"Greeleep, have you been disguised as a goblin? Or has someone been using your name?"
"Raike made Greeleep wear the magic hat to look like halfling and called me 'Muckfellow'," explains the kobold. "Don't like name. And don't like hat. Not comfortable."
With some trepidation, Greeleep accepts the offered healing as well as the goblin's hug.
"Raike kill Greeleep's tribe. Kill bulettes. Egg only one left," he tries to explain through sobs. "Tried to get away, but..." The kobold finds himself unable to continue.
Further, you know that the kobold tribes of the Coalfire and Embermaw reside in the Mindspin Mountains. The Coalfire tribe, in particular, employed trained bulettes to assist with tunneling and mining operations.
"What's up with the drips from the ceiling?" he asks.
Greeleep looks up and sobs again. "Raike wanted to bring more bulettes. She mixed it for...for...," he begins sobbing again.
"Greeleep, you and your eggs are now under the protection of the Pathfinder Society. Please tell the truth about this matter when we bring it up with the hobgoblins."
"Greeleep, you and your eggs are now under the protection of the Pathfinder Society. Please tell the truth about this matter when we bring it up with the hobgoblins."
"No, no, no. Greeleep want to take egg and go. No talk with hobgoblins. They in league with Raike and Aspis. Greeleep run from Raike, not want to be found by her. She will kill me!"replies the kobold.
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Seelah puts down her shield and kneels down to be at eye level with the kobold.
"Greeleep, you are free to go, and if you go, I wish you well.
But I offer you another option - be brave, and come with us. We will protect you - with our lives, if required. The truth is more powerful than Raike. The truth is more powerful than the hobgoblins. The truth is more powerful than us. The truth is a greatsword that only you have the power to wield. Join us, and stop running from evil."
Meris lets the talkers do what they do, while she does what she does, and tries to slink through the shadowy caves around to the unguarded exit to this cavern.
Should Greeleep decide to make a run for it, she plans for him to run straight onto her rapier.
Seelah puts down her shield and kneels down to be at eye level with the kobold.
"Greeleep, you are free to go, and if you go, I wish you well.
But I offer you another option - be brave, and come with us. We will protect you - with our lives, if required. The truth is more powerful than Raike. The truth is more powerful than the hobgoblins. The truth is more powerful than us. The truth is a greatsword that only you have the power to wield. Join us, and stop running from evil."
The kobold slumps down on a stone, clearly convinced that the Pathfinders mean him no harm. "Brave? Greeleep not used to being brave. But, perhaps it is time to try. You want the truth?" he asks, "then you shall have it."
The kobold shifts through the pile of rocks and retrieves a sizeable one, that on closer inspection is clearly an egg.
"I am Greeleep," the kobold explains in draconic, which Doktor Middens can readily translate. "I am--was-- the shaman for my tribe. The 'Coalfire tribe', we were--that is, until Raike and her slaughters came."
"She approached us underground, while we were out mining the blackfire rock. She and her men acted friendly, at first. They were very curious. Wanted to know about our mining. Where all we had dug. How we had done it. She seemed less interested in the rock than in our pets and how we controlled them." he continues. "I grew concerned. Kobold magic is for kobolds."
"But, then Raike returned with more humans and they, too, had swords." Greeleep shakes his head. "We could not stop her. I could not stop her. She slew the miners in my tribe, took their zoic fetishes." He points to the pair of crude charms around his neck.
"Raike tried to use them for herself, but she couldn't get them to work, so she slew the chief. She killed my hatchmates. The killing did not stop until I promised to show her--to make more for her. So--so, I did."
"She secured some of the pets' favorite food, bringing it along with me here. She made me pretend to be one of her Aspis. Made me wear that awful, pinching hat." The kobold rubs his scaled head and horns as he speaks. "She used the pets, along with the food and my fetishes to bring more bulettes here--only to slaughter them! She slaughtered them all! Only the egg from the tribe's pets remains. Only the egg."
"I ran when I had the chance, as Raike began her slaughter. I quickly fashioned a new zoic fetish to summon some giant ants to help carry me and the egg far away from here," he holds out the ant-shaped charm around his neck. "But, was too hasty. I made a mistake. The ants turned on me. When you arrived, they turned on you too."
