It was another three days of Mirkwood and finally the Company broke free of the forest. The sight they beheld made them catch their breath as they looked upon the towering heights of the Misty Mountains that rose before them. Between the peaks and where they were, a long ribbon of water laced its way both to the north and the south.
They continued down the road a ways and then looked back at the forest that took them almost all of two weeks to cross. The eaves of the woods were just starting to take on the tinge of green as spring buds were waiting to explode with the expected warmth of April. Some of the plants had already flowered and the bright colors splashed amongst the greys, browns and greens.
Kori nodded his head up and down, "Well lads, that is the one major obstacle we had to get past... there is the other."
The companions all followed the craftsman gnarled, pointing finger to the great river that blocked their road. Anduin the Great was wide and its current was strong. They would need to find a crossing.
"I know of the ford that lies to the north of here, governed by the Beornings... do any of you have knowledge of a crossing that lies to the south? I prefer it not be as far as Gondor!"
Gumbo had spent many years in the foothills of those mountains and the shores of this river during the goblin wars. He gazed upon the river and the mountains and tried to place where they had emerged from the wood.
"Getting on the otherside will put the river between us and the horrors that are in the southern wood."
Lore: Realm Anduin Vales Roll(2d6)+3:
6,5,+3
Total:14
Lore: Realm Misty Mountains Roll(2d6)+3:
3,5,+3
Total:11
Turumarth learned much from his family and the others of Laketown about trade routes. Taking sight of some mountain peaks for bearing, he searched his memories of mention of a southerly crossing...
Lore (Realm, Misty Mountains, general navigation) +6, (spec +2?) = +8
Lore test, +8
2d6+8 = 6,1 +8 = 15
...failing that he tries to recall what he knows of trade from Rhovanion
Lore (Realm, Rhovanion, trade practices) +7 (spec +2?) = +9
Lore test, +8
2d6+8 = 6,3 +9 = 18
Like his uncle, Nori knows little of these environs save what has been recounted in tale or second-hand talk.
Both Gumbo and Turumarth knew that the Old Forest Road was the very road that would take you over the mountains to Rivendell and old Arnor beyond. There was a ford where the road met the river, and once there had been a great bridge, whose abutments could still be seen. Unfortunately, the span had fallen into the river long years past, leaving a low-water ford for an uneasy, but possible crossing.
Other than the Forest Road ford, the only other means to cross the river north of Gondor was Tirith Anduin, another great work of the ancient years. Once a great stone bridge that was destroyed by the Gondorians who were unable to maintain its repair and guardianship. But like here, the river was shallow and wide at that location - but that was many leagues to the south and would require they pass the eaves of Dol Guldur.
The Halfling did know of a few settlements of men, south, along the Anduin, and some were capable raftsmen and ferrymen. The fees were hefty, but it would allow for passage if the Old Forest Road ford was impassable.
Gumbo scratched at his chin and thought about the paths ahead and the best coure. "Captain, the ford at the Forest Road is the only one that I know of in these parts unless we head far to the south upon the eaves of Gondor. The Anduin is a strong river and a good defensive barrier. There are rivermen who may be able to ferry us down stream before going that far, but the ford should be tried first."
Quote from: Telcontar on Sep 29, 2008, 04:14 PM
Gumbo scratched at his chin and thought about the paths ahead and the best coure. "Captain, the ford at the Forest Road is the only one that I know of in these parts unless we head far to the south upon the eaves of Gondor. The Anduin is a strong river and a good defensive barrier. There are rivermen who may be able to ferry us down stream before going that far, but the ford should be tried first."
"Aye," said Vari.
"T'would rather walk the river myself than pay someone fortunate enough to happen to lash together a few planks of wood."
"Vari, do not underestimate the Father of Waters. This is a large and swift river even here this high up. A great ally and barrier to those who know its ways and respect it. It would take more than mere lashed logs to make a safe passage. The dwarves were almost two years in making a wooden fortified ferry point across the river during the Goblin War. What was left after the wars has by this time been reclaimed. The money we would spend for passage should it be required would not be wasted."
Gumbo looked back at the woods and then to the south again. "I fear our passage to Moria will have at least one more surprise left for us before we see its gates before us."
Kori nodded at Gumbo's suggestion and spoke, "Then let's put more of the day behind us. We should make the river by nightfall and that is good... it will allow us to face the challenge with the new day."
