The arrow struck the troll just under his chin and sunk deep. The large hands came up to Lurg's throat and the groped fruitlessly at the small quill, but his larynx was crushed and he could no longer breath. The troll staggered about in a drunken manner, until it at last fell. Terrible gurgles came from it and bubbles of black blood appeared at its tusked lips.
The scene incensed Arbogast even more. The Fire-watcher screamed at the dying troll, defying it to strike him - defying it to even face him. Grabbing up the spear that had pierced Lurg earlier, Arbogast yelled as he jumped atop the falling troll, slamming the spear deep into its rough hide. He withdrew it and stabbed again, and then again, and again. Anger filled him, as the creature died, and he yelled profanities to the oncoming night. He was tired of death. He was tired of the Shadow that threatened his new home... his new love... his new life. He was tired of the Wood-men and those of the East Bight; of Radagast and his terrible tasks; of his new friends that always compelled him to return to them. Arbogast screamed at the night for taking Orophin in that monstrous hall and for Esgalwen's companions. He even yelled about her and her damned dealings with the man named Mogdred.
The rain seemed to purge all of his madness and pain, weariness and sadness. Arbogast felt like he was being baptized anew without the sins of his prior days and the nightmares that they had contained. His spear cracked at the shaft and he sprawled forward atop the troll, face down on its dead belly. The Fire-watcher lifted his head and peered about - his two friends staring back at him with grave concern. The wildness in his eyes flared again and for a moment he felt he would pull forth the spearhead and shove it into Bandy's stomach, all the while hewing Rorin's neck with his axe...but then it passed.
Rain rolled down over his face and the anger diminished as quickly as it had flared. He wanted to sob for the fell-thoughts that had entered his mind, but he did not. Arbogast shoved once more with all his strength on the broken spear-head, pushing it deeper into the body. There was a popping feeling, as it cut some bone, muscle, or tendon, and then it stopped. It was all the way in the troll's chest and the Woodman's hand were black with ichor.
He stood and slid off the dead hulk and allowed the rain to wash his hands and face. He looked to Bandy and Rorin and said, "Forgive me...it was a madness, but it is done. Come let's search this cave that we have come so far to find."
Arbogast began to walk away, towards the cave. Bandy looked to Rorin and the Hobbit showed the fear on his face. He had not seen such raw anger and hatred since the Sorcerer's Mountain - and the Hobbit feared for his friend. Rorin could do naught else but shake his head and then follow after the Woodman.
A few moments later, the trio found themselves inside a large cavern that flickered with the comfortable light of a fire. It stank of troll and death, along with other foul smells, but it was dry. The terrible gleam that Bandy had seen in Arbogast's eyes no longer shone there and the man seemed himself. "It stinks," he said, "but it will do. Let's go get our friends."
:ooc: I am not going to do anymore narrative that is about going to get Grimbeorn and Esgalwen, so feel free to enter this thread, Matt. You guys can do your own dialogue and narratives about going back to get the other two companions and then coming back.
You may also roll any skill rolls that you would like to attempt (i.e. search, first aid, etc.)
So go ahead and RPG among yourselves - I will jump in as Esgalwen, but will give you guys a chance to fill the story.
Leaving Rorin and Bandobras in the cave, Arbogast returns to where Esgalwen waits with Grimbeorn. "Come," he says as they help the wounded Beorning to his feet. "Enough ill has been done this night and the time has come to rest."
Such signs as might have been seen of his recent madness are now hidden by rain and the shadow of the Misty Mountains, and his voice is steady. Yet in his heart has a fell seed fallen and taken root, and the Wise know well what terrible fruit it may one day bear.
Grimbeorn is roused from his painful slumber with the arrival of hi companion. Only barely with their help does he make it to the cave of the trolls. He notices the carnage of their brief battle, once again the enemy punctured a-plenty with Bandy's arrows, but he is downcast as he wasn't able to help protect his friends. Once inside he passes out where he laid due to weariness and the stench. It isn't until well into the morning that he wakes with enough strength to move around again on his own. "So did anyone find anything for our trouble with the trolls?"
Bandy assisted as best he could to bear Grimbeorn into the cave. He fretted over his wound and became worrisome of all of his party members after their current encounter eith the trolls. The smell in the troll hole, caused by things best not thought about, was everywhere. However, once the group was settled the Halfling took a burning hot coal from the fire and placed it upon a flat rock. Then taking a pinch of his dwindling supply of pipe weed he sprinkled it over and around the ember. Soon the smell of the cave was improved at least a little. Done with his chore he went out again.
The rain had brought the dark on early and he avoided the fallen corpse of the most recently dead troll. Using what light there was he began his search of the hillside until he found the forgotten shield of Arbogast. In the fadding light he eventually found it where it was cast, notched and dented from the fight and its being cast upon the hillside. The Hobbit used the rain and his last clean handkerchief to clean the face and boss of the shield as best he could and then returned to the cave.
"Arbogast, here is the shield given to you by your esteemed uncle. Take it once more worry not about the affairs of all the world, but only your small place in them. We may all may have need of your doughty prowess again before we are truly save."
The Halfling placed the shield by his side and stepped away. He took the pipe from his pack and sacrificed again a measure of his remaining pipe weed.
"Foul trolls....." mumbled the Hobbit. "Now, I wonder if there is anything about that might make it worth our trouble. Who will look with me?"
Search
Rolled 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7
"Aye, there had best be something more than this foul cave for our troubles." Rorin began searching all corners of the cave, knowing that trolls often kept various treasures stashed within them.
While they were searching together Rorin spoke quietly to Bandy, "Friend, I would ask you to keep a close eye on Arbogast in the future. I have seen a similar madness overtake many on the battlefield before and he will carry the weight of the Shadow close to his heart for some time. You have a good heart master hobbit, and our woodland friend cares deeply for you. I believe you to be best equipped to bolster our companion's courage."
:00: Search
Rolled 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 3, 6, total 12
:ooc: I need to roll a series of rolls. I will let you all know what they mean upon completion:
STEP 1 - EACH PC MAY ROLL A FEAT DIE TWICEonly a result of :~~: or :g: are counted; may only be counted once; and the first result is the order they are takenArbogastRolled 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 1d12 : 6, total 6
BandyRolled 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 1d12 : 8, total 8
EsgalwenRolled 1d12 : 11, total 11
Rolled 1d12 : 3, total 3
GrimbeornRolled 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 1d12 : 3, total 3
RorinRolled 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 1d12 : 5, total 5
:ooc: For Bandy, Grimbeorn and Arbogast - the troll cave hoard is valued at 2 Treasure per PC.
