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The Company revealed themselves to the wardens of the Tyrant's Hill fortress and they were led within the wooden palisade. Esgalwen was immediately recognized, along with the Brown Wizard, but only the Dúnadan was received warmly. It was evident that there was little trust between the men of the hill-fort and the mage.

The group was led to the large long house that stood at the pinnacle of Tyrant's Hill, next to the tower that had been raised long ago by the Necromancer. The two structures were a dichotomy - one a symbol of the power that had oppressed this land for many lives of men; the other a home that had a future for the people of the southern wood. They climbed the stairs to two, large and open doors, both of which had been reinforced with iron and had gold inlay though the work looked crude.

This was Mogdred's Hall.

(https://media2-us.shopto.net/ShopToMedia/images/shoptonews/2012/09/40531-xl_hearthfire-skyrim.jpg)

There was no fire that burned in the great, central hearth; the long table was empty of folk; and only an old hound lay near the round, stone dais that supported a throne of wood. A dove fluttered off of the table and flew to the rafters above, but not before emptying its bowels upon a wooden plate. A serving woman gave a harumph as she shooed away another bird and continued to collect the platters that covered the great table. It was clear that there had been a feast here within the last few days.

(http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/577853610407175887/DBF7B0E38887FD4A0F9C3A2A7A6C901EF78EEA7D/?interpolation=lanczos-none&output-format=jpeg&output-quality=95&fit=inside%7C637:358&composite-to=*,*%7C637:358&background-color=black)

A man of forty years, or more, approached and was introduced to the company by Esgalwen. His name was Ohdalf, son of Ondal, and he was chamberlain to the house of Mogdred. The company looked around and noticed that the Tyrant Hill was only filled with mostly women-folk, children, and elders. There were a few strong men, but otherwise the fort was empty. The Dúnadan woman knew that the women here were equally skilled at weapon as their men, but the men were absent.

"Welcome, Esgalwen," said Ohdalf. He cocked an eye at the remainder of the group and his mood stayed somber.

---

:ooc: Mogdred and the folk of Tyrant's Hill meeting

Tolerance is set to 3 (based on Esgalwen -or- Grimbeorn's Valour)
• Esgalwen's Standing added a point, but the prejudice these people feel towards wizards (Radagast) removed a point.

So, the PC's cannot fail more than 3 tests

• All PC's made a TN 14 Insight test to determine any advantages
   - Esgalwen invokes a trait and earns 1 Advantage die
   - Arbogast rolls an  :g: and earns 1 Advantage die
   - Grimbeorn uses a Hope point to succeed and earns 1 Advantage die
   - Bandy is successful and earns 1 Advantage die
   - Rorin used a point of Hope and so earned 1 Advantage die
   - Orophin fails
• You guys need to decide if you will introduce yourselves individually, or have a representative
   - if all introduce, must roll TN 14 (below); if successful, may participate in interactions
   - if representative, must roll TN 14 (below); if successful, all interactions are performed by the one PC
• Introduction TN 14 [awe, courtesy, or riddle]
• Interactions TN 16 [insight, inspire, persuade, riddle, song]
• Interactions will commence after the introduction

You may roll tests as you please, and then give narrative/dialogue as to what your PC is doing/saying.

 :ooc: Since a few of us expressed an interest in speaking with Mogdred, we should probably make individual introductions. What do you all think?

"Greetings to you, Ohdalf, son of Ondal," says Arbogast, steadily.  "I am the Fire-watcher, born of the day passed down, whose voice rose loudest in support of your Lord at the folk-moot." 


 :ooc: Using Riddle for my introduction:
(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 6, total 8
Rolled 1d12 : 9, total 9

:ooc: Please ignore the tampering notification - I had to edit the post to correct the kenning of Arbogast's patronymic. 

 :ooc: What skill would we roll for the introduction?

Quote from: Eclecticon on Sep 13, 2015, 02:53 PM:ooc: Please ignore the tampering notification - I had to edit the post to correct the kenning of Arbogast's patronymic.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Sep 14, 2015, 06:34 AM:ooc: What skill would we roll for the introduction?

Quote from: Bandobras on Sep 13, 2015, 03:16 AM:ooc: Since a few of us expressed an interest in speaking with Mogdred, we should probably make individual introductions. What do you all think?

:ooc: Not a problem, Paul.

Sorry, Matt - I updated the post above with the test types that you can make for introductions and interactions. I would just like to get narrative/dialogue (or even OOC defining) as to how your PC is using said skill.

You will find all encounter rules on page 185 of the Revised rules, or page 163 of the Adventurer's Book.

