Sun Fire Boom Boom spends his time chatting with any hobgoblins near our lodgings, trying to find out what they think of us as possible.
Few hobgoblins pass by the party's lodgings and those that do have little time for what they assume is a goblin servant or slave.
Jirelle will wander the various lodgings, trying to ascertain where the Aspis are staying and see if she can assess their party.
Jirelle fails to catch sight of any of the Aspis, though she finds Seelah, who motions to three of the huts on the eastern edge of the center of camp.
PCs in Bold May Act this "Round"
Doktor Middens
Jirelle Drenchport
Merisiel Kyratári
NibNok
Seelah Soup
Sun Fire Boom Boom
Meris wanders off to be unobserved, from whence she can watch the great social machinery of the camp work. The cooks cooking, the latrines being dug and emptied, the tens being cleaned. The patrols and armaments thereof.
Meris was keen on getting a look at every face she could. She knew every player had their strings, and she was trying to figure out how this web all fit together.
Sometimes, a thread needed unraveling. Other times, a knot needed to be cut.
Meris wanders off to be unobserved, from whence she can watch the great social machinery of the camp work. The cooks cooking, the latrines being dug and emptied, the tens being cleaned. The patrols and armaments thereof.
Through her observations of knowledge of hobgoblin culture, Meris ascertains that the second-in-command in the camp, likely Master Sergeant Morgroar, is ambitious and has openly stated his desire to seize Eloqi’s position.
Pulling further, she learns that Morgroar bullies the camp’s cook, Oltug, who has long held a grudge against Morgroar. This grudge began several years ago, after Oltug single-handedly killed a wolf that had attack Morgroar. Rather than promote Oltug, Morgroar ordered Oltug to cook the creature. After finishing the meal, Morgroar declared the dish “lacked seasoning”.
Middens will keep an eye out for any armorer, alchemist, or other equipment crafters in the camp. If so will compliant their work and then attempt to talk shop
Doktor discerns small craters pocking the camp’s defenses, indicating that
number of alchemical mines were recently detonated.
With about an hour remaining before the formal meeting with Lieutenant Eloqi at the Meeting Hall, the Pathfinder delegation has time to exchange the fruits of their investigations thus far and plan what information to gather or areas to investigate next.
PCs in Bold May Still Act this "Round"
Doktor Middens
Jirelle Drenchport
Merisiel Kyratári
NibNok
Seelah Soup
Sun Fire Boom Boom
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NibNok would spend the first bit learning the area and trying to get a feel for what's going on with the Aspis.
If he can find out where they might be keeping some valuable intel, he would likely try his luck at getting his hands on it. He could use a sleep spell (DC 21) on a tired guard and then his Stealth check to get in and grab/learn what he can ... be that physical evidence or just listening in on important conversations. Optionally, if the option to use sleep doesn't present itself, or goes wrong, he could try to use Wolfie as a distraction (Bonded Animal, Nature Expert +12) as a cover up or instead of the spell.
Lieutenant Eloqi openly remarked to his attendant that the Aspis agents appeared "feeble and weak".
Seelah reminds the sentry that appearances can be deceiving, and warns against underestimating opponents.
"Some of my colleagues may appear weaker than me. I will guarantee you that you'd rather face me than some of them."
---
Seelah will circle at bit more, looking for the cook. She will try some of his food, and rank his cooking with one degree of success higher than she really thinks, in order to butter him up. Mmm, butter.
She asks who will line up behind each leader if there is a challenge for power.
Meris follows NibNok like a shadow, watching to see what trouble he finds himself in and how -- or how he manages to avoid it. She also keeps her eyes out for Morgroar. Ambition was not a trait she admired (at least, in everyone but herself). It bred desperation, and corruption. Perhaps that was their flaw.
NibNok would spend the first bit learning the area and trying to get a feel for what's going on with the Aspis.
The hobgoblins seem to ignore the goblin’s questions and NibNok is unable to learn anything useful during his first hour in camp. He is unable to find out where the Aspis might be keeping some valuable intel.
If he can find out where they might be keeping some valuable intel, he would likely try his luck at getting his hands on it.
Meris follows NibNok like a shadow, watching to see what trouble he finds himself in and how -- or how he manages to avoid it. She also keeps her eyes out for Morgroar. Ambition was not a trait she admired (at least, in everyone but herself). It bred desperation, and corruption. Perhaps that was their flaw.
