Turumarth swooned from the vicious scimitar strokes that cut into his body. The man of Dale knew his life would soon be over and he would never get the opportunity to see the ancient Dwarven Hall. He staggered back, the world around him in slow motion, and the two orcs grinned as they came forward. A ringing began to fill the man's ears as he slowly began to fall to the ground, but he was sure that beyond it, he heard an almost imperceptible twang of a bow.
One of the orcs in front of the mage lifted his sword to make a killing blow, but then suddenly a feathered shaft smashed into his throat. The fell-creature dropped his sword as both hands went to his throat and black blood spouted out. As quickly as the first arrow appeared, three more struck the creature's body and it was knocked backward on the ground. The orc writhed in pain as it slowly died. Not far from it, its companion lay already dead, an arrow shaft having smashed into its brain through the eye.
The orc and warg attacking Bornoge received the same, as arrows, expertly fired by the hunters of the river-folk, impaled them. In moments, the battle that seemed to be weighing against the company came to an abrupt halt and Vari and Nori, along with Gumbo and Kori could do naught but look around in wonder as boats full of men landed on the beach. At the fore of one of the craft stood Caranmîr, the Silvan Elf loremaster. He hopped from the boat as it ground ashore, and quickly strode to where his companions panted and made final end to any of the surviving enemy.
"I was in the nick of time," he said, looking at the wounded Bornoge and Turumarth. "Come, let us quickly get the wounded across the river where we may tend their wounds with herb and boiling water."
Carnmîr is shocked when he sees the shape that some of his companions are in. Maybe I shouldn't have left them, he thinks. But then he realises that neither his magic nor is combat skill would have made any real difference. Only the strength in numbers supplied by the river people had turned this pitched fight in their favour. We need to be more careful in future encounters, he reminds himself.
After he has checked on all the party members, he hurries over to Turumarth, in order to get the wounded mage to the boats of the river people. With a muted voice he speaks soothing, healing words in the elven tongue, to calm Turumarth.
"Bah! Elf, we dwarves are made of sterner stuff than you give credit," grumbled Nori. "We could've finished these filth in short order." With the enemy vanquished, the fire of battle cooled in his veins, but the ire at the elf's presumption remained. He shrugged off any attempt a healer looking him over as any wound he'd received was superficial and the scars were a symbol of triumph.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Mar 22, 2009, 07:13 AM
"Bah! Elf, we dwarves are made of sterner stuff than you give credit," grumbled Nori. "We could've finished these filth in short order." With the enemy vanquished, the fire of battle cooled in his veins, but the ire at the elf's presumption remained.
[OOC: Caranmîr hasn't spoken those thoughts out loud. He inspected the company briefly for major wounds, but turned to Turumarth, as he seems to be in need of swift healing the most.]
Quote from: tomcat on Mar 22, 2009, 03:02 PM
[OOC:] Nico, he might have been referring to my dialogue that I wrote for Caranmîr, before your post...
Quote from: Caranmîr"I was in the nick of time," he said, looking at the wounded Bornoge and Turumarth. "Come, let us quickly get the wounded across the river where we may tend their wounds with herb and boiling water."
ooops, my bad. I am sorry for that :)
[OOC:] Nico, he might have been referring to my dialogue that I wrote for Caranmîr, before your post...
Quote from: Caranmîr"I was in the nick of time," he said, looking at the wounded Bornoge and Turumarth. "Come, let us quickly get the wounded across the river where we may tend their wounds with herb and boiling water."
Vári turned in shock. While he had not yet had any problems with the Orc rabble that fell to his axe, he had to admit that the strength their numbers provided was not in their favor.
The men had come in time to save Turumarth at least, and maybe all of them. He was proud as any Dwarf, but truth was truth.
He wiped his axe clean upon the grass at his feet, then put it upon his back and removed his helmet as he walked toward their newfound allies with a mix of appreciation... and trepidation.
Gumbo takes his pipe from a pouch at his side and quickly filling and lighting it address the Woodmen, "Hale, amd well met Men of the Anduin, masters of water and wood. I am Gumbo Bellybottom at your service. we have with us one of your number. We found a lad of your people in the woods back aways. We would also palaver with your Cheif when this bussiness is settled and break the fast with you."