Turning his speech to common, he says, "Greeleep tell big goblins of Raike's plan, only if you keep Greeleep safe! How you plan to do that?"
Greeleep explains that he left the "magic hat" in his hut.
You find the trapdoor was covered by a furs that once lied stretched over the dirt. Next to them is a stewpot. A cloth hat lies draped over a smattering of rocks dusted with sloughed, reddish scales.
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NibNok would ask the following:
"Is there a way we can deactivate the fetishes?"
"Do we need to be more wary about the 'favorite food' that might still be placed about?"
"Did you see any other evidence we can get from the Aspis to help prove their subterfuge?"
"Wolfie makes a good guard. Would you feel better if she stays with you, Greeleep?"
NibNok would ask the following:
"Is there a way we can deactivate the fetishes?"
"Break them," Greeleep suggests. "But, with bulettes slaughtered, what good would it do?"
"Do we need to be more wary about the 'favorite food' that might still be placed about?"
Greeleep ponders for a moment, "There may be some halfling remains lying around down here. But, with the bulettes dead, they will likely go uneaten."
"Did you see any other evidence we can get from the Aspis to help prove their subterfuge?"
"Greeleep try to keep head down and not upset Raike," he says. "But, Greeleep has seen Raike writing things down."
"Wolfie makes a good guard. Would you feel better if she stays with you, Greeleep?"
Greeleep looks at the wolf and grows concerned. Rather than respond in words, the kobold quickly tries to cobble together another charm--this one in the shape of a wolf.
Meris will first inspect the scales in Greeleep's hut before she is off to go through the trapdoor into Raike's hut (Stealth +13, Perception with Trap Finder +12).
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Once apprised of the plan, Jirelle volunteers to do the distracting while Meris is sneaking around inside the tent. She makes sure to agree a signal that Raike is approaching, then heads back up the way they came in and back around to the tent. She strikes up a conversation with the Aspis agent outside, talking a little too loudly.
"Hey, how does the Aspis Consortium pay? The society makes us turn in everything we find on a mission and pay for it if we want to keep it, can you believe that?"
Meris will first inspect the scales in Greeleep's hut before she is off to go through the trapdoor into Raike's hut (Stealth +13, Perception with Trap Finder +12).
Meris cannot discern any particularly useful information about the scales other than they are the same color as those of Greeleep.
Climbing up the ladder, Meris removes the rock holding the trapdoor stuck and slowly opens it. As she does, she pushes aside an exquisitely-woven rug that had covered the trapdoor and knocks over a soft cot that had once strode across it. The interior of the hut is furnished with various plush fineries and amenities.
Below a nearby nightstand sits a sturdy, footlocker. It is sealed with a lock.
Looking over the footlocker and lock, Meris does not spy any traps.
"Hey, how does the Aspis Consortium pay? The society makes us turn in everything we find on a mission and pay for it if we want to keep it, can you believe that?"
"I would have to see it to believe it," replies the bodyguard as he begins to engage with the Pathfinder. "If that were the case, why would you ever report finding anything?"
The bodyguard doesn't appear too nervous about being caught speaking with Jirelle, which suggests that perhaps Raike must be out and about rather than in her hut nearby.
"Jackpot," Merisiel whispers down to the others at the bottom of the ladder. She gladly took the spider climb, and now easily flips up into the hut and heads straight over to the locker, cocksure and smug as always, she flips out her lockpick set with a smirk.
"C'mon, momma needs some juicy evidence. Show me your knickers, you dirty girl, " Merisiel murmers to herself as she kneels down on one knee and, tongue out the corner of her mouth, carefully tries to disarm the lock.
As Meris touches the lock directly or with a tool, an invisible rune imprinted on a chest’s lock releases a powerful, fiery discharge!
Singed, Meris continues her work on the lock.
She easily manages to get it open. Inside, she finds that it contains a few routine ledgers and maps of the Mindspin Mountains.
However, she also finds indications that the footlocker contains a false bottom. Within it, she locates a journal along with maps and trophies from Raike’s prior expeditions.
Excerpt from Raike's Journals now on Slides.
Raike’s maps, journals, and trophies would be invaluable to the Society’s efforts to stymie Aspis operations across the Inner Sea, but particularly in Oprak.
