Greetings, Pathfinders,
We have an urgent diplomatic mission for you, but not of the traditional sort. The Pathfinder Society has been negotiating for weeks with General Azaersi, leader of the hobgoblin nation of Oprak. Now that she has secured Oprak’s borders, the General has cast far and wide in search of useful allies: including the Society. Despite the General’s central role in the recent bloody conflict known as the Ironfang Invasion and the resulting instability in the region, she is potentially a powerful ally. The resurgent threat of the Whispering Tyrant must not be taken lightly, and an allegiance with Oprak could prove invaluable.
However, General Azaersi’s full intentions are unknown. To further ascertain her motives, the Society has agreed to accept a small squad of hobgoblins into its ranks. You are to meet this group, the Iolite Squad, in Kaer Maga, then escort them to a nearby training ground to conduct a series of joint training exercises. The training ground is near an ancient dwarven dig site that we have identified as an ideal location for these recruits to practice being Pathfinder agents; it is not a place of global significance, but it likely contains some interesting pieces of history.
After your joint exercises, guide the recruits in exploring the site. The hobgoblins are competent soldiers and we do not expect great danger, but you must ensure that they all make it out alive. This is a diplomatic mission, after all. Defer to the hobgoblins when exploring—they must prove themselves capable Pathfinders—but give aid if they request it. With this task complete, escort the Iolite Squad to Korvosa, where all of you are to book passage to Absalom and report to the Grand Lodge.
We have arranged for you to meet the Iolite Squad at the Sorry Excuse, an establishment in the Hospice District. Do not keep the hobgoblins waiting long upon your arrival to Kaer Maga. Most citizens of the City of Strangers will not blink twice at a band of hobgoblins, but the Ironfang Invasion has soured public opinion toward them. Be wary of those who may resent their presence.
From Kaer Maga, follow the river south to Sirathu, then take the southeast road for 30 miles. The training grounds and dig site are in a rock-strewn valley to the northeast of a small wood.
Go with care,
Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch
The Pathfinders begin our adventure late in the morning after several days of travel from Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar to Kaer Maga, on orders from Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch. The City of Strangers and its 80-foot-high walls loom far above them from atop the Storval Rise.
The field agents are aware that the well-disciplined hobgoblin soldier who wait for them at the Sorry Excuse will likely resent tardiness--but they aren't late yet, and can take some time to introduce themselves.
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Entering the same establishment is a lean elf, almost dainty with sharp features. There is no hair on his head. He speaks intentionally, almost "at you" making two-way communication the exception. His eye contact seems to be almost looking "through" you, as if conducting some deep assessment of your intentions instead of letting you explain them.
He leans on a staff, and looks around for fellow Pathfinders. Finally he discerns a specific tall woman that must be his fellow agent. He approaches her.
Hello. I'm Voron. I assume you're also a Pathfinder here to train a squad of prospective entrants?
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"Well met, friends. I am Kaitlyn, but you may call me Kat." She stares briefly at Mindartis, recognition dawning. "I have heard of you!" she says to the elf, the slightly musical tone of her voice revealing her Elven heritage as well. "You adventured with a colleague of mine, Loong Laohu! He mentioned you when we last spoke."
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Mindartis tries to recollect their adventures with Loong. Mialee however gives a sudden screech and immediately nibbles Mindartis' ears at the mention of Loong's name. "Oh yes! I remember now. He was very kind to offer healing to every party member, including our companions. In battle, none could match his speed and dexterity when he uses his slings. Please do send our regards when you see him."
He then shakes hands with Kaitlyn. "It is nice to meet you, Kat. I look forward to our adventuring together."
Kaitlyn and Voron both know that Hobgoblins from Oprak are making headway in improving the reputation of goblinoids throughout the region, but they still face a great deal of prejudice stemming from the bloody Ironfang Invasion and their reputation as monsters and murderers. There are many hobgoblins who still cling to these old ways, but General Azaersi continues her efforts to bring hobgoblins and other so-called “monsters” under her banner of diplomacy.
Laughter and shouts rise from the boisterous crowd that occupies the cheaply furnished tavern room at the Sorry Excuse inn. The staff move from table to table with practiced efficiency to take orders and deliver pints of frothing ale. Four hobgoblins seated near the entrance size up everyone who enters and ignore the mugs on their table.
The four hobgoblins are the members of the Iolite Squad. Though they are not unwelcome at the tavern, they are out of their element and visibly uncomfortable.
