AvB - group aside

[Rizban]

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Though I'm DMing too, I don't read the threads that planswalker DMs nor does he read mine. We keep on top of the NPCs fairly well, but we try to keep as ignorant of the other players as possible so that we don't take advantage of DM knowledge when we play our characters to try to keep things fair.

In fact, I arbitrarily make up new content for his characters and he for mine so that we don't know what's going on. (Note that we do this for most of the players...)

If I run into you at the mermaid, It'll be my pleasure. I didn't catch your name, though?

"My name is, Punchinello, proprietor of Punchinello's Charms and Incantations. A fair lady such as yourself is certain to get a discount on anything she needs when she shops with me."

He bids farewell to the two, giving the other man a card to look him up sometime. He hands you a card as well, a note written on the back asking Grace to meet him at a semi-nebulous not at all certain private location of which Grace knows and knows to be safe.

[hr]Later, at the meeting place...

[sum1won]

Hello again, Punchinello. Was there something you came to talk about? I'm a bit low on funds right now, as it happens, but what do you usually have to sell?

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Not gonna bother diplochecking a PC. Social checks just seem to be completely overplayed instead?

[planswalker]

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diplo specifically doesn't work on pc's. the phb actually says that directly.

[sum1won]

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Yeah, I know- intimidate, too. I've seen them used to establish dynamis in pc-pc interactions all the same, though.

[planswalker]

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yeah, you can, but i don't think placing numbers to social interactions adds much

[Rizban]

"I did not intentionally set out to find you or the other man. It was mere coincidence; however, I am not one to overlook the luck in happenstance.

I do not make it a habit to invite people aside for merely the purveyance of some trinket or anything. I noticed you seem to have particular... talents. I am curious as to how you managed to stop a fight between those two so easily earlier today."

[Rizban]

"You see, I'm looking to hire someone for a quick, easy job or two, or better yet, to just make a friend here in Sesbury."

[sum1won]

Its no mysterious talent- simply the gift of gab. I pretended to be an irate wizard to scare them so they stopped fighting. I've found that if folk think you are willing and able to turn them into a toad, they rarely push you on the subject. I'm not sure that was the talent you were thinking of, though it can be mightier than it sounds.

Anyway, I was trying to make further sense of their conflict when I was blasted with lightning. Thats around where you came in.

[Rizban]

"That it precisely the talent to which I refer. You see, I am quite adept at being prepared for any situation, except those important social interactions which crop up so frequently.

I'm looking to hire a 'face' for my business. A beautiful woman, much like yourself, who can be present when I am meeting with important people to help me negotiate a better deal. I can pay rather well, assuming the deals work out in my favor.

A meeting would take an hour at most, and it would require you to work only rarely."

[sum1won]

I've been told I have one of those faces. It sounds like you've got yourself a deal - If you don't me using your clients as contacts on occasion. Is one of these engagements coming up soon?

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Suggestion? Drop-box type things could probably be set up at taverns. Basically someone 'rents' a box for a nominal fee, say at the Maid and Mermaid, and others can leave messages at it. Sort of a primitive post-system. It'd be a convenient, IC way for characters to contact one another.

[Rizban]

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I like the idea. We'll have to come up with something

Actually, yes. Yes, there is. I am to meet with one Herman Poetsche, a ranking member of the Merchants' Guild this afternoon.

[sum1won]

This afternoon? I believe I can do that. Where shall I meet you, and what is your objective in this negotiation? Is there a particular role you want me to play in your enterprise?

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This... afternoon? I was under the impression that it was evening for my character. She hasn't quite finished her first day. Meh. I'll just fold this somewhere into the timeline for my character tomorrow(other thread)/today(this thread).

(1d20+9)[21] Sense motive check for foul play. DC 20. Grace has no intention of being set up as a stooge, even if its only her cover that is getting set up.

[planswalker]

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he is definitely genuine

[Rizban]

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Just assume this conversation takes place the following morning or something. Whatever fits with your character.

"If you could just meet me at his office, you can find it on Broad Chase a little way down from the Merchants' Guild. I'm actually meeting with his secretary in order to try to obtain a meeting with him.

My goal is to climb the ladder of the business world and leave him with a favorable impression."

You sense he is not telling you the full truth. After a bit of prodding, he admits that he also wants the meeting so that he might personally assess his rivals.

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I applied that Sense Motive roll to this post instead of the previous one, since I had planned to leave the part out about considering him a rival.

[sum1won]

Very well. I will see you then.

...
...
somewhat later.

"Grace" heads down to Broad Chase to meet Punchinello.

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Sorry- planswalker just reminded me that my character's evetns don't HAVE to be strictly linear.

[Rizban]

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No problem

You realize that you're running slightly late and Punchinello has already gone inside the building.

Punchinello whistles to himself while he waits patiently.

[planswalker]

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Just assume this conversation takes place the following morning or something. Whatever fits with your character.

the funny thing about this storytelling... the guy who y'all saved? he has gone through a week of game time. i love non-linear time and instanced storytelling

.

[planswalker]

The lobby is rather empty at the moment, except for an orcish security guard in one corner and a rather haggard-looking gnome. And the two of you.

[Rizban]

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the funny thing about this storytelling... the guy who y'all saved? he has gone through a week of game time. i love non-linear time and instanced storytelling

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Yep, it definitely makes things fun. My character is currently on day... 2? 3? Actually, with the crafting, it's more like Day 2 or 3 of the second month.

[planswalker]

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Yep, it definitely makes things fun. My character is currently on day... 2? 3? Actually, with the crafting, it's more like Day 2 or 3 of the second month.

well, we could have all the crafting "down time" take place after your character has ascended to the throne and conquered the world.

[Rizban]

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well, we could have all the crafting "down time" take place after your character has ascended to the throne and conquered the world.

But that's not even my goal in this game. Just because I tried that once in another completely different campaign doesn't mean that's always my goal.

My goal in this game is to make lots of phat lewt for the other players, retire as a wealthy merchant, and eventually die of old age, leaving my wealth to be squabbled over by ungrateful heirs due to an ambiguous will, starting the whole process of power struggle and nasty assassinations all over again.

I kind of like the status quo.

[sum1won]

Grace turns to Punchinello. I presume you've arranged the meeting already?

[Rizban]

"Should be any moment now..."

[Rizban]

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Or maybe not, since planswalker signed off...

[planswalker]

"Mr. Poetsche will see you now."

[Rizban]

Punchinello stands and inclines his head towards Grace.

"After you, m'lady"

He allows Grace to go first, like a gentleman. He even troubles to open the door for her should it be necessary. Anything to impress Poetsche, right?

[planswalker]

You enter a lavishly decorated room, ornate yet pracitcal. A woman in her late 20's is sitting behind a desk. The attendant walks over to her and whispers something in her ear. She whispers something back and dismisses him. Turning to you, she says, "Please, take a seat. What is your business with Mr. Poetsche?"

[sum1won]

Grace demurely thanks Punchinello and takes the offered seat.

My associate here would like to meet with Mr. Poetsche to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement. He understands that Mr. Poetsche is a man of no little wealth and influence, and has an offer that he would like to extend.

Grace smiles politely.

Privately.

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(1d20+18)[21]Diplomacy check.

[planswalker]

"He is a very busy man and has no time to hear frivolous business offers from people with no experience. First of all, you may as well leave right now if you or your associate are not a member of the guild."

[sum1won]

@planswalker

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Is it safe to assume that an apothecaries license is a guild membership, as it is a part of the merchant's guild, or is she asking about something else?