And so with weary legs, they pressed on. As the sun faded over the mountains to the west, the river loomed closer and wider. To Turumarth and Gumbo's eyes, they could see that the river was going to be a greater challenge then expected. Even in the shade of dusk, the water could be seen moving fast and it was swollen up above its normal bed.
They would need the light of day to truly gauge whether a crossing would be possible.
Gumbo gauged the river as they looked upon it.
"Captain, its as I feared. The snow melts have beat us to the ford. I dont think it wise to attempt to bring the wagon over. A fast current even a few inches deep is enough to make a crossing tragic. We could perhaps try to rig a line across but the river is wide and chances are small that someone washed down could grab it. Daylight will however provide us greater knowledge as to the risks in the morning. I suggest we hold to our policy of two on watch tonight even though the woods are behind us. If the day prooves what the night indicates then the ferry by the woodmen would be the best course. They may even be able to provide some insight on the surrounding area. It has been years since I have passed this way and who knows how much the Goblins have recovered from the war."
Day proved Gumbo's fears to be true. The river was swollen with spring melts and it rushed by at a speed uncharacteristic to the terrain. Water had risen over its bed and flooded further out about the plain. Usually the river flowed shallow and slow across this wide flat area and so it had always been an advantageous place to ford.
Kori did not like the thought of losing everything they had - high, fast water was very dangerous. "We'll continue south to these ferrymen that you know of."
And so, more weary days of travel passed. The Company clung closely to the river, using it as a guide, and two days of the southern path brought them into the mires of the Ninglor. The confluence of the tributary with the Anduin was a rocky, dangerous rapid but it too had also swollen and flooded. The warming ground had become saturated and mud was thick.
(http://www.geocities.com/djoos5/LotR/north_river_marsh.jpg)
Even though they tried to skirt the mire, all the companions were soon covered in itchy, grey mud and were being tortured by swarms of newly-hatched midge flies. Legs became very weary with each footstep, the mud holding onto their feet and only letting go with a wet sucking sound. The flies flew into ears, nostrils, and eyes - each of the Company was ready to scream by noon.
As was his wont, Gumbo was forward of the group, scouting along the riverside. He saw the first body half in the river, snagged as it was by a large, long-limbed log, unable to pull free even with the strong current. As he approached, he could see it was the build of a young man, discoloured in death, but youthful. Three long, black-fletched arrows protruded from his back.
The halfling looked about and could immediately see that a few of the lumps in the mud were other bodies. He swiftly moved to see them and recognized the mishapen features of orcs! One large lump was covered in fur - warg! All were slain by arrows. Gumbo then heard a whimpering cry coming from a large hollowed log that stuck up and out of the river reeds.
[OOC:] Actions - and / or - Dialogue
Judging by the light of day and the colour of the body Gumbo figured there was no ambush waiting for them here. he placed his fingers in his mouth and gave shrill whistle easily heard by the party that followed behind him and ran towards the sound that he heard.
The rest of the Company came forward as quickly as the ground would allow them, but as they did, Gumbo peered into the hollowed log. Scrunched down within was a young lad of maybe twelve years. He cringed in fear as the light of day was blocked by Gumbo, and whimpered a bit louder.
Laying beside the boy was his bow and empty quiver.
"Hi, you! What you looking at, halfling?"
Gumbo, not being very big kneeled down to allow some of the remaining light to shine upon him, "Hullo lad! I'm no orc come on out so that we can take a look at you and get you some food."
Over his shoulder he shouted, "its a boy, looks like an ambush occured."
Gumbo offered his hand which in all likely hood was smaller than the boys and tried to help him out.
The boy took the extended hand with a tremulous one of his own. The hobbit pulled with all of his strength to help the small boy out, and soon the lad was standing next to him - almost a head taller than Gumbo.
The fear that filled the boy began to fade as he saw that there were potential friends around him, but then he caught site of the body laying half in half out of the river. He ran to where the dead man lay and fell to his knees. The Company watched as the boy was wracked with sobs, his head hanging low.
Coated in mud, Kori looked at the rest, "Well... let's set camp here for the night and help this child with his fallen. Nori, you and Vári see to drawing the body from the river so that it might be given proper rights. Turumarth, you and Gumbo see to the dead orcs... see if you can find out where they are from. Caranmîr give me a hand in setting camp."