Bandy - though I cannot speak for them, it appears you can go with a YES from everyone as to your question.  ;)

---

Ohdalf clicked his tongue as he stared down his nose at Arbogast, "Er...well met, Arbogast. I was not present at this moot, but I do recall my master spoke of one of the Woodmen speaking for his cause. So that was you? You are welcome here."

The young Beorning knew little of courtly courtesy and actually despised it.  The obfuscation that his companion alluded to with his introduction irked him as well.  "We are plain folk, speak that way," he thought.  "I am Grimbeorn, son of Beorn."

 :ooc:
 :00:

Smiling at Grimbeorn's taciturn introduction, Bandy bows low, knowing the flourish will irritate the Beorning. "Greetings Ohdalf, son of Ondal. I am Bandobras Bracegirdle of the Shire. I thank you for allowing tired travelers such as ourselves into your master's fine hall."

 :ooc: Courtesy

:ooc: Nice rolls, guys!

Remember to add your rolls with your next posts for interactions (all at TN 14). Just remember, there can only be a max of 3 failures.

Rorin
TN 14 Riddle ♦♦○○○○


Orophin
TN 14 Song ♦♦○○○○

---

The companions saw a smile break at the corners of Ohdalf's mouth, when he looked at the Beorning's face reading the thoughts of the large man. Then he saw the diminutive halfling bow low. "What a wonder to behold! A half-man! Not a dwarf, no?"

"No, he be no dwarf," said Rorin, "that would be me. Rorin, son of Barin, of Erebor, and I am at your service. Bandy is a Hobbit from the Shire, and we have had the pleasure of dealing with him and more of his kind, but be careful for he can spin a yarn that will tire even a dwarf ear!"

Orophin stayed towards the back, as his trust for these men who lived so closely to the shadow was short. He did give a courteous nod and introduced himself, but no warmth was felt by any of the companions at his greeting. Radagast was there, too, with the Silvan Elf and he, too, greeted their host. "Hello, Ohdalf. I am Radagast..."

"We know of you, wizard, and all yer kind! Meddling in magics and peoples' affairs as ya thing ye should. I tells myself there be no difference between the weaver of magic in the Golden Wood, in Rhosgobel, nor the Sorcerer's Hill! Ye all dabble in things that best be left alone." He snorted his last words.

"Be that as it may," said Radagast, seeming to take no insult from the chamberlain's harsh words, "we are here to see the master of this house."

"Yes," chimed in Esgalwen. "We have come far and wish to take rest a while in the House of Mogdred and to announce ourselves - instead of being trespassers on his land. May we have words with him?"

Ohdalf jutted forth his chin and squinted his eyes, while looking over the companions. His mind wondered at things that were unknown, but he spoke, "The Lord Mogdred is not here. Where would you all be a'headin' while trampsing over our realm?"

:ooc: Rorin will use his advantage die, otherwise he has a failure and you guys are only allowed 2 more

:ooc: Yep, only 2 failures allowed after this - so I guess I would say, only talk if you think you can make a difference.

Interactions are at a TN 16; Esgalwen is the only one who gets a pass here - but she can give her advantage die.

• Esgalwen invokes a trait and earns 1 Advantage die
• Arbogast rolls an  :g: and earns 1 Advantage die
• Grimbeorn uses a Hope point to succeed and earns 1 Advantage die
• Bandy is successful and earns 1 Advantage die
• Rorin invokes a trait and earns 1 Advantage die [used]
• Orophin rolls an  :g: and earns 1 Advantage die

You might ask, if Esgalwen gets a pass, do we need to make any more tests? You don't - she can talk to Ohdalf for you all, but the number of successes will control the degree of overall success.

Grimbeorn meets the elder man's gaze and returns it in kind, standing stout and proud.  He is more than willing to give retort to the clear challenge but will wait to see if any give response.

 :ooc: Give me until the morning. I can post a reply for Esgalwen to his question and speak on behalf of the group if you guys like. My intention is to use persuade, hope, and bonus dice... and her Fair trait if needed. I think I should be able to pass the tests. I should be able to post tonight.

 :ooc: Esgalwen will roll persuade for this next interaction... TN 16:

 :ooc: She'll also use her binus success die.

 :ooc: Right on the money!  #:S


Ohdalf jutted forth his chin and squinted his eyes, while looking over the companions. His mind wondered at things that were unknown, but he spoke, "The Lord Mogdred is not here. Where would you all be a'headin' while trampsing over our realm?"

Esgalwen steadied her eyes on the chambelain. "Ohdalf, you know well that I have spent many days searching these lands for my lost kin. My friends have agreed to help me in my efforts. I hope, with their strength, to push closer to the Necromancer's tower... and beyond, if needed."

