You are all seated in a bleak room with two long benches in front of opposing walls. The single doors on each end are closed, one of which you'd been recently lead through. The other, you may presume leads to the office.
A simple summons had been delivered to each of you that simply read "Your Services Are Required." with the address of this lodge and signed by the Decimvirate.
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Freire, a very tall and blocky half-orc clad in dented and scarred four-mirror armor and armed with a black greatsword sits down on one of the benches. Pulling out ink, a quill, and a notebook, he begins to write in it. He has an annoying habit of chewing on the end of the feathers of the quill.
"I wonder who will be joining me on this adventure? he muses absentmindedly.
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Clanking noisely a halfling comes rushing into the room faster than expected for someone of his stature. He pipes up speaking very quickly "Did i miss it?" "Am I late?" "I barely got back." "And they sent me." "Janira was right." "They send you all over." noticing the blocky half-orc "Oh." "Hello!" "Names Sunnendel Needlefeet!" "Call me Sunny." "Friends call me that." "Who are you?" "What do you do?" "That's some interesting armor." "What brings you here?" He ends pestering the half-orc with what seems to be a million questions asked in less than a minute
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A tiefling stands in the doorway and sizes up the room. Finally! They have provided the fighter I have requested. The Society is so slow with such things. Pulling any brute of the streets is simple enough, how did it take them so long? He walks in with purpose and sits in the seat nearest the exit.
"I am Lutorinus Exsuberia, a representative from the Profane Church of Asmodeus. Your Society has contracted for me to work with you all," he states, cutting off Sunnendel's questioning. "What is it you all bring to this assignment?"
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"Hello, Sunny and Lutorinus or Lutor?" "What do you prefer?" "I am Tanbu Yull." "I am a procurement/reconnoiter specialist." "I am decent with a sword and short bow, but prefer to leave heavy combat to others."
This all coming from a halfling leaning against the wall near the entrance. He has brown hair, non-descript clothes of brown trousers and a gray shirt. He has short swords in scabbards on each hip and an unstrung shortbow wedged behind a bulging well used backpack.
"I am glad to meet all of you." "Now, does anyone have any ideas about the 'services' we are required for?" "I lost a bet and this was my assignment." "The other guy is in a posh house schmoozing at a wake." "I won't know how badly I have got the short end until I know the assignment."
Tanbu crosses his arms and looks up at the ceiling.
Suddenly, the remaining door bursts open. A voice from inside beckons you, "Enter!" Once all have crossed the threshold, he continues.“Close the door,” Ambrus Valsin murmurs as the team gathers in his office. “Let me start by saying, this mission is not for dissemination among other members of the Society.” The chamberlain of the Grand Lodge gives everyone a serious look in turn before continuing. “This mission is not an investigation, just a simple, straightforward assignment, but that makes it no less important.”
“I need you to book passage to the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, and cross over into Irrisen. You’re to head north and rendezvous with another team who have captured some—” Valsin pauses for a heartbeat before continuing. “—persons of interest. We have reason to believe that these individuals have information on the Shadow Lodge cells that are refusing to reconcile with the Society under Grandmaster Torch’s leadership.” Valsin’s expression becomes particularly grim at that point. “If these rogue cells are outright refusing amnesty, then they represent a clear threat to all of us. I need you to take charge of these captives and get them out of Irrisen safely and quietly. Once you’re clear of Irrisen, a larger extraction team will take custody of them and bring them in for questioning. Of course, we will cover the expense of your travel in full, and provide maps to lead you to the meeting point in Irrisen. Because of the nature of the mission and Irrisen itself, you’ll be meeting the other team in the field, away from what passes for civilization up there. The team you’ll be getting the prisoners from will show you the best route out of Irrisen, and the castellan of Trollheim has agreed to grant you passage through his lands. You are responsible for avoiding unexpected trouble between the handoff and Trollheim.”
Valsin gestures for the team to depart, but pauses, staring at his fireplace for a moment before adding, “Wait. You need to know this. Your prisoners will be goblins. The Shadow Lodge separatists made extensive use of the sadistic creatures as soldiers and servants, and as much as you may want to throttle them, please remember that we need them alive.” Then with a final nod for luck, the venture-captain dismisses the group.
Goblins are insane and sadistic. They have a strong hatred of dogs and a fear of horses, both rivaled only by their unnatural love of fire and destruction.