The Sylvan Elf and Dwarf found an area that sat above the waterline and was not mud. There Caranmîr dug a fire pit and filled it with what wood was available. Kori saw to setting the fire and unloading food and bedding.
Gumbo and Turumarth used rope to draw all of the dead orcs and warg away from the area of the camp. Each of the goblins were either branded, or tattooed on the forehead with what appeared to be an eye, a spike or dagger piercing up through its center. The fell-creatures weapons still lay near where each had fallen and the halfling tossed them in the river. Once done, they returned to see the boy kneeling by the fire, a blanket thrown over his shoulders, and gnawing on a piece of hard bread. Over the fire, a spit of meat heated.
Nori and Vári followed soon after. They had unlashed the body from the large log and brought it onto the shore. The dead man's cloak was used to cover him, though it had been difficult due to the stiffness of the corpse. The Dwarves were as respectful as they could be.
With things done, everyone finally had a chance to sit and warm themselves, take food, and inquire as to what had happened to the boy and his comrade.
[OOC:] A Lore: Realm (Mirkwood) TN 10 or related type test (add +2 to TN) may be made to know the tribe of orcs.
Lore: Anduin Vales Roll(2d6)+3:
2,6,+3
Total:11
Lore: Misty Mountains Roll(2d6)+3:
2,3,+3
Total:8
Gumbo took out his pipe and filled the bowl, "Well now young master I am Gumbo Bellybottom at your service. I know it is soon, but we would know your tale so as to take steps to remedy it or get you safely to where you belong. Let's start with your name and go from there."
"My name is Gelan," the boy answered. "Three days past, my brother and I left our village to hunt. The beginning of spring always brings the forest deer out onto the plains for fresh grass."
Gelan took another bite of the bread and quickly glanced to where the dead man lie, "We had no luck and so we continued to march up river for a full two days. I told Gralin that we go too far... what would we do with an animal if we brought it down so far from home!
"He didn't heed me and so we continued. We came to the marshes here and decided to turn back as the sun set on the mountains. Gralin said he saw shadows moving in that copse of trees." The boy pointed to a thicket some two-hundred meters away. "The sun set and we heard the howl."
Visible fear could be seen on Gelan's face and large tears rolled from his eyes, though he did not sob. "Gralin emptied my quiver and told me to hide in the log... said he'd come back for me. I spent the rest of that night and all of this day hidden there."
The boy's voice faded into a whisper as he finished his story.
Lore(Misty Mountains) +6, vs. TN12
2d6 +6 = 2,4 +6 = 12 - marginal
Turumarth looked at the bodies when the task was done with some glimmer of familiarity, but was not convinced. Returning to the camp he looked at the boy.
Memories of the past, of being alone and afraid flooded him before he held them in check...never again!
"Are you hurt at all, son? We know some healing arts and can take away the...physical pain."
"Aye, uncle," said Nori as he handed over the reins. Once down, he loosened his axe at his side, making himself ready in case there was a further ambush. After taking care of the dead, Nori set about to scout out the area for tracks -- orc tracks -- and try to discern where they came from.
Observe (Spot) - Roll(2d6)+5: 1,5,+5 +2 Total:13
Track (Orcs) - Roll(2d6)+4: 2,3,+4 +2 Total:11
Turumarth drops his voice so just the nearby companions can hear, "The markings on those orcs place them from the tribes to the south of Mirkwood. They've travelled a long way to be scouting up this far. I worry what we'll encounter as we continue south. Some had best scout well ahead and watch for ambush points where we might get our cart mired."
His voice just a whisper Bornoge says, "Yes I think that would be good Turumarth." Pausing he looks at Gelan, "But what of the boy? We can't just leave him out here alone, I wont have it! We are going south anyways and we should return the boy to his village." His voice getting louder," If you don't agree I will take him myself if I have to!", Bornoge pauses and tries to regain his composure and his voice drops again, "Besides I'm sure his village must have a way of crossing the Great River, and any information they have about the road to Moria may be useful."