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Another half-elf is approaching you. His figure is hidden under a cloak, but it is obvious that he is wiry and muscular. There's something feline about the way he moves... His skin has a noticeable dark gray hue, and his hair is more white. This gives him away as a half-drow, a half-breed of dark elves race that mysteriously disappeared not too long ago (however, quite a bit was known about these sinister creatures before)...
Zaizarc of House Misraria. He nods at you and grins. Did they select the squad according to the shape of the ears? He looks at the pureblood elves with slight contempt, but with more sympathy for the other half-breed. It seems we have a lot to learn about racial prejudice, right?
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Just before they enter the tavern, Voron quickly relays what he knows of the hobgoblins of Oprak to his fellow teammates.
Voron follows to the table with the hobgoblins, says little more than introduction until they respond to the first greeting.
I am Voron. We are here to train together with you, and perhaps trade techniques.
Sergeant Drussem (LN female hobgoblin officer), the group’s leader, approaches the Pathfinders when they enter the tavern. Drussem is slightly taller than the rest of the hobgoblins, her armor is well made, and her equipment—from her cloak to her sword and shield—is utterly unadorned save for the flag of Oprak at her shoulder.
Drussem calls her soldiers to attention before introducing each of them by name. Akrag (LN male hobgoblin soldier) grins broadly and extends his lanky arm to shake hands with each of the Pathfinders, his belt bristling with small bladed weapons. Gintka (LN female hobgoblin engineer), their sapper, gives a quick nod as Drussem introduces her before she returns to fidgeting with the metal buckles and sealed vials adorning her gear.
Finally, the Sergeant introduces Ozaril (LN male hobgoblin commando), their veteran scout, who gives a perfect salute, his fingers coming close to the many scars that cross his head.
"Thank you, Pathfinders, for your punctuality," says the sergeant.
Gintka the sapper fidgets with her bandolier and eyes the door. Ankrag stands and approaches the barkeep, getting out some coins.
"We do expect to be on the road for several days," says the sergeant pointedly, "Perhaps we should... ?" she also motions towards the door.
The roads surrounding Kaer Maga are generally well-traveled, and the Pathfinders and Iolite Squad cross paths with many people as they make their way south. The hobgoblins do their best to appear friendly, but most travelers give the group a wide berth, some even moving to the side of the road to allow the armed hobgoblins to march by.
As they travel, Gintka looks curiously over Vorn. "Did you say you're a Wizard?" she asks, "When did you first learn to cast spells?"
Once she's brought up the subject, the other hobgoblins perk up and start paying attention.
"What is the source of your magic?" asks Akrag.
"What is the most powerful magic you can do?" asks Ozaril.
"Excuse us," says Sgt. Drussem, "our military doesn't have any tradition of use elf--erm, arcane magic. Culturally we have a bit of a superstition around it. The four of us try to keep an open mind--one of the reasons we were selected for this mission--but we just don't know a lot about Wizards."
The Pathfinders and their Iolite Squad companions make their way along the road several hours south of Kaer Maga before looking for a spot to rest for the night, but their search is interrupted. The path winds through the rugged, wooded foothills for several miles before opening onto a small ravine. A dilapidated homestead lies in ruin to the south, and a nearby campfire sheds flickering illumination on the surrounding outcroppings.
This abandoned homestead is unremarkable, except that a merchant family have sheltered their wagons under its mostly intact roof and are setting up camp nearby. The family are understandably unable to engage in conversation until the imminent threat of being devoured by wargs has been resolved.
Two people have already fallen, and lie bleeding along the road. Several others, including children, cower behind logs near their campfire. The wolf-like creatures seem almost happy to see the adventurers approach, but quickly grow hostile and turn their attention to the newcomers.
"I assume we'll be helping them," says Drussem. It isn't really a question, and the wargs don't look like they intend to give her any other option in any case.
The paths in this area are well trodden and smooth, but debris and dense grass cover the ground off the paths . The rocky outcroppings in the area are natural stone ranging from 5 to 20 feet tall.
Mindartis's turn.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (39/39)
Blue Elite Warg
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg
Zizarc (56/56)
Yellow Elite Warg
Magenta Warg
Iolite Squad
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Earlier on the road...
As they travel, Gintka looks curiously over Vorn. "Did you say you're a Wizard?" she asks, "When did you first learn to cast spells?"
Once she's brought up the subject, the other hobgoblins perk up and start paying attention.
"What is the source of your magic?" asks Akrag.
