Outpost IV - GM Valen's PFS 2e 2-12 Snakes in the Grass (Author's Table)(CORRECTED: 26 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

From the ashes of war, sprout the prospects of peace.

The missive from Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch was clear. You were to head to Korvosa, the largest settlement in the nation of Varisia.

The city's East Shore district is the only city district on the far side of the Jeggare River. Connected to the rest of the city by High Bridge, and is home to a number of Korvosa's noble families with strong ties to the military. It also happens to be the home of the city's second, and arguably inferior, magical school, Theumanexus College.

The district holds the city's only stable, has only one inn, and sports few taverns of which the Shoreline Drinkhall is the most popular.

Please feel free to go ahead and make character introductions as well as note any purchases of supplies and other preparations you'd like before heading to your rendezvous at the Shoreline Drinkhall.

Also, please add your relevant modifiers to the list and place your token in marching order. As we are starting a bit later, having this information will help move us along at a quicker pace.

Oops. You should now be able to access the Slides.

"In all things: Fair Exchange"

Jolinaxus practices his favorite inspirational phrase when spearheading agreements of any sort where both parties stand to mutually benefit, snugging the ribbon adorning his vest just so, looking striking with his handsome and ample if meager tusks and long knotted and bound hair adding excitement to the top of his otherwise current-mode fashion Taldane masculine outfit.

Libello - his lawyer, similarly attired but not as able to pull it off as comparatively - nods, dusting his shoulders off with a careful sweep "You look ready to meet Sergeant Drussem - a military man with conservative but tempered views on warfare, no doubt" he adds thoughtfully.

As if to drive that point home, Joli (as his friends call him) re-dons his monastic weapons - most prominent of which a might bo staff glowing with runic power - that, when combined with his excellent posture, brook at once a figure formidable yet soft. Someone you could trust to protect. And sure enough, Joli cannot remember the last time he willfully broke a promise - his word was indeed his highest honor.

The two half-orcs make their way across East Shore District searching for the Shoreline Drinkhall...

Why are you shouting?

Martin wasn't too good for stereotypes. He actually went out of his way to be the embodiment of the typical ranger. Skin bronzed from the sun, shaggy hair, bow and hatchets - if anyone were to give a description of a human ranger, he would be it. He wasn't exactly at home in the cities, but he visited Korvosa a time or two and knew that he hated it. Specifically, he hated how the various districts of Korvosa all seemed to work against each other. Oh well, he wasn't being asked to live here, just find this Sergeant Drussem person. He headed over to the Drinkhall to find this hobgoblin contact.

Barely an adult, this dark-haired Varisian girl is dressed in the garb of an Arcanamirium student. She carried no weapons, wore no armor, looked like the last person you'd expect to see in a dangerous situation. But she appeared confident in her abilities nonetheless.

"A diplomatic mission is it? Well, I cannot say I'm a superb negotiator as it involves a willingness to offer something of yourself, but I could be persuasive in making people believe I might be so willing."

Trained in Deception, not Diplomacy

Good attitude there Marta. Anyway, I came cause I heard a rumor that there were snakes in the grass. I studied snakes. I think I'd be good for this.

Don't fear the negotiation. I can handle it or take part of it anyway.

A keleshite woman wearing a scale mail, with a scimitar at the belt and the religious symbol of Sarenrae on her chest said these words.

Sarenrae's light may guide us on this path.

Fortiva, a young elven woman with a charming, crooked smile (for the people she likes) and a blade casually sheathed at her waist (for those she doesn't), tosses her long, honey-colored hair over her shoulders as she greets the others.
Her pale skin and the brightness of her blue eyes speak of a youth spent living in places deep underground, although her patched and well-worn armor, athletic build, and ease with the blade speak more of years spent as a mercenary.

"When I got word of this mission, I jumped at the chance to once again trek through frozen and inhospitable lands," she says, voice dripping with sarcasm. Giving a wink to Marta, she adds, "That's how the best negotiations work, you know. Of course, such subterfuge is about all we can expect from the Aspis lot."

Looking around for their Hobgoblin contact, she asks, "Anyone work with the Sergeant before? I have friends that met up with her and her squad, and they had good things to say, at least."