OOC: Sorry about the long term absence. I haven't had as much time now that schools started again)
Quote from: Roborob on Oct 06, 2008, 05:37 PM
Pausing he looks at Gelan, "But what of the boy? We can't just leave him out here alone, I wont have it! We are going south anyways and we should return the boy to his village." His voice getting louder," If you don't agree I will take him myself if I have to!", Bornoge pauses and tries to regain his composure and his voice drops again, "Besides I'm sure his village must have a way of crossing the Great River, and any information they have about the road to Moria may be useful."
"This makes sense to me," said Vári. "'Tis not right to leave him here, and the diversion would not take us far off our course."
" Everyone is in agreement about the boy so there is no reason to make loud boasts and threats about what you are going to do Bornoge. My folk can be hard to see when we want to be, I suggest the elf and I get about a four hour start tomorrow and leave trail markers as we go. Captain, this should probably be our last night with an open fire. I would consider not having one, but I think one night of warmth would be good for the boy. We can cook our meals for the next couple of days tonight. The wagon will be easy to follow but there is no sense in declaring where we are exactly each night." Gumbo stops and ponders for a minute. "We can cut the bows off a couple of trees and tie it to the back of the wagon. It may confuse any Orcs who find it as to what passed and its size."
Caranmîr nodded at the halflings words. "I shall acompany Master Gumbo in the early hours of the new day."
[OOC: I am back from vacation, haveing been home for some days know, but haveing had a lot do for university and such things. Will be posting more regularly as of now I hope. Nice that you have kept Caranmîr along and alive :) ]
[OOC:] Thanks for the patience everyone. I was going to PM the findings to Matt, but I will go ahead and do the narrative/dialogue and you all can pick up on the thread as you wish.
As Gumbo made his suggestions and received confirmation from the Elf, Nori returned to the circle of light that was cast about by the fire.
The Dwarf had taken the time to scout out the area, following what tracks could be found to the small grove of trees and beyond. Due to the day's ending, he thought it best to return to the safety of numbers, for his findings were grim.
"The orcs and wargs look as if they had come up from the south. By the tracks, I'd say there were at least fifteen in their party and perhaps three wargs." Nori continued, "I found traces of their camp in the grove of trees yonder, where the boy mentioned that they were first seen, although they are no longer there.
"They are devious and cunning... it looks like they followed over the very tracks that they made coming so as to hide their direction. I fear that we have not seen the last of them."
Nori took a large cut of meat from the spit over the fire along with a hunk of bread. He sat and quietly gobbled both up.
Kori looked around, "All right... we heed Master Gumbo's advice on our own stealthy maneuvers and you two scout our road in the dawn. I fear it is not during the daylight that we will run astray as it will be in the dark of night, when such foul creatures find their way. Be on your guard."
And so, with Gumbo's guidance, Bornoge took his keen-edged blade and cut thin branches from the surrounding vegetation. These were then tied to the back of the wagon so that they dragged the ground behind it.
Except for basic needs, the wagon was reloaded and the ponies kept close so that the Company could quickly get on their way if need arose. This done and their bellies full, the companions laid down and took rest in shifts - the first watch being for the large northman.
Bornoge sat with his back to the fire and his sword stuck in the ground between his knees, angled so that he coould watch the copse of trees in the distance. The position allowed him to see better in the dark without the firelight before him and messing up his nightvision.
Shadows of night moved about the camp and newly awakened animals began their songs of the night - frogs croaked, insects buzzed, and the occassional deer (or other nocturnal creature) moved to the river to take a drink. The skittish animals looked at the small ring of Men, Dwarves, and Elf and thought it an odd sight, but gave it no more heed. Four hours passed and the watch changed along with the departure of Gumbo and Caranmîr.
The sun was still a few hours away.
The Halfling and Elf moved quietly through the early morning darkness, weaving a path through the muck and mire that still made up the land. Caranmîr noticed a darker shadow loom on the horizon, resting along the river. It was another grove of trees growing thick, blocking their route, and potentially hiding their enemies.
The two had a choice - follow their course with the river on their right and the wood on their left; or move west and circumvent the grove of trees. But neither knew how wide or long the forest might be... and their friends would soon be following.
Back at the camp, the remaining members were beginning to rise to start a new day even though the sun had yet to rise.
