CHAPTER 8 – Home Fires Burning
Interludes: She raised her head in the morning and still the nightmare was real. The bed chamber was not her own. The linens. The clothes. The man beside her was not her own. None of that existed anymore. If only she had a knife. Cold and cruel, one swift stroke would free her from her bounds... but that was not to be either. He would allow her no such implements for any use, because he knew he possessed what he did by the thinnest of threads. He had stole what he wanted and there were none left to contest him. She laid her head back down with a sigh and wondered what this day would bring.
Setting: The Company has been taken by a large group of Dunlending warriors on the northern border of Eregion. Their fate is unknown to them but still they hold onto hope.
Scene 1 - Whispers on the Wind
Days 55-57 April 27-April 29, Northern Eregion amongst the Dunmen
The rain had begun to fall not long after the Dunlendings had taken their captives, and so the companions marched along miserable from the situation as well as the weather. They were not bound but they were kept huddled together, and talk was not allowed; any attempts were quickly followed by the haft of a spear to the back. So, they could not even try to communicate to their captors as to who, why, or where. All they knew is that after the long trek down and out of the valley, they turned west to march along the southern skirts of the spur that branched from the Misty Mountains.
The day of the Orc attack passed by wet and gloomy; the following began no better. Soaked to the bone, and some still wounded from the poisoned arrows or Orc blades, each member of the Company dealt with their own private hell, made worse because they were not allowed to talk to one another. Camp was broken quickly and the wild Men continued to drive them on their westerly course.
Dirnhael and Durgil watched as they traveled, each taking an account of their situation. The horses were still with them along with their gear. Their weapons were somewhere but each was comforted by the thought that they were still here.
The Dunmen were uncouth and barbaric in their nature compared to what the Dúnedain and Elves were used to, although Fengel had seen their like in his youth, in the Easterlings that always imposed on his people's lands. They gave the companions little of the food that they had (even out of the Company's own stores) and even less water. It was fortunate that rain fell from the sky, for the Company out of Fornost need only tilt their head back to slake any thirst.
They marched until the day darkened into night before the Dunmen let up, and then, like the night before, they all just fell out into a circular gathering and slept where they lay - no cover, no blanket, and no fire. Still, some of the Dunlending warriors remained awake; to keep an eye on their captives, as well as the night surrounding.
It was during this second night that Dirnhael first heard it... singing echoed in the sighing wind. As he listened he was filled with a great sadness and an unease as if he and his companions, along with those who dragged them west, were being watched. It was a feeling that the Dúnadan did not like.
OOC: Okay... welcome to Chapter 8! ;D
I am going to need the following tests, some for all of the characters, some just for those who are wounded:
All the characters need to roll a Stamina test to resist Weariness for the two days march thus far. The test TN is a base 10, modified by any wound penalty and also for overland travel and sleeping in the rough penalties (See House Rules thread). So, to the base 10 goes a +2 for Rough Terrain, +2 for all the sleeping penalties... so that equates to a +10.
So this Stamina test for all characters is a TN 22 - any success yields no results; a Failure suffers -1 Weariness level, a Complete Failure yields -2 Weariness Levels, and -3 for a Disastrous Failure.
Wounded Characters after making the Stamina test for Weariness, need to make another Stamina test to avoid getting sick or their wounds infected. The TN will be factored based upon the number of Wound Levels the character has suffered in the battle:
TN 7 for any damage in first wound level
TN 12 for any damage in second wound level
TN 17 for any damage in third wound level
This test will be affected by any weariness penalty, plus any wound level penalty and finally by an unkown factor of -2.
After the test results are determined, I will continue the narrative. Nain of course is not immune to these tests as he too is wounded and he was surrounded by the men. But he will not be affected by the overland travel penalties or all of the sleeping penalties.
Feel free to add any narrative for your characters that you would like, but remember, talking is quelled by a quick whack of a spear haft.
OOC: Will we regain spent Courage from the previous chapter? And are we regaining 1 pt / day as well?