The chamberlain lowered his chin, gave a sigh of acceptance and said, "Aye, Esgalwen, I know you have spent many hard months in the wilds looking for companions that are most assuredly lost. Ye take on tasks that are much to grave for a woman to bear, but you are stout of heart of you love your folk." He looked over her shoulder at the others - a strange lot indeed, but vouched for by this woman and the man who had spoke for Mogdred. "I fear you be making a mistake if you decide to press further towards the shadow hill...but I will give leave for you to cross our lands. I will even give you a night under a roof if you wish it."

---

:ooc: You guys achieved 7+ total successes of between introductions and interactions which is an extraordinary success for the encounter.

 :ooc: Well that's just incentive to be more disreputable ;)

Grimbeorn nodded, "Aye, we would.  Our thanks to you and your master."

The companions, for the sake of Esgalwen, were given a place in the hall. Several of the benches were turned over and pushed against the wall. The more well off members of the group considered the lodgings meager, but others among them said that this was the custom among the peoples of the wood and the Anduin river valley. In fact, their presence in the hall was considered a place of respect and privilege, as the fire would be going all night and it was closer to the seat of the lord. Abrogast thought they would have been placed in the stable, but sleeping here in the hall he recognized it for the honor that it was. Esgalwen alone was not with them, she was given her old room off of the main hall that she had been given during her stay here in the hall.

The hall was mostly quiet and the Brown Wizard kept his own council as to what had transpired during the day. Before the company had even dropped their packs or settled in it seemed that the bird that was previously flying about the hall was on the shoulder of the wizard and the field mice who lived in the thatch had gathered to take council with the scraggily bearded man in brown.
Other than the animal visitors the companions noted that the hall remained largely empty and uninhabited. The women of the hall gave them something to eat. Presumably the left over's from the previous feats set to a low boil on the ever present fire.
As the sun began to set the quiet of the hall was interrupted by the pounding of small feet and the steady sound of a wooden thump and then a dragging sound. Two children, both boys, rushed to the company calling for Esgalwen.

"Lady E! Lady E!"

The Dunadan knew them as two youths from the village, Acca and Kenway. Both boys had often spoken to her while she was in the hall and had a constant thirst for stories of the south and the 'olden days' as they called them. The two stopped and were in a stunned silence when they spotted a dwarf, an elf, a half man, and the wizard.
"Are these your friends?" asked Acca.

The first question immediately followed up with another from Kenway, "It's a dwarf! Can I touch him?"
The woman from the south could not help herself and a chuckle escaped her, "you will have to ask him for yourself."
Ohdalf appeared from the back of the hall at the sound of children and would have shooed them away if it were not for the third person who had entered the hall with them.

He was tall for a woodman, almost of a height of the Beornings, though clean shaven. His arms were massive and made to look even more so by the shriveled and twisted appearance of his stunted legs. The legs dragged behind the man, while under each arm supported a gnarly branch carved for the purpose of two crutches. His name was Aldwyn Healtman, and he too had once been a prisoner of the tower. Many of the folk of Amon Baulgir taunted and ridiculed the man, though Esgalwen knew him to be kind and a fierce warrior if strapped into his horse.

"They heard you were here lady and could not be contained. I see you have brought your companions that you often spoke of." The man looked the company up and down as if weighing each man in turn.

"May I have a moment of your time?"

Esgalwen nodded to Aldwyn, "of course. Acca, see that one there? His name is Arbogast and he is a Fire-Watcher and knows all kinds of stories."

In moment the two children had forgotten the dwarf had descended upon the Woodman.
Aldwyn dragged himself a ways away from the group to address Esgalwen in private.

"Lady, I am glad that you have returned. M' Lord Mogdred is much a different man when you are in our company."

" When you were here you asked me about the lands around here, and what I knew of them. I have copied a crude map for you, I have little skill in drawing, but thought that it might be some meager use to you. As you know I have not been able to travel widely since I was taken to that cursed pit, but from memory I have added places that folk have lived or places were your kin may have sought out as sanctuary. I can only caution you that not all folk are peaceful, and a lady such as yourself should not travel alone or be too trusting. Now, I must be going Ohdalf does not take kindly to things that he doesn't know about and our talk will not go unnoticed. The shorter it is the better. Fair well Lady."

The crippled man made to leave the hall, the children however would not be so quick to do so. 

Bandy is curious to discover why the men are absent and moves closer to Arbogast as if to listen to his stories. "Hello," he says cheerfully to the boys, "my name is Bandy. It must be fun to have the run of the place while the men are away?" He says the last quietly to prevent Aldwyn from hearing. "Where have they all gone anyway?"