• each PC may increase their treasure to 2, but must increase their Encumbrance by 2 points until you reach the destination where you wish to hide or store your wealth.
• of course, if you do not want any treasure - you do not have to do this
• Esgalwen has found a tainted item; I must roll the feat die once more to see if it is cursed
Rolled 1d12 : 7, total 7
• Rorin finds a potential item of great value or magic. He must decide how many of his currently unspent 4 experience points he would like to spend; 1 point for each success die.
• Once the dice are 'purchased', they are rolled and the goal is to get as many :%: as possible
• I will continue with Rorin's opportunity once disench4nted tells me how many points he'll spend
• Rorin does have the option to forgo any potential magic item and just take the 2 Treasure from the hoard, like everyone else above - but he cannot have both
:ooc: Esgalwen is safe from any curses, still she must make a Corruption save
Esgalwen Corruption testTN 14 wisdom ♦♦♦○○○:00: 1d12 : 2, total 2
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 2, 4, total 9
:ooc:
Go big or go home. I'll spend all 4.
If I fail to get a magical item do I still get the two treasure? Just curious, the answer doesn't change my choice either way.
:ooc: Esgalwen fails and gains 1 Shadow point
• I am going to reward Esgalwen with the 2 treasure; even though she found an item of worth, it was tainted and she gained corruption from it, thus rejecting it
Disench4nted - there is no fail; if you spend the XP you'll have a precious/magical item -or- you may take the 2 Treasure Rank instead.
:ooc: Grimbeorn will take his treasure... What is the treasure received or how is it determined?
:ooc:
Awesome, then I'll still spend all 4
Bandy took note that the travel wisdom of Mr. Baggins proved its worth once again. The Hobbit hoped that the money would help cheer his woodman companion in that it would help facilitate his wedding, but there was no immediate improvement.
The young Hobbit sat down and felt an awkward lump when he did see. Fidgeting he realized it was the troll tusks that he had acquired earlier in the day. What a silly notion that a Hobbit would need a war horn. This is no way for a Hobbit to act, I'll scarce be recognized when I get home again. Thought the Hobbit.
For the second time that night Bandy walked to the mouth of the cave. Reaching into his pouch he drew out the two troll teeth and pitched them into the darkness. With a hurrmpf as he did so the Hobbit walked back into the cave again to rejoin his companions.
The Hobbit out of habit walked over to the wood pile that the trolls had accumulated looking to find a piece to throw on the fire. Most of it was rotten and foul like the trolls and would smoke mightly, but with a bit of searching and the advantage of small hands the Hobbit was able to find some nice pieces of apple wood and low and behold several large and well-shaped chunks of briar buried beneath the pile. Why this is a much better project than war horns, a couple of nice pipes would be much more Hobbit like!
The fire was soon assisting in covering the smell of troll as the apple wood began to burn in their small fire and the Hobbit cleared some for the foulness from the place they were gathered around.
"Well this seems to cheer the place up a bit now doesn't it. If only I had some of those sausages left we could have apple smoked treats."
It seemed as though the Hobbit were made uncomfortable by the silence for he began again after a moment.
"I know a bit of song from the woodmen, and I feel like sharing so please indulge me friends,
Let us go now into the forest.
Trees will pass by your face,
and I will stop and offer you to them,
but they cannot bend down.
The night watches over its creatures,
except for the pine trees that never change:
the old wounded springs that spring
blessed gum, eternal afternoons.
If they could, the trees would lift you
and carry you from valley to valley,
and you would pass from arm to arm,
a child running
from father to father
:ooc: Rorin spends his 4 XP :csu:
Rolled 4d6 : 3, 6, 5, 1, total 15
:ooc: Awesome post, Tom!
Matt - treasure in this game is very abstract. The overall troll hoard was worth 8 Treasure ranks, of which Grimbeorn, Bandy, Arbogast, and Esgalwen split into 2 each. Rorin found a precious item and so is disqualified from the regular treasure.
Now what is the treasure? It could be gold, silver, gems, jewelry. I leave it to you to decide, but it is bulky enough to cause you to take 2 Encumbrance for your share - at least until you take it to where you want it stashed. The 2 rank gives your PC the ability to live at Rich Standard of Living for one month, or lower standards for longer.
The companions moved about the cavern, searching for things of worth as they did. The stories of troll holes were legendary and this one did not break that myth. Behind broken swords and shields was found bags of coins - coins of silver and gold! Jewelry littered the botton of a small wooden box. Other things were there, too, standard items of worth like old lanterns and straps of leather; boxes of tools; boxes of nails; horseshoes, etc.
It was very evident that the trolls were indiscriminate as to who they waylaid, or what they took.
Esgalwen hunched by a grouping of shields leaning on the wall, with sword hilts protruding behind the stack. She shoved the items away and grabbed one of the swords. It was still beautiful in its crafting and the devices upon it were of Westernesse. She beamed with delight at what she saw while turning the blade over and admiring it.
The feeling came over her in moments - a Shadow filled her. In Esgalwen's mind came the vision of a golden fleet sailing to the West, but a terrifying cloud in the shape of an eagle loomed over it. The sky was dark under that cloud and the sea on which the boats sailed was rough. Panic filled her as she continued to gaze at the sword and the vision in her mind changed to mountains - the Misty Mountains? At their feet was a huge encampment with banners that furled black, adorned by the Seven Stars - next to them were sky-blue and gold banners. She knew these banners - Elendil and Gil-galad!
Her memory served her and she remembered that Elendil had camped under the mountains, before his fateful journey south to stand against Sauron. In her vision, the woman saw two tall figures and just like that, they were swallowed by a terrible shadow. The vision went black and all that was left was an orange ember, glowing like an evil eye. The Dúnadan tossed down the sword, as she knew that it was the source of such terrible darkness. Wrapping her arms around herself, Esgalwen moved quickly to the fire. She did not share any of her thoughts.
Not far away, Rorin, too, looked through the treasure hoard. He shoved over a wheel that had been taken from a wagon. They'll pillage everything, he thought. The wheel had been covered with a heavy tarp, and it, too, pulled back when the wheel fell. And there it was...a small wooden box that was handsomely carved. Elven runes and natural symbols of branch and leaf were worked in the wood. It looked like the item had been untouched for however long these trolls had sat here. They must have even intended for the tarp and wheel to confine the box.
