[OOC:] Nico and Don, I will be feeding you guys the information you are revealing with your studies via narrative, as we go.
As evening fell over the forest once more, with the company into their first day's travel after the night's encounter, something stirred with the wind.
The ground surrounding Gar's hole was mostly rocky - he lived in a cleft after all - but, above the cave in an area before the cleft made its split, there was an embankment of earth. No trees grew atop the earthen hillock but leaves and small plants covered all, making it unnoticeable in a forest full of such things. But this ground was different.
The wind blew the leaves and they crackled and rustled as they swept over the cold dirt. A bony hand broke through the soil and dragged the rest of the unliving corpse out behind it. All around, other shades in the night moved... silently, save for the cracking of any dried flesh that remained.
(http://www.geocities.com/djoos5/LotR/undead3.jpg)
The horrific shapes stood. Some now tinkled with the sound of old mail; each held a cruel rusted blade in their hand. The undead troop staggered forward with a silent command, drawn by something that had been taken... and was moving west.
Five days passed quietly for the company of Dwarves, Men and Elf, as they continued along the road. The sun obliged them for the better part of this leg and even the forest seemed thankful - small buds began to appear on the ends of branches and new green shoots poked their heads up through the thick leaf carpet blanketing the ground.
Since the run in with Old Gar and the terrible spider, nothing else seemed to bother their passage. Occassionaly an old woodchuck would sit up on his hind quarters to watch them pass, thinking it odd to see folk moving through the forest this early in the spring. But other than that or the occassional nagging insect, the company members were able to relax.
Gumbo continued to take the lead with each march, joined on occassion by another of his companions, but the hobbit seemed to prefer the solitude. The rest of the companions made quiet conversation, sang cheery songs, or puzzled one another with riddle games. The loremaster and mage spent a great deal of time struggling with the scroll code, trying to make heads or tails of it.
Suddenly Kori drew back on the reins. Gumbo stood still in the distance, scratching his head and looking down two different lengths of road.
[OOC:] It is about 4:00 PM for this day's travel (day 10), and there is a fork in the road. Both appear to continue in a westerly direction but one veers north, the other south.
"It these kinds of things that make for a poor map and even poorer day if one follows the wrong path... if there is even a right path to take," grumbled Nori. "Oi, elf, what know you of this? Which way do we take?"
Bornoge looks at the two roads and tries to remember where the paths lead.
Lore Region:Mirkwood test
Roll(2d6)+4:
2,4,+4
Total:10
"Ah I have wandered far, but I rarely travel this far west. Master elf, have you knowledge of this passage?"
(OOC: "Five days passed quietly for the company of Dwarves, Men and Elf, as they continued along the road..." Its no wonder hobbits never make it into the old tales! They are always left out of the intro flavour text! (D
Gumbo looked at the roads before him. "That is why I stopped. The road to the south would seem faster for the purposes of our journey, but this wood can not be trusted. A troubled spirit dwells in this wood and its power is greater in the south. I would not recommend we take the southern road, better to come out of the wood to far north and use the Anduin as our guide, its course is true, this wood may trick us."
[OOC: I have completely missed this no postings here. I am sorry...]
The Elf stepped forward from where he had travelled alongside Turumarth, discussing the items found in the scroll cases. He took a moment to recollect his thoughts.
[Lore: Realm: Mirkwood test: 2d6 + 6
Roll(2d6)+6:
3,4,+6
Total:13]
[Does Caranmîr know which way to lead?]
Kori stands up from the seat on which he was perched, stretching as he did. "This shadow you speak of Gumbo, it is known to us even to the north in the Iron Hills. Perhaps it is better we rest on it tonight and make our decision with fresh minds and a new day. What say you all?"
Quote from: tomcat on Jul 30, 2008, 05:16 PM
Kori stands up from the seat on which he was perched, stretching as he did. "This shadow you speak of Gumbo, it is known to us even to the north in the Iron Hills. Perhaps it is better we rest on it tonight and make our decision with fresh minds and a new day. What say you all?"
Vári shrugged his shoulders. Travel, rest, stay, go - none of it mattered to him. Where the Company went, he would follow.
"Resting at an intersection in Greenwood The Great is not always a good plan. As crossroads are usually hunting grounds for the darker creatures. I say we move on, back if no road can be chosen" Bornoge spoke with a serious tone that was unusual for him.
"The woodman speaks true on this. Why watch three roads when we need only watch two? This troubles me for some reason I can not put a finger on, I would say that this wood has made this decision for us and altered its normal cast. Let us take a few moments and find a place where we may move the wagon off the road with relative ease and make our camp off of the main track."
