Finally able to stand, Fengel saw Ort go down, his massive body shaking the ground as it hit. It seemed that they might be able to overcome the trolls after all. Or maybe not.. Fengel turned as the one called Gnash yelled out, and saw the fury of the troll smash the life out of one of the Dwarves. He moved quickly to fill in the gap, dropping his shield, and raised Cerduil for a two handed slash. It was more than the exasperated Gnash could take. Already greatly wounded by the many Dwarven axes, Fengel's sword took the troll in the mid-section, eviscerating the fell-beast. Gnash fell backwards against the cave wall and breathed out a great long breath. It was his last.
In the darkness of his blindness, Bin heard his comrade fall and knew that he was alone. He whipped his club about before him but the nimble Seriand and Galudir evaded and got within Bin's reach. Giving a look to one another and making a silent agreement, the rogue and warrior stabbed with their blades, on either side of the troll, just under Bin's ribs. The swords cut through the tough hide and pierced true, sliding in deep to their hilts. Bin grunted from the attacks and fell forward to his knees, dropping his club. He reached around him, blind, trying to find some support and his hand grasped the great stalagmite that cropped up from the ground. Bin leaned against it, the two swords still in his sides and the Company members watched as the huge beast slowly passed.
The cave was suddenly quiet. Only the sound of breathing from the winded warriors could be heard, as both Dwarves, Elves and Men looked about at each other. They had done it!
It was Bori who spoke first, "Well done," he said between heavy breaths.
OOC: I had missed Fengel's results and they were great enough to kill Gnash. With him out of the way, there was very little that the final blind troll would have been able to do by his initiative, so I just narrated this one out. Good fight guys... I am gonna have to build a better mouse trap. :D
Actions - and/or - Dialogue
*Italic content is from Palandil's post in round 3
OOC:That was a cool narration, even though it was short. Keep up the great work Tomcat!
IC:
Fengel was amazed at how quickly they had overcome the trolls. Slightly out of breath, he walked over and picked up his shield. Then he looked around at the rest of the company, especially Dirnhael, "Everyone ok?", he asked.
OOC: Yea... it was short - 4 rounds to tag out 3 trolls. Of course, there were 13 attackers against them... still. ??? :-\
Seriand immediatly smiled as the beast fell under the combined attack with the rogue, a bout of teamwork that shocked Seriand. As the troll fell Seriand lost his grip on the sword and had to recover it once the beast had drawn it's last breath.
Sheathing the weapon he quickly went to the nearest wounded dwarf and tried his best to begin patching up the wounded warrior.
Healing: Roll(1d12)+5: 8,+5 Total:13
Dirnhael looked about, shocked at the Company's luck.
They had entered a troll's lair and lived to tell the tale, let alone rescue the Dwarves and increase their standing with the Mountain-folk.
There was treasure here, and though Dirnhael was not a greedy man, he was curious, and Thermon needed to be paid...
Fengel was glad to see that Dirnhael had not been harmed, and he had a chuckle of agreement with the amazed look that Dirnhael expressed upon the defeat of the trolls. As the adrenaline began to fade, Fengel felt a sting in his chest that continued to increase in intensity. Suddenly he remembered he had taken quite a hit from the troll. He set his shield back on the ground and sheathed his sword. Then he began to take off the chainmail to inspect the damage to himself. The chainmail had been pressed so hard against his chest that they had actually gone into his skin, but most of the damage seemed to be internal. He felt to see if any bones had been broken, and though pain raced through him like lighting, he did not think there were any. There would be great bruises in the morning he thought. He bandaged the flesh wounds as best he could and then refitted his armor. It was then he noticed the mail had been damaged as well. "Maybe the master dwarves would repair the mail." He hoped.
Healing+1; Wit+1; treatwounds+2
Roll(1d12)+4: 10,+4 Total:14
The bow of the Elves certainly served him well! Though his skill was great, inflicting much harm against a mighty servant of the Enemy was beyond his expectations. He beamed as he looked again upon his gift with renewed awe.
Hearing Fengel's strained call, Durgil replied, "Aye, I am alright. Warriors of Moria, how did you fare?"
Galudir pulled his sword out of the fallen troll and wiped the blood off with the end of his cloak. Sheathing his sword he looked about the room, many had survived but at least one dwarf was dead. Turning to anearby dwarf, he bends forward and speaks to him in a hushed tone, "Hey Dwarf, do you suppose the legends of treasure in troll caves is true?"
"Aye, theres some small horde in the back of the cave. It probably belings to the Dwarves that they have killed."
Having very little to do with healing the sick or curing the injured, Nain walks back to where the pile of booty lay and begins a quick accounting of all the booty that they trolls had aquired. It was more loot than he'd seen in one place in his life but he looked it over with the calculating eye of a shopkeeper checking stock, ticking off mentally all the weapons and items as he put the coins into countable stacks.
ooc I believe it was the inert form of Dwolin that Edrahil pulled from the fray in the final round. What sort of state is he in? (ic post coming ...)
