Dark Tidings

[Eclecticon]

for the relevant AP, by the way.

[Eclecticon]

Where is Stanford?  I also have a sneaking suspicion that this party is gonna get split.

Stánford is about as far south of the Old Ford as Beorn's House is north of it.  You'll find it marked on the map as 'Stonyford' (as it is known in the Westron tongue). 

[Telcontar]

Hathcyn cries out again. "Those are no arrows of men folk! Those feathers come from the north and have the bearing of Goblin make, if not also use."

[Telcontar]

Ooc: are you marking the sheets too?

[GandalfOfBorg]

"And without actual sightings of orcs, these arrows could be taken from them or given to their allies.  These alone offer no more proof of men or orc, just an evil act.  Was there anything else of note in the boat?  Was it searched for anything hidden?" queried Grimbeorn.

[tomcat]

"Whether Orc or man, whoever was bound within the craft is now free." Esgalwen held up the scraps of rope that had once bound the captive. "We should make our way quickly to where the boat was found to see if any trail can be found of this prisoner's escape." Esgalwen looked to Rorin, who stood near at hand. "Master Dwarf, do you still have your raven ally? Magrac? Can he be sent aloft to see if any sign can be found of the prisoner."

[GandalfOfBorg]

  sigh, nothing like our group to go off half cocked without all the facts and giving orders in another's home

How far along with the contests are we?
 

[tomcat]

It is not my intention that Esgalwen is giving orders, or telling Grimbeorn what to do, but to confer her counsel. The men said there was a third person in the boat, apparently tied up and now freed.

We are missing the mark on everything else, whether it be Viglunds or Orcs. So, maybe we should hunt down the escapee and ask some questions? Rorin's bird is a great source to scout the region of Grimbeorn's lands.

[Eclecticon]

Rorin nods his head.  "Would that Magrac were here right now," he says, "but he is already seeking what tidings may be had of the missing Dwarves to the east.  He will meet me in another day, and I'll learn what he has found.  Perhaps then he could help track your escaped prisoner."

[Eclecticon]

Ooc: are you marking the sheets too?

I did this time around, since I already had your sheets open in front of me.  Mostly I'll leave it up to you guys - if I do it myself, I'll make sure I tell you to avoid doubling up.

[Eclecticon]

How far along with the contests are we?
 

Okay, here's full rundown of the situation:
1.  The traditional contests are only half-finished.  Several thegns and other important people will be annoyed if the Sickle of the Moon isn't awarded to somebody. 
2.  The Viglundings (or, possibly, someone else) have abducted a party of Dwarven masons and labourers to the east.  Rorin wants them rescued. 
3.  The Hobbits' inn (which you've heard about previously but never visited) has been burned to the ground.  The whereabouts and status of the inhabitants is unknown.
4.  There may or may not be orcs on the western side of the Anduin, not far from the Old Ford. 
5.  An accused murderer is on the loose, after possibly slaying two of Beorn's key followers. 
6.  There is a distinct lack of good information on any of the above. 
7.  Several of the thegns are dissatisfied with Beorn's policies of late, particularly with regard to the Viglundings. 
8.  None of the thegns have any more respect for Grimbeorn than they do for any other member of their folk, and they will base their future judgement of him on how he handles matters now.  Some of them may want him to fail, and may be withholding information to make sure that happens. 

Welcome to being in charge.

[Posterboy]

  Thanks for this summary, Paul... though I liked you pre-edited comment of "welcome to leadership!" best!   

[Posterboy]

  Not sure if you are serious about splitting up the group, but if you are, here's where Tate stands:

* If Grimbeorn actually tasks Tate with something specific, Tate will definitely look to see if done.
* If no specific task is given to Tate, the man of the Lake will volunteer to accompany Esgalwen.

[Eclecticon]

Thanks for this summary, Paul... though I liked you pre-edited comment of "welcome to leadership!" best!   

On this basis, I have put it back in.

[GandalfOfBorg]

"This is no simple quandary with many issues to address.  These events may all be linked or all separate yet now none can be ignored or put off."

Retrieving the sickle of his father, Grimbeorn holds it high.  "For the good of our land and out of respect for our fallen, I am closing these festivities now.  We will need as many able of body, keen of eye, and minds of discernment to address these dark events. As heir of my father, the right to pass the sickle on for thus year falls to me.  The competitor worthy of its charge is Gelvira.  May you use it well."

After the lady accepts her prize, Grimbeorn takes his seat again.  "We won't tarry ant longer with this charge.  Three groups must be sent to inquire as to what befell on these events.  First, the halfling settlement... I need four volunteers to go swiftly and learn all you can of what befell them and bring back news and evidence if possible. Next, I would ask for three more volunteers to follow Esgalwen and the men who bore the boat to assess what happened at the river.  And before I hear of any grumbling of this, she is one of my most trusted advisors and friend, and she represents a valuable ally to us all with knowledge outside any of our experience.  Finally, I will lead a small group with Rorin to the north to find out what has become of the dwarf captives.  If there is Vig involvement, I want to know personally and I should be the one to meet with them if any are encountered.  My house will supply provisions. Return within four days or send word of any delay.  Any questions?"

  man, did anyone know Grimbeorn was so long-winded?  Lol Doug it's cool,
just poking at Esgalwen 

Also since Tate will likely go with Esgalwen, Grimbeorn will choose Hathcyn to join him, remembering him from the other night.