Gumbo looked at the elf and motioned for him to stop. "Caramir, I think we should stick to our course. I'll move ahead a couple hundred yards to see what may lie ahead. After that I will come back and motion to you. If you leave markers and do this successively we should be able to clear the way ahead, but allow the wagon plenty of warning if the way should become dangerous. "
The Elf stopped as Gumbo motions him. He listenes to the words of the Hobbit. All the while the gaze goes to the grove of tree, the shadow close to the riverside. "What you suggest sounds reasonable, Master Gumbo." He motiones for the halfling to go ahead. "We shall proceed as you say. But right now I wish we had all steeds and would not be slowed down by the wagon. Then we could circumvent the trees without losing precious time. But there seems to be no other way. Be on your guard, and please do not venture to far ahead alone."
Gumbo smiled, "I'm glad you have my back Master Elf. I'll go only a hundred yards or so at a time and so we will bound forward. I wish we would have floated down the river then we could have waved to the orcs along the way, but you cant tell a dwarf you have to heard them. And if wishes were feathers we could all fly." Gumbo chuckled softly nodded to the elf and bounded off into the wood.
OOC: once I get into the wood I am going to stop for a minute listen to the surroundings and then start moving forwarded and listen if the sound of the wood changes. I cant imagine the flora and fauna appreciate their goblin visitors. I can make a stealth roll if you want, but basically I am going to scout out a hundred yards at a time, make a straight line back to Caramir, make a trail marker for the others and then go forward. I want to attempt to scout out the width that the muffled wagon sounds will make but if that will take to long I'll weave the distance looking for Orc sign.
Gumbo stood silently listening to the sounds of the forest. There was no unnatural silence, nor sounds that did not belong. He moved forward another one-hundred yards and then stood silent. And so he progressed.
When he was sure there were no threats, he returned for the Elf, only to do it all over again. Slowly, they made their way through the forest as the eastern sky began to brighten. It was at the southern end where Gumbo and Caranmîr made the discovery of the orc raiders. The two merely walked into the empty camp left by the fell-creatures, and by the look, it had been some 12 hours before.
Behind their position, by a number of miles, the wagon and their companions trudged through the muck and fens.
The Elf gazed across the camp and sees two distinct set of tracks leading away from the campsite in different directions.
"Master Gumbo. I ask for your advice. Your expertise in regard to tactical matters is obviously greater than mine. What do you suggest we do? My heart longs to warn our companions about what we have found here. What shall be our course of action: return to our friends or even stay here at the campsite and wait for them? Or shall we choose one track an follow those attackers? I would not want to split up, you going one way, me the other. I have a strange feeling that we should not separete right now."
With these words, and waiting for a reply, Caranmir starts looking more closely around the campsite, to see if there is anything more to be found out from the remains of the camp.
Bornoge hacked at the plants with his blade, clearing the way for the wagon and ponies several yards behind him and following the trail markers that Gumbo had left. Every once in a while had to use his stick to help lever the wagon out of some hole or muck, but they were still going to slow for him.
"Well Kori, do you think we could speed up a bit? I hate to think that they could be in danger with us so far behind them. I don't doubt their courage, but they both seem a bit erm... light to be able to stand long in a fight. I have never seen one of Gumbo's kind before, yet from just being with him I can tell that he carries himself like a man as large as I, it seems there is more to meet the eye with these folk i guess. I just hope its as good in a fight."
Gumbo looked at the camp and the direction of travel. "Well we know the way they went, but that is about all. We have no reason to believe that they know we are behind them, and they didnt know about the boy either. There are few dwellings around here, and traffic even less so I doubt they are raiding. Its possible that they are on some errand for their dark masters and will trouble us no more. Let's try and figure out their number by the campsite. The wagon will have slow going through this area. If they continue on their course they may stay 12 hours ahead of us and unaware we follow behind. I share your concern though. We should not divide the group, but much of the day remains and we must keep going."
Gumbo looked around. "I dont think this changes our basic plan; Scout ahead, avoid ambush. We have only to be aware that we dont stop ourselves to close to their camp before they begin to move at night."
And so the day passed.
With the sun going down, the wagon that had followed all of the duo's markers finally rolled up to a small area that Gumbo and Caranmîr had found, and prepared as a camp. No fire burned, but the ground was cleared for blankets.
The Company members who had stayed with the wagon were weary to the bone. Finding the path through the fens had been an awful task and all were relieved when the ground began to firm up. But now, they were back together and sleep beckoned. Due to the success of the day's efforts, it was decided that the next day would be treated the same. The young boy spoke happily of the fact that with the next day's march, the Company should arrive to where his people resided on the river and there was a ferry barge that would aid in the crossing.
