New acquaintances.

[Toastee]

Sunday 13th Abadius, 4707 (Morning)
-Sandpoint

Kale, Diabel and Kemuel make their way through a quiet Sunday Sandpoint. People come and go from various places of worship, but no shops seem to be open.
They pass by the market square, and then the fishmarket, which stinks of fish despite the fact no stalls are open.
Just before they turn into Main Street, they can see, just a little further down Water Street, is the Hagfish. It clearly looks like a tavern that sees most of the brawling in this town.

As they move up Main Street, the big stone building on their right is marked as 'Turandarok Academy'. Crude childrens drawings and paintings can be seen through the windows.

They also pass the General Store, but it being the Sunday, the shop is closed.

Eventually, they reach the end of Main Street, and both opposite each other is the Town Hall, and the Sandpoint Garrison.
The Town Hall looks closed.
The Garrison however, has its main gate open, with a single, young, black haired militia man standing guard. A short sword sheathed. He looks like he is trying too hard to be professional.

---

PCs:
Kale
Diabel
Kemuel

NPCs:

[Scarred]

Closing his eyes for a few seconds, Kale inhaled the smell that took him back 12 years ago. Fresh fish. Picturing his mother standing there gutting fish while she smiled watching her young son play. His father sorting and untangling the nets ready for his next trip. Kale opened his eyes and sighed as he realised he was back at Sandpoint.
He did miss his mother, very much. His father was always away with the boat most mornings, and anytime he was home he spent more time maintaining his boat and always too busy for Kale. But in a way he also missed his father. Kale always thought about returning to RiddlePort but 12 years have gone and would his parents be happy to see him. The pain of rejection, again would be to much.

Kale tried to shake the memories out of his head and luckily the sight of the young lad standing at the gate drew his attention.

"Ok men." pausing for a few seconds as they took another few steps closer to the guard.

"Since Kemuel is very politely trained in the arts of the......delicate gentle tongue." Kale tried to put on a posh voice to match that of the knights, but could not help laughing.

"Kemuel should do the talking."

Still laughing Kale bowed at Kemuel and showed him the way to the guard.

" After you dear fellow." Afterwards Kale laughed again.

[Diabel Kirito]

Diabel watched as Kale mocked Kemuel, it was in good jest and he smiled at the big man. It was funny he thought to himself it had only been a night but he was growing fond of his companions maybe even his new friends. It was odd for Diabel as he had not had very many friends back home as mostly they wished to exploit his skills or use him for other reasons, but here with these people he was unknown and accepted for what he might be and not who he was.

"where first then" he said from beneath his hood looking at the two men in front of him "this will be fun" he thought.

[Kemuel]

The Knight smirked with a touch of confusion at the jibes from Kale. His humour had caught him unaware and hinted at a side of Kale that had not thus far been exposed. A lighter, more jovial side. Diabel too was laughing lightly to himself, no pretense or bravado - just honesty. The pair were definitely growing on Kemuel. Good people were a rarity in the world.

"Ha, not a problem, my linguistically challenged friend", as he bowed reciprocally to Kale. He walked on with a smile in the corner of his mouth.

Approaching the young militia man on patrol of the Garrison, Kemuel calmly and peacefully hailed him: "Hello there Sir - my name is Kemuel, former Knight of the Ton. Allow me to introduce my companions, Diabel Kirito and Kale of Riddleport. If you see fit Sir, we would very much like to meet with Sheriff Hemlock to inquire about the Goblin hunting work he has advertised. What say you, sir?"

(Roll for Persuasive Feat: 8 + 10 + 2 bonus = 20 - Success)

[Toastee]

The young militia guard looked up at Kale, and eased off somewhat upon hearing Kemuel's manner.

"Most certainly sir, you can pass, though I should warn you, you may have to wait as I fear the Sheriff may still slumber. But, if the main building is derectly in front of you, there is a, reception of sorts that should be manned by a Sergeant of the Town Militia. He will be able to help you further."

The Garrison itself is not a mighty place, but it is well kept, and it looks like it took easily hold off a minor siege if needed.
The main building is a large, rectangular, sturdy building made from aged and treated timber, bedded in stone., and it is located in the middle of the Garrison.


----
GM Notes:
I assume that was a diplomacy roll.
DC was 12, so you do indeed pass. You also get the impression that the Guard reacts to you in not just a friendly manner, but a helpful one also.

[Kemuel]

Appreciating the young man's tone and helpful manner, Kemuel patted him on the shoulder amicably as the trio made for the main building.

"I think Kale had the poor lad intimidated", said the Knight to Diabel lightheartedly.



