RPG.avioc.org

SPRING TO EARLY SUMMER - APRIL THROUGH MAY YEAR 2952 T.A.

I give you open forum to write up your characters' / the party's activities (undertakings) through these spring months.

Each PC will earn the number of AP equal to what is checked off on their sheet plus 3

Each PC will earn 6 XP.

The FELLOWSHIP has a pool of 7 to allocate, plus you get 1 point for free if your Fellowship Focus was not wounded. I think Bandy is most people's focus, so you all should be good. Remember, Esgalwen does not get to take from the pool, though she adds to it. She only gets her 1 point back for her Focus.


The Company plan as was set out:

1) you guys will help Bofri scout the western route of the old Dwarf Road and find this staff of the warden [DONE]
2) circle round the south end of Mirkwood to come to the Toft
3) potentially help Mogdred in any attacks against the Blood Moon Raiders
4) head north to the Beornings and aid them in the border issues

Ongoing issues:

1) Duskwater is missing and the River Maidens no longer aid the folk of the river and Tarn. Radagast fears she has been poisoned by the Shadow
2) Gandalf has flown you all north

NO Holdings roll necessary right now. I am just leaving the following details for future FELLOWSHIPS to cut and paste.


• if the die roll result is equal to or less than the Holding's rating, you earned enough income to keep your PC's current standard of living.

• if the roll is greater than the rating, the PC gains his standard of living and treasure equal to the difference of the die roll and the rating.

• if the roll is :g:, the PC earns his standard of living and the rating of the holding is reduced by 1 due to some good fortune.

• if the roll is :~~:, the holding suffers some disaster of misfortune. If the hero does not take action the next Fellowship Phase, the holding may be destroyed, or have its rating increased.

:ooc: Esgalwen will spend points:

14 XP to go to longsword 4d (at last!!) / PC CUMULATIVE TOTAL 60

8 AP to go to Awe 2d (not favoured) / PC CUMULATIVE TOTAL 86

She gets back 1 HOPE to 10

Finally, she was not wounded so I have restored her to 27 END

 :ooc: Did you remember Twice-baked Honeycakes for the extra +1 Fellowship?  Also where "north" were we taken?

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jan 06, 2017, 08:21 AM:ooc: Did you remember Twice-baked Honeycakes for the extra +1 Fellowship?  Also where "north" were we taken?

:ooc: Again I forgot your tasty cakes, Matt!  ;D I will edit the post above to include the +1.

As for where, that is currently being written - I should have that post up sometime today.

By my count
XP: 8
ADV 14

spending 8 ADV to go to Battle 2

XP8
ADV 6

:ooc: I'm spending 12 AP to bring Riddle up to 3 and 10 XP to bring Wisdom up to 4. For my Virtue I'll choose Expertise and make Inspire a favoured skill.  I think recent events have given Arbogast plenty to reflect on on the subject of motivating others, but it'll take him some time to grow into his potential.  In the meantime, he's had some important experience in hiding his identity and intentions. 

I'll add some narration once I know more details... like where we are.

 :ooc:  Tom, I updated your sheet.  :csu:

 :ooc: Grimbeorn increases...
Lore +1 (Cost 6AP, Remaining 2AP)
Valour +1 (Cost 10XP, Remaining 3XP)

I haven't decided upon the effect of increasing Valour yet as some of the options I'm thinking of are dependent upon where we end up.
Character sheet updated  :csu:

I couldnt add the Reward from last time. Kings Blade.

:ooc: you might need to log back in?

I added the King's blade info.

:ooc: I've somewhat belatedly taken an AP off my sheet, since Arbogast's treatment of Grimbeorn's wounds retroactively didn't happen.  :csu:

 :ooc:

16 XP
   Hammer 4->5
   4 XP remain
12 AP
   Awe 0->2
   8 AP remain

As for what I'm doing, I'll also wait until we have more details.

:ooc: I will have a post up tonight.

:ooc: There's still two points of Fellowship going begging.  Rorin is down to 6 Hope and Grimbeorn to 8, so they're both strong contenders (nota bene: I'm not sure whether this includes points recovered since the end of the last fight).  Arbogast is sitting on 12, four down from his maximum, but I don't think he needs it the way you guys do. 

I'm cool with that.

 :ooc:

Rorin certainly won't turn down some Hope.

 :ooc: Nor would Grimbeorn.

:ooc: Cool.  Take one each out of petty cash.

:ooc: Sorry, guys!

Give me until tomorrow. I was on vacation last week and that is why I was able to get so much game time in, but I just spent a hell day at work catching up after the time off. It all fell at year-end, which added another dimension.

In any case, I am sitting here with a headache and not wanting to look at a PC screen. So, I will have the Fellowship update done in the morning. I will try and have it up and posted before you go to bed, Paul.

:ooc: Don't knock yourself out.  What with my insomniac kids, I go to bed really late these days.  :)

Bandy awoke to see the sun falling over the Misty Mountains to the west. The momentary shock of seeing the sea of green below him and being high in the sky set the Hobbit's heart apace. The eagles had flown them through the entirety of the day. Bandy had been so weary from being up the better part of the night prior and then engaging in battle - he had fallen asleep within the clutching talons. Looking around, he could see the other giant birds carrying his companions and each of them were also taking advantage of sleep.

To the best of Bandy's knowledge, they had been flying north and east. He remembered seeing mountains rise from the bounds of the wood and he knew that that must have been the Mountains of Mirkwood.  A jumble of fir-covered, low-lying hills in the western part of the central forest rose to reach greater heights in the east, together forming a range nearly one hundred miles in length. It was these mountains that during the Second Age was home to the Silvan Elves, who knew the range as the Emyn Duir, the Dark Mountains.

The mountain range had passed on their right, so Bandy knew that the were heading north-east. With the fading of day, he cast his gaze downwards and he saw a long fiery length of water, which reflected the day's remaining sunlight. It was a long lake...Long Lake! The eagles were taking them to... Dale? Erebor?

As if they could read his thoughts, the giant birds twitched the feathers at the end of their great wingspans and as a group began to circle down. The forest began to rush up towards them and Bandy heard a cry from Esgalwen - the woman had awoken due to the change in flight and had been startled by their increased speed. They continued down in this great arc and the Hobbit knew that neither the Dwarven kingdom, nor that of Bard was their destination, as they turned back west towards the forest.

Each eagle began to beat its wings and the company were all gently deposited in a clearing of the forest. Those that were still worn and cut from combat lay back on the soft turf, on which they had been laid, while the others gathered their senses and tried to gain bearing as to where they now were.

A figure appeared from the wood. He was dressed in a mantle of grey and had a great conical hat that fell to its side. A pipe was clenched in his teeth and the smoke haloed his brow. "Well met, at last," he said, as the company clung together not knowing yet what they should do. "Welcome to Halls of the Elvenking! Though I am not the master of this house, I did send for you and King Thranduil in turn sent me to gather you. So, grab your items and follow me. Bread and fresh butter await, along with wine and other things - the tables of the Elven King have been prepared for you!"

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/halls%20of%20the%20elvenking.jpg)

---

:ooc: Headache subsided, so I figured I'd get this party started.

I am confused about the Hope dispersal.

Each PC should get 1 Hope automatically for Bandy not being hurt. Then there are 7 points that can be given out. Who is getting them and in what numbers, please?

Go ahead and ad lib in your own narrative about the meal that you are presented. The elves are cordial hosts, but seem a little cold, or aloof. Gandalf makes merry and talks to each of you, as you please. Each PC is given a comforting elixir to drink - maybe miruvor - it both heals and relaxes each of you.

