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Ginnar hoisted his axe out of the dark ichor that had once been the barghest's skull and now held it ready to strike any evil creature that showed itself... but all was quiet. The fog recessed and the dwarf saw no threats. Dirnhael atop his mount also looked left and right, but all four attackers had been slain. The other two that had charged them were far in the distance towards the broken keep, having run from the power of the Sindar.

The two scouts were in need of aid and so the Eldar dismounted to assist, all the while Celdrahil, Dirnhael and Fengel sat vigilant in their saddles. The short dwarf marched to stand before them all, his feet spread and axe ready. The field now clear, the approach to Eldanar would be easy.

"If anyone was watching or listening, they know something has happened here," Dirnhael said.
"Let us be on our way quickly, then -- before they have the opportunity to further hinder our approach."

Celdrahil trotted over to where his spear lay embedded in the ground and retrieved it. He shook the clod of earth from it and brought it upright to his side once more.

He smiled at his companions, something that he rarely did, "Well I refrained from blowing my horn. I'm not usually as subtle as that when mounted going into combat. The knight spit upon the ground, "foul beasts summoned a vapor to hide themselves in, but shadow and dark did not avail them."

The mount of the Prince was still excited and pranced about anxious to move and run again. "We should not tarry here in the open. they may return in greater numbers and a sudden sally will not prove as effective against a sniping wolf pack. OUr bussiness is with the lord of the manor."

"Anyone grievous in hurt?" queried Durgil as he adjusted a crude dress over his wounds.  "Guess I am a little rusty with a blade," he muttered.  "Better be more careful otherwise I won't return to the Lady upright and whole," he thinks.

Madoc did his best to hide his heavy breathing as he shook his head. "Only a few scrapes."

His muscles trembled slightly after the run-in with the foul beasts. Though the appearance of Eldrahil and the others had bolstered him, he still felt shaken. He sheathed his sword and trotted over to where he'd dropped his bow and picked it up, checking the weapon for damage.

The commoner remained silent as the others discussed what to do. He wasn't a fan of the idea of entering the castle, but he wasn't about to show it to Celdrahil.

:ooc: Will update this story later today... after I sleep.

:ooc:

Edrahil tends the wounds:
:00: TN 15 Healing (wounds) +9, spec +2, Healing hands +5

:ooc: Both are successful

Durgil's healing was a Superior success so he is returned 6 +2 = 8 hit points (base health +2 for superior success) :csu:
Madoc's healing was an Extraordinary success so he is returned 9 +3 = 12 hit points (base health +3 for extraordinary success) :csu:

I WILL have a story update in about a half hour. I need to get my daughter down for her nap.

:ooc: Okay, it has been a loooong half hour! My wife worked today and so the kids had me running. It will be a bit longer, but all games will be updated this evening.

 :ooc: Celdrahil challenges the dark necromancer to single combat, chastises him for not feeding his hounds, and then slays him with Numenorean hutzbah. and....scene.

No worries Doug the longer it takes the better chance i have of writting code to "fix" the dice roller.

With Edrahil's skilled, healing hands, the two men were feeling better after his administrations. Madoc's spirit seemed to lighten, as well, from the poultices of the Sindar. The man knew he could go on, though the very air seemed to wish to steal his breath.

The companions mounted their horses and with a prod of heel on hindquarter they began to move forward once more. The castle was before them, ominously quiet and now shadowed from the afternoon sun. It was as if the light of Anar resented touching the structure and Dirnhael wondered at what might have made the place so unclean. Scatha had squirmed his foulness across this land and that as sure to sour any field, but this was something more.

They approached Eldanar from its southern facing and all could see where the moat was and how the bridge had burnt away those many months ago. The eastern wall was tumbled and its stones made for a natural bridge over the mucky water. No horse would be able to make the crossing, and none seemed to have any desire to do so.

"Come," said Edrahil quietly. "Let us see who calls Eldanar their own now."

---

:ooc: Okay... we continue. Slowly but surely.

The moat to Eldanar is probably eight feet deep at its center. The water still fills it to the edges due to rainfall, but because it is not fed by springs or other moving sources, the water is fetid and filled with a slimy muck. The moat bridge is gone from the fires of Scatha but the broken stones of the east wall allow a crosing without having to enter the water.

