Per the request of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch, you have arrived in Korvosa, the largest settlement in the nation of Varisia.
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.
Seelah pauses at the top of the bridge to marvel at the city. She never got views like this growing up, she always saw the cities from the dark undersides, not the lofty overviews.
She descends back into the city, stopping to purchase a handful of sweets from a street vendor to hand out to any kids that come asking her for money.
Merisiel sucks on her upper teeth loudly and tilts her head to the side in concentration. Large almond eyes showing no whites, only those deep pools of black as they narrow. She's focusing on balancing one dagger's blade atop another's, doing her best to distract herself from the familiar stench of the city. Thankfully, the breeze along the river made it at least bearable -- for now. Still, she left Korvosa long ago for a reason, and hopes the other Pathfinders would arrive soon. Cooked elf in boiled leather didn't smell the best, regardless what her wife or anyone else says.
She is grateful to head on into the Drinkhall once the others show up.
|
You see what would be a well dressed golden kobold wearing the best of Absalom fashion that has been discarded by those in the Petals District.
"Gutten Tag, I am Doktor Middens of the Petal District Middens." He gives proper bow. "[b]I trained in locations and retrieval from the lower parts of our great city. I am also good at keeping people alive or poking at what killed them.[b]"
You know that the Aspis Consortium is publicly regarded as a diverse group of traders with their own private army of hirelings and mercenaries. The Aspis Consortium has conducted expeditions into the Mindspin Mountains in hopes of uncovering the sources of Oprak’s mineral wealth. On one such expedition, led the Consortium to discover a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds, which was destroyed as a result of the encounter.
General Azaersi, a hobgoblin with a history of animosity towards humans, governs Oprak and harbors dreams to make it a new homeland for all goblinkind and other "monstrous" peoples. However, she recognizes a need to secure alliances with more human-centric organizations if her nation is to survive, particularly with the threat of the Whispering Tyrant’s undead forces.
General Azaersi is rumored to have control of a magical artifact capable of accessing the Plane of Earth. The artifact is said to be the source of Oprak’s mineral wealth and to provide its military with a form of underground travel known as Stone Roads.
You know that the Aspis Consortium is publicly regarded as a diverse group of traders with their own private army of hirelings and mercenaries. The Aspis Consortium has conducted expeditions into the Mindspin Mountains in hopes of uncovering the sources of Oprak’s mineral wealth. On one such expedition, led the Consortium to discover a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds, which was destroyed as a result of the encounter.
As Sun-Fire Boom Boom comes bursting forth, Merisiel fumbles with the daggers she has been trying to balance.
"Oh, shit on a shingle!" she swears, catching the falling one deftly and tucking it back into a sheath.
After a long, appraising look the elf arches a brow.
"Who gave you bloodeye coffee, little goblin?" She smirks, and then nods at the approaching kobold. Good grief, maybe their energies will cancel each other out, the forlorn one thinks.
"My friends call me Meris," she says simply. "And I am excited to not be skinned by hobgoblins."
"Meris, you know I won't let that happen. Besides, despite what you may have heard of General Azaersi, she recognizes a need to secure alliances if her nation is to survive, particularly with the threat of the Whispering Tyrant’s undead forces. Oprak needs trade with the wider community to buy their metallic ores, valuable minerals, and gemstones. They need laborer, not torturers.
What we really need to watch for is the Aspis Consortium - the veneer of legitimacy with their own private army of hirelings and mercenaries. They're conducting expeditions into the Mindspin Mountains in hopes of uncovering the sources of Oprak’s mineral wealth. Just last week, I heard they discovered a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds, and destroyed the settlement."
|
An eye-catching woman approaches with a smile at the goblin's antics. She's been wandering the streets of Korvosa tasting coffee from street vendors while asking around about the state of the city.
She has arrived fashionably late to better make an entrance, and she whips the orange cloak draped around her right arm away from her as she bows deeply on arrival. The snap and whoosh of the cloak combined with its bright orange colour makes it quite eye-catching.
"You must be the pathfinders. I am Jirelle, I am sorry for my tardiness"
The twinkle in her and wry smile eye suggests suggests that she's not at all sorry for her tardiness.