Making the journey in 3-1/2 days doesn’t allow for much time for hunting, unless the party uses the extra day allowed by the extraction team. Provisions for the journey goblins will be provided, but they’ll need supervision. Goblins have fast metabolisms and find hunger painful. If they’re not watched, they’ll eat their rations all at once.
Tying the goblins up and forcing them to march will be problematic. They’ll continually complain, and will stumble and fall on purpose, slowing the rate of travel.
The party will be crossing a disputed border between two warring countries—Irrisen and the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Getting too close to the actual border before you’re ready to cross will invite trouble. There is no easy way to cross the Iceflow River, which forms the border between the nations north of the mighty Rimeflow River, without attracting unwanted attention from Ulfen defenders who may not look kindly on goblins passing through their lands.
It is eternally winter in Irrisen, and a lot of food is imported. There are no crops or easily obtained foodstuffs except those gained through fishing and some hunting of migratory animals.
Snow goblins are citizens in Irrisen. This is definitely true in Whitethrone, but one might expect them to have some degree of social rank everywhere else.
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Goblins? Miserable creatures. Ripped Isger apart, what a twisted fate my work has become. "Presumably ample attire for the weather will be provided?" The Society always tries to cut the cost somewhere...
"How do the locals of these countries feel about Goblins? Will we need to disguise them or conceal them from view?" By the Nine, the mongrels will make all manner of noise too!
He turns to his new colleagues. "Do any of you have something useful to add?"
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"Goblins? Ugh, they are so crude. They're like little cannibalistic children at times. Small wonder the Shadow Lodge uses them as shock troops. Such has often been the fate of the less intelligent races of Golarion for millennia. My own people have been employed as such too. Often by their own leaders for their personal gain."
"Looks like we're going north." He turns around and heads for the door. "I am going to go buy some food and winter clothing. It's always cold up there. You lesser beings should get some serious bundling."
He looks at the tiefling. "I certainly hope your kind do not lose your internal heat when it gets chilly. It would be a shame to see your lifeforce gutter like a spent candle just before your soul is claimed by one of the devils you serve."
Freire laughs loudly. "Maybe you should purchase snowshoes to keep your fire from melting the ice, thus sinking you into the icy depths below the ice's surface. I hear some of that snow is actually over a hundred feet deep in places."
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Lutorinus' gaze snaps to the half-orc. "My kind isn't typically bothered by the cold, or the heat, for that matter. We aren't some sort of simple reptile who whithers in the cold, in capable of generating our own heat. Our infernal blessing protects and empowers us. I wouldn't expect something that fell out of an orc to understand." Filthy half-breed, I pray you are worth your insolence.
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Freire arches an eyebrow and tilts his head to his right. "Interesting how one who is only a second-class citizen, one step removed from that of a slave, insults a fellow member of a Society who accepted them. I fear that herding goblins for a few days will do little to improve your disposition. I was serious about the snowshoes. But now that you've shown your true inner mettle by insulting me, you can sink in the snow drifts all you want. Since you produce your own heat as you have admitted, I think we should let the task of keeping the little buggers from freezing be yours.
Freire exits the room through the door and slams it shut behind him with a loud noise.
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"Wow, let's all join hands and sing 'The Friendship Song'." "I agree, cold weather will be the norm." "Buy appropriate clothing."
Tanbu rolls his eyes. No love loss here. Hope they can hold it together.
"Can we tie them up or chain them together? They will be almost impossible to control." "We will need crowd control type stuff." "Manacles maybe or dogs to make them behave would help too."
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If acceptance means making wide generalizations about my heritage, then yes, I've been welcomed admirably. What does he know of what will improve my disposition? I lifted myself from the gutters and have become a respected member of the Asmodean clergy. I do what it takes to get results. Now that the oaf has seen himself out, we can get down to business. Lutorinus chokes back a little bile at the thought of performing a "Friendship Song" with Freire.
"Fear and pain is one way to control a beast, but happiness and relief is another," the tiefling states smugly. "Choice pieces of food may be another route. What goblin activities could we facilitate in exchange for obedience? We should certainly bring chains and consider a dog, however some creatures respond better to a carrot than a stick," Behavior modification, what a twisted art. A little carrot here, a little stick there, suddenly you have obedience.