Following NibNok leads Meris into the area of the camp where the Aspis agents are lodging. There, Meris overhears a conversation spoken in the common tongue of Taldane. Looking to its source, she spots a middle-aged, Chelish human woman wielding an axe with the image of a kobold on it and is supported by a hunting hawk. The woman wears a necklace affixed with a glass vial pendant filled with ruby-red liquid and capped with a depiction of coiled serpent.
A picture of Artennod Raike is now available on Slides.
Accompanying her are six human bodyguards, who refer to the woman as “Artennod Raike”, and a halfling valet wearing a green, cloth hat, whom the woman refers to as “Greeleep”.
Raike dismisses the others. All, save one of the bodyguards, returns to their huts. The remaining bodyguard begins to patrol the areas between the various Aspis' lodgings. The openings of each of the huts in this area face directly towards the Meeting Hall.
Seelah will circle a bit more, looking for the cook. She will try some of his food, and rank his cooking with one degree of success higher than she really thinks, in order to butter him up. Mmm, butter.
Seelah finds Chef Oltug in the dining hall, cleaning up after the evening meal. He provides her with a few morsels of marinated meat along with a chilled aspic, in which is suspended slices of egg and tubers. Hearing Seelah’s ranking, Oltug sneers, “My apologies for the taste, but several of the choice alchemical substances that I use for flavor enhancement were recently stolen from my kitchen stores.”
Oltug slams his fist on one of the wooden tables. ”It was Morgroar! My gut tells me so!” he declares openly. He seethes for a moment, then calms down, “But, unfortunately, I don’t have the evidence to prove it. And I certainly would not dare to approach Lieutenant Eloqi or make accusations before him without substantial proof. “
[She asks who will line up behind each leader if there is a challenge for power.
Oltug looks at Seelah quizzically at first, then he begins to chuckle. Quickly, the chuckle erupts into a deep belly laugh that continues for a few moments. When he realizes that Seelah was not making a joke, he manages to regain his composure. "Yes, my apologies. I did not realize that you may be serious, Outsider."
"The Master Sergeant has the ambition, but none of the ability to succeed Lieutenant Eloqi." Oltug sneers. "While it is true that Lieutenant Eloqi has more days on the battlefield behind him than before, he remains capable. The Master Sergeant may be strong, but he lacks the skill and experience of Lieutenant Eloqi. The Master Sergeant would not be so foolhardy to invoke kalech-mar as to Lieutenant Eloqi. He covets his life too greatly to throw it away in such manner.”
“If Morgroar did somehow manage to defeat Lieutenant Eloqi in the rite of kalech-mar—an outcome that I would think unlikely—the camp would, of course, defer to Morgroar’s lead,” he concedes with open disdain for the very thought.
The Good Doktor will investigate the exploded mine area to see is there a pattern or other information to be gathered that could show a weakness in their defenses or what is threating them.
The kobold does not discern any particular pattern from the craters in the minefield that protects the eastern approach to the camp, but he is able to carefully retrieve a few pieces of a detonated mine that may yield further information with some analysis.
As he makes his way back to central camp, the kobold walks through the area near the Aspis’ lodgings and discerns from what he can see that the Aspis agents are underequipped for a group that has undertaken a lengthy, mountainous trek.
PCs in Bold May Still Act this "Round"
Doktor Middens
Jirelle Drenchport
Merisiel Kyratári
NibNok
Seelah Soup
Sun Fire Boom Boom
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After Jirelle meets up with Seelah she becomes concerned.
"This Morgoar sounds like bad news, just the sort that would favor the Aspis, and use their arrival for their own gain. Perhaps a little digging is in order..."
She goes to stand near Morgroar's tent and loudly calls to a passer by
"A fight has broken out you say? That Artennod woman? My goodness we were warned about that, there'll be hell to pay!"
Hoping that he'd at least be interested even if he's not secretly allied with the Aspis, she stands near-by to take advantage and have a look round his hut for pilfered alchemical supplies.
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Seeing the number of guards, a distraction is much more dangerous than previously hoped. He will, instead, play the diplomacy card and try to chat up Artennod. "Ahh, that hawk looks magnificent. What's her name? This here is Wolfie Longstrider III he pats Wolfie on the head, and grabs a treat for her. He then looks up, and offers the treat for the hawk Is she hungry?
Sun Fire Boom Boom get no useful information.