Only Morgroar and the Aspis Bodyguards' huts remain unexplored.
Party Status
Meris- 13 HP
Seelah would have Lay on Handsed Meris before allowing her to attempt picking the lock again, but it doesn't look like that was an issue.
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NibNok will suggest, as a possible option for discussion ...
"If we can get to Morgroar while he is tired or asleep, I can use sleep magic to keep him from noticing Meris ... but it is risky and we might have enough info already."
He is ok with using what we have, but also willing to take the chance on locking this down with all the evidence.
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When the fire trap went off in the tent, Jirelle was forced to think on her feet.
"Oh I'm sorry" she pats her stomach and grimaces. "A word to the wise, stay away from the spiced lamb"
Back with the group, she agrees with Sun Fire Boom Boom
"You're right, let's present what we have. We can tell Eloqi about the vellum and the book, and perhaps we'll get a chance to decipher them afterwards"
Meris agrees there is enough evidence and thanked Seelah profusely for the laying of hands on extra crispy elf.
Sunrise brings the arrival of Sergeant Drussem, who has come to escort you to the meeting hall for the recommencement of the formal talks. As before, Raike and her bodyguards are already waiting outside the hall.
Although, unlike before, Raike's demeanor is considerably less smug than on the previous occasion. Also, her halfling valet is markedly absent.
For their part, the hobgoblin security forces, Morgroar among them, stand ready to usher you into the hall. The piece of red-vellum remains tucked within the Master Sergeant's bandolier, tantalizingly with in reach.
You are quietly ushered into the meeting hall as are the Aspis agents. Drussem and other hobgoblin security forces spread out throughout the hall, awaiting the Lieutenant’s commands.
Lieutenant Eloqi emerges from his quarters and takes his seat at the table, bidding the prolocutors to do the same.
"Much has transpired since last we sat at table together." notes the wizened hobgoblin. "Yet, it is the next hour during which the future of Oprak with regard your respective organizations shall be determined."
"Prolocutor Sun Fire Boom Boom and Prolocutor Seelah, you have yet to make your full bid on behalf of the Pathfinder Society," notes Lieutenant Eloqi. "Please, speak your piece."
The party has seven pieces of Evidence that it may present.
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Seelah stands proudly, but non-threateningly, before the assembly.
"Lieutenant Eloqi, much has indeed transpired, but there are things that remain the same - the Pathfinder Society is still an organization of equals, one that protects each other. The Society still treats allies as allies with a long-term, not short-term view. Among the things that have changed, our offer to you is not one that has changed.
We feel our offer stands on its own merits. Nothing that has been discovered undermines our credibility, because we had presented an honest offer to begin with.
I am saddened to report that much of what we have learned since then casts doubt on the Aspis offer, however. First, we discovered an extensive tunnel system beneath this very camp - one that was used to allow the bulettes access."
"The bulettes did not attack us randomly - they were brought here by a chemical attractant, mixed with the blood of a murdered halfling."
"We know this was used because it can be found in the bulettes' tissue samples."
"It is unquestioned that one of us attempted to sabotage the discussions, and use subterfuge, rather than honesty, to convince Oprak of worthiness. How can you be sure it wasn't us? Let me point to the security of the tunnels - the tunnel leading to Commander Raike's hut was trapped, indicating she had foreknowledge of this. Zoic fetishes, used to summon creatures, were found in her bodyguards' hut."
"Was this the work of renegade bodyguards, or of Raike herself? I submit it was the latter."
Seelah holds up Raike's journal and reads the entries from it.
"And yet, despite all of this, you may be tempted to weigh Raike's adamant denials with equal weight - that despite this physical evidence, none of us witnessed the acts. Where is the halfling Greeleep? Surely, they can be called as a witness.
Indeed, we call Greeleep as a witness - but not the halfling. Greeleep, the kobold - disguised with a hat of disguise -"
"- the one that Raike wrote in her journal of enslaving, is here, the last of their clan with their sole surviving egg. They will give eyewitness testimony to all these things."
"Lieutenant Eloqi, the Pathfinder Society stands for truth and honor. We have not presented anything to you in any manner of deception - not even our flaws. As you weigh our offer, know that it is a true weight. Should you choose against us, we promise no violence, and depart with no threats. But we ask you to choose in favor of us because of our integrity and because we offer the better long-term future for the hobgoblins."