"All will be spoken of once we are safely across the river," said an elder amongst the river-folk. He hefted the longbow that he carried and with silent signals, commanded his people to help the company with their wounded. "The barge will be here momentarily to bring both wagon and horse across."
An hour passed and finally the company was safely across the river. Turumarth and Bornoge had been taken into a simple looking hut where three ladies of the tribe saw to their wounds. Stange smelling herbs were boiled and a green, meally paste was concocted and spread across the mage's scimitar gashes. "It will draw out any poisons that the yrks may have coated their steel," said one of the women in answer to Turumarth's questioning gaze. "Filthy beasts!" the woman spat.
Nori and Vári, along with the elder Dwarf, had made themselves comfortable around the fire after seeing to the wagon, supplies, and horses. They all marvelled at how primitive it was that these people lived. Fish lay cleaned and fileted, upon rocks that lay atop hot coals, cooking. A simple, large metal pot hung on a three-legged truss and steam billowed forth as onions and potatoes boiled.
The homes that the river-folk lived within were fashioned of wood branch framing that were then covered with bales of tightly tied field grass. Within each were few furnishings - only simple straw mattresses and the few possessions each person owned.
The Elf sat there and quietly talked to the elders. Caranmîr had not had too much trouble appealing to the river-folk for aid, especially when he had told them they had found the boy, and now he secured more trust with his quiet words. Gumbo also say nearby and spoke to one of the fishermen about pipeweed; his own glowed with a burning ember.
Turumarth asks the ladies about the methods they use to heal, curious to add to his own knowledge (Healing(Treat Wounds) +5). He inquires of recent events along the river and tells of his life in Laketown and plying the rivers of Rhovanion in trade. Finally he asks about any recent troubles with the 'yrks' - any increase in numbers or range.
Gumbo, never short on words, took to explaining the merits of pipe smoking and the necessary skills required with gusto. After demonstrating the technique he scratched his head in thinking and not for the first time the happy voice of the Hobbit rose up in song.
This Hobbit weed, now withered quite,
Though green at noon, cut down at night,
Shows thy decay;
All flesh is hay:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
The pipe so lily-like and weak,
Does thus thy mortal state bespeak;
Thou art e'en such, -
Gone with a touch:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
And when the smoke ascends on high,
Then thou behold'st the vanity
Of worldly stuff,
Gone with a puff:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
And when the pipe grows foul within,
Think on thy soul defiled with sin;
For then the fire
It does require:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
And seest the ashes cast away,
Then to thyself thou mayest say,
That to the dust
Return thou must.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
And that my lad is all you need to know on the subject and set to a tune. Now the fashioning of pipes is easy, in fact.....
All the others seem to get on with the Men in the village but Nori keeps his distance and to himself. He didn't fancy himself intolerant but folk who pop up out of almost nowhere and live in such conditions... well he just wasn't sure about how to interact with them. Queries of him are met with grunts or brusk answers unless he is speaking with one the party.
[OOC:] I like your smoking song Telcontar! Thanks for taking the time to add to the story in this way. ;D
Everyone can check the XP table to see where your character is at. Turumarth may make a Wits test against a TN 10. If successful, he may gain +1 skill rank from the simple knowledge garnered from the nursemaids. You may add this to your Healing skill, or to Lore/Wilderness: Herbalism (if a skill is not possessed, it may be gained).
Between the companions and the young boy, the fate of the two youthful hunters was heard and again it was told how the company had come upon the boy, hiding in the river. The village leader expressed himself, "T'is not oft in these times that charity and aid is seen. We thank you, again, for bringing home the lad. Still we mourn the loss of his brother - every strong, young arm is vital for our tribe to continue."
Kori replied, "And we thank you. The aid given is greatly appreciated and it will allow us to heal before our trek continues."
"Where does your trail take you?" asked one of the elders. "We travel to the mountains and a Dwarven home where once we lived." Kori did not feel obligated to give anymore information than that. Still, although these were simple folk, legends of the dwarf realm of Moria ranged far. To most, it was a dark and foul name - a place where belched forth the ancient evils.