Raike seems somewhat impressed by the goblin. Her bird accepts the treat. Raike says, "Her name is Arthanior. You generosity is appreciated, but will do you little good, Pathfinder. Now, I must be off."
Raike walks past the guard to the hut if her halfling valet, who quietly greets her. NibNok notices the the halfling, Greeleep Muckfelow, walks with an unusual gait, as if he has been injured.
Morgroar gets up out of his hut at Jirelle's words, leaving it temporarily unattended.
[Ooc]Jirelle may attempt a Perception check to seek.
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Jirelle licks her lips as she sees the book and takes a look behind her to see if Morgroar is returning. She considers having a closer inspection.
Don't cause any trouble Drussem said. Let's not be hast-
Before the thought is fully formed in her mind she slips in, grabs the book and shoves it into her waistband before sauntering out and back to her tent, where she flicks through it hoping to find something incriminating.
LeaFing through the book, Jirelle finds it is a codebook, containing various cyphwrs.
As you have had time to bemore familiar with the camp, you have little time to settle into your lodgings when Sergeant Drussem comes to collect you.
"It is time to meet with Lieutenant Eloqi. If would not do to be late." Drussem notes. The Sergeant leads you to the meeting hall in the center of camp where Master Sergeant Morgroar and other hobgoblins in the security detail are present.
Drussem knocks on the door of the hall and confirms that you have been bid entry.
Upon entry, you see a prominent, red banner displaying the toothy shield of the nation of Oprak. The banner hangs over a large, stone table, which fills the interior of this hall. A few well-built wooden chairs are arranged on the earthen floor around the table alongside a collection of sizable rocks that are suitable, if not ideal, for sitting. A soft, finely embroidered chair sits at the table’s austere wooden head.
Splayed out on the table is an assortment of maps, ledgers, and trade documents.
A second banner, torn, tattered, and bearing another insignia titled the Ironfang Legion, hangs opposite the front entrance to the north, partitioning the southern end of the room. The banner’s ripped cloth fails to conceal an armoire, a large bed, and a few personal items of exceptional quality in the otherwise sparely furnished room.
A hobgoblin, stately and aging, emerges from behind the tattered banner. He wears ceremonial, full plate armor and has a bow strung across his back.
“I am Lieutenant Eloqi of the nation of Oprak,” he declares. “With whom am I speaking?"
Meris has a rule about not being impressed by things.
She is impressed by Lieutenant Eloqi.
She gives him that half raise of a chin jerked upwards in recognition.
"Meris," she says simply.
She notes his age. It was something else she recognized frequently. Not in herself, mind you, but others. Being a forlorn elf does that to you, growing up around them and watching them all wither and die will you are still ripening... it gave someone a certain numbness. Or, at least, she tried to convince herself it did. She looks away.
More advanced in age than most hobgoblins, the body of Lieutenant Eloqi bears the marks of a lifetime of battle.
Eloqi listens as the party members introduce themselves, though the hobgoblin keeps his focus upon the one(s) that identitify themselves.as prolocutor rather than the apparent "subordinates".
The disciplined hobgoblin warrior turned diplomat remains still standoffish, apparently unsure of whether the Pathfinder Society is worthy of Oprak.
Seelah grimaces as it turns out she is a bit late.
She stands upright. "Seelah, servant of The Inheritor, paladin of the Pathfinder Society."
"Lieutenant Eloqi, we are honored to be in your presence. We believe that Pathfinder Society has much to offer as allies, or, at least, trade partners."
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After everybody does introductions, he will try to impress with some opening statements that include, but are not limited too ...
"We are in deed representatives of the Pathfinder Society ..."
and
"... we are a more advantageous partner than the Aspis ..."
and
"... we bring more than just ruthlessness ..."
and
"... our network of contacts reaches further than any other ..."
He also pauses at some points, nodding to his companions to let them chime in on topics they have relevant information on, such as what Seelah just said ...
We are in deed representatives of the Pathfinder Society, defenders of justice and averse to avarice. We assume we are a more advantageous partner than the Aspis, and ask why would you accept an analogue when you could always accredit the acme? Certainly, we bring more than just ruthlessness to our awkwardly alliterated aphorisms - our adamant animosity towards our apodal antagonists is authentic. Our network of contacts reaches further than any other alpaca can carry away. We appeal to an alliance!
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Back in her tent Jirelle hid the book as well as she was able and resolved to show it to her companions at the first opportunity.
