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:ooc: Departure date from Rhosgobel - March 16, 2952 T.A.
Travel time: 15 hexes (150 miles) modifier: x2  Horseback: 40 mpd Total Days: 8 Fatigue tests: 2 @ TN 14 [Lore rolls prior for advantages]

---

Two days later, the companions set out once more.

The trail they followed edged along the western eaves of Mirkwood, never really under its boughs, but certainly within its shade. Bofri led the way upon his small, shaggy, but thick-legged pony, which was piled high with gear and supplies. The Dwarf appeared to be very content now that he had companions to help him take on the monumental task of clearing, and repairing, the Old Dwarf Road that crossed the vast width of the forest.

"I spent the last few years," he said to Bandy, who rode beside him, "investigating the western entrance of the road. I then journeyed all the way around the southern end of Mirkwood on an expedition to find where the old road exited the forest. Once found... oh look! It is the Field of Heroes."

"What is it you say?" inquired the Hobbit, not sure if he had lost the conversation from boredom, or if the cool early morning had caused him to drift asleep in the saddle.

"The Field of Heroes," said Bofri as he pointed to the north and west. All the companions looked to where he gestured and could see a few pavilions set up on the wide green swath of field that was just outside the forest proper. It was not new to any of them for they had passed it before, but it was interesting to see the few tents that were there and those that were being erected. Soon, the field would be filled with shelters of many clans of the many wood-men who came to this place to test their mettle in battle. It was said that in times past, those times where the clans of the vale united to defend their lands against foes, they would meet the enemy here. Tradition now was that the strongest champions of each clan would come here with their entourage and train, practice, and challenge one another to test of combat. It would last all summer long and people would come and go at need, or desire. There was times, too, when friendly challenges were made between the clans and the folk of said groups would travel here, and thus great fairs would happen.

Bofri smiled, "It is good to see that men, like Dwarves, muster their strongest and always keep their skills honed."

The company stopped for a few minutes and watched as the Wood-men erected tents, set up smithies to keep weapons in good repair, squared off fighting grounds, and placed targets of varied types. A few of the younger lads waved to the travelers, but then were called back to their tasks. The interest waned and the companions spurred their horses once more.

The days passed.

Bofri made the business of his road the primary conversation, whenever he could. "Since arriving in Mirkwood four years earlier, I have surveyed both ends of the Old Forest Road outside the
forest. I believe that my ancestors wound the road with potent spells to preserve it, and that it is still mostly intact. It is my intention to travel to the Millfort."

"What is that?" asked Esgalwen.

Surprisingly, it was Rorin who replied, "The Millfort is one of the three larger keeps that Dwarves built to protect the road. They are said to be along the road, and break it into three lengths. Each section was protected and maintained in days of old, by Dwarf patrols that lived within the forts. There was said to be housing for travelers, as well."

"Indeed! That is true," added Bofri. "The Millfort was built roughly two-fifths of the way along the road, so it should be easy to locate it."

Rorin noticed what his Dwarf companion did not say - according to Dwarven records, the Staff of the Roadwarden, the traditional symbol of office for the master of the road, was said to reside within the Millfort.

Rain began to fall on day four, but spirits did not seem to fall. The rain washed the land clean of winter's clutter and caused the trees and plants to awaken. Soon bright, colorful patches of blooms filled the foliage everywhere, and drifted on the breeze. The fragrances were wonderful and lazy, fat, bees buzzed about in search of nectar.

Rain began to fall on day four, but spirits did not seem to fall. The rain washed the land clean of winter's clutter and caused the trees and plants to awaken. Soon bright, colorful patches of blooms filled the foliage everywhere, and drifted on the breeze. The fragrances were wonderful and lazy, fat, bees buzzed about in search of nectar.

Grimbeorn pointed to the west, "Stonehallow lies there, should we need to take refuge in this area." Those who knew the location quietly listened, while the Beorning told those that did not of what he spoke. In his travels between the Carrock and Rhosgobel, he had made it one of his stops. In this conversation, too, both Rorin and Bofri added what content they knew.

Stonehallow was an ancient fortification in the middle of the East Anduin Vales. It was once a Dwarven quarry, dug to build the Old Forest Road. The stone-hungry Dwarves created a huge steep-sided gash in the hillside, and Men later built walls along the edges of the gash and towers to guard it. Now, it was a refuge for the Woodmen who could not reach the forest in time of war. The caves at the back of Stonehallow contained provisions, and the open space of the old quarry was large enough to hold thousands of animals. When danger threatened, the herders drove their animals through the gates of Stonehallow, then manned the walls.