I will require a series of three jumps TN 10 to make the crossing (I will give a +2 affiinity bonus for Acrobatics). If any are failed then the PC falls into the water and must either clambor out onto a stone, or swim to the shore. There is no ill effect save that they will now be covered in a terrible sheen of slime and stench that only a good bath will remove.

Once across, the castle can be entered either through the collapsed wall or if the PC's want to go to the bridge entrance. The inner bailey and other structures lie within.

Edrahil's jumps
:00: TN 10 Jump +2, Arobatics affinity +2, Lightfootedness +4
Roll(2d6)+8: 3,5,+8 Total:16
Roll(2d6)+8: 1,4,+8 Total:13
Roll(2d6)+8: 5,1,+8 Total:14

Fengel's jumps
:00: TN 10 Jump +2, Arobatics affinity +2
Roll(2d6)+4: 6,3,+4 Total:13
Roll(2d6)+4: 1,4,+4 Total:9 FAILED

Fengel goes into the water and grumbles his way to the other side, spitting and cursing.

Dirnhael's jumps
:00: TN 10 Jump +2, Acrobatics affinity +2

Dirnhael felt his toehold give on the loose stone as he tumbled into the filthy moat.
The Dunedain soldier clambered out of it as gentlemanly as possible, more than a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable.

He checked that he had not lost anything during his unfortunate swim and when he realized that he had not, he moved on, keenly aware that his newfound smell matched his mood precisely.

Madoc's jumps
:00: TN 10 Jump +2, Acrobatics affinity +2

Madoc crossed the fallen wall with a series of steps and hops. He almost lost his balance when he was nearly to the other side, but nonetheless, he made it through dry. He offered a sympathetic smile to the wet Fengel and Dirnhael.

The Gondorian Knight was loathe to leave his mont behind, but knew they had to press on. He checked his gear quickly for rope but didnt see any among his things. Trusting to luck he attmpeted to make the leap across in his armor.
"We should add rope to the list of things to carry."

Celdrahil swore in several languages when he missed the first jump. When his head cleared the water he said, "blasted hospitality of Arnor is improving, first castle I have visited that has offered me a bath."

Edrahil, standing on the far shore, watched the men come from the water and the light-hearted manner of the Sindar could not help but to make him laugh. The sound of merriment seemed alien in the quiet, but it also broke the heavy mood of the companions. Madoc crossed moments later and even his smile broke into a chuckle.

Fengel griped, "We smell like the very dogs that set upon us!" But then the contagious laughter eased his frown into a wide grin, "Well, per chance we can now offend this castle's master with nothing more than our scent!" He pulled Cerduil from its scabbard and turned it over to allow the water to empty and then he sat and did the same with his boots. Once done, he stood and prepared himself again for the matter at hand.

The mage turned from his companions to look upon the broken walls of Eldanar, "I say that we enter here... it is a jumble of stone, but still the way seems easier." Without waiting, Edrahil began to maneuver through the wreckage of Eldanar's eastern wall. Dirnhael, still regretting his current condition, moved behind his friend and memories began to flood his thoughts. It was absolute terror seeing the dragon land upon the battlements, destroying them as he did. The field became chaos as men and orc, friend and enemy alike fled in panic. The Dúnadan then remembered his bold maneuver, getting in close to the dragon's flank while the monster was pinned between the structures of Eldanar. The intense, wrenching pain in his arm as Andúring was yanked from him still impaled in the Scatha's nethers.

"Look, Dirnhael", the sound of Edrahil's voice brought Dirnhael from his reverie. The Sindar was pointing. The inner bailey of Eldanar sat alone now within, all other structures having been torn - or fallen - down. The last two barghests were trotting nervously around the entrance to the bailey, casting glances at the party but unwilling to attack. Nothing else deterred their passage save the fifty plus strides distance of the courtyard.

"This seems too simple," Dirnhael said. "Far too simple."

He motioned to the others to ready their bows, nock their arrows and exterminate the dogs before they proceeded into the castle; he wasn't interested in leaving sentinels alive to announce their presence... or block their escape.

Dirnhael returned Vorandur to its scabbard and drew his own bow.

Celdrahil's trip up didn't help Durgil's confidence and into the fetid drink he went.
Roll(2d6)+-2: 3,2,+-2 Total:3

Ginnar on the other hand had not issue with the crossing.
Roll(2d6)+2: 5,3,+2 Total:10
Roll(2d6)+2: 4,4,+2 Total:10
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,5,+2 Total:10

Readying his sword, "now let us see what master this hall keeps."