OOC: Hey Brian, Dwolin is -5 Wounded; any Healing tests will be at the TN that pertians to that wound level.
A new post will follow tomorrow morning... goodnight for now.
Doug
[ic]
As the sounds of battle subsided around him, Edrahil checked the fallen Dwolin to determine the extent of his injuries. He began to sing an enchantment once he saw that there were no longer any threats to the group. Using herbs and bandages from his satchel, the elf attended Dwolin's wounds as he sang.
[ooc]
Cast Healing Spell ...
Weariness Test TN 10
Willpower +3, Resolute +1, Strong-willed +2, The Art +2, Winded -1
Roll(1d12)+7: 10,+7 Total:17
Healing (Treat Injury) TN 20 (wounded)
Bonus +8, Spell +8, Specialty +2, Winded -1
Roll(1d12)+17: 12,+17 Total:29
bonus die
Roll(1d6)+29: 2,+29 Total:31 Lucky day for Dwolin!
[ic]
Once the injured dwarf had been looked after, Edrahil turned to the others. "Dwolin will be fine. Is anyone else hurt?" His eyes fell upon the other fallen dwarf, clearly beyond aid. The elf closed his eyes for a brief moment, wishing the soul of the fallen dwarf a quick journey to the halls of his ancestors.
With the tension of battle subsided, the members of the Company saw to different tasks.
Edrahil went to Dwolin and looked over the Dwarf's wounds and he was greatly concerned. The Dwarf warrior had led the charge against Bin and the troll had savagely struck him multiple times with his great club. The Sindar mage knew that he would need to get the injured to a more satisfactory place of healing - somewhere with comfortable bedding and fresh water. In the meantime, he did what he could to ease Dwolin's suffering.
Bori, the Dwarf captain of the guard went to all of his kin and spoke to them silently. As a group, they stood over the one fallen comrade that lay on the floor of the cave, and cast their hoods over their heads. The ritual caught the eye of Nain, and he too took a moment silence. Out of respect, the other Companions stood silent so as not to interfere with any customs.
After a few moments, Bori pushed back his hood and spoke. "There is another fallen outside the cave, one of your patrol members," he said, addressing the Dwarves that had been freed. "You will take up the body of him and Kalin, who lays before us, and also Dwolin. All three are to be carried back to the Halls of their fathers - Dwolin to the house of healing, and the other two to the place of rest." With a final word, "Get along now."
And thus the three rescued patrol members saw to the task of seeing their fellows back to Khazad-dûm. They went outside to remove the large stone from the broken Dwarf, while waiting for Edrahil to tend to Dwolin. As they did this, Bori moved deeper into the cave to where Nain appraised the three large chests and littered pieces of treasure - the other Company members also stood round.
The treasure was in many shapes - coins, jewelry, precious stones, and crafted goods - and it looked as if the three trolls had been marauding the Hollin Road for many years, for cobwebs and a fine coat of dust lay over most. There was a stack of items that looked like they were recently placed there, including sacks of grains and other food stuffs. It was most likely the wares that were stolen from the broken wagon that still sat on the road far below.
Among the coins, Nain could see symbols of mintings from all the Free Peoples - gold coins from Moria, Silver from Lindon and the North Kingdoms. Seriand's keen eyes even saw a small pouch of coins that bore the ancient markings of Celebrimbor! Either the Troll's stash was long in the making, or they had been scavaging the lands of his kin to the west.
Before any of the Companions could say anymore to each other, Bori, who stood behind all, spoke in a very matter-of-fact tone. "I claim this treasure for the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm and for King Bain."
OOC: Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
Dirnhael cleared his throat as he finished wiping the troll blood from his blade.
"With all due respect, Master Dwarf, our Company went to save these Dwarves without aid - and aided greatly in gaining their freedom. Our lives were also in peril, and our armor has been damaged, as well. Is it not reasonable to share some portion of it with friends who fought beside you?"
Dirnhael didn't care much for the treasure himself - though money often made life much easier when one traveled as he did - but he knew that some of the others did, and the fact that Bori essentially excluded Nain from the discussion rankled him.
Persuade:
2d6= 4,6
Bearing (+1), Skill Ranks (+5), Speciality (+2), Honey-tongued (+2)
10+5+2+2= 19
If it helps I will spend courage to increase the result.
