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You all are given a letter as your mission briefing as you made your way to Kaer Maga from everyone's favorite Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch.
Greetings, Pathfinders,
We have an urgent diplomatic mission for you, but not of the traditional sort. The Pathfinder Society has been negotiating for weeks with General Azaersi, leader of the hobgoblin nation of Oprak. Now that she has secured Oprak’s borders, the General has cast far and wide in search of useful allies: including the Society. Despite the General’s central role in the recent bloody conflict known as the Ironfang Invasion and the resulting instability in the region, she is potentially a powerful ally. The resurgent threat of the Whispering Tyrant must not be taken lightly, and an allegiance with Oprak could prove invaluable.
However, General Azaersi’s full intentions are unknown. To further ascertain her motives, the Society has agreed to accept a small squad of hobgoblins into its ranks. You are to meet this group, the Iolite Squad, in Kaer Maga, then escort them to a nearby training ground to conduct a series of joint training exercises. The training ground is near an ancient dwarven dig site that we have identified as an ideal location for these recruits to practice being Pathfinder agents; it is not a place of global significance, but it likely contains some interesting pieces of history.
After your joint exercises, guide the recruits in exploring the site. The hobgoblins are competent soldiers and we do not expect great danger, but you must ensure that they all make it out alive. This is a diplomatic mission, after all. Defer to the hobgoblins when exploring—they must prove themselves capable Pathfinders—but give aid if they request it. With this task complete, escort the Iolite Squad to Korvosa, where all of you are to book passage
to Absalom and report to the Grand Lodge.
We have arranged for you to meet the Iolite Squad at the Sorry Excuse, an establishment in the Hospice District. Do not keep the hobgoblins waiting long upon your arrival to Kaer Maga. Most citizens of the City of Strangers will not blink twice at a band of hobgoblins, but the Ironfang Invasion has soured public opinion toward them. Be wary of those who may resent their presence.
From Kaer Maga, follow the river south to Sirathu, then take the southeast road for 30 miles. The training grounds and dig site are in a rock-strewn valley to the northeast of a small wood.
Go with care,
Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch
You happen to know that the Hobgoblins from Oprak are making headway in improving the reputation of goblinoids throughout the region, but they still face a great deal of prejudice stemming from the bloody Ironfang Invasion and their reputation as monsters and murderers. There are many hobgoblins who still cling to these old ways, but General Azaersi continues her efforts to bring hobgoblins and other so-called “monsters” under her banner of diplomacy.
Laughter and shouts rise from the boisterous crowd that occupies the cheaply furnished tavern room at the Sorry Excuse inn. The staff move from table to table with practiced efficiency to take orders and deliver pints of frothing ale. Four hobgoblins seated near the entrance size up everyone who enters and ignore the mugs on their table.
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A gnome illusionist walks into a tavern. "Greeting!" the boisterous wizard proclaims in a loud voice, making sure to attract as many eyes as necessary. He makes several flourishing bows to the audience at large before turning to the table of hobgoblins. In a level tone of voice, though no less energetic, he continues, "Well met, friends! I am Gregol Silverbeard. Purveyor of the arts both magical and mundane, and thespian extraordinaire." He pulls out his wayfinder with a little more discretion, but allows it to be seen by the four hobgoblins. "I am also a friend. It is an honor to work along side you. I hold a great respect for your peoples, and in specific your General. I hope that we can form a bond of friendship between your people and the Society."
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A dark-haired Taldan man wearing heavy, articulated armor follows Gregol into the tavern. He carries his glaive over his shoulder like a fishing pole, much to the peril of those walking behind him, although he seems to manage grace enough to avoid inadvertently striking it against door frames, hanging lamps, or other Pathfinder's heads.
"Greetings, Iolite Squad," he says. "I am Iniquity, once thespian--though a small trading town in the Mwangi expanse may think me current--and now one of your Pathfinder escorts and mentors." He slips his glaive from his shoulder and rests the butt upon the tavern floor. "Is the drink not to your liking or are we waiting for everyone to be present out of respect?"
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"Bros and broettes! 'Sup! I'm Emdi."