The Woodmen always stationed a few brave warriors at Stonehallow, to keep the place in good repair and to ensure that no outlaws or Orcs conquered the refuge and denied it to them. By the standards of the Dwarves or the Men of the South, Stonehallow was like a child's model of a defensive redoubt, but it served its purpose for the Wood-men.

Next came the Long Barrows – mounds crowned in simbelmynë, the white Evermind flower, held the honoured dead from the earliest days. It was said that the oldest mound was the tomb of a great lord who led his people out of the north to settle along the Anduin and was counted among the Wise.

Atop the barrows was a complicated arrangement of earthworks and standing stones. Those who could understand the movement of the heavens said that these stones formed an astronomical calendar, and that the changes of the seasons and the turning of the years could be predicted by studying the stones and the shadows they cast upon the land. At times of turmoil, the stones may even be used to predict the future by those with the lore to read them.

The companions passed the hours of each day in quiet, meditative riding, or lengthy chats. Nights were spent around the campfire, which was dug low into the ground, listening to the cacophony of Mirkwood as the wildlife awakened with the new spring.

When at last they came to the Barrows of the North-men, the company became more cautious. They would be re-entering the forest soon in pursuit of Bofri's quest and the road that cut through. Unlike the barrows to the south, these barrows came with a reputation of evil. Will-o-wisps were said to flicker atop the mounds and lead any that could be ensorcelled deep into the woods, where they would be lost forever. Other rumors spoke of hungry wights within, not unlike those that the companions had dealt with the previous Fall.

:ooc: Tests for travel:

Lore test TN 14
Arbogast lore 0d

Bandy lore 3d

Esgalwen lore 1d

Grimbeorn lore 1d

Rorin lore 1d

:ooc: Results...

Arbogast will call upon Mirkwood Lore for an auto-success, 1 advantage die
Bandy success, 1 advantage die
Esgalwen failed
Grimbeorn will call upon Mirkwood Lore for an auto-success, 1 advantage die
Rorin success, 1 advantage die

Travel tests - 2 at TN 14
Arbogast travel 2d


Bandy travel 2d


Esgalwen travel 3d


Grimbeorn travel 3d


Rorin travel 3d

:ooc: Bandy and Rorin will each need to roll their advantage die on one test, other wise we have two fails...

Bandy

Rorin

:ooc: Bandy has his fatigue increased for travel.

Otherwise, no other problems come from riding the distance to the road.

I have updated each PC for successful tests :csu:

More narrative to come in a minute.

The shade of the forest consumed them as they turned their horses now north and east.

Sunshine sprinkled them whenever the wind blew the new leaves above, for the forest's foliage was still not fully grown in, and the light kept their spirits up. The forest was their home, but eight days upon the relative safety of the valley plain added a new apprehension to once more entering the wood.

They traveled for the rest of the day and the sun soon fell behind the horizon, casting the western sky in a great splash of orange and red. Bofri spoke, "The road can be no more than two more days' travel, but let us stop soon and make camp. It would be best if we are all well-rested once we come upon the road and begin to forage deeper along its route."

Everyone else found this thought logical and it was decided that they would stop in the next comfortable clearing that could be found. But as if in reply to the Dwarf's words, another challenge came from the trees surrounding them, "LO! Riders! State your business and keep hands from any weapons!"

Looking about, Esgalwen could see movement among the trees - skilled were their ambushers for they moved without truly revealing themselves.

 :ooc: Doug, don't forget I have Twice-baked Honeycakes (meant to get that added to the narrative earlier) which increases Fellowship by 1, reduces Fatigue TN by my Wisdom score (5).

The Hobbit peered into the shadows of the trees to try and make out the figures that lurked there. The companions had already been spotted so the Hobbit was not concerned about being seen. Reaching to his side he drew forth the horn he had recieved from Sunstead. Holding one hand open in the air he blew a great blast on his horn so that they men would know that they had been spotted and that the company had no wish to fight them.

The Fire-Watcher raises one hand in a show of peace, for those with murderous intent would already have attacked, were that their intention.  The other hand he keeps fixed on the pommel of his saddle, for he is, as yet, an uncertain rider.