Edit: Woops, a little late. Should I delete this?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Nain was accounting the treasure hoard there was a broad grin on Galudir's face, thoughts of an early retirement in the luxury of a kingly city flashed in his mind. But when Bori claimed the treasure for the dwarves the rogue had to shake the look of shock off of his face. Once Dirnhaeal spoke Galudir followed his lead, "Yes master dwarf, the wisdom of your people in matters of justice is legendary. Surely some compensation is justly due for the lives risked in the rescue of your most worthy kin. No doubt the benevolent lord of the mountain would be so generous with his rightly held treasure." Galudir finished his pleas waving his hand in the direction of the treasure. It occurred to him that Bori was now alone, perhaps he could be overcome. But he set those thoughts aside quickly, this band was not like his previous companions in such dealings.
OOC: I like your character Nikitas... I know I keep saying that, but this rogue is adding a nice touch of the unwanted-hero. ;)
Anyway, you can read my post and place Galudir's pleas in between Bori speaking about why it should be Dwarf gold, and the lustful look you all notice.
Also, I have altered my post to reflect Bori answering Galudir.
Bori's Wisdom test to oppose Galudir's Persuade TN 19
Wisdom +2, Racial diference +3, Bori is Loyal to his king and his duty +10
Roll(1d12)+15: 2,+15 Total:17 +3 Courage* = 20 SUCCESS
*Let me know if Galudir wants to spend any courage to overcome the roll... understand too that Persuade is not domination and the target still has free will.
Lastly, remember to use d12 on your skill rolls. Thanks!
Bori looked up to meet the eyes of the tall Dúnadan, "It is not without gratitude for the service you have rendered, but in this matter there is no more to be said. These treasures lie within the realm of King Bain, they are clearly items robbed from our merchants that travel the Hollin Road, and lastly... it was our patrol that discovered this troll hole."
The Company could see in Bori's eyes, a lustful, greedy look... a dangerous look. In all of their dealings with the Dwarves, including Nain, the companions had known them to desire precious metals and stones, but there was something more here.
Bori spoke again, looking to Galudir, "It will be for King Bain to decide."
It was as if on cue. With Bori's final words a large contingent of Moria Dwarves came into the cave armed and ready to deal with trolls, only to find that they were dealt with. Still, it gave Bori the strength he needed to make his demands resolute. The Dwarf doorwarden spoke a few words to another apparent commander that had just arrived and then he turned to the Company once more, "Come with me... you have announced yourselves at the West Gate. You must now wait until word comes from King Bain in regards to your request."
OOC: Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
OOC: Nah I will go with the flow and see what happens in Khazad-dûm.
Dirnhael sheathed his sword with a sharp metallic scrape and drew himself to his full height, towering over the Dwarf.
Then he nodded slightly, forced a smile and spoke with conviction.
"Very well. We look forward to meeting King Bain, and we trust in his wisdom regarding this matter. It is said the the Dwarves of Khazad-dum possess riches beyond the dreams of avarice, and surely, he will justly reward that which was freely given and risked."
***
"There was something in there," he whispered to Edrahil and Fengel as they walked out of the cave. They all saw the look in Bori's eyes. Dirnhael cared little for trinkets - the Dwarf was welcome to them - but he had concerns of a much darker nature settle into his mind like a thunder-cloud.
"Something he knows about... something he wants... something more valuable than gold..."
Nain was not only not supprised by Bori's statement but had, in a way, expected it. Even among his own kin in the north there were many who would have loved to lay claim to this treasure not for any good but purely for the having of it. That didn't stop him from disagreeing with the motives behind it.
"I claim this treasure in the name of Celebrimbor of Hollin. This treasure is not under the mountain and the Dwarven king has no more right to it than any of the free people. The treasure bears the mark of the Elf and his kin are here to claim it."
Nain stands between Bori and the treasure and motions toward the two elves.
"And If ye don't think that the King will cede his claim to the rightful owners then he can come here himself and we'll discuss it!"
Nain firmly plants his feet on the stone of the cave floor and crosses his arms, the picture of a stone statue that would not be moved. Averice was something that Nain understood better than any non-dwarf. But he hated it, He forced it away in himself and refused to give in when faced with it.
Seriand stood in near shock at the response from Nain. Not only had the dwarf earned respect from the elven scout on each day of their journey but this new gesture was more than he would have expected. With sword sheathed and hand on the hilt Seriand walked next to Nain and similarily planted his person, stand shoulder to...hip.
"I lay claim to this treasure on behalf of my people." Even while saying this he gave a slight nod to Bori, even though they may be at a disagreement, he still respected the dwarf.
Durgil, seeing the need for a cool head, steps into the middle of the simmering tempest. "Gentlemen, gentlemen... please. Enough of this, I am sure a suitable agreement can come to. We all recognize that the Lord of Moria has claim to this hoard as weregild for the loss of his people but the claims of the others are also valid seeing as there is treasure that come from different realms and races. To settle this I propose two things:"
"First, negotiations should be held with the Lord of Moria for just dispensation of the treasure; that is the only proper thing to do. Second, since the hoard is so large and to prevent unwanted looting, a small delegation will remain to guard the treasure: one representative for each claimant upon it. The rest of us shall go to Moria to speak with the dwarf-king."
