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The companions rose early to find that the day would be wet - gray clouds sat full of rain low in the sky. Crows cawed to one another as Madoc strode out into the damp morning. His horse and gear had all been tended and prepared and even now his mount stood tied to a gate with five other horses and a pony. The blonde-headed Fengel was there talking to his horse, while he rubbed the bridge of the animal's nose. The others were nowhere to be seen. The Éothraim saw Madoc approach and nodded, "Good morning. The others are also awake, though they all seem to be off on their own errands. Dirnhael said that we will be riding within the hour so check your gear and see that there is nothing you need."

---

:ooc: Give me morning narrative for your PC, and mingle him into the group as you please. Feel free to use any NPC that you'd like in your narration. Fengel is by the horses; Durgil and Edrahil can be wherever you want them to be. If there is any duplicity, I will correct as needed.

Madoc had been up early, a by-product of living in the wild for so long. It never paid to sleep in when you were on your own in the wilderness. He busied himself re-checking his gear and generally doing whatever he could to delay going downstairs for breakfast. He felt out of place in the company of lords, elves and dwarves, and now even more so as he sensed Ioreth's displeasure at their departure.

Nevertheless, he eventually went downstairs with his sack over his shoulder, his sword at his side, his arrows on his back, and his bow in his hand. He ate quickly and went outside.

"A grey morning - it seems fitting," he said quietly to himself as he walked out.

He smiled, somewhat grimly, at Fengel's greeting and instructions. "Good morning to you, as well, though it doesn't appear to be a pleasant one," he said as he looked skyward. "I've checked my gear already this morning," he continued as he went over to Gandalf's horse and checked its saddle and tack. "I don't normally need much."

As he finished, Madoc looked to Fengel, sizing him up for a moment before he spoke. "You're not a Dunadan, are you? How did you come to be in the confidence of Dirnhael?" He paused, then hastily added, "I mean no offence by asking. After all, I'm by no means nobility myself."

Fengel looked thoughtfully at Madoc, "There was a time when Dirnhael was as us. In his heart, he still is, but the king saw fit to knight him for his deeds, and so he became a man of status. Then with his marriage to Ioreth, he became a lord of the kingdom. Prior to it all, he was a soldier. A guard for his master's house, Lord Celephain of Cardolan. I understand he is now dead. Anyway, I met Dirnhael and his companions on the road to Bree. I myself was a caravan guard, but we were assailed by orcs. Dirnhael and Angbor, along with Edrahil and Lûnduf appeared on the road and we drove the orcs away. I joined up with Dirnhael and we have been fast friends ever since."

Madoc nodded to Fengel. "Then Dirnhael has more in common with me than I thought. I, too, was a guard, among other duties, for my lord in Cardolan, who is also dead."

Ginnar woke prior to the sun, gathering what few belonging he had not packed up the night before. He hoisted up his axe, feeling the familiar weight of it once again. He lifted a silently wish that the edge might opportunity to cleave orc skulls soon enough, and that his own lust for battle might be sated. Grinning to himself, he swung the axe around, "Aye, Lunduf! Tis a good day t' kill some orcs... even if be not amongst kin."

The dwarf made his way to the room where breakfast had been served in days prior and, as he had assumed, the lady of the house had ensured that a fine meal was prepared for those being sent out. Ginnar found the elf, Edrahil, already present enjoying the comforts of the Dirnhael's table. No time like the present t' test this elf, he thought as he approached Edrahil.

"Good day, master elf!" Ginnar said with a bit more enthusiasm than he intended, as he placed his axe beside his chair. "So, rumour has it, ah... that is t' say, someone told me, um... I heard you once carried my kin upon your mount. Your skill with horsecraft has reached even the halls of King Bain." He said this last bit with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

Fengel answered, "Yes, there is a common history with you and Dirnhael. You will find he is more like us then other Dúnedain. The other lords, Durgil and Celdrahil, still have the old nobility burning strong within their blood."

Edrahil smiled, "Aye... Lûnduf was a regular passenger upon my horse." There was a nostalgic look upon the Sindar's face. He and Lûnduf had become good friends, which was a rare thing due to the wide division between Elf and Dwarf - especially the Sindar.