Gumbo looked down the roads to see if he could spy such a spot. "I feel the subtle magic of the wood at work here. It is not that of elves or dwarves, maybe older, maybe malignant... I can not say but something troubles me. I would not tarry here for in my land my folk tell tales of those unlucky to stop on crossroads. they are the point in which unseen worlds are the closest and those who can not find their way to the halls of the west like to gather. I have heard tales of suicides and such being buried at the point where roads crossed. Cursed to wander..."
"Of what I know of this wood, the easy path usually leads to danger and folly. I say we pick the less likely of paths and move on," grunts the leader's nephew.
Still stretching, Kori agrees, "Too true nephew. Why don't you take the reins here for a bit while I walk and stretch. Take us down the road a ways and we will camp there."
"Yes, uncle," Nori replies, taking the reins. Once the venerable dwarf disembarks, he gives the reins a snap! "Move along, mule!" With a jerk the wagon starts up again.
OOC: Unless the Narrator has thoughts otherwise...
After about a half hours' trek, Nori pulls up to a spot in the road where the forest pulls back a bit from the road, giving enough room for the company to pull off to the side and make camp.
[OOC:] Hey Matt, did you take the southerly directed road, or north? Or, did you turn the wagon around and go back a ways to make the decision in the morning?
OOC: I'm going on vacation for the next week and probably won't have internet access. Sorry!
OOC: Nori selected the road that looked the least likely one would travel.
The companions slept through the night and were undisturbed. The morning came with a bit of rain, but still they were all refreshed and ready to move on once more.
The camp was quickly broken down and packed once more into the wagon. Nori and Kori saw to the hitching of the ponies, and then both mounted the seat. With rain pattering on the old leaves of the forest, they began what should be the first of three days left in the forest.
Though the clouds grayed the skies, the sun could still be seen glowing behind as it arched up from their right, crossing over from noon into after.
[OOC:] If you all can give me a Perception test TN 10.
Kori's Perception test
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 10 Perception +0
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+0: 5,4,+0 Total:9 FAILED
[Perception test Caranmîr 2d6 +1 v. TN10
Roll(2d6)+1:
1,1,+1
Total:3 --> Desatrous failure.]
Roll(2d6)+2:
4,4,+2
Total:10 success
Perception +2 vs. TN10
Roll(2d6) +2 = 1,4 +2 = 7 failure
OOC: I will be on vacation from Monday to Monday and my net access will be erratic at best.
TN 10 Perception - Roll(2d6)+2: 6,2,+2 Total:10 MARGINAL SUCCESS
"Oi! It seems rather there is no good road to take in this wood. I coulda sworn we were travelling in west and maybe a bit south but now it appears we're moving north! This is wood has a deark heart, no doubt about that!"
Roll(2d6):
5,5,+1
Total:11
Perception test (TN 10)
Vari's modifier: +2
Roll(2d6)+2: 4,5,+2 Total:11 - SUCCESS
It did not take Nori's announcement for both Gumbo and Vári to come to the same realization. In fact, with their current direction and time traveled, they all realized they should have crossed over (or at least merged) back into the other road that had split to the north.
The hobbit, still marching at point, craned his neck as he heard, far off, the rhythmic report of an axe, THOK! THOK! The staccato sounds drifted from his left, off the trail and deep into the woods.
The rest of the companions took pause when they saw Gumbo stop to listen, and with the silence from the cart not rolling, or conversation happening, they all too heard the sound.
Kori looked to Nori, "A woodsman? Cutting a tree, it sounds."
Gumbo motioned to the others, pointing to himself, then his eyes, and the direction of this noise. He was already stripped of his extra equipment and that which would make noise while traveling as was his habbit when he scouted out the route. Smiling to the others he quickly faded into the woods to investigate.
Stealth Roll(2d6)+10:
5,3,+10
Total:18
Observe:Spot Roll(2d6)+7:
6,5,+7
Total:18
Hobbits are very quiet - unless in social situations - but in the woods, their stealth is only matched by the Elves. Gumbo moved off the road to the left and jogged between trees, brushing up against the newly budding brush and plants. He followed the sound of the axe chopping, but as of yet had no visual.
There was a sudden break in the constant chop and a murmur of voices could be heard - also a distant knock of a woodpecker echoed in the hollow sounding woods. Gumbo listened closely but the voices were too distant to discern any conversation. He pushed on, weaving through the ruts and roots, rocks and trees, bramble and fern. Before him was a lush green embankment of fern and he scrambled up it, pushing through the plants, and slid down the other side. The small warrior was shocked and puzzled as he startled his comrades, appearing behind them and the wagon, on the right-hand side of the road.
Kori scratched his head and pointed west, "Didn't you run off that way?"
In the distance, the THOK! of a woodsman, chopping, recommenced.
"Indeed I did.... There is magic at work here. My skill is with the natural world, Tur, Car, any thoughts? I'll try hand railing the road."
Gumbo headed off again, this time keeping the road in site and on his side.
"Something is definitely at work here. Is it the wood itself or some other...closer source?"
