As evening closes in about the small town of Men and the land beneath the leaves and branches of Mirkwood darkens to a nigh-subterranean gloom, the merry-making carries on at a measured pace, new loaves being broken and ale-kettles brought forth to keep the feast-day alive.  At last, as those of lower station begin to drift away to their own hearths, the high and honoured guests are bade to enter Wuduseld itself to see the beginning of the solemn business of the hour. 

Inside, the figures carven upon walls and pillars dance and shift in the flickering firelight and smoky air, bringing to life tales of deeds both dark and noble.  Among them, the assembled elders of the Woodmen watch as the Great War-Horn of the Hunter, long the token of the War-Leader of the folk, is lain upon an empty seat in the place of honour.  Almost within arm's reach sits Mogdred, clad in fabric well-woven and richly-dyed, the light reflecting from a bejewelled crown set upon his brow. 
Hardly further away sits Caewin, a pleasant smile upon his face and the Helm of Peace held by a man standing behind him. 

The murmur of conversation falls silent as an old man (Artamud, Hathcyn vaguely recalls) stands to recite the words that will begin the ceremony.  "Ingomer, son of Laudomer, whom Men named for the Axebreaker, is gone from Middle-Earth, and the seat of the War-Leader stands empty.  But sore are the folk beset.  Will any man stand to lead our warriors in this time of trial?" 

Mogdred is out of his seat with great haste, besting Caewin who has also begun to rise.  "I am Mogdred, and Ingomer was my father," he begins. 

Gwaithlim, his ears already pricked and alert, hears a nearby woman whisper "He looks more like Ingomer than the old Axebreaker himself did, toward the end!"

Mogdred continues with a short recitation of his deeds.  "In the south, I have brought forth a new kingdom that has proven itself in war against many enemies.  Many are the spoils I have won and given unto you..." 

By the time he finishes, it is clear that many in the hall look favourably upon him, crown or no. 


More to follow, but feel free to add in reactions or other things.

Quote from: tomcat on Apr 26, 2024, 09:19 AMThe lady patted her friend on the shoulder and smiled, saying softly, "Your people could have no better leader and guardian than you."

Arbogast neither nods nor smiles, but says, his voice level, "You speak perhaps too soon.  Much work is there to be done first."


Tom, I like your idea of using Rorin as a go-between.  Is there anything else that people want to do before I move the story on?

The Longspear spent many hours circulating. He shook many hands and slapped many shoulders in his circuit around the camp, but always he was watching and listening to the feel of the camp. Since he was not a woodman all factions welcomed him and he moved freely between the followers of the different contenders to the title of war chief. All those but Mogdred, he was singular in that his followers were avoided.

In his travels he sought an opportunity to speak to Rorin the dwarf again and he was not disappointed.

The Longspear spoke to him briefly. He named and described the woman he saw in the band of the Tyrant's Hill men.

"I believe her to be our friend despite her emblems. If you can find a way to subtly speak to her, and you are willing, it may be to our gain for you to relay messages between us. As token of what you say is true her real name is Athala Hannodaughter, though doubtful she is going by that name now. When you great her say, "the Longspear hopes Sanjar is well." Then if it is her she will know you have come from me truly and we may learn news of the young tyrant of the south.

  Well it doesn't have to be but the PC would likely turn NPC much in the same way that Grimbeorn did IMO.  You could also throw GB under the bus for war chief, too, for he loathes Mogdred as much as anyone here.

Quote from: Telcontar on Apr 26, 2024, 07:53 AMPaul, you are in this too! Take off your exceptional forum die roll hat and jump into the trenches with all of us. Let's have a discussion.

I feel so accepted!

Without wanting to put my thumb on the scale any heavier than I've been invited to, I think Arbogast would be an easier sell for the Woodmen than an outsider.  Also, that leaves the 'outsider' card to be played against Mogdred, and it seems that we're all agreed that the most important thing is to deny the title to that guy. 

(Parenthetically, it gladdens my blackened, GM heart to have an antagonist so strongly disliked that the players will say 'well, we could put one of our own on the throne I guess but what we really want is to spit in that fucker's eye'.)

If he gets up, Arbogast will almost certainly retire from active adventuring, but in return you'll have a second culture now partly-led by a former Fellowship member, i.e. one who's a sympathetic ear with access to resources and who understands the value of cross-cultural cooperation on a very deep level. 

An adventure to free Caewin of the helm would also be fun, and it's a good idea for a Fellowship-initiated story.  I've already got some ideas.  It's probably going to be out of scope for the current year, but you'll at least be able to get some initial leads from Radagast, if you can find him with a few free minutes. 

  why does it have to be an NPC?

 
Gwaithlim knows enough to:
1. Agree that one of the current or former Mannish members of the Fellowship is best suited to lead these Men as needed.
2. Agree that it would be best an NPC
3. Agree that Mogdred must be thwarted in any of his ambitions that further destabilize the ties that bind these Men but won't say as much aloud, not his place as emissary of the Elves across the mountains, yet he will advise towards anything that will bring the groups together in common task

Esgalwen nodded at Arbogast, "We will not speak of it here, but I will say, do not be foolish to hold yourself responsible for the outcome of our quest. The maiden spirit was freed, and Arbogast, you have tread where most men's hearts would have quailed.

"You are made of sterner stuff than perhaps even him," and she gestured towards Mogdred's tent, "for though he survived the darkness of the Shadow's vaults for years, his suffering was forced upon him. You willingly went forward into such a place for the benefit of those you care about.

"You both survived the hardships you faced, but only Mogdred uses it as a weapon against all - a barb with which to stab with each incrimination he makes. Mogdred holds his people accountable for his suffering, and now holds the Vale hostage in the guise of their guardian.

"You, on the other hand, have seen the danger to kith and kin and what it foreshadows if we let our guard slip. You want for naught else than to have a safe home for your family." The lady patted her friend on the shoulder and smiled, saying softly, "Your people could have no better leader and guardian than you."

It is not my intention to sit on the sidelines and read, and with the insertion of Esgalwen as a possible candidate - it will give her a lot to contribute.

1. I am opposed to Mogdred's victory, as well.
2. That said, with Arbogast now a candidate - Esgalwen will push him as the choice.
3. It is not that she wouldn't accept being chosen, in her heart (as I have told Paul) she believes there are better choices as she is an outsider. She definitely sees Arbogast as that option.
4. I like playing Esgalwen and I do not want to lose her, but I will 'retire' if the narrative leads to her being chosen.
5. Esgalwen REALLY wants to fuck Mogdred's ambitions, after he took the gift that she wanted for all the people of the Vale and has made it his own.

A Ceawin quest would be cool. It would be neat to go back into the barrows and fight some undead!