Rorin gently picked it up and opened it. Insides was a mottled bed of fabric, rotted with time, but upon that bed was a gold necklace. A pendant hung on its length - a golden cage of fine metalwork that contained a perfect pearl. To his mind, Orophin came at once - the elf smiling at him and Rorin seemed to hear him speak, "From Eregion does your treasure come, crafted by the masters of that time and place. Long will it be the symbol of your family and forever will it be a bond between you and the Elves, as long as it is never tarnished by ill-will."
The Dwarf shook his head and Orophin disappeared. He was certain that the voice was naught more than his imagination. The delicate chain and caged-pearl pendant sat in his large, calloused hand.
:ooc: Rorin, you have found a precious item. A golden necklace with a pearl pendant crafted in Eregion of old. It is worth 80 treasure!
Grimbeorn laid in the cave while his friends searched about. There is a rustling and clanging as they sifted through what remained of the troll's hoard. "What does a Beorning need with gold and silver?" he thought, then he recalled his battle with the trolls and his broken shield up on the ground. So once he had strength enough to stand, Grimbeorn made his search throughout the foul trove.
Soon something gave him pause as he came near the pile of rent shields, broken blades, and rotted leather jerkins -- more of a feeling than the glint of something gold. So Grimbeorn began his own search through the piles of leftovers and filth. When he had cleared through what Esgalwen had left behind, a large shield was found wrapped in tatters and half-buried in muck and mud. The young man could tell this is what sparked his interest. Wiping away the muck, he used a bottle of water to wash away the rest of the filth to see what was found.
To scholars and those of Elven-kind, it was a great shield of the realm of Laurelindorinan, the Golden Wood, made for the old wars against Sauron and other ancient evils of the world. But what Grimbeorn saw was a shield that stood three-quarters his height and three-quarters abreast of him at the top. It was made of gray wood, light and sturdy. It's form was that of a leaf, delicately gilt along the edges and the face stained in grayish green. When looking straight on at the face of the shield, the device of the realm was molded as the left side reading as Tengwar "L" but to him it was nothing more than a flourish allowing for easier use of a spear. Lifting it with his damaged left arm, the shield cradled expertly next to his body and to his surprise it could be wielded with no more difficulty than his old shield.
This would be the first time he's smiled in many days.
Arbogast gratefully accepts a share of the trolls' ill-gotten hoard - a handful of silver coins and a pair of golden cloak pins. He also takes a heavy lantern, of Mannish make but wrought with a skill beyond that of the Men of the North.
All in all, a fine dowry for Sunne when we reach Mountain Hall.
:ooc: Please update your PC sheets with your treasure ranks and fatigue, posting a character sheet updated :csu: when done.
It was mid-afternoon on the day that the companions left the troll-hole that the crag in which Mountain Hall sat, came in to view. They marched quietly into the village, once more being halted by the gate guard. It was not so much a gate, but a bridge that crossed a fast-rushing river that tumbled over a fall not thirty-feet from the crossing. Mists rose and chilled the air, but the sight was spectacular. Rorin's love for mountain and stone made him long for home, if not to make this his home.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/MountainHall_ext.jpg)
"HAIL!" came the call from across the bridge. The companions stopped and replied in kind. "Speak your names and business in the Mountain Hall, house of our Chieftain, Hartfast, son of Hartmut."
Again the companions replied with the information, but Esgalwen added, "Please may we cross. Two of our companions have been harmed in a skirmish with trolls, a half-day south of your gates. Though they have been slain, still Grimbeorn has been wounded and the travel has caused him suffering."
The Company noticed a stir among the guards at the mention of Grimbeorn's name. Esgalwen cursed herself for it was only after that she remembered that there was contention between the Mountain Hall and the Beornings.
A few moments passed but then a man carrying a spear and dressed in mail stepped out onto the span. "Cross, but know that you will be taken forthwith to the Master of this house and there ye shall be judged."
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/MountainHall_map.jpg)
:ooc: Character sheet updated :csu:
Rorin could not believe his luck in finding this treasure, and the words of Orophin stood out in his mind, "Forever will it be a bond between you and the Elves"...the experience was too real to discount as daydreaming, but how was it possible for his friend speak to him from the grave? Perhaps the Brown Wizard could help unravel this mystery. But for now, he carefully closed and latched the box, wrapped it in his travelling blanket and packed it tightly in the bottom of his pack.
Finally, their journey had ended...hopefully he could run this errand in the Mountain Hall without too much hassle and be on their way back home.
:ooc:
I added the necklace in my gear, and did not increase my fatigue. If you want me to just say the word.
CSU :csu:
:ooc: Hey disench4nted, no - you don't need to increase fatigue. Your treasure was the small necklace and box.
Anyone who took troll hoard - meaning a level 2 treasure rank - has to increase encumbrance. Matt, you should only increase your encumbrance by what the shield would impose.
More to come in a bit - reading up on Mountain Hall.
:ooc: My previous shield was Encumbrance 3 as well, so in the end it didn't change.
Arbogast nods politely to the guard at the bridge, but has eyes only for the place that will become his sister's home. The water will give her some comfort, even if it is faster (and colder!) than the Dusky River. I must try to meet Theodwin, and see for myself what manner of man he is.
:ooc: :csu: The treasure replaces the weight of my broken spear, so overall encumbrance doesn't change.
Beranald was the Doorwarden of Mountain Hall and he led the companions from the bridge towards the house beyond. Old Beranald had been in charge of meeting all who approached Mountain Hall by way of its narrow bridge since when Hartmut, father of Hartfast, was only a boy. Yet, the man's hands were strong and sure, as was his gait, though his hair was silver and age sat heavy on his brow.
The fast-flowing river waters that protected Mountain Hall were left behind, but still the icy cold mist hung in the air within the crag. The waters tumbled down from the snowy heights of the Misty
Mountains above, to churn and cascade around the hall, surging down a gully that was shaped and widened by many years of craft. The hall had no protective hedge or walls – it needed only the river and the cliffs. The narrow bridge that crosses the river, was the only easy entrance. A road led to a knot of outbuildings and storerooms at the front of the hall. Behind the long hall itself, a watchtower rose as if in imitation of the towering peaks around.
The companions are led first to the Doorkeeper's House, a spacious house of wood and stone with a few comforts. Beranald has lived here the better part of his life and once inside, he turns to the companions. "Make yourselves comfortable. I have sent word that you are here and we must await the word of Hartmut that you shall be received. In the meantime, your wounded folk may rest and take comfort. Would you care for food?"
The company was offered a simple meal of bread, cold water and grey mutton.