"We seek a passage through the trees.  No more or less."



:ooc: another Riddle roll, if necessary:

:ooc: Esgalwen will try to use Awe (1d) and add a Hope if it needed
TN 14 awe 1d

---

The clarion call of Bandy's horn filled the wood sending birds to flight, and the crash of underbrush meant that small rodents also retreated for better cover. His companions all turned at the sound, while Arbogast moved forward his hand raised. The echo of the horn faded as the Fire-watcher called out to the unseen. A moment later, men - and a few women - began to emerge from the trees, their garb well-colored to camouflage them from sight.

One man separated from the rest and moved to intercept Arbogast, but keeping a distance. In his hands was a bow with an arrow nocked, "Your goal was not the question asked...your business is what interests us."

"And passage through the wood is what was answered!" The voice was Esgalwen, as she spurred up next to Arbogast. "We are travelers out of Rhosgobel on an errand of our own and we bring no trouble with us, unless it is asked! Now, if you be thieves then know that we are no easy prey and we promise you that it will not only be our blood that is spilled this day!"

:ooc: She uses 1 Hope  :csu:

I wasn't sure if I made reference to Esgalwen's father previously in story and used a different name. If anyone remembers if I did, let me know where it was so I can make the story correct. I prefer the name Eradan, so this is what it will be.

---

There was a moment of tension in the air, but then the archer's face broke into a smile as he deferred to the young woman. "That is a promise I do not wish you to fulfill, dear woman...and we are no thieves. I am Geirbald and I call these woods my own and these are my brothers and sisters."

The man released his hold on the arrow that remained hooked on the string, as he swept his arm around. It was evident to the Company that he was a woodman along with the group that surrounded the road, but they looked a haggard bunch.

"I meant no threat to you all, lest you were those which we hunted, but it was apparent when we saw you that you were not. Still," another grin broke across his chiseled face, "we needed to be certain. Come - tell me your name, good woman, for you are no Woodman, though a few of your friends are. I see there are Dwarves among you, too, and one that looks like he is a Dwarf among Dwarves!" Geirbald guffawed at his own joke about Bandy and his folk around him also began to chuckle. "Yet, he packs a set of lungs to blow such a call."

Esgalwen felt her anger ebb, "I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan, and I am a Ranger out of the south. I ride with my companions - Arbogast the Fire-watchter; Grimbeorn, son of Beorn; Bandobras Bracegirdle of the Shire; and Rorin of the Lonely Mountain. Joining us, too, is Bofri, son of Bofur, to whom we have agreed to assist in a quest that is our own."

"A quest? Noble indeed then must be your cause." It was apparent that Gierbald deemed himself humorous, even as he chuckled again at his comment. "But you are not the ones we sought...perhaps you have seen them? Fifteen men accompanied by orcs! They carry shields with the device of a blood moon." At this, the Woodman's demeanor changed and the hunter was now in his eyes.

:ooc: I found and correcter her father's name in two places - one on the spreadsheet I use to list all the characters that have been named thus far in our story, and also where she introduced herself in Mountain Hall.

If anyone knows of another location where she named her father, I would appreciate it. I like consistency! Thanks!

"Perhaps then we can ride closer and speak instead of shouting our bussiness and news through the wood?"

"Please do," answered Geirbald.

Rorin shrugged and urged his pony towards the woodline, "You say they wore the Blood Moon? What news do you have of them? Some among us have been troubled by them as well."

The Hobbit nudged his pony forward to follow the dwarf.

"Hail Geirbald, I am Bandy of Rhosgobel glad may the moment of our meeting be. We have heard rumors of the Blood Moon, though we had no known that they travele this far north? How long ago did you spot them and whither were they headed?

While I can not speak for all of my companions or committ us to the task, if they are near by and the delay not over much I would be willing to aid you in your attack upon this scourge. Relate the details to us, and if possible, and not causing to much of a delay I would add our bows and steel to your pursuit. If we can in return I would ask your aid in turn should the Beorings ride to war in the north. But first let us hear your news and see what my companions, and Grimbeorn son of Beorn have to say.  I have grown hasty this year as it seems enemies are pressing the woodfolk on all sides this year and the elders are slow to council."