Also you may talk among yourselves - RP between each other - as to why you are all the way north. I will post again after I let you guys have a little creative fun and Gandalf will open up as to the reason he brought you here.

The weariness has settled bone-deep in Arbogast by the time of their arrival, and it is all he can do not to stare in wide-eyed wonder and confusion at the sights before him.  The King of the Eagles and the Grey Pilgrim speak in the manner of old friends, though their talk is of goings-on in lands far beyond the ken of the Fire-watcher.  Behind them, the gates of the Elvenking's Hall lead beneath the hills. 

He helps the others rise with what dignity can be salvaged, and the companions stagger and stumble into the Hall.  The guards at the gate eye them warily - especially the two Dwarves and, for some reason, Arbogast himself.  Still, the hospitality of the Elvenking has clearly been extended to them and the warriors of Thranduil in no wise violate the ancient laws. 

In short order, Arbogast finds himself washed, dressed in a robe of fine wool provided by the host and seated at a table with his companions.  He and Grimbeorn, dressed in the Elven mode, seem to have the mien of Men of an earlier age - high and lordly.  Esgalwen  is resplendent, looking every inch the descendent of the sea-born folk who in days of tales beyond age drove back the Shadow from the sea.  The two Dwarves, by comparison, seem uncomfortable, their clothes poorly fitting.  Or perhaps it is merely the sight of stone worked in a fashion foreign to their own that unnerves them? 

Bandy, his hat doffed in deference to their location, puts the Fire-watcher in mind of a young Elven prince, and it is this that finally makes him notice the obvious.  All about them, Elves are a-bustle with preparations for a feast.  But where the halls of his people would abound with children running hither and yon, and resound with the scolding of their elders, nothing of the sort is in evidence here.  At last, Arbogast understands the sadness that would enter the eyes of Orophin in the lonely hours when watch was exchanged.  His is a waning folk,, he thinks, and waning the faster in these days of the drawing Shadow. 

For now, though, the stone walls bespeak safety, and the table, laden with nuts, fruit and cold cuts in anticipation of greater meals to come, bespeaks a plenty that would be the envy of his folk at the Black Tarn.  Chewing thoughtfully, he says to Bofri "a fine company we have proven, and a blow have we struck that we may hope to be felt the length and breadth of Mirkwood!  Now that your staff is recovered, what is next for the restoration of the road?" 

:ooc: As to the Hope thing, I was assuming everyone would recover one point from the Fellowship pool, since we've all been spending big over the last adventure.  That left one point from Bandy being a Hobbit and another (entirely justifiably) because Grimbeorn brings Middle-Earth ANZAC biscuits (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_biscuit) along with him.  I actually forgot to factor in the fact that Esgalwen wouldn't draw one.  That leaves another one unaccounted for, on which I'll call dibs unless anyone has a more pressing need. 

 :ooc:
I believe the count is:
Everyone +1 Hope for Focus
Everyone +1 Hope from Fellowship Pool (3 remaining)
Grimbeorn +1 (per previous discussion)
Rorin +1 (per previous discussion)
Arbogast +1 (unless Bandy pipes in otherwise)

This would make final totals...
Grimbeorn +3 Hope
Rorin +3 Hope
Arboast +3 Hope
Bandy +2 Hope

It was a long moment in the talon of the eagle before Bandy accepted the fact that he was not in fact dead. For a long moment he thought perhaps he was experiencing what all folk do upon their death. What recalled him to the present was that he was still sore and hurt, surely such pains went away when one ceased to reside in their mortal coil in Middle-earth. Once he reconciled himself to being alive he then noted that after Mr. Baggins he may have been only the second Hobbit of all time to be given a ride among one of the great eagles. He knew his folk were always falling out of the old stories, but he liked to think that in this case he was special.

Seeing the green carpet of the great forest pass below him the Hobbit was disoriented and had trouble determining where he was going and where things were in relation to the forest. Seeing the mountains of Mirkwood helped to place where they were and in what direction they were traveling. From this height he was sure that he was looking at the worlds from a way that even the Elves had not seen their ancient home.

The hobbit tried to yell above the rushing wind to speak to the eagle, but either the beast ignored him or all it heard where yelps and cries from his small passenger. Failing that the Hobbit of the Shire watched the world stream by below him. His heart leapt when he saw the Lonely Mountain, there at last was the home of his good friend Rorin, and the object of the quest for the most famous Hobbit in history. Perhaps he would get to see the great dwarven kingdom.

When they landed in the glen the Hobbit was equally intrigued that they were now in the realm of the Woodelf King, the very place that Bandy had wanted to go before winter set upon the Wilderland. Bandy had another task to perform before he could take in the sights. He was intercepted before he could undertake it by the grey wizard that stepped into the clearing.

Bandy determined that wizards had a certain otherworldly feel to them, this being the third that he had met. They each felt different though, Radagast felt earthy and reminded him of his love of growing things, Saruman felt like old books and the giddy feeling of learning something that others had forgotten or never knew, Gandalf had a feeling all of his own too. The Hobbit felt comfortable with him and calm, but also felt deeper the needs of those around him.

"I am Bandy, I mean Brandobaras Bracregirdle of Hardbottle, at your service and your family."

The Hobbit crossed the great bridge and entered into the halls of Thrandui. While bandy was surprised that the Woodelves lived underground he also felt the elfishness of the place. He drifted towards the side of Grimbeorn, and his unfinished task.

"Grimbeorn son of Beorn, I rejected your counsel and persuaded others to undertake a course of action that was almost the doom of us all. I am sorry and owe you a great debt that I am afraid my small frame and poor skill will be ill suited to pay."

The son of Beorn didn't regain consciousness until he was nudged awake by Arbogast.  As he tested his body for injury, he heard a far-off voice, old and kind, that stirred within him a memory from his father.  Rubbing his eyes open, there was the visage of Gandalf the Grey.  And, no less, they were at the gates of elf-king of Mirkwood.  A new, sad memory came as he had been here not so long ago bearing tidings at the loss of their kin near Dol Guldur.  At the invitation to enter, he heaved a great sigh and attempted to stand only to be caught up before falling by his friend.  He strode as proud as he could muster entering the halls of Thranduil but he felt the eyes and heard the whispers of the elven guards as well, most likely due to bearing the shield of their kin.

Stumbling a distance underground in unfamiliar passageways, Grimbeorn and the rest were taken to rooms set aside for them.  A elf-woman came to see to their wounds, paying close attention to Grimbeorn and Bofri whose wounds were the most grievous.  Soon enough though, her ministrations brought a feeling of vigor and relief to both, enough so that they were prepare themselves for attending the king's table.

The table of Thranduil was as the Wizard described and more.  The feast was resplendent and his companions were eating and chatting away with themselves and neighbors.  Bandy talked up Gandalf about his dealings while the dwarves kept to themselves, mostly due to being in the home of the elf-king.  When Bandy had taken a moment to offer his apology, Grimbeorn leaned down close to the hobbit.  Taking a stern and formal tone, "Bandobras, the moment I walk away from my kin and friends and leave alone to the enemy, I will renounce both honor and my life.  Your cause was noble and heart pure, don't fault yourself for that."  Straightening a bit slow owing his wounds, "Yet I'm not above reminding you of this from time to time," he said with an undertone of a I-told-you-so.

After appropriate amount of time passed, Grimbeorn, stiff and awkward, stood with cup aloft.  When the din had quieted some, he continued.  "Our many thanks and gratitude to you, Lord Thranduil, and to Gwaihir and his kin as well.  We owe our lives to you.  If we may be of service in any way, we shall comply to the best of our ability."