At the introduction she stands beside Seelah and a step behind. She holds herself rigidly to attention with a fencer's poise, offering her name when called for with a flourish and a bow;
"Jirelle of Drenchport"
but otherwise supporting her superior's speech with nods and bows, impersonating the loyal and obedient subject that she knows her society superiors want her to be.
"You have come a long way, if not as quickly as expected." Eloqi notes. His look is difficult to read, but was certainly moved by at least some of you.. "Rest, then, for the day ahead of you."
"The talks officially begin tomorrow at the second drum beat." Eloqi declares, as he abruptly rises to dismiss you. "As they were the first to arrive, the delegation from the Aspis Consortium shall be the first to speak and make their bid for a trade agreement."
He looks the party's prolocutors in the eye, "The Pathfinders shall follow and make their bid then."
The elder hobgoblin then turns to make his way to his living area as Drussem and the other hobgoblins gesture for you to leave the hall.
Meris has been thinking about Artennod during the meeting, and that axe. Weren't there axes that steal the face of someone who attacked you? Did kobolds attack Artennod? Meris was sure this Artennod was out there committing genocide against the Coal-bolds, and goes looking for proof.
Seelah will look for Morgroar and ask him about any plans he has to challenge Lieutenant Eloqi for leadership.
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Jirelle takes the serpent book of ciphers and discretely shows it to the rest of the party, perhaps one by one when they're out of sight.
"Can you make heads or tails of it?"
She asks each one, and otherwise resolves to use it as evidence of collusion should the opportunity present itself. She keeps it secured away.
She asks around camp about Oltug's alchemical substances, hoping to find more evidence of Morgroar's treachery.
Meris has been thinking about Artennod during the meeting, and that axe. Weren't there axes that steal the face of someone who attacked you? Did kobolds attack Artennod? Meris was sure this Artennod was out there committing genocide against the Coal-bolds, and goes looking for proof.
You recall that 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, the Consortium discovered a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds. Based upon the information you have uncovered, you conclude that that expedition was indeed led by Artennod Raije. Raike's 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 is not surprising that she is the one representing the Aspis at these talks.
Meris keeps an eye on the huts of the Aspis agents. Other than a patrolling bodyguard and possibly other party members, she does not see any of the Aspis agents enter or exit any if the huts.
NibNok also spies the Aspis bodyguard while patrolling the area around Greeleep's hut. Asking some of the nearby hobgoblins about Raike's halfling valet, the goblin is told that the halfling walks with an unusual gait, as if injured, and that a pungent, musky oder has occasionally been encountered near the halfling's hut since Greeleep began occupying it.
The Doktor fails to reach a useful conclusion.
Jirelle asks around camp about Morgroar. Rumor says that Raike was seen handing the Master Sergeant a piece of red-tinted vellum, which Morgroar tucked behind his bandolier, as well as a leather bound book with a serpent motif.
Seelah tracks Morgroar to his hut, where the hobgoblin seems to have his door open as he conducts ba search of the contents of the hut. When he sees Seelah, Morgroar looks up at her. Behind his bandolier, Seelah can see a portion of a piece of red-tinted vellum poking out.
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Seelah will ask for permission to enter, and begins a conversation with Morgroar that begins by establishing common ground.
"I am impressed with the discipline and order in the camp. The units are battle-ready and morale is high."
After 1 minute:
Seelah will then turn the conversation to more contentious topics.
"There seems to be a concern that someone will challenge Lieutenant Eloqi for leadership. While we respect your traditions and honor your culture's means of transferring power, we are somewhat concerned that agreements we make with the Lieutenant will not be binding for very long. Do you know of any plans or conflicts within the ranks?"
As she prepares to go back to meet up with the group, Seelah will ask fairly directly:
"Has the Aspis Consortium approached you with intention of meddling with the power structure?"
If he denies it, Seelah will point out that she's seen the red vellum in Raike's hands, and ask point-blank if they have been exchanging information.
"If it is innocent, perhaps you could let me take a look at it? We have been open and transparent about what the Pathfinder Society has to offer."
If he appears offended at any point, Seelah will back off, apologizing for any misunderstanding.
Sun Fire Boom Boom spends his time sticking his little goblin nose everywhere it doesn't belong, particularly in any of the more unpleasant areas that somebody might cleverly try to hide things.