Please finalize boon selection, school item selections, and assignments of glyphs. If you wish to make purchases, please note them.

"I would disagree twofold" Joli responds to Fortiva's assertion "I find that walking into negotiations expecting them to based upon subterfuge and misdirection can actually cause them to be so - making such a stance somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy, no?" as if to demonstrate his point, the half-orc pauses here, carrying the expectation that Fortiva will thoughtfully consider his words before reflexively agreeing or disagreeing.

Smiling, he shares his thoughts on the second point of disagreement "As to what constitutes a 'best negotiation', while I agree that it may be a matter of taste, I also challenge you to extrapolate your personal preferences, and imagine what situation we would all be in if everyone persuaded eachother towards dis-truth!" he glances at Marta here, the originator of the discussion point.

Perhaps these discussions continue - perhaps not? - in either case...

Libello - Joli's lawyer - shares what he knows: "I know a little of this Aspis Consortium - they are publicly regarded as a diverse group of traders with their own private army of hirelings and mercenaries, and conducted expeditions into the Mindspin Mountains in hopes of uncovering the sources of Oprak’s mineral wealth" he pulls out a single volume of one of his journals, and licking his finger, flips to a certain page "On one such expedition, the Consortium discovered a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds" turning the page here "Led by one Artennod Raike, that expedition resulted in the slaughter of the Coalfire kobolds in the Mindspin Mountains. Raike is well known for her aggressive diplomacy. Given her experience with the region, it’s likely she’ll be the one representing the Aspis at the upcoming talks."

Joli looks taken aback - perhaps what Marta and Fortiva had in mind will indeed dictate the nature of their task after all?...

"I expect nothing of other participants but to remain true to their nature, as I remain true to mine. Which means, as I said, I have low expectations of any Aspis member."

"But then, we are not ambassadors. This is not our calling, yet in typical society fashion, here we are. How so many things get done with such a high level of success never ceases to amaze, given this approach."

"I give my word, and take others at theirs. There is little to be gained long term in being secretive. I have heard some pretty bad things about the Aspis Consortium, though. There was a nasty business in some ruins down in the Mwangi Expanse. An Aspis agent there sicced a whole tribe of natives on an archaeologist. The way I heard it, he had to jump into a snake-infested river to get away from them. Lucky guy barely made it out alive."

Joli nods in agreement with Martin, and listens to his story.

"Well, may we stand to share the luck of this archeologist" relating this story to their current situation "Native to this young nation of Oprak are the Hobgoblin people - a nation of humble beginnings, carved from a sparsely populated cross section of the Mindspin Mountains" Joli's eyebrows lift here - as if he expects this to impress the humans and elves gathered here with a story about a cultured "monstrous" race "From what I know, their main exports are metallic ores, valuable minerals, and gemstones" he looks towards Zac now "Good for making strong weapons!" it is difficult to tell if he is teasing a little here as he punctuates the phrase by stamping his wooden runed bo staff into the ground "And now, hobgoblins and other creatures have flocked to Oprak, seeking jobs in the new nation’s burgeoning mining industry!"

He pauses here a moment - a man not in a hurry to share what he knows - but also a bit of a ham for the spotlight, judging by the at-times mischievous smile, steady eye contact with multiple listeners, careful and thorough pronunciation of multi-syllable words, and especially, the slightly-longer-than-needed and not-too-infrequent pregnant pauses!

"General Azaersi - a hobgoblin with a history of animosity towards humans - governs here. However, she recognizes a need to secure alliances if her nation is to survive, particularly with the threat of the Whispering Tyrant looming"

Another dramatic pause.

"And I would surmise, that is where we come in..." he looks towards Libello now, putting two-and-two together.

"Marta, Kyra, Zac - what have you heard?"

General Azaersi rules the young hobgoblin nation of Oprak. The hobgoblin general has a history of animosity towards humans, but we to need to make allies with hobgoblins, cause of undead attacking.
He pauses for a minute I myself don't think I've ever adventured with a hobgoblin, they are too expensive to hire in Pathfinder Society. You can't even pay millions of gold to hire a hobgoblin, you need to pay some kind of weird point system currency to hire one for the Pathfinder Society.