Emdi walks around, attempting a complex handshake that nobody seems to know but him. He is undeterred, teaching each befuddled member.
"Practice makes perfect. You'll get it, you'll see."
He turns towards the hobgoblin leader.
"General, I'm here to keep your people safe. Stay within 15' of me, and I can help protect you."
He makes an oversized bow and then steps back.
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Emdi is a well-tanned Nidalese man who carries an exquisite glaive on his back, but doesn't look strong enough to use it. Instead, he carries around a small bow, which looks like it has seen lots of use.
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Unlike the others before him, Khunbish the elven druid enters the inn much more quietly. Even more so is the cougar that follows him at his side, padding on silent feet. He is tall as most elves are, but unlike most, rather than being slight of build, he is rather brawny. His long black hair falls down his back, and is dressed quite simply, as one who spends most of his time outdoors then in cities.
Internally, he has some doubts over the mission. Hobgoblins do not have a good reputation back in his tribe, but he keeps such doubts unspoken. Instead, he simply introduces himself.
"I'm Khunbish." Gesturing to the cougar who has taken to lounging at this feet, he adds, "And this is Irves."
Irves growls faintly, lifting his head when he hears his name, but noting that his master didn't need him in particular, lowers his head back to rest on his paws.
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Parnes is large for a goblin, which is still short compared to most creatures. He is dressed in gleaming, exquisitely cared for plate armor with a full visored steel bascinet. His walk is confident but stiffer than the posture of a typical goblin and his manner of speaking has similar qualities. He has an Old Taldan accent which sounds a bit put upon.
Parnes has a small, stout horse in green leather barding that he leaves outside. He does not tie the horse, but merely tells the beast, "Thou whilst stay.". He brings his lance in with him, but leans it up against the wall of the tavern.
Behind him rides a man on a worn out looking steed. The man himself looks worn out also, aging prematurely due to a life of decadence and self-induced hardship. He is dressed in clothing that was once fine but is now not only out of fashion but has begun to show its age. Occasionally he approaches the goblin knight to whisper something in his ear.
"I am Parnes Soranus, knight chivalrous and Pathfinder. And this is my valet Horatio, 3rd in line to the Barony of Zharakov and former seneschal of Rostavi Surtova's household. Your presence is an honor."
One of the hobgoblins stands up and salutes as you approach. She introduces herself as Sergeant Drussem before calling her soldiers to attention. After you make your introductions, Drussem introduces her team. There is Gintka the sapper who gives a quick nod before returning to her fidgeting with various sealed vials and metal buckles adorning her gear. There is Akrag who grins broadly, extending his arm to shake hands with each of you, his belt bristling with small bladed weapons. Lastly is their veteran scout Ozaril, who gives a perfect salute, his hand coming close to the many scars that cross his head. Once the pleasantries are done with, the team start heading out the door.
Early on during the journey, Ozaril steps close to Parnes. "I had heard our cousins were welcome members of the Society. How did you end up joining?"
Meanwhile Akrag tries to converse with Gregol. "So you are a user of the magic? What is the source? We have seen many powerful acts done by others with magic so I am the curious."
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"Oh! That is a very interesting dialect!" Gregol excitedly responds to Akrag. "Is that typical of your people, or are you unique? I simply must remember it for my repertoire!" His attention seems to take a 180 as he immediately responds to the hobgoblin's inquiry. "Magic comes in all forms, my friend. Wizards such as myself spend much time in study and practice, like a grand performance! Of course, none have quite as much flair as I! For others, the magic comes from within. Still others receive it from an outside source, whether through a diety or patron or other such willing participant." As he speaks, ever the performer, the boisterous gnome casts small illusions to illustrate his point, forming the shapes of people, animals and symbols seamlessly one after another.
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Parnes lifts up his visor and looks at Ozaeil carefully before speaking.
"I had no fear of the horses and survived several falls that would have injured a human boy, so my leige let me train with the other squires as a lark. But when I started unseating the noble sons of prestigious knights at the lists, the laughter stopped. I had no future as a knight, so I began to travel as a knight errant. But that was no better. Very few of the employers interested in hiring a goblin sell sword were the kind that a chivalrous knight would work for. Often I worked for nothing more than a good meal and forage for my horse. But then it is the duty of a knight to defend the desperate and downtrodden."
