|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
An elderly elf with pockets bulging with various lab instruments totters up to the bar, orders something fizzy, and joins the others. Though he is unmistakably elven, his clothes and manner have something rather, well, goblin about them. "Wonder what they've called us for this time..." he mutters, "bound to be trouble, seems like there's always trouble..." As he sips his drink he hefts the flagon, almost as if he is contemplating how far he could throw it.
"Oh! Where's me manners? Ye'd think by now I'da be getting the hang o' them but I surely ain't. Evindal Mog's the name, the least student o' the great Mogmurch, or all the Mogmurchs I should say, since I bin around awhile an' I seen plenty o' 'em. Now there was a master there was! They taught me plenty, yes indeed, 'specially 'bout blowin' things up. Now it's just a matter o' practicing all what he taught me, they taught me I mean. Here's to hoping that whatever trouble lies ahead some of it kin git itself blowed up!" He raises his flagon with these last words, downs his drink and belches with satisfaction.
|
You find yourselves in the city of Korvosa, the largest settlement in the nation of Varisia. Several days ago you each received a missive with some instructions.
Greetings Pathfinders,
Past dealings with the hobgoblin nation of Oprak have finally borne fruit. After sending a trial squad of hobgoblin troops to Absalom to train in Society protocol, the hobgoblin nation has now invited the Society to trade talks taking place a camp on the nation’s western border. You and your companions are to represent the Society and secure an executed trade agreement with Oprak.
Rendezvous with Sergeant Drussem, a strong supporter of the Society, at the Shoreline Drinkhall in the East Shore district of Korvosa. As you may already be aware, Drussem is an invaluable source of information about her fellow hobgoblins and a supporter of the Society. Drussem will escort you through the harsh Mindspin Mountains to the camp. It may take you through cold mountains, so be sure to purchase any equipment you need in town. The Society is not the only organization that Oprak has reached out to; the Aspis Consortium, have somehow slithered their way into the upcoming talks and wrapped their coils around a seat at the trade table. Keep your eyes on the Aspis’ agents at all times. The Pathfinder Society would see Oprak aligning with the Aspis Consortium over the Pathfinders as a great diplomatic loss that would further empower the Aspis Consortium and likely cause the Society to lose a valuable potential ally.
Safe travels,
-Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch
A few of you know a thing or two about Oprak and its trade.
Hornietelle knows that the young hobgoblin nation of Oprak was carved from a sparsely populated, cross section of the Mindspin Mountains. The small nation exports metallic ores, valuable minerals, and gemstones. Hobgoblins and other creatures have flocked to Oprak, seeking jobs in the new nation’s burgeoning mining industry. General Azaersi, a hobgoblin with a history of animosity towards humans, governs Oprak. However, she recognizes a need to secure alliances if her nation is to survive, particularly with the threat of the Whispering Tyrant’s undead forces.
Mindartis knows that boiled fire drake is considered a delicacy among hobgoblins. The dish has a pungent, musky aroma while Arvax knows thatGeneral 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.
A few of you know a bit about the Aspis Consortium and its practices as well.
Mindartis and Arvax know 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.
Evindal knows that Artennod Raike led the expedition resulting in the recent 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.
|
Mimi was busy at her grandfather's fencing academy in Gralton when the missive from Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch reached her. Though her grandfather was the primary instructor at the academy, Mimi helped out by teaching the beginners classes when she wasn't on a mission for the Society. Unlike her father, she was not by nature a teacher and found the work tedious. So it was with some relief that she read of her upcoming adventure in Oprak.
Avoiding the Gravelands, she makes her way to Korvosa using the southern route and lands at the docks with a raging thirst. The captain of the trade ship she took for the last leg of her sea voyage had been a teetotaller and refused to allow a single drop of liquor on her ship. So it is with some relief that she enters the Shoreline Drinkhall in the East Shore district of Korvosa. The tall human female, made taller yet by the heels of her knee-high dark brown boots, enters the drinkhall almost at a trot. In her haste, she pays scant attention to the other clientele and makes her way directly to the bar where she flags down the bartender. "You 'ave no idée 'ow 'appy I am to be in your établissement. Until my collègues arrivé, you are to keep a steadee stream of your best bière floweeng in my direction. de Lucky Drunk and I 'ave a lot of catcheeng up to do."