"I've heard the same things you have."

Marta will take a level 3 scroll of heal and hand it to Kyra in case of emergency.

Me too. I've heard the same things you have. It should be exact so.

Kyra takes the scroll from Marta hoping to be able to give it back once the mission will be finished.

Joli smiles at Fortiva. He opens his mouth to speak, then seems to decide against it.

Instead he changes subject "It'll be an obtuse negotiation at best, without a doubt" he begins "With Bad Blood between the parties - the Mindspin Mountains Slaughter, specifically - not to mention the well-deserved reputation of both Artennod Raike personally and the Aspis Consortium as an organization. Perhaps some form of Reparation is in order, which is inevitably difficult to render with Leaders of Strong Ego, such as this [redacted]* sounds liable to possess for herself" he almost shrugs here "That said, we seem to have a Bargaining Chip: The Threat of the Whispering Tyrant may stand to out-shadow the bad blood poisoning the prospect of peaceful alliance, and may be our key to ratifying some sort of agreement. I suggest that when we first make our case, we lead with that" he looks at Kyra and Fortiva here, then shift his gaze to include Marta in saying "And if that doesn't work, for the greater good, other methods may have to be considered..."

Joli looks around to see if anyone else has any ideas or insights!

...

*GM - is Artennod Raike a human?

Fortiva stifles a yawn and orders another mug of ale.

Off-duty garrison guards and dockworkers much of the clientele of the Shoreline Drinkhall, which you have heard has a reputation for fair prices, stiff drinks, and meals more akin to military rations than typical food.

As you enter the establishment, the din brought on by grousing dock workers, quieted town guards, and carousing friends fills the tavern, occasionally accented by the clanging of utensils and dishes.

At a table near the entrance sits a solitary, stern faced hobgoblin finishing a modest meal. She wears a polished suit of fur-lined plate armor and carries a sword at her hip. The black, red and white flag of Oprak adorns one of her shoulder plates.

Zac Freelan 2 recognizes the hobgoblin immediately as Sergeant Drussem, commander of the unit known as Iolite Squad Alpha.

A picture of Sergeant Drussem is now revealed on Slides.

Drussem’s demeanor is solemn and professional, though she is visibility pleased to see Zac. "Pathfinders, are you ready to depart?" she asks, rising to her feet.

yep

Martin nodded in respect to Sergeant Drussem. The hobgoblin didn't waste time with pleasantries or try and blow smoke up their skirts. He liked that.

"Name's Martin, pleased to meet you. I am ready when you are, though I'd like to refill the waterskins before we head out. Can you tell us where we are going, and about how long to get there?"

"Sergeant" Joli gives him a respectful salute concomitant with the Belkzen military - but he smiles while doing so (you're "not supposed to" do so).

"Jolinaxus, sir. Ready to depart."

The bright of Sarenrae might be on you, Sergeant.

The clerical woman smiles.

For my part we can go on the hour.

Fortiva brings her hand down from signaling for the waiter.
"Ah, very well. Introductions on the road, how efficient. After you, Sergeant," she adds as she bows slightly and gestures back the way they came.

"Name's Martin, pleased to meet you. I am ready when you are, though I'd like to refill the waterskins before we head out. Can you tell us where we are going, and about how long to get there?"

"A late arrival would reflect poorly on the Pathfinder Society, so fill your waterskins up quickly." Drussem replies. "The trade camp where the discussion are slated to take place lies along Oprak's western border."

Drussem respectfully, if not gracefully acknowledges each member of the party, impressed by the party's efficiency in both travel and usage of words.

Tabling any further discussion for the road, Drussem ushers you through the edge of the district where you find the Sergeant has brought a small caravan pulled by mules with her. The animals clearly carry ample provisions for the full journey.

The journey from Korvosa to Oprak stretches along the Jeggare River to the base of Mindspin Mountains before ascending into the formidable mountain range. Drussem takes her duties to escort you to the trade talks quite seriously, noting that the well-being of the delegates to the talks is of high importance to Oprak's leader, General Azaersi, and, thus by extension, to Lieutenant Eloqi, the hobgoblin in charge of the camp and the one who will be leading the trade discussions.