"I do not like the sound of this mission, Aspis Consortium? Cold Mountains? No no no. Though it is good to see you two again, and to meet our new friends"
She embraces Merisiel and Seelah like old friends, and gives more formal bows to Sun Fire Boom Boom and Doctor Middens.
|
|
The Good Doktor bows in reply to Jirelle and others. "Ja. This looks to be a good deal away from our beloved city, but I have not yet met these Hob-Goblins. I know they are the tallfolk of your kind, and their new nation. Sounds like a perfect time to have a lovely social event to get to know the new neighbors!"
"Oh, hey Jirelle I didn't know --Oof!" Meris shrinks shyly as Jirelle embraces her, giving the flamboyant and style woman an akward half-hug and pat on the back. "Easy now, I'm a married elf," her voice is muffled and then steps back, blushing slightly, and then nodding to the Good Doktor.
"Under other circumstances I'd agree with you, parties are a great way to get information but... are you not alarmed by what Seelah says that they destroyed a kobold settlement?"
|
Sorry all, catching up ...
A goblin, dressed almost as well as Doktor Middens rides in on his wolf. He dismounts, pats her on the head, and addresses the group in a deep voice (much too deep for a goblin) with an accent far to "Upper Class Absalom" for somebody born near Varisia.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting. We ran into some issues on the road. All is well now. I hope our tardiness hasn't caused you undue trouble? Oh, right, we haven't met. NibNok Magus Wolfrider III, at your service." his voice is a little sing songy as he recites his name. "And this is Wolfie Longstrider" she nuzzles him "The Second"
Diplomacy +11
Society +9
An eye-catching woman approaches with a smile at the goblin's antics. She's been wandering the streets of Korvosa tasting coffee from street vendors while asking around about the state of the city.
Unfortunately, the coffee drinkers and vendors have little to offer in the way of rumors about Oprak.
A goblin, dressed almost as well as Doktor Middens rides in on his wolf. He dismounts, pats her on the head, and addresses the group in a deep voice (much too deep for a goblin) with an accent far to "Upper Class Absalom" for somebody born near Varisia.
Whether they found NibNok's voice off-putting or just concerned that they might offend a goblin with what they have heard, the folks NibNok asked are tight-lipped about Oprak. However, NibNok believes he knows something about the Aspis Consortium.
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.
It is evident that the hobgoblin is 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 and remains so as you approach.
"Pathfinders, are you ready to depart?" she asks as she to her feet.
|
|
Sun Fire Boom Boom listens carefully and then nods and speaks "Thank you for escorting us, just to make sure we're properly... uh..." Sun Fire Boom Boom struggles for a moment to find the correct word "Provisioned. About how long is our journey expected to take, and is there anything besides common cold mountain nights we should be on watch for."
Meris stalks inside with the rest of the crew. She is quick to eye the gathered folk, sizing them up as potential threats. She notes places for ambush, dark rafters or corners. Stairwells and bars to take cover behind. Those big pools of black narrow. She seems to look everywhere except at Sergeant Drussem, content to let someone with better, well, "tact" as some might say talk to hobgoblin.
Fingers twitch near the hilt of a dagger, almost eager for some dock worker to look at them the wrong way.
|
|
Jirelle picks up some winter clothing and a light hammer before heading to the Drinkhall.
She elects not to give the Sergeant her usual ostentatious cape-swishing introduction, settling instead for a firm handshake and appraising look.
"Sergeant Drussem, it is an honour to meet you. Your reputation as a steadfast ally of the society precedes you, I hope we can live up to your example on this mission"
She is about to say that she's ready to depart, but when Sun Fire Boom Boom asks about provisions she waits for the response instead. She doesn't look directly at Merisiel as she sizes up the occupants of the drinkhall, but she does find her presence very reassuring.
Seelah also waits to see if they should buy winter clothing.
"Sergeant Drussem, I'm afraid some of us, myself included, may need some additional supplies. But we should be free to leave after that."
"Provisioned. About how long is our journey expected to take, and is there anything besides common cold mountain nights we should be on watch for."
"I expect the journey to take weeks--two, perhaps three. The mountain paths can be notoriously fickle to traverse." Drussem notes. "Nevertheless, a late arrival would reflect poorly on the Pathfinder Society."