 :ooc: I'll make a Riddle roll if you require one.

Acca stares wide mouthed at the halfling, " I didnt know you were really real! Lady Esgalwen told me about you, but I thought it was another story like the ones the river folk tell. Do you really haunt boats and fish with your hands?"

Kenway spoke next, "they have gone to war. They always go to war. My father says we own only what we have the strength to hold and fight for. When I grow up I want to go to battle, and have feirce dogs at my command. I'll have a whole hall hung with the pickled heads of stinkers! Or put them on sharpened sticks to scare away my enemies. Maybe both, that way far and wide they will know that a great warrior has his hall."

Arbogast looks, mock-serious, at the two boys.  "Then you will be a greater warrior than I, certainly, for there are things abroad in Mirkwood that chill the stoutest of hearts!  My friend promised you a story, and you shall have one - be still a moment and listen." 

Then he lifts his voice to sing:

I slept one night in an empty hut on the side of a lonely hill. 
I never cared much for empty huts, but the night was dark and chill.
So I lit a small fire and ate my food, and saw that the door was shut
Then I wrapped myself in my blanket by the side of the ancient hut. 

I chanced to wake in the dead of night, still feeling cozy and warm,
When standing near to me I spied a horrible ghostly form! 
It had horns of a most prodigious size and a sting like a monstrous bee
But what on earth was it doing there?  And what did it want with me?

All I saw, you may say, was the shadows at play, or call me an outright liar
But oh!  Had you seen it plain as day with its eyes like coals of fire! 
Then it gave a moan and a horrible groan that curdled my blood with fear
And 'there's only two of us here,' it said.  'There's only two of us here.' 

I kept one eye on the door of the hut and one on the monstrosity. 
I only wanted to dress myself, get out the door and flee!
But I couldn't find where I'd left my boots, so I couldn't get out and clear
And 'there's only two of us here,' it moaned.  'There's only two of us here.' 

I hadn't a thing to defend myself, not even a stick or a stone
And 'there's only two of us here,' it said again with a terrible groan! 
I knew that I ought to make some reply, though I thought my end to be near:
'By my father's beard, when I find my boots there'll only be one of us here!'

Well, I found them at last and got them on, then out of the door I ran
And I covered the path like an arrow loosed to the home of my welcoming clan! 
And I haven't slept in a hut since then, and I tremble and shake with fear
When I think of the horrible thing that moaned 'there's only two of us here!'




:ooc: I'll make a Song roll in case this turns out to be plot-relevant in some way: 

Also, I'd like to try for a Riddle roll to try to identify any secret messages Esgalwen might be passing to Aldwyn:

The two children stood silently while the song was sung, their wide eyes staring up at the Fire Watcher. The tune was a common one to the Woodman, and it took little concentration to utter it. While he spoke his attention was instead upon Esgalwen and what she was doing. He had noted earlier that every time Mogdred's name was mentioned she grew slightly nervous or agitated. Later she was the one to insist that the companions come here to the hall, against the advice of the Brown Wizard, and call upon Mogdred. Now, here in the hall she had separated herself from the group and spoken to one of Mogdred's men.

Just as the song was finishing Arbogast saw the crippled man pass something to Esgalwen, and they both smiled. The lady from the south seemed more familiar here than she had been with her earlier companions.

"What did the hut look like? Do you sleep with your boots on now?"

"It's a song numbskull, he didn't really sleep in a hut? Did you sleep in a hut?"

"Again, again. Let's hear it again."

"I liked the coal eyes part. Do dwarfs and tiny men sing songs too?"

While Arbogast sings, Bandy blows smoke rings to amuse the boys.

"Yes, yes, he laughs," at the boys' questions, "we tiny men do sings songs. Once we start you can hardly keep us quiet. Here is one that I heard Mr Baggins sing. You know who he is, right?"

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains of the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known

As he finishes, Bandy feels that he is on a road that goes ever, ever on. Laughing with these children reminds him of home.

 :ooc: Arbogast rolled an  :~~: , so take that into account.

Your fathers and all the men of Amon Bauglir are brave men, and you will be too. My companions and I will lend them aid and destroy a few stinkers as we help Lady E search for her comapnions. Remember though that a true warrior fights because he must, not because he loves battle. A warrior protects his land and his family. A warior loves peace more than war.

The children's attention was immediately drawn to the Hobbit as he began a song of his own.