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"hmm..." "What do i bring to the table?" counting on his little digits he begins a quick list "I'm stealthy" "Carry on sized" "a good cook" "funny" "great with history" he continues rattling off more things
and suddenly stops with the mention of goblins and slaves he stands up straight and speaks very calmly and precise "Whoa!" "I for one am against slavery. If there is an oppressed group regardless of race i will stand up for thier better treatment. I am able to speak with the goblins in their native tongue and might be able to coax them along with the mention of food. If you must use force please try to keep it non-fatal." he lets out a sigh and turns to check his pack on the back of his dark blue duster you see the faded emblem of the eagle knights framed in with a stunning floral pattern that on closer look appears to be a species of Bellflower.
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"I am not into slavery either. I just want to figure out a 'safe' way to transport these sadistic pyromaniacs so as not to get them or us killed." "If I could put them all to sleep and throw them in a wagon like wood I would, safe and sedated." "However, this sounds like we have to march them through snow covered and hostile country without them escaping or killing us or each other." "They will be prisoners not slaves. There is a difference."
Tanbu turns to Valsin,"Hey boss, how are we to contact the team with the captives and how are they transporting the 'prisoners'? I assume once we get to Irrisen, we meet up. But where and how?" "They are on the move, right?"
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Must the trek be by foot?
Bag of Holding for provisions?
Do the prisoners have sufficient clothing or will they be freezing to death?
How many prisoners?
Since they are already prisoners, I assume they are already manacled?
How can we be sure we have encountered the correct agents and prisoners? Have codes/callsigns been set up?
Do any of you speak goblin, I do not?
What kinds of things in particular might upset the Castilian of Trollheim?
Anything known about creatures or opposition in the area?
Visibly surprised by the number of questions, he holds up a hand and the door swings shut behind Freire.
"Well, let's take this one at a time. Sorry, not used to you lot actually asking such things." he replies with a grin.
"Yes. In other circumstances you could use horses or dog sleds, but you can’t when traveling with goblins, as they won’t tolerate either beast to live. Also, the Iceflow River follows the border, and you want to avoid disputed territory until you’re ready to cross, as its western edge is strongly guarded and we don’t have permission to move through
that territory uncontested as we do in the south, where Freyr Darkwine’s Blackravens patrol."
"There are five prisoners and at least three of them MUST survive. We need to be able to compare their testimonies. I'm sure those that have dealt with their kind understand this need..."
Pausing to let his words sink in, her turns to look at each of you in turn. "They are not currently bound in any way. They were otiginally, but their obstinance proved more troublesome than it was worth. They have been stripped of their armor and weapons and should pose no threat to such experienced adventurers."
"As for warm clothes, I would recommend you acquire such attire. It is cold in the north. The Society is supplying some food and clothing for your charges."
"Unless you have further questions, I suggest you handle any shopping you need and get a move on. The trip from retrieval to extraction should take you three and a half days. The team will only wait for you one day beyond that. I must stress this final item...don't go looking for trouble!"
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Freire stops to purchase cold weather gear (8 gp) and then heads to the docks to see what ships are sailing to Kalsgard in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. He is going to see what the price of passage for the party will be and then figure out how many rations the group should purchase for the overland trek for themselves and however many goblins there might be.
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"Very well, the assignment shall be completed within your parameters," Lutorinus states and leaves the room. He purchases several thick, black furs and warm, blood red layers. Finally, he stops by a meat vendor to acquire several choice cuts of dried horse meat. One should always look the part, even if it serves no function. Asmodeus' fire shall keep me warm.
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Freire finds a ship prepared to receive your group, though they know nothing other than their destination. The fee has been paid prior to your arrival.
Though quite long, the trip is rather uneventful. It's made clear to you the captain and crew dislike being used as couriers when they are kept in the dark, but they don't pry. Aside from a few snide comments about "Driving Ms Daisy", they leave you to yourselves.
You disembark the ship without incident and make your way to the rendezvous unharmed. As you arrive, you not the team is made up primarily of Ulfen rangers and druids. All of which are in the middle of striking their camp save a single woman standing near a group of goblins.
Upon spying you she calls out, "You sent by Valsin? It's about time!" Motioning you over, she offers "Sverrir Lightfoot. And these are your prisoners." Stopping her explanation, she hollers "Ragna! Come here and deal with this! You're doing that wrong!" and she scurries off.