"What is the most powerful magic you can do?" asks Ozaril."Excuse us," says Sgt. Drussem, "our military doesn't have any tradition of use elf--erm, arcane magic. Culturally we have a bit of a superstition around it. The four of us try to keep an open mind--one of the reasons we were selected for this mission--but we just don't know a lot about Wizards."
Voron chuckles, amused at their curiosity but also appreciative of it.
I don't mind at all. Asking questions is an important way to learn! I first started practicing the Arcane tradition of magic many years ago. So many that I can't tell you exactly when. The source of it is study, practice! There are others for whom it comes naturally, but I work hard at it every day and have a book full of meticulous notes. Perhaps later today, if we get a break, I'll show you! My most powerful spells are of what is called 2nd rank. For example several have to do with controlling fire in various forms, but more or less aimed at threatening foes.
Those who have adventured with Voron before are likely surprised to see him this delighted.
Mindartis decorates a warg with a few arrows.
Cursing in goblin, the blue-eyed beast charges forward and clamps its jaws onto Zizarc.
Kaitlyn generously provides it with a crossbow bolt of its very own.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (39/39)
Blue Elite Warg (-11, Grabbing Zizarc)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg
Zizarc (48/56, Grabbed by Blue)
Yellow Elite Warg (-24, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg
Iolite Squad
The hobgoblins of the Iolite Squad (including Drussem) show interest in Voron's answers. Gintka in particular is interested in seeing his spellbook, though even she is leery at any suggestion at really studying magic. "I get enough fire from my smokeworks. Erm, alchemy."
The others agree.
* * *
She is interested to see him blast a warg with fire--and looks a little disappointed when the spell misses, before returning her attention to her own foe.
Another warg rushes forward, darting past Mialee--but then turning around to snap its jaws at her. Which, since it was probably trying to bite her, isn't very effective.
Zizarc's turn.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (39/39)
Blue Elite Warg (-11, Grabbing Zizarc)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg
Zizarc (48/56, Grabbed by Blue)
Yellow Elite Warg (-24, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg
Iolite Squad
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Zizarc gets into a fighting stance, repeating his curved back and wide-spread fingers of a big ferocious cat in a rage. At the same time, he makes a movement with his shoulders and the cloak falls to the ground, exposing the muscular, wiry, trained body of an experienced monk (and assassin).
The idea that it is necessary to let the hobgoblins finish off these creatures flashes through his head, but for now the situation is still too dangerous for him. He needs to fight!
As Zizarc slices into the warg that bit him, another approaches him.
The final warg, a little smaller and perhaps younger than the others, also advances on him. She giggles as she approaches, "Gang up on the elf!"
Sergeant Drussem sees how badly outnumbered Zizarc is getting. Striking with her weapon at her own enemy, she also kicks dust at the nearest of the wargs threatening him. She also says something to him. Anyone who understands Goblin understands that it was a very rude insult about preferring vegetables to meat.
He is, alas, unbothered and just laughs her off.
Mindartis's turn.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (39/39)
Blue Elite Warg (-22)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg
Zizarc (23/56, Grabbed by Magenta)
Yellow Elite Warg (-24, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg (Grabbing Zizarc)
Iolite Squad
for and
for and
The Pathfinders have already seen that the wargs are skilled at fighting in a pack formation. They see more evidence of it as Mialee focuses her attention on the center monster and the blue-eyed beast exploits hr distraction to chomp n her viciously.
It follows up by continuing to focus on the new smaller, easier (?) prey. It manages to bite her, though she pulls away to keep its jaws from fully closing on her... but it bites her again, and it's too much for the little animal.
Kaitlyn shoots the one holding Zizarc. The bolt hits her right in the neck. It's hard to tell how deep it is through the thick fur, but even wargs probably don't like that. The beast nearly relinquishes her hold.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, dying 1)
Blue Elite Warg (-22)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg
Zizarc (23/56, Grabbed by Magenta)
Yellow Elite Warg (-24, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg (-16, Grabbing Zizarc)
Iolite Squad
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Voron steps inward and releases a dizzying wave of colors that afflict two of the wargs.
Success The creature is dazzled for 1 round.
Failure The creature is stunned 1, blinded for 1 round, and dazzled for 1 minute.
Critical Failure The creature is stunned for 1 round and blinded for 1 minute.
The smaller warg blinks furiously at the magical lights. The bigger one seems more affected, staring into space for several long seconds before violently shaking his head and shouting
to the others.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, dying 1)
Blue Elite Warg (-22)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (30/30)
Red Elite Warg (Blinded 1 minute)
Zizarc (23/56, Grabbed by Magenta)
Yellow Elite Warg (-24, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg (-16, Grabbing Zizarc, Dazzled 1 round)
Iolite Squad
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Torn and injured, but also more stylish due to this, Zizarc, while straining all his muscles, unleashes a flurry of slashing blows on the varg, trapped between two foes.