----
Yes, excuse my newb syndrome, it was a diplomacy roll. I'm still figuring this out. Please feel free to point out anything I've posted that isn't correct or kosher.

[Toastee]

The three of you enter into the main building you are indeed greeted with what looks to be a small room with a desk with three corridors that split off. There is also a set of stairs that lead up into the second floor of the building.

Behind the desk is a older human male that looks to be in his mid forties. He is dressed in the same loose uniform that marks him as one of the Sandpoint militia, though his attire is adorned with a arm patch that shows him to be of the rank of Sergeant.

He looks to be busy writing and sorting out sets of parchment and as you enter he takes off a pair of glasses and sets them down next to his ink and quill.
"Gentlemen. What can I do for you?" he asks in Common, but in a accent that puts him from the country of Mendev.

[Kemuel]

As the trio entered the room and took in the layout and decor, the Knight glanced around to Kale and Diabel and flicked his head towards the desk slightly, as if to say, 'lets go'. Kemuel was aware that all three men were heavily armed and clearly combat ready and not meaning to give the wrong impression, he eased forwards towards the man behind the desk, as peacefully as he could:

"Hello Sergeant, my name is Kemuel, beside me here are Diabel Kirito and Kale of Riddleport. We are here to enquire about the Goblin hunting job that Sheriff Hemlock posted in the Rusty Dragon Tavern. I understand that the good Sheriff may yet be resting and we do not mean to trouble him. If you would be so kind as to furnish us with the proper information, we would be glad to help alleviate the issue."

(Roll for Diplomacy: 5+5 (+2) = 12)

[Toastee]

The Sergeant shrugs in his seat a little. "Jus slay Goblins really, thats all, and you'll be paid ten golden coins per set of ear you bring back. Its just a bounty on the lil blighters really. They get too big for their boots when they grow massive in numbers you see."

"You'll find most of them up by the Tors, in Shanks Wood an in Mosswood too, but theres also a Tribe in Brinestump Marsh to the south. up to you where you go really."

[Kemuel]

Pausing to absorb the information that the sergeant had bestowed upon them, Kemuel thanked him and turned to his companions Kale and Diabel.

"Any thoughts gentlemen? It seems that we have a choice of the Tors, Shanks Woods, Mosswood and Brinestump Marsh. Do either of you have a preference?"

[Scarred]

Kale paused for a moment.

"I'm easy really. I'm not to familiar with these areas." Kale thought about the options.

" Well if I had to pick one I'll say Brinestump Marsh. But like I said, I travel anywhere."

[Kemuel]

Nodding in understanding as the big warrior spoke his mind, Kemuel turned to Diabel: "It seems then that the choice is yours, friend", he said, resting his hands on the hilt of his Greatsword in a relaxed manner. "I'm sure each area has the potential to be an interesting challenge".

[Diabel Kirito]

Looking from the big man back to Kemuel he felt uneasy, Diabel could make decisions when it matter but this seemed trivial to him and irked him ever so slightly, though you wouldnt be able to tell just by looking at him as years of being taught to hide his thoughts and feelings had been well recieved on the half elf.

"Brinestump Marsh it is then friends" he said with a nod "i still have rations and such on me and can hunt if needed but if there's nothing else you need we could be on our way?" he once again spoke with a small smile. Diabel checked his equipment and made sure everything was as it was supposed to be, and motioned towards the exit.

[Toastee]

It does not take you long to get directions to Brinestump Marsh, and you head out, South, along the Lost Coast road.
Once you are out of the town, you do not meet another soul before you reach the cliffs that overlook the swamp that is Brinestump Marsh.

You first come across a sign that points down to the swamp from the Lost Coast road that simply states 'NEW FISHING TRAIL.'

The cliff itself stands about 40 ft high, but the New Fishing Trail has had a path carved into the cliffs that leads down into what looks like a dense, overgrown swamp.

From the edge of the cliff you note two plumes of smoke. One, that seems to be near the bay of the swamp. The other, more into the swamp, and further south.

[Kemuel]

Kale and Diabel had been excellent travelling companions, quick to walk and eager to reach their destination. The route they had taken along the coast had been breathtaking and between the conversation, Kemuel had taken in as much as he could. The Knight now gazed out over the cliffs into the distance of Sog's Bay. It was a sumptuous view and well worthy of a moments pause. The light glinted in from between the sporadic clouds and energised the gently lapping waves with colour. Only the rising columns of smoke from the dense swamp below them threatened the calm serenity.

The wind blew fiercely for a moment and caught the Knight's brown cloak, lifting it away briefly. The glistening scalemail armour he wore shone out and for a moment, he regained his former glory, stood tall on this cliff overlooking the sea, resplendent in the sunshine, eyes bright. And as the wind died down and his cloak fell to it's natural way, he was once again the exile.

