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Finding yourself in Korvosa, you receive a briefing from Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch by post.
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
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The door of the Shoreline Drinkhall opens, and a fair-skinned female half-elf enters. Her long red hair spills out from under a tricorn hat. She wears a black sailor’s outfit, mostly covered by a fur-lined long coat, and has a dagger and hand crossbow at her hip.
Approaching the barkeep, she lays down a silver. ”Good day t’ye”, she says. ”Hot rum if ye got it”
Then she looks around for Sgt Drussem, and the other folks she’s here to meet.
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A dwarf seemingly made of stone enters the tavern.
"Greetings. I am Ghardak. Used to be a miner and was caught in a cave-in. Don't remember much after that. When I came to my body had turned to stone. They told me I had saved some of the other miners. Figure I was fated for a different purpose, though mining is a noble one."
The dwarf has a pick and shield, as well as armor. He looks dour but orders a drink.
"If only I could taste this.."
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A tall, slightly awkward Garundi man approaches. His hair and beard both seem "wispy", perhaps a little unkempt. His dark brown eyes are eerily almost completely black. As he strode you could hear the clattering of glass and other vials concealed in the inside pockets of his long, dark green coat.
He starts to introduce himself, halts, and then laughs sheepishly. Smiling warmly, as part of an attempt to start over, he tries again.
H-hello Molly, Ghardak, I'm Elsha. I don't have any hot rum in my alchemical vials!
He chuckles at himself.
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A dark-haired half-elf dressed in black robes arrives, a pendant in the form of Nethys' holy symbol is prominent on his chest. He has several brown cross-body bags and pouches on his belt. The smell of fresh herbs follows him as if he'd bathed in it.
"Well-met Pathfinders! I'm Seth Darthis, servant of Nethys!"
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An imposing figure enters the tavern. Tall and athletic, he's obviously human but his pale skin and elongated canines, as much as his piercing grey eyes, hints at his mixed blood. His voice is deep and strangely charming, like those of his moroi ancestors.
He is currently clad in a plate armor covered with esoteric symbols painted in gold. He also wears a two-handed sword and two rather strange gloves: The left-hand one is as black as the night while the right-hand one is white with golden linings.
Recognizing Elsha, he smiles to him, gets to the party and introduces himself to the others: "Hi everyone, I'm Czav"
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discover a mining settlement belonging to the Coalfire tribe of kobolds, which was destroyed as a result of the encounter.
Also, Aspis agents have recently begun selecting animal names as team designations. Team members wear small charms depicting the team’s animal namesake.
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Upon entering the Shoreline Drinkhall to begin your mission, you are struck by a din brought on by grousing dock workers, quieted town guards, and carousing friends that fills the tavern, occasionally accented by the clanging of utensils and dishes.
At a table near the entrance sits a solitary, stern-faced hobgoblin finishing a modest meal. She wears a polished suit of fur-lined plate armor and carries a sword at her hip. The black, red and white flag of Oprak adorns one of her shoulder plates.
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As the group starts to gather around the hobgoblins at the table a section of the wall shifts and stretches. A humanoid of some variety stands and it is now apparent that he is encased in armour made of stone. He focuses for a moment and small chunks of rock break off from him and erupt into flames and begin to circle him. He plods heavily towards the table and it is soon clear that he is in fact a half elf, although his features have a distinct Tien look to them.
He slowly settles himself onto a bench which groans under his weight. Sorry I'm late, fell asleep against that very comfy stone wall over there... Before he can say anything else an excitable young woman bounces over to the table. Corvus, you are always falling asleep. I swear you would fall asleep in the middle of a battle! Mother always despaired of you doing anything right.
Corvus winces at the assault and mutters, This is Kimi, my little sister. Mother insisted I bring her along when I joined the Society. She is so embarrassing!
Kimi sticks her tongue out at him and begins to lay out various pots and cups on the bench. Anyone for tea?
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Elsha follow's Molly's lead and approach of "Drussum", but he does not know her.
G-greetings. I'm Elsha, a fellow p-pathfinder.
He smiles warmly at the hobgoblin before the abrupt sound of the emerging kineticist wrenches his attention away. Elsha is visibly nervous through his entire approach, believe that his flames may set something on fire in the tavern. He mutters to himself constantly in a way that's more managing himself than actually directly to Corvus.