As she pours the first tankard of beer down her throat, the others in the bar get a good look at her. At her waist they spy a sheathed rapier with an ornate silver hilt. A long royal-blue coat, open in the front, trails behind her like a cloak. On the counter beside her sits her prized wide-brimmed cavalier hat trimmed with its flamboyant crimson feather. A long mop of bright red hair falls down past her shoulders, framing a pair of clear green eyes set in an attractive, light-skinned and freckled face.
She puts down the now empty tankard and picks up the second. "Ahhh. Dat 'eet de spot, as some vould say. I am begineeng to feel normale again." She looks about and spots Evindal and Hornietelle at one of the tables. Turning to the bartender, she says, "Eet seems I am not de first to arrivé. You vill find me at dat table over dere. pleeze make sûr dat my tankard ees never far from emptee." Taking her second beer with her, she grabs her hat off the counter and makes her way over to the others. "Bonjour mes amis. Eet appears dat I am een de right plece." She nods a greeting to her old travelling companions, then facing the rest, she sweeps her hat dramatically across her front and bows. "I am Mimi de Valence at your serveece. You may call me juste Mimi."
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The journey to Oprak was not an easy one but Zelphari found trip nostalgic, reminding himself of his mercenary days. Although he had to admit that the long sweaty walks and marches was not particularly enjoyable. But life has moved on and one thing the Church of Irori has taught him is to focus on the now.
The middle-aged human man is of average height, his skin a tanned deep olive colour. In fact, from certain angles, it almost seems to shimmer with a bronze-like tint. He is quite well-built, but he looks rather ... weathered. He bears faint scars, as if he's seen some fighting in his younger days. Despite that, he carries a gentle smile, although a closer look reveals a faint haunted look in his eyes. You find Zelphari wearing a well-worn splint mail. Over his back hangs an assortment of weapons: a guisarme, a long bo staff, while dagger hangs from his belt. The only other thing of note is a pendant carved into the shape of Irori's open palm hanging round his neck.
He nods at Mimi, frowning faintly trying hard to decipher her accent. "Greetings. My name is Zelphari, of Irori." He introduces himself in his deep warm voice.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"We're up against the Apsis Consortium once again." Mindartis chimes in. He is a tall, slender elf bearing the symbol of Ketephys on his apparel. A white hawk is perched on his shoulder, occasionally nibbling on his ears.
"Greetings! I am Mindartis. And this is my feathered companion, Mialee." The hawk gives off a pleasant screech to the group.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The hobgoblin known simply as Arvax stands out like a sore thumb. This hobgoblin shimmers in the sunlight as Arvax's crystalline skin is very obvious. Arvax is very aware of General Azaersi liaison with the Plane of Earth, as their heritage is now infused with a tinge of earthen elemental background.
"It'll be good to be back home. It's been a while since I've visited Oprak. I have a few ... friends? who have been working as Opraki diplomats." Arvax examines the other Pathfinders as they walk along.
"Though I never really fit in to hobogoblin society," Arvax gestures at their own crystalline body, "it'll be good to converse with other hobgoblins again. Living and working in Absalom has shown me quite a different outlook on life. Hobgoblins tend to be closed minded, but I've learned to tinker with things I probably would not have been able to do back in Oprak."
Arvax realizes they have not done an introduction. "Oh, and I am Arvax, great inventor of Absalom. Pleasure to work with you on this mission."
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
A tall elven woman glides into the room, her closely fitting black leather armour with its lines of yellow gold studs(not real), is more a fashion accessory than it seems armour. She is haughty and with a certain arrogance, "I've arrived." A sweet smelling perfume lingers in the air as she flick back her golden and red flecked hair. Her movements seductive and well rehearsed. Her hands move down over her body as though brushing away the corruption of the relic. As her hands move, they accentuate the slim curves and the white flesh of her breasts that appear suggestively from her close fitting leather.
She seeks comfort and reassurance as she fingers the leather whip attached to her black leather belt. She whispers in a sultry voice "Sting." the name warms her very soul.
A longbow made of finest elven elm, is flung over one smooth shoulder, whilst a dagger is held tight against the leather covering one of her long legs, a small thin black belt above her thigh like a garter keeping it in place. The soft red leather hilt with golden symbols sticks out of a sheath for a blade long, thin and ending in a deadly point. Her leg extends from firm and athletic buttocks tight in the leather armour.