"Lieutenant Eloqi is a distinguished veteran of the Ironfang Legion," Drussem explains, never mentioning Eloqi's name without the inclusion of his rank. "He has aligned himself with General Azaersi’s nation-building efforts, though he harbors a long-seeded distrust of humans and, by extension, both the Aspis Consortium and the Pathfinders."

"My fellow soldiers from Iolite Squad learned much from observing Pathfinder tactics and cooperation strategies," Drussem comments to Zac. "Though, I continue to find the Pathfinder Society’s lack of clear centralized commanders to be quite strange. Tell me, what have you and your fellow agents learned from working with my squad?"

Though not the most lively of conversationalists, Drussem is helpful, readily answering most questions posed to her and obviously motivated to help you succeed in your mission.

Travel to Oprak will take well-over a week. There is potentially a good bit of exposition to dump, which can be difficult to do over PbP. Feel free to pose any questions to Drussem that you would like.

So do we need to bring our own food on the travels? Or is there plenty of places to forage for food, or does the wagon have. A week, I'm asking if I need to spend enough for 7 day trail rations and then mark them off as used on our inventory sheet.

So do we need to bring our own food on the travels? Or is there plenty of places to forage for food, or does the wagon have. A week, I'm asking if I need to spend enough for 7 day trail rations and then mark them off as used on our inventory sheet.

"If you find what I have packed insufficient, then you may forage." Drussem replies, pointing to the amply packed bags of provisions on a pair of the mules. "But, do not spend long doing so. Lieutenant Eloqi places great value in military discipline, particularly in maintaining schedules"

Drussem has packed enough food for all of you to last the expected length of the journey.

"You are likely to find the camp, as a whole, is kept to strict order and procedure." Drussem explains, "All members of a hobgoblin tribe are effectively members of the tribe’s army. Those deemed unfit for active combat duty are scorned by other hobgoblins and eventually relegated to labor and support duties."

"To best appeal to Lieutenant Eloqi's sense of decorum and protocol, I suggest that your party designate one or two of your own members to serve as prolocutor, the speaker for the party," continues the hobgoblin. "I'd expect your prolocutors to have multiple opportunities to impress Eloqi. The first will likely coming during formal introductions, but you may be able to do so once the talks have officially commenced and, almost certainly, when the time comes for you to make your final bid for the nation of Oprak to execute a trade agreement."

"Even if you Pathfinders choose to forego having a prolocutor, I must suggest that your party remain close together." Drussem cautions. "Hobgoblins, like myself, tend to view subordinates with suspicion, particularly those that are found to be unattended."

"Timeliness is a show of respect" Joli offers, more than happy to stick to rations "I'm curious - given that General Azaersi and Lieutenant Eloqi have a (somewhat rightful) mistrust of humankind - doesn't that start us doubly upon the backfoot when it comes to negotiating a trade agreement?"

Joli is assuming Artennod Raike is a human.

"And if that is the case, what advice might you have for paving the way for such diplomatic efforts to move forward?"

Joli will attempt to see what he knows about Hobgoblins generally as towards giving him insight into the coming "prolocutions".

He turns to Zac now "I am also curious what you learned working with the Iolite Squad?" again doing his best to arm himself with and background knowledge before they find themselves in the thick of national and consortium intrigue!

"I'm fine with letting someone else speak. I never was comfortable around soldier types anyways. I think that goes double for one who doesn't trust humans."

Well, I remember they didn't have any spellcasters. I remember fighting wolves and skeletons and spiders back then. We were in a cave and there was collapse, separating the pathfinders from the hobgoblins. And of course they were able to handle themselves well against a set of spiders. People saved by them had mixed feelings.

"Humans are like most other species. There are good ones and bad ones. I mean, I've known some rabbits to be real a#&*!%%s. Of course, the bad ones tend to be the loudest and demand the most attention. But, there are good ones around. Like Zac over there. He's a goof fighter, well organized, and doesn't have a problem working alongside being of different races. You seem to like him. Lots of humans are like that. If you guys want, I'm happy to have Zac speak for us, or Joli, you like to talk. You can talk for us."

