Weskenim
Summary
Weskenim is the ambitious and pragmatic ruler of the United Goblins, styling himself as their Grand King. From his court in Goblintown, he presides over a growing territory that includes the Wet Caves and the repurposed “Glory of Weskenim” (formerly the Glory of Thoth). While he projects authority through a network of sub-chiefs and sergeants, his rule is not universally accepted among all goblins, with some outlying groups openly disparaging him. He is known for his distinctive pink turban and his fondness for his pet cat, which can sometimes distract him from matters of state.
History & Interactions
Weskenim’s relationship with the Right for Riches Company began in earnest after they rescued his brother, Gribble, from the clutches of the Cult of Set (Session 23c - Set Jailbreak and Down to Goblintown.md).
A major point of contention for Weskenim was the occupation of what he considered goblin territory by Phlebotomas Plumthorn’s halfling gang. He enlisted the Right for Riches Company as “halfling exterminators” to deal with this problem. Upon the party’s success in ousting Phlebotomas Plumthorn (Session 26 - The Scouring of the Shire.md), a grateful Weskenim rewarded them with a large perfect diamond, a suit of human-sized magical scale armor from an ancient goblin king, and free passage through goblin lands. Several party members were also awarded “Halfling Slayer” patches, created by the goblin artist Temrin.
Weskenim is keenly interested in recovering the legendary Scepter of the Goblins, which he believes is key to unifying all goblin clans under his rule. He has promised the adventurers a further reward for its retrieval, though he dismisses the goblin mystic Gislu, who also seeks it, as a “fake.”
He maintains a court with a major-domo named Palestrim and advisors like Skimmel and Reeflik. He has shown a degree of political cunning, deliberately delaying an audience with a group of mysterious wizards he suspected were hostile to the Varumani, whom he wishes to avoid conflict with.
Roles & Influence
- Goblin Unifier: Aspires to unite all goblin clans under his banner.
- Territorial Expansion: Actively works to expand goblin-controlled areas within Arden Vul.
- Key Quest Giver: Has tasked the Right for Riches Company with recovering the Scepter of the Goblins.
- Faction Leader: Commands a significant military force, including ogre guards and numerous goblin warriors led by officers like Killik and Bottleneck.
Relationships
- Gribble: His brother. Gribble’s rescue from a Set prison was the catalyst for Weskenim’s alliance with the party.
- Phlebotomas Plumthorn: A major rival whose expulsion from the Halls was a key victory for Weskenim, secured with the party’s help.
- Right for Riches Company: A key, if sometimes transactional, ally. He has rewarded them for their services and relies on them for important tasks.
- Palestrim: His major-domo, responsible for managing the royal court.
- Bottleneck: His Master Sergeant in Upper Goblintown.
- Killik: The “Big Boss” of the Wet Caves, who reports directly to Weskenim.
- Sir Sorrow: A Sun-Scarred Knight who was a guest in his court for a time.
- Gislu: A rival for power who claims to be a mystic; Weskenim considers him a fraud.
Notes
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Some goblins, particularly a splinter group living with baboons, hold a negative view of his rule, stating “Weskenim sucked.”
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He has a harem, from which he was emerging when the party arrived to report on their victory over the halflings.
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The goblin artist Temrin has painted portraits of both Weskenim and Gribble.
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Received a portion of an ancient goblin treasury from the Five Fingers of Destiny and initiated a city-wide celebration; promoted Temrin to Royal Artist and commissioned him to locate the Scepter of the Goblins. ( Flute of the Goblins)
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In Session 43c, agreed to take over the conquered Forum of Set and appointed his brother Gribble as its new Lord.