There comes a smattering of applause from the nearby tables.  Thranduil, crowned in oak leaves and laurel, rises from his seat and raises a cup in return.  The gesture is friendly, but something about his manner clearly says yes, you certainly shall. 

Below the high table, the feast begins.  Arbogast, noting Bofri's silence, decides not to pursue the matter further.  Instead, he turns to Bandy.  "I had not thought, when first I left my home, that I would come to see such sights as this!  Tell me, my friend, how does it compare with other wonders you have seen about your travels?"

The Hobbit demurred and thought for a moment and then quietly replied, speaking only for the listener.
 
"I dont know. There is a feeling of Elves, and Thranduil seems like a nice enough fellow. There is another feeling here, below the surface.  Something about this place feels old and out of place, being under stone feels more like a refuge, like a prized book, full of wondrous things, but has found itself on the wrong shelf. There is a stuffy feeling, like when we are deep in Mirkwood, and in the forrest I get the feeling some there are tolerating us, but not really happy to see us there. I imagine the dwarves feel it too. I imagine their halls to be busy full of creating and building. This feels like a block of winter ice when its first kissed by the spring sun, stubborn and supremely confident, but the sun and ice both know it will melt. We should be careful here, more careful even then with Ceawin, and take our lead from the wizard."

Bofri, son of Bofur, had been deep in thought when Arbogast had posed his question. The Dwarf wondered at the situation and how things had changed - granted it took a war to do it - but his father had once been a prisoner here, now he a guest. He munched on a handful of cashews that had a hint of cinnamon and sugar, all the while looking and listening to the fore of the table. Thranduil sat next to Gandalf and beside them both was a younger Elf that looked much like the king. Surely this was Legolas, thought the Dwarf.

Arbogast turned from Bofri, having received no response, which in turn roused the Dwarf from his rumination. Bandy explained his own thoughts to the Man and Bofri now listened silently, occasionally nodding to the Hobbit's hypothesis. He had to agree with the suggestion that this was more a refuge than a home. Bofur had spoken often to his son, in his youth, of Imladris in the west and its many open-aired halls, great balconies and porches, with vistas that humbled both Man and Dwarf. Thranduil's realm was none of that. It was a hideaway. A place to defend and not worry about the affairs outside its doors. Dwarves lived underground, too, of course, but their homes were built to accentuate the beauty of the subterranean world. Dwarf lanterns twinkled in caves and passages that were streaked with geodes, or mica, or other minerals that shone. Balconies were built on the sides of mountains to allow the folk to see the world.

Yes, it is different here, he thought to himself, and then began to munch again on the half-eaten nuts in his mouth. At last, when there was a break in his companions' conversation, he spoke.

"Arbogast, I did not mean to snub you. I must agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of our company and deeds! I know that if not for the eagles, the Millfort may well have become our tomb, but I am sure that the setback felt by Tauler and his brood will resonate forest-wide. I think it will actually create a better circumstance for us than I originally appreciated. With the spiders now beaten back, if for a while, then our efforts to recruit workers and open up the Dwarf Road shall come more easily." Bofri's hand returned to the bowl of cashews and scooped another mouthful. "If all goes well - and now that I am this far north," there was an excitement in Bofri's words, "I can return to Erebor and present the Road Warden's Staff to Dain. This was a condition he had set for me before he would avail me with a contingent of Dwarves for the work!"

The cashews crunched, "I foresee the next three years being very productive with my brethren, along with other folk that wish to participate - such as yourselves. We will need to clear the forest back from the road, recover the three forts, restore the road itself, and then it will be simply a matter of patrolling what we have achieved. Word will spread from there!"

Esgalwen had turned her attention toward the three when Bofri's excited words began to carry over the other conversations. The Dwarf was becoming animated in his passion and she smiled to herself. When he finished talking she added, "T'is great fortune that the eagles were there, indeed! Not only for our own lives, but to assist us in weakening the spider host as a whole. It is a good fortune, too, that they were then asked to bring us all the way...here..." Esgalwen's words slowed as her thoughts came together and she looked to the head of the table to see Gandalf looking in their direction, a twinkle in his eye.

Had the wizard masterminded the whole thing? Had he known of the events that were to occur? Certainly he had not known the Company would stand to fight. But it was Gandalf that requested they be brought back north - and it is here that Bofri needed to be. Esgalwen shook her head at the coincidences and turned back to her friends, "I have only heard of wizards, having never seen any until I came to this enchanted wood! That said, there is a saying in my country that says, don't mess in the affairs of wizards!" She sighed with a smile, "It would seem we have no choice!"

:ooc: I am going to allow for one more round of character interaction. You guys solidify your PC's relationships to each other every time you speak inter-character. I can see in my mind the great form of Grimbeorn bending down to be eye-to-eye with Bandy and then saying the nice things he did! I like reading your creative interactions rather than making them up for you all.

So, have at it one more time. I am certain that there are things you guys can talk about or add to the current conversations, over dinner. Once done, I will move the story on. Don't limit it to the dinner. You all have been given a bit of freedom to wander the halls of Thranduil's realm - within reason. What do you see? What do you hear?

Have fun!

 :ooc: During this half-year Fellowship Phase, are we going to be allowed to do an undertaking or was it just the skills/traits purchases?  Im sorry if I missed you mentioning anything about this.

There was something to this land and the folk of it.  "Of it?" Grimbeorn mused, distracted from his previous train of thought.  Yes, he supposed the elvenfolk were more "of" the land and the land "in" them than others.  Men were more transient, using the land to their benefit as they saw fit.  Taking a long draw from his cup, the cool clean water seemed like wine and yet made him more refreshed than he'd been in a great while.  He shook his brow of this heady nonsense.  "I guess you must expect the unexpected, even from yourself, in these lands," he thought.

Time wore on in the Halls of Thranduil but none were aware of its passage.  Goblets were filled, food eaten and replaced unnoticed by the servants, and the gathering eventually broke away along lines of conversation with their participants wandering in different directions within the caves and grottos that made up the domain of king of the Silvan elves in Mirkwood.  The young Beorning saw his path join that of Gandalf and others, and he was content to listen for awhile moreso than contribute.  This was the man that confounded his father those years ago bringing a ragtag group of dwarves and a hobbit to his doorstep.  He also heard that he'd help lay siege to Dol Guldur and shortly thereafter returned in time to fight in the great battle at Erebor.  There was something that drew him in and intrigued him more than the crazy, old Radagast and cryptic Saruman.  There many questions swirling around in his head but resigned himself to let the others ask them, such as how'd he know they needed help and where? and why did he bring them here?

After a bit more conversation, Esgalwen excused herself from the table. It was her desire to have some time alone. Since her departure from Minas Tirith those years back, she had been surrounded by a company of folk.

She missed the quiet of Ithilien. It was so different from Mirkwood. Yes, it was a forested land but it was not so dark - even with the presence of Mordor just over the mountains. Maybe dark was the wrong word, she thought, Oppressive? Yes, oppressive. Here though, in the region of the Elves, the forest lost a bit of that threat.

Esgalwen made her way to the gates of the fortress, but found them secured for the night and the Elven-watch would open the doors under no condition, lest word came from the king. With that path blocked, she wandered through the corridors and tunnels. The subterranean chambers smelled fragrant and there was a warmth that belied the cold surface of the stone. She heard the sound of water and followed it. Coming to a stream that ran noisily down to a cenote, or cistern, that itself was surrounded by mineral stalagmites that reached up to stalactites hanging down, Esgalwen was moved by the beauty. The water rushed over a small fall and into the pool below. The stalactites dripped with water of their own and the cave was filled with beautiful sound. What's more, the Silvan Elves had crafted lamps for the room and they all twinkled with light that bounced throughout.

