Matt, are you going to share what you learned about the helm?

They had largely settled down after Luindîs' harping, but Hathcyn's words have shifted their mood from confused to sheepish and embarrassed.  In the absence of clear orders from Caewin, they're looking to you guys for direction at this point. 

  you asked for a roll to inspire the men instead of Caewin. Did Hathcyns appeal have any effect on the followers?

"Peace.   Enough words have been spoken," Caewin says, lifting high his hand to show it holds no sword or spear.  "You are right, my good friends, as ever, and you have given me much to think on." 

Without further word he dismounts and doffs his helm, a smile returning at last to his face.  As Arbogast approaches with a quizzical look, he adds "I think perhaps my thoughts of perhaps becoming war leader of our folk darkens my thoughts, and I put too much credence in tales of wars fought long ago and by other Men." 


We've reached the time limit (based on the highest Valour or Woodman Standing) without quite reaching the success target, but Caewin seems to have calmed his farm, so I'm sure that's completely alright and nothing else need worry you. 

I'll move the story on unless anyone has some reactions to add.

 Hathcyn wheeled his horse about and rode up to the gathered men. He had a helm of his own and he would pit his against this one of suspicion and fear.

"Men of Sunstead, you have traveled under the shadow of the trees of Mirkwood. You have braved the perils of the long forest road. Your rest was brief, but brave and noble deeds have you performed in the service of your lord. The malice of the wood is behind you. As we travel to the Woodmen the danger is less, not every shadow hides a spider, not every traveler a brigand. Your task now is to protect and unite the Woodmen in the service of your [roll]Lord. A task I know you may nobly perform, but keep this task in mind. Be generous to friends as your Lord is, and guard against his foes, as you have. But be sure to not use the striking hand when the one that gives is better suited."

Hathcyn will attempt to inspire the men.

Esgalwen continued to speak directly to Ceawin, "Lord of Sunstead, the logical path here is peace. Let us speak to these folk, if need takes us to them. There is no need of bloodshed lest threat is made. Besides, how lordly would thou look, if you should come before them with your entourage and speak of unity. That is a word not oft spoken in these lands and such would go far, like water to a thirsting man. No?"

changing tack, Esgalwen will now work to inspire Ceawin by stroking his pride - something that is probably already being stroked regularly by the inhabitant of the helm. 

Her Noble Lineage should play into this, but tell me if that is not the case, Paul. I will make a Favoured feat die roll.

TN 14 inspire 2d

2d12 : 3, 4, total 7
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 2, total 4

hahahahaha!

  this sounds like a job for Ætheldreám!

  great lets all make new characters and play in Gondor!