"Thank you for your time."
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Jirelle is content to let the prolocutors speak, though she can't help but give emphatic nods as Seelah so expertly lays out the evidence, nor can she help smiling at Raike as her plans and chicanery are revealed
She waits to see Eloqi's reaction before mentioning anything about the book or the velum, perhaps now is not the time to address how she came by it.
"First, we discovered an extensive tunnel system beneath this very camp - one that was used to allow the bulettes access."
“ Of course bulettes travel underground,” Raike blurts dismissively, “you are wasting the time of this assembly.”
"The bulettes did not attack us randomly - they were brought here by a chemical attractant, mixed with the blood of a murdered halfling."
“So you say,” comments Raike. “And, now that you mention it, my valet is missing. Perhaps, you are the murderers?”
"We know this was used because it can be found in the bulettes' tissue samples."
”No doubt planted there by you unscrupulous, Pathfinders,” Raike explains.
“Lies!” shouts Raike, before adding, “Yet, even if it were true, then it would be an admission that these Pathfinders attempted to take my personal belongings—in violation of your decrees, Lieutenant.”
"Was this the work of renegade bodyguards, or of Raike herself? I submit it was the latter."“Are you implying that I don’t have full control over my subordinates?!” Raike responds indignantly.
Seelah holds up Raike's journal and reads the entries from it.
A look of concern overtakes Raike’s face. “How did you get that? Lieutenant, these Pathfinders have violated your rules and your trust. Those are mine!”
“Regardless, even if you were to read them, you would see that I have enemies—enemies who would try to frame me. For instance, I have reason to believe that there is a vengeful kobold about—one determined to take revenge for the death of several members of its tribe.”
" Indeed, we call Greeleep as a witness - but not the halfling. Greeleep, the kobold - disguised with a hat of disguise -" ...
Concern turns from concern to horror. “You are alive?! she exclaims, then mutters, “I should have killed you when I had the chance…”
"As you can see, nothing good is to be gained by engaging with those Aspis snakes. Please consider our trade, and only our trade offer for the good of your clan."
Lieutenant Eloqi considers the words and evidence laid out before him, but only for a few moments.
“All business dealings between Oprak and the Aspis Consortium are hereby suspended,” Eloqi declares. “ The Aspis delegation is to be immediately exiled from this camp. The Pathfinder Society will get an exclusive agreement.”
“You will regret this, Lieutenant,” she informs the hobgoblin representative as Sergeant Drussem and the others interpose themselves and begin to remove Raike and her henchmen from the hall.
Turning to the party, Raike shouts, “As for you, Pathfinders, this is my solemn vow—I shall have my revenge! You here me? I shall have my revenge!”
As Drussem forcefully escorts the last of the Aspis out of the hall, Eloqi turns to Morgroar. “Master Sergeant,” he orders, “see to it that Raike and her men do not return.”
"Additionally, I feel if you were to read that red-vellum there on Morgroar's person, you might find yet another surprise."
“Belay that order, Master Sergeant,” Eloqi says in response. He holds out a hand, “Hand me the vellum, Master Sergeant.”
Morgroar seems to squirm for a moment, but then nods in compliance. With surprising confidence, Morgroar hands the vellum to Eloqi, who opens it to reveal a gold ring and a series of indecipherable markings.“I can make no sense of this,” declares Eloqi, examining the missive.
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NibNok finally remembers what exactly Seelah had said about that conversation with Morgroar.
"That vellum, along with a book or journal, was allegedly given to him by Raike. When we approached him about it, he admitted as much but also to not being able to read it. We were originally concerned that he was working with Raike, and that it would incriminate the Aspis even further."
He looks at Morgroar with no malice, and a bit apologetic.
"He was truthful enough with us that I am no longer sure that is the case, but the if there is a chance you have a traitor in your midst, a valid concern with all that has transpired, then his interactions with Raike are very suspicious. We Pathfinders, as a group, are able to read many languages and codes, and would be more than happy to take a look at that writing in case we can clear up this concern once and for all."
He looks at the entire group, knowing the weight of his accusation.
"I know we are guests here, but we are negotiating on behalf of the Pathfinders and we would be remiss to not follow up on a potential traitor in your midst."