The Sindarin animus was directed at the House of Durin, as well as those of the Blue Mountains, for the crimes done upon the Elves by the Dwarves. In Menegroth the Sindarin king, Thingol, was slain by metalworkers out of Belegost who had become enamored by the Nauglamír. Then later in the Second Age, Durin's house closed its doors to the Elves of Eregion as they tried to flee the might of Sauron. Upon the western feet of the Misty Mountains, the Elves were slaughtered and no aid came.

These crimes were long ago, but still cut deep the ties between the two folk. It was indeed a rarity that the bond of friendship was so strong between Edrahil and Lûnduf, and the Sindarin mage was glad that they had overcome the long grudge. Perhaps there would be more friendships, and tight bonds, in the future for these Free Folk.

Edrhil cleared the reverie from his mind, "I hear a pony has been prepared for you, Sir Ginnar, but should you find it more comfortable to be my passenger, I welcome you."

The was no hiding the fact that Ginnar had no love for horseflesh, his distain noticable in the lines of his face as he grimaced when the elf made mention of a pony having been prepared for him. "T' be honest, Master Edrahil, and I mean no disrespect, but neither seem so appealing." He paused for a moment, as if weighing the options, before continuing, "And, yet, t'would be a shame you and the others wetting your blades with the Shadow's blood, while I be left behind, hiking the good earth with my feet, missing all the exciting parts of the journey ahead, hmm." He looked back at the elf, knowingly looking past all the bad history that came between their two kin. This was Edrahil, and the elf had proven himself an honourable companion to his cousin, and that was all Ginnar needed to forget history. "I suppose I shall try the pony then. T'would be rude t' turn away the hospitality of the Lord..."

With more stern and serious look, though with a twinkle in his eye, Ginnar finished with, "... though I reserve the right t' take you up on your offer at a later time."

:ooc: Ginnar will eat a decent breakfast and then head over to the stables

Dirnhael awoke next to Ioreth, and after gazing upon her sleeping form, never wanted to leave again.
But leave he must, and as he readied himself, she rustled and was awakened by the noise.
He apologized, touching her cheek, and they spoke once more, lingering for longer than he intended. He realized that he would do almost anything to see her again - anything to keep her safe.
That was why he had to leave, and he told her so.

Celdrahil awoke early as was his custom. Not suited to idleness he checked on his own equipment and walked around the manor house. His eyes scanning and looking at the surrounding terrain, attacks he knew often came in the early morning hours and out of force of habbit he was always about with sword girded before the sun rose.

:ooc: Welcome back to the days of rolling travel weariness. I was looking through my old website pages and laughed at how much work I had to put into it to keep track of weariness and wounds. Anyway, Dol Gormain is a good 6 days' ride north from out of Amarana. So, from my house rules, here is what you guys need to do for traveling and sleeping in the rough:

Overland Travel:
-A Stamina roll is made with the TN of the test equaling the number of miles traveled per day, which I am setting at 20 (thus TN 20).
-Pace on a normal day's travel is not going to be anymore than Walk (-2) or Jog/Trot (+0). If that changes, I will adjust the test(s) accordingly.
-Terrain will be average (+0) because there is still a road/path that is maintained by travel. Again, if circumstances change, I will adjust.
-You alll are riding a horse (-3)
-Net result on the TN = 15, and it is 6 days to Dol Gormain, so the aggregate will be a TN 90 extended Stamina test
-Roll 12d6 plus your Stamina (plus other) mod x 6 to get a DOS.
Degree of success determines the number of Weariness levels suffered: 3 on a disastrous failure, 2 on a complete failure, 1 on a failure, 0 on any success. Also, if a Disastrous failure is rolled, the character must stop there and then, too exhausted to keep going for that day. Roll 2d6 and subtract it from the TN to determine how many miles were actually covered before the character needed to stop. If weariness caused the party to stop for more than 20 miles, another test will need to be made.

Sleeping in the Rough:
A character recovers Weariness from the previous day normally, but upon waking after sleeping in the rough he must make a Stamina test at TN 5, plus modifiers for the following conditions: sleeping on the ground (+2), insufficient or interrupted sleep (+2), not sufficiently protected against cold, wind, or rain (+2), insufficient food or water (+2), sleeping in leather armor (+3) or in mail armor (+5).  On any success, the character does not suffer additional Weariness; on a failure the character suffers 1 level of Weariness (2 levels on a disastrous failure).