:ooc: I am now going to do the basic rolls for this encounter.
I will give you the results based on the rolls. If you wish to change anything with a Hope, let me know.
:ooc: Insight TN 14 for Advantage dice:
Arbogast 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 6, total 7
Bandy 1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 2d6 : 4, 4, total 8
Esgalwen 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4
Grimbeorn 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 6, 3, total 12
Rorin 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7
Bandy and Esgalwen have the highest Courtesy ranks and I need a TN 14 for Beranald to even allow them past his house:
Bandy 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 3, 6, total 12
Esgalwen 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 4, total 5
Does that give me an advancement point for the great success?
:ooc: Results:
Bandy earns 1 Advantage die
Grimbeorn earns 2 Advantage die, also earns 1 AP :csu:
Rorin earns 1 Advantage die
Bandy achieves the courtesy necessary to make Beranald take them further; he also earns 1 AP :csu:
Tom, feel free to add to this scene in regards to Bandy's approach to the old Doorwarden.
Bandy was most courteous to their host and assisted him in the plating of food. Once the plates were prepared, the Hobbit laughed and delivered each to its intended recipient. Trying the bland food himself, Bandy masked his distaste with accolades for the fare. All the while, he interjected subtle ideas to add to the food - herbs and and vegetables that might enhance the taste - but was never rude.
Soon, the old Doorwarden was chuckling alongside the Hobbit, "It's actually rather tasteless, isn't it?" He laughed hard, "At least our beer is good and strong here. Mayhaps on your next journey up the mountain, you can bring me some of the herbs of which you speak?"
To that Beranald poured them all a pint and as a group, they drank the bitter-sweet brew.
:ooc: The encounter Tolerance is 5 (3 highest Valour -2 for Bandy and Grimbeorn for being the cultures they are +1 for Arbogast's standing and a woodman +1 for Rorin being a Dwarf +2 for slaying the trolls)
IntroductionYou guys need to decide if this is a group intro, or if you will have a spokesperson before Hartfast. I would prefer you all discuss it somehow between yourselves before a bunch of test rolls are done. If you guys just give me a bunch of rolls, I will interpret it as best I can.
Lore test TN 14 (to see if any of you know which form of introduction Hartfast prefers:
Arbogast 1d12 : 8, total 8
Bandy 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 2d6 : 4, 6, total 10
Esgalwen 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2
Grimbeorn 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rorin 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6
:ooc: Damn! Bandy is the social expert of the Anduin Vale, along with Rorin! ;D
Results: Bandy and Rorin both know (maybe from the Folk-moot) that Hartfast prefers Courtesy when he is approached. Awe is deemed as arrogance and the TN will increase on all rolls. Both PC's earn an AP :csu:
When the beer and food had been finished, and the crocks cleaned and restored to their places, Beranald told them to gather their things. "Fine folk like you, I am sure the master will wish to meet! Be sure and tell him of the trolls you have slain - they have been stealing our sheep for months and it will please my master to know that they will no longer bother us. Too must I ask that all of your weapons stay here, within my home for safekeeping. If you do not meet this requirement, you will go no further."
(Any who protest must stay behind at the Doorwarden's House)
The Doorwarden led them out of his house, but did not follow the road to the entrance of the Great House, but instead to the mine beyond. The mine entrance was one of many shafts that wormed their way into the Mountain's roots. By the standards of the Woodmen, these were extensive excavations – to Rorin, they were a child's idle scratchings. Beranald kindled a torch made from rushes, and led the company down into the mine. The walls and floor were slick with water and icy drops fell from above. The torchlight made the walls glitter.
The mines contained useful metals – copper and tin and iron primarily, but gold had been found, too. It was the dream of the mountain-folk to strike Mithril, the fabled Moria-silver, but they had yet to do so.
The tunnel winded on and on, and the company descended several flights of stairs until they come to a larger cave. There, four burly mountain-folk stood with their ears pressed against the far wall. One of these folk turned to see who had come into the chamber. This was Hartfast, the chieftain of Mountain Hall.
Hartfast looked like the Misty Mountains; craggy features, absurdly tall, and a wild shock of white hair. Golden amulets were braided into his grey beard. He had seen more than fifty winters here in the mountains, but he was yet unbowed. He leaned on a stout walking stave more than he used to, but he could still swing an axe or draw a bow with the best of his grandsons. He was a proud man, and had little time for outsiders – not even the other Woodman tribes were truly welcome here. It was a long way across the River to Woodland Hall, and Hartfast considered them distant cousins at best. Behind his back, the other Woodmen called him the 'tallest dwarf' for his stubborn pride and standoffishness.
When the companions first meet his gaze, Hartfast scowled at them and brusquely demanded, "Beranald? Who are these people and why are they in my mountain fortress?"
The Doorwarden bowed and answered, "These travelers are Free-folk out of Mirkwood, Lord. They have come far to seek to procure items from us in exchange for like items of value."
Standing tall over all but Grimbeorn, Hartfast inspected each companion with a discerning eye. "A Dwarf! I seem to remember you from the Folk-moot...you were all there." The realization seemed to ease the man's scowl.
I leave it here to you guys to make your test(s) for introduction and interaction....
Grimbeorn, though able to stand and move, had slowed his companions travel and he wasn't in the best mood (when is he ever?) by the time they reached Mountain Hall, any joy felt from the recovery of the shield had soured. Despite doing his job in the battle by taking the brunt of the attacks from the trolls and living to tell the tale, it rankled that he didn't come away with a kill and has also required additional assistance and attention -- two things he's not used to receiving. In the past, he personally has had dealings with folk of this hall, amicable mostly mixed with some grumbling about the cost of tolls at the Old Ford and up to the High Pass, but this didn't prevent him from giving at least a passing courtesy to the man who offered both a warm hearth and food from his larder. Sitting by the fire in the doorwarden's house, eating and drinking, the heir of Beorn felt better and a maybe a little drowsy as one would expect when mixing strong drink with healing from great wounds. Soon he was once again snoozing with head drooped to his chest and drinking crock hanging from his hand. A quick jab unseen from a Halfling though woke him as the doorwarden prepared for them to leave. A yawn, brief stretch, and an offer of gratitude to their host and Grimbeorn was ready to go.
:ooc: Matt, does this mean that Grimbeorn will not go to meet Hartfast?
:ooc: I quickly adjusted at the end to get to join everyone.
BTW, Grimbeorn will go last in the introductions.
:ooc: Awesome!
