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Rorin moved towards the tower entrance - a simple squat door frame that no longer had a door. What had happened to it, save that it had been wrenched from its hinges, was an unknown. The Dwarf called out to Bofri, so that his kin might lead him better to where he was trapped. Behind Rorin, Grimbeorn followed.

The two companions found themselves in a large, round chamber of the fort. Plants and vines now were the predominant inhabitants and they covered all evidence of anything that might have come before. Grimbeorn was sure that a large pile of rubbish, covered with ferns, had once been a trough. It had probably allowed for a well to feed water into the interior of the keep, but it was now a mess of foliage. Rorin reached out and upended a dilapidated table that was large enough to seat twenty Dwarves. He was certain though that it was not Dwarf-built - none of his folk had been in the fort for over a thousand years and any wooden furniture would have rotted by now.

"So.." Rorin thought, "someone had taken residence here since then." His conclusion was that they had also obviously left long ago.

A stone stair wrapped the inside wall and the two started to climb. They turned suddenly when the light from the door faded only to see Esgalwen standing there in defense. She nodded at them, but then moved herself to allow the sunlight to return to the chamber. Grimbeorn patted Rorin on the shoulder and they continued - both had weapons in hand.

The Millfort was two stories and the stairs opened through the floor of the second floor. The chamber stunk of decay and was draped throughout by the silk of spiders. Bundles of dead, desiccated animals - or worse - hung throughout the thick web. Rorin saw where the roof above had long since caved in leaving a large opening for creatures to come and go from above, as they pleased. Grimbeorn, familiar with the dreadful spiders of Mirkwood, knew that the fort must have become a stash of sorts. It was apparent that the monsters now used it to either capture and feed, or store their food for a later time. If they had not found Bofri to be here, the Dwarf could have lasted for days, hanging trapped within the cocoon until Tauler returned to consume him.

But Bofri was here and he was no longer immobilized from Tauler's frightful poison. He wiggled and squirmed within the thick silk and cried out with a muffled voice, "Oh, please help me!"

Grimbeorn and Rorin went to him and one of them drew out a dagger to cut the webbing away. Bofri popped out, scrambling  around quickly in his fear that this might be a new foe. He breathed deeply a sigh of relief when he saw Rorin standing there.

"Rorin! It is you! I was worried I would not see any of you again - let alone anything else!" The Dwarf began to recount his story of what happened. He told how he had ridden north after they had left with the Woodmen, so as to at least find the road. Once there, his anticipation got the better of him and he began to ride east down its length. Unfortunately, he came upon Tauler who had been perched high above in the thick wood, drawing the life juices from the largest boar Bofri had ever seen. The giant monster had barely finished its meal when it saw him and decided he would be its next. Tauler struck the pony, which Bofri rode, and the animal's neck was immediately broken. The Dwarf had been knocked off his mount and struck the rock-hard road and lost consciousness. When he had woke, he was wrapped and stuffed into this horrid smelling chamber.

The companions reiterated what their new friend had told them, by what they had found. With the tale told, it was now time to get to the business at hand. If the spiders were to return, they needed to plan on what to do. Grimbeorn began to offer ideas as to how to defend the fort, but Bofri merely held up a hand.

"First things first," said the Dwarf, as he took up a rusty old weapon and began to hack at the webs that covered the room. He cut here. Then there. Then he asked, "Did you see it below?"

"What?" was the duplicitous reply.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe a chest? Maybe a case? Something that might hold the staff?"

Immediately the Staff of the Warden came back to Rorin's mind and he, too, began to move about earnestly looking for something. Grimbeorn could not help but to join in and they even yelled down below to Esgalwen to search there.

:ooc:  I need a Search roll from all PC's. I am going to allow Arbogast and Bandy a roll, too, even though they are not yet back to the fort.
TN 16 search by PC

:ooc: Arbogast and Rorin both had successes. Since Arbogast is not yet in the keep and Rorin is, I am going to count the Dwarf's success as the one needed. Either way, the rolls were not enough to merit any AP.