The Dúnadan woman was suddenly aware of another.

Sitting among the mineral growths, on a slab of stone that made a perfect seat, was a handsome Elf. He looked young of face, as most Elves did, but his eyes were old. For the first time in a long time, Esgalwen was concerned of her appearance. She was in a dress - Elven-made - that clung to her form perfectly. Her hair was down and brushed, and she had even been given a hairpin to adorn it. The bath she had taken upon their welcome to the Elven realm was also a thing that had long been overdue.

She looked and felt like a woman, but still there was a feeling of inadequacy while standing before the Elf.

"My Lady," he said. "I did not mean to disturb."

"Forgive me, Sir, for it is I who have interrupted your peace."

"Nay," he answered. "The beauty of this chamber is beloved of the Elves, but surely your presence has improved upon it."

Esgalwen could not help but smile, "You honor me."

"I am Neldir, and I am chief write to the King. It is I that pens the lays and songs that fill the King's Hall."

"And I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan of Ithilien, a Ranger in the Company of Éothor, who himself perished along the southern eaves of Mirkwood. I am sorry to say but I do not bring things of beauty to our meet."

"On the contrary, my Lady Esgalwen, you bring beauty indeed. I see in your face, though distant, the light of Valinor as it may be seen in the blood of Beren and Tuor. Surely you are Dúnadan - the folk of Westernesse?"

"Yes, I am of that line. My father, Eradan, traces our family to the Faithful - those that followed Elendil and his sons, Isildur and Anarion, back into Middle-earth, before the breaking of Númenor."

"Then mayhaps we are cousins of long distance relations, for I may trace my kin's path to Beleriand and Elu Thingol's realm of old." He smiled and plucked at the small harp that she could now see upon his lap. "Before that land fell into the sea. You see, we share much history!"

The two smiled at one another.

Neldir stood and walked over towards her, "May I offer you my bench? Perhaps you would like to stay and listen for a while? I am composing even now a lay of Tuor and Idril and their desperate escape from Gondolin."

"I would be most honored, Master Composer," said Esgalwen.

For the first time in a long time she did not feel like a warrior. She did not have dirt under nails that were broken. There were no stains of earth or travel upon her clothes. Tonight, she felt like a woman. And though there was no chance that her current company could be more than an acquaintance, she would allow him to whisk her away to lands forgotten and feelings that she always held close inside.

Neldir began to play and Esgalwen listened and smiled. The Elf sang in a language that she was barely familiar with, but still the music prompted images of forests and mountains and lands that were far richer than any she had seen. Without knowing, Esgalwen drifted into a deep and contented sleep. When she awoke, she was in a comfortable bed of soft sheets and she wondered if the grotto and Neldir had been but a dream.

OOC: I'm ice fishing in utah this weekend, but i do want to post. Give me a reasonable chance.

Bandy set aside his discomfort his weariness, and his fear and then
Proceeded to eat and drink in a way that only a Hobbit could. In fact Bandy ate enought to make up for all the meals of the Shire he had missed since coming to stay in this frugal land. The elves marvelled having never been in the company of a Hobbit before and only a passing acquaintance with old Bilbo at Erebor. As the Hobbit took on more food, he also began to converse more with those around him or even those whom came near the sphere of the Hobbit. Questions of all type and of all things were fired off and the answers filed away, but remembered because astute follow up questions would appear as he went along. The Hobbit sat long at the table and with mirth and jokes of his own relaxed the dwarves a bit. Bofri wondered aloud if the Hobbit were not a cousin or close relative of his Uncle Bombur.

His whole life, Arbogast believed in his heart that he knew Mirkwood as few others ever could.  Despite this, the Silvan elves find new wonders to show him.  To begin with, he has never seen the forest so alive with animals.  Where the creatures of the Western Eaves are shy - heard, but rarely seen - the Woodland Realm seems to beckon its creatures forward.  He sees, not only the great boars and deer of the wood, but ermines, ferrets, badgers, squirrels and a host of birds for which he has few names, but which the elves appear to know almost individually. 

Roaming further, day by day, from the Elvenking's door, he comes one day upon a party of elves holding an impromptu feast in a grotto formed by a knot of ancient roots.  Spread out among them are the fare of the forest: meat and berries, nuts and vigor-giving herbs.  And wine - more so perhaps than seems wise, given the dangers even of a place long inhabited by the twilight folk.  Beneath the starry light of elven-lamps, harpers and flautists play, and couples dance barefoot among the roots and toadstools. 

"Greetings to you, wood-wanderer," comes a call from among them.  "Come, join us.  There is fare enough for all here!" 

"My thanks to you," he replies as he gratefully accepts a cup of wine (for a hitherto unmarked thirst is now powerful within him).  "I am the Fire-watcher." 

"Why, then I am the harpist!  And they are the dancers, and they the revellers and lovers and poets beneath the boughs." 

Arbogast makes small talk with his new companions, but finds his gaze returning once and again to the lamps. 

"Ah, you like our stars?" asks an elf-maid, seating herself nearby and following his gaze. 

"They are passing fair," he replies.  "And they remind me of my childhood.  For in the great hall of Woodmen-Town hangs such a lamp, though greater, perhaps, than would be needed here." 

As the revel-party, by some unspoken consensus, begins to pick itself up and move to a new site, Arbogast finds himself telling the story of Balthi the Young, the Grey Wizard and the recovery of the Lamp from deep within the bowels of Dol Guldur.  His listeners seem rapt, and he finds his normal care of speech falling away as he describes the people who live beneath the light of the Lamp, and their lands and homes.  He dances, drinks and joins his own voice in chorus with those of the elves, and in doing so lets his cares slip away, unnoticed. 

The party comes to rest, in the end, beneath the branches of a vast and ancient oak, planted (so his companions say) by the father of the current Elvenking, in a prior age of the world.  It is likely the drink, he decides, that causes the not altogether comfortable feeling of being regarded - considered by the ancient tree. 

Gannon, the harpist who first invited him to join them, begins to play a new melody.  "Fire-watcher, here is a song for your handsome wife and pretty daughters!" 

At this, Arbogast blanches, for he had neither intended to speak of his family nor realised that he had done so.  But Gannon has already begun to sing:

"There is a girl with a stair in her hair
Made of thorn and thistle and bone. 
There is a girl with a stair in her hair
And she climbs it to be alone. 

There is a girl with a coin in her fist
made of breath and hunger and cold. 
There is a girl with a coin in her fist
Who will buy whatsoever she's sold. 

A girl with a voice and a girl with a name
A girl with strong hands and eyes like the rain
A girl who's so young and so easy to bruise
A girl with nothing to lose, oh
A girl with nothing to lose. 

Here is a girl with a stone on her tongue
Plucked from a wave on the shore. 
Here is a girl with a stone on her tongue
That keeps her from asking for more. 

Here is a girl with a key in her hand
And here is a door with a lock. 
Here is a girl with a key in her hand
Who is wondering whether to knock. 

A girl with a voice and a girl with a name
A girl with strong hands and eyes like the rain
A girl knows all of her lines and her cues
A girl with nothing to lose, oh
A girl with nothing to lose."

Arbogast opens his mouth to protest, but the wine has long ago reached his head and is sacking his mind like a conquered city.  Wordlessly, he cries out as he falls to the ground among the roots and toadstools, to become another decoration for the elven dancers.  Above him, Gannon continues to play, and to sing. 

"Yours is a girl who will never be missed
If she's borrowed or broken or sold. 
Yours is a girl with a stone in her fist
And oh, she will learn to be bold!