Gumbo and Caranmîr both settled in first so that they might rise early to begin another trek.
The sun rose bright and the skies were clear when Turumarth stowed the last bit of gear on the wagon. The Hobbit and Elf had already been gone for a few hours, finding a path that would get them safely to the crossing.
The open plain on the east side of the Anduin was covered in a knee-high (at times, waist high) grass. It was waiting for spring rains and warmth to revitalize it, but still was thick enough to make seeing difficult at long distance. Because of this, the men and dwarves kept a close eye towards the east.
The sun arced over them towards the mountains and it was when the shadows of the huge, western peaks were stretching over that they heard the howl.
Gumbo and Caranmîr had already arrived. The eastside of the river where the ferry would land was evident. They could plainly see the thick, heavy rope that the northmen had strung across the river to secure their raft as it crossed back and forth. The two companions were sitting and waiting for their friends when they too heard a cry of a wolf.
Gumbo jumped up at the sound of the wolf and looked around. "A fell noise to hear during the daylight hours! Prey it is not a Warg. We may need to return to the wagon, but I would hate to see the landing held against us on our return."
Gumbo looked at the surrounding area and thought about where the attack might come from if it came. "I have an idea Caranmir. Among my kit I have oil, pittons, and rope. This grass is very dry this time of year and should burn easily, it may also signal the Woodmen who are no doubt looking for their two lost kinsmen. We can use the oil to set fire to the grass downwind of us to block that side and on the other stake a rope down as high as we can with the pitons and perhaps unhorse any warg riders who think they can ride us down. If only we had a horn, one of those great dwarven horns and our enemies would tremble before us!"
Gumbo then looked at the rope and then at the elf. "If the ferry is not here it stands to reason that it is on the other side. Your folk are fleet of foot, do you think you can cross on the rope alone? We can rig up a sliding life line that will keep you attached. If we can alert the woodmen our foes will not reckon on that I'll wager and if it is just a wolf the loss of some rope, oil is a fair exchange for a waiting ferry when the wagon arrives."
[OOC:] I want to get a few more posts from folks before I move it on too far.
Kori's eyes squinted in concern. He pursed his lips in thought as he looked east at the grasslands that seemed to have no end. The wolf, or warg, was close and the sun was almost behind the mountains. It would not be truly dark, but certainly allow for any goblins to be roaming comfortably about.
"Turumarth," he called. "Can your arcane powers sense where that beast might be... and how many there are?"
The hackles raised on the neck of Nori as he looked about for the source of the sound that chilled him. In no time, he was armed and ready for action, whatever the threat may be.
Quote from: tomcat on Oct 29, 2008, 03:00 PM
"Turumarth," he called. "Can your arcane powers sense where that beast might be... and how many there are?"
Turumarth paused a moment, the solemn cry still hanging on the air.
"I can try. I can only sense those who possess the Power of the Wise or that of the Shadow. Hopefully our threat is more mundane...and yet this whole land radiates a strong evil that seems to block others out."
Without another word, Turumarth firmly plants his staff and intones the intricate words of the spell. The rush of power fills him once more, his senses heighten. He reaches out to feel for any source of ill around them.
Turumarth casts
Sense Power TN 5
Willpower test, Wil +5, amulet +2 = +7
2d6+7, 2,1 +7 = 10
Complete successTurumarth makes
Observe (Sense Power) test ...
TN ?Observe +5, Specialty +2, Spell +3 = +10
2d6+10 = 4,1 +10 =
15
Bornoge glanced around for the wolf that made the noise, "We have to stop, stick close to the wagon lest they creep up and steal it if we fight! And you, boy! get underneath the wagon and don't make a sound." Bornoge opens his flask of hunter's poison and smears it on the tip of two of his javelins then climbs up on the top of the wagon, javelin in hand, seeing if he could spot something in the twilight.
Observe spot test
Roll(2d6)+6:
4,1,+6 observe, +2 spot specialty +/- a height bonus or a darkness penalty (up to you Tomcat)
Total:13
Caranmîr takes an arrow from his quiver and readies it.
