The city of Ilanin was a dynamic place in Middle-earth to say the least. It was the junction of multiple cultures - Elf, Dwarf, and Man - and because of that there was a level of tolerance mandated by the power of trade. Though rulership of the city was handed back and forth between east and west, the gates of the city were open to all who ventured forth with the desire for business. Dwarves came from the mountains; the Elves and their fine crafts issued south down the river from Greenwood; and the many tribes of men came with their wares to find the highest bidder. The predominant settlers of Ilanin were the folk of Dorwinion and though they had more blood ties to east than west, still the mood of that peaceful valley extended to the wain town and allowed a safety for any visitors.
Thuidmar had been quick to accept Fengel's offer to reconnoiter the city and Harizän's disposition and so the Company once again found themselves riding into harm's way. They had rested for three days to allow Edrahil to recover but felt to wait longer would have given Koskas too much of a head start. They donned clothes of the region to better disguise themselves, or at least to not mark them as strangers, and then strapped on their armor and weapons. Now, three days since leaving Thergas, the companions sat atop their horses looking at the sprawling town along the Carnen River at the Donu confluence.
It was called a wain town due to the numerous merchants that drove their wares to this junction and made trade out of the back of their wagons. The fortress called Uvlanin could clearly be seen to the north end where within the mayor resided along with the independent host that was maintained to protect the city. But to the east, across the river, another encampment of tents could be seen by the Company - that of Harizän the Easterling. As they took in the sight, a cheering "Hazaah!" rose faintly up to greet them emanating from the tent city of the Easterlings. Fengel wondered what it was they celebrated.
The road was before them, leading into the town...
OOC: I am going with the idea that only the Company rode out of Thergas - Fengel, Durgil, Dirnhael, Galudir, Nain and Edrahil. If you intended to bring others Paul let me know.
I will highlight different points in the town if you decide to enter.
Dirnhael tried to keep a low profile, his coat covering more of his blade than usual. While stealth was not his specialty, he was already a man of few words; something he assumed would be helpful in this village.
Looking across the river to the encampment, he nudged his Eothraim friend.
"Perhaps, if we could gain access to the fortress, Edrahil may see even farther and more clearly, and we would have a vantage point from which we could monitor their movements in relative safety."
Nain was looking forward to seeing the town, he'd never heard of it but any town where people came to meet and sell their wares had to be a good place. He rode a little taller in his saddle looking to see more of this Wain town.
"We might even be able to see where the loyalties of the leader of this town are held. If the Easterlings are threatening this area, the lord may be more apt to listen and help us as well. If he's being kept by Harizan, we may have or work cut out for us then," said Durgil.
"Very true Durgil," agreed Edrahil. "Yes Dirnhael, the fortress would provide an excellent observation point. Let us see what Ilanin holds, shall we?"
The Company advanced towards the town following the road before them. They rode into a small group of buildings that sat outside the city reaches, just west of the main square and could see there was a well-kept looking tavern, called the Carver House, and other small businesses including a livery/smithy, a cooper, and a general store. To their north they could see great gatherings of wagons - obviously merchant trains that had congregated for mutual protection and trade. To the east, the city proper sat along the river and Nain could see long barges being poled up and down the Carnen with stacks of merchandise coming and going.
While they looked around, a guard approached the Company. He carried a spear and shield and was dressed in a tabard that showed his station within the host of Ilanin. He came up to Edrahil who rode at the fore of the Company and calmly took the Sindar's horse by bit and bridle, bringing it to a halt. The man had a business look about himself but did not exude intimidation or threat.
"Welcome to Ilanin," the guard stated. "Name your business and pay the fee."
It was Edrahil that took it upon himself to answer for his friends, "We are a group of riders come from down south seeking rest and to load up on provisions before we continue to the homeland of our comrade here, Nain of the mountain-folk. What is the fee that is necessary to enter the city?"
The guard looked each of the Company members over as he answered Edrahil, "Each man and horse are to be taxed 10 copper pennies upon entry, per my lord, the Honorable Mayor Korman Palagard. Know ye too the laws of this city so you may keep yourself from trouble."
As he answered Edrahil, he pointed towards a large wooden sign that had painted upon it the rules of the city, "I see that each of you are armed... you may keep your weapons but know that it is against our laws to draw them within the city limits and to do so will incur a penalty of time spent in the stockade and maybe a fine."