Edrahil's Stamina test
:00: TN 90 Stamina +1, Resolute +1, Tireless +4 = +6x6=+36


Fengel's Stamina test
:00: TN 90 Stamina +3, Tireless +4 = +7x6=+42

:ooc: Everyone else can make their rolls and I will give you guys narrative from the results.

 :ooc: Madoc's Stamina Test
TN 90 Stamina +1, Resolute +1 = 2x6 = +12

 :ooc: Ginnar's Stamina Test:
:00: TN 90 Stamina +4, Hardness of Body +2   =   +6 x 6   =   +36

Stamina Test
TN 90 Stamina +3 = +3 x6= +18

 :ooc: On second thought lets just stay and let them come to us.....

 :arrow: Dirnhael's Stamina Test:
TN 90 -- Stamina +3, Adaptable +2, Tireless +4 = +9 (x6) = +54
:00:

:ooc: Okay, I took all of your rolls and extrapolated out the day by day effects and then rolled a Survival test TN12 each day, based on Dirnhael's skills to create a sufficient encampment to allow for rest. So, the net result of all of the rolls is, it does take only six days to get to Dol Gormain and the following PC's will suffer weariness:

Celdrahil -1 Winded  :csu:
Ginnar -1 Winded  :csu:
Madoc -1 Winded  :csu:

Also Shawn, just so you know... Adaptable +2 is a Racial trait that is already built into the Stamina value, so I deducted it from your rolls.

---

And so, the companions took to saddle. Durgil said his goodbyes from the porch of Dirnhael's home, standing by his sister. He would make for Dorthad and then Fornost later in the morning. Ioreth ran to Dirnhael's mount and placing a foot on his, within the stirrup, pulled herself up to give him one more kiss. They shared a few quiet words and she lowered herself down with a smile. The knight knew it was real, even though it was forced. She was strong and she would once more steel him to see this through. With a wave from the others, the Company began to ride forth out of the stable yards and then east, across country.

Their path would take them up the ridgeland downs, a series of small downs that stacked upon one another as steps that go climb a staircase. It would make for difficult riding, but they needed to reach the Old North road, which ran the length of the downs and would take them to Dol Gormain and from there to Barad Eldanar.

The rain did not let up for the week. Gray skies plagued their travel and the party members felt the ache of weariness with each day. The better part of the last year Celdrahil had been home and out of the saddle, and he marveled at how much of an effect it had on him. Madoc had been an outdoorsman the better part of his life but he, too, was worn down by the pace of travel. Only Fengel and Dirnhael seemed undaunted by the travel, and the Elf showed little sign of weariness or lessening of spirit.

Each night Dirnhael would find them a place to camp, and so the days passed. With the sun passing noon, riding behind still gray skies, the trio of hills know as Dol Gormain appeared on the horizon. They slowly loomed closer with each footfall of the horses. Dirnhael and Fengel began to wonder about the ruin. The last time they had been here, it was very unpleasant. Very unpleasant, indeed.

Fengel who had taken a position before the group held up a hand to bring them to a halt. He then waved them forward to advance to him. "The ruin of Dol Gormain is before us. We need not approach it, but if I recall from our last time here... we had had little choice. The terrible shadow that haunted this place drew us in. What do you wish to do, Dirnhael? Do we press on past or go to see if the horror still lurks?"

When they had been here last, the vile spider-wraith Gorvorsang had made these hills and the ruins about its home. To it had come other spiders - living spiders - and they used the undead spider's magical ability to disorient anything that approached and thus made for easy prey. Gorvorsang had not desired food - only lusted to extinguish all life. The great spider had trapped many in its burrow and Fengel wondered at the treasures that could still be there.

Quote from: tomcat on Jun 20, 2011, 11:25 AM
Fengel who had taken a position before the group held up a hand to bring them to a halt. He then waved them forward to advance to him. "The ruin of Dol Gormain is before us. We need not approach it, but if I recall from our last time here... we had had little choice. The terrible shadow that haunted this place drew us in. What do you wish to do, Dirnhael? Do we press on past or go to see if the horror still lurks?"