---

The cocooned dead were cut free and then shoved to one side of the rounded chamber within the Millfort. The silk webs were pulled down and the companions found themselves covered in the sticky substance and so they eagerly tried to clean themselves as much as the room.

Rorin pushed through a curtain of the stuff, feeling his beard matted to his face and chest, but there it was - a Dwarven chest. His kin were cunning and the stone box looked as much part of the wall, as it did a storage chest. He reached for the old iron handle that would open the lid and it squealed in resistance. Applying more strength, Rorin pulled again and heard a pop of breaking metal but his efforts were a success. The metal hasp inside had cracked from age allowing the lid to now open with no challenge.

Bofri and the other companions were now all there beside him - Arbogast and Bandy having just arrived with the horses. Inside the now open chest was a gilded staff of beautiful Dwarven-make. It shone with a seeming light of its own as it sat atop a red-fabric, mottled with age. At the top of the Dwarf-chest was a smaller box, alongside several crumbling leather-bound ledgers. It was clasped closed but not locked. While Bofri reached for the Dwarf relic, Rorin opened the smaller chest revealing a stash of gold, silver and gems!

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/roadwarden_staff.png)

:ooc: The company just became richer to the tune of... coins and gems worth 20 points of Treasure (ten in gems, ten in gold and silver).

 :ooc: are we rolling on the treasure table?

:ooc: No need - you guys have 10 in gems and 10 in gold and silver

:ooc: I guess i should have had these things ready, too, when I posted, but I was working on them as I typed.

You guys also find in the smaller chest a gem of intricate cut that shines with an inner light and in the larger box, under the fabric an ancient bearded axe of Dwarf-make.

I am giving you guys the enchantments here, though you will need to activate them.


The Stone of Ardillon [pronounced Ar-di-LON]
A gem of intricate cut that shines with an inner light - enough to cast light out in a 5' radius around the holder. During subsequent Fellowship Phases where the owner has increased their Valour, they may instead apply the Reward by activating further powers of the gem.
1 increases - wielder may spend a point of Hope and cause the light to shine out 15' for one hour, or until dismissed. The light that shines will also serve as a bane to any Shadow creatures and reduce them by 1 Hate point while bathed in the light.

Axe of Mordinkai [pronounced Mor-din-Ki]
An exquisitely wrought long-hafted bearded-axe that was crafted by Mordekai of Belegost, during the First Age.
Damage 5 (1h) / 7 (2h); Edge :g: ; Injury 18 (1h) / 20 (2h); Enc 3
Bearded - If you roll a great or extraordinary success on an attack using a Bearded Axe, you may choose not to apply your Damage rating to smash your opponent's shield OR disarm him instead.
Cleaving - when you hit your target with this weapon blessed by this Quality, you deal additional loss of Endurance equal to your Valour to another creature engaging you in combat.
During subsequent Fellowship Phases where the owner has increased their Valour, they may instead apply the Reward by activating this additional power of the axe.
Superior Keen - This Quality reduces a weapon's Edge by 2

Bandy took no particular notice of the treasure. He knew that the objects were indeed precious, but assuming that this was a dwarven fort whether it had been vacant for five days or five centuries the dwarves would claim all within as their birthright. If that wasnt so Rorin, the Hobbit knew, would make sure he got a fair share. Best not to look to closely at the treasure or become desirious of it.

The halfling made a quick survey of the state of the building. He didnt believe that the spiders would let them be idle for long. The Halfling had lived through the siege at Mountain Hall and had learned much from the oral history and carvings of the Woodmen in Woodman-Hall. The Millfort would be their longhouse in the coming battle.

After taking a moment to think the Hobbit set about studying the area. The roof was gone, but the walls were mostly sound with few openings and the ground floor was dressed stone. The Hobbit figured then that the spiders would come from the top and sides, the ground would not betray them. Bandy doubted the spiders could tunnel like goblins.

Next he thought that were there was a mill there would be water. The first task he set himself was to find the mill source and see if fresh water could be got from inside the fort. The next task would be to see about dry wood. He determined to make piles of if in key places in case they needed to be set a lite to keep the beasts at bay.