The journey from Korvosa to Oprak stretches along the Jeggare River to the base of Mindspin Mountains before ascending into the formidable mountain range.
Maps of the areas where you will be traveling are now available on the Slides.
"Sergeant Drussem, it is an honour to meet you. Your reputation as a steadfast ally of the society precedes you, I hope we can live up to your example on this mission"
Sergeant Drussem nods respectfully in response. "I look forward to learning more about you all on the way to Oprak. And, I will do my best to offer insights that may be to your benefit, particularly with regard to the trade talks."
"Sergeant Drussem, I'm afraid some of us, myself included, may need some additional supplies. But we should be free to leave after that."
Drussem is he is visibly disappointed, but concedes, "If your preparations have not yet been completed, then it is indeed best to complete them now."
Drussem indicates that she has brought a small caravan pulled by mules with her, which have ample food provisions for you all for the full journey.
I will leave it to the players to track Hero Points, but you can do so here.
|
|
NibNok's face brightens at the sight of Drussem. "Sergeant Drussem, my friend." he laughs to himself as he thinks about how hard it was to make friends with the Iolite. "The lessons Wolfie and I learned from Ozaril have been invaluable. I hope he is well?" he continues. "How fare Gintka? She burned all her hair off yet? Wait until she sees what I can do with fire magic now!" the runes on his staff start to glow momentarily as thoughts of fire flash through his head.
NibNok would love to catch up, and will do so as time and Drussem permit.
"Wolfie and I are still always on the go. We are packed and ready!" he says with a little military cadence and a slight sing-song note.
NibNok's face brightens at the sight of Drussem. "Sergeant Drussem, my friend." he laughs to himself as he thinks about how hard it was to make friends with the Iolite. "The lessons Wolfie and I learned from Ozaril have been invaluable. I hope he is well?" he continues. "How fare Gintka? She burned all her hair off yet? Wait until she sees what I can do with fire magic now!" the runes on his staff start to glow momentarily as thoughts of fire flash through his head.
Sergeant Drussem nods professionally at NibNok, though she cannot hide her pleasure in seeing the goblin again. "My fellow soldiers from the Iolite Squad learned much from observing the Pathfinder tactics and cooperation strategies when last we met, though they and I still found the Pathfinder Society’s lack of clear centralized commanders to be strange."
"Regretfully, my duties have allowed little contact with the squad's members since their arrival in Absalom. I have not heard of heard any mishaps involving Ginta's hair. However, I did hear that Akrag finally secured a copy of the Pathfinder Chronicles only to have Ginta set it ablaze." (Could that be the hint of a smile on the Sergeant's face?) "That fire was accidental--so I've heard."
"I truly valued learning about Pathfinder culture on the prior mission that we undertook together," affirms Drussem. "Now, I look forward to teaching your 'squad' about my own."
---
Seelah will buy some winter clothing. She bows deferentially to Sergeant Drussem when he mentions teaching the Pathfinders.
---
|
|
Sun Fire Boom Boom nods excitedly "If you have caravan I think we're ready to go, some time Venture Captains miss important information and me find it better to ask than assume. I haven't met the Iolite Squad myself but Sun-Fire Boom Boom did hear good things about their fire skills."
Sun-Fire Boom Boom is fairly gregarious on the journey, making lots of friendly conversation while trying (and not always succeeding) to not over do it.
|
|
NibNok has spent many years now acclimating himself to the Pathfinders in Absalom. Adopting their mannerisms to make himself fit in better, and to better project the image of a trained and powerful wizard. At first he resists Sun Fire Boom Boom, but ultimately, he cannot resist showing off his magic, especially his staff of fire.
|
|
Doktor Middens makes sure he packs he fur lined frock coat. The coat has a tear a the hem, but is still functional and warm.
"Vell, I Tink ve should be gutt to go. My good Sergeant. I know your association with the Pathfinders is new. How do you feel it is going?"
[/ooc]I have three glyphs to give out, so it looks like enough to pass around for everyone.[/ooc]
"Vell, I Tink ve should be gutt to go. My good Sergeant. I know your association with the Pathfinders is new. How do you feel it is going?"