Day 1
--------
TN 22 Stamina #1: (6+5)+3+3 Courage -1 = 16 COMPLETE FAILURE (-2 Weariness levels)
TN 12 Stamina #2: (4+4)+3+3 Courage -5 = 9 FAILURE
Day 2 *****UNNECESSARY*****
--------
TN 22 Stamina #1: (6+3)+3-1=11 DISASTROUS FAILURE (-3 Weariness Levels)
TN 12 Stamina #2: (6+3)+3-7=5 COMPLETE FAILURE
The going was miserable for Durgil -- the wounds he sustained from the encounter with the orcs were taking their toll on him. He did his best to put on his game face for the first day, but on the second with conditions not changing for the better, he was slipping away yet he gritted his teeth and didn't complain. If no one else noticed his discomfort, Rochithuin did and she her best to comfort him with a nuzzle here and there.
Once along the path, she stumbled with a rock in her shoe. Unfazed and uncaring for the menacing looks and harsh mutterings in a foreign tongue abound, he set to work to help her, glad to have something other than the pain and road on his mind. If she could make it to wherever their destination may be, then he may have a chance as well.
OOC: Hey Matt,
Characters recover 1 Courage per game day - so it has been two days hard march and thus two courage back. Even though it was the end of the chapter and EXP was distributed (which I still need to upload that edited page), the rule holds on Courage... and since our game just keeps flowing to the next day, Durgil gets back 2, but then spends 1 for the above tests. ;D
I am going to allow no healing during the hard march... no one is getting good rest, food, or care. Edrahil is not allowed to help anyone... sorry. :(
The Character status board have been uploaded tonight with the current status.
Finally, when you look at your post, you see I made one set of tests unnecessary. The two tests required were for the first and second days march - 1 set of tests for both days, not a set of tests needed for both days.
OOC: Is the TN any different for an Elf as we don't need nearly as much sleep?
Stamina to resist weariness: TN 22
+3Stamina; +4 Tireless
Roll(2d6)+3: 4,3,+7 Total:14 +3 Courage = 17 FAILURE (-1 Weariness level)
Stamina to resist infection: TN 7
Roll(2d6)+3: 4,1,+3 Total:8 - 2=6 +3 Courage = 9 SUCCESS
Fengel could feel the road begining to take its toll on his body, and though the rain was a burden it quenched his thirst. "Their captives were not very good hosts", he thought with a chuckle. This hard march was not what they needed after the battle with the orcs and he feared for the others who suffered more wounds. As he walked alongside Dirnhael he watched to see how he was doing. He was determined to give aid to any of his comnpanions to see them through this trek.
After the men are lead off by the other humans Nain walks back down to the campsite and bandages the wounds that he received in the fight against the orcs as best he could. He then packs up the campsite (no point in leaving the stuff lying out to get rained on), Puts what he can on Jethro and stashes the rest where it will be safe and dry in case they come back for it.
Once everything is packed and the fire is put out he mounts Jethro and turns him toward Moria and gives him a kick. The horse doesn't move. Nain kicks him again with the same affect.
"They're with other humans, we don't have to watch them anymore."
Jethro turns and gives Nain a look and then snorts.
"They can handle themselves, And besides, they aren't even going in the right direction. The mines are this way."
Jethro begins eating some grass near the rocks covering the hidden camping equipment.
"We're not going to catch up with them now. We probably won't even be able to find their trail. We'll end up getting lost and wandering this barren land till we both starve."
This time Jethro lifts his head once again, Grass sprouting from the corners of his mouth on both sides, with something akin to a smirk.
"Ok FINE! Have it your way, but we're going to get there and they'll not even need us, you'll see.
He turns and Jethro quickly trots up to the path that's been left by the horses that the men were riding. The sheer number of them makes the path that they leave to obvious that a blind human could follow it.
"Not a word, or the next stop will be the glue works"
With a snort Jethro begins walking down the trail after the horsemen. They make good time, not stopping for anything but to sleep.
OOC: Rolls
Healing (2d6)+1: 5,3 +1 = 9 (probably wont help but worth a try.)