It takes a second or even third look, to notice just above her breasts, moving slowly and seductively up and down, a small ornamental charm on a necklace, the charm is of a wasp.
She suddenly stops her stylized entrance as her eyes looks across to a human woman, drinking a beer. Her face breaks into a smile as she walks over and puts an arm gently on the woman's shoulder, "Well Mimi, you again!" her voice soft and sultry, "It's been some time since we where novices in the River Kingdoms, perhaps you can introduce me to
..... vous amis."
|
|
Mimi Turns to face Hornietelle. She breaks out a big smile and gives her old colleague a good looking over. "Ah, madame 'ornietelle; eet ees alveys a plaisir to see you. I see your choice of vêstments remains délicieuslee unchanged."
Turning back to the rest of the group, she introduces them one at a time. "De older gentle..., um, elf ees Evindal. Ve 'ave vorked together in de past. 'E likes to blow teengs up. I find eet ees better not to get in 'ees vay if you can 'elp eet. De other older gentleman ees Zelphari, and dees 'ere ees Mindartees and 'ees friend Mialee. De interesteeng lookeeng 'obgobliny fellow at de end dere ees Arvax, de grande inventeur of Absalom, or so I've 'erd. Ve are quaite de mixed bag, are ve not?"
|
|
You all get to knw each other a little better as you begin to make you way to the Shoreline Drinkhall in the East Shore district of Korvosa to rendezvous with Drussem.
Off-duty garrison guards and dockworkers much of the clientele of the Shoreline Drinkhall. It has a reputation for fair prices, stiff drinks, and meals more akin to military rations than typical food. A 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, sternfaced 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.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hornietelle nods to Mimi, before taking a goblet of wine and wetting her lips, before getting to know the rest of the Pathfinders.
Over the ensuing drinks, she tells of her previous missions, of the River Kingdoms, where she has encountered revolution and a creepy, eerie encounter with a corn-dolly witch. When through Calistria's grace she has empowered weapons against the undead and the living.
She asks Nightbreeze about his relationship with Ketephys and his pet hawk Mialee. Their experiences of the forests, for she is most certainly more at home in the city, with her parents being in the diplomatic mission at Ustalav.
She asks Nightbreeze about his relationship with Ketephys and his pet hawk Mialee. Their experiences of the forests, for she is most certainly more at home in the city, with her parents being in the diplomatic mission at Ustalav. Warming to the man, as she is pleased one of her own is part of the company for a change.
As for the elderly elf, Evindal, she is somewhat taken aback by the smell of chemicals that comes from his clothing, discoloured fingers and nails. Despite his looks, she finds that he is not altogether one of their kind, neither at home in the wilds and forests, nor in the city, but somewhere in between, the blackened underbelly of the city maybe?
Though her curiosity is peaked by the hobgoblin Arvax, "The Great Inventor", she hides her reticence behind a facade of good manners, enquiring after what inventions he has made and their use? And how he will bring his talents to bear?
To Zelphari she understands the short lived human as is Mimi, impatient as most of their kind are, but once more intrigued by the man, his scars and his pendant. A small offering to Irori, A man of honour maybe, but definitely a warrior, a fighter. Though maybe this one is different, he may be seeking a different path to know himself.
To Mimi she just smiles, knowing her rapier is as deadly as her smile.
On the way through the dock area, Hornietelle seeks out a warehouse with wares from the north. She momentarily moves to one of the warehouses, it's great wooden doors open, exposing shelves of fur coats, suitable for trappers and others in the cold climes.
Running her forefinger down the cheek of Gartson Hanred, the merchant, she quickly influences the man to her obvious charms. He shuffles off into the back of the warehouse, finding the finest furs and warm clothing fit for a priestess of Calistria. She beckons to her companions, "Gartson offers the best furs and warm clothes in Korvosa, he will find the best fit for you if you want?" she informs you.
|
|
Zelphari studies the hobgoblin briefly, bearing a friendly demeanour before approaching with a warm smile on his voice. "Greeting, my name is Zelphari and my fellow travelers are members of the Pathfinder Society. I apologise for disturbing your meal but if you could just point us to Sergeant Drussem, we will be on our way."
|
|
Mimi follows Hornietelle into the warehouse and watches as the cleric administers her sultry sacraments on the proprietor. "I see you 'ave not lost your touch, madame. I beleeve dat I too vill take advantage of your, 'ow you say... ministrations and select a new coat for maself as vell."