"If this is equitable," Durgil says, eying everyone in turn, "then please put aside your tempers and blades so we might resolve this peacefully. What say you?"
OOC: Let me know if any rolls are required.
OOC: I love this! Great RP'ing you guys! I really like the ties that are building between the characters. ;D
Matt, Durgil is the true vision of a courtly litigator / arbitrator.
Fengel could not believe they had survi\ved such a battle only to possibly enter another. Over treasure no less. He stood next to Dirnhael, prepared for what ever may come.
Bori looked at Durgil, having heard his words, and they seemed logical. He then looked to the Elf and Dwarf in front of him that had made the absurd claim of ownership, and he wondered where this would lead. Around them all, the tension that grew in the room brought the new arrived Dwarves to a quiet stand still. Perhaps the Dúnadan's suggestion would be best heeded, so as not to start any incidents. The Dwarves of Moria had a tentative relationship at best with the Elves of Lorien, at least since the Dark Days long past, but Bori did not wish to start a war... not over such an insignificant pile of baubles. And who knew, maybe there was some truth to Nain's statment that the items were pieces of antiquity from the lands of Eregion?
Again, it was not worth war. And wars had arisen between Dwarf and Elf over such trivial things. Still, the Dwarf door ward would not let the Man dictate conditions.
"I am resigned to agree with this Man, though the treasure will be removed from this place and taken to Khazad-dûm. You may, as you wish, have one of your companions accompany the items to bear witness to the integrity of Dwarves. In any case, it will be for King Bain to decide what is to be done with it and who will benefit from the find. Perhaps he will bestow a reward for your aid, but it his to decide what shall be done with the realm's property."
Bori stood there waiting to see if the Company out of the West accepted the terms. If not, he would readily use the strength of the newly arrived troops to assure that Khazad-dûm would not be robbed.
OOC: Nain, I need a Lore/History (Khazad-dûm) test roll made against a TN 15
OOC: ;D thanks, he's truly not his father... besides i banter of this kind, its some of my favorite parts of the books
Durgil won't press his call for calm too much seeing the tactical disadvantage, but he will stand for honour. "It wasn't and isn't a matter of distrust of the Dwarves of Moria, but a matter of honour and redress for the others. Allow two -- a Man and an Elf -- to accompany the treasure and you will hear no more from us on this matter until we are before your king."
Quote from: sdrotar on Dec 20, 2006, 08:26 PM
Dirnhael sheathed his sword with a sharp metallic scrape and drew himself to his full height, towering over the Dwarf.
Then he nodded slightly, forced a smile and spoke with conviction.
"Very well. We look forward to meeting King Bain, and we trust in his wisdom regarding this matter. It is said the the Dwarves of Khazad-dum possess riches beyond the dreams of avarice, and surely, he will justly reward that which was freely given and risked."
***
"There was something in there," he whispered to Edrahil and Fengel as they walked out of the cave. They all saw the look in Bori's eyes. Dirnhael cared little for trinkets - the Dwarf was welcome to them - but he had concerns of a much darker nature settle into his mind like a thunder-cloud.
"Something he knows about... something he wants... something more valuable than gold..."
OOC: Doug, can we simply shift Dirnhael's actions and words in this post to the end of this discussion, time-wise? I think it'll still work there as it doesn't seem to step on what anyone else did...
OOC: That works for me Shawn.
Lore History (Khazad-dûm)
Roll (2d6)+8: 1,4,+8=13
Nain eyes Bori warily and then speaks to Durgil.
"Never trust a dwarf to guarding unclaimed gold. Make sure that you're guards are wary."
OOC: Hey Stefan, don't forget your +2 specialty bonuses to skill rolls - I updated your post.
Also, remember we are using the d12 on skill rolls.
Thanks, Doug
Seriand stands resolute, he would follow the judgement of the rest of the party.
He would accompany the treasure horde as he was not as talented in the arts of diplomacy as Edrahil would be.
Durgil nods, "I already have the two in mind." Speaking louder, "Seriand and Thermon will accompany you."
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Dec 23, 2006, 05:00 PM
Durgil nods, "I already have the two in mind." Speaking louder, "Seriand and Galudir will accompany you."
Dirnhael nodded, approving of Durgil's choices. Seriand seemed to notice
everything, and Thermon
(OOC: Do we know him as Galudir yet? I may be confused there...) - well, Dirnhael reasoned that it was safe to assume that Thermon would never let the treasure out of his sight...
OOC: Yes, the company still konws Galudir as Thermon. I fixed GoB's post.