Yours is a girl with a voice and a name
A girl with strong hands and eyes like the rain
A girl can fight and a girl who can choose
A girl with so much to lose, oh
A girl with so much to lose."

____________________

It is five days later when Arbogast stumbles once more to the Elvenking's door, filthy and starving, having woken lost and alone. 

:ooc: If we are doing undertakings this Fellowship phase, I'll visit the Sentinel Oak (Heart of the Wild, p 79). 

 :ooc: oh man you put your foot in it now. You said to much!

:ooc: before I continue our story, can I ask two things, Paul?

1) is the minstrel's song supposed to have such a dark omen to it? Want to make sure I am reading it right and that there is not a hidden meaning.

2) you as a player know about the lamp of Woodmen town, but only the Wizards and the descendants of Balthi knew of its existence, as an Elven lamp. Gandalf never told any Elf of its finding. So the second question here is a two parter - is Arbogast descended from Balthi's line and did he speak of the lamp normally or reveal it while in his cups?

I will move the story on when I hear from you.

:ooc: No worries at all.  Gannon's song is portentious, but not of anything specific (like Arbogast's fever prophecy was).  I mainly put it in to show that the Wayward Elves can be real dicks when there's mortals around to have fun with. 

As for the lamp, I like the idea that Arbogast had no idea it was of elven make until he saw the smaller ones in the grotto.  Once he had that second piece of information, connecting the two wasn't going to be hard for a guy with Wits 6, Riddle 3 and Cunning.  I think he probably wasn't drunk - more likely under some sort of subtle enchantment to make him carefree to the point of carelessness (and which also allowed the group to travel 50 miles from near the Elvenking's hall to the Sentinel Oak without him really noticing). 

Ooc: and you have doomed us all!!

Doug, I may have something in as well but it will really be filler so dont wait on me. I'm not really sure how much free time we have to play with either. 

:ooc: Realistically, we're all doomed anyway.  Making it our fault (to whatever extent) means we get to be tragic heroes sewing the seeds of our own destruction, rather than just being schmucks who couldn't handle the myriad threats of the world. 

Which is not to say that I've forgiven you and Matt for having us fight those spiders.  :P

 :ooc: Dunno what you're talking about, doomsayer.  I plan to live forever, er, well, at least until Sauron comes knocking on everyone's door.

Rorin woke with a start and a grunt as the great eagle set down on the soft earth, he scrambled to his feet and quickly counted his companions and, satisfied that all had arrived in relative safety, Rorin turned his attention to the tall man dressed in grey who called himself Gandalf the Grey. Rorin had heard this name and, if his memory served him well, that was the name given by men to Tharkun himself! Amazed at the company's good fortune, Rorin didn't even protest at being brought to the halls of the elves, and the promise of a great feast further served to make the dwarf feel at home.

During the feast though, Rorin could feel the eyes of their hosts dwell a little longer on him than on the others, and with more suspicion. And as a result he was not his usual raucous and boasting self, electing instead to speak of his homeland with Bofri.

The two dwarves spent the bulk of the evening going over plans for the road, the state of the restoration effort in Erebor, and the comings and goings of their other kinsfolk. Being now in the land of Elves, Rorin felt the burning desire to explore the vast caverns and deep places of the Dwarven Kingdom. Soon, he promised himself, soon he would return to the Mountain and spend a time with his kin.

:ooc: Hey all, first - I will allow a Fellowship undertaking as long as it is not labeled a Year End undertaking (and it is within reason - i.e. geographical, time limited, etc.)

I am sitting here looking at my screen. My eyes are screaming with a headache. The funk has been going around our house with my wife and kids. Point is, I am just in a cruddy low right now with a bad cough (but hopefully no flu bug). I will get my post up shortly when I can concentrate and make the narrative worth it.

Sorry

:ooc: Hope you feel better soon. 

The Hobbit had desired long to come to the Halls of the Elven King, for here it was hoped would be the wisdom of elder days and the skill to combat the shadow in the south. His hope dwindled however, as here he found most of the Wood Elves dedicated to their own pursuits of wood and water. There was laughter and song, beauty and grace, but for the most part the elves of Mirkwood seemed to rely on their stronghold and their skill with the bow.

 When the Hobbit asked questions of wood and star he was given answers and songs that seemed to have no end. Though little of it was concerned with the enemy or of lore and history. The answers were strangely focused on the present, a favorite glade, or a particular night to view the stars. Any questions about the enemy or the tools to defeat him were side stepped by the Wood Elves. They also had a feeling like a fall rain, musical and light, but if the temperature dropped hard and cold, Bandy was wary of these Elves of Mirkwood.

 It was Gandalf who approached the Hobbit and gave him his first lead, Ormal was the elf whom he sought, but that was all the Grey Wizard said and Bandy didn't press him. So he asked his hosts instead about Ormal. This elf it seemed was deemed to be an expert on many matters and was often referred to as Ormal the Sinda. For a time the Hobbit thought that Sinda was his title until he came to learn that the Wood Elves were actually made up of two folk, the Sindar and the Nandor, both with their own history but now for many years of Men and Elves the Silvan Nandor of Mirkwood had taken the Sindar as their lords and Thranduil as their king. Ormal was one of the Sindar, though he had taken no position of Lordship. If there were questions of the old days and the ancient enemies Bandy was told that Ormal would have the answer, though their chief concern seemed to be that the elf made or repaired the great lanterns of the elves and little wisdom did they find in his other knowledge or skills.

 Ormal lived several days north of the Halls of the King and Bandy despaired of ever having the chance to talk to him. Fate however intervened by a chance meeting Ormal had traveled to the Halls of the King and Bandy found himself face to face with the one elf in all the realm that he sought.

 "Hail Ormal the Sinda, craftsman and light giver."

 "And what have we here..." said the elf, "we seldom see dwarves and never have I seen one of their wee folk." He smiled deeply knowing that Bandy was no dwarf.

 "I come from the Shire, away west, near the havens and the..."

 At this the elf held up his hand and the Hobbit stopped. "No need to name that which the haven is near, its very mention can cause a stirring in the heart of an elf you know."

 Ormal smiled and lowered his long fingered hand. "You are from the Shire, I have heard tell of your folk and it's been many long years since I had heard of your folk and now so frequently here you are again. Welcome."

 The Hobbit bowed again and gave his name to the craftsman.

 "I have been told that you are a maker of wondrous things and that your memory and lore go back to the ancient days."

 "Are you in need of a making Master Hobbit?"

 "No, I am more interested in your stored wisdom..."

 Bandy had no sense of time following the introduction. He found himself pouring forth his story, all of the deeds and foes that they had fought, all of his trials and failures since he had come to Wilderland. Greatest of all however the Hobbit sought some way to face and beat the dark terrors that surrounded the land his friends.

 "I lived in Doriath master Hobbit, a realm of the elves deep into the past and now beneath...well you know. Longer now has it been lost then had it endured, but while it did so Melian, our queen, protected it from the dark. Protected, but not defeated, I drew breath too when the great powers of the west came and drove the nameless enemy into the void. Drove they did in great power, and great violence, but even they did not defeat the darkness. Here in Middle-earth a darkness will always come, to be driven away, but never fully defeated. The Servant of the Nameless Enemy took up his masters quest, he rose and fell, but now like his master has risen again it appears. This answer is not the one you wanted, but it is the truth as I have seen and lived it. My folk may escape to the west, but you of the second born your escape is only in death."

