Episode 1 Scene 1a : The Arrival

Kustaa shrugs his hands, "Sorry we have not gotten any real information yet on what resides within the swamp beyond what has come out of it and a few stray reports, like there is a tower in their that can sometimes be seen from the river just north of it."

Thank you very much. Have you any thoughts about compensation?

Kustaa looks at Lex questioningly, "Oh right your new, okay well you get paid a stipend the same as any other Garrison Soldier on active duty, along with free room and board. You also get that when you get back from a mission while you are on inactive status for a week or if you have been injured however long it takes you to recover."

Kroog speaks up to Kustaa, "What exactly do you know about what has come out of it?"

Brindel looks at both Kustaa and Weimin. "I, for one, do not mind unofficial accounts."

Kendra is scribbling notes about the tower, undead, and the payment system. The money will keep her belly full, and her cloths in order, but the mystery of the tower, is what drives her.
I would like to get my gear back, ensure I have enough of the right supplies. How long, days walk, is it to the tower? Or should I talk to Shump about that?

Oh, a stipend? I can understand a stipend for basic, non-dangerous duties such as keeping the peace or being on duty should the need arise, but surely an active tour like going into a dangerous area deserves some extra compensation. Wouldn't you agree?

Weimin looked at Kustaa who nodded and Weimin responded to Kroog and Brindel's questions with, "Well the Yrocs had reported demons in armor but these reports are conflicting and not very precise so we have not been able to establish what kind of undead they might be, of if they were even undead at all. We have had a few vampires attempt to infiltrate the village but we are not sure where they came from. However the zombies and skeletons are being animated by someone or something which often indicates other undead are generally present as they love to use these constructs as their minions. Of course the rumors of what exists in that marsh are wide spread from the absurd to extremely unlikely still there may be some truth mixed into all the misinformation but we are hoping to get more solid reports that we can use."

"You will find your gear in the barracks on your appointed bunk which can be gotten from the on duty Logista found in both barracks rooms on the first floor along with the mess hall. As stated we only have a vague report of the location of the Tower but it would be a two to three day trip over the fields to where the river enters the Marsh then another two or five days depending on the actual difficulty of the terrain to get to approximately where the tower is said to be."

"Yes the hazard pay is covered by continuing the stipend for one week after your return or how ever long it takes for you to fully recover. Along with free medical care. Further during this time period you will not be scheduled for any assignments and are expected to take this time to rest and recuperate. After which you may request mild assignments for a while if you like. Then of course there is the bonus that anything you find is considered to be yours to do with as you please, although if you plan to sell any of it that you give us first chance to trade for it and we will offer a reasonable value. Still rest assured we reward quality work as well as quality information."

Armoured demons and vampires! We must he cautious! We keep what we find? That is indeed generous! Shall we go and meet our guide Kendra?

Kroog gives a bit of a grunt and a nod at Weimin and Kustaa's response.

Agreeing with Lex, "Yes, let's go meet Kendra."

Brindel says to the others, "I am satisfied here as well and will meet up with you in the village. I still want to speak to Kezzel about these symbols."

Kroog, I am right here. Kendra rolls her eyes

But yes, Lex, let us go meet our guide. Beside holy water, what else is effective against the undead? Chatting on Kendra leaves with Kroog and Lex.

Lex turns to Kendra as the group leaves the fort and heads towards Mam's Inn I hear that clerics have a special power over the undead but I've never seen it myself. Other than that I'm not certain. I may remember something...

At Brindel's comment Shahadur chimes in with, "Well if you want to get the most out of ole Kezzel you want to make sure he is in a good mood, which can be best achieved by bringing him that little order he placed with the rest of your crew. However, do as you please, my words are just a suggestion."

"Shahadur, that's a suggestion I'll take to heart. Thank you." Brindel mentally goes through the list Kezzel mentioned: a loaf of fresh baked bread, some pepper and vinegar. A grand accompaniment for oysters, he thinks, then moves to thoughts of animated horrors for a second.

"Shahadur and Kustaa, I will join my companions now as we have much to discuss. Farewell and," Brindel switches from Common to Dwarven for a customary saying from his temple in Citadel Adbar, "may Gorm's shield be near." He turns and follows after Lex, assuming he'll catch up along the way as Lex will probably be distracted by something in the village.

On their way out they pass by Katsmon on his way back in and before they ask he says, "I think your comrades headed to the Rock Inn which is off to your right once you cross the bridge."