"Pathfinder Campaign - A Call to Arms - S33" Topic

SESSION 33: NEW ORDER

The next evening Halee is discussing options for tackling the Caves when some of the party feel that it might be better to perhaps take on the goblins first at Ravensberg Mountains.

As they are working through the options, Risandor notices someone new in town. There is a solitary figure sitting in one of the booths with two large dogs sitting at his feet.

He motions to the bar tender to come over and asks, "Eldred, who is that over there. I don't believe I've seen them before."

Eldred leans down and confides in the little halfling, "Why that's Lothar, cleric of Asmodeus. He is waiting. I believe a companion or two will be joining him soon."

"What are they doing here?" asks Risandor.

"Ohh he's travelled here to bring order. He believes there is too much chaos in these eastern lands. Apparently he's been sent by the state or the church or something. Soldiers of the faithful are coming. It all sounds rather regimented and organised I must say."

"How long has he been here?" asks Uthalin.

"Hmm since this morning. He reckons his friends aren't far away. He's been walking around the village talking to Markis and Heinrich" answers the barkeep.

"What's he doing that like?" asks Halee.

"He's talking to them about going to the Caves or maybe to help some of the Masters" responds Eldred.

"What's he like?" asks Risandor.

"Ohh he's very approachable. Quite the gentleman really" responds Eldred.

DEW

So what do we think? Is this competition? He and his are gonna steal our thunder (not out of any animosity, but just by their presence and mission?)

Or is this possible alliance? From what Eldred says, he is approachable (so not arrogant.) Would an official with his own sanctioned force deem to share equally the spoils? And are we OK with the spoils being watered down this much more?

We should verify with Markis that Lothar is here officially and if that impacts our deal with him (maybe Markis has an interest in having the caves cleared BEFORE Lothar's force arrives in a power-move, or to gain status or standing -- and maybe we can leverage that into a higher reward.)

Should we consider this more urgency for us to clear as much of the caves as we can before we have to share the spoils, or an opportunity to bolster numbers?

Opinions?

Thomas nudge Risandor and whisper.
"Soldier of the faith, you and Karleigh better be extra careful"

Asmara is suspicious of these Asmodeans, and would rather not ally with servants of such a callous god. Especially not when it could put Ris and Karleigh's freedom at stake. But she will go with the party's decision.

I suspect that his arrival sets a new imperative on our conclusion of affairs with the orcs in the caves of chaos. If he attacks them with his friends, after we have weakened them grievously, he can claim the spoils and the acclaim.

If we finish before him, we get all and Markis can claim he had everything under control, having employed us to end the threat from the caves. We could then speak to the Asmodeams about a,combined expedition to punish the goblin raiders.

I know we have had some discussion of who would make the right mix for the recon team. Halee and Risandor makes a lot of sense, but surely we need Uthalin's skills as a ranger to help us read the ground as we approach the caves as well? Not to mention his strength in a fight if we get caught … which of course no recce wants to be!