"Drussem, what is the terrain like where we are going? I've walked a lot of trails, but I've never been up into Oprak. I've been up in the Mindspins a few times."

The clerical woman knows she could be this voice. But as she feels others some better for this task with more willingness for that. So she steps back with a proposal.

If we must choose 2 people I vote for Joli and Fortiva. No need to be a warrior I think. Otherwise I could be myself part of this delegation. And I assume that the other one will have a possibility to intervene to say something. Directly or not.

GM: may I change the spells the pregen has chosen? I won't change all of them but 2-3.

"I'm curious - given that General Azaersi and Lieutenant Eloqi have a (somewhat rightful) mistrust of humankind - doesn't that start us doubly upon the backfoot when it comes to negotiating a trade agreement?"

"And if that is the case, what advice might you have for paving the way for such diplomatic efforts to move forward?"

Raike is human. You won't need to activate the [i[diplomat's badge[/i] until you are in camp.

"I suppose you will be starting off on 'the backfoot', as you put it." Drussem concedes. "But Lieutenant Eloqi's reluctance in dealing with the Pathfinder is no different than that of the Aspis Consortium."

"The Lieutenant knows the Aspis Consortium is reputed to be an unscrupulous trade organization, using cutthroat methods to ensure sales," continues the hobgoblin, being judicious in her words. "However, Lieutenant Eloqi also respects strength and is willing to tolerate unsavory methods that he suspects may benefit his nation."

"I have heard that the Pathfinders have clashed with Aspis agents before. Take heed"[,/b] Drussem warns, [b]"Lieutenant Eloqi will not tolerate violence within the camp save in self-defense. He demands the delegates within camp be kept free from harm and that their things not be taken as a sign of mutual respect. Threats of violence between delegates are to be met with swift and overwhelming force and would certainly bring the trade talks to an abrupt end."

"Watch your words while in camp," she further warns, "Do not cast accusations against any hobgoblin or other delegate unless you are certain that you are able to provide firm evidence to back up and prove your accusations."

Well, I remember they didn't have any spellcasters. I remember fighting wolves and skeletons and spiders back then. We were in a cave and there was collapse, separating the pathfinders from the hobgoblins. And of course they were able to handle themselves well against a set of spiders. People saved by them had mixed feelings.

As a member of hobgoblin society, which is strictly militant, hierarchical, and devoted to the art of war, Drussem seems pleased with Zac's account and assessment of her fellow warriors.

"It is true that Iolite Squad has no spellcasters. Few of our kind practice what you refer to as 'arcane' or 'occult' magic and, indeed, most hobgoblins view its use with suspicion. They derisively refer to it as 'elf magic'. Oprak’s enforced era of peace has begun to change such views, but change often comes slowly."

"I, for one, think such derision is misplaced," she adds, in an apparent effort to be reassuring. "Even those who would not wish to use such tools should nonetheless seek to understand their power and applications."

"Drussem, what is the terrain like where we are going? I've walked a lot of trails, but I've never been up into Oprak. I've been up in the Mindspins a few times."

"Challenging," Drussem concedes. "Rocky and barren, particularly nearer the snow caps. Storms in the mountains are frequent and ferocious. We should have no problem, however, if we stick to long-established routes. The camp, itself, is located within a protective valley. You humans should be able to tolerate it well enough."

Lots of info, I know. I will pause here for another day to let you take it in and to ask any other questions. Then, I will move along to the next encounter. I will provide you with the rules related to Diplomacy before you meet with Eloqi so that you can decide on your plan.

GM: may I change the spells the pregen has chosen? I won't change all of them but 2-3.

I am fine with that.

Libello - Joli's lawyer - takes notes as Sergeant Drussem talks:

"This will be a proper summit!" Libello argues, and Joli nods.

Poking his reading glasses back onto his nose, the orcish man looks up from taking his notes and asks "As Lieutenant Eloqi looks to be a man of conservative disposition - at least based upon your descriptions thus far - I would make certain inquiries as to not only his personal life, but his public life as a leader of this mighty hobgoblin community" he flips to a new a page in his notes before asking:

"If I were to guess, I would expect him to be a man of sport, whether organized across regiments, or forays into the mountains chasing game. But those are stereotypes I typically reserve for military men. What extra-curricular interests does Lieutenant Eloqi pursue in his spare time, whether or not he would claim having the privilege of any?"

