Pearlstone Pathfinders

The whole existence of the Pathfinders is to be able to move fast and far

“First in, last out – the usual Pathfinders briefing.”

Effectively 90% of Pathfinders are druids, dual classed with a fighter type.

**Pearlstone Pathfinders (Pearlstone) – approx. 1000** - (See Alveran Military)

Officially classified as light infantry, the Pathfinders are more of a scouting/raiding force that tend to be split up into small companies and sent out to support other units.

Commander: Baron Duprez - Also known as the 'Black Baron'.

## Factsheet

An elite unit, originally formed about 40 years ago by Baron Duprez the Elder (father of the current Baron). Mustered initially as a light infantry regiment it won decorations in a number of frontier wars with the Orcs. With this status it became more selective in its recruitment initially focussing on an ability to move swiftly and silently in the wilderness. The unit gained a reputation as being the go-to force when you needed deep reconnaissance or to establish trip-wire defence lines.

The Pathfinders have for the past 20 years or more been personally funded by the Baron, and this has allowed them to receive high quality equipment and be extremely selective in its recruitment policies. The cloaks that each pathfinder is issued with on enlistment in particular have some form of glamour than enhances the wearers ability to blend into their surroundings. These cloaks are handed down when a Pathfinder retires and the unit goes to great lengths to make sure that these are not lost.

The regiment is organised into 8 extended companies of around 120 men, each led by a Lieutenant, there is also a small headquarters unit. Each unit and subunit is expected to be able to act autonomously and as such individual soldiers, no matter what rank are assessed on their personal initiative.

With the civil war and then the invasion of the Elven Empire, the unit has been on the front line pretty much constantly but by cycling companies in and out of action has managed to stay nearly at full strength.

Lieutenant Gohde, commander of the 4th Company, is a cousin to the Baron himself. Initially he faced concerns that his appointment to the Pathfinders was purely political, however over the past couple of years he has proven himself more than capable. If he has a fault it is a tendency to be where the action is, which whilst engendering high morale amongst him company does leave him at risk of losing control in an extended engagement.

## Gohde

Lieutenant Gohde commands the 4th Company of Pearlstone Pathfinders who were sent to form the tripwire defence for the bridge (south of Braerk). He is a cousin of Baron Duprez.

First met when we approached the Bridge:

The disembodied voice speaks again, “OK, my name is Lieutenant Gohde, would you fine people please explain what you are doing on this road, heading in this direction and why a couple of you are obviously wounded?”
There seems to be little choice but to accept that you are caught here, and so Quercius begins to explain the situation. This takes a good twenty minutes since Gohde keeps interrupting with questions to try and validate your story, for example asking what Ellisers familiar is. About halfway through this discussion, Gohde’s invisibility fades and he appears in front of you. Gohde is another Dwarf, dressed identically to his company, but armed with a shortsword. Once Quercius presents the token from Cagrun, Gohde becomes a lot less hostile, and says that he and a couple of his soldiers will accompany you to the bridge “Just to avoid any accidents”.

Lieutenant Gohde plus three of his soldiers continue moving down the road, along the way Gohde continues to quiz Quercius. He explains that unfortunately none of his troop have the Cure Disease spell memorised, but that this will be available at the bridge. Along the way, you do notice that Gohde occasionally makes strange signals with his left hand, as if to alert hidden observers. Along the march you gather that he and his soldiers form part of the 4th Company of Pearlstone Pathfinders and have been sent here to form the tripwire defence for the bridge.

If he has a fault it is a tendency to be where the action is, which whilst engendering high morale amongst him company does leave him at risk of losing control in an extended engagement.

According to Apana: *“Gohde eh! Well he always showed a lot of potential, and I suspect will – if he doesn’ cock things up – end up in command of the Pathfinders. Although he did sometimes have a bit too much imagination fr’ my liking -wuz right ‘bout the Elves tho’”*

## Gifrie

Main liason with the Pathfinders near Braerk.

The trailing pathfinder, a human named Gifrie, explains that there is a campsite about 3 hours up the road and the intent is to stop there. Either the pathfinders are used to travelling faster, or Gifrie is useless at estimating – because it is close to 4 hours before the weary party cuts off the road.

## Rekka

Rekka has a canine totem called "Wolf" that can speed travel which helped us get back to Braerk quickly

“Rekka here has a very useful totem…”

Rekka nods, and a large husky type dog appears next to him.

Gohde: “The totem will accompany you for 8 hours, stay within 30’ of him and you will find that your rate of travel is more than doubled. In other words you should easily make Braerk by sunset. If you are ambushed or need to stop for whatever reason, pat the dog three times on the head and he will return to latency.”

Rekka: “He’s called Wolf, unimaginative I know but….”

## Rohl’dal

Male Halfling, Druid/Cleric of Shanah – friendly but not overly talkative.

In command of the squad that took us to Northlake..

Then Rohl’dal concentrates and appears to be surrounded by a glowing suit of armor, he then casts a spell and moves to the head of the group.

Rohl'dal appears to have an Avatar that grants fast travel:

Whatever magic Rohl’dal has used, it is soon obvious that the party is making extremely good progress along the highway, without any strain at all you would estimate that you are making around 5 miles per hour.

Todd: “Good effect isn’t it? Rohl’dal always claims that his avatar is the dogs bollocks.”
Appears to be usable every other day: "Thankfully Shanah allows me to invoke March again tomorrow"

## Kinogel

Male Human, Cleric of Wyldwood – will be leaving the squad about halfway through the journey to see if he is allowed access to the Wyldwood church in Stormhaven. Very chatty, and whilst obviously considered and thoughtful – not necessarily the sharpest knife in the block.

Quercuis met up again with him and Kvasir in the Defiance in Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake

## Fannor

Male Dwarf, Ranger/Druid – The squad second in command, obviously a seasoned veteran.

## Kvasir

Female Ariel, Fighter/Cleric of Wyldwood – might be departing with Kinogel, it will depend upon how the journey goes and the attitude of the Elves encountered. She has a very broad accent that makes he difficult to understand unless you listen carefully. [Note: She does go with Kinogel to Stormhaven - or at least leaves with him!]

Quercuis met up again with her and Kinogel in the Defiance in Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake

## Flaumosa

Male Human, Magic User – not particularly friends, seems to object that the squad has been lumbered with dead weights.

## Todd

Giant, Palladin of Wyldwood – larger than life character in every way, almost overly friendly.

1. ↑ Road Reconnaissance – Day 8
2. ↑ Days 8 - 10: Kobalds, kobolds everywhere
3. ↑ Email2020-08-09 21:30
4. ↑ Road Reconnaissance – Day 6: The Bridge
5. ↑ Road Reconnaissance – Day 6: The Bridge
6. ↑ Pearlstone Pathfinders Factsheet
7. ↑ A Conversation with Apana
8. ↑ Day 7: Return to Braerk
9. ↑ Day 11 - off to Northlake
10. ↑ Days 11 - 13