While his companion began a song of his own Arbogast could just make out the last words of Aldwyn, "...our talk will not go unnoticed, the shorter the better." The woodman attempted to watch out of the corner of his eye while not looking directly at the two. He lost the rest of the conversation when he spotted someone observing them, he couldn't make out who it was but Ohdalf was the only other person he had seen in the hall.

Arbogast was called back to his companions by the exclamation of Bandy and the puzzled look on the children's faces.

"What is a Baggins," asked Acca. 

"Well bless my soul, you haven't heard of the famous Bilbo Baggins. Why he is my kinsman, albeit a distant one, from the Shire. The Shire is beyond the Misty Mountain, and it is the land of the Hobbits. By the way, we do not catch and eat fish with our hands. Where in Middle Earth did you hear that? A few years ago Mr. Baggins in the company of Gandalf the Wizard, and the great Thorin Oakenshield - my friend Rorin can tell you all about him if you like - crossed the mountains and had a great hair-raising adventure. They were kidnapped by goblins and chased by wolves and made prisoners by the elves." At that, Bandy makes an exagerated, angry face at Orophin. He then gives a long and detailed account of the destruction of Lake Town and the death of Smaug calculated to thrill and frighten young boys. "So you see, you may mistake us Hobbits for children, but we are really quite fierce and formidable." 

As Bandobras settles in to his tale, Arbogast makes his excuses and stands up from the long table.  Then, keeping his expression as neutral as he can, he walks to the door, passing close by Esgalwen.  He pretends to be unconcerned, sparing but a quick glance at Aldwyn's map as he walks past. 

He catches up to the crippled man outside the door to the Hall.  "Your pardon, sir," he says, "but might I speak with you a while?  I am the fire-watcher, and a friend of Esgalwen." 

Quote from: tomcat on Sep 17, 2015, 04:55 PM :ooc: Arbogast rolled an  :~~: , so take that into account.

:ooc:Yeah, he's really worked himself up into a paranoid mess over this!  I'm going to make an Awareness roll (based on the fact that it's a sidelong glance and not a close examination) to try and work out what the map is, and a Stealth roll to hide the fact that I'm doing it.  Posterboy, you can oppose the Stealth roll with an Awareness, if you want Esgalwen to see him acting all suspicious! 

Awareness:

Stealth:

Grimbeorn catches some of the exchange between the Hobbit, Woodsman, and the children.  "Hair-raising indeed!  If they only knew what really happened, but it is good that they don't," he thought.  Stretching himself out, the heir of Beorn settled in.  More than once he caught himself thinking of the similarities of this place to his father's hall before sleep took him, not uneasy but neither restful in anticipation of the coming day.

Bandy's story was long in the telling and he was only part way through when Arbogast got up and left the table to speak with Aldwyn.

Aldwyn stopped and turned to face the woodman when he was hailed. The man had almost made it out of the hall and stood in the doorway. Arbogast was surprised at how large the man was. He was taller than he thought and the strength of his arms and shoulders was prodigious.

He looked about to see who was near and then said, "What can I do for you?"

*************
When the tale was done Acca laughed, "your silly! Everyone knows that Bard the Woodman killed the dragon. Then the dwarves and elves tried to steal the treasure."

Kenway  pipped up next, "you mean you came from over the mountains? Is that why you don't catch fish with your hands? All the stories of the Holbytlan we hear they live much closer. Some say they haunt the banks of the great river, or secret themselves on boats and do odd jobs when everyone is asleep."

Acca joined the discussion, "and then there are the stories about them taking women and children off of boats into their secret lairs. That's why girls and children are bad luck on a boat. But all the stories say that they float like turtles on the river and catch fish with their hands."   

OOC: HURRAY for 1001 posts.

"Now I never said that Bilbo killed the dragon," Bandy chides the children jovially, "only that he was there and did important things. You can be brave and useful even though you are small. I'll bet you two are brave. You are already bigger than I, and will get bigger yet. And Bard was not a Woodman, although I am sure he would have wanted many stout Woodmen with him when he fought the orcs."

"Acca, Kenway, what are these Holbytlan? I have heard stories of Hobbits living east of the mountains but thought they were children's' tales, begging your pardon. If your stories are true, how different they must from my people. No respectable Hobbit would take women and children off boats. No respectable Hobbit would go out in a boat. Only Bucklanders take to the water, and they are queer folk." That gets Bandy thinking. He takes out his notebook and pen. "Tell me more. I am collector of stories and I will put your tsories in this book for myself and others to read." 

The man fell to his knees, flinching from the pain upon landing - but he did not cry out, there was strength still left in him.

