a cry from an antechamber to the west (room 2). “No Stop! Help! Ahhhh! My eye…” The cry trails away into a sputter. This sound is accompanied by the creak of eight portcullises closing, sealing off the antechambers from the rest of the palace. The gaurds do nothing but stare coolly at you.

 

[garyh]

The party moves over towards the room where the cry was heard, and Sena tries to convince the guard there to let them through.

Move actions (double as needed) - Sena to J28, Hal to I27, and Lindus to H27.

"Please," Sena says, "let us through! Someone back there needs help!"

Diplomacy (1d20 8=10)

Seeing the guard unmoved, Hal draws his sword and attempts to cow the guard. "Let us through, or there's be some screams coming from in here!"

Intimidate (1d20 7=25)

 

[esparkhu]

The gaurd responds to Hal's threat "You just try it pal. I have my orders, to keep you from leaving, and I intend to follow my orders."