I need healing! Is there a priestess among us? Apparently, he had lived long enough among the vanished dark elves to say "priestess" without even thinking of them in the masculine gender.
Zizarc tears at the warg, wounding him badly. But the other two punish the attack. The other big bites him, and the one already holding him clenches her jaws more fiercely. It's a bit too much, confirming his assertion that he needed some healing.
Bounding over the fallen drow, the middle warg makes for Voron. "You see what we did to your friend, morsel? Even with your traitor goblins, we'll DEVOUR you!" Like a little yapping puppy! He almost trips over his own feet.
Releasing Zizarc, the smaller one scurries around to flank Voron. She manages to bite him, but not hold him. "Bad wizard!" she snarls, "You hurt my eyes!"
"We're not traitors! We don't even know you!" A hobgoblin arrow strikes the badly-wounded warg in the neck. He yelps, and trembles, his legs nearly buckling.
Mindartis's turn.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, dying 1)
Blue Elite Warg (-22, reaction spent)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (20/30)
Red Elite Warg (Blinded 1 minute)
Zizarc (0/56, drying 1)
Yellow Elite Warg (-49, bloodied, Mindartis's Prey)
Magenta Warg (-16)
Iolite Squad
For a moment, things may have been going poorly for the Pathfinders. But they turn it around dramatically. Mindartis puts an arrow through the eye of the badly-wounded warg, and then seriously hurts the smaller one as well.
The blue-eyed beast rushes forward and tries to bite Voron. Even pressed from both sides, he has no trouble avoiding her. "Pay attention, they're about to kill your sister!" she snarls at the blinded warg.
"They're not--" protests the small one, before Kaitlyn claws out her throat.
Voron's turn.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, unconscious)
Blue Elite Warg (-22)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (20/30)
Red Elite Warg (Blinded 1 minute)
Zizarc (0/56, drying 1)
Iolite Squad
The warg ducks away from the flame, but even so she looks pretty badly singed.
Angrily, the warg moves away from the flame and circles around Voron. "You've had it, witch!" she snarls as she bites him. The bite itself is brutal, but she doesn't manage to get a hold.
From behind the rock, Ozaril hurls one of Gintka's smokeworks at the warg harassing Voron. Smoke starts pouring from the broken tube, but the warg bats it aside with her paw to no effect.
Zizarc and Mindartis's turns.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, unconscious, prone)
Blue Elite Warg (-26, bloodied)2
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Voron (6/30)
Red Elite Warg (Blinded 1 minute)
Zizarc (0/56, dying 1, prone)
Iolite Squad
Mindartis once again puts a pair of arrows into a warg.
Zizarc remains unconscious, but may not be in immediate mortal peril. Who can say without checking?
"You can't? Oh good! I was starting to worry." The warg grins. And bites.
As Voron falls, she retreats closer to her blinded companion. "Might need to cut our losses here, boss!"
Kat immediately revives Voron before pursuing the retreating warg and tearing into her once more. She looks about as wobbly as Voron now.
The blinded warg, sniffing the air, steps up to Kaitlyn. "I can still smell you!" he snarls. He manages to bite her, but then he tries to twist her arm in completely the wrong direction and she just pulls it free of his grip. "Oh," he says, still looking in the wrong direction, "Uh-oh."
Another arrow whistles over. It looks like the Iolite squad has about finished dealing with their own warg--and one of their arrows punches in to fell the blue-eyed beast.
"Um. Hello?" says the last one, still not sure where to look.
All PCs' turns.
Initiative:
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (0/39, unconscious, wounded 1, prone)
Voron (5/30, Frightened 1, wounded 1, prone)
Kaitlyn (67/68)
Red Elite Warg (-26, bloodied, Blinded 1 minute)
Zizarc (0/56, unconscious, wounded 1, prone)
Iolite Squad
The warg doesn't see Kaitlyn coming, but he still manages to flinch away from her enough to stop her from taking his head off.
Nothing he can do about the arrows, though.
Kaitlyn notes that he was wearing a war harness. It was crudely fashioned from armor that was presumably built for a humanoid, but it's reinforced with mithral links and studded with onyx gemstones. Even with the original artistry lost, the precious metal and stones themselves are likely valuable.