The goblin learns that, like many other hobgoblins, Morgroar adheres to a strict schedule. He regularly enters the mess hall for his meal at the noon hour and again one hour before sunset. While there, he delights in chastising the cook.
Seelah will ask for permission to enter, and begins a conversation with Morgroar that begins by establishing common ground.
"I am impressed with the discipline and order in the camp. The units are battle-ready and morale is high."
Morgroar seems to be busy looking for something among the items in his hut, when he reluctantly allows entry to the Pathfinder.
"Morale? Yes. It is indeed high. What else would you expect, Outsider?"
After time, the Master Sergeant's attitude seems to warm to Seelah, though only slightly.
Seelah will then turn the conversation to more contentious topics.
"Do you know of any plans or conflicts within the ranks?"
"You have no need to be concerned, Outsider,” snarls Morgroar. “Oprak will honor the outcome of these talks.”
Seelah can tell that the hobgoblin is being evasive in his response.
"Has the Aspis Consortium approached you with intention of meddling with the power structure?"
Morgroar appears a bit surprised at first, then replies coldly, ”Why would you think that?”
Seelah points out that she's seen the red vellum in Raike's hands, and ask point-blank if they have been exchanging information.
"If it is innocent, perhaps you could let me take a look at it? We have been open and transparent about what the Pathfinder Society has to offer."
“If you must know, I was given this piece of vellum by Raike,” Morgroar concedes with a sneer. “However, I have not been able to read it. I speak goblin and Taldane. Raike’s message is written in neither.”
"In any event, it is not meant for your eyes, Outsider, and it is no concern of yours," says Morgroar. "If I think it a matter for the Lieutenant's consideration, I will deliver it to him personally."
Seelah gets the sense that Morgroar is quite unfriendly. Yet, though the hobgoblin is not being forthright, Seelah discerns that there is truth to his words.
“Now, I must bid you leave.” Morgroar says, gesturing towards the doorway. “I believe you have a meeting with the Lieutenant in the morning, do you not? I am part of his security detail and I want to make sure that I am prepared for my duties tomorrow. I suggest that you get adequate rest yourself. I would hate for you to oversleep. The Lieutenant has no tolerance for delays.”
Morgroar offers with mock pleasantness, "Shall I summon one of the sentries to escort you back to your lodgings?"
"I know the way back, but thank you very much for the offer," Seelah returns the mock pleasantries. "If you need any help with the translation, feel free to reach out - the Pathfinders speak and read many languages."
With the sun fallen, the camp settles in for the night. The camp watches intensify with the coming of darkness, providing little opportunity to investigation.
The following morning, just before the scheduled start of the formal talks, Drussem arrives as promised to collect you. She bids you assemble in front of the camp’s meeting hall, reminding the prolocutors to present the Society's position.
Upon arrival at the meeting hall, you find Raike, her bodyguards, and the halfling Greeleep, who is adorned in a green hat, have all arrived ahead of schedule.
“Finally, we have the pleasure of being formally introduced, Pathfinders. My name is Artennod Raike, the Aspis prolocutor and representative of the Consortium,” declares a clearly self-assured, middle-aged woman. An impressive greataxe is slung over her back and a hunting hawk sits on a gloved arm.
Holding a full mug of a warm beverage in her other hand, the woman shakes off the bird, which promptly flies into the sky. As she reaches forward with a hand greeting, her balance shifts, dumping the full contents of his mug onto the ground.
“My apologies.” Raike smiles. “I hope that I didn’t get any on you.”
You realize that Raike's spill was intentional.
The spill provokes only a grunt from the hobgoblins who enter the hall first, then bid the delegates to enter.
As the party moves inside, they are greeted by some murmurs among the hobgoblins and a glance from Sergeant Drussem. For her part, Raike has a smug look of pleasure on her face as she is framed by her silent bodyguards.
With a gesture, Lieutenant Eloqi offers the wooden chairs around the to Raike and the Society's prolocutors. All others are expected to stand within the cramped interior.
Once the parties settle in, Eloqi speaks for the first time. "I am aware of the reputations of both the Aspis Consortium and the Pathfinder Society. Each offers influence and potential markets that could, if tended, offer a benefit to the nation of Oprak. Were that not the case, General Azaersi would not have issued invitations to your respective organizations. I am also, well aware of the animosity between your two institutions."
At this statement, Raike shoots a glance at the party, but the Lieutenant keeps his gaze fixed on two prolocutors continues, "But, I am not one to act on stories unless they are substantiated with proof. I have fought many battles, both on the battlefield and off of it. Accusations are like arrows."