Oh.... watch that! Be careful!
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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.
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Sergeant Drussum scoots her chair back with the familiar grind of wood on stone and stands at attention. "Pleased to meet you all." Nodding to Molly, she tightens her lips. "No, despite the quite adequate fare here, time is of the essence... as it usually is, I'm afraid. I have some carts and mules in the stable out back, and ample provisions for the full journey, so let's not tarry. A late arrival would reflect poorly on the Pathfinder Society. We can get to know each other better and discuss our plans... on the road."
She steps from the table as if it is a settled matter and heads to the stables to secure her mini-caravan.
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Czav seems satisfied by the situation. He follows the hobgoblin without a second thought.
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During the travel, if someone asks for it, Czav will describe himself as "I'm a frontline fighter."
And then, after a pause: "If anyone of you is a spellcaster, you should avoid considering me as a valid recipient for your spells. Magic has reduced effects on me and spells regularly fizzle when I'm the target. You should keep your magic for others."
And finally, he adds after another pause: "Also... is any of you specifically linked to a deity?"
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Elsha shakes off his startlement at Corvus' approach and follows Sergeant Drussum without protest.
She means business, so let's get down to business!
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On the road: In the f-field, I mix concoctions for useful effects. Sometimes, harmful to foes; s-sometimes, helpful to friends.
He pauses as Czav explains how magic works on him.
And in his case my healing elixirs work fully. I will watch out for opportunities to be helpful to our hosts in Oprak, and demonstrate our cooperation.
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Czav answers to Seth with carefully chosen words: "To all forms of divine magic. As I follow the Laws of Mortality, I'll prefer to avoid any interaction with divine powers."
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Happy to benefit from Elsha's alchemy again, Czav will wear the pendant filled with Mutagen and poison his blade with the oil.
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Kimi seems a little crestfallen at the immediate departure, So, no tea then...
As they head off she fills the group in about the nation of Oprak and the Aspis Consortium. She does so in a whisper but is so excited to be out on a mission that she is certainly loud enough to be heard by the Hobgoblins.
Corvus makes sure to travel near the front of the caravan, alert for danger and as far from his nagging sister as he can get.
To Czav he says, I dont cast spells but I do invoke magical powers. I have a connection to the elemental powers and will draw upon them if we end up in a conflict.
As they travel he will demonstrate his abilities, sending rolling balls of fire ahead to clear difficult foliage, creating rock from nothing to create helpful steps up steep inclines and producing torch lights to guide the group when it gets dark.
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”I’ll be bringin’ support from Davy Jones’ locker”, Molly replies. ”Cap’n on deck!”
The space beside her wavers, and a greenish-blue apparition appears. It looks like a human pirate, with a long gray beard and an eyepatch. One hand holds a cutlass, while the other has been replaced by a shadowy hook. A skull and crossbones appear on his hat, as well as Molly’s.
”Avast, me hearties!”, he proclaims. ”Silverbeard walks again!”
And finally, he adds after another pause: "Also... is any of you specifically linked to a deity?"
”Well I pray to Besmara on occasion, but we’re not like this” She crosses her fingers, and gives Czav a wink.
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The sergeant eyes your group as you travel. "It looks like most of you are good in a fight then. Not sure we have to worry about bandits and such..."
"Something to think about, though. Perhaps one or two of your group should act as “prolocutors” and speak for the party when we do reach Lieutenant Eloqi." Drussem suggests.
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I also observe Nethys, having grown up in Nex. It doesn't much factor in my alchemicals though.
"Ah, that is good Elsha. I consider Alchemy to be magic also, and thus part of the province of Nethys. It is a preferred methods of problem-solving, compared to anything else mundane."
"To all forms of divine magic. As I follow the Laws of Mortality, I'll prefer to avoid any interaction with divine powers."
"I see Czav. Thank you for letting me know, and in a most respectful manner. That respect is returned. As you may know, Nethys favors the use of magic, and frowns upon the use of the mundane when magic is available. Thus non-magical healing, is a last resort for me. I trust that you've brought your own healing?"
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”Well I pray to Besmara on occasion, but we’re not like this” She crosses her fingers, and gives Czav a wink.
Czav raises an eyebrow. It's the second time someone makes this joke and he still didn't get it .