Mouth drawn into a tight line, almost a frown, and inhaling sharply through the nose, Kemuel thought: Could the smoke be Goblin sites? Or perhaps one or maybe both of them were merely people fishing, as the trail sign suggested. Kemuel turned to Diabel and Kale. "As I see it gentlemen, we can go marching into the swamp and begin hunting. Those fires may be Goblin encampments. However, it is likely that they may turn out to be fishermen though. We could also set up a camp here at the beginning of this trail and stake it out. We may learn more of the situation here. What are your thoughts?"

[Diabel Kirito]

Nodding Diabel looked at both men "lets get this done quick, id hate to be here all day" he smiled

[Scarred]

Kale smirked at Diabel's comment. Kale too, hated waiting around. But at the same time Kale did not want to be too hasty.

" Well Diabel, time to see if your skills can be tested. "

" I think we be foolish to wander straight in " The smoke could be anything."

Turning to the Knight. " You say Goblins or farmers, who knows." How about Diabel scouts ahead to try and find out what he can. A little information is better than none at all."

Kale smirked again at the half-elf. " You did say my friend that you wanted to test your skills." Pointing towards the smoke near the bay.

[Diabel Kirito]

Smiling at the big mans comment he let out a small laugh "and test them we will" he turned to look at the Knight "a sound plan Kemuel?"

[Toastee]

GM NOTE:

Anyone with a rank in Survival should be able to work out that, although its taken you about an hour to reach this point in where you now overlook the Swamp, from Sandpoint, it might possibly take almost two hours to reach the smoke near the water of the bay, depending on how overgrown the trails are.
You also estimate that it might take anywhere up to 3 hours to get to the other, more inland smoke, because of rivers and waterways that you can see are in-between you and it.

[Kemuel]

The two younger men were pull of pride and the vigour afforded by youth. Kemuel was generally more likely to watch and find out than to rush in. Nevertheless, he sensed the urge that Kale and Diabel had to clear out the Goblins here. So he acquiesced.

"Okay Diabel, lead on, Kale and I will have your back."

[Diabel Kirito]

Nodding at Kemuel Diabel started climbing the nearest tree "try not to fall behind" he said as he reached branches that supported his weight but allowed him a decent amount of visibility and he started moving from tree to tree along the path looking out for anything below. He moved crisply from branch to branch as easily as it was the floor below, always checking to make sure his companions were never too far behind.

[Scarred]

Kale watched, as Diabel danced through the trees. Kale was impressed by his movement.

"The lad is skilled." Kale thought. Kale and the Knight of the Ton carried on towards there destination, always on the look out, always alert while Diabel had the high ground. Slowly but surely the smoke was getting closer,

Kale looked at the knight. The slightly older aged warrior had no problem keeping up the pace of the other two. Kale respected this, the warriors armour and weapons not slowing him down. The knight did not even show a lack of fatigue.

"Kemuel, so how many men did u command under your banner."

[Kemuel]

Kale's question caught Kemuel a little by surprise. Despite him often reminiscing to himself about his former days, it wasn't very often that he actually had to talk about them. Thoughtfully, still looking out into the dense foliage, he spoke up. "It was my very great honour to both serve with and eventually lead ninety nine other Knights in the service of the King. Together we made up the King's Hundred Battalion - 'the Ton', if you will."

The Knight glanced over at Kale. Hulking, deceptively nimble and agile, clearly proficient at battle, yet also reluctantly displaying a genuine morality. Kale would have made a formidable Knight.

The trio made their way ever closer to the plume of smoke; "And what of you, Kale? What led you to this swamp with a Half-Elf and an exile for company?"

[Scarred]

Kale, also was not one for talking about his past, but thought after his question was answered Kale thought it would be rude not too.

"I left Riddleport when I was 12." Kale was stuck on what to say next as it was something he spoke much of. Stumped for words the Barbarian tried to continue.

"My parents passed me on to a friend of my father's, to a town not far from Riddleport. I was very young, to tell truth I cant remember much of it." Kale paused for a few seconds.

"I cant really remember much of anything over my past 12 years. My fathers friend was called Orland. He was a blacksmith, that I do remember. He owed my dad a favour. I don't know what or why but I lived with him for a while.

"He had me running errands for him, keeping his fire well stocked in his forge. I also delivered some weapons for him that he made." He learned me about weapons and their steel, which is good, which is bad. He knew his steel well. I was lucky to learn from him".

"For hours I would train and practise with some of the sword." Quickly looking to Kemuel with a slight smirk.