In the healing room, Turumarth questions the nursemaids that tend him and finds that though they are a simple people, they are wise in the ways of the land around them. They show him balms and poultices that are made from the plants and herbs that grow close to the Anduin. He also heeds the simple manor in which the ladies administer their care.
To his questions, one maid replies, "The yrks come from wood and hill - more so with the spring upon us. They come to take fare and pillage what they need, and then return to their holes. I think they do it just to be cruel, for they are adept craftmen in their own right."
After secluding the talks with the village elders, Caranmîr was en route to check in with Turumarth in the tent, when he heard the hobbit's voice. The singing reminded him of happy days in his home forrests, joined by his brother and their friends. Some nice and some sad memories came back to him, about singing and dancing in the woods. He brushed them away with inner determination and closes in on the smoking Hobbit. He offers a respectful bow to him and speaks:
"I offer you praise, Master Gumbo. Your plan, your idea and your combat prowess may very well have helped save our company today. It is a good thing, that our group has this many talents within it's ranks." Smiling towards the Hobbit, Caranmîr continues "and your marry song even tempts me to try out having a pipe myself once...".
As was the custom of the river-folk, sentinals were set for the night and the small village settled. The company was made comfortable with a few items from their hosts, but mostly gear from the wagon, around the small fire. Each drifted off to sleep with the sounds of buzzes, girgles and clicks that came from the river... life was awakening from its winter sleep.
The night passed with no sign or sound of attacking wargs or orcs, and each of the companions woke feeling refreshed, save for Bornoge and Turumarth. The two wounded men, though more vibrant, still had a bit of a road to feeling themselves again. Still, the color in Bornoge's face had returned and he walked about the morning camp tending to things to help the folk of Tulis. These were his kind of people - simple and living as one with their world.
Kori roused and grabbed the pot from the wagon. He drew some fresh water from the river and set it on the fire to brew some tea. While he did this, he began to collect the few things that he had slept with and load them back in the wagon. He eyed the mountains to the west, trying to discern the three that housed the ancient realm. It took only a moment for him to locate Caradhras the Red and Silvertine sitting behind him. Cloudyhead sat just to the south of the other two, looking over the wide forest of Lorien. There was a spur of mountains that they would have to go round to allow them to enter the vale and proceed up into the Dimrill. They would also need to stay clear of the Golden Wood, for it was said that the Elves there abided no one.
Kori made a mental estimate, and figured there was at least one more week until he would behold the gates of his forefathers. He gave a grim smile.
He called to his nephew, "Nori, take inventory of the supplies."
[OOC:] If I am rushing the story for you guys, feel free to let me know that you wanted to do more dialogue. We are almost to the great realm, though!
Inventory of supplies:
Travel rations - hard tack, dried meat, vegetables, flour, etc. There is no particulars here other than there is enough food to make 300 meals (or 2 meals a day for 8 people for 18 days inside Moria)
Three kegs of water - enough to cover two days of drinking for 8 people (can be re-filled)
One and one half kegs of ale - to be tapped only when allowed
Two large bags of oats - for horses
2 Large oiled canvas' and stakes that will prop up allowing for 4 to sleep underneath
Four dwarf-made lanterns / 8 extra wicks
Two and one half kegs of lamp oil - enough to fuel four lamps and burn them for 10 hours a day for 18 days
Five large coarse fabric bags
250 feet of rope
Climbing equipment for two people (includes harnesses, cramp-ons, spikes and hammers)
Five backpacks
Eight blankets / bedding
Kori and Nori's own personal gear
Catching sight himself of the signposts of their destination -- the brothers Three. "Almost a week to go, right, uncle?" Nori asked as he went about his chores. "Almost impossible to believe that in a few days time that dwarves will return to their rightful halls once more, even if but for a short time."
Kori grunted in reply to his nephew, "Aye, lad... Dwarves will soon come home. But this time, it seems we come as thieves in the night." The elder Dwarf shook off his gloomy thoughts, "Tell me nephew, with last night's interaction with the Orcs of Mirkwood... do you think we are properly equipped for this venture? It seems we three Dwarves held our own, along with the Hobbit, but not so much the Men. I wish nothing greater than our success, but not at the risk of leading us all to a massacre."