While the others marveled at the treasure the little warrior set about preparing the defenses.

"Wardens staff or no the Spiders wont give a lick about the new master of the hall if we cant keep them out and let them know the rain has come to wash them out." Said the Hobbit to no one in particular.

Also not concerning herself with the treasures, Esgalwen watched as Bandy started preparations. The Hobbit had come far since she had first met him, but hadn't they all.

At his words, she asked, "Would it not be better to just leave this place? If the spiders do come back en masse, let them find an empty ruin. Yes? We can mount and ride west for the sun and fields, thus depriving them of their quarry. Let us set the location for our next meet with the dreadful creatures. We have found Bofri's road and his staff. Let us now go west and north and see about meeting Beorn and the troubles that face his people. Mayhaps we can also take in a pint at the inn of Bandy's folk."

"I am also so minded," Arbogast says.  "That which we came here to do is now done, and we can be many miles west of here before nightfall.  There, the spiders are both fewer and lesser than in the heart of the wood." 

It is not until he sets his shield down to rest his arm that he sees them - a set of Dwarf-wrought hinges that once held up a sturdy door, now cast unheeded upon the litter-strewn floor of the Millfort.  Though crafted perhaps in a prior Age, the passing of time and their long neglect has barely tarnished them, for their crafters made them to last until world's end.  He pulls one free from the vines and detritus and holds it up - it is identical to those that have long sat upon the face of Lafdag's shield. 


:ooc: Doug, are the stone and the axe intended for particular people, as per the Rivendell system?  If not, my vote is for Bandy to have the stone and Grimbeorn to take the axe.  Much good may it do the Dwarves, if we leave them here! 

As much as he would prefer to stand and fight these creatures, the Beorning knew his companions were right.  "I fear not what fell brood falls upon us but they will wait until deep in the night when we are most weary to strike.  We have braved a great spawn of the Light-Devourer and drove it off with our mere presence; that in itself is worthy of tale and song. Let us leave while we still can," said Grimbeorn.

:ooc: Based upon the description, Rorin or Bofri might do better with an axe of dwarven lineage.  Also, Grimbeorn's axe is better than that one  ;D

Bandy pulled upon the vines and choked weeds that blocked the water course while his friends spoke. When they began he tugged with all his might but as the commentary flowed his vigor grew less.

"Leave? Why would we leave?"

The Halfling let go of the slimy root he gripped.

"A shiny stick doesn't change the course of the wild. We came here to make a Road Warden, someone who would be a bulwark against the shadow and a thread that tied the people of Wilderland together. Who cares about a Warden if there is no road? We didn't come here to find a gilt stick, we came here to make the road a reality; no one will go from west to east because the staff has been found. They will make that journey because strong backs and sharp knives made it possible and the path clear."

"Esgalwen, if we are to ride west, and ride west, and ride west, when will there be a field free? My folk are to the west and though they are behind the Misty Mountains if no one fights the setting sun will darken their doors too."

"Fire-watcher, is there any doubt in your heart that any foe we pass now will not one day darken your door? When will the credit of fell deeds be spent and the dark shadow come to claim its due for half done chores? Do you know the ledger?"

"And to you Grimbeorn, son of Beorn; when have simple words ever fought off the shadow? I swore that I would come with you to fight the enemies of your people, but having seen this terror squatting here how can we in good faith leave it to it's own wishes and say we faced it?"

"No friends, I'm afraid. More afraid than when the spirits of the barrows came after us, but here is a real foe. One that sleeps, speaks, and eats. Here, in the Millfort, is a fight, but one that arrow, blade, and axe can influence."

The Hobbit looked small to his friends, covered in sweat, washed in the grime of searching, but his heart was laid bare. "A foretelling is upon me. If we do not face this fight then not only will this road grow dark again, but so will all the doors we call home, where ever they are."

The Halfling rubbed his dirty hands on his breeches until the suntanned backs of his hands stood in stark contrast to his palms, his unwashed cheeks starting to show the tracks of tears. He rubbed the cloak pin at his breast until the metal gleamed and passing a hand across his nose he spoke again,"does the Fellowship disagree? I wont stay without my friends."