Meris watches, wishing she had popcorn, but remains quietly in the back.
Seelah has Society +7. She'll try if nobody else can or will.
Seelah is unable to decipher the script, even with the goblin's encouraging song.
When Jirelle produces the book, Morgroar's eyes denote considerable concern, but the hobgoblin dares not protest or make any effort to flee.
Placing the codebook with the serpent motif before Eloqi, it takes about ten minutes for the missive to be fully decoded.
Deciphered contents of the vellum now revealed on Slides.
"Undermined?" questions Lieutenant Eloqi as he looks up from the missive, holding a solid gold ring that hade been stitched into the vellum. "The various purposes of the underground tunnels are now all the more clear, it would seem."
"A challenge of kalach-mar from my Master Sergeant, I would have accepted." Eloqi says in rebuke of Morgroar. "But rather than rely upon your own skill and fighting prowess to obtain rank, Morgroar, you would instead choose to place your destiny within the hands of outsiders?"
The wizened hobgoblin ponders for a moment.
"Very well, then. We shall do things your way, Morgroar," Lieutenant Eloqi declares. He then turns to the Pathfinders, "With the duplicitous Aspis agents run out of camp, you, Pathfinders, are the only 'outsiders' remaining. Morgroar's destiny is now, then, within your hands. What would you have me do with him?"
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Seelah isn't sure what the options are but she favors rehabilitation over punishment.
Seelah asks Morgroar what his motivations were.
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"From what I heard it sounded like Oltug needs an assistant to keep track of their seasonings, perhaps a new role as kitchen cleaner would help Morgroar learn something about respect?"
She winks at Morgroar. To all appearances she's completely at ease, but her every muscle is poised to draw her rapier in a flash should Morgroar attack.
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NibNok snorts at the thought of him as a cook, then composes himself. "While he claims to be a traditionalist, he does seem to take to the human way of doing things." he pauses as if he just thought of something "Maybe he should be sent to work with the Pathfinders and gain some perspective?"
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Seelah asks Morgroar what his motivations were.
Morgroar looks as if he is about to speak, but thinks better of it.
Eloqi interjects, "Among our kind, a hobgoblin is almost expected to constantly jockey for position with one's peers and to seek a means to overcome one's superiors. Typically, this is done through a duel for honor that we call a kalech-mar."
"I do not fault Morgroar for his motives," notes Eloqi. "However, his chosen methods cry out for punishment. And his utter failure in achieving his goal, through neither adequate cunning nor martial ability, demonstrates that he is not worthy of his current rank."
"From what I heard it sounded like Oltug needs an assistant to keep track of their seasonings, perhaps a new role as kitchen cleaner would help Morgroar learn something about respect?"
A pleased look comes upon Eloqi's face and his mouth distorts into something almost akin to a smile. "Yes, I believe Chef Oltug would welcome the assistance."
Eloqi turns to the former Master Sergeant, "You shall continue to serve the forces of Oprak, Busser Morgroar. After all, an army marches on its stomach, does it not?"
"Maybe he should be sent to work with the Pathfinders and gain some perspective?"
"Your subordinates are all rather insightful," Eloqi responds, directing his words to the Pathfinder prolocutors. "Indeed, some 'perspective' is in order."
"When our trade talks conclude, you Pathfinders shall all join us at a celebratory feast to commemorate the occasion!" Eloqi declares. He then glares at Morgroar, "I assure you that the tableware and eating surfaces will be quite clean and that your personal server will be most respectful and responsive."
True to his word, Eloqi finalizes the trade agreement and the party is then welcomed to a fine feast within camp. Morgroar clearly chafes under his newly assigned duties, but manages to complete them adequately, tending to the food requests and table needs of the whole delegation of Pathfinders.
The next day, Sergeant Drussem leads you out of the camp and on your way back to Varisia and eventually on to Magnimar to meet with Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch for a debriefing. There, you find Venture-Captain Heidmarhc is quite pleased that you have not only secured an exclusive trade agreement with Oprak for the Society, but that you also managed to expose the Aspis Consortium’s plots and stopped them from making an alliance among the hobgoblins. She is certain that it will not be long before each of you is called upon once again to represent the Pathfinder Society on a mission.