A second Ulfen woman trudges up to you, griping "Too bad I can't go with you all. You'll be getting back to civilization long before I." Reaching into a pack, still grumbling, the woman retrieves 6 bags, one of which appears heavier than the others. "Here's four days of food for each of you and some for...them". she says flatly, jerking a thumb towards the goblins. "Watch them! If you take your eyes off it, they'll eat all the food at once."
Pulling a piece of parchment from her pocket, she shoves it at Lutorinus. "Here's a map. Scouted the region for you and I believe that's going to be your easiest route to cross the river."
Pausing a moment to take in the appearance of the adventures, her eyes fall on the goblins. "Well...at least I don't have to deal with them anymore. That's almost worth spending a few weeks in this godforsaken country..."
Eyeing the bags of food, one of the goblin pipes up. "Daku 'ungry! Daku eat now?!" Lunging for the bags, Ragna easily trips him and he splats face first in the snow.
"If there's nothing else, be on your way and get these vile things out of here!" she snaps, turning to leave you with the captives.
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"I shall take the heavier bag as I have room for it on my back," says Freire. He takes the heavier bag and puts it in his backpack. He turns towards Lutorinus and in a mocking tone says, "Well, Tiefling, now you get your chance to intimidate someone finally." He points to the five goblins.
"Get started "caring" for them!" He laughs uproariously.
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Tanbu looks over the goblins. Are they tied together, shackled, or anything? Is there anything else of note about them, weapons, clothing, or such that seems strange?
"Can any of you look these 'guests' of ours over for health and wellfare?" "I would hate to see them die because of hypothermia or a festering wound."
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"What methods of developing obedience have you found most successful? Manipulation through food looks promising. Do they have names?" Lutorinus inquires, eyeing the beasts curiously. These bumbling things are the root of so much destruction? Fascinating. Singular focus counts for quite a bit it seems.
"I dont need a pack mule to explain the assignment to me," he retorts dismissively.
Stopping, she turns back to Lutorinus. "Names? Oh, I imagine they do... I didn't bother to learn them. They are a nuisance, but they realize they don't stand a chance against experienced fighters in their state."
"We tried shackles at first, but they just threw themselves on the ground, refused to move and whined more than typical. Don't kill them, but I imagine you can think of something to curb their enthusiasm. Remember, they will eat all the food in an instant if given the chance." The woman proceeds to head back towards the now disassembled camp. Turning back once more, she frowns. "Just a few more weeks out here...just a few more..." and the group starts heading back the opposite way from you.
Lifting his head out of the snow, the one advises "I Daku." as he spits in the snow. "'Toopid longshanky. Mean!" The male goblin climbs to his feet and looks at Fraerie. "Daku carry food? You no need carry."
The other four goblins step forward, staring at the man expectantly.
Following the map supplied, you come up to a narrow southern pass that winds its way through steep, icy hills, the frigid wind periodically dusting all in its path with a layer of snow. Two ancient stone watchtowers stand on either side of the path between two nearly vertical bluffs rising thirty feet to either side, just as Lightfoot’s map indicated they would. The eighty-foot-wide path narrows to a mere twenty-five feet in width between the two fifty-foot towers.
Looking across the open field, you all notice the snow seems to have been knocked off the battlements of both towers, facing the path.
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Ehm laughs at the goblins pathetic attempt to scam the food sacks. Well personally, I think they should be tied together by the neck. Or we could each take one like a dog on a leash. If they won't cooperate, just drag them until they decide to start walking, he says with a shrug. But whatever, I will shoot them if they try to run. Just a leg shot should slow them down a bit.
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Uh guys... I don't think we want to just walk between those towers.
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Freire says, "No, Daku. I will carry the food. You and your friends would only wear yourselves out carrying it since it is so heavy. I would not want you to be worn out when we need to walk to our destination."
Freire smiles at Daku and the other goblins. "Now, I am going to be your friend. I will feed you so you don't go hungry. I want you to be careful not to make the red-skinned steamy one over there angry. He will hurt you if you make him angry. So do what he says so you don't get hurt. I don't want you to get hurt, so be nice to him because he won't be nice to you if he gets mad."
Freire motions for the goblins to follow Lutorinus. "Remember, behave and don't make the red one mad. I will feed you shortly if you behave."
"Enjoy the journey, Tiefling!"
After reaching the point where the party is now, Freire agrees with Ehm. "That isn't natural." He moves up 15 feet and draws his greatsword.