The two beasts guarding the door were quickly dispatched by the arrows of Madoc, Dirnhael, and Fengel. That done, the men made their way through the stone littered grounds of Eldanar until the came at last to the stairs, which were the first inner defense for the donjon proper. Dirnhael could see that the broken doors that they had placed as temporary bridge into the building were still there. Evidence of the dragon's fire could be seen, but they appeared sturdy still to allow the men to enter.

They climbed the stairs and then crossed over the creaking planks that were once the doors to the inner fortification. Darkness and the terrible smell of death hung within the entrance and they all struggled with the will to go forward. Fear creeped into their hearts now, much greater than what they had felt on the fields without.

---

:ooc: As I said in a different thread in the General Discussion section - I have been reading Tolkien and I feel things stirring within my brain to get Chronicles moving again.

I need an opposed Willpower test against Fear TN 17.

"Why, oh why, does every castle reek of this foul doom?" Ginnar says with a shiver.

Ginnar - Roll(2d6)+3: 3,6,+3 Total:12
Durgil - Roll(2d6)+5: 5,5,+5Total:15 (1 Courage)

OOC: Where's the elf's blessing now? ;)

:ooc: Fengel and Edrahil's Fear tests:

Fengel
:00: DC 17 Willpower +2


Edrahil
:00: DC 17 Willpower +3, Strong-willed +2, Resolute +1

Fengel paused as his feet reached the top of the stairs that led to the bridge entrance. The black hole of an entrance was like an open maw ready to devour any foolhardy enough to enter. Even Edrahil was unnerved by whatever presence sat within. The Sindar knew that for them to achieve their goal, he would have to encourage his companions. He spoke words in the ancient tongue of his people and in each they felt their inner strength grow.

---

Edrahil casts Resist Fear
:00: DC 8 Willpower +3, The Art +2, Strong-willed +2, Resolute +1, Secret Fire spec +2, Unnerved -4

:ooc: Almost didn't pull it off! Anyway, the effects of a +5 to Willpower tests will work retro to your rolls if they have already been made, or to your roll if not yet done.

Fengel wil be Frightened -1 penalty to all tests while in the Donjon

Edrahil wil be Frightened -1 penalty to all tests while in the Donjon

Ginnar and Durgil (no CP spent) are not affected

Ginnar and Durgil moved to take the lead, the dwarf with his axe at the ready. The nobleman of Arthedain remembered this donjon well. He and his companions had liberated it from the forces of the Angmar under the command of Arkish, the Ashaktur. It was at this very door that he and his men had battled and slain the Easterling commander. Then had come the greater battle when men of Camentir's host had arrived and bolstered their ranks, only to be besieged by a large force from the north.

Durgil remembered much of that night - the dragon, the death of Lûnduf, and the rescue of his captain - but something was odd here now. Although the remains of men and orcs still littered the area, they seemed wrong. It was as if they were not resting where they had fallen... as if they had moved. He shook his head for such thoughts for they would sap his will to go forward.

The dwarf spoke, "We will need some sort of light if we are to peer within."

"I can accommodate some, but I do not wish to use up all of my strength so soon. Nor will I produce enough that we can split up in our explorations," answered Edrahil. The Sindar picked up an old staff of wood that had once been a long spear and touched the top of it as he canted.

---

Edrahil casts Create Light
:00: DC 5 Willpower +3, The Art +2, Strong-willed +2, Resolute +1, Secret Fire spec +2, Frightened -1, Multiple Casting -3, Multiple Active -3

Celdrehail squeezed more moat water out of his tunic. The words of the Eldar encouraged him and he took his place in the company heading deeper into the foul keep.

"Edrahil, do you recall when we were here last?  This place has an unsettling feeling of familiar and yet not.  There is something about the bodies...." Durgil's voice trails off in disquieted thought.

"Aye, laddie," says Ginnar.  "It's the reek of the wyrm that still lies over this place.  It will take an age before the world is able to wash it away."

Celdrahil held up his shield arm in a signal to halt the party. He peered around closely and then moved in closer to this companions.

"The northman prisoner we found spoke of the walking dead, did he not?