The swashbuckler then heads over to the rack and after a few muffled exclamations that sound a little like, "Pouah... Même pas en rêve... Non..." there is a slight pause before you hear, "Eh bien! pas mal." A few moments later, Mimi returns wearing a long white ermine coat over her thinner blue one. "Dees von vill do nicelee." She turns to the owner and passes a couple of silver coins across the counter. "Merci my good man. Eet 'as been a plaisir."
|
|
Arvax is clad in a heavy set of armor that is unlike any of you have seen before. It's very cutting edge and sleek with metal that gleams in the light.
Seeing Zelphari approach the other hobgoblin in the Shoreline Drinkhall. Though nervous, Arvax nods to the other. "Mind if we sit down and join you?". Arvax pulls out a chair and sits down without an answer from the other hobgoblin.
|
|
The hobgoblin is Sergeant Drussem, a soldier who has demonstrated skill both in battle during the Ironfang Invasion and the diplomacy in its wake. While she most often serves as the commander of the unit known as Iolite Squad Alpha, she has been temporarily assigned to assist with this mission of diplomacy in recognition of her previous successful contact with the Pathfinder Society.
Drussem’s demeanor is solemn and professional though she seems visibly pleased. She waves a hand to the chair across. "Please have a seat. The food is adequate if you are hungry. Though we should get underway as soon as possible. A late arrival will reflect poorly on the Pathfinder Society." She looks to see if any wish to eat before heading out.
|
|
Zelphari grins even wider, bowing slightly. "Ah, a pleasure to meet. Don't mind if I do. One thing my past mercenary life has taught me is never to say no to a warm meal, because you never know when the next one will come. But don't worry, this won't take long." He rests himself down on one of the chairs with a audible sigh and digs in.
As he eats, he attempts to strike up a conversation, "On behalf of the Society, I appreciate your support in our efforts to secure the trade agreement with Oprak. You think this Aspis Consortium will cause trouble though?"
|
|
Hornietelle sits and eats with disdain the rather plain, brown stew and unedifying food presented by the inn. This is the best for a while, it makes rations appealing, at least it's hot. "So Sargent, you know the quickest route, and it's dangers. Are there dangers as we pass through the mountains?"
Gather Information from Drussem about the dangers on the route, including any ambush points. Diplomacy(Expert) Feats: Discreet Inquiry, Glad Hand as appropriate
|
|
Arvax is an Iolite Trainee, so is familiar with the name Sergeant Drussem, perhaps even meeting her at some point in their career. Arvax sits down, but waves off any food requests. "I'd rather get to business.". The hobgoblin nods as the others order food, but still does not order anything. "I look forward to working with you Sergeant Drussem."
|
|
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 Zelphari. "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? The Aspis Consortium holds quite the reputation as well, using cutthroat methods to ensure sales. However, I also respect strength and am willing to tolerate unsavory methods as long as it benefits the Hobgoblin Nation."
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. "The snow will likely be the most dangerous. While it keeps away most predators it is difficult to tell where the trail or edges of the mountain are at."
|
|
Evindal greets his new comrades with curiosity and interest, with a particularly enthusiastic welcome to Mimi: "Ah, we meet again, surely the mission is bound to be a success!" Once they have been briefed, however, Evindal frowns. "I was raised by goblins, I know their ways, I am perhaps even a bit goblin myself for I have lived many long years among them, but hobgoblins, why they are a fish of another feather! No, wait, that's not right. A bird of another basket? Oh my, there I go again, forgetting things I've known longer than, well, I don't rightly know how long. It's a mystery, really... But where was I? Oh yes, hobgoblins, now what could they be about?" He pauses and looks absentmindedly at his new hobgoblin comrade. "This is a mystery that will require the most diligent of investigations! I shall make my Mogmurch forefathers proud!"
|
|
Since it appears that they'll be at the drinkhall for a while longer, Mimi orders a little of the food and eats it with her next tankard of beer. "Your description of dees fewd as adéquate vas quaite généreuse of you, Sergente Drussem. Nevertheless, she finishes it up knowing that her next warm meal may not be for some time in the future.