The manacles that latched his hands to his waist were heavy and had bit deep into his skin. Similar ones wrapped his ankles and the chains from them had made him stunted, being unable to stand to his true height. They had broken much of his body, but his will was another matter. He looked at the person before him with his peripheral vision, unwilling to gaze directly for fear of another lash across his back. The orcs had been cruel in their ministrations of torture.

The large one, Slurg, spoke, "My Master ordered me to bring you this, and for you to tend to it. It must be kept alive, but he did not command a condition." The orc gave a guttural laugh.

"And why do I want this man? Why do I have to deal with penning him here within my tower?" asked the tall shadow in black robes.

"Because the Master commands it and we do what we're told!" said Slurg, defiant in his orders.

"Who is he?"

"I do not know, but I have been told he is important. He has the blood of Westernesse in his veins, and the Master despises those folk. We all despise them!" Slurg gave the prisoner a kick to his ribs, which pleased him with a whimper. "He was found snooping around the eaves of the forest with a band of his kind - they wore the badges of Gondor and Ithilien! I am sure the Master would prefer him dead, but there must be a reason why they are here...a reason he wants you to find out."

The robed figure licked at thin lips, "Oh yes...I will certainly find out."

---

:ooc: Not sure if I have added any to this story yet, or not - or with our new players, but this is a Cut Scene. I like to fill our games with them to add dimension to the world and to give you guys insight into what is happening elsewhere in Middle-earth.

It is not for you to use for your PC's, only to enjoy for the narrative.

Quote from: Telcontar on Sep 18, 2015, 04:44 AM:ooc: HURRAY for 1001 posts.

:ooc: Welcome to the comma club!  ;D

"I only know one song about them and not the whole thing. I haven't gotten to the fishing part yet.."

Acca stood as if he was at song, hands behind his back and staring at an indertimanate point in the distance.

"Of old was the age, when Yvanna lived;
Sea nor cool waves, nor sand there were;
Earth had not been, nor heaven above,
But a yawning gap, and grass nowhere.

The sun, the sister of the moon, from the south
Her right hand cast over heaven's rim;
No knowledge she had where her home should be,
The moon knew not, what might was his,
The stars knew not where their stations were.

In their dwellings at peace  they played at tables,
Of gold no lack did the small folk then know,--
Till thither came up giant-maids three,
Huge of might,  out of Jotunheim.

Then sought the folk their assembly-seats,
The holy ones,  and council held,
To find who should raise  the small folk
Out of Brimir's blood and the legs of Blain.

The race of the Hoblytan in Dvalin's throng
Down to Lofar the list must I tell;
The rocks they left,  and through wet lands
They sought a home in the fields of sand

Then from the throng did three come forth,
From the home of the gods, the mighty and gracious;
Two without fate on the land they found,
Ask and Embla,  empty of might.

There is more Master Bandy, but I don't know it all."

Kenway nudged his companion, that's not a story numbskull that is a song. There are all kinds of stories of the river people doing all kinds of magic and mischief. I have heard the name Brandybuck before. A man named Brandybuck opened an Inn. I heard one of scouts tell me."

"He didn't tell you that, you were snooping. And my song was good. Master Bandy wasn't it good?"

Bandy claps loudly and enthusiastically at the end of Acca's song. "Wonderful! Well done Master Acca! You have a talent for song. Will you teach it to me when I return?"

Kenway's comment caught Bandy off guard. "Did you say that a Brandybuck has opened an inn nearby. Where is it? Do they look like me? This is a mystery I must investigate." 

"You are bright lads, the both of you, and have both given much to think about. It is late now. You had best be off to bed. I promise I wil return so we can sing songs and trade stories."

As politely as he can, Arbogast engages the burly, but crippled man in conversation.  Speaking around the subject as much as he can, he attempts to find out about the relationship between Esgalwen and Mogdred while sharing stories of hunts and skirmishes with the darker denizens of Mirkwood. 


:ooc: I didn't have any inspiring roleplaying in mind when I started talking to Aldwyn - just dotting the 'i's, as it were.  I'm not sure if it would be an Insight or a Riddle roll to find out what Arbogast wants to know, so I'll give you both:

Insight:

Riddle:

 :ooc: Ok we can cut the chase then. Make a Corruption Roll for all of this paranoia and I'll work up something from Aldwyn's point of view.

:ooc: Righto.  DC14 Wisdom 2


I still should have Arbogast talk to Esgalwen about all this, though whether that takes the form of a confrontation or a heartfelt apology probably depends on how this exchange goes. 

:ooc: And the resulting Shadow point seems appropriate for all the Eyes I've been rolling. 