Flipping to another new page now, Libello stacks his second question "And the people. You describe him as a protective and practical leader - but I am curious what sorts of crimes are considered misdemeanor, felony, or capital. You mention theft for example as being enforceable by, well, force. What other sorts of punishments are rendered unto those who break the local laws? Is there a judicial process? What about separation of Law? I wouldn't assume he purports to act as one judge, jury, executioner, but I have been surprised before!"

Libello looks at Joli to see if he has any questions to add of his own - to which the half-orc nods that he does not.

GM: So Message, Command and Sound burst height. +1, instead of Daze, Spirit Link and Heroism

And may I ask a simple basic question. Are we suppose to address you and the other people we'll meet with their military rank or Sir and Ms satisfy to the protocol?

Then she thinks more.

And what kind of stay should we wait for? Only negotiation with your people to not let the Aspis consortium take the lead here? Or should we expect something else more? Some trials for example?

" What extra-curricular interests does Lieutenant Eloqi pursue in his spare time, whether or not he would claim having the privilege of any?"

"To my knowledge, the Lieutenant's duties to Oprak keep him well-occupied. Would you consider stirring marches and weaponsmithing to be 'extra-curricular'?" Drussem replies.

"What other sorts of punishments are rendered unto those who break the local laws? Is there a judicial process? What about separation of Law? I wouldn't assume he purports to act as one judge, jury, executioner, but I have been surprised before!"

"He does not 'purport' to act. Lieutenant Eloqi simply does so." Dressum explains. "His methods of punishment are traditional: demotion, exile, slavery, or death."

"As the ranking officer in camp, his word is law and his judgment absolute," she continues. "Disputes among the ranks are generally resolved through kalech-mar."

And may I ask a simple basic question. Are we suppose to address you and the other people we'll meet with their military rank or Sir and Ms satisfy to the protocol?

"Ranks is preferred in camp." says Drussem, "Though, you need not stand on protocol with me."

And what kind of stay should we wait for? Only negotiation with your people to not let the Aspis consortium take the lead here? Or should we expect something else more? Some trials for example?

"Lieutenant Eloqi has structured the talks to ensure that they are efficient and fair." Drussem insists. "You will have a formal introduction with the Lieutenant. Each delegation will then have its turn to speak before making a final bid an agreement."

After several days of travel through the Mindspin Mountains, you move out of the mountain forest, cross the tree line, and approach the snow line. Without cover from the trees, the freezing temperature can quickly turn deadly.

A PC does not have winter clothing or access to endure elements is subjected to severe cold and takes 1d6 cold damage every hour. These conditions persist from sunset into the early morning, for a total of 10 hours of exposure per day for three days.

Having spent days traveling upward, you approach a valley that serves as a pass over the mountain range only to find yourselves beset by a sudden and relentless storm!

The frigid wind howls and flurries fly as a ferocious storm overtakes the mountain pass. A horrid cracking sound of a distant avalanche echoes the length of the narrow valley as tons of snow plummet down upon the path ahead.

"We cannot afford a delay." Drussem says grimly.

Though the party is not within the path of the avalanche, your intended route is now blocked. A successful Survival check to Sense Direction is required to find an alternative route that will not delay you.

Libello @ Society (Expert) vs DC 16: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"I have heard of Kalech-mar" Libello shares "Many cultures around the world resolve various disputes by duel. What seems to be unique here is that one's reputation as a duelist (I'm sure there is a word for this) carries a great deal of Social - or may I venture: Court - Reputation, and indeed such standing is a strong measure of personal merit here. Even-as-much-to dissuade younger recruits from "climbing the rungs" over their superiors as it were..."

Joli apologizes to Sergeant Drussem "My Legal Council has a loose tongue - surely he feels comfortable to speak freely with you - a credit to your worldly character" adding a compliment on top, but not one given in any measure of dishonesty.