Quote from: Telcontar on Dec 02, 2012, 04:56 PM(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 2d6+7 : 5, 5 + 7, total 17

:ooc: Hey Tom, I am not unhappy with your roll, but I wonder how you came up with your modifier. I see Celdrahil has a +1 Willpower and then Edrahil's +5 bonus... is there something I am missing?

---

The Elf nodded, "Aye... the northman did speak of them, and even Madoc made mention that he was beset by shades in the dark the night he met Mithrandir."

 :arrow: Resist Fear (TN 17): Willpower +2, Edrahil's spell bonus +5
:00:

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Dec 03, 2012, 09:00 AM
"Edrahil, do you recall when we were here last?  This place has an unsettling feeling of familiar and yet not.  There is something about the bodies...." Durgil's voice trails off in disquieted thought.

"Aye, laddie," says Ginnar.  "It's the reek of the wyrm that still lies over this place.  It will take an age before the world is able to wash it away."

Dirnhael remembered it well. He was nearly crushed as he dared to clamber under Scatha's belly before delivering the blow that drove it away; and nearly fell to his doom as it lifted him up, still holding onto his sword before it snapped.

He didn't want to be here.

"Let us not linger," he whispered. "Speed is our strength now."

 :ooc: huh, i dunno. I printed the charactersheet out before I posted to check my numbers. I must have typed it in wrong when I was posting from my iPad.

The company entered the now lit main corridor of the donjon. It was wide enough to allow for an easy defense, but limited so that an attacking force would only be able to enter in minimal numbers - at least to bring weapons to bear. Two to three men with long polearem-type weapons could conceivably hold the main hall for a good amount of time, as these men well knew from their prior engagement here.

The light from Edrahil's makeshift staff lit the gloom around them to a distance of twenty steps, but then quickly the darkness returned. They followed the passage to where it came to its first set of accessways and they looked into the room that once had served as their warchamber - the donjon's gathering hall. It was empty of any living thing, but the long feast table that took up the center of the room was still there. In the defused light, the group could make out a figure that sat silent at its head.

A breeze could be heard and felt as it whipped up through the large chimney that was like a huge, upside down funnel made of brass. It hung by chains over an non-lit hearth that separated the gathering chamber from another on its opposite side. Two large arches were on either side of the hearth to allow passage into the other chamber.

Fengel squinted in the dim light and pointed, "It seems that some unholy light glows from our silent guardian."

The others could now see a glow near the breast of the figure that certainl was not a glint from the Sindar's warm mage light. This was a cold, consuming light - if light was even what it could be called.

There was no use being coy, Dirnhael thought. Whoever -- or whatever -- the figure was, it was certainly aware of their presence.
"I am Dirnhael, Knight of Fornost by way of Tharbad," he said simply, "and these are my companions."

He stepped closer to the table, his hands out to his sides. A bead of sweat built up upon his forehead; he hoped that in the gloom, the figure would not see it.
"We have come a long way... will you parley?"

 :ooc: activate Valiant trait. Bearing test for +2 to Courage for the Scene. my bearing is 8.

:ooc: Sorry Tom... the dice roller just does not like you here.  :(

---

No response came from the figure to Dirnhael's request for parley. He moved closer to the table and his friends followed him, but then a sharp cry rang through the room.

"Ai! It is Mellawyn!" It was Edrahil whose voice rang hollow and sorrowful. The Sindar approached the form and his face became one of despair. "I had heard she had died and that she now rested in the House of Mandos, but never did I fear that her body would be so desecrated. He reached out a hand to her and the glow that sat just under her throat stretched forth to meet it. He drew his hand back quickly as the light enveloped it in its deadly cold, burning the flesh.

"You knew this person?" asked Fengel from behind.

Edrahil shook his hand all the while suspiciously eyeing the cold light, "I knew here. She was of Lindon. A brave scout and warrior for Círdan. She has long been a messenger between the house of Elrond and Mithlond. Long ago we lost her, no word came to either Círdan or Elrond, save that we felt the passing of her spirit back unto Aman. We knew she no longer walked the green paths of Middle-earth. Why? How is she here?"

"By the power of the Witch-king," said a new voice, causing all the companions to start. They turned to see a gray-mantled figure standing within the archway, leaning on a gnarled staff. His hat was high and his nose seemed to extend out past its brim. Bushy eyebrows shaded the twinkling eyes below, but none who knew him would be confused by who he was, even in the shaded chamber.

"Mithrandir, you are here?" said Edrahil softly.

"Yes," he nodded. "I have come at last."