Stepping away from the cart, Turumarth loosens his cloak and plants his staff firmly. Ancient Sindarin words flow from his lips as he tries to locate a source of the power...
Turumarth casts Sense Power, Weariness TN 5,
2d6, +5 Willpower, +2 (from charm) = 4,4 +7 = 15
-----------
Turumarth uses Observe (Sense Power),
Skill +5, Specialty +2, additional Spell Pick +3 = 2d6 +10,
Roll 2d6+10, 5,3 + 10 = 18
Caranmîr stepped slowly forward.
Could it be that those old legend are actually holding a spark of truth, ne thought to himself.
"There are some stories being told amongst my people of travellers through these very woods, that have spoken of strange ongoings along the Forest Road. They reported that they seem to have travelled in circels, sometimes having the strangest feelings of having paths appear or dissapear at will, changing their direction or showing crossroads that have not been there only hours before. Never have I heard a tale being told that involved the sounds that we do hear now. And I have to admit, that I have neglected to honour those story with the attention they obviously should have deserved. I did not believe them, as I have never experienced something like that myself, nor has it happened to any of my kin, at least that I have knowledge of. Furthermore I can not recall right now, how those Travellers that have told of these happenings managed to escape this trap."
The Elf looked at his booted feet when saying this last words. But then he looked up, smiling a strange smile.
"But we shall not dispair just yet, as the simple fact that there are reports about this, it surely can be overcome by wits or other, more physical means..."
[OOC: Caranmîr tries to remember if he has been told anything how the travellers in the stories overcame the obstacle or what it was]
[OOC:] Nice post Nico. I am making some notes still, but will get back to you on whether Caranmîr remembers anymore.
Turumarth feels a sudden chill run through him as the presence of power is revealed to him, through his own. It is a dark feeling, full of sorcerous black thoughts, and although it is intense, he still cannot place its location. It is as if the woods echo the evil power.
"OY!" yells Kori to Gumbo. "You'll wait for all of us. No sense in losing anyone in these woods. If the paths can shift under our feet, who knows where we may end up." With that, the elder craftsman snaps the reins against the ponies backs, "Giddup!"
The companions move off in haste to keep up with the diminutive form of Gumbo weaving between the foliage. The road before them continues straight with only slight knuckles and bends to it and the sun now rides directly above along their path - once more to the west!!
"Well," grumbled Kori to Nori. "We are at least moving in the right direction. I fear when the sun sets, we may once more be deceived."
Gumbo stopped and allowed the wagon to cath up to where he was. The dwarf was right, just because he came upon the party once didnt mean that he would do so again.
[OOC:] I need all PC's to make a Wisdom test TN 14
Kori's Wisdom test
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 14 Wisdom +1
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+1: 4,6,+1 Total:11 FAILED
Wisdom test for Caranmîr TN14
2d6 + 2
Roll(2d6)+2:
4,2,+2
Total:8
Failure.
Turumarth's Wisdom test TN14
Wisdom +2,
2d6+2 =2,2 +2 = 6 failed
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 08, 2008, 07:21 AM
[OOC:] I need all PC's to make a Wisdom test TN 14
Vári Wisdom roll (TN 14), Wisdom: +2
Roll(2d6)+2: 5,5,+2 Total:12 - FAIL
Roll(2d6)+2:
1,2,+2
Total:5
FAIL
With their noses pointed west, they continued on at a hurried pace. It had been a silent, but mutual consensus that the woods - or this particular area - be left quickly behind. Once the company completed the day's travel, they should only have another two or three days left within the forest.
Gumbo still led the group but had migrated back onto the road proper. He moved at a quick pace for such a short fellow, yet was ever vigilant to their surroundings. The chopping of the axeman had faded off some miles back and all felt good that they may at last have left behind the bewithced patch of woods.
The road made a quick turn ahead as it angled first left and then back right, weaving up a rather steep embankment. The road cut between large outcroppings of stone but was certainly wide enough for the wagon to pass. The sight of it gave Gumbo pause - he did not like the looks of the switchback. It lent an advantage to any potential robbers that might want to ambush a merchant wain that was traveling by.
Behind him, Nori brought the wagon to a halt and the other party members looked about trying to discern something that the hobbit may have seen. Shadows from the fading day, made deeper by the cloud cover, were heavy over the rocky climb. What was worse, a fog began to rise from the wet forest floor.
[OOC:] A quick question to get players input re: test rolls... would it speed up our game for you all if I made rolls for your characters for simple tests (i.e. like the wisdom test I needed above) that may play part in the story, but have no immediate impact. Also, would you like me to roll your Observe tests and then tell you what you see based on success of failure?
I will post all PC results, and if any player wishes to spend a courage on a test, you can let me know.