Nori mulled the question a moment as he tied down some of the supplies. "They did catch us a bit at the unawares and had the advantage of pinning us against the river. Our previous encounters didn't give us much of a bruising but we were also on equal footing. Bah, I give it to the filth for dumb luck and us a bit o' the bad." In lower tone, he continued. "Regardless, going into the halls will require a vigilence we haven't displayed or required."
Caranmîr could not find sleep nor meditiation that night in the village. He lay awake for a long time, contamplating his decisions that had led him to this place and this situation. He had learned a great deal in the past weeks. Not only about other people but about himself as well. He longed for home. His heart called for the Woodland Realm. But there he was, readying to go deep below the Mountains into Moria.
The company would come close to Lothlorien. Maybe he could depart the trek for a few hours or a day and set foot in that wood realm, to prepare himself for the journey under the earth...
Caranmîr
As Bornoge wandered about the village, he chastised himself for his failings in the fight (out loud), " Ah, curse those orcs, I am a man of the woods and am not a fighter. I must learn to use this sword if I am ever to be of any use, my javelins will be useless in the dark halls of the deep and this club his no weapon." Bornoge took out the shining short sword as he wandered to a clearing and practiced a few short chops with it. Swinging the blade around in circles he slashes at imaginary orcs and wargs dodging non-existent attacks with a shout.
After a while he realized some of the villagers were watching him and snickering at his exaggerated movements and obvious lack of training. Bornoge put away his sword and stared pacing, red-faced and embarrassed. The villagers were still watching expectantly, and he pulled out a javelin and threw it at a tree in the distance, hoping to save some of his ego. But he had forgotten his injuries, and they threw of his aim. The javelin flew to high without enough force, and shattered on a rock.
....Bornoge sighed
Turumarth rose after a fitful sleep. The medicated coverings on his wounds caused them to burn, but it was the burn of healing. He felt better, but still weak and slow. The thought of staying in bed for days sounded comforting, but he heard the dwarves stirring to load the cart, no doubt anxious to be on the road. With a groan he rose with the aid of his staff and threw on a cloak to join them at the fire.
He brooches the question of a day or two of rest, if the riverfolk would allow it, before moving on. With several injured it might make all the difference if this is the last vestige of civilization before they arrive at their destination.
{OOC}Doug, could you confirm how much Turumarth healed from the initial leechcraft? Is it 1 point into the next lower wound level or do the House Rules change this? What rate can he heal beyond this or if they are traveling? thankss
Gumbo sat leaning against the wagon cleaning his equipment and oiling the chain mail shirt that he wore beneath his cloak in dwarven fashion. He heard snatches of the conversation between the dwarves but was not intentionally eavesdropping. He stood, cleared his throat, and approached the dwarves.
"Captain, I heard some of your words to your kinsman, forgive me for interrupting. We are close now to the halls of your fathers, halls I have fought before. Your assessment of the fight at the river is correct. Perhaps we should take a few days or more here to prepare ourselves for the underground combat that is inevitable. Form a fighting strategy that relies upon the strengths of our party and downplays the weaknesses."
Gumbo looked around at the village, "Our time could also be spent in improving the defenses of this village. The Yrchs may look for revenge from the dark wood for the battle of yesterday. There is much we could do with some strong backs and a keen eye to help them. I am no master of siege or construction, but a wall or dyke would help these people, especially if we stir up a hornets nest in the deep dark."
Quote from: donimator on Apr 09, 2009, 03:50 AM{OOC}Doug, could you confirm how much Turumarth healed from the initial leechcraft? Is it 1 point into the next lower wound level or do the House Rules change this? What rate can he heal beyond this or if they are traveling? thankss
[OOC:] Hey Don, I gave Turumarth back 13 points I think, which took him to Injured -3. That was his health rating 9 +4 for the DOS and the medicines that the women used. After which, you will heal your Vitalility Mod (plus mods) per day as long as you get normal rest and make the needed Stamina test. If you are an Elf, it is double that for Swift Recovery.
Kori nodded at Gumbo's and Nori's suggestion. "We shall wait here a few days. Nori, offer the river-folk a stipend for their hospitality." He then turned to Gumbo, in regards to his other request, "I have no problem helping these people set up a simple defense, but there is little that they can do here on this field up against the river. Flight in the face of greater numbers would most likely be their best defense."