"I believe this recent association with the Pathfinders has been beneficial to my people," Sergeant Drussem acknowledges. "However, it is not I that you must convince. Oprak's representative at the talks and its prolocutor is Lieutenant Eloqi, a distinguished veteran of the Ironfang Legion. Lieutenant Eloqi 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."
As she pulls hard on a length of rope as the final effort needed to secure wagon of supplies, she notes, "The Lieutenant places great value in military discipline, particularly in maintaining schedules. We had best set out immediately."
Having departed Korvosa, the initial trek of your journey proves quite easy, for this stretch of the Jeggare River is relatively flat and well-traveled. Progress is swift here, but slows as the caravan reaches the foothills.
Though not the most lively of conversationalists, Sergeant Drussem is helpful throughout, readily answering most questions posed to her and obviously motivated to help you succeed in your mission. She takes her duties to escort you to the trade talks quite seriously, noting that the well-being of the delegates attending 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. Sergeant Drussem never mentions Eloqi's name without the inclusion of his rank.
Meris shows curiosity about the structure of Oprak's army, social structure, and in particular about this 'prolocutor'.
"Can you tell us any more about Lieutenant Eloqi? I have found knowing the source of one's distrust helps us understand what needs to be done to mend. Would it help that many of us," she glances around, "Are not human?"
"Is it important that we address Lieutenant Eloqi with his title?"
|
|
As they travel and talk, Jirelle listens and thinks about putting together a crew for a ship.
"The thing about assembling a crew, is you have to know what people want. Some folks are looking for adventure, some for revenge, others seek only to kill, while still others want money for the sake of having money. Once you know what they really want, that's when negotiation can begin."
She constantly has a smirk and a twinkle in her eye and recounts endless tall tales of sailors she's travelled with, and of the ghost ship she hunts in the Shackles.
"So what is it that that the society can offer Oprak? Is it just money for the valuable goods? We are explorers first and have up-to-date maps of most of Avistan, and we have agents in the field across the globe providing intelligence. Magic too, though it's of little interest to me, I'm sure you've heard the names of many of the wizards and occultists who owe their allegiance to the society. Would any of that be currency we can trade with?"
Meris shows curiosity about the structure of Oprak's army, social structure, and in particular about this 'prolocutor'.
"Can you tell us any more about Lieutenant Eloqi? I have found knowing the source of one's distrust helps us understand what needs to be done to mend. Would it help that many of us," she glances around, "Are not human?"
"Lieutenant Eloqi was and remains a fine warrior, though he has been called upon by the General to employ his diplomatic skills more of late." Drussem explains. "His distrust of humans and their so-called 'civilized' nations is deep-seeded in past experience, both in working for and--more recently--fighting against human forces in Molthune and Nirmathus. The fact that the Society's representatives are not human will be of only small consolation, if any, to Lieutenant Eloqi. He is well-aware that many of your Venture-Captains and other leaders in the Society are humans and that humans he has encountered in the past have had little qualms in using goblinkin and other races for their purposes."
"The manner in which Lieutenant Eloqi runs the camp is typical of most hobgoblin field camps. You are likely to find, as a whole, that it is kept to strict order and procedure." Drussem continues, "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," suggests 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 recommend 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."
"Is it important that we address Lieutenant Eloqi with his title?"
"Rank and respect follow strength within our culture," Drussem replies. "Disregarding one may be seen as disregarding the other."
"Among my people, many seek opportunities to prove their strength and rise among the ranks. Typically, this is done through the rite of kalech-mar, what you might refer to as a 'duel of honor'. Refusal to answer a challenge is seen as a sign of weakness, but more highly-ranked hobgoblins keep their positions by winning dozens of duels, dissuading younger hobgoblins from challenging them. One does not rise to the position of lieutenant without having survived or deterred many such challenges."
"Rank should be referenced in camp." says Drussem, "Though, you need not stand on protocol with me."
"Are there any others we should expect to be present, either for or against our goals?"
"Were you not told that the Aspis Consortium would be present? They are likely to seek an exclusive agreement with Oprak," says Drussem.
The hobgoblin is thoughtful for a moment, then continues. "The Lieutenant knows the Aspis Consortium is reputed to be an unscrupulous trade organization, using cutthroat methods to ensure sales." Drussem pauses again, be certain to be 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 against any delegate is 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."