 :ooc: congrats! First one of the campaign. Dont worry others will be joining you shortyl... >:D

Aldwyn stood patiently at the threshold of the hall while the Woodman made his way to him. He nodded when he approached and actively listened to the man. After a few moments he held up his hand, "Fire-Watcher, you did not stop me at the edge of the hall to tell me the tale of the slaughtered boar. What is on your mind?"

Arbogast was slightly taken aback by the response, though in hindsight his rushing out to meet him was a bit hasty. The new resident of the Black Tarn Hall came more directly to his point.

Arbogast did not have to talk to the man very long to realize that he was not in fact a woodman. While he obviously had spent much time with them, and spoke the dialect of the south almost flawlessly there was something else in his bearing and his idiom that told the Woodman he had grown up, or resided somewhere else for a long time in his youth. While working his way around to his true subject Arbogast made mention of that fact.

"Fire-Watcher, there is one great rule here in the Hall of Mogdred. No one is to speak of what occurred or what their past was during the dark years when the tower to the south was strong. I will say only that not all who fled from the tower when the Wizards came were in unwillingly bondage to the dark ones. Those days are however behind us all. Our lord says that this is a new place for us and the history and deeds of the past do not matter so long as we stand together. You think that the mothers of those two boys in there can tell you with any certitude who their fathers are? They were born soon before the tower fell and had they lived any longer they would have been food to my tormentors.  Now in the security of Mogdred's hall we are all their father. Those dark days are gone, and held at bay only through the strength and sharpness of blades."

"Do not pry into the history of the people here too deeply, were Ohdalf to hear you ask these questions he would use them as a reason to have you sent from the hall. As for my Lord Mogdred, I will say only that he has taken a liking to the Lady from the south. They were often in each other's company while she resided here looking for her friends. While she did so my Lord seemed more at peace, his decisions more, shall we say, even handed. Now, I will say no more and must be going."

*****************

The morning came quickly for the companions. The howling of the dogs was sporadic during the night, but just before the dawn the animals seemed to take it as a sign to arouse the camp, instead of the crowing of a cock, the village came to life to the baying of hounds.
The companions were given a cold breakfast by the steward of the hall, and while he was polite to Esgalwen, he was quick to send them on their way, and spared no words for the Brown Wizard. The companions were soon quickly outside the walls of the hall at Tyrant's Hill.

The Brown wizard pushed up the brim of his hat and motioned for the companions to gather around him when they had passed the sight of the walls.

"Well, I hope that was a fruitful stay for you all. I believe that to be an unwholesome place, perhaps it is the land itself that is slow to release the stain on the land, or perhaps it is the people themselves. Our welcome was better than I expected nonetheless. Mogdred and his men our out and about somewhere ranging. Many friends told me that they left two days ago and took a larger body of men with them than usually. Either they were expecting more of a fight or to go farther than usual I do not know. As we grow closer to the dark tower the natural beasts of the forest are hesitant to go there so my information grows less, hence the purpose of our quest. Rorin, Orophin, would you return to Rhosgobel? I would like the Sunstead to know that Mogdred is out in force, as a Warning mind you. I have not yet guessed at his intentions."

The two nodded to the brown wizard, made their goodbyes to the party and made a quick retreat out of southern Mirkwood.
As they said their goodbyes Radagast rummaged in his robes and mumbled to himself. Cotenant apparently that whatever he was looking for was there he again addressed the companions.

"The road will grow darker from here on out. This was the home of the great enemy for many years and while he dwelled here the land festered and corrupted. You may see or hear things, your dreams may become troubled or worrisome. Hold to your courage. I seek only information that my friends cannot obtain for me. The road is rough and made more so by the weight of the enemy, but I will do what I can to aid you as we go."

The wizard summoned them all to him and whispered over their feet each in turn;

Vanya sulie
Quel fara
Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha
Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle
Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta
Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva
Tenna' ento lye omenta

The magic worked, he reached into the folds of his cloak and took out a leather canteen, at first he went to hand it to Bandy, but then stopped and handed it to Grimbeorn instead.

"Here is a strong drink, something like what your father makes in the north. Beware this liquor as it has been distilled with rare herbs deep from the forest. One sip only at a time and it will help alleviate your hurts should we run into greater trouble than I expect. Remember, one sip only."

The Brown robbed man sniffed at the air, turned in a ruffle of cloth that resembled the sound of feathers and stepped off into the wilderness headed south.

OOC: Radagast has cast a traveling spell on the boots, or feet, of the party. For the rest of the length of this adventure all the companions benefit from a free Attribute bonus on all TRAVEL rolls, including Fatigue Tests.

:ooc: Hold on with sending them away ...