Celdrahil began to speak in the elven tongue of his country, but stopped and changed his speach on behalf of his companions. "Mithrandir! what news? And what devilery is this?"

"Celdrahil? I did not know that you had come north. You will need tell me your tale and how fares the city of Minas Ithil. For now, let us prepare - the sun lays low in the afternoon sky. When the day is gone, Mellawyn will rise once more and mayhap call forth her minions - the Men of Carn Dûm. These are not men as we know them, they are either the unbodied spirits or the walking corpses of those fallen in the many wars of Angmar. The plague has helped to bolster the number of these undead and the sorcery of the Witch-king draws them to his command, and that of his chosen."

Edrahil spoke in wonder, "But Mellawyn is one of the First Born. Her spirit is immortal and not laid claim by any save Mandos."

"Yes," answered Gandalf, "it is not Mellawyn in spirit that now serves the Witch-king, but he has spoiled her body by drawing forth an unnamed spirit to reside within her. She is not unlike the barrow-wights that haunt the Tyrn Gorthad." The wizard pointed to the glow that hung above her breast. "At her throat hangs a shard from an ancient shrine in the north. It is what bestows to Mellawyn the ability to call and order the Men of Carn Dûm." He could see that they all had questions in their eyes. "Come," he said motioning to the large hearth. "Let us light a fire and I will tell you this tale in the time that we have. Fire is our friend and it will be needed if we are to be engaged this night."

Fengel and Madoc searched for any wood that could be piled into the hearth and a fire was made. While they worked, Gandalf continued his story. "After I left Madoc on the road to Fornost, I made my way as swiftly as possible to Rivendell. I needed to discuss with Elrond and others of his court about the First Age of this world - a time that is forgotten by all save a few that remian in Middle-earth. T'was during the times of the Elves, when they made war on Morgoth the Deceiver, that the first Men woke into the world. With the Elves fencing his northern fortress of Angband, it was not known but Morgoth moved east over the mountains and revealed himself to some of these early tribes. An unholy pact was made between Morgoth and those that revered him and at the same time held him in terror. The covenant was sealed with the blood of sacrifice to Morgoth and a stone shrine was built for these rituals to be performed. At times, Morgoth would appear before his servants and he corrupted the shrine and the land around it with his malice. Though Morgoth was cast out at the breaking of the world by the powers of the Valar, the shrine that was made to him still exists and is a channel to the corruption of the Evil One. Sauron long ago, and now the Witch-king, have taken advantage of this shrine and draw forth evil into the realm of Middle-earth.

"It took many days of study and discussion to discern where the shrine may be located. It was also known to your Elven kin, Edrahil, that shards of the shrine had been removed and so was the evil of Morgoth able to be given to servants as talismans to enhance their power. Mellawyn here is one such servant and she, or the foul spirit within her, serves the Lord of the Iron Land to the north."

"It is good to see you, my friend," Dirnhael said to Gandalf, "especially in times such as this."
He looked to the accursed Elf, saddened and angry at her desecration.
"What can be done to free her -- and those like her -- from this sorcery?"

He wondered about the men of Carn Dûm; their numbers, and their purpose.

Celdrahil did not lower his shield, and disregarded the succor of fire. He looked upon the possessed husk of the Eldar Maiden and a deep indignation began to well up in him. For years almost uncounted, even among the Elendili, the scions of the three house of the Edain had risen to the aid of the First Born.  To witness firsthand the perversions of the Nameless Enemy of Old was a deep psychic blow to the Prince of Ithilien.

The sigil of his house was the moon, and a silver moon lay embossed upon his shield. He rose that sigil up before the mortal remains of the elf and his breast swelled with the intake of air and the hall echoed with his voice.

"A Elbereth Gilthoniël,
o menel palan-díriël,
le nallon sí di'-nguruthos!
A tíro nin, Fanuilos!"

(O Elbereth Star-kindler
from heaven gazing afar
to thee I cry now beneath the shadow of death!
O look towards me, Everwhite!)

"Hear me lady of the west! Turn the eyes of your Lord Manwe thus. The dark power cast beyond the limit of the world has no place here! Hearken to the prayer of a son of Númenor!"

The sword arm of the knight came up bearing his heroic blade Herth-hathol and the blessed blade sought the shard in the breast of the Eldar corpse.

With a cry he thrust the point at the glowing light.