Arbogast listens carefully to his friend, for not lightly does the Hobbit put forth such warlike words. 

"Well do I mark you, Bandobras Bracegirdle, and no fault can I find with your desire to see the road free from foes.  Yet, if you would hear my counsel, then it is for patience and discretion."

He kneels down, bringing himself eye to eye with Bandy.  "You are no fool, to believe that we few might fight such a battle as would drive the great spiders from the realm that has long been theirs.  That war will be fought over many years, nor by us alone."

"When the staff of the Warden is brought forth, it will be a sign for others to join our endeavour - not least to the folk of Rorin and Bofri!" 

"We may fight a grim battle here, perhaps even at the cost of many lives.  What then?  This is no fit home even for us, accustomed as we are to the hardships of the Wild.  Shall those of us who survive abide here forever more?  For if they do not, then the spiders will surely return.  And what then of our hopes for the road?"

"I do not doubt your desire to see the Shadow beaten back, and a small taste of the comforts of your homeland brought forth beneath the trees.  But to your plan I must say 'nay'.  Let us retreat from a battle we need not fight, for such is, in its way, every bit as honourable as victory." 

"Then let word of the Warden's return go forth to all the Free Peoples, that we might return with masons and woodwrights to restore the forts, and stout-hearted warriors to hold them and to beat their drums from one end of the road to the other.  Then will we have the victory that we seek."

He places a gentle hand on his companion's shoulder.  "I have come to understand that the Enemy makes his plans across years and generations.  So must we, if we are to triumph in the end."

The Hobbit simply nodded his acceptance and stopped trying to free the water course. Instead he moved to his pony and started checking on the straps. In his heart he doubted Bofri would be the Road Warden that Arbogast spoke of. All he saw was a fat old dwarf that seemed to care more for the title of Road Warden then actually being one. That opinion was largely based upon his unwillingness to help with the Orcs. Had he done so his opinion would have been higher, and perhaps those same men he helped would have been the begining of a garrison for the fort.

"Then there is no reason to tarry, another minor victory surely must be needed elsewhere. We pledged ourselves to help our friend Grimbeorn, and it appears that that task now has come to the fore."

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 21, 2016, 01:43 PM:ooc: Doug, are the stone and the axe intended for particular people, as per the Rivendell system?  If not, my vote is for Bandy to have the stone and Grimbeorn to take the axe.  Much good may it do the Dwarves, if we leave them here!

:ooc: Hey Paul - no. The items are there for the taking.

Bofri seems to pay no mind to anything but the staff, and if asked, he will dismiss the other items to any who wish to claim. Rorin may differ - we will have to see what Steve does.

---

Esgalwen felt sudden shame. Her diminutive companion would stand and face the spiders, where as she had proposed to retreat from their newly gained keep. She had listened to Arbogast, Grimbeorn, and even measured her own words, but none held the passion of that of the Hobbit. Maybe it was Bandy's plea for strength, or maybe it was her Dúnadan blood that swayed her - either way, she took a change of heart. Long had her folk stood against the Shadow of the Mordor and that included all of his minions.

"Let it not be said that wisdom may only be found within the ancient halls of Minas Tirith, or those of Rivendell. I am moved by all of you but Bandy changes my heart. Why should we retreat from our new found gains? What if we made a stand and drove the creatures out? This small gain will be just another pebble before the avalanche - the avalanche that will roar through the breadth of Mirkwood. As in Gondor, the Shadow shall know that we stand to resist him and that we will not falter, lest all the world ends with us!

"Do not get me wrong, Arbogast - we shared the same mind. But surely it comes to the point where we must draw the line. For Gondor it is Ithilien, where my fellow Rangers keep vigil night and day. Let this keep and this road be our place. As Bandy says, it could be the turning point. The moment that the Woodmen of the Vale hear of and thus bind their efforts as one."

She looked at Bofri, who studied his newfound staff, "Surely the Dwarves will mark it as the day that their earthworks were once more reclaimed. Is that not so, Bofri?"