Okay, remember - we need a successful Introduction roll for the Interactions to commence. If you guys choose a spokesperson to speak for you all at introduction, no one else can perform tests during the interaction (accept tests that might aid the spokesperson).
If you introduce as a group, then all must succeed and you may all then interact with the host.
I will wait until tonight or tomorrow to see your posts and what you all are doing. I suggest you be definitive in your post choices (i.e. my PC is not good at Courtesy, so I choose a spokesperson based on best stat...or something like this), otherwise it can drag out to be a scene everyone inputs on but nothing is decided.
I will say now, Bandy has the best Courtesy at 3, but he is a Hobbit and Hartfast doesn't care for them. Esgalwen follows with 2, Grimbeorn at 1, and everyone else has 0. ;)
Have fun!
:ooc: In the end it might be best that Grimbeorn speaks. He is not a Hobbit nor a woman and he has some clout. My personal preference would be for Esgalwen but not sure how a woman speaking for us would go over.
:ooc:
Does Rorin's Lore test reveal these people's feeling about women? Because if a woman speaking out would not be well received then Rorin will suggest Grimbeorn speaks, if it's fine though, he would suggest Esgalwen.
:ooc: your lore does not tell you any ill will towards woman.
:ooc: Canonically, the women hunt and fight alongside their menfolk. The Woodmen don't really have the manpower to do it any other way. I don't foresee any problem with using Esgalwen as a spokesperson in-character. OOC, of course, we wind up with Doug talking to himself, which is more work for him and less interesting for us. Grimbeorn is still Weary, which gives a pretty significant mechanical penalty. So I'd recommend getting as many speakers introduced as possible.
That said, Arbogast has no points in courtesy even though I built him as largely a social character. It turns out that if you don't read the rules closely, you don't build your characters quite the way you want to. :-[ I'll try for a hail-Mary roll backed up with Hope and his Cunning attribute, if nobody has any objections. Bandy should introduce himself too - bigotry be damned.
EDIT: If it's not clear, my understanding is that some of the Fellowship can successfully introduce themselves and interact without the entire party having to do so. We also should settle on a SOP for doing this, to speed things up in the future.
The dancing light of old Beranald's torch, coupled with the claustrophobic surrounds, reminds Arbogast uncomfortably of the halls of Dol Guldur, and he holds his tongue as Hartfast acknowledges them. Instead, he regards the other three men quizzically, as they have not ceased their strange behaviour.
What do they listen for? he wonders.
:ooc: On reflection, bugger it. Arbogast will take a back seat until I can buy his Courtesy up. In the meantime, he has other concerns.
Rolling Insight to see if I can figure out what they're doing.
DC 14 (?) Insight 2:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 2, total 4
:ooc: So, um, do we have a decision?
:ooc: I nominate Bandobras as group spokesperson. Do I have a second?
Quote from: Eclecticon on Feb 23, 2016, 02:46 PMEDIT: If it's not clear, my understanding is that some of the Fellowship can successfully introduce themselves and interact without the entire party having to do so. We also should settle on a SOP for doing this, to speed things up in the future.
:ooc: Yes, this is true. You either have a spokesperson who speaks for everyone in the Introduction and Interaction - and all tests are based on that person's skills.
--or--
Any PC can make an introduction, and thus speak in the interaction part of the encounter.
Bottom line is, I add up all successful tests and it tells me what level of aid/interest Hartfast will show you.
BTW - you guys are no longer Miserable.
Esgalwen would agree, too, that Bandy is the best choice - but she would include herself in the introductions to allow for a second voice in the interactions. Grimbeorn, too, could speak last as was his comment above. You guys are set to a Tolerance of 5, which means 5 is the maximum number of failures that can occur.
So, let's see what Tom and Steve say, and then we'll roll and roleplay this out.
The change in Arbogast's expression is a small one that only a companion of long standing would likely see, but the Woodman feels his heart begin to pound. Listening at the wall... tension in their faces... heavy picks gripped tight... no other men to be seen or heard in the mines...
Listening at the wall...
He leans in towards the Ranger and the Hobbit as they share a glance, and whispers. "These mines are troubled. The men here fear attack by goblins tunnelling up from beneath."
:ooc: Doug, feel free to correct the narrative if I'm wrong. But dollars to donuts I'm not.
:ooc: I'm good with it, let the dice speak.
Grimbeorn gives a nod and "gentle" nudge as only the large Beorning could to prompt the halfling into speaking.
Rorin was sure to dry and clean his beard of the debris it had picked up during the fight with the trolls and he stood up straight behind the halfling. He heard Arbogast whisper his warning and he grunted in agreement, hoping that this wouldn't have any undesired effects on his mission.
:ooc:
I like it, Bandy as spokesperson and Esgalwen as his second.
:ooc: The question now - is Tom out in the field doing some Army Captain stuff?
The Hobbit stepped forward and cleared his throat. First he bowed low to the men and next he spoke,
"Hartfast of Mountain Hall, we have come from Rhosgobel at the request of the Brown Wizard and the folk of Sunstead. We would have bussiness with you, but first we are very tired from our journey and Grimbeorn son of Beorn was wounded whilst we met upon the road and then slew three trolls."
Rolled 1d12 : 9, total 9
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 5, 3, total 10
Also one among your folk is set to marry the sister of my companion Arbogast. So for reasons of our own as well as being asked by the learned and mighty of the land we have come to Mountain Hall. The like of which I have not before seen. So like the environment from which it springs, the folk and hall, steadfast and strong as the mountains.
Rolled 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 3, 4, total 9
Beranald the faithful has shared his board with us and has been a most gracious host. He agreed readily to take us to his Lord, and as you have guessed we were all present at the Folk Moot and have spent much time among the woodmen of the Anduin vales. Strange it is for us to meet you here, underground. Instead we expected to meet you in your hall above. Would it be better for us to call upon you at another hour in order to discuss the matters that have brought us here?"
Rolled 1d12 : 9, total 9
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 4, 4, total 10
:ooc: Y'see - that's why we gave him the job.
:ooc: Hey Tom, I only need one Courtesy roll from Bandy which would have been TN 16 (due to him being a Hobbit), but will keep the other two rolls for Song tests during the Interaction, as Song is your only skill that matches the ranks rolled.
Test Success thresholds:| 0-2 | Hartfast has no time |
| 3-5 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few nights, plus will supply the provided materials at cost plus 25% |
| 6-8 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few weeks, plus will supply the provided materials at cost |
| 9+... | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few months, plus will supply the provided materials at cost minus 25% |
Interaction Tests can be -
Insight, Inspire, Persuade, Riddle, or Song (and Battle for Dwarves, if they speak about how to defend and fortify the mines).TN 14 for set each test and I would love some narrative/dialogue as to how you use the skill on a success.