Stamina (2d6)+4: 5,4 +4 +2 (Hardiness of Body) = 15 +3 (1 Pt. Courage) =18 Failure (-1 wariness level)
Stamina (2d6)+4: 3,1 +4 +6 (healthy) -1 (wariness) = 13 Success.
Tracking (2d6)+1: 6,5 +1 = 12 (Again probably wont help but worth a try.)
Stamina test for Travel (TN 22): Stamina +3, Tireless +4, Hardy edge negates Dazed injury penalty = +7
Roll(2d6)+7:5,1,+7 Total:13 - FAIL
Stamina test to avoid infection (TN 12): Stamina +3, -2 Weariness
Roll(2d6)+1:5,3,+1 Total:9 - FAIL
OOC: Dirnhael will use 1 Courage point to pass with a 12.
***
The travel was long, hard and thoroughly unenjoyable. At least they were not bound, Dirnhael thought - some small mercy. His wounds ached and his body fatigued and he saw that he was not alone.
When the group had came to a rest, Dirnhael tried to communicate with their captors while looking as unimposing as possible.
With hands open, he gently pointed at one of the wounds the Orcs had given him with their arrows and offered his best hangdog look. He also pointed at Durgil, whose pale look concerned him, and said simply, "sick".
He quickly pointed over to Edrahil and said, "Heal?" Pointing back at his own wound, he motioned back and forth between himself and Edrahil, drawing an imaginary line between his stately friend and his wound.
"Elf fix?"
OOC: By the way -- great post, Stefan!
Hollywood would be proud.
Throughout the journey, Edrahil had been keeping an eye on both Durgil and Dirnhael, noting that their wounds were unlikely to heal without rest and proper care. In response to Dirnhael's awkward request of their captors, the elf stood and moved to the Dunadan, examining his wound more closely. Satisfied that it was not life-threatening (although it could use a better dressing), Edrahil turned to the Dunlendings, indicating with his hand towards Durgil. "He's correct. This one is sick, and could die if his wounds are not tended." While Edrahil didn't believe that Durgil was in that sort of danger yet, he hoped that their captors wanted to keep them all alive at the very least.
OOC: Brian the dwarf isn't with us, Durgil and Dirnhael are both human.
Quote from: Wiseman on Jun 29, 2006, 08:29 AM
OOC: Brian the dwarf isn't with us, Durgil and Dirnhael are both human.
Doh! Newbie mistake :-[ ... corrected above.
Quote from: Wiseman on Jun 29, 2006, 02:03 AMOOC: Is the TN any different for an Elf as we don't need nearly as much sleep?
OOC: Hey Shawn, I have read through the CRB and there is no mention that Elves are treated any differently in Stamina tests to reduce weariness above and beyond the Racial bonuses that they may get. So, no... Seriand and Edrahil are subject to the same, except I will take away the +2 to TN for not getting good sleep - the TN you'll need to beat is 20.
OOC I'm not sure I completely understand how the dice rolling mechanic is done in this game. Are people rolling on their own and then reporting the result in a post?
Thanks,
Brian
Quote from: BrianM on Jun 29, 2006, 10:19 AMOOC I'm not sure I completely understand how the dice rolling mechanic is done in this game. Are people rolling on their own and then reporting the result in a post?
OOC: Hey Brian, there is a dice roller on our page here at the top of your screen. You need to click it twice... not double click... but click it once, than twice (something that I had to jerry rig with the html ???).
Anyway, that should open a small window that you can roll your dice with and then copy and paste the results please. Obviously, we are on an honour system here but everyone has been very good about not flubbing any rolls. The games integrity stems from its players! It's very cool.
I prefer the tests to be written up as such, and seperate from your narratives:
Stamina Test TN 22Stamina +3, Tireless +4
Roll(2d6)+7: 6,4,+7 Total:17
[OOC]
Cool! It says a lot about the players in this game when you rely on them to post the results of rolls. I am really looking forward to participating in this group. :)
That being said, my first ever random roll is a pretty good one ...