The old craftsman drew on his pipe and blew a ring of smoke from his mouth, his gaze falling back on the mountains beyond.
The river-folk were quite accomodating, allowing the company to stay for the next two weeks and so the month of March ended quietly for them and April bloomed with even more spring colors. There was no sign of orc or warg since the attack on the east bank, but everyone felt the far off shadow of Mirkwood - as if it watched them.
During this time, Gumbo, with Vári's help, aided the river-folk in building a simple palisade along the west side of the village to help deter any attackers. Still, both knew that if these people decided to defend themselves against a force, they would be backed up to the water and would most assuredly be overwhelmed.
Also during the quiet days that passed, Bornoge took up the shortsword that they had found and managed to get time from both the halfling and his Dwarf companions to teach him at least rudimentary skills with the weapon. He was tall and strong, his health returning quickly, and all knew that in time, he would be lethal with the sword.
Turumarth's health also returned swiftly under the watchful eyes of the nursemaids. There was a moment of fear when infection had set in, but it was caught early and it soon was gone. The mage sat long amongst the river-folk, along with Caranmîr, learning of their ways and lore.
With the setting of the sun of the 13th day since their arrival, Kori spoke to his new friends, "We leave with the light of dawn and we shall be within the realm of Moria by weeks end. If you have any doubts and you wish to break from our company, now is the time to decide... otherwise we soon shall face the darkness and may Aulë see us through."
[OOC:] Feel free to give a bit more dialogue as you'd like and discuss party tactics (i.e. marching order, combat formations, etc.)
I am also awarding everyone their first Advancement (the Experience page has been updated again) so that we can strengthen the group before entry into Moria. Use the picks wisely and remember a lot of you don't have base skills like climb and jump. You may want to look into those.
With the onset of the next scene/post, I will be making travel and sleeping in the rough weariness tests again - I wanna try and make the challenge feel as real as I can for you all. ;D
[OOC:] For those that haven't been playing in my games for long, I like to have the breakdown of your advancements picks. You can PM me with them, or you can post them in this thread.
[OOC:] Advancement 1
2 picks to Armed Combat: Blades
1 pick to add short sword specialty
2 added edge Night-eyed
woo-hoo!
Climb +2
Run +2
Stonecraft +1
"Those whom wish to stay, we need a plan going forth. The road ahead tis more dire than we've encountered so far as we will venture nigh the Golden Wood, whose borders none escape or so I've heard, and the mountains that crawl with maggot-folk. We must carry on with a good marching strategy both above and below the ground."
With some time to reflect, Turumarth recalled the past few day's adventures and the new tests it placed on his body. Physically he could not remember being pushed as hard as of late nor being so near death. He almost longed for the boring studies and fears that perhaps he has put himself in a position beyond his capabilities. He has learned much, but little to do with his vocation.
Turumarth's advancements (based on recent experience)
2 - Charmed Life (edge, 2nd pick, drops TN to 5 to avoid dropping wound level)
1 - Ranged Combat +1 (2 ranks)
1 - Armed Combat +1 (2 ranks)
1 - Climb +1 (1 rank)
Oh, I didn't pass that roll a few posts back to gain a rank in healing or herblore...that pain was just too great :(
Gumbo spent his time in the village thinking and pondering about the challenges that would face the party ahead and whittling pipes for the villagers. There was good briar along the river and the drift wood made several excellant pipes which he gifted to the viallge elders. he even found the time to come up with a blend of native plants and dried leaves that was passable to smoke. He chuckled to himself thinking that he was a lone Hobbit pilgrim spreading the simple enjoyments of the Hobbits to people who would probably never even see one again. Perhaps among the river folk sometime a legend would emerge of the fire breathing creature that taught the blowing of smoke rings to the river men.