"Be not so troubled Master Hobbit, my words were dark and perhaps beyond what it was that you asked me. The great works of old have passed from this world, so it is up to you and the brave hearts of your friends to take courage and find new ways to struggle against the dark. Our days fade, and so too does what you call magic. There is some skill remaining to me though, I am far from Eregion and the master craftsmen of the Noldor. So payment for my words of doom I'll give you perhaps a better answer to your question, something that will help you in your fight. Loan me the gem you told me of from the Millfort? Perhaps there is some help of the elves I can bestow to you in your desire to drive back the shadow."

The days brought rest and healing to the companions. Safe within the Elven Halls, each member of the company found his own way to spend time.

Some stayed together, like Rorin and Bofri, who did not feel all that welcome - though both would mark the changes that were evident since the Battle of Five Armies. Thranduil's relations, along with his people, had warmed with the Erebor and thus the Dwarves found their stay pleasant enough. Still, both wished that they were in the halls of their brethren instead, for the Elves were off-putting. Bofri discussed long into each night his plans for the Dwarven road and how now it would be less of a challenge with the Spiders of Mirkwood reeling from the blow that they had delivered.

Esgalwen continued to spend her time with Neldir. The two would walk the forest lanes and subterranean halls and speak of her lands far away, along with his that were now gone from this world. Neldir had come to Thranduil's realm via Lindon and then Rivendell until he entered Mirkwood. Like what Bandy had learned of Ormal, Esgalwen found that Neldir was also part of the Sindar. The Dúnadan ranger knew much of the lore of Men, but the trials of the Elves was new to her. She even revealed that the folk of Gondor were afraid of the woods of  Lothlórien - and the queen that lived there.

"And many rightly should fear her for she is great in power and her wroth is dangerous to behold," said Neldir, "but only to those that would bring threat to the land of the Galadhrim. Like those that reside here, they too are mostly of the Silvan-folk and have also taken a king and queen of the Sinda and Noldo, to whom Galadriel is descended." The Elf composer laughed, "Descended? Perhaps instead I would say they have descended from her, for she is daughter to Finarfin, who was son of Finwë, and of him all Noldo come."

Esgalwen delighted in Neldir's company for he was unlike the other Elves that moved about the halls and through the wood. They were aloof and seemed almost childish in their nature and regarded her little, save to make a jest or platitude.

While the ranger enjoyed her days, Bandy also was contented to just rest and eat. Meeting Ormal was his highlight and the gift from the Elf craftsman was a delight. Grimbeorn milled about but he was quiet and seemed anxious to move on to the next new task.

Arbogast disappeared.

It was five days when the Fire-watcher returned and he looked much the worse for his venture. The man seemed a bit spiteful of their hosts, but kept his words to himself even with the incessant requests from his friends to reveal what had happened.

The next day, they were at last summoned before Thranduil's throne. The company was relieved to see that Gandalf was still present within the Hall and the old wizard stood between them and the king. Esgalwen was further pleased to see Neldir, who sat on a bench at the feet of the dais. The Elf gave her a warm smile, which she returned.

In words that were kind but to the point, the king began, "I am glad to see that all of you are all well-rested and have regained your strength." Thranduil smiled but it seemed cold. "You have all been introduced to me at our dinner five days past, but I had first come to know of you through Gandalf - and to him from Radagast. Thus was permission granted for you to be brought to my Hall."

The companions felt his eyes study them, "It is said that your efforts have been great against the Shadow and that the Brown Wizard has come to heavily rely on you for his errands. Is this so?"

---

:ooc: You guys have all had an informal dinner with the king and he was very respectful and gave everyone time to rest, eat and heal, but now it is time to truly introduce who you all are. It is time to run the encounter to meet the king...

I will have more here shortly as I define the terms for the encounter. Give me about an hour and a half - I also want to drive home from work.  ;)

 :ooc: I would like to perform the undertaking Meet Patron (Thranduil).

Grimbeorn stepped forward; he seemed to be doing this more often these days.  "Yes, Lord, we have done so.  Others our group would no doubt relay our accounts with sweeter tongues but I will be as plain as my people speak.  You know of our adventure awhile ago where your kinsman was lost in the dark land of Dol Guldur.  Since that time we set out to bring peace to the lands of Men of the Anduin away south of your domain, helping them fend off the Shadow at their doorsteps.  Both orcs and darker servants of the Necromancer were driven off or destroyed.  All have given their share and more in our contests, even our Halfling friend felled the great boar of Mirkwood.  Our latest venture was to reclaim the Millfort for the dwarves of Erebor, and in that we took our heaviest toll while dealing likewise to Tauler and its brood.  By the grace of fate the Windlord came to our aid and bore us here.  For that we are in the debt of both the feathered king in his eyrie and to your mercy.  Even as we speak, though, rumblings of unrest are coming from the western borders of my father's lands and there is a sickness of the land where Arbogast hails.  But we did speak to being at your service and we shall be as you see fit."

:ooc: Okay - this is going to be a standard encounter, the results of which will be to win Thranduil's favor beyond what Gandalf brings you guys. Should the encounter go ill, the time left in the Hall will diminish quickly. If successful, the PC's will be able to stay and rest for as long as they need and might have re-admittance on future dates.

Here are the rules of the encounter:
• Insight test for each companion to gain bonus success dice; TN 14 for any with Mirkwood Lore or Elven Lore, TN 16 for any other.
• Introduction tests are Awe, Courtesy and Riddle - one is a TN 16, the others are TN 18 (PC's may attempt a Lore test TN 14 to get a hint as to which skill is most appropriate, and thus easiest TN)
• Interaction tests are Insight, Persuade, and Inspire - each is at a TN 16
• Tolerance rating for this encounter is: 4 (valour) - 2 (prejudice Dwarves) - 1 (prejudice Men) +2 (Gandalf) = 3

I need to know if you guys will have ONE character represent you all and thus do ALL tests, or will more characters be involved? If the former, the only thing the other PC's may do is provide bonus success dice. If the latter, each PC that wants to talk MUST make a test.

All failed tests will add up against the Tolerance and if it reaches 3, Thranduil will slowly become quiet and impatient. He will remain hospitable but the PC's -and- Gandalf will know that the time in the Hall is over.

All successes will add up and have the following effects:
1-2 Successes - Thranduil will allow the PC's to stay as long as they would like, but they will not be allowed to return without testing again in a future encounter
3-6 Successes - Thranduil will allow the PC's to stay as long as they would like; they will also be allowed a future return if business is pressing
7+  Successes - Thranduil will allow the PC's to stay as long as they would like; they will also be allowed a future return at need
(understand, none of the above will give access to Thranduil unless the business is pressing to Elves - only becoming a Patron will the PC's truly gain the king's friendship)

(each test success above = 1; Great success = 2; Extraordinary success = 3)

I am only going to do the Insight roll for the bonus Success dice, all other tests I will leave for you guys. If you guys give us actual RP'ing with your tests, that will enhance the story. If your PC has no intention of being part of the encounter and will stand to the side, just post once with that decision.

:ooc: PC Insight tests for bonus success dice

TN 16 insight by PC

:ooc: Results:

Grimbeorn 1 success die
Rorin 2 success dice

Now Lore tests to determine if you know how to act in front of Thranduil
TN 14 lore by PC

:ooc: Results:

• Bandy knows that Thranduil likes Courtesy above all things - deference wins the day. So, Courtesy is TN 16 and the other two Intro test options are TN 18 (BUT only Bandy knows this!)



Okay - Grimbeorn has started the conversation, so he is definitely one of the speakers. Matt, I need a Courtesy, Awe, or Riddle test to start the talks.

IF anyone else wants to talk, they MUST make an Introduction test.