With that, the city guard stood and waited for the toll that was needed for entry into the city.
OOC: If you guys want to read the full list of the city laws, let me know and I will write them out tonight - otherwise, the most important one was stated by the guard above.
A quick players' synopsis of Ilanin that cannot be used in character:
Ilanin is kind of like a Middle-earth Jerusalem. It certainly is not holy, but it is a meeting place of cultures for trade and so there is a tolerance amongst the people to put aside differences. This is not to say that there are a bunch of Eothraim living here, or Easterlings... it is predominantly populated by Dorwinrim and the city has hired its own garrison to protect itself. The host that defends the city only take care of the immediate vicinity and play nothing into the politics outside the city limits. There are always external powers that may rule the surrounding territory, but Ilanin itself has always controlled its own interests - this could change should the politics of the town be swayed in one direction or the other.
Because of blood relations between the Dowinrim and the men of Rhun, the valley of Dorwinion, along with Ilanin, are left alone by the Easterling Raiders, although they may demand supplies from their blood kin. The Dorwinrim do not necessarily support their Easterling cousins, but prefer peace over war... again this could be changed via negotiations.
Eventually, Ilanin fades from the Middle-earht map as the Eothraim migrate west and sides become more defined between East and West with the resurging power of Sauron.
"Surely laws and guards are amongst the best schemes ever devised to make a copper," Galudir said as he reached into his money pouch, "I tell you we are in the wrong profession."
OOC: Should we worry about the cost of the entrance? I haven't any coin listed on my character sheet, but Durgil does have the Hoard edge.
OOC: Hey Matt - here is an excerpt from back when you guys were in Khazad-dum...
QuoteThe Dwarf handed Dirnhael a small bag that contained eighteen gold pieces and then turned, climbing the stairs back into the city.
Dirnhael spent the next day nearer to Edrahil and Fengel, finding some solace in the company of his longtime comrades. He gave the sack of coins to Durgil after removing his own share - he never wished to see it again. He sidled his horse up to Thermon and handed the rogue Dirnhael's portion; he cared not for it.
You all would have gotten 3 GP from the bag, but Galudir would have 6 as Dirnhael gave him his share. I am also going to adjust your characters as such (this includes the coins from Bain):
Dirnhael - 3 sp, 14 cp
Durgil - 3 GP, 7 sp, 36 cp
Edrahil - 3 GP
Fengel - 3 GP, 1 sp, 21 cp
Galudir - 6 GP, 1 SP
Nain - (already has his money listed) but can add 3 GP
The money listed is before the toll has been paid, so I have deducted for you. I took the money out of Fengel's purse as he feels that this is his obligation... his money was reduced to 3GP, 1 cp. (Paul, if Fengel doesn't feel obligated, gimme a shout :] )
OOC: Ah yes, thanks.... so long ago (not that that it's a bad thing ;))
"Stay your hand, friends, I'll take care of this," says the young noble to the group. Sidling up to the guard, he drops a silver penny in the man's hand. "Drinks are on me tonight," Durgil says to him as his companions continue on into the town. "Can you tell me which is the best inn here?"
Persuade (Charm) - (6+2)+3+2=13
OOC: Durgil's playing it up a little as a cocksure like a dandy. If the guard bites, he'll engage in a bit conversation with him to learn a bit about the town and playing curious about the encampment.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jul 07, 2007, 08:50 AM
OOC: Ah yes, thanks.... so long ago (not that that it's a bad thing ;))
"Stay your hand, friends, I'll take care of this," says the young noble to the group. Sidling up to the guard, he drops a silver penny in the man's hand. "Drinks are on me tonight," Durgil says to him as his companions continue on into the town. "Can you tell me which is the best inn here?"
Persuade (Charm) - (6+2)+3+2=13
OOC: Durgil's playing it up a little as a cocksure like a dandy. If the guard bites, he'll engage in a bit conversation with him to learn a bit about the town and playing curious about the encampment.
OOC: Nice call.
OOC: Hey guys! Sorry I've been away a little bit. I kept checking and nothing was happening then all the sudden I'm way behind.
Doug I guess by Matt's post he paid the fees.