Eloqi stands and places his bow on the table for emphasis. "The untrained, inexperienced warrior blindly fires as many arrows as he can, in various directions, in a hope that enough will hit his foes to sufficiently injure them. But, a true archer is watchful. He waits, carefully considering the evidence set before him: the speed of the wind, the distance of his target, the thickness of his enemies' armor. Not until then, does he release the arrow."
"I have reservations about Oprak signing any trade agreement with either the Aspis Consortium or the Pathfinder Society. However, I must acknowledge that such an agreement with either organization could benefit Oprak. If our new nation is to endure, it must have more friends and fewer enemies than it does now, and at least some of those friends will likely have to be humans."
"I admit that, between your two organizations, I presently favor the Pathfinders." Eloqi concedes, "But, I have pledged to fairly consider both organizations. And, thus, I shall."
"To that end, let us begin." Eloqi continues, settling back into his chair. "As first to arrive, it is only fitting that the delegation of the Aspis Consortium be the first to speak."
"Artennod Raike," he says, gesturing for her to speak, "you may begin."
In response, Raike, the middle-aged woman with an impressive greataxe slung over her back, rises to her feet.
You notice that Raike’s glass vial pendant, which she wears around her neck, is empty. You also note that, next to the pendant, she is wearing a crude charm fashioned like a four-legged mammal or reptile. Raike's halfling valet and her bodyguards are each wearing a similar charm.
Meris stares Artennod from afar with ageless patience, like a lioness evaluating a rival.
Seelah will hand Raike a rag (ripping off a corner of her bedroll if needed) and suggest she mop it up.
"In case you want to clean up your mess."
She straightens back up and waits for an invitation to speak.
Doktor Middens and others makes note of the talisman hanging from Raike's neck, but cannot discern what it depicts.
As the party ponder, Raike rises to her feet to say her piece. "Since the more than two centuries that has it stood as an institution, the Aspis Consortium has advanced its well-established reputation throughout the Inner Sea for obtaining high profits and engaging in once-in-a-lifetime ventures across the globe." Raike opines. "Unlike the Pathfinder Society, the Aspis Consortium has, time-and-again, demonstrated an ability to get the most of out of cheap sources of labor."
"Yet, it is the fighting strength of the Aspis Consortium," Raike declares, "that is the organization's greatest asset. A fact evidenced by the Consortium’s ability to maintain and deploy its black-and-white-sailed fleets throughout the Inner Sea and beyond, the Consortium's means to field expansive, mercenary armies to any locale on Golarion, and it's expertise in deploying pinpoint strike forces composed of the most highly-trained Aspis agents."
"Not only does the Aspis Consortium have the willingness to do whatever is necessary to accomplish its goals," Raike concludes, "But, most importantly, it has the strength to do so."
Raike's conclusion is met by nods and low grunts of affirmation, not only by the other Aspis delegates present, but also by Master Sergeant Morgroar and some of the other hobgoblins among the assembly.
Lieutenant Eloqi nods as well, "Your assertions, if born out as true, suggest that the Aspis Consortium could, indeed, be a valuable partner for Oprak, opening new trade venues and ensuring both that our precious goods make it to foreign markets and that our rightful share of the profits finds its way back to our borders."
With Raike's opening statements setting forth the Aspis' position now complete, the party now has an opportunity to make a brief opening statement setting forth the position of the Pathfinder Society. Eloqi gestures for the Pathfinder's prolocutors to rise and say their piece.
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Seelah stands up.
"Lieutenant Eloqi, allow me to describe to you a different future for Oprak.
The Pathfinder Society views diverse cultures as sources of strength. You see here among our team former enemies - goblins, kobolds, humans, elves - and what you do not see here is the superiority of one over another. Humans did not 'win' a war against goblins and subjugate them for cheap labor, nor did kobolds 'win' a war against elves and plunder their riches.
This approach will benefit trade when reaching out to distant cultures. Nations in Casmaron and Tian Xia, large markets for the export of your fine metals, will readily trade with those they respect, easily find and punish smugglers, and will not easily bow to threats or intimidation.
What you see here within the Pathfinder team is an alliance forged from immutable characteristics, one that cannot be broken for the sake of profit. The Pathfinder Society - and the alliances it forms - will not be discarded when a more profitable alliance comes around."