While the Halfling looked some what foolish at first glance, with his foppish hat and small frame, hiss gear of war was in good repair, and clearly used. The weapons hung upon him him in a comfortable and practiced way.

The circumstances and all this talk and play at words irked Grimbeorn.  He fell to the back of his group, wary of these people and the trees.  He was none too keen on the possibility of people he barely knew coming to the aid of him and his own, but bit his tongue for now.

Geirbald cocked an eye at Bandy, "What are you little fellow? You do not look like a Dwarf, though you be about their height - give or take a hand or two. If not that then a child, though that does not fit either."

One of the other Woodmen spoke, "His feet are bare but they are as woolly as a sheep!"

Still staring at the Hobbit, Geirbald answered the questions presented him. "Aye, we have encountered these orcs of the Blood Moon, along with their human companions!" The Woodman spat at his words, "They were a relatively large company that had come up out of the south. We got wind that they had harried both Woodland Hall and Woodmen-town, using hit and run tactics. They would come at night and then fade into the wood. Well, I won't stand for no orc wandering my woods!"

The companions heard the emphasis on 'my' in Geirbald's words.

"Needless to say, we were lucky enough to have them wander into our territory. They are noisy louts and me and my brothers and sisters were able to ambush the lot of them. We cut deep into their numbers but then they retreated west. We think they ran out of the woods and onto the vale, but I cannot be sure. When we heard you all a'coming, we set a new ambush." The Woodman smiled, "But you don't look like no orcs, nor do you sound like them, so we figured we'd find out your business."

I am no dwarf, I am a Hobbit out of the shire, one of the kin that came with the King Under the Mouuntain to root out the dead dread Smaug. These Blood Moon raiders have been a curse to many and the fewer that return to the south the better. Do you plan on attacking them again or lettign them slink away into the south?

"Be not too hasty, my friend," Arbogast counsels the Hobbit.  "It was several score men attacked my home last year.  If there is a company of blood moon raiders about, then there may be others that we do not yet know of.  Still, we should find the survivors of these fellows' ambush, if they be still nearby.  Even if we do not engage them, we may watch and learn how well the Men and orcs work and fight together." 

Bandy nodded, "yes you are right. The winter was long in passing and I am anxious by all the troubles we have about us. I have spoken and acted too hasty."

The company was now surrounded by the Woodmen that had come out of the trees. Arbogast did a quick count of those he could see and their number was twenty-seven - Geirbald stood within the ring with the others.

"It was not my intention to do anymore than to bloody them again, should they come back under my wood. I will not abide such creatures moving freely under bough, nor any man that takes up alliance with an orc!" He then listened to the Fire-watcher's interjection into Bandy's desire to hunt them down. "We have already bloodied them and perhaps they had been before - who knows how many losses they might have taken from Woodland Hall and Woodmen-town. We took at least ten of them, though we lost Grimben, Arfoal, and Iliaa. Curse them!"

There was a stir among the Woodmen at Geirbald's curse.

"If you were to follow, you would find maybe fifteen of these raiders left."

"Follow? Oh, no, no, no!" Bofri jumped into the conversation with an exasperated voice. "We have business of our own and it is the road. That is the reason we have come here."

"The road?" inquired Geirbald. "You mean that old cobble-stone road that was said to cross the wood?"

"Rightly so, good sir," answered Bofri.

'Hmm," the Woodman scratched at his beard. "Not much business to attend to with it - if you can even find it, let alone follow it. They say it leads astray anyone who journeys its path. No, you'd have better luck hunting the raiders." This struck him as funny and he began to laugh once more. The laugh ended in a sigh and then he said, "What is this you speak of, Shireling, of the Beornings going to war?"

Esgalwen leaned over to Arbogast and spoke in a whisper, "Fifteen left? Surely that count is something we might deal with. Would it be wise to make an endeavour to stop these raiders? Perhaps even capture some and find out what they know and where they are from? The road of the Dwarves is not going anywhere. What do you think?"

Arbogast nods, his eyes narrowed. 

"I beg your understanding," he says to Bofri.  "You have perhaps been spared the trouble that the blood moon has brought upon my people.  Please understand that it is not in the pursuit of vengeance, but as a service to all the Free Peoples that we do this." 



:ooc: Persuade roll? 

:ooc: Let's all just assume that no roll was necessary there, shall we?