Fengel was unusually silent as he and his friends rode to Ilanin. His mind was on his sister, hoping that they could find her and that she was not harmed. But as they entered Ilanin he had a new worry. These were his friends, and now they had offered their lives to help find Gleowyn. He began to worry that this mission may just cost them their lives. Especially Dirnhael. He had greater things to do in his life then to die a stranger in a strange land.
Fengel jumped slightly as the guard stopped them. As he watched Durgil work his eloquence upon the guard he thought to himself, "It is good to have friends such as these." A smile crossed his face again, pushing back the furrow in his brow.
Quote from: Palandil on Jul 09, 2007, 08:14 PMOOC: Hey guys! Sorry I've been away a little bit. I kept checking and nothing was happening then all the sudden I'm way behind. Doug I guess by Matt's post he paid the fees.
[OOC:] Hey Paul, I am sorry about the inconsistancy, but hopefully we will get everything back to normal now that my move is over. I have already adjusted the character sheets appropriately based on Matt's post.
The guard nodded at Durgil as he accepted the town's tax and then proceeded to answer the young dandy. He was impressed by the youth, for he heard an intelligence and education in his words, though he seemed a carefree traveler, and that education meant that he was probably from somewhere south in Gondor. The guard could see the features in Durgil's face that were like other men that had come from the great cities in that realm and the man of Ilanin wished he could travel to such places.
Putting the toll in an official looking purse, the guard pointed, "Well just here you will find the Carver House... it's a good place for a bit of pork or beef, but it is not as nice as the two others in Ilanin. There is the Ebb -n- Flo Inn just by the river and there you can find a room and a meal of good quality although the coin is high - or, you can get a plate at the River Cross tavern. The River Cross sits on this side of the river just across from the Kua-enamun."
The information given, the guard turned his attention back to his duty and stepped aside from the Company. He moved back towards his place leaving the companions with their choice.
In his saddle, Edrahil scanned the river and the terrain on its opposite side and saw the lone hill that the guard must have spoken of. He had recognized the Elven origins of his crudely spoken language - the
Kua en' Amon, Hill of the Dove. The encampment of Harizän the Easterling sat just north of the low hill.
Durgil smiled and bade the man good day. Giving a nudge with his heels, Rochithuin caught up to his companions and he relayed the information, "... but I think we'll have to find another source of information about Harizaon from somewhere else, methinks The River Cross is a start."
[OOC:] Hey Matt, you can engage the guard in more conversation if you'd like, because your Charm worked on him... I just need you to initiate said conversation.
If not, let me know what you guys wanna do. ;D
OOC: Oh ok. By the way you made the guard act, I thought he was done with me... I shall press on.
"Good news to hear indeed. Beds and a warm meal are quiet welcome after the trip we've had. We noticed across the river yonder, there seemed to be a camp of East-men and heavily armed. Should we worry?"
"Them..." replied the guard. "You'll do best to just avoid them. There's nothing to worry about while in Ilanin - they must follow the same laws as everyone else in town - but they have been roving south and west of the river now for months."
The guard then leaned in closer and with a whisper, "The Easterlings are none to hospitable and make for ill neighbors but they bring no trouble to our doorstep and so we leave well enough alone. Besides, they do bring in a bit of trade to keep our city a'thriving."
Durgil looked at the formidable structure that was Ulvanin and could see that it was strong enough to make any attempt by Harizän to take the city a foolish gesture - at least with the current force he had assembled. But it was obvious that Ilanin did not make any effort to exert its power beyond the limits of itself. The Dúnadan noble thought it immoral, especially with the suffrage that was being placed upon the Éothraim; but even those people had done little for themselves beyond Thergas.
It troubled the youth. His own kingdom lay next to a shadow that sought its utter destruction and here these people did little to rally against what appeared to be a common enemy. When would the peoples of Middle-earth stand once more together to oppose such invaders?
"Well..." Durgil thought, "at least it is not the threat of legends whom my forefathers had deposed - Sauron the Dark Lord."
[OOC:] The guard is still close by if you'd like to talk more... otherwise let me know what you'd like to do.
Durgil felt ill at ease and it showed. "How well are they received by the master of Ilanin? Have they tried to co-opt your help in their conquests or terrorized your people? Your fortress looks strong enough to fend off any siege they would wish to make, but that wouldn't stop them from razing everything else."