"I was excited to hear that the Pathfinder Society was allowing goblin kind in their ranks. They are far from perfect, but so far they have not asked a task of me that I would consider a violation of my code. From what I have seen there are opportunities to be had here. You could certainly do worse."
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"Akrag," Iniquity asks as they head out, identifying him as possibly the most gregarious of the hobgoblins. "Tell me, what do you and your squad mates hope to gain from this experience? We're happy to lend a hand when needed anytime during the exercises, but if we know what your goals are, we might be able to give you more helpful instruction."
"Some of our squads are named after gemstones of which Iolite is one." Sergeant Drussem explains simply.
"Dialect? What is your meaning? Oh you do the word magic." Akrag seems a bit disappointed when Gregol mentions that he studies for his powers but is still rather impressed by the display.
"They respect you then? That's good to hear. I'm glad that we allied with you all then. It's rare to find outsiders that trust goblins of any kind." Ozaril responds.
"We want to create better relationships between goblinoids and everyone else. You might have noticed, people don't like us too much." And almost like clockwork, a pair of travelers passing by decide to give your group a wide berth.
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Sehle is a female garundi in her early twenties. Her clothing is split in two colors, one is black and the other is white. Half her hair is white and the other is black. Half of her body is covered in henna tattoos that look arcane in nature, the team will see her redo them during some of her daily preparations. Her wayfinder and symbol of nethys are clearly visible, and her staff is a blackened and burned length of ashen wood.
She braley presented herself at the tavern, indicating “I am Selhe”. She was looking at the hobgoblins thinking none of them seems to be magic users, why did they send me here?
During the journey, when Akrag starts asking about Magic, Sehle will jump on the discussion “I’m also a dabbler in the arcane arts, but I also pray to the god of Magic to obtain his favors. Are you looking into becoming a magic user?”, she will follow up with more questions about the kind of magic he would be interested in.
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"Dialect? What is your meaning? Oh you do the word magic." Akrag seems a bit disappointed when Gregol mentions that he studies for his powers but is still rather impressed by the display.
"My dear fellow, words hold a magic all their own! Why, with a few well placed words, one can quell the heart or ravage the mind, or even uplift a weary soul." He notes the disappointment in the hobgoblin's features, and gives a re-assuring smile. "If magic is something that you want to learn, then the only real obstacle that can get in the way is you." He then let's the Nethysian barrage the fellow with her questions.
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"Oh, yes, of course," Iniquity replies. "I understand your leader's reason for collaborating with the Pathfinder Society. I was curious to what skills you each hoped to enhance. But, yes, avoiding the danger of having a town guardsman shove a spear in your gut is an important goal."
He looks over at Parnes and adds, "The Society does include a rather diverse cast of characters. I've heard of merfolk and even sentient constructs joining."
"Me? There is the little chance that any of us could do that. Which is the fine. Gintka with her bombs and things is close enough and it suits our team well." Akrag responds almost dismissively. At the sound of her name, Gintka draws a bomb and starts bouncing it in her hand with a wide grin on her face.
"Well very few outsiders are happy to have goblins around but if you have their respect, that is good enough."
"Ah I see. Well we need more practical experience and to learn how you Pathfinders do things."
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"Me? There is the little chance that any of us could do that. Which is the fine. Gintka with her bombs and things is close enough and it suits our team well." Akrag responds almost dismissively. At the sound of her name, Gintka draws a bomb and starts bouncing it in her hand with a wide grin on her face.
Gregol smiles at the hobgoblin, far more sincere than previously. "Knowing who you are, and by extension, who your friends are, is the greatest magic of all."
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Parnes looks at the hobgoblin's gear critically, trying to ascertain its quality and determine if they seem comfortable with the armor and weapons that they are carrying. "What was your training like?" he asks Ozaril in an attempt to make small talk. "I have heard that hobgoblin bands are disciplined."
"You don't work with the same team for every mission? That doesn't sound smart."
"Are you, how you say, pulling my leg" Akrag asks incredulously.