The halfling had spent more time among the dwarves then any of the other companions. Through the long winters he learned much from Rorin and Bandy watched Bofri and knew that the woodman's words fell upon a heart of stone.

"Master Bofri, this would be a short delay, and let us undertake it as the first sign of your stewardship of the road. Theses raiders will not just trouble the woodmen. When your road is cleared who would be willing to pay the toll if brigands are allowed to raid so near its mouth? I say this to you, if you are to be the Road Warden you must protecct that charge as well as to maintaint it. When these foes are slain let us place the heads of these orcs upon stakes at the opening of the road as a sign to all that the Warden has returned. This slight delay will proove to your gain in the end."

"Er, well..." the Dwarf stammered at Bandy's logic. The urgency from Arbogast was not lost on him - it was just that Bofri had been working for four years, thus far, to prepare his quest. Whatever the Fire-watcher was not able to convey, the Hobbit did and so Bofri acquiesced. "Very well, though I ask that we lose as little time on this side venture as possible. I want to make sure I have as much of this year for my work."

With his words, Esgalwen turned to Geirbald, "So, Woodman - will you leave the safety of your forest and aid us in this hunt? Together we can put an end to these raiders faster and our Dwarven friend can return us to our true journey." The Woodman leader looked at the woman and his face was non-committal. "Oh come now," the Ranger continued, "surely you and your band of outlaws have nothing better to do."

Geirbald began to chuckle, "Outlaws? What makes you think we are outlaws?"

"For if you were not, you would show allegiance to one of your kinsmen's steads, instead of just to each other. I know the life of living outside of civilization, in the company of others whom you rely on and the independence that comes from it. I know the Woodman guard their own, but i have heard of no rangers of the vale. So, either you and your band are hiding from something or someone, or you have lost your homes due to some infraction. Still, you protect the woods you love...so what is it?"

Not liking how closely Esgalwen had hit the mark, Geirbald's face hardened, "We are no outlaws, lady, due to some infraction - though some might think. I consider this a Brotherhood instead. As to the reasons why we have gathered and make service only to ourselves - well, we have not known each other long enough to reveal such tales."

"Fair enough, Geirbald," said Esgalwen in an understanding tone. "Then let us get to know each other through action and perhaps when we are done, we can share our stories over mead and meat. What say you?"

The grin broke again across the woodman's face, "Very well..."

Geirbald immediately began to give orders to his companions - those that would join him and those that would remain to protect their woods. Once done, the Company's numbers were increased by five capable archers led by their chief. It was Bofri who spoke first when everyone was gathered, "Though it be agreed upon to do this task - it is not mine. Instead, I will scout this region of the forest and will wait for your return. Okay?"

Rorin was disappointed in his kin - for surely the best way to make allies and to garner aid in his endeavours was to provide something in return, but there was no changing of Bofri's mind. With a nod to the Dwarf and the Woodmen who would remain behind, Geirbald led the group off in the direction that he knew the raiders had gone.

Rorin hung back for a moment as the Company began moving and sidled his pony up next to the other dwarf.

"Will you not join us laddy? If you mean to take up the mantle of the Roadwarden then you must command respect and allegiance from the people of Mirkwood. You will need to garrison your forts with capable scouts and fighters who will follow your lead and obey your commands. With the Shadow gathering it's strength in this forest you will need some measure of military might to hold the road. The Company of the Helm will not be at your disposal and may not be able to help with such things. Now this band of woodsmen may be just the type of person that you need to garrison your forts. They know the forest and clearly have some skill at scouting and with the sword and bow.

Fighting men will not be quick to come to your aid if you will not stand with them in their time of need. Come now! Help us hunt down these enemies who would threaten our way of life! Since when does a Dwarf back down from a fight?"

With that Rorin turned to catch up with the others.

 :ooc:

I'd like to roll inspire instead of persuasion I'm not sure which fits better here.

:ooc: Give me a roll of either, Steve.

TN 12

 :ooc:

TN 12 Inspire

 :|  :|  :|  :|  :|

With a shake of his head, Bofri answered, "No - this task is not mine. I will be here awaiting your return. Please hurry, now, the day is ending quickly."

Rorin shook his head in disappointment as he caught up with his friends. Bofri's demeanor did not sit will with him and he found himself doubting whether the larger dwarf was worthy of claiming the Staff.

 :ooc: the dice have a different story for Bofri