The guard began to take on a look of discomfort as Durgil asked his question, "We are not at war with the Easterlings... nor are we with those of the west and so have no worries of fending off a siege. The people of Ilanin claim a kinship to the folk that reside around the Sea of Rhûn and so trust that their own will not attack them."
It was evident that he no longer wished to talk to Durgil as he stepped back and made closure to thier conversation. "Fear not, our town is safe for your short visit. Hurry on now so I may continue my task."
While Durgil and the city guard spoke, Nain squinted towards the north and his excitement grew - he saw merchants trading and bartering for wares and commodities. He wished he had his wagon and the many crafts that he and his brother had laboured on so that he might partake in the trade.
"We will want to proceed with caution," warned Dirnhael. "If there is a common bond, there will undoubtedly be some here that share Harizan's goals."
"I apologize, of course. A mug of the good stuff for your troubles if ever we meet again in the city, my good man." Now he rides off to rejoin his companions.
[OOC:] Earlier the River Cross was the suggested destination... is that still the case?
Quote from: tomcat on Jul 17, 2007, 09:33 AM
[OOC:] Earlier the River Cross was the suggested destination... is that still the case?
OOC: Sounds good to me.
The guard gave Durgil one last cordial, albeit dismissive nod and went about his duties. The Dúnadan noble spurred his horse on to catch up with his friends who had proceeded down the road a bit taking in the scene that was Ilanin. The company rode past the few buildings that sat along the roadside that led towards the city proper but they were not missed by the local tradesman and drifters that milled about.
"Spare a copper, Lord?" asked one desperate man, to Dirnhael, as he trotted by. On his left, Edrahil was presented with a large fish, apparantly the fisherman's fresh catch. "Fine fish for you, sir! One silver penny will buy it for you! What say you sir?"
The Sindar smiled but shook his head. Undeterred, the fisherman went to the next rider in the party - Nain. The Dwarf grunted at the smell and kicked Jethro in his sides to move him along quicker. Seeing no interest from the Company, the man moved on to other passerbys.
They continued down the road towards the river. Carts laden with kegs, boxes, or some form of livestock (i.e. chickens in coops, to even a bee hive box) moved along with them or passed in the opposite direction. Ilanin was a bustling place despite the hardships faced by Fengel's folk to the south.
Nain took note of the structures; homes made of a variety of materials from baked-mud bricks, stones, or wood that seemed to grow in some abundance to the north and east across the Carnen. Some structures were well-maintained while others looked to be ready to fall down, but this did not determine how well the business merchant thrived within. Crowds gathered in front, or inside, some of the nicest looking of places as well as the worst. There were also residences along the way of varying levels of wealth and the ones with the most money had large privacy walls built up and around.
Fengel gave a quick smile as he was propositioned by a young, pretty woman with expensive looking garments and jewelry. Her hand lingered on his knee as he sat atop his horse, her smile inviting and warm - but then the image of his sister came to him again and any thought of taking pleasure from the woman was lost. He had to remember why he was here.
The road became cobbled as it entered into the main square of Ilanin. Although it was not the prime location of trade, it was evident that the square was used for that and more - the Company beheld a platform for auctioning of wares; a stockade for animals; and also a gallow and stock to render punishment. Lastly they saw a series of barges that were tied along the river that could be pulled across using the large ropes to which they were secured. The bargemen, muscular lads, pulled the rafts hand over hand from one side to the other allowing the merchants to carry great amounts of wares to and fro. Dirnhael could see that the river was low enough here to be forded, but the barges kept the travelers and their cargo dry.
Boats also moved up and down the Carnen. They were broad and flat and were predominantly poled by one or two rivermen coming from some unknown location to the docks here to buy or sell merchandise.
There were many people milling about the square as the Company moved into the crowd, taking the northern road that led up to the River Cross Inn. Suddenly Edrahil felt a coldness in his heart and looked around - it was the same feeling he had had not so many nights past upon the top of the Three Tears.
The Sindar leaned over to Dirnhael and softly spoke, "He's here... somewhere. The foul sorcerer that attacked us in the hills to the south - the one who left Fengel's people dead within his pens."