 :ooc:
 :00:
Use a success die if necessary

 :ooc:

Meant Hope if needed

:ooc: That's a 17 against an Awe TN 18, Matt - do you want to use your bonus success die, too, so as to lock in the first success? Otherwise, we have our first Fail 1 of 3 allowed.

Esgalwen is going to talk, too. It is one of the reasons she was sent back north - to be an emissary. She has 2d in Awe and Courtesy...she failed her Lore test to know what skill usage Thranduil likes most, so I will roll a 50/50...



1 is Awe - 2 is Courtesy

:ooc:  #:S

Esgalwen Introduction test...
TN 16 Courtesy 2d



Here is hoping... [CLICK!]

 :ooc: Ya, I'll use the last success die.

:ooc: Dammit! Freaking feat die just never falls right when I need it to... :x

---

When Grimbeorn had finished his words there was a silence. Thranduil sat looking at the Beorning and then he spoke, "Yes, you mentioned this at our dinner that you make yourselves at my service. Honorable and I will see if there is something to which you may provide my house. You speak of troubles to the border's of your father's lands? Is he well? What are these troubles to which you speak?"

Grimbeorn answered in short about Viglund and how the man was making incursions into Beorning territory. He told of slavery, orcs, and worse - all to which Thranduil sat and listened with little change of expression.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/viglund_folk.jpg)

Once done, Esgalwen stepped forward, "My Lord Thranduil, I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan, of Gondor - Ranger of Ithilien. At least, that was my duties before I was sent north to Mirkwood by my lord, Steward Turgon of Minas Tirith. First we we came in search of information and how fared the men of the Anduin Vale, but then again as his spokeswoman."

Thranduil's eyes moved from Grimbeorn to Esgalwen regarding her with a touch of impatience. "Perhaps Turgon would do better to instruct his emissaries in the art of court and how one should not speak out of turn." Esgalwen felt her skin go cold. "Would it hurt you to know that the twenty-fourth ruling Steward of Gondor has passed from this world?" The news caught Esgalwen unawares and her eyes immediately sprang tears forth, though her stance did not change.

"It would indeed, my Lord," she said, bowing in deference and stepping back behind Grimbeorn to where her other companions stood. "Forgive my impertinence."

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/thranduil.jpg)

:ooc: Okay, here is the status of the encounter thus far...

• 1 of 3 failures

• 1 success for encounter benefits (unless there are more failures)

Matt, I updated your sheet for the Hope point  :csu:

Grimbeorn 1 bonus success dice
Rorin 2 bonus success dice

Anyone else making an intro?

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jan 20, 2017, 12:51 PM:ooc: I would like to perform the undertaking Meet Patron (Thranduil).

:ooc: Hey Matt - these are the words from the Heart of the Wild regarding Thranduil...

"Thranduil will only be a patron for companies that include at least one Elf, and is unlikely to favour any company that counts a Dwarf among its number."

That said, I am not going to dismiss your undertaking entirely for two reasons:

1) The Elves have had good relations with the Beornings; plus the courtesy you extended by returning word of Orophin's passing in Dol Guldur in a previous season.

2) Depends on how this encounter goes and if you heed the king's needs

 :ooc: i'll tey and add my three courtsey dice to the mix. I'll have a post up today. I'm gonna roll now and narrate how it falls.

The Halfling stepped forward knelt and nodded his head. Looking up at the King he spoke.

"Hail King of Leaf and Bough, Steward of the Folk of Greenwood the Great. I thank you for the courtesy of your hall. The lives of Men are short and so too are their memories. Please excuse any breach of my friends. For you who's court goes back to other ages of the world we must appear to be but the flicker of moths by your nighttime fires. We hope that our presence here is not vexing to you lord, and though our acquaintance be short as Elves reckon it we hope that our company will shine like a star falling, brief but enjoyable while it lasts. I have come from over the mountains, from a place called the Shire. I am Bradobras Bracegirdle and I thank you for the opportunity to have seen the the Halls of the Elves and heard the songs as they were once sung by those who recall the deeds. The south has troubles lord, but so do all lands. My friends and I seek only a means to repay you for your aid, for though we can not repay the Wind Lord for our rescue, we may instead do you honor for our sanctuary." 

The Hobbit stood.

:ooc: I'll also have a crack at it.  I'm rolling Courtesy - Arbogast can't get a read on Thranduil, but it seems the most appropriate course, given that he's already extended his hospitality to us. 

"Greetings to you, king of the Green Wood.  Ancient and majestic are your realm and your people, and long may both endure."

Arbogast bows in the manner he has seen Bandy do.  "I am the Fire-watcher of Black Tarn Hall, and I am likewise at your service."

 :ooc: Ah ok, thanks.  Telling of the issues with Viglund are personal to him and his people and would be continuing in the trust and confidence he would be showing Thranduil.

A smile appears on Thranduil's face and he stands up from his seat, slowly taking the steps down to the floor of his hall.

"You are the second of your folk that I have met personally, Master Bandobras, though we have watched halflings from afar - those that lived along the banks of the Anduin. Resourceful little people, full of wit, humor, and heart. I have found also that you have a mind for settling disputes."

"Er, well, some of us, my Lord. I am sure you might find within the Shire a Took, or two, that would make you wonder at how they survived."

Again a smile from the King. "Well met and welcome to my Hall, Master Hobbit."

Arbogast next spoke and Thranduil paced before his dais, listening to the Fire-watcher's words. "Grimbeorn says that your lands sickens? Is there a blight upon the wood? Some new threat from the south?"

"We know not, your Majesty, only that the River-maidens no longer protect the Tarn."

"The River-maidens? T'is long since I have thought of them, longer still since I have spoken to them."

"Radagast has said that the eldest sister, Duskwater, has disappeared." It was the voice of Gandalf. The wizard had yet to say a word, but his graveled voice seemed to break the more musical sound of the Elves.

Thranduil nodded. He addressed the Company, "Tell me more of your lands. News from far off is better when it comes from those who live it firsthand, instead of when it's carried over the wind. Lady Esgalwen, please tell me of Gondor and the threats of Mordor."

---

:ooc: Okay, Introductions are done. (I am going to assume that Rorin will keep out of this dialogue? If I am wrong, Steve, you will need to make your Introduction roll and now an Interaction.)

Now all those that spoke in Introduction MUST make an Interaction roll using the guidelines above. Narrative and dialogue always makes the scene better.

:ooc: Going to roll Esgalwen's Interaction roll now - I will give narrative in a bit. She will use Persuade

TN 16 Persuade 3d

Interaction
Tn 16 Insight



Text to follow

Bandy thought about his failed attempt at summoning the Folk Moot and spoke quickly and without thinking.

"The rumor in the south is that once more the gates of Dol Guldor are shut. All the lords of the land seem content to ignore it and shut themselves up in their halls."

Bandy stopped quickly realizing that the King may think that the comment was directed at him.  Too late did he consider his words for they had been heard by many in the hall and once spoken could not be recalled.

 :ooc:
 :00:

Grimbeorn listened to the elf-king, Gandalf, and the others in an attempt to understand what else is going on here other than the typical strained conversation one has when dealing with the Wood-elves.

Bandy could sense the king's displeasure at his comment - in fact the whole of the Company could see the Elf's jawline tense. Esgalwen rallied herself and quickly added to the interaction.

"Yes - the gates of Dol Guldur are shut. We have allies in south Mirkwood - Woodmen who reside upon Tyrant's Hill - and they speak of the return of fear to the forest. Mogdred, son of Ingomer, leads these people and though some worry about his true intent, he has provided good information. We understand, too, that his people harry the orcs and spiders that haunt their realm." She breathed, "So as my small friend has said, Lords across Mirkwood and the Anduin Vale are sequestered behind their doors in counsel. The same is true even in the far south. In Minas Tirith, I held counsel with Echtelion II, son of Turgon...who would now be Steward of Gondor..."