Changing the subject now, Joli asks "A great deal will your insights about Lieutenant Eloqi - not to mention the culture here-to-for foreign to us here - ease the coming tense negotiations. But tell me: Does your knowledge of Artennod Raike - besides as pertaining to the Mindspin Mountains Slaughter specifically - weigh in at a comparable measure? What do you know of those coming to represent the Aspis Consortium?"

As the Temperature falls

Joli and Libello are Unprepared for Cold Weather - and take the Winter Clothing on offer - as well as the scold!

At the Avalanche

"Oh dear!"

Then "May Abadar guide our intuitions in not causing our guests dishonor in being tardy"

Joli is no cleric - but his words can be inspiring. Casting Guidance on any PC who makes the Sense Direction (Survival) check!

Not a skill Marta can really help with.

While traveling Marta will prep False Life twice and use Drain Bonded Item to cast it a 3rd time, thus always having its temp hp available should combat break out. Every day she will also case Mage Armor.

Martin was glad he had bough the winter clothing, and he was almost warm as they walked. When the avalanche blocked their trail, however, he was a little dismayed.

"I'm glad we weren't ahead of schedule. I'm not sure anything could have survived that. Is there a way around that area of the trail? Martin clambered up on top of one of the wagons and began looking for a parallel trail that might take them in the direction they needed to go."

He thought he spotted an alternative path, and pointed it out to Drussem.

survival,bump: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24

By now comfortable in her winter clothing, Fortiva has managed the snow, cold, and altitude with ease.
third scenario in a row up in the mountains

Looking at the snow piled up on their intended route, Fortiva curses in elven to no one in particular.
"Every time, I swear..."

Survival: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25
Aid Martin if only one check is needed, or work separately if it takes two.

The keleshite woman has fortunately always warmer clothing with her because that's always in use when she goes outside her region.

She looks at Martin and can't say he's wrong. They are lucky not to be found under the avalanche. By chance the party has got enough people to know how to handle this obstacle.

"Does your knowledge of Artennod Raike - besides as pertaining to the Mindspin Mountains Slaughter specifically - weigh in at a comparable measure? What do you know of those coming to represent the Aspis Consortium?"

Drussem is impressed with the breadth and depth of Libello's knowledge. In response to Jolinaxus' questions, she responds, "I have shared with you, already, the extent of my knowledge of the Aspis Consortium. I knew Artennod Raike was the name of the Consortium's delegate and I would expect her not to arrive unaccompanied. However, I have not heard of this 'Slaughter', to which you refer. However, the Mindspin Mountains form the borders of several nations and hold many threats. These mountains contain the territories of tribes of giants, kobolds, ogres, and trolls as well as vicious predators such as bulettes, griffins, and mountain lions."

The blocked route poses a concern, but only for a short time as the human ranger and elven rogue are capable and experienced. An alternative route circumventing the buried pass is quickly found.

Again, Drussem is impressed. "Let us hope the Aspis agents less resourceful."

Suffering no further delays, the remainder of your trek to camp is uneventful.

It is late afternoon when the party reaches sight of the camp. Only a few remnants of melting snow linger here from the earlier storm. The trade camp lies below the tree line in an isolated valley along a stretch of Oprak’s western border.

A series of ditches, earthen walls, and buried alchemical mines form the camp’s outer defenses. A collection of dirt-floored huts rests at the center of the camp’s borders. The enclosures here are all constructed of mud and wood collected from stunted trees dotting the nearby mountainsides.

Escorting the party into camp, Drussem checks in promptly with camp personnel. After a brief meeting, she confirms that your lodging is ready for you. She also informs you that you will be introduced to Lieutenant Eloqi in the meeting hall within the center of camp in two hours. Drussem explains that she must depart to assume her assignment to security duties while in camp. In that capacity, she will see you at the Meeting Hall. "Until then, " Drussem notes, "you are free to explore the camp." Something almost akin to a smile forms on the hobgoblin's face. "Do be sure not to cause any trouble."

Map of the center of camp with the meeting hall labeled is now on Slides. The camp’s earthen defenses and minefield lie off of the map.
We are not on in combat rounds, the map is simply provided as a visual reference and to keep track of where the PCs wish to explore.

Please post your Exploration Mode if differs from your default.