"Pleeze tell us more about dees Lieutenant Eloqi. Ees 'e trulee a deesinterested médiateur in de upcomeeng trede discussions or 'as 'e alreadee mede up 'ees mind as to vhich partee 'e vill recommend to de Général?"
|
|
"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."
"I have heard that the Pathfinders have clashed with Aspis agents before. Take heed," Drussem warns, "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."
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.
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.
|
|
Evindal takes in Drussem's advice with great interest, his eyebrows subtly raising. When the guide finishes he mutters to no one in particular, "these hobgoblins seem mighty different from my goblin family - I wonder if they's even related..."
...
After the avalanche Evindal shivers at the unpleasant cold and tries to determine which way they should advance. He uses his wayfinder to try to get a proper sense of which way is north before attempting to spy out a new route. "Which way should we go? It's a proper mystery it is! If only I could find a good lead..."
|
|
The blocked route poses little concern, but only for a short time as Evindal is more than capable and experienced enough to find an alternative route circumventing the buried pass.
Drussem is quite 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 as you reache 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."
|
|
Being a hobgoblin, Arvax feels strangely at home here. But also feels slightly on edge. Arvax never quite fit in to hobgoblin society, due to their heritage. But the order and discipline brings back fond memories.
Arvax starts to investigate the camp. "Perhaps I know some of the others here. I may not personally know Lieutenant Eloqi, but I do know some of the people who work under him."
As Arvax wanders through the camp, the other hobgoblins blankly stare back. He recognizes no one, maybe all of his former colleagues have left or are in another camp. Arvax sits down next to a group of hobgoblins and introduces themself as an Iolite Squad member and a member of the Pathfinder Society.
|
|
Mimi feels the bitter cold even through her new ermine coat and is extremely happy to have followed Hornietelle into the warehouse to buy it. Being more of a city girl, she is of little use in finding alternative routes around avalanches on mountain trails and is very pleased that Evindal is there to take care of such things.
Once they arrive in camp, Mimi decides to take a stroll around to get a feel for the layout of the place. She tries not to cause any trouble along the way.
|
|
Hornietelle enters the camp, not one for knowing a great amount about warfare and such, she hopes her silky words will be enough to make an impression on the camps main protagonists.
Peering out from her black fur hood, she tries to find out more about the negotiators whom they will be up against, those from the Aspis Consortium. Picking up any information she can. Her father, when preparing any diplomatic engagement told her, know your enemy, then you can pick the weak spots in their arguments. Hornietelle never had reason to follow that edict until now. She stroked her hair neatly into her hood, preparing herself for the negotiations ahead.
AS her companions gathered, she politely asks, "I have been known to have a way with words, perhaps both Zelphari and I should lead in the talks?"
|
|
Asking around camp and making introductions, it is not long before Hornietelle 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.
Arvax goes to join a group of hobgoblins near the cook and witnesses a bit of interesting news. Master Sergeant Morgroar is ambitious, openly stating his desire to seize Eloqi’s position. He 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”.
Mindartis spots that the Aspis agents are seldom seen leaving their
shelters. Raike’s halfling valet, Greeleep Muckfellow,
walks with an unusual gate as if injured.
|
|
Not noticing anything out of the ordinary, Mimi continues her stroll around the campsite. She catches a whiff of cooking from the mess hall and her stomach rumbles in response. Interested in what's on the menu for tonight, she pokes her head in the tent. "'Ello? Ees anybodee dere? Vhatever you are cookeeng smells délicieux. After several days of freezeeng veather and cold food eet vill be a plaisir to finallee 'ave an 'ot meal again."
She then proceeds to chat up whoever happens to be preparing the food (presumably Oltug and/or his helpers) to extract whatever tidbits of information they are willing to give her.
|
|
Hornietelle happy with the information she has gained so far, listens to the conversations of Hobgoblin soldiers as she wanders through the tents. She listens to find out what Lieutenant Eloqi and the other leaders want to make their tenure more secure in the organisation of the army. What divisions there are, the politics of the army.
|
|
Arvax continues walking around camp, searching for any of his former colleagues and/or friends. Finding very little, Arvax hopes to find something of interest.