:ooc: Frodo isnt the only one who can invoke the Lords of the West.  ;D

:ooc: Hey Tom, do you remember the source for your Edge: Heroic Item? I don't know where that came from - not that I have any problem with it - but, I haven't looked at these books in so long, I thought it'd be easier just to ask.

---

The touch of the Dúnedain blade to the shard at Mellawyn's throat caused an instant reaction. The shout of determination from Celdrahil was immediately countered by a horrific scream, as if the spirit of the living were being unmercifully tortured. A sharp cold ran up the length of the eldritch sword and the Dúnadan warrior felt it burn his hand. At the same time, a blast of sorcerous power eminated from the elf corpse and struck Celdrahil.

Gandalf and Edrahil turned at the scream, while the others reached for weapons, only to see their companion enveloped by the terrible attack.

---

:ooc: First... Celdrahil may roll his damage. I will give you the affect after I see it.

Second, Celdrahil needs to make a Stamina test TN 12 or his weapon hand will become paralyzed from the cold. The DOS will determine the effects below:

Disastrous Failure - Celdrahil cannot use his weapon hand [effect lasts 30 minutes]
Complete Failure - Celdrahil suffers -5 to any physical skill requiring his weapon hand [effect lasts 10 minutes]
Failure - Celdrahil suffers -3 to any physical skill requiring his weapon hand [effect lasts 1 minutes]
Marginal success - Celdrahil suffers -1 to any physical skill requiring his weapon hand [effect lasts 5 rounds]
Complete or Greater success - no effect

Lastly, Mellawyn needs to roll for her attack:
Casts Blast of Sorcery
:00: TN 12 Willpower +5

Ranged combat attack to hit
:00: TN 13 RC +2, Specialty +2

:ooc: Well... you can re-read the above post as if none of the evil energy happened, because she failed her test.

 :ooc: Doug, I am responding before reading the whole post. The Heroic Item was an optional rule. Basically I took one of my advances and put it on an item instead of on my character. It has keen +2 to dmg. I'm hoping the invocation of Elbereth will do something for me here. Sublte magic of Middle-earth at work etc.

DMG swrd is 2d6+5+3str+2 keen

Stamina TN12

:ooc: I have EVERY Lord of the Rings book in my lap today. I guess the phases of my brain have shifted again!  (-D I truly will try not to let Star Wars be hindered, as I am enjoying that game just as much, but LotR is back. I have been listening to my unabridged reading of the books between home and work everyday (an hour drive) and needless to say it has caused me to begin to generate new stuff.

Anyway, you guys knew this as the game is already moving, but still.

Now to business... Tom, I am fine with your bonus using the Power of Words, but the bonus will come to you via the use of a Courage point granting a +4 instead of a +3 on all tests needed in this exchange. You also grant a +2 to resist Intimidation while this encounter goes on. I will give you these bonuses due to your creativeness using poetry and the Elven language, but like it states in the book, it will be given out in moderation.

Let me know if you will spend the Courage to win the Stamina test.

I am opening a new thread for round 1 of our encounter.

 :ooc: My earlier post did not include a power of words bonus. So I dont know what that will change. Since she failed to hit her target numbers do I still need to expend the courage to resist? If so I will. I dont want to fail on the first fight I instigated. =)

 :ooc: Heroic Item is a special rule found in the CRB where it refers to minor bonuses conferred to weapons .. it gives Anduril as an example.  I don't recall it being an edge though, but it could be one we made up at some point, but don't recall.

 :ooc: When I talked to Doug about it, we used the optional rule and instead of using one of the edges on my character I expended it on his item instead.

:ooc: Hey Tom, yea, the effect that you are trying to defeat with your Stamina test is from touching the shard with your sword - it is completely separate from Mellawyn's failed magical attack.

Thanks, Matt, for reminding me where it was, and I remember the discussion long ago with Tom to give the picks to his sword.

As for Power of Words, Tom - that is just the official name of it in the book. When a PC uses some soliloquy, or calls on the names of the Powers, the GM may grant certain bonuses. The rules press on GM's to use this in moderation, but I like your creative input in the game adding Elvish and poetry, so I have no problem giving the bonus. Just don't epxect it EVERY time!  ;)

Anyway, yes, you will need to spend the Courage Point if you do not want to feel the effects of the shard. I have updated your PC sheet to reflect the game day's use.  :csu: