CHAPTER 2: Moria

[tomcat]

The days remained pleasant for the company.

They had left the small village of Tulis and began their last drive towards the goal they sought - Moria. The four days following were bright and clear and the travel seemed easy with the wagon slowly moving along over fields of grass that was still dried from winter's cold.

There was talk amongst the company members but it never came to the topic of their mission - the idea that they would soon see, let alone be entering, the old Dwarven city made some of the company nervous. Instead they talked about strategy and weapon use, and at night when they camped, some of the members practiced their skills. Survival would depend on each of them and so they worked hard to be ready.

The fourth day of travel saw the land quickly change, as they came closer to the Misty Mountains, rising from the easy, flat flood plain of the Anduin, to the rocky foothills of the huge range before them. To the south, what started as a thin shadow on the horizon was now a thick forest that could prove just as dangerous. The Elves of Lothlórien were not oft kind to travelers close to their borders, and the company knew that they must have been spied by now.

And they were right.

The Galadhrim had taken notice of the small troupe moving south and west the day prior, and were watching them closely, though none in the company knew it. Still, Kori gave Lothlórien a wide berth and led the company to the north side of a small mount that stood in their way. This route caused the travel to get much more difficult, but the Dwarf felt it necessary to remain safe - for who knew what the Golden Lady of the Wood would do to them, if they were stopped. Would she deny them entry to Moria for fear of rousing the orc-hordes that slept within?

The Dwarf craftsman did not care to find out, and so he sat atop the wagon as it thumped along and the ponies strained at the yoke to keep it moving.

Day five took the company along the very feet of one of the mountains that sat above Moria - Caradhras. The red giant's head sat in the clouds, and like Lothlórien, the company felt as if the mountain watched them, too. Occasionally, the party members could hear the rumble of a falling boulder somewhere behind them, or the crack of a tree limb, as if the mountain was giving subtle warnings to stay away.

But still they pushed on. Travel was tough, but they discovered a favorable lane - one of the many roads that the Dwarves and merchants of old had made when the city was alive and the many works of the Khazad were being forged and sold.

With the end of day six, Kori told Nori to find a place where the wagon and the ponies could be secured. They would not be taking it any closer to their destination for they would surely be seen by the orc spies that had to be watching the Dimrill valley.

Kori climbed from the wagon, thinking on how they would possibly approach the gates unseen. "Tomorrow we will arrive before the gates of Moria," he said, his eyes staring towards the mountains west.



[OOC:] [more to come, but my wife just got home]

[tomcat]

The company found a small area that would allow the wagon to be sheltered from most eyes and where the ponies could wander untethered. They all hoped that nothing would come from the mountains to spook their beasts, or that the sky would not rage with storms and frighten them away. Kori was expecting the time spent in Moria to be brief - he wanted to get in, and then out, as quickly as possible. For one reason, it would increase their chances to survive - and for the other, he was pretty sure that he could follow the old steps of his kin and get back what had been lost so long ago.

Gumbo and Vári spent a good bit of time burying the troll treasure and marking it for when they returned. The other party members saw to moving supplies into the various packs and bags so that they could bring in what they would need. Once all was done, the company laid down and attempted to get some sleep, though most were apprehensive about the dawn.

With the coming of morning, the packing was completed, a small meal was had and once more the company began a march.

They entered a long, wide valley that rolled between two outstretched arms of the Misty Mountains - it was the Dimrill Dale.

"At last!" thought Kori as they plodded along.

They were fortunate to find, still visible, a winding road and they hastened along it. The road anymore was naught but a trail of cracked stones wth long, thick tufts of grass and weeds sprouting between them. Tumbled stone ruins and the occasional grassy mound marked where the Dwarves had once built watchtowers and other structures to guard the approach to their city.

Nori led the company now, moving quietly and using the terrain to mask their approach as much as possible. The Dwarf rogue was sure that the new inhabitants of Moria would keep a watch.

As the sun above moved to the afternoon sky, the land began to pitch down a bit and the party beheld the Mirromere - the very lake that Durin I saw his reflection crowned in stars and so built the most amazing of Dwarf mansions. Beyond the lake, the Dimrill Stair could be seen, frothy white streams misting over each stair, as the water tumbled down to the lake below. Finally, the company could see the huge stairs that led up to the open maw that was the entrance to Moria.





[OOC:] Turumarth's stealth will be the party member tested against the Orc's Observe tests to see who can overcome who...

Observe tests by Orc watchers
TN n/a Observe +8, Specialty +2, Curse of Daylight -6
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+4: 1,3,+4 Total:8

Turumarth's stealth
TN 8 Stealth +0, Untrained -2
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)-2: 3,5,-2 Total:6 +3 Courage = 9 SUCCSS

[sdrotar]

Vári stood speechless for a moment. The ancient Dwarven home had become legend, and he was a bit overwhelmed to be standing in front of it.

Even though he knew that danger lurked around every corner of Khazad-dum, today, he couldn't help but smile.

[Roborob]

The timeless grandeur of the area was almost lost on the humble woodsmen. The great spires that formed the watchtowers seemed completly unecesary to Bornoge. "if they had just used the men of the vale as scouts then they wouldn't need such lookouts. And it seems like they weren't much help anyways." bornoge chuckled at this small irony.

[donimator]

One can study the histories, read accounts and seek out info from travellers, but little prepared Turumarth for the grandeur of the storied sight before his eyes. Images of the activity at its height of power flashed across his mind as well as the turmoil and chaos of the battles fought on its doorsteps. They all seemed vivid and colourful now and not simply words on a page. The ominous dangers posed by the current inhabitants and the hints from scraps of lore to what lies within tested his courage. With a shiver he drew his cloak tighter and fought back the urge to reach out and search for any sources of power. Restraint must be practiced and the arts used only in times of need if he was ever to be counted amongst the Wise.

With a start he realized he was standing frozen, blocking the trail to those behind him. Suppressing another shiver, he hurried on.

[tomcat]

They did not hurry the rest of the way. Nori led them quietly, and as invisibly as possible, until finally they stood at the base of the stair. They all eyed it and listened closely for any sights or sounds of danger, but nothing came. Only the wind was heard as it blew solemnly through the vale - it actually was quite discomforting.

Kori quietly cleared his throat, "Well, let's do this." They had come this far. He did not want any of his company to grow cold feet - including himself. He started to move up the stairs, but Nori moved quicker, "I shall lead, uncle."

The rogue tightened the straps on his backpack and then drew his axe from his back. Behind him, the rest of the company followed with some hesitation.



[OOC:] Okay, welcome to Moria. I would like you all to tell me if you brought your backpack with you and what you have in it - all supplies available are listed in the supply list at the beginnig of the last thread.

Also, I need to know if any of you do NOT have Night-eyed 1 or 2, and if not, how are you lighting the way. That said, with light or without, everyone still suffers a -2 penalty to all physical tests in Moria (per the house rules).

[tomcat]

[OOC:] For your convenience...

Inventory of supplies:

Travel rations - hard tack, dried meat, vegetables, flour, etc. There is no particulars here other than there is enough food to make 300 meals (or 2 meals a day for 8 people for 18 days inside Moria)

Three kegs of water - enough to cover two days of drinking for 8 people (can be re-filled)

One and one half kegs of ale - to be tapped only when allowed

Two large bags of oats - for horses

2 Large oiled canvas' and stakes that will prop up allowing for 4 to sleep underneath

Four dwarf-made lanterns / 8 extra wicks

Two and one half kegs of lamp oil - enough to fuel four lamps and burn them for 10 hours a day for 18 days

Five large coarse fabric bags

250 feet of rope

Climbing equipment for two people (includes harnesses, cramp-ons, spikes and hammers)

Five backpacks

Eight blankets / bedding

Kori and Nori's own personal gear

[donimator]

Turumarth offers to carry extra gear up to a limit that doesn't slow him down too much, so that the more capable fighters can have greater freedom of movement. If the loadout of equipment requires it to avoid having others be burdened, he will take the following from the inventory list:

-1 backpack (3 lbs)
-rations for 2 people (40 lbs - 8lbs/week x 2.5 week x 2)
-1 keg of water (5 gallons? - 40 lbs)
-2 sets of blankets/bedding (8 lbs)
-one lantern with the 1/2 keg oil (1/2 gallon? - 5 lbs)
-50' section of rope (12 lbs)
-personal waterskin and items (5 lbs)
-armour and equipment (15 lbs)

Total - 128 lbs (Heavy burden, 3/4 movement)

Turumarth is not 'Night-eyed' and will bear a lantern. He will burn the lantern for close to 2 hours at a time and then use his Create Light spell on the end of his staff for its almost 3 hour duration. He will alternate between the two methods to preserve lamp oil (and will incur the weariness penalty to casting spells if he must cast while the light is active)

**Turumarth has made his Resist Fear spell as an innate ability. It always provides a +1 willpower boost to those within 16 feet to counter fear effects and a +5 bonus if it is activated as a spell**

[GandalfOfBorg]

OOC: Nori will lead the way.  He will take, besides his own gear, 1 50' rope, his own rations, one of the sets of climbing gear, and a lantern filled with oil though he won't necessarily use it.  Nori is Night-eyed 1.  With his Travel-sense, Cave-crawler, Survival (Underground), and Lore: Realm (Moria), he should be able to get the party through.

[Cut]

[OOC: What beautiful chapter opening posts of you, Tomcat! Makes me really see the valley and our little company...]

Caranmîr was impressed.

He never really had anticipated that the day would come, that he and his friends would be climbing down the paths into the valley, down to the entrance of the mighty dwarven kingdom of Moria. And now it was there.

His trepidations to go deep beneath the Earth vanished the moment he saw the mighty monuments of old. At the same time he felt Turumarth and the Dwarves struck by the awe of the sight, but in a different manner.

While Turumarth seemed impressed - as well as a bit depressed - and stopped dead in the tracks for a moment, the company's dwarves, especially the two leaders of their expedition, seemed to be glowing with expectation and purpose.

The company was being led closer to the entrance and finally the moment drew close, where the party would leave the open skies of middle earth behind them to venture into the darkness under the mountain.

Had Caranmîr's mind still harboured any doubt if he was willing and capable to see this mission through, those were finally gone now. Thinking back, he remembered having considered asking the travellers for a short break a few days ago, to be able to set foot into the once Golden Forrest of Lothlorien, but had felt the unease that had befallen the other while close to the woods.

Therefore he hoped to brave Moria first and would maybe ask his leave of the company after their return to the surface and the refreshing daylight, to visit his kin there. Maybe he could then rejoin the group later on. But he pushed those thoughts aside.

Right now, to see the wonders of another elven kingdom, did not hold the same lure as stepping into the Halls of Moria.

As he stood before the mighty mountains that loomed over him now, at the doorstep of the old dwarven citadel, his curiousity got the better of him. And once more he silently prayed, that this streak of interest in dangerous things would not get him killed.

He checked and secured his gear, taking a close look at all his weapons and keeps a firm grasp on his Quarterstaff.

He then turns to the company in the process outfitting themselves.

"I do not want to speak of doom or things of bad luck to befall any of us, but would it not be prudent, to share the lanterns and the food equally between all of the company, that, in case any doom befalls one of us, not all rations and equipment is lost with him?"

[OOC: Caranmîr offers to carry his share of the luggage. He tries to get himself some rope (50') and offeres to share magical light duties with Turumarth (Caranmîr can cast the light spell as well. Further he offers to carry a latern (for lighting the way when neither he or Turumarth uses magical sources of light) or carry food and water supplies or whatever the company sees fit. It would be useful to get a backpack if he was the one to carry food supplies. He takes his own personal gear along: His staff, his sword, his short-bow/arrows and basic travel/adventure neccessities (bedroll, blanket flint and firestone, waterskin).

BTW Caranmîr is not night-eyed, just keen-eyed, but that won't be of any real help here, unless spotting or tracking is the task at hand, will it?]

[Roborob]

"Its been a long day and I'm thirsty" Bornoge says. "Though I'm sure there's running water down in these deeps am i right? For I know nothing about these holes in the ground but im sure you dwarves have sources of fresh water"

Bornoge then looks at the supplies and puts in his bag:
50' of rope
1 of the climbing sets
enough food for 15 days
1 Blanket

then from his personal supplies:
6 javelins
1 flask of hunters poison (9 uses)
1 flask of spiders poison (4 uses)
2 water skins

(OOC: Bornoge has night eyed 1)

[tomcat]

[OOC:] I want to go over some rules about Moria...

I am defining Night-eyed like Darkvision in D&D - characters with this trait can only see in black and white and all hues of grey between. It would be like seeing normally, just leave out the color and shadows.

The 'darkness' of Moria is deep and so even with a light source (or trait) the environment is considered Dim Lighting. So, here's how I am house ruling Moria's affect for seeing:

• Night-eyed 1 gives PC's -3 penalty in absolute dark, and -2 in Dim Lighting.
• Night-eyed 2 gives PC's -2 penalty in absolute dark, and -1 in Dim Lighting.
• If a light source of any kind is used, all PC's with the trait, or without, suffer a -2 to all physical skill check rolls.
• PC's with no trait or light source suffer a -5 to all physical skill check rolls.

Understand, I am doing this because it just doesn't seem right that PC's with no light can see better in the absolute dark of the mines, than those with a light. Because this is an effect of the Shadow of the Enemy, it does not effect creatures of the Shadow the same.

PC's status:
Bornoge - has NE1
Caranmîr - no NE
Gumbo - has NE2
Kori - no NE
Noir - has NE1
Turumarth - no NE
Vári - has NE2

[tomcat]

Nori went quietly up the stairs, Gumbo right behind him. Cresting the top, they saw before them the Dimrill Gate, also known as the Great Gate, and the huge iron doors were cast down. Beyond, in the darkness, the First Hall lay exposed to the elements, no longer protected by the once strong doors.

Nori marveled at the doors themselves. Though they were broken, still could be seen the massive hinges and stone work that his kin had engineered long ago. It was a magnificent sight, even in its destruction. The Dwarf rogue wondered at the power that must have come to breakdown such gates.

Behind the two, the rest of the companions came to the top of the stair and each readied themselves, mustering their will to take the next steps. Sensing his companions apprehension, Turumarth allows the power that he has trained himself for so many years to exude, and all around him feel their fear subside.



[OOC:] I need two things...

First, are you guys entering Moria with lanterns lit? Remember, three PC's can't see without light.

Second, I am rolling a Fear test for everyone TN 10... penalties will apply based on DOS. If there is an inspiring speech, or an event, I may remove said penalty - but for now, if you do not succeed, the penalty will remain while you are in Moria. Understand that something could occur to make it worse, too.

Also, if you fail and want me to apply Courage, let me know... but never mind, Turumarth removes the need.    All PC's gain a +5 to Fear tests from Turumarth's Resist Fear innate ability.

Fear tests
TN 10 bonuses by PC
-------------------------
Bornoge - Roll(2d6)+11: 1,2,+11 Total:14 [I gave bonus for Merry Heart]
Caranmîr - Roll(2d6)+7: 2,3,+7 Total:12
Gumbo - Roll(2d6)+7: 6,4,+7 Total:17 [of course, cocky little hobbit!  ]
Kori - Roll(2d6)+9: 6,5,+9 Total:20 [I gave bonus for Hardness of Mind]
Nori - Roll(2d6)+9: 1,2,+9 Total:12 [I gave bonus for Hardness of Mind]
Turumarth - Roll(2d6)+11: 3,6,+11 Total:20 [Resist fear innate ability]
Vári - Roll(2d6)+12: 6,6,5,+12 Total:29 [I gave bonus for Hardness of Mind]

[GandalfOfBorg]

Nori's pause was a sign of reverence to both the incredible craftsmanship but also to the dire loss of life and pride with the tumbling of those gates.  He takes a deep breath as if inhaling the freedom of fresh air for the last time.  "We're here at last, boys.  The end of one journey and the beginning of another," he whispers.  He dare not speak any louder for fear of prying ears of foul denizens but also the grandeur of the surrounds won't let him truly speak aloud.  "If any lanterns be lit, make sure they are to the rear of the group.  Hopefully it will help hide our number a little."  Adjusting his pack and getting a good grip on his trusted blade, he looks to the hobbit next to him.  "If I were you, those blades you carry shouldn't see their sheath until we see the sun once more."  At that, he enters, his stealthy steps a dull thud upon the cracked and broken stone, if they can be heard at all.

[sdrotar]

OOC: Vári will take (from what's remaining): Rations, one of the large fabric bags, 50' of rope, and a backpack. He's trying to stay light since he's Night-eyed and expects to mix it up with some bad guys...