The Tolerance is 5, so that is the maximum failures. If failed, Hartfast will allow you to stay long enough to rest a few hours and then send you on your way.
SO, at this point we have:
| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
Hartfast was visually bothered when Bandy stood before the group to introduce himself and his companions, the man looking away to the wall where his own folk stood and nodding curtly. It did not break the Hobbit's demeanor and Bandy continued with his greeting and the highlights of their journey to Mountain Hall. Slowly, Hartfast began to change his bearing and he turned to look at the small Hobbit.
"Trolls, you say? Three trolls slain?" his voice becoming animated with delight.
Esgalwen introduces:TN 16 courtesy ♦♦○○○○:00: 1d12+3 : 5 + 3, total 8
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 2, total 8
She includes a Hope, if necessary. If the dice roll is not needing the extra points, I will not subtract from her pool. Nor will I subtract it if the roll was an utter failure and the Hope point would have made no difference.
:ooc: Awesome, a great success!
Encounter Status:| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Esgalwen | Courtesy (Intro) | 2 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | | 5 | 0 |
"Oh, yes, Master Hartfast! And Bandy here slew one himself - maybe two! No finer bowman will you find." Esgalwen stepped up beside her diminutive companion, "Master Hartfast, I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan, and I am come from Ithilien, the eastern lands of Gondor. I come on behalf of this company, Radagast the Brown, but also for my Lord, the heir to the Stewardship of Gondor, Ecthelion II. He has appointed me the honoured position of ambassador to the Anduin Vale and I speak for him.
"Know this - friendship of Gondor I bring to the great Woodmen of the vale, be they within the forest to the east, or on the foothills of the Misty Mountains. To aid us will show you as the wise ruler you are, but too will it secure you with the knowledge that if times ever need, Gondor will stand beside you for your deeds."
"Gondor is far away," replied an uncertain Hartfast.
"Aye, it is far and I am but one warrior-ranger from that land, but you know, as does everyone here, that long has Gondor honoured its allegiances to a man - or woman - and it will never falter in that. Yes, we are far away and if need came to you we it would take time to rally forth, but rally forth we shall. The Woodmen would have the might of Gondor."
Between Bandy's courteous pleasantries and the Gondorian courtier, all of the Mountain Hall-men now looked upon the company and all were intrigued. "You both speak well for your people and your friends," said Hartfast - a smile cracking across his face.
:ooc: I am gonna let anyone else chime in with an introduction if they want, otherwise it will just be Bandy and Esgalwen that may talk.
Tests for the interaction are now at TN 14 due to the successful Introductions
Bandy needs to give me narrative/dialogue for his TWO song successes during the interaction. Understand, the posts you guys make will need to orient themselves to your purpose for being here - which is to procure the raw materials for Rorin to make Ceawin's helm gift.
With the other introductions made, Grimbeorn interrupts to speak for himself. "Master Hartfast, I am Grimbeorn. By name, I'm sure you know of my father and whom I represent. I appreciate the hospitality that you and your folk have given myself and companions. Along with the other business of our company, if you wish to discuss further relations regarding our road, as my father's emissary I am willing to listen."
:ooc:
:00:
Insight - 1d12 : 11, total 11
Rolled 3d6 : 5, 4, 3, total 12
Will use one of the Interaction dice as necessary.
:ooc: :& Well isn't that a kick in the balls.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 25, 2016, 03:08 PM:ooc: :& Well isn't that a kick in the balls.
:ooc: Can he have a re-roll since he was rolling for Insight (which isn't an introduction skill) instead of Awe (which definitely is?)
"And I am the Fire-Watcher of Black Tarn Hall," Arbogast says, with a sidelong glance at Bandy, "likewise a troll-slayer and soon to be kin to Theodwin of this House."
:ooc: I keep forgetting that I can use Riddle to introduce myself.
Rolled 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 5, 5, total 10
:ooc: Bleah. I don't think it's quite worth a Hope point, though.
EDIT: I like to think that, with all the voices suddenly echoing around a small space, Hartfast just didn't hear him properly and doesn't have the patience to get everyone's introductions again. This may also apply to Grimbeorn.
:ooc: Big folk, always mucking about.....
"Lord of Mountain Hall and Hewn cave, please forgive my companions, theyare tired and we have indeed traveled far. We would not desire to keep you from your bussiness. I have heard and learned much while among the Woodmen, but not that they were miners. Perhaps Rorin here can offer some advice for what vexes you. Few among us would know more of the underground than a dwarf and it is his errand that principally brings us here. Perhaps we would much rather speak of it above ground at leisure?
Courtesy roll to influence not sure yet how to work the song rolls in
Rolled 1d12 : 11, total 11
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 3, 1, total 6
Damn it!
:ooc: As I understand it, my test is an interaction test, not introduction.
Quote from: Eclecticon on Feb 25, 2016, 03:19 PMQuote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 25, 2016, 03:08 PM:ooc: :& Well isn't that a kick in the balls.
:ooc: Can he have a re-roll since he was rolling for Insight (which isn't an introduction skill) instead of Awe (which definitely is?)
:ooc: that all went to hell in a handbasket.
Matt - no... the way the rules work for these encounters in TOR is a two part phase and successes and failures from both determine the outcome.
Phase I - Introduction: The players may either choose a spokesperson for the encounter, or they may engage in an introduction. It can be one, two, some or all in the introduction and they must use the skills Awe, Courtesy or Riddle. Once dialogue has started with the subject, successes and failures are marked in the appropriate side of the scorecard. Successes move you closer to the goal and failures are added until the Tolerance is met. If Tolerance is met than the subject stops all communication. All of this is translated, too, in the TN of the test rolls - they may go up or down depending on the trend of results.
Any PC that wants to contribute to the Interaction, must make an Introduction test, otherwise you are on the sidelines leaving it up to others. Characters with weak social skills would probably volunteer to not be in the conversation.
Phase II - Interaction: Those players that participated in the Introduction may now all make interaction tests to move towards a higher accumulation of successes to glean better opportunities (all defined by the Loremaster - as I did above).
Anyway - if Grimbeorn would like to take part in the Introduction, he must make a test with those skills listed above. Success or Failure just marks the appropriate column, but he will then be able to communicate in the Interaction - your TN's may just be a little higher.