Dirnhael scanned the crowd but saw nothing that looked like the creature that he fought - not that he expected to see such a beast here in the square. But then the Dúnadan noticed a group of Easterlings - warriors to be sure - haggling with a nervous-looking wretch of a merchant. He thought it looked more like the man was being terrorized by the brutish bullies, as they laughed and knocked his wares off his table. But one amongst them stood back, leaning on a staff, and only smiled as his comrades tormented the craftsman. He was a tall, slender man with a long face and a nose to match - in his eyes there was a look of pleasure, or maybe it was hunger?
In any case, the town guards who patrolled amongst the crowd and kept an eye on everyone paid the Easterling group no mind. There were just too many other things they needed to look out for besides a merchant that may have been getting teased.
[OOC:] Observe (Sense Power) TN 15
Observe +4, Specialty +2, The Art +2, Dazed -1
Roll(2d6)+7: 6,2,+7 Total:15 SUCCESS
Durgil bristled at the man being harassed while the guards turned a blind eye to it. Justice was demanded and his tongue won't be still. "Oi! You over there," he called to the small troop of Easterlings. "It takes a mighty captain indeed to lead such a group of men who harass a poor man earning a living."
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jul 21, 2007, 12:36 AM
Durgil bristled at the man being harassed while the guards turned a blind eye to it. Justice was demanded and his tongue won't be still. "Oi! You over there," he called to the small troop of Easterlings. "It takes a mighty captain indeed to lead such a group of men who harass a poor man earning a living."
Dirnhael smiled at the youthful noble's brash nature. It had gotten them in trouble before, and it looked at if it would again today, but his brother-in-law to be's heart was usually in the right place.
He shuffled himself in his saddle and cracked his knuckles while waiting to see what happened next.
"Remember," he said gently, "finding ourselves in the stockade will not speed our task."
He had considered this earlier but actions like these brought up hurtful memories of his youth -- him being the small and odd one out. Durgil nodded at his friend's words yet kept his gaze upon the ruffians, the challenge in his words remained.
The Easterlings stopped lauging as they realized it was them that Durgil was attempting to challenge. They turned in the direction of the Company, including the tall, slender leader to see who it was that was taking up the defense of the merchant. Both partys' eyes met and each took measure of the other all the while the east men began to move in the direction of Durgil, though no challenge was returned. Still, the folk in the square could feel the tension and everyone grew silent and began to separate from the potential trouble. Even the city guards took note and began to push into the crowd to stave off any problems.
Edrahil watched as the slender leader with the quarterstaff just stood staring at them and the Sindar could swear that he was sniffing at the air, as if trying to catch a scent.
Suddenly, across the river another great "HAAZZAH!" from a cheering crowd rose into the early afternoon sky. The slender leader broke his stare at Dirnhael and looked over his shoulder, "Come! Pay them no mind ... this is Ilanin. We do not break the laws."
The Easterlings stopped their approach and turned back to their commander. One of the ruffians grabbed up a bunch of grapes from the merchant's table and mashed them into his mouth. He laughed as he did and the group turned back to the river crossing and into the gathered crowd.
Dirnhael watched the Easterlings go without changing his expression.
More than likely, they were simply bullies - cowards - but he could guess who they were allied with, at least in part.
He would sleep lightly while in this town, he thought.
The tension in the square quickly subsided as the Easterlings moved towards the river and people went back about their business. One elderly woman, strolled past Durgil pulling a small wheeled basket that contained fruits, vegetables and a clay urn of goat's milk.
"Now you fer sure don't wanna be makin' truble fer yourselves with folk like them," she said, shaking her head as she passed. "You'd be better to mind your own and so's not to get yourselves hurt."
She only briefly looked the Dúnadan noble in the face, turning quickly back to look at the ground before her, showing her manner of deference... or maybe fear?
"Lovely town this," Galudir sneered "where we have to pay for the privelege of quarreling with the easterners. Perhaps later I can bribe a guard to beat me and throw me in a dungeon."
"Old mother, with 'cousins' such as those, who needs Mordor?" Durgil couldn't help but feel pity for these people and it galled him that they took it without raising so much of a rebuke. "Maybe the town's master is just a little too comfortable behind his well-protected walls," he says to his companions, riding on with them.
Nain was ready to pull his axe and show the easterlings just what they deserved for treating people such but something stayed his hand.
"We'll show them the fruit of their actions later, we're here for another purpose on this visit."