"I always wanted to be a knight you see." Nodding towards the warrior.

" So Orland arranged training for me. Twice a week it was, how I miss those days. Six years after I was ready to leave and see the world through my eyes, instead of listening about it through other peoples words. On the day I left Orland surprised me with this." Tapping the hilt of his sword.

" A present for my journey, he said. He kept it hidden from me till the time I left. He said it will never let me down as long as I used her properly."

Kale felt he had already said a little too much. He managed to miss the part that he was made to leave Riddelport for killing that lad, which was a good thing. Looking back at Kemuel the Barbarian spoke again.

"So after that I spend my time now traveling from town to town. Taking on the silly jobs very few would do. Bodyguard or Bounty hunting, anything really. What ever pays the most. Then I enjoy my earnings through food, ale, women and anything else I can spend it on."

[Kemuel]

Kemuel noticed the facial expressions the Barbarian Kale involuntarily made as he talked. He had a pained history and perhaps there was more that he wasn't mentioning. But then again, there were very few with an unchequered past, as Kemuel knew all too well. He decided to try to put Kale at ease. "You seem to have this 'life' thing sewn up, my friend!", said the Knight, amicably. He glanced down to take in the sword that Kale carried proudly. It was honed and beautifully crafted. A thing of real, rare beauty. "Your mentor Orland must have been an immensely gifted man. Your sword has it's own aura."

The pair walked soberly onwards, following Diabel who still silently stalked the upper branches of the swamp. "For what it's worth, I think it is clear that you would have made a proud Knight. And if there is one thing I have learned it is this: That no amount of grand armour can make a Knight - a man's conduct however can. In my opinion, that alone is the distinction."

The plume of smoke grew ever closer as the treacherous swamp grew in density and the trio of adventurers walked on.

[Diabel Kirito]

Diabel stopped at the edge of what looked like a small encampment and looked back at his two companions and waved his hand in a downward motion for them to get down. He could see that the shack was near the river, the smoke rising up from just off the water with a shack in front of it, moss covered the walls of the shack and the roof sagged from damp but it still looked sturdy with a walled off garden closest to the group. Silently Diabel dropped from the tree and walked over to his new friends keeping low.

"i can see a shack but unfortunately i cant see any movement, obviously there has to be some one there to explain the fire, unless they have currently left for the time being"

looking back over his shoulder at the shack he once again faced his companions remembering what he had saw.

"the walls of the house are covered in moss so we could try to sneak our way into the building if its a sturdy climb, but without knowing what we are dealing with im not sure its wise, as this may not be the encampment we are looking for, so how do you wish to proceed?" he said in a hushed tone "if you like i could check it out myself and return if i spot anything of note?"

[Scarred]

Kale was impressed. The half- elf was skilled. Moving with grace through the trees. Kale saw the wave from Diabel and stopped suddenly. Nudging Kemuel.

" Hey, Wait. Think Diabel spotted something."

Kale heard Diabel say that he was willing to check it out alone. He knew the half-elf had skills, but heading over alone could be foolish.

" What you think Kemuel." Turning back to look at half-elf.

" I don't mean to offend you friend, but do you think it is wise to go alone. It could be a trap for any travellers. Are you sure there is no sign of activity. Someone might know were already near."

Kale liked the half-elf. But he did not want the man to come to harm while trying to impress his new companions.

"Well I guess the answer only really lies with you. We will be near if anything happens."

[Kemuel]

Still crouching low, Kemuel listened to the exchange between Kale and Diabel. The Knight could see that the way that Diabel carried himself so weightlessly would make him very difficult to detect if someone didn't know he was already there. He had ghosted along the treeline with ease.

The stealthy approach was definitely favoured by the experienced Knight. Why dive into a battle and lose the possible advantage of surprise? And there was the possibility that this might not even be the battle they had come for. No point diving in swords swinging just yet. Although, the time would surely come. Kemuel clenched his jaw in mental anticipation.

He spoke out in hushed tones: "As you wish Diabel, if you want to check it out, do so. If you prefer we can march in together. We're with you."

[Diabel Kirito]

Diabel looked to the big man and then back to Kemuel

"i see what your saying, though i am absolutely positive that there is no-one there, but if you feel it unwise perhaps we should all go but perhaps take different directions of approach?"

[Scarred]

Kale agreed with Kemuel.

" Ok Diabel, check it out."

Kemuel quietly removed his backpack and his cloak and his backpack in a nearby bush and covered it with his cloak.

Kale was eager to smash something after the run in he had with the ranger the night before. Kale was hoping that the half-elf would find someone or something, that needed breaking.