When the group held their council Gumbo waited for the Captain to speak and then made his comments. "I suggest that we leave all of the excess baggage here at the village. I dont think we will find another closer to our destination. Also it maybe wise when we leave the village to bury and mark the trolls treasure. There is no need to burden ourselves with that weight and the villagers here have little use for such treasures. Also we must begin to think about what we must do in the long dark. there will be little water and less food fit for us to consume and enemies will be all around us. "
[OOC:] Gumbo's picks:
Climb +1 (1 pick)
Jump +1 (1 pick)
Run +1 (1 pick)
Siegecraft +1 (1 pick)
Unarmed Combat +1 (1 pick)
Quote from: donimator on Apr 14, 2009, 04:20 AMOh, I didn't pass that roll a few posts back to gain a rank in healing or herblore...that pain was just too great :(
[OOC:] Don, did you miss this test due to the wound penalties that Turumarth was suffering? If so, go ahead and take the +1 rank, I did not mean for you to include all mods in the test. If you missed it due to a bad dice roll, than yes, the rank is not earned. Let me know.
The Company worked together and traded ideas as to best use the assets they had. Turumarth weaved the mana of Middle-earth and so would best not serve facing off directly with the Enemy. There were plenty of capable warriors in the group and so it was decided they'd have a staggered defense within the narrow passages of Moria. Gumbo and the Dwarves would hold the front and Turumarth and Bornoge would guard the rear.
To Gumbo's suggestion, Kori thought for a moment then spoke. "That is why we will need to bring the wain with us, Gumbo. There is still many days to travel before we get to the Gates of Moria and all the supplies are needed both to sustain us in the travel and within the halls of my forefathers. I agree, though, as we get closer to our destination, we can unburden ourselves of some of that which we carry. I care not whether the wagon and ponies still remain outside the gates, as long as I am exiting with my honour restored. Getting home... I will leave to the rest of you."
Kori turned away with that final statement, and some within the party could feel the fey attitude exuded from the Dwarf. Some wondered if this was actually a suicide mission.
[OOC:] I need Caranmir and Vari's advancement picks here.
Quote from: tomcat on Apr 20, 2009, 03:51 PM
[OOC:] I need Caranmir and Vari's advancement picks here.
OOC: I'd like to add two levels to Observe, two to Track and one to Climb, please. Would you like me to update my char-sheet, or would you like to do that?
[OOC:] I am sorry for the delay: I had thought I had let you know the advancement picks in the last PN I sent you.
Anyway:
Caranmîr shall learn the two cross-class skills Jump and Climb at +1 thereby spending 4 of 5 advancement picks.
With the last pick I want Caranmîr to purchase the Spot speciality for the Observe skill.
Hope this is all according to the rules.
Once again, I am sorry for the delay!
[OOC:] Thanks Nico! Caranmir has been updated on the profiler. Just need Vari, when Shawn gets a chance (but know I will update him tomorrow if you can't get to him before that).
I seem to have left you guys with no where to go from here with my last narrative/dialogue post, but look tonight for a new thread. It will include the last weeks travel to Moria and all Weariness tests. I leave this thread open for you to post anymore dialogue you wish to, but as of tomorrow, this adventure should really begin.
[OOC: My pleasure, Doug. Sorry that I didn't post it here in the open!]
Quote from: Cut on Apr 21, 2009, 09:26 AM
[OOC: My pleasure, Doug. Sorry that I didn't post it here in the open!]
[OOC:] Hey Nico, no need to apologize. I should have paid better attention to your PM that you sent. And, it is fine that you send me your pick choices via PM, I just never put two and two together that you
were sending your picks! Kinda dumb on my part actually! :B ;D
[OOC: Hehe. I don't want you to call yourself dumb: No one insults my Gamemaster ;) ]
[OOC:] Here is the picks for Vári advancement:
2 picks for Valour
2 picks for +1 Willpower
1 pick for 2 skill ranks in Armed Combat (Battle Axe)
Quote from: tomcat on May 01, 2009, 07:36 PM
[OOC:] Here is the picks for Vári advancement:
2 picks for Valour
2 picks for +1 Willpower
1 pick for 2 skill ranks in Armed Combat (Battle Axe)
OOC: Ack! I
knew I let something slip this week. My apologies, Tomcat. Those picks are great... sorry you had to make them. :(
[OOC:] No problem Shawn, look for the new chapter to this game later today. I think I have all of my notes I wanted written for the first halls of Moria.
Gumbo laughed at the words of the Dwarf, "Captain, there are less noble deaths than fighting in the halls of your fathers. I am glad to be going with you and the joy of recovering the heirlooms of your house will make the return journey light and worry free."