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"It appears there is a passage between the south tower and the cliff edge. That might give us a bit of protection and prevent us being caught in a crossfire between the two towers. Note the doors on the towers as well. If there is some ranged attack upon us, we may need to get into a tower and negate the attackers in some probably very violent means." Freire smiles when he says the last few words as if he is looking forward to that.
Shifting back and forth in place, one of the female goblins pipes up. "We hep fight. We knows 'ow. Gives us blade! Wes fighten wittcha!" she hollers, charging forward without waiting for a weapon.
One of her companions, the one that spoke earlier, catches on to her excitement. Running after her, he hollers out "AAEEEIIIIEEEEE" The sounds of his cry echo off the cavern walls.
Immediately, four heads pop up from atop the two towers before you. Black smoke begins sputtering from the top of the eastern tower.
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Lutorinus
Sunnendel Needlefoot
Blue Group
Tanbu Yull
Freire
Red Group
Prisoners
Ehm Sven Nien
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Can't say I am surprised... Lutorinus raises his wand in the air and it releases a red pulse of energy. It clings gently to his allies' weapons as it settles. "Asmodeus' profane will guides your strikes and emboldens your heart!" he shouts.
He then grabs the top of his skull and pulls an identical version of himself into existence. Let's see if that oaf is worth the air he breathes.
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Standard Cast Bless from wand
Move Copycat domain power for 1 mirror image
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As the goblins go running past Freire, he is surprised to see them do so. He mutters to himself, "I knew that spawn of Hell wouldn't keep them under control." Seeing the smoke rise into the air, he curses under his breath.
"I've got to draw fire away from the goblins. Cover me!" Shrieking an ancient Orcish war cry, he sprints forward at maximum speed waving his greatsword over his head like a raging beserker!
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Sunnendel runs up ahead making a loud ruckus yelling and screaming "Hey!" "Over here!" "You can hit me!""
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Lutorinus calls on the infernal powers of his god to bless the parties upcoming battle. He then proceeds to split into two.
Sunnendrel
The pair of blue haired goblins take aim and fire a volley at the lead goblin, shouting "Cov Tub Ntxhais! TUAG!"
Concerned about their charges expiring, turns to them and 'politely' requests they stay out of the way.
Amazed at the stupidity of the goblins, the armored hulk runs forward, hoping to draw the ire of their foes.
The two read-faced villains smile as they are given a closer target and fire a volley toward Freire. The first shot manages to just knick the man's shoulder, while the second goes wide; bouncing off the opposing tower.
The prisoners frown at Tanbu, but sit down on the cold ground. A few duragatory phrases mumbled about "Longshanks no fun" float his direction. The injured goblin, also unhappy with the order, limps back towards the others.
Ehm Sven Nien
Lutorinus
Sunnendel Needlefoot
Blue Group
Tanbu Yull
Freire
Red Group
Prisoners
Ehm Sven Nien
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Sunnendel thinking he better run ahead to see what could be done to stop this genocide from happening. He finds himself waiting at the door to the southern tower ready to head up and knock some 'sense' into the red faced ones.
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The small gnome casts a spell on himself and starts towards the goblins ahead.
Firing a bolt at the tower, Lutorinus hears a shriek from above.
The Halfling scurries to the opposing tower, offering advice to their foes.
The two blue skinned goblins sneer down at the armored man, firing two more arrows as a welcome. However, neither arrow manages to connect. While the first lands a few feet behind him, the second bounces harmlessly off his armor. "Koj tuag. Koj tuag sai sai no! Txhob noj cov neeg ntxeev siab!"
Suddenly a third goblin, wearing a blue-feathered headdress pops up and fires a crossbow in Freire's direction. The projectile flies harmlessly over his head.
Tanbu fires an arrow towards the top. A satisfying 'Thud' rings through the air as it finds its mark.
The armored man having arrows rained down around him, makes it to the door of the tower. Giving the door a tug, he finds it doesn't move.
The red-headed duo glance down at the halfling, before disappearing from site.
"'Ook. Longshank has all funs!""Daku want fun!""Mean shortshank""No worry. We get fun." grumbles the prisoners, before they start giggling maniacally. Looking back, you can see they've started throwing snow and rocks at each other.
Ehm Sven Nien
Lutorinus
Sunnendel Needlefoot
Blue Group
Tanbu Yull
Freire
Red Group
Prisoners
Ehm Sven Nien