"Yes. We pride ourselves for our ruthless efficiency. In fact we got picked for this because of our stellar work in the fight against the Whispering Tyrant. Our training was what you call strict, which you need if you want to be worthy of respect. There is nothing worse than to be hated and looked down upon. Little rest and strict regiments lead to the toughest soldiers."
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"Are you, how you say, pulling my leg" Akrag asks incredulously.
"Not at all, dear boy!" he replies, enthusiasm rising. "A person who doesn't know themselves, limits themselves. But someone who knows who they are can accomplish anything they set their mind to. And with solid allies behind them, they are unstoppable."
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"The Venture-Captains try to send teams with diverse skills while selecting some based on the task and the Pathfinders specialty," Iniquity says. "Since not all assignments last the same length, this can lead to quite a bit of mixing. However, I think it also strengthens our bond to one another and provides the leadership with roster of flexible agents. There are some teams who have worked together for most of their careers, though."
Akrag just nods in agreement to Gregol's words. "I suppose we'll find out which is more effective, training with the same team day in and day out for maximum efficiency or what you said." Ozaril smirks as he replies to Iniquity. The two groups continue the small talk as they travel for the next several hours. It is night-time so you decide to find a spot for the night. The path winds through the rugged, wooded foothills for several miles before opening onto a small ravine. A dilapidated homestead lies in ruin to the south, and a nearby campfire sheds flickering illumination on the surrounding outcroppings. Huddling near the campfire is a small family that seem to be cornered by a trio of large wolf-like creatures. As they notice your group, they turn to face you...
Yellow dashes forward snapping its jaws at Iniquity!
It misses with its first bite but goes for another!
Red tries the same but with Sehle!
But it seems they are a bit too hasty.
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Enjoying the conversation and interactions that they had been having during the day, Gregol's face get's serious on seeing the creatures threatening the family. As two of the three creatures surge towards the Pathfinders, Gregol starts immediately casting a spell.
Within seconds, the lone wolf is surrounded by a ring of fire, 20 feet tall, and seemingly hotter than the pits of hell.
He follows it up with a quick word of protection for himself.
◆◆ Cast Illusory Object heightened to a 2nd-level spell.
◆ Cast Shield.
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Seeing the wolf still threatening the farmers up ahead, Parnes spurs his steed and lowers his lance. "Hi ho Gloria! Charge!" Parnes rides by the two adjacent wolves and charges headlong into the lone wolf that is surrounded by Gregol's flames, guiding his mount with his knees as he uses both hands to level his lance right at the wolf's eyes.
Gregol casts some spells, one of which is intended to bamboozle the creature. Sehle misses with her staff swing but unleashes a cry of destruction.
Parnes bravely charges one of the creatures and almost runs the canine through!
Iniquity is a flurry of blades, but his glaive only finds air. Despite its gaping wounds, Blue steps forward and snaps its jaws at Parnes.
Red-4, Yellow-4, Blue-50!, Parnes-7
Irves leaps nimbly over the rocks to circle around before diving to tear into the wolf.
Khunbish casts a spell empowering his companion before directing Irves to strike.
Emdi fires his bow piercing the Red's thick hide.
The Iolite Squad aid the pathfinders as they fire their ranged weapons at Red!
Red snaps its jaws Irves!
Red's jaws clamp down on the feline!
Yellow takes advantage of the opportunity and gnaws on the trapped animal companion.
Yellow switches to attacking Sehle!
Red-28, Yellow-4, Irves-Dying 2
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Satisfied with the results of his spell, and his ally's backup, Gregol turns his attention to the threats around them. Seeing that they are well surrounded, he decides to make sure that it stays that way.
"Let us set the stage, shall we?" he declares as he conjures up a large area of what appears to be lava field, the ground make up of sharp obsidian and flint.
◆◆◆ Warped Terrain
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Finding no fast way through the lava terrain to aim a cone of fire without touching her companions, Sehle decides to use another spell. After some motion and a couple word of magic, an electric arc appears between the two wolves.
She hears the question about the beast, but has no time to think about it and decide to cast a defensive spell to protect herself as the creatures are close to her.