As they travel he will demonstrate his abilities, sending rolling balls of fire ahead to clear difficult foliage, creating rock from nothing to create helpful steps up steep inclines and producing torch lights to guide the group when it gets dark.
Czav is extremely interested in Corvus' demonstrations and quite obviously puzzled by his magic. At some point curiosity takes over and he asks: "You are definitely using magic but not casting spells. I'd like to know how to protect myself from your art, would you be ok to train a bit with me?"
I trust that you've brought your own healing?
Czav taps on a potion at his belt: "Yes, this is the only way to heal me during combat besides Elsha's own style of magic", he says while winking at the alchemist. "Outside combat, I'll tend to my wounds."
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Czav doesn't consider himself a "prolocutor" and as such doesn't step forward when Drussem speaks about it.
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The sergeant shakes her head and grimaces at Seth and Kimi. "I suppose that will have to do. Well... Eloqi (who should be leading the discussions at the trading camp) is a distinguished veteran of the Ironfang Legion and has aligned himself with General Azaersi’s nation-building efforts, but I must mention that he harbors a long-seeded distrust of humans and, by extension, both the Aspis Consortium and the Pathfinders. We will have to be strategic with how we approach these talks."
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After several days of travel through the Mindspin Mountains, your group moves 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.
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.
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Molly holds onto her hat, as the wind whips around them, making her long coat flutter. Silverbeard, on the other hand, appears unperturbed.
”Aye, tis a fine, blustery day!”, he shouts over the wind. ”If we were asea, we’d be flyin’ across the waves!”
”Fat lot o’ good that does us!”, Molly shouts back.
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Distrust of humans...
Elsha strokes his chin, frowning as he looks down to think.
Well, I have a n-non-trivial amount of elven in me! The Society has had me working with all m-manner of f-f-folk, far from a human mono-culture! I think we could make good use of that fact.
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As things get chilly, Elsha gets into his pack for a previously acquired set of winter clothing.
I h-haven't used these in some time! My second mission was b-b-besting the Balgirdtrek, in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. I was never so happy to see a f-fireplace in my life after that was over!
He's not much for orienteering, but he attempts to help Corvus with the little intuition he has. He adds a little bit about how to spot the next avalanche ahead and what paths to avoid.
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The group convenes for a bit longer to find a quicker route around the sudden avalanche (spoiler: it was north). Drussem seems relieved.
"We ought to still arrive in advance of the Aspis delegation, so that's good. You and I know them as an unscrupulous trade organization, but Eloqi respects strength and is quite willing to tolerate their unsavory methods if it might benefit our nation."
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The remaining trek to camp is uneventful. It is late afternoon when the you reach sight of the camp. Only a few remnants of melting snow linger here from the earlier storm.
The trade camp itself lies below the tree line in an isolated valley. A series of ditches, earthen walls, and buried 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.
Sergeant Drussem escorts you into the camp then briefly separates from your immediate vicinity to speak with an innkeeper. She gestures back to your group to quell any hesistancy to let you board. After a few moments of increasing camaraderie, she breaks from the innkeeper and returns to you.
"Alright then, we have appropriate lodging now and I've asked for a meeting with Lieutenant Eloqi in two hours. That should give you some time to settle in and ingratiate yourself to the locals. The situation may have changed in subtle ways that even I am unaware of. I'll be here in our rooms going over my notes if you need me, but don't get into any trouble, alright?"
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Elsha is a little hesitant over the known distrust of humans. He strikes up a conversation with a group of soldiers to slowly get warmed up and get over his hesitance.
After a time he begins to inquire about what types of peoples one might find in Oprak, as an indirect way to ask which are more generally accepted there. He then goes on to discuss the varied types of people that he has appreciated getting exposure to in the Society.
He then goes on to discuss the makeup of this camp and its fortifications, asking them pointed questions about how ready they feel to respond to different sorts of attacks.
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Trouble Sergeant? We're Pathfinders, trouble is our middle name. Come to think of it, its often our first and last name too.
With that Corvus heads off to explore the camp. He looks to see if any of the soldiers are busy with exercises and training, joining in to show them some of the stuff he can do. Occasional woops and yells will be heard as he explodes across the training area leaving a trail of flames behind him.
Later he heads over to the infirmary to help out, making sure to see to any soldiers who might have been accidentally scorched by his flaming antics.