"Aside from the Aspis, I suppose there remain many hobgoblins in Oprak whose hatred for humans and their allies is greater than that of Lieutenant Eloqi. Indeed, certain hatred, like that for elves, runs deep among my kin," Drussem explains, but assures, "Yet, as I said, threats of violence against any delegate--even those made by a hobgoblin--will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and effectively per the Lieutenant's orders."
"So what is it that that the society can offer Oprak? Is it just money for the valuable goods? We are explorers first and have up-to-date maps of most of Avistan, and we have agents in the field across the globe providing intelligence. Magic too, though it's of little interest to me, I'm sure you've heard the names of many of the wizards and occultists who owe their allegiance to the society. Would any of that be currency we can trade with?"
"I understand that the Society has much to offer Oprak. For one, I believe the Society provides a ready customer for a fair sum of the raw metals and ore that Oprak can produce. The Society also has allies among other organizations and nations around the globe, providing access to other markets. As a world-wide organization with influence, an alliance with the Society would strengthen the legitimacy and recognition of Oprak's status as a nation and homeland for hobgoblins and others humans commonly refer to as 'monsters'."
"It is true that few among my kind practice what you refer to as 'arcane' or 'occult' magic. Indeed, most hobgoblins view its use with suspicion. They derisively refer to it as 'elf magic'," acknowledges Drussem. "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."
"So, you're a Sergeant and they are a Lieutenant. What other ranks do you use and how much above you is Lieutenant?"
"Our nation is led by General Azaersi. In camp, I report to Master Sergeant Morgroar, whose orders are subject only to those of Lieutenant Eloqi." Drussem begins to explain. Then, fearing her response may be incomplete, she offers further explanation, "As I mentioned, rank among hobgoblins is tied to strength and respect. The achievement of rank is best described, perhaps, as being more fluid among my kind than among the militaries of other races. More practical in nature and less ceremonial than it is among outsiders of hobgoblin society.
"Distinguishing oneself through combat is the expected manner by which a hobgoblin is to advance in rank. In the absence of combat, superiors look to fighting strength, martial capability, and tactical prowess to fill the ranks," Drussem reveals. "Yet, among my kind there are natural backstabbers who have risen through the ranks by more underhanded. If caught, they are punished ruthlessly. If not, they are reap the reward."
"Rapid advancement or demotion is also common among hobgoblin ranks. For instance, rather than wait for one's strength to be recognized by superiors, a hobgoblin may challenge a superior to kalech-mar, seizing the rank of the one defeated. If alive after losing rank through defeat, the defeated find a new rank for themselves, either through recognition or combat, if not invoking kalech-mar against another."
"Indeed, there have also been occasions when a particularly ambitious hobgoblin has simply declared himself to be of a particular rank of his choosing, challenging others to come forward and prove otherwise," Drussem expounds. "Accordingly, while speakers of the common tongue of the human Taldanes, including many hobgoblins, may use the same titles of rank employed among the military structures of other races, those titles do not quite carry the same meaning or connotations as they do among outsiders."
"To be clear, primal and divine magic are not viewed with the same suspicion as arcane and occult magic?"
"What would be the ideal qualities in a prolocutor? Combat skills, or a silver tongue?"
"To be clear, primal and divine magic are not viewed with the same suspicion as arcane and occult magic?"
"It is my understanding that those forms of magic have traditionally not been closely associated with elves, but I am no magical scholar. I am of the belief that most hobgoblins find any form of magic suspect, save that which mends bone or heals wounds and some are suspicious of even that," concedes Drussem. "Few of my kind possess magical weapons or other items. I know of none in camp, let alone any spellcasters among the hobgoblins there."
"What would be the ideal qualities in a prolocutor? Combat skills, or a silver tongue?"
“The best of prolocutors would possess both physical strength and cunning words. However, there are no plans for any martial displays during the talks and, given Lieutenant Eloqi’s demands that no delegate come to harm, I would not expect there to be any,” Drussem concludes, “To prevail at the talks, you had best be prepared to advance your aims through well-crafted speech and artful tact.”
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.
Drussem notes that she has sets of winter clothing that you may use, but she is visibly disappointed in your lack of preparation.