The hobgoblin Arvax tries sitting down with other hobgoblins and talking 'shop' - what it's like to work under Eloqi and such. "So, how do you like it? Sometimes I miss the discipline of Oprak. Pathfinders can be so messy, you know."
|
|
The chef tastes the heffalump hoof and is quite impressed, though he is eager to see what Master Sergeant Morgraor thinks of it come lunch time. 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.
Mimi strikes up a conversation with Lieutenant Eloqi's attendant of all people. Since arriving, 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 says they appeared feeble and weak."
Arvax continues to watch the halfling Greeleep Muckfellow. He walks with an unusual gait, possibly attributable to an unseen injury. A pungent, musky odor has been reported occasionally wafting from the halfling’s hut.
Mindartis spots something unusual. Raike was seen handing a piece of red-tinted
vellum to Master Sergeant Morgroar, which the hobgoblin tucked behind his bandolier, as well as small, leatherbound book bearing a serpent motif.
After several more minutes Sergeant Drussem begins to gather you along. "It is time for your meeting with Lieutenant Eloqi." He begins to lead you into the Great Hall.
A red banner displaying the toothy shield of the nation of Oprak 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?" Lieutenant Eloqi is more advanced in age than most hobgoblins. His body bears the marks of a lifetime of battle.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hornietelle bows to Lieutenant Eloqi "I am Hornietelle, now of the Pathfinders, but previously from the great city of Caliphas, where I was daughter of the House of Yvestian. These are my companions and equals in the Society, though I and my friend Zelphari Caryarus here represent the more diplomatic side. And Arvax, like you born of the nation of Oprak, from the great city of Hunthal" she bows again as her outstretched arm points to the Hobgoblin in their party. "Mindartis Nightbreeze, of the forests, Mimi de Valence from the fencing academy in Gralton, Evindal Mog student of Mogmurch." As she finishes her introductions, she bows once more.
Now standing tall and looking straight at the Lieutenant, Hornietelle continues with her voice soft and silky, yet full of confidence, "It is an honour to meet such a renown fighter and leader in the Ironfang Legion. A trusted ally given and advisor to General Azaersi. Know we come as your friends and allies, in the talks ahead."
Nodding to Zelphari, she coaxes him to join the conversation with Eloqui, as they start a more formal introductory discussion.
|
|
Lieutenant Eloqi's attitude seems to improve a bit, though he still seems a bit friendlier to your group as he offers a small nod of approval.
"You have come a long way." Eloqi notes, looking impressed. "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 Jolinaxus 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.
|
|
Since Mimi has a little time on her hands, she decides to see if she can find out more about Master Sergeant Morgroar. The red-tinted vellum and small book with the snake motif strike her as suspicious. After all, weren't snakes, specifically asps not the symbol of the Aspis Consortium?
She decides to wander down to Morgroar's hut to see if she can learn more about these items and perhaps even get her hands on them. If Morgroar was in league with the Aspis agents, then that might bode badly for the Pathfinders. But if they managed to discover and expose this collusion it could turn the tables on them.
When she reaches Morgroar's hut, she knocks and calls out. "Ees anybodee 'ome? I am lookeeng for Master Sergent Morgroar. I vas told dat dees vas 'ees 'ut." Without waiting for an answer, she steps inside.
Mimi beams the Master Sergeant a big smile. "Ah, excellente! Dere you are. I 'ope I 'ave not interrupted anytheeng important, but I 'ave 'eard so much about you and 'ow important you are to de tribe dat I juste 'ad to come and meet you in person. I am Mimi de Valence, von of de Pathfinders 'ere for talks vith your Lieutenant Eloqi. Most pleezed to make your acquaintence." She takes her hat off and makes a deep bow. "I vas vondereeng if I could, 'ow-you-say, pick your brain about de situation in de camp and de upcomeeng talks."
While talking to the Master Sergeant, Mimi surreptitiously looks about the hut and the hobgoblin himself. If she sees the red vellum and/or snake book still tucked behind his bandolier, she'll pretend to stumble and bump into Morgroar to try and steal it from him.
If instead she sees the red vellum and/or snake book somewhere else in the hut, she'll slowly work her way over there and try to palm the object instead.