To answer Paul - I would allow the test to be an Awe (Introduction) test, the :~~: means the roll is a 0 (zero), but still Matt rolled 12 on his other dice. With one advantage dice (Grimbeorn has 2) and a Hope, he could get through. The TN is 18 to use Awe, as Hartfast thinks this kind of attempt is arrogant.
:ooc: Well ok, more complicated than I thought... I'll stick with my action (not to be a stick in the mud but taking bad with good), instead using Courtesy I guess, though I seem to be quite discourteous as I fall victim to the bevy of :~~: being rolled. No shortage of drama here. :\
:ooc:
Yikes....Rorin is just going to uncomfortably stand there and try not to throw fuel on the fire.
To late man, might as well punch the guy and loot his hall at this point.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 26, 2016, 08:19 AM:ooc: Well ok, more complicated than I thought... I'll stick with my action (not to be a stick in the mud but taking bad with good), instead using Courtesy I guess, though I seem to be quite discourteous as I fall victim to the bevy of :~~: being rolled. No shortage of drama here. :\
:ooc: ;) LOL! Actually it's pretty easy when you look at it, it's just always harder for me to convey stuff in PbP than if we sat around a table.
Remember, too, in TOR - an :~~: is only a 0 (zero) result to your dice roll, unless it comes to certain tests (i.e. combat, hazards, etc.). So a character could still succeed on a test, even though he rolled an :~~: , as long as his Success Dice add up to the TN or greater.
Okay - so you are going to leave your roll as it stands, but make it an Awe TN 18 roll. RIght now it is a Failure - do you wish to try to make it a success by adding one of your Success dice and a Hope if needed?
:ooc: Yes, yes yes yes, use the resources!
:ooc: Okay, by using a Hope you will add 9, making it 21 which is a Success on TN 18 :csu:
Arbogast can use a Hope on his Riddle roll that will add 6, making it a 17, which is a Success on TN 16 :csu:
Bandy is the only one who fails with his additional Courtesy roll.
Matt, I updated your sheet for the Hope. Paul, I did the same, but let me know if you object to using the point.
Encounter Status:| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Esgalwen | Courtesy (Intro) | 2 | 0 |
| Grimbeorn | Awe (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Arbogast | Riddle (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Inter) | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | | 7 | 1 |
:ooc: With 7 success, you guys have locked in Rorin's requirements at cost...do you want to, or need to, try for better results?
Test Success thresholds:| 0-2 | Hartfast has no time |
| 3-5 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few nights, plus will supply the provided materials at cost plus 25% |
| 6-8 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few weeks, plus will supply the provided materials at cost |
| 9+... | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few months, plus will supply the provided materials at cost minus 25% |
:ooc: I'm torn between "quit while we're ahead" and "let's go for it, roll the dice".
:ooc:
Since we've only got one failure, Rorin will actually go ahead and make an introduction and try to push for the final tier. No sense in anyone else sticking their necks out.
:00: Introduction (Riddle)
Rolled 1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 2d6 : 4, 5, total 9
I'll use my advantage die and a point of hope in that order if I don't have a success
:00: Advantage die (if needed)
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2
Wits (unfavored) +4
:ooc:
Cool! Don't need to use either. I'll try to get a RP post about this (with additional rolls) up tomorrow, but it may be Sunday. I'm about to be pretty busy for tonight and tomorrow.
:ooc: With 8 success, you guys have locked in Rorin's requirements at cost...do you want to, or need to, try for better results?
Test Success thresholds:| 0-2 | Hartfast has no time |
| 3-5 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few nights, plus will supply the provided materials at cost plus 25% |
| 6-8 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few weeks, plus will supply the provided materials at cost |
| 9+... | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few months, plus will supply the provided materials at cost minus 25% |
Encounter Status:| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Esgalwen | Courtesy (Intro) | 2 | 0 |
| Grimbeorn | Awe (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Arbogast | Riddle (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Rorin | Riddle (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Inter) | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | | 8 | 1 |
The conversation became energetic with Hartfast. Grimbeorn recognized himself and it created a stir with the Mountain Hall chieftain, but the debate was cordial enough. In the end, even the Beorning was welcome in the hall and Hartfast began to move the companions up out of the mines, towards his home. But not before he turned to Rorin, who himself had doffed his hood and bowed low to introduce himself.
Hartfast seemed to ingratiate himself to the Dwarf, asking questions all the while displaying courtesies to his visitor from afar. Hartfast beckoned Rorin over, along with any others that wished to join, and bid him put their head against the stone wall. In the distance, echoing through the stone, they heard the tap-tap-tap of a hammer in the depths.
"Goblins", said Hartfast. "They dig in search of our mineshafts and tunnels. They want to find a secret way in to my hall. We've killed many on the surface, but they are more dangerous down here in the dark. I would ask your suggestions on how to fortify ourselves, Master Rorin, but for now let us away to my house where a strong and bitter pint awaits!"
Bandy thought for a moment and then began to spin a tale. At first the companions thought that the Hobbit was just passing the time. He spoke of gardens and vegetables, and even a quick sidebar about his cousin who once kept a fox as a pet since his neighbor let his chickens into his worm bed he kept for fishing. The Hobbit however had a point to the tale.
"So, the gopher was a might sore trouble in the garden diggin here and there, so my cousin Rolo got himself an empty barrel of beer and let it fill with rain water. Then once it was full he flushed that gopher clear to the next farthing. Perhaps you could do the same with the goblins? Channel water in and if they break through open up the sluice and wash them into Dunland."
:ooc: going for story as a song?
:ooc: Be careful about proposing solutions, you may be put in charge of implementing them. :P
:ooc: I am but a simple farmer Lord Grimbeorn, such physical labours are far beyond my limited stature and capacity. I'll gladly supervise the work, after a snack of course.
:ooc:
Just checking in real quick before my irl DnD session. Rorin will use Battle to talk about the goblins and gain favor to get that 9th success. I'll come back and roleplay this tonight or tomorrow.
:00: Battle
Rolled 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 5, total 7
Again, I'll use my advantage die and a point of Hope in that order if it will make a success
:00: potential advantage
Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6
Hope (Heart) +4
:ooc: If it's all the same to you guys, I'll keep my Hope point. If this takes us down a success, I'm sure one of the others can make up the difference.
EDIT: Instead, I'm going to use Riddle again to see if there are any other interesting facts that the Men of Mountain Hall haven't brought up, per TOR p. 187.
Rolled 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 3, total 4
In the same vein, does my successful Insight roll earlier count towards the Encounter?