"Preparation is an important part of any endeavor," she chides.
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.
Seelah is untrained in Survival, but she has Athletics. Can she Aid by digging furiously?
|
|
Sun Fire Boom Boom downs his bright phoenix colored furs, showing off bright oranges along with reds and yellows.
Sun Fire Boom Boom will offer his Wayfinder to whomever wants to find the new route on the off chance they don't have their own.
He'll also sing them a song.
"There once was a group of Pathfinders
Who wanted to impress their minder
So rather than slip into bitterness
They searched all over the wilderness
And a new path they did find dere."
|
|
Jirelle looks similarly unimpressed with the weather. She pats down her gear and draws chalk and flint and soap from various pouches before giving up.
"I seem to have left my wayfinder at home, how embarrassing! It would be a shame if the Pathfinders couldn't find the path to the meeting"
Although she is buoyed by Sun Fire Boom Boom's song and is trying to but on a brave face, she looks concerned.
|
|
NibNok pops open his custom wayfinder just as Jirelle's comment hits his ears. He looks over, winks, and says Wolfie and I have spent quite a bit of time alone in the wilds. Let's see what we can see.. He then pats Wolfie, knocking some snow from her fur and hunkers down as they ride for a better vantage point (higher ground if possible) to get a lay of the land now that the avalanche has altered the horizon. Magic aids them as they make their way through the harsh terrain.
Meris shivers, happily taking the clothes Drussem provides, not minding the Hobgoblin smell upon then (and style?).
Her teeth chatting, she rubs her upper arms before tucking cold fingers down under her armpits.
"I'm s-s-still w-wondering who should b-b-b-be our p-p-prolocutor," Meris says, sitting atop the wagon full of supplies whilst others tromp through the snow. "I s-s-say m-m-m-maybe B-b-boom Boom and M-m-m-mister M-m-middens."
QUOTE="Merisiel Kyratári"] "I'm s-s-still w-wondering who should b-b-b-be our p-p-prolocutor," Meris says, sitting atop the wagon full of supplies whilst others tromp through the snow. "I s-s-say m-m-m-maybe B-b-boom Boom and M-m-m-mister M-m-middens."
Drussem shakes her head in dismay, then answers, “Unfortunately, you will have more time to make that decision.”
Despite the party’s efforts, there appears to be no way to skirt the blocked path without adding days to the journey. With no alternative, Drussem changes the group’s direction. “I fear this set back could add three more days to the journey,” laments Sergeant Drussem.
“Lieutenant Eloqi has little tolerance for delay. He will not be impressed by the late arrival of the Pathfinder Society’s delegation. Let us hope that the delegates of the Aspis Consortium have been less resourceful.”
The hobgoblin sergeant is less talkative as you continue along the alternative passage. Though she is no less friendly to the party, it is clear that she is now far more concerned about the outcome of the talks.
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, Sergeant 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." The stern brow on hobgoblin’s face grows even more severe. "Do be sure not to cause any trouble."
Seelah will gravitate towards the meeting hall, talking with anyone she can.
Seelah will gravitate towards the meeting hall, talking with anyone she can.]
Heading to Meeting Hall, Seelah finds a hobgoblin sentry, who seems quite impressed by the Pathfinder's physique, military decorum, and choice in armaments. It is not long before Seelah learns that the Meeting Hall houses Lieutenant Eloqi's living quarters.
She also learns that this sentry was on guard when the Aspis Consortium arrived in camp. The delegation of the Aspis Consortium is led by a human woman named Artennod Raike. She is accompanied by her valet, a halfling named Greeleep Muckfellow, and six bodyguards. They arrived under heavy snowfall during the storm’s onset sometime ahead of the Pathfinders.
Since their arrival, the sentry explains to Seelah, the Aspis agents have largely stuck to their lodgings, leaving only on rare occasion. The Aspis delegation have only met with Lieutenant Eloqi once, when they were formally introduced. Lieutenant Eloqi openly remarked to his attendant that the Aspis agents appeared "feeble and weak".
PCs in Bold May Act this "Round"
Doktor Middens
Jirelle Drenchport
Merisiel Kyratári
NibNok
Seelah Soup
Sun Fire Boom Boom