Or do you guys like doing this for yourselves? Either way is fine with me, but I do not want to hold up the game too much for everyone to post their rolls. Am I making sense? Let me know... because I need another test:
Please roll a Perception test TN 10.
Kori's Perception test
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 10 Perception +0
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 FAILED
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 08, 2008, 07:28 PM
[OOC:] A quick question to get players input re: test rolls... would it speed up our game for you all if I made rolls for your characters for simple tests (i.e. like the wisdom test I needed above) that may play part in the story, but have no immediate impact. Also, would you like me to roll your Observe tests and then tell you what you see based on success of failure?
I will post all PC results, and if any player wishes to spend a courage on a test, you can let me know.
Or do you guys like doing this for yourselves? Either way is fine with me, but I do not want to hold up the game too much for everyone to post their rolls. Am I making sense? Let me know... because I need another test:
OOC: I have no problems with that whatsoever - in fact, I think it's a very good idea.
By the way, if no one else made that Wisdom roll, Vári will spend a Courage point to succeed.
Perception Roll (TN 10)
Roll(2d6)+2: 1,2,+2 Total:5 - FAIL
Caranmîr's perception roll TN10 vs 2d6+1
Roll(2d6)+1:
3,6,+1
Total:10
[OOC: I actually made it this time :) As for your idea, Tomcat, I'm fine with it. It would most likely speed up the game a bit and although I'd never would willingly give up a dice roll in the real world (as I am just to good at rolling 2d6 *g*, I'd be happy to have you roll 'unimportant' ones for me.]
[OOC:] Cool - that's two. I think we will get a consensus, but here is an example of how I will post it. It includes your roll results above, and I am rolling for the others right now, too. We will keep the results for everyone unless I get a overwhelmingly negative response from the others.
Again, I will allow you guys to use Courage on any results, you'll just need to tell me before your narrative.
Perception test
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 10 Perception tbd
-------------------------
Kori - Roll(2d6)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 FAILED
Vári - Roll(2d6)+2: 1,2,+2 Total:5 FAILED
Caranmîr - Roll(2d6)+1: 3,6,+1 Total:10 SUCCESS
Gumbo - Roll(2d6)+1: 1,3,+1 Total:5 FAILED
Beren - Roll(2d6)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 FAILED
Bornoge - Roll(2d6)+2: 3,3,+2 Total:8 FAILED
Nori - Roll(2d6)+2: 4,2,+2 Total:8 FAILED
Turumarth - Roll(2d6)+2: 5,5,+2 Total:12 SUCCESS
Both the Elf and Mage were unsure about this place. There was something evil before them... they knew it. But what was it?
(OOC: I am all about you rolling th mundane rolls so as to get to the heart of the story and adventure. i have played this way before and find it speeds things up considerably.
Gumbo did not like this one bit. After the incident with the woods be had not liked Mirkwood at all. He still was not convinced that on the other side of this defile they would come across one of their previous campsites. He looked at the group and pointed to the woodman. He motioned for him to head up the left side of the rocks, while Gumbo took the right. He then motioned for the group to stay there until he told them it was clear or would require their aid.
With that he flashed is smile and headed off in the direction that he indicated attempting to melt into the woods again.
Turumarth makes it known that something seems wrong with the trail ahead.
"It may only be a bad feeling at the end of a long day, but I feel caution is needed if we proceed. Some should try to take to the higher ground and flush out trouble before it finds us trapped below."
[OOC]I'm in favour of having you roll the mundane stuff, tomcat. A great timesaver in PbP.
Bornoge nodded at Gumbo's motions, and moved up the left outcropping of stone as stealthily as he could, looking and listening for any disturbance.
As Turumath spoke to the companions the Elf nods. "I do feel very much the same. There is something disturbing and dangerous about the place, but, as our honoured mage here, I can not tell you more abouot it. I am sorry. I advice continuing with great caution, trying to expect the unexpected."
With these words, Caranmîr graps his staff tighter and braces himself for the things that might come.
Then he turned silently to the Mage: "Do you think we could offer our sneaky friends some kind of distraction? Could we use magic, to spring the trap, that might be hidden in the passage?"
[OOC: Does Turumarth have any spell we could use to trigger any ambush that might lay in wait for us? I have checked my spells, and there is noting amongst them we could use. Maybe "Wizard's hand", moving a boulder in the pass and let it drop, to see what will happen. That is what I could try, anyway.
What do you (guys) think?]
[OOC:] I am going to give it until tomorrow for the party to answer Caranmir, but otherwise there will be a game update then. Too tired tonight and last night to add anything new. (see my latest post in my Chronicles of the North game as to why.)
Turumarth searches his mind for anything that might be of use. Alas, with skills honed for fighting the Shadow, he has mastered little to affect the common world around him.
"I'm afraid there is naught I can do. If a foe appears I can react, but I have sought little knowledge in manipulating the natural world."