OOC: At the risk of sounding like a moron, I've sort of lost track of where Vari is in this thread. My understanding is that he didn't leave with the wagon... Tomcat, is that right?
[OOC:] Is Caranmîr going to take Gumbo's idea and cross the river via the rope? Let me know.
Shawn, Vári is with the wagon.
Turumarth shook his head in frustration, for although he felt a faint presence emanating from the far-off southern region of the Mirkwood Forest, he could sense no immediate threat. The Company's ears, though, were telling them all differently.
Bornoge stood tall on his tip toes and looked out in the direction from where the baleful cry had come. The failing light did not help their situation, but the man's eyes were keen. He could not get a count but he clearly saw a group of man-like figures approaching.
Not so far away, Gumbo and Caranmîr readied themselves for an attack that might come their way, both wondering how their friends fared.
[OOC:] Tomorrow I am going to open up the combat round 1 thread, but feel free to use this thread to give me anymore insight as to what your characters want to do. If Gumbo and Caranmîr want to get back to the main group, it will take them at least 5 rounds to get into the action if they leave the riverside now. Likewise, if the other group want to race to the river, it will be a contest of speed to see if the orcs can reach you first.
OOc: I am going with the flaming grass plan and prepare a hasty defense. with a little luck the woodmen will come and the wagon will make it here.
Gumbo was very uneasy, "The time for action is at hand Caranmir." Gumbo planted his spear and set to work on his defenses.
Caranmir had considered the Hobbit's plan for a while and nodded.
"I see the merrit in your plan, however I am not sure that I can cross the river on a rope alone. But we shall never know until we try. Having the ferry ready is a good thing to have and well worth the trouble I guess." he said a bit grimly.
Then smiling he gestured towards Gumbo to bring out the rope.
"Let us just make sure, that we make the knots on my lifeline well and good."
Nori grits his teeth, annoyed that he cannot see much. "Where are you filthy blackguards?" The Demon's Fang was restless in his hands.
The Company and wagon continued to press on, following Gumbo and Caranmîr's signs as they did. In the distance, Bornoge, and now Turumarth, were able to see a large group of... someone, tagging along. Occassionaly a large furry back, or perked up ears, would appear in the high grass, running along closer. The Company could only assume that it was a warg. The question was, how many... of all of them?
On the riverside, Gumbo finished dowsing the grassland south of his position with oil that he had in his pack. If the enemy were to attack them here, they would not get the pleasure of flanking the wagon from that direction.
Meanwhile, Caranmîr hopped lightly upon the rope that slung across the river and began to walk towards the other side. The grace of the elves allowed such passage even though the rope hung somewhat loose and swung in the breeze. Still, Caranmîr had secured himself with a second rope in case he fell into the water.
Gumbo tossed the last empty flagon of oil aside and then went to where the small fire burnt. He stoked it with some large sticks - useful if the attack came and the oil was to be set aflame. He stood and looked to the horizon and some many yards still to come, Gumbo saw his friends hurrying toward him as fast as the wagon could go. Beyond them, the halfling could see shapes of a great number of folk chasing after.
Dusk settled into shadow and night came to rob their ability to see.
[OOC:] I need to know what Caranmîr wants to do on the other side of the river. Upon arrival, he sees a small village.
Caranmîr attempts to cross the rope:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 10 Acrobatics +7, Specialty +2
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Roll(2d6)+9: 6,5,+9 Total:20
Nori drives the cart to the river (opposed test)
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 11 (orcs run test, penalized for number of runners) Teamster +3, Specialty +2
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Roll(2d6)+5: 6,5,+5 Total:16 [Great Rolls for you guys!]
Caranmîr had not tried walking across a streaming river on a rope, but felt after a few meters confident that he would make it. After the Elf had managed to cross the river on rope, his eyes fell upon a small village near the river's side.
Thinking to himself 'This has to be the village of the boy' he decides to enter the village in order to get some help for the compianions in the fight at hand.
He casts a quick glance to the other side of the river were he left the brave Master Gumbo behind, but can not pick out the small figure of the Hobbit amidts the smoke rising from the planted fire. Hoping for the best, he decides not to waste any time and runs towards the village as fast as his elven legs will carry him, hoping to summon help from the villagers for the coming battle.
[OOC: Caranmîr doesn't hold any weapons in his hands and keeps on lookout for any villagers he might see.]