His thoughts interrupted, the Dwarf turned to the conversation, "Why, yes! This could be the day - er, or night - that the Dwarf Road is once more the primary passage through Mirkwood, and those of the Shadow will fear it and the Roadwarden who keeps it!"

Esgalwen made a slight face at Bofri's late attempt at bravado, but still he spoke his mind.

"As Bandy says, I will do what the Company wishes, but let us at least hold more council on our decision here. If we are correct, we have until nightfall before the spiders might make an attack and that is several hours away."

:ooc: Esgalwen is going to make an Inspire to aid in her newfound desire to stand with Bandy.
TN 14 Inspire 2d, Noble lineage - may roll feat die twice and take better

:ooc: Holy crap! I think Esgalwen just made every one have an orgasm!!  (-D

Arbogast considers the Ranger's words.  In his heart, he is torn between caution and the careful husbanding of resources - and the desire to avoid the dangers that may leave his children fatherless - and the knowledge that the forces of the Shadow wax about them.  Madness has taken the Lord of the Sunstead.  The orcs of the Misty Mountains grow bolder in their raids.  The very waters of his home have turned against his people.  Perhaps it is time for the Enemy to find himself on the receiving end of an unanticipated blow - one that will force a reconsideration of his strategy of slow smothering and give hope to the folk of Wilderland. 

He raises his eyebrows and cocks his head, then likewise shines his cloak-pin.  "Where our fellowship stands, there I shall stand.  Where it falls, there I shall fall." 


:ooc: Quick question for Doug again: is the Axe of Mordinkai long-hafted?  If so, I'll gladly claim it as my share of the treasure.  If not, then I can't use it effectively.  In that case, we might make a gift of it to someone's people. 

If nobody is interested in the Stone, then Grimbeorn undoubtedly knows enough Spider-Lore to know that many of the larger beasts like to consume the light and beauty from gemstones.  We could use it as a diversion if we wind up being hard-pressed in the fort. 

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 22, 2016, 02:23 PM:ooc: Quick question for Doug again: is the Axe of Mordinkai long-hafted?  If so, I'll gladly claim it as my share of the treasure.  If not, then I can't use it effectively.  In that case, we might make a gift of it to someone's people.  

If nobody is interested in the Stone, then Grimbeorn undoubtedly knows enough Spider-Lore to know that many of the larger beasts like to consume the light and beauty from gemstones.  We could use it as a diversion if we wind up being hard-pressed in the fort.

:ooc: Yes, it is now.  ;)

Making a treasure that no one can use, and thus want, was kind of counter productive. So, I corrected the axe...not sure if Grimbeorn or Arbogast will be interested. Rorin uses a Hammer.

Esgalwen would be interested in the gem, but I do not want to take it, since she is an NPC. I figured someone else might like it - but if it is just going to be spider bait, she'd be interested.

I did update the gem, too, so that it is not so costly to make it worthwhile.

 :ooc: i was going to see if the elves could do something similiar to my sword so I'm willing to take the gem. Maybe Rorin can set it into my sword....

 :ooc: that works

As the companions discuss the wisdom of battle versus flight, Arbogast's gaze is drawn once and again to the axe lying in the stone chest.  It is a finely-wrought weapon, bearing the distinctive marks of Dwarven craftsmanship - darkened steel with a fine inlay - and a blonde-wood haft that comes of no tree that the Woodman recognises.  Like the door-hinges, it shows no sign of corruption or corrosion, and he is certain that its edge is still sharp.  Bathed in the soft light of the glowing stone, it is a tempting sight for any warrior.  

(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m51/eclecticon/Bearded%20axe.png)

He reaches into the chest, pulling out both objects.  The stone he hands to Bandy, with the reverence due to an object of such rare beauty.  The axe he raises in his hand.  

"An no other have a claim to it, this I will bear," he nods at the Hobbit, "in defence of my kinfolk and my friends."  



:ooc:  Cheers for the clarification.  One last thing - from your description, it's a bearded axe.  I'm guessing that it doesn't have the mechanical benefit of the Woodmen's cultural reward (p 118)?  