Also:
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 26, 2016, 11:25 AM"Goblins", said Hartfast.
Called it!
:ooc: Hey Paul, I changed the results of your test and put your hope point back. :csu:
Hey Tom, Story is fine within a Song roll - essentially the same thing.
With 8 success, you guys have locked in Rorin's requirements at cost...do you want to, or need to, try for better results?
Test Success thresholds:| 0-2 | Hartfast has no time |
| 3-5 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few nights, plus will supply the provided materials at cost plus 25% |
| 6-8 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few weeks, plus will supply the provided materials at cost |
| 9+... | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few months, plus will supply the provided materials at cost minus 25% |
Encounter Status:| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Esgalwen | Courtesy (Intro) | 2 | 0 |
| Grimbeorn | Awe (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Arbogast | Riddle (Intro) | 0 | 1 |
| Rorin | Riddle (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Inter) | 0 | 1 |
| Rorin | Battle (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | | 8 | 2 |
Hartfast gave Bandy an odd look, the Hobbit feeling as if he had two heads. The mountain-man had come to respect the small fellow, but surely he wasn't talking about plans of defense, or war.
"Gophers?" said the chief of Mountain Hall.
"Well...yes." Beranald spoke up for Bandy, having come to like him. The older man enjoyed the tales he had thus been told over the ale at his home. "Wash them out...like pouring a pale down the privy." There were chuckles around the chamber, but this only made Hartfast scowl once more. The doorwarden smiled at his master, "We could direct a bit of the river and flood a chamber if we hear them digging in closer. The goblins would have a nasty surprise once they cracked our walls!"
Harfast eyed the keeper of his bridge, "You've been drinking, haven't you, old man?" The guffaw from Beranald said it all. Hartfast shook his head, "Hammish. Colin. Lead us back up to the surface. We have guests to entertain."
Rorin cleared his throat, "The Hobbit is not all that off in his suggestion..."
All the mountain men turned to look at the Dwarf, but this time, the companions could see that Hartfast was eager to hear what was said.
:ooc: Paul, your insight was a good roll and I will give you credit for it as an AP - depending on if it meets the success level requirements. As for your second Riddle test...ummm, you're kinda bringing the mood down. (-D
:ooc: With 8 success, you guys have locked in Rorin's requirements at cost.
Test Success thresholds:| 0-2 | Hartfast has no time |
| 3-5 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few nights, plus will supply the provided materials at cost plus 25% |
| 6-8 | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few weeks, plus will supply the provided materials at cost |
| 9+... | Hartfast offers food and shelter for a few months, plus will supply the provided materials at cost minus 25% |
Encounter Status:| PC | | Skill | | Success | | Fail |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Esgalwen | Courtesy (Intro) | 2 | 0 |
| Grimbeorn | Awe (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Arbogast | Riddle (Intro) | 0 | 1 |
| Rorin | Riddle (Intro) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Song (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Bandy | Courtesy (Inter) | 0 | 1 |
| Rorin | Battle (Inter) | 1 | 0 |
| Arbogast | Riddle (Inter) | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | | 8 | 3 |
:ooc: Because you had rolled a :g: on the Insight test, I gave you the AP. :csu:
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 28, 2016, 02:41 PM:ooc: Paul, your insight was a good roll and I will give you credit for it as an AP - depending on if it meets the success level requirements. As for your second Riddle test...ummm, you're kinda bringing the mood down. (-D
:ooc: Yeah. Ever since a cold pint got mentioned, Arbogast's heart just isn't in this any more.
Rorin cleared his throat, "The Hobbit is not all that off in his suggestion...".
He felt the room pause for a brief moment as he spoke in defense of Bandy's story, he collected himself and continued.
"We Dwarves have used similar tactics in the past when clearing our mines of these foul creatures. Now...It's not a sure thing and the conditions under ground must be just right, but if all goes well a flooded chamber can be a devastating weapon. If you can find and isolate the goblin's active tunnels, and if those tunnels lead to a chasm, then you can wash every goblin working in that tunnel over the edge to their doom. I can't say for sure if this will work for your caves without knowing they lay of the ground here better, but judging by how close their picks sound, I think it just may work."
:ooc:
Rolling Insight to get the 9th success. Insight is favored so I'll use Hope to add 7 to the roll if it helps.
:00: Insight
Rolled 1d12 : 11, total 11
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 5, total 6
This insight can represent Rorin getting a feel for how well this idea could work for Hartfast.
:ooc:
Bugger...
:ooc: (-D
Man...the :~~: has made its presence known!
Okay, with a Hope point spent and using one of your Advantage dice that you didn't need in the previous tests, you will achieve an 14 which is your TN to beat.
You have your 9th success!
"Please tell me more, Master Dwarf," said Hartfast as he placed a hand on Rorin's shoulder and escorted him out of the chamber and back to the surface.
Behind the duo, Bandy scratched at his nose and wondered how his suggestion was only good after the Dwarf had spoken! Incredible, he thought. Esgalwen came up behind the Hobbit and place her hand on his shoulder, "Come, Master Bandobras...tell me how this plan of yours would work over a pint of ale!" Her eyes twinkled and her beautiful smile made Bandy giggle in spite of it all.
The chamber was soon dark and only the tap-tap-tap of distant hammers was heard in the blackness.
Once on the surface, Hartfast led the companions to his hall where people gathered to meet these strangers from the woods. Soon, a great fire roared within the hearth and mutton was sizzling. Beer was poured for all and the hall filled with music.
The company felt their weariness fade and the wounds on their bodies begin to heal. Their journey thus far had been a success!
:ooc: Okay - it is time for a short Fellowship Phase.
Tell me how long you guys want to stay here at Mountain Hall. It is the beginning of T.A. July 2951. You guys have to journey back to Rhosgobel, which could take up to 10+ days and Ceawin wants to be on his road back to Sunstead by October, so Rorin would have essentially two months to finish the helm.
Grimbeorn will heal at a rate of 2 Endurance for each undisturbed long rest he is allowed - so he would need 12 days of rest to get back to full.
The materials are provided for Rorin at cost -25%, so I went ahead and increased your sheet by Treasure 1, Steve, to account for the money saved. :csu: You guys will be leading a pack mule home, as the materials are heavy. The mule, like your horses, are to be returned at first chance.
I think we should wait the full 12 days and leave on the 14th so as not to be unlucky.
Also, anyone interested in finding this hobbit inn?
:ooc: I'm up for finding more of Bandy's folk.