#53 - New Kids on the Block

This session was a bit of a departure from the normal.  In order to introduce a new player to the game, we thought we'd try a "one-shot" adventure with lower level characters.  However, the "one-shot" is not really over.  We'll run it for at least one more session before returning to the other group.  And I think it might be fun to keep both parties running in separate groups that are still somewhat connected by storyline for a while.

So for a while, we'll refer to that group of characters currently at 11th level as the "Tier 3 Party".  And this group of 3rd level characters is the "Tier 1 Party".

Malkir (Wood Elf Ranger), Ashe (Tabaxi Cleric), and Li (Halfling Monk) are all immigrants to Fort Aralan from The Four Kingdoms.  They are indentured to the city as payment for their transport.  Benji (Warforged Fighter) was discovered in the battlefield beneath The Green Mountain.  He was revived by the Wizard Merl.  Not knowing what to make of him, the city placed him among their indentured adventurers.

All 4 of these characters were taken to the Captain of the Guard.  They were offered release from their servitude in exchange for retrieving two fugitives.  Garrett and Roscoe Mordai are cousins.  They had been known to work with the White Skull organization in criminal activity.  Both are wanted in connection with planting teleport sigils that enabled recent terror attacks on the city.  Roscoe has been in hiding.

Garrett was captured and being housed at a detention block along the north wall in the Aldbarrow neighborhood.  Recently Garret, and 4 bandits from the criminal group "Pale Moon" excaped.

The party met with the captain of the guard, the commander of the Aldbarrow detention block , and a barkeep in Balckburough who was know to associate with Garrett and Roscoe.

The barkeep tipped the party off that they may have gone to a tavern in Ostwick known as the "Kraken's Back".  This is a known hangout for "Pale Moon".

The party went to the tavern, where they were confronted by an angry group of bandits, led by a Halfling bard named Venos.  They fought with this group and defeated them.  They spared the Bard's life.

Summary of information learned by the party in this session:
- Pale Moon is an up and coming criminal organization, challenging White Skull for control of some parts of the city.
- Pale Moon sometimes aligns itself with Goblin factions outside the city.  White Skull never does this.
- White Skull has placed a hit out on Garrett and Roscoe.  Their involvement with a goblin is enough to get them expelled from the group.  Their involvement with the terror attacks has taken that to a new level.  White Skull's leadership wants them dead.
- Garrett and Roscoe have left the city.  With both the city guard and White Skull after them, they need to get out of town.  They are seeking refuge among goblins allied with Pale Moon.  A group from Pale Moon helped them escape the city.  They left for a secret base camp in the swamp south of the city.

The party left the city on their way to the base camp.  When the session ended, they were just about to come upon the camp......