Esgalwen's thoughts drifted momentarily back to her own country far away and the changes that would be taking place there. A change in rule was always a tumultuous thing, but to have it occur after the sudden reappearance of Sauron in Mordor? Echtelion's rule would certainly have started with bad harbingers and rumors cast about the city, let alone the country.

Her eyes suddenly refocused and she felt Thranduil's upon her, "Forgive me, Lord Thranduil, but certainly all must make counsel. First among their own, but so, too, among friends."

Thranduil stared a moment and then nodded and the Company felt a relief as the king resumed a calm composure. "Go on about your counsel with Echtelion. I would know his mind, at least as far as you have had the chance to learn."

Esgalwen then went about speaking of her meeting with her new Steward - the man who had sent her back north with intent for her to speak for him. Twenty minutes passed as the chamber listened and learned of Gondor far away. When she was done, Esgalwen could see that Thranduil was not pleased with her news, but pleased to know what was happening in the lands of the Dúnedain.

---

:ooc: Encounter status

Failures:
• 1 Esgalwen (Intro)
• 1 Bandy (Inter)

Successess:
• 1 Grimbeorn (Intro)
• 1 Bandy (Intro)
• 1 Arbogast (Intro)
• 1 Esgalwen (Inter)
• 1 Grimbeorn (Inter)

 :ooc: i am going to wait and see how Abrogasts mandatory interaction goes before I try anything else.

"My lord," says Arbogast as silence descends upon the hall, "news from the Woodmen is indeed as my small friend says.  My own home has lost the blessing of the River-Maidens, it is true.  Elsewhere, spiders have begun to cross the Dusky River, and it is said that a great wolf troubles the southern forest.  You have it from the son of Beorn himself that war troubles his people's northern lands, and in the south, we hear that great Gondor is pressed as well." 

He pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing.  "Long have I thought upon these matters, and I cannot but consider that these troubles are all part of a greater stratagem on the part of our common Enemy.  I have no doubt that your people find themselves increasingly beset by dark things, and that the same is true in Dale, or Erebor.  The Dark Lord has returned, yes, but he is not yet ready to strike, else great armies already would be on the march.  Instead, he gathers his strength, bides his time, and sews discord among the Free Peoples. For he is strongest when we are divided and mistrustful of each other." 

"The Battle of the Five Armies showed Middle-Earth what we can accomplish together, but it is now many years gone, and the grumblings and dark thoughts of the years before are returning.  I believe that the enemy means to ensure that the prudent course of any hall is to regard its own nearby concerns as sufficient unto their means, and that the goings-on in far away places are scant concern of theirs.  In this manner, the paths between friends' homes may fill with weeds and woe such that, when help is truly needed, there is no hope of giving it." 

He falters, suddenly unsure of his own mind.  "Lord, we hear from those who see more than most that dark things go abroad in the forest.  Shades, they have been named.  One, we are told, has assumed the seat of Dol Guldur, while the other two gather the allegiance of fell things.  I know not what manner of fell spirit these may be, but it is plain to me that they are the instruments by which the Shadow makes manifest his dark devising.  Perhaps you, or some among your court, may tell us more?" 



:ooc: Sorry for the wait.  Let's see how well a Persuade roll goes over...

:ooc: Also, Grimbeorn's success should count as two - Matt rolled pretty damn well! 

 :ooc: So that would give us 7 successes, do we go for the bonus round or until we hit our failure threshold?

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jan 22, 2017, 03:46 PM:ooc: Also, Grimbeorn's success should count as two - Matt rolled pretty damn well!  

:ooc: Yes you are right! I forgot to look to see that it was a great success.

You have attained the goal!

Tom, if you push it to the failure threshold, understand that all of your successes become for naught. The encounter becomes a loss and even though you had been stroking the lord good, something broke the moment and he is now pissed off and you are dismissed.

Encounter status

Failures:
• 1 Esgalwen (Intro)
• 1 Bandy (Inter)

Successess:
• 1 Grimbeorn (Intro)
• 1 Bandy (Intro)
• 1 Arbogast (Intro)
• 1 Esgalwen (Inter)
• 2 Grimbeorn (Inter)
• 1 Arbogast (Inter)

Ooc: well then I guess we are done!

Thranduil answered Arbogast, "The ghosts of the past are returning to haunt us. The Elves feel a tremble in the wood, as it was felt long ago when our great Greenwood was shaded with darkness and became the Mirkwood we now know. The quiet peace that always deludes us into believing the world has been cleansed of foul spirits, each time the Dark Lord is cast down, is nothing more than the calm before each storm. Long have the Elves known the suffering of Middle-earth and long have we striven to oppose the Shadow of the Black Foe of the World - He who was cast out long ago. But like a spring that bubbles up from the earth to become a river, so, too, does the evil return.

"It was Gandalf that requested you be brought before me. It was he who sent the Eagles to your aid. I find his reasoning and your declarations sound, and that you are truly heroes among your folk. As you have stated not once, but thrice, that you are at the service to my throne - then let me present you with a need of the Woodland Realm. Not two weeks past, a Elf-maiden of my court named Ruithel was abducted from the western edge of my kingdom. She and her hunting entourage were encamped near the Roaring Falls within an ancient Elven ruin there, built on the heights where the Forest River plummets. The party was attacked by a warband of Orcs out of the northwest. All were slain but Ruithel."

Thranduil approached the company, "Many are the eyes and ears of my allies within the forest - creatures of beak, hoof and claw - that carry messages to me. These allies speak of this warband marching back west towards the Upper Vales - among them is a captive, the Lady Ruithel. Grimbeorn's words of the Viglundings and their penchant for allying with the Orcs of Mount Gundabad and taking of slaves...I fear the worst for the Elf-maiden. Normally, I would send forth a contingent of Elves to bring her back and end this orc incursion, but if there is an alliance of Orc and Men, I will not start a war. These are your people, Grimbeorn, and so I say that they are yours to deal with."

The King breathed in, as if ready to pass judgement, "Your time here has been healing and restful. It is time that you soon make your way. I do not hold you indebted to this throne for what has been given you. Nor do I hold you responsible to this errand that is requested. Should you decide not to aid me, you will leave here in peace. But if you should aid my realm, long will you be held in high regard to me and my folk. The doors of the Woodland Realm shall be open to you and I, when possible, will be available to your audience."

Esgalwen thought quietly a moment and then made to answer, but was silenced by the raised hand of the king. "No. No answers will be given now. You must make counsel among yourselves and I believe that Gandalf is still wanting to speak with you. I will leave you to that, but will see you all once more with the new day - for your answer and to bid you a fond farewell, for now."

With that, the king swept around in a graceful turn and he and his entourage left the chamber. Only Gandalf and the company now stood in the grand, subterranean hall. The old wizard waited a moment or two and then said, "We will talk. But our words are for the open air. Meet me in the clearing outside the gates."

---

:ooc: Matt, understand that Grimbeorn might not have spoken of the Viglundings allying with Mount Gundabad - only the fact that they have spirited away folks of other settlements. This might be a mistaken reveal from the king, or a fact that he knew and is dropping in there by choice.

 :ooc: I don't believe it comes as unexpected given the undercurrent of prejudice between our folk.  Yet I'm sure proof of such an alliance would go towards rallying his people to the cause of opposing the Viglundings and maybe even discrediting their leader to his people.