Stamina Test TN 20
Stamina+2, Tireless +4
Roll(2d6)+6: 6,5,+6 Total:17
Edrahil will spend a point of Courage to add 3 and bring the total to 20, for a Success.
[IC]
Despite the weather and the conditions of the journey, Edrahil quickly recovered from the weariness he felt as a result of the battle. He was more concerned with the condition of his wounded companions, who seemed to be suffering more and more the further they went. His frustration was very near to boiling over. If only these ignorant barbarians would let him tend to his friends.
[OOC] the paragraph above should likely come before the first one I sent (when Edrahil looks at Dirnhael's arm)
Stamina TN 20:
Roll(2d6)+6: 4,5,+2 +4 Tireless +3 courage Total:18 (Failure -1 wariness level)
The lack of rest wasn't getting to Seriand as much as it was to his comrades. However, the continuous marching was quickly taking its toll on him, just like everyone else. Trudging through the rain and mud was not the way to accomplish his goal of discovering the minions of Sauron and the dark lord himself.
These men were not like the other humans, the Dunlanders he had never met, but the lore was accurate. A barbaric group of thugs and bullies.
It was as he was thinking about their visit to Rivendell that the others made their first concerted attempt to communicate to their captors, and Seriand merely shook his head at the futility of it all, they would receive a sharp smack for their attempts...
Two Dunlending spearmen looked at Edrahil, as he attempted to move over to Durgil to administer aid, the tips of their weapons barring his way. They shared blank looks as Dirnhael and the Sindar tried to explain the needs of the wounded individuals in the Company, and though there was some recognition of what was being said, their demeanour did not change.
Not far away, the claw-faced chieftain took notice of the exchange between his warriors and the captives in the gathering dusk, and he tiredly stood and half-ran to the group. The Dunlending spearmen spoke quickly to their commander and he looked Durgil over, as well as Dirnhael. He reached down to Dirnhael and grabbed him by his hauberk, hauling him to his feet – the Dúnadan stood taller than his aggressor, but the Dunmen was wider across the shoulder. Holding Dirnhael close, the chieftain looked at his wounds that still bled in places and looked raw and unclean, but he could easily see that they were non-threatening. Durgil on the other hand was pale, and looked far more worse.
The chieftain let go of Dirnhael and looked at Edrahil and then pointed to Durgil. In his strange tongue he said something to the Elf and then turned away. Edrahil realized that permission must have been granted as the two spearmen backed away, but remained on guard.
Not needing anymore incentive, Edrahil went to Durgil's side and immediately began to tend the Dúnadan. He looked grave of face as he looked at the wounds and felt that Durgil was warm with fever. That made the Sindar even more concerned, for though they had found a medicine to quell the sickness that had spread across the north, the sickness was still very prevalent and very deadly. What was worse was that Edrahil had none of the flower Ephanial with him. He kept his thoughts to himself, so as not to spread fear in the young man or Dirnhael who looked on, but Edrahil would watch his charge to make sure that the blight did not take another of his friends.
While Edrahil and Dirnhael worked, Fengel and Seriand sat close by trying to rest. The wind blew cool across the camp and the Éothraim was sure that he heard singing. It was faint but it was there. Wasn't it? He shook his head to see if he could chase away any weariness that might be playing with his senses, and it seemed to work. He laid his head back and began to drift off...
Not far from the Dunlending encampment, Nain slid out of his saddle and tied Jethro off to a small scrub plant. It had not been as challenging as he thought it would be to follow after his friends. In fact, the path left by the marching men and horses in the soft spring ground was as clear as needed. The only thing he did not know was how far ahead of him they were, and where they were going too. All he knew right now was that he was being led west and Khazad-dûm was in the opposite direction.
Nain shook his own head because it seemed a small insect whined into his ear... almost sounded as if it were singing!
OOC: The group will stay encamped for the second night... let me know any actions you would like to do.