Disench4nted is back and will hopefully be reprising his role of the Dwarf.

As for Orophin the Elf, I want to pose it to Shawn to see if he wants to take up the role.

Do not make any changes yet to this post so we can be certain of the players, but we might need to tool it that Radagast sent word on wings or scurrying north on branches.

Cool?

Quote from: tomcat on Sep 16, 2015, 08:49 AMThe chamberlain lowered his chin, gave a sigh of acceptance and said, "Aye, Esgalwen, I know you have spent many hard months in the wilds looking for companions that are most assuredly lost. Ye take on tasks that are much to grave for a woman to bear, but you are stout of heart of you love your folk." He looked over her shoulder at the others - a strange lot indeed, but vouched for by this woman and the man who had spoke for Mogdred. "I fear you be making a mistake if you decide to press further towards the shadow hill...but I will give leave for you to cross our lands. I will even give you a night under a roof if you wish it."

---

Esgalwen bowed slightly to the chamberlain. "Thank you extending us the grace and hospitality of your master's house and lands. The shadows are still long in these woods, but the House of Mogdred gives me hope and brightens my path."

Quote from: Telcontar on Sep 16, 2015, 06:37 PMHis name was Aldwyn Healtman, and he too had once been a prisoner of the tower. Many of the folk of Amon Baulgir taunted and ridiculed the man, though Esgalwen knew him to be kind and a fierce warrior if strapped into his horse.

"They heard you were here lady and could not be contained. I see you have brought your companions that you often spoke of." The man looked the company up and down as if weighing each man in turn.

"May I have a moment of your time?"

Esgalwen nodded to Aldwyn, "of course. Acca, see that one there? His name is Arbogast and he is a Fire-Watcher and knows all kinds of stories."

In moment the two children had forgotten the dwarf had descended upon the Woodman.
Aldwyn dragged himself a ways away from the group to address Esgalwen in private.

"Lady, I am glad that you have returned. M' Lord Mogdred is much a different man when you are in our company."

Esgalwen blushed a little at the man's comment, and modestly avoided his eyes.

Quote from: Telcontar on Sep 16, 2015, 06:37 PM" When you were here you asked me about the lands around here, and what I knew of them. I have copied a crude map for you, I have little skill in drawing, but thought that it might be some meager use to you. As you know I have not been able to travel widely since I was taken to that cursed pit, but from memory I have added places that folk have lived or places were your kin may have sought out as sanctuary. I can only caution you that not all folk are peaceful, and a lady such as yourself should not travel alone or be too trusting. Now, I must be going Ohdalf does not take kindly to things that he doesn't know about and our talk will not go unnoticed. The shorter it is the better. Fair well Lady."

Esgalwen secreted the map she received from Aldwyn, as she clasped him on the shoulder. "You have shown me a great kindness, Aldwyn, like dawn's first light after the long night watch. What can I do for you for such a gift? For I do not wish my thanks to be words only, but also deeds."

Quote from: Eclecticon on Sep 17, 2015, 09:17 PMAs Bandobras settles in to his tale, Arbogast makes his excuses and stands up from the long table.  Then, keeping his expression as neutral as he can, he walks to the door, passing close by Esgalwen.  He pretends to be unconcerned, sparing but a quick glance at Aldwyn's map as he walks past. 

He catches up to the crippled man outside the door to the Hall.  "Your pardon, sir," he says, "but might I speak with you a while?  I am the fire-watcher, and a friend of Esgalwen." 

Quote from: tomcat on Sep 17, 2015, 04:55 PM :ooc: Arbogast rolled an  :~~: , so take that into account.

:ooc:Yeah, he's really worked himself up into a paranoid mess over this!  I'm going to make an Awareness roll (based on the fact that it's a sidelong glance and not a close examination) to try and work out what the map is, and a Stealth roll to hide the fact that I'm doing it.  Posterboy, you can oppose the Stealth roll with an Awareness, if you want Esgalwen to see him acting all suspicious! 

 :ooc: I think I'm going to just leave it. Esgalwen would trust her companions well enough.  :P Arbogast can come apologize later.

As he moves into the gloom of the forest once more, ahead of the remainder of the Fellowship, Arbogast ponders the words of Aldwyn the previous evening. 

Pasts that are not to be spoken of, but which include willing service to the Necromancer... no, to the Shadow itself, for they are one, and with one purpose!  Notes passed to the Ranger by a fellow foreigner, and a softening of Mogdred's harsh manner when she is by his side.  What can this mean?  And what can it mean for my people? 

Speaking nothing of his mind to the others, he pressed ahead.  For now, even the darkness of the wood was preferable to the company of others.