We will start the exploration with each PC making a single skill check. The assumption is Diplomacy to Gather Information or Perception to Search, but feel free to come up with other resourceful uses of a skill if you can explain how it may be pertinent to uncovering additional information. Note that skill checks can be repeated, yielding different information with each success. The information obtained by a successful check, even a previously used skill, will vary depending upon where in the camp the PC is and the details given in the post.

"Why do I get the feeling that when she says not to cause trouble, she completely expects trouble to find us, one way or another? Oh well. I'd like to get the lay of the land around here, and if possible sniff out where the Aspis group will be staying. Also, keep in mind Drussem recommended we stay together as a group."

Earlier

Trying to confirm with Sergeant Drussem what he recalls about how Aspis conducts business, Libello will share the story of the Mindspin Mountains Slaughter with his travelling companion "Had you not heard? Last year, the Coalfire Kobolds had the unfortunate fate of crossing paths with the Aspis Consortium, tragically resulting in..." he catches the Sergeant up to speed on those events. Then speculates "Such is an example of how they have earned a Reputation" then he asks Drussem "How do you think Lieutenant Eloqi would respond to that? With Admiration? Fear? Indifference?" making one final bid for some information that will help steer the coming negotiations...

While Travelling

Joli follows his competent friends as they forge an alternate path "Resourceful thinking" he compliments them "You may have just saved our First Impression! A deed which should be worth it's weight in gold - Especially as Coming into this Community as Outsiders!" he remarks.

At Camp

"I agree, Martin - lest we be viewed with undue suspicion!"

Joli will introduce himself as he walks around with the party to anyone willing to give him the attention of mind. He will stick to talking about his time in the military, hoping to be viewed from that context as a starting point, then venturing to talk about how he applies what he learned there to his later time spent as a merchant - as one might compare the analogies in the Art Of War to Success in Commerce!

Gather Information (Diplomacy, Expert; Monstrous Peacemaker, Group Impression) @ +14 or +15

...

GM - any way to Discover what / where B2, B3, B4, B6 + Earthen Defenses + Minefield are before committing? Or do we go blind? If the latter, I vote we go to 1d6 ⇒ 5 Earthen Defenses first!

Marta, uncomfortable talking to others to camp, keeps her distance and wanders around to observe. Perception +8

Earlier

Trying to confirm with Sergeant Drussem what he recalls about how Aspis conducts business, Libello will share the story of the Mindspin Mountains Slaughter with his travelling companion "Had you not heard? Last year, the Coalfire Kobolds had the unfortunate fate of crossing paths with the Aspis Consortium, tragically resulting in..." he catches the Sergeant up to speed on those events. Then speculates "Such is an example of how they have earned a Reputation" then he asks Drussem "How do you think Lieutenant Eloqi would respond to that? With Admiration? Fear? Indifference?" making one final bid for some information that will help steer the coming negotiations...

"It is not uncommon to hear tales of violence committed by humans against monstrous persons." Drussem says matter-of-factly. "The fact that there remain those I have not heard of is, undoubtedly, a testament to the frequency of such attacks."

"I am certain that the Lieutenant has heard many of them himself." she continues. "I doubt adding another to the list would much alter his position. Now, a tale of humans risking danger to come to the defense of monstrous persons..." Drussem looks toward Zac and nods in affirmation. "That is a tale, I suppose, that might give the Lieutenant reason to reconsider his distrusting tendencies, if not garner his admiration outright."

GM - any way to Discover what / where B2, B3, B4, B6 +...

Yes, I suppose it makes sense that you could just ask, but I thought you might enjoy some "surprises".

Asking around camp and making introductions, it is not long before Jolinaxus uncovers some useful information.

"Your experience sounds impressive," notes one of the hobgoblins in camp, "But, then, I suppose it would have to be. You see, the delegation for the Aspis Consortium is already here in camp--have been for days!"

"Their leader is a human. A female. Her name is Artennod Raike. She's accompanied by a halfling named Greeleep Muckfellow and six bodyguards--all humans. They arrived under heavy snowfall during the onset of the last big storm that came through here."

"Their accommodations are right there," continues the hobgoblin, pointing towards a group of huts along the western side of the Meeting Hall (Areas B2, B3, & B4).