I will need the following tests from Edrahil:
Dirnhael Healing Test TN 15
Durgil Healing Test TN 15
Fengel Healing TN 10
Self Healing TN 10
Each test will be at a –5 due to inferior equipment, and –3 for dim light. I will determine any results based on DOS. Each test will take 1 hour for TN 15's and ½ hour for TN 10's reduced based on DOS. Edrahil will need to make another Stamina test TN 15 or suffer more weariness based on DOS (-1 for Failure, -2 for Complete, etc.)
**DOS is Degree of Success for our new players
I also would like Dirnhael to roll me an Opposed Bearing test to the Dunlending Cheiftain. His roll is Roll(2d6)+1: 3,1,+1 Total:5
[OOC] Healing Tests
All Healing tests: base skill +8, Healing Hands +5, inferior equipment -5, dim light -3
Edrahil performs the healing tests in the following order:
Durgil Healing Test TN 15
Roll(2d6)+5: 2,6,+5 Total:13 *spend final Courage point for +3 Total:16
Dirnhael Healing Test TN 15
Roll(2d6)+5: 4,5,+5 Total:14 :(
Fengel Healing TN 10
Roll(2d6)+5: 1,4,+5 Total:10
Self Healing TN 10
Roll(2d6)+5: 4,5,+5 Total:14
Stamina Test TN 15
Stamina+2, Tireless +4
Roll(2d6)+6: 6,5,+6 Total:17
[IC]
Edrahil spent several hours working his craft on the wounds of his comrades. He had decided not to invoke a spell, convinced that the use of magic might provoke the Dunmen's superstitions and jeopardize his chances of helping the others. Instead he relied solely on his training in the healing arts.
Satisfied that Durgil's condition would not worsen, he tried to assist Dirnhael, but had trouble properly binding the wounds of the tall Dunadan. "I fear I have assisted you very little, my friend. These conditions are not favourable." Fengel's wounds proved an easier task, and the warrior was resting comfortably when the elf was done.
After he had done all he could for his friends, Edrahil saw to his own minor wound, which required only cleansing and a new dressing. When done, he seated himself where he could monitor the others. Durgil seemed comfortable enough, but the elf was worried about his inability to help Dirnhael.
OOC: I also would like Dirnhael to roll me an Opposed Bearing test to the Dunlending Cheiftain. His roll is Roll(2d6)+1: 3,1,+1 Total:5
This is from above... just waiting on the roll to get the cheiftain's disposition.
Thanks
Unbeknownst to the Dwarf, or the Dunlendings and their captives, another watched in the early night, looking down upon the wild men's hasty encampment. He had been following them for some time now, but had been intrigued when they set upon the Elves, Dwarf and Men. Now the Dwarf was a mile or two away and he was wondering what to do about the current situation.
If he left now to get aid, he would lose the trail. He needed to find the Dunlendings permanent camp - the place they were issuing forth for raids into the lowlands and taking from the Cardolan farmer's flocks. But he was not capable exacting any rescue of these captured folk... then again, why should he? What was in it for him?
Nothing that he could see at the moment, so instead he would wait. Wait and watch.
Galudir peered over the crest of the slight hill into the Dunlendings' camp. The edge of the camp's torch light flickered before him as he strained his eyes and ears to perceive the motions and speech of the warriors and their prisoners. The Dunlending's strange language was lost on Galudir, so he abandoned the effort for the night. Galudir followed a straight line to his own camp. Thinking better not to light a fire, he bundled himself in his blanket for warmth. Tomorrow would be another day of tracking, perhaps the Dunlending's settlement was not far off so that Galudir could return to his own company and collect his pay from the wranglers. If a profit was to be made from the prisoners, only fate could know.
Quote from: tomcat on Jul 04, 2006, 08:02 AM
OOC: I also would like Dirnhael to roll me an Opposed Bearing test to the Dunlending Cheiftain. His roll is Roll(2d6)+1: 3,1,+1 Total:5
This is from above... just waiting on the roll to get the cheiftain's disposition.
Thanks
Bearing Roll (TN 5) +3
Roll(2d6)+3:1,3,+3 Total:7
OOC: Not a pretty roll, but I guess it'll do...