When they had been here last, the vile spider-wraith Gorvorsang had made these hills and the ruins about its home. To it had come other spiders - living spiders - and they used the undead spider's magical ability to disorient anything that approached and thus made for easy prey. Gorvorsang had not desired food - only lusted to extinguish all life. The great spider had trapped many in its burrow and Fengel wondered at the treasures that could still be there.

Dirnhael remembered all too well. He had been dragged into the monstrous spider's pit and ensnared in its web then, unable to do anything but watch helplessly; fortunate that Fengel, Edrahil, Lunduf and the others had been able to chase it off and free him. He had little desire to tempt fate once again.

"I fear we face ancient evils aplenty, my friend," he said softly.

Despite Lunduf's loss, Dirnhael thought that this fellowship might be even stronger than the one he led when they first confronted the spider. He was stronger, and wiser, as was Fengel and even perhaps Edrahil. The newcomer, Madoc, seemed brave and hale, and Celdrahil's nobility was unyielding in any circumstance. Ginnar, Lunduf's cousin, seemed hewn from the same stone as his kin.

He wanted to rid the land of this monstrosity, and deep in his heart, he knew he wanted it personally as well. Perhaps that was the biggest risk of all.
"But if we choose to confront this one, the greater evil might go unattended. Better to hold to our path... if we can."

The two exchanged a wary look, both knowing that avoiding such a deadly encounter might not even be possible. After all, the spiders may have gained in strength, as well.

He put one hand on his sword, and the other on his reins as he spurred his mount forward.

Madoc perked up in the saddle. "What evil do you speak of, Lord Dirnhael?"

He followed Dirnhael's lead and unslung his bow from it's position on his back, his eyes glancing over the ruin as he spurred his horse to follow Dirnhael.

Quote from: Nolmir on Jun 20, 2011, 12:21 PM
Madoc perked up in the saddle. "What evil do you speak of, Lord Dirnhael?"

He followed Dirnhael's lead and unslung his bow from it's position on his back, his eyes glancing over the ruin as he spurred his horse to follow Dirnhael.

"This is a realm of spiders," he said." "One in particular, which seems to pull others toward it. The land itself seems to shift, bewildering travelers and leading them into the den. We must be wary."

Celdrahil spoke, "A dark plague indeed. This hill mass would be a good outpost against the fell enemy. The fact that dark minions dwell here proves it." Celdrahil pondered, "Do we face this dark peril? I would not want to leave it behind us." The Dunedain looked around to take in his surroundings...."confuses the senses does it? We should guide ourselves by the stars then. Elbereth would not steer us wrong. We bear the blood of the her adopted children of Numenor and one of the true blood is with us. If there are creatures that mask the lay of the earth than in Elbereth and the immortal heavens we shall find true course."

"T'was not that the land changed, as much as we were misdirected with each step," said Edrahil. "Even I could not break free from the creatures maze... with Elbereth shining above."

Fengel also chimed in, "We must go with the hope that with our last encounter, the creature was slain by your sword, Dirnhael. Surely, Andúring sent it to its final death, no?"

"Whether it is dead or not, our goal of Barad Eldanar lies beyond and we must decide..." the Sindar hesitated, "Do we investigate to see if it still remains? Even if it is dead, the numerous spiders that were present before will certainly still be here."

Celdrahil pondered for a moment, "I do not like to leave enemies in our rear, but this is not the threat we were sent to deal with. Occupying ourselves with side quests will not accomplish the task that Mithrandir has set before us. If the spider dead or alive is currently holed up here and of no concern then let us first defeat the active threat first and complete this siege of spiders when time allows."

"I agree with Dirnhael, we should proceed on," Madoc said, piping up. "Whether the spider lives or not, ridding this place of evil is work for another time. The evil that Gandalf warned us of is far more dangerous and we can't risk leaving it unattended by foolhardily seeking out danger."

"Then it is settled - we will keep to our task, if we can," Dirnhael said. "But be on your guard; the choice may not be ours to make."

"Aye," grumbled Ginnar, scanning the surrounding landscape suspiciously. "Let be on our way."

The dwarven berserker had a strong hatred for the creatures. They were more cunning and quiet than orcs, and he had lost half-a-dozen of his kin in an spider ambush once. The memory flooded back for a brief moment as he scanned the surrounding once more. Grim determination steeled his eyes. That mistake won't be repeated today.