Arbogast won't take a share of the coins and gems, so that's now a four-way split.  Enjoy, guys!

"Now that we've had words of courage," said Grimbeorn, nodding to Esgalwen, " and fire of defiance," nodding to Bandy, "I will address the reality of our situation."

"We are in a broken down building a no small distance into the wood from refuge or aid. This place has many breaches that we'd be hard-pressed to fortify.  We could do what we can to funnel those breaches to us, but that only addresses the smaller brood.  There are larger of this kind that would remain outside waiting for us to ride or run if we be overwhelmed.  Then there is her Majesty that we just met to contend with."

"I doubt that many of you feel the same as I do about these creatures, so talk of leaving this place goes against my heart and pride, but that is the counsel I felt needed saying regardless of what our next task is."

Grimbeorn seldom spoke so many words together at once, so when he did it was important to listen to them.

"The strongest and stoutest among the folk who dwell in or near these woods have spoken. To refute their council in their own lands would be folly, but the time must come soon when stop pin pricking the enemies around us and strike a blow. The White Wizard told me over the winter that the time of a great war was drawing upon us. The wise of his order need the time and the space to marshal their strength and prepare for the coming blow. I am afraid that when the Elders of the Woodmen failed to act, then that task fell to us. For who else in the Vales of Anduin is as far traveled as we, or have seen the troubles of this land? Perhaps I am taking on too great a task or too great a weight for what it is that we can accomplish. I am not trained in the arts of war and know only the fell deeds that I have been a part of. The Hobbit in me rises to the chance to sample the renowned honey cakes of Beorn the Great, so if we are to leave then let us do so quickly before all this debate is for naught."

"We have yet to hear the counsel and thought of our guide on the path forward.  Bofri, what say you?" queried Grimbeorn.

All eyes turn towards Bofri, whose silence has not gone unnoticed. 

 :ooc: sorry for the delays - holiday and then spent rest of weekend finishing chores.

As for Bofri, he did speak up...

QuoteHis thoughts interrupted, the Dwarf turned to the conversation, "Why, yes! This could be the day - er, or night - that the Dwarf Road is once more the primary passage through Mirkwood, and those of the Shadow will fear it and the Roadwarden that keeps it!"

:ooc: Not a problem - we have to make allowances for your quaint north American traditions.  :p

 :ooc: damn straight. We had to shoot guns, eat enough food for three people and trample each other for crappy sales. It's how we give thanks for being the elect nation of a diety we can no longer publicly talk about.

:ooc: Indeed, the favour of Cthulhu is a wondrous and terrible thing. 

So, to recap, are we for staying or going?  Esgalwen has made a passionate plea for staying, and Bandy was all fired up to kill and kill again before Arbogast got all reasonable at him.  Arbogast is now equivocal - he can see the merits and flaws of both positions - but he won't argue against whatever the Fellowship decides.  Bofri seems to also be for staying, though his heart may not be in it to the extent that ours are. 

Rorin?  Grimbeorn?

Accurate summary.

Grimbeorn looked around at the resolve on his companions' faces.  "Looks like we better get to work."

"Perhaps a compromise. Let us stay the course for a night then and face what may to show our resolve and leave in the morning."

:ooc: I added a player poll.

I voted for Esgalwen. Bofri is considered a YES, so the poll is adjusted.

[EDIT] Ignore the poll, if you want. With Grimbeorn giving the affirmative, even if Rorin says NO, the count falls towards staying. I will have a new post up later today.

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 22, 2016, 07:22 PM:ooc: One last thing - from your description, it's a bearded axe.  I'm guessing that it doesn't have the mechanical benefit of the Woodmen's cultural reward (p 118)?

:ooc: I forgot to answer this, Paul...

Yes, it does.

:ooc: Ooh, sweet!  (Not exactly kosher, rules-wise, but I'm not going to quibble!)

 :ooc: the way I see it, a bearded axe is a bearded axe - not sure there would be much difference between any two.

I would think functionality would be the same.