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The companions rode beside Hamad within an entourage of his personal guards. It was not a great distance and the town of Fennin Dorath quickly grew on the horizon. The simple folk of the town looked in awe at the banner of Tharbad's liege as the group rode into the square. It had been long since any lord of the city had come to this locale. The townsfolk backed away from the road as they had passed, some even offering a curtsey or other form of deference to Hamad; some made a secretive gesture in ire at the lords whom they perceived had forsaken them.

The old ruin that had served as defense the prior day was all but cleaned up of debris and the fallen. The defenses had even been repaired and strengthened in case of new pending attack. The dead townsfolk had all been removed to a place of hallowed rest, while the remaining fires of burning orcs and men still sputtered with flame and dark smoke. They had been piled and burned close to the river side so that any spies across the waters would see what happened to any who would make another such attempt. The Lord of Tharbad dismounted along with his men, the latter spreading out to make a defensive perimeter. The companions followed suit, a couple cringing at Hamad's men who began to block any townsfolk from approaching the city's Steward. It was a time for this man to bring these people together, not have them staved off like potential threats.

"OY! I am Lord Hamad of Tharbad! I would speak to your town's guardian, this hunter named Guilin!" There were a few exchanged glances as those gathered looked about, seeming to have knowledge of something that the new arrivals did not. Hamad caught the glances, "Obviously something needs said, out with it!"

"Lords..." a graying man who showed scars of the previous night's engagement spoke. "Our captain, Guilin, decided he would reconnoiter the marshes across the river. He and four stout men took to one of the long skiffs that had been prepared for these men of Arthedain and poled across the water before the sun made noontide. They were out of sight about an hour later, disappearing into the reeds and willows heading north up the river."

Hamad looked at the man and then he brought his eyes back to Durgil, a question within them.

Durgil was puzzled at this news.  The look he got from Hamad he passed along to Celdrahil and Dirnhael.  "My good man, what prompted this early and somewhat unexpected departure by your captain?"

The elder man replied, "Sire, to be honest I do not know. We were ordered to prepare to boats for travel with enough gear to allow for a week's worth of travel, including a tent. Guilin had made it clear that he would be departing soon with the Lords out of Arthedain. Not to speak unkindly, Sire, but Guilin was tapping the keg a bit much...not to say he was deep in his cups, but his courage bloomed, if you catch my meaning. He and his companions, who stood the wall two nights ago, all climbed aboard one of the boats and bid us tell you to join him when you could. He said these were our waters and our problems, and though aid from the North was gracious, we needs handle it ourselves."

Dirnhael slowly let out a deep breath; the man was brave, but foolish.
"Not good," he said to Durgil. "They have few men, and could provide our foes with much information if they were to be captured."

He looked to his companions, his face letting them know that he'd welcome opinions to the contrary.
"We may have no choice but to go after them quickly."

Celdrahil shaded his eyes with his hand as he looked out across the water, then turned to his companions.
"I would not go after them today and compound the error. Here and now we have people with but a thin screen to protect them. My advice is to spend the remainder of the day digging and preparing our position here, getting the watch in order. Tomorrow we may pursue them. That will allow for a better position here and perhaps our friend Edrahil will be able to join us tomorrow if we wait until then. I am afraid good Guilin is on his own for this day and night."

"I propose another course," said Hamad. "Yes, wait until the morrow if you must, but do not worry anymore about the garrison here. I promise you - and the people of Fennin Dorath - that this town will be fortified with both men and arms from the city. My soldiers will be here before the day's end to help rebuild these defenses and stave off any potential threat. If this hunter can handle himself o'ernight, then so be it, but if you feel it wise to pursue him sooner then do it knowing the town is defended."

"That is welcome news, Lord Hamad," replied Durgil.  "We will take counsel amongst ourselves and give word when we will leave.  Your people can ill afford to lose such a man as the missing captain."

Hamad nodded and then summoned the captain of his personal guard to him. The duo then questioned the old man where they might find the town's mayor or other elders that might govern Fennin Dorath.

Although there were still folk that looked towards them, and some that even stood at the ready to answer any call, the four companions were left to themselves for the first time today since the morning. Only Fengel and Edrahil were absent from their council, as the former was currently sitting in the old inn watching over the latter. The brown water of the river moved slowly downstream towards Tharbad making soft rippling sounds as it did. Swans could be seen lazily drifting amongst the reeds of the eastern shore, while clouds of midge flies buzzed about in erratic groups. The sun hung in the afternoon sky, although gray clouds could be seen to the north and west.

Celdrahil looked at his companions, "Well that seems settled. So, do we ride...or I should say sail, off into the great unknown and find our imbibed and fearless captain?"

"Why don't you three return to town to look in on Fengel and Edrahil? See if they are fit to accompany us and get bring useful provisions back.  I'll stay here and work with Lord Hamad about obtaining a skiff and provisions as well," suggested Durgil.

:ooc: Hope someone has Seacraft, we might get wet otherwise  (-D

Nain sat quietly on the pony he'd rode back on, the idea of boating on an icy cold river made cold sweat bead on his skin but he was far too proud to show any fear. 

"Lord Hamad, I'll be going along to check on my companions, but send a runner when your men get here. I have some skill at fortifications that might help them before we leave." 

Celdrahil looked back across the river again. "the terrain is far to marshy and soft on the far side for the mounts or I would suggest we ride back to the city and then north. The fens and marsh however will be to soft for the animals to be much use. When I was through this way in the past there were rivermen who still dwelled and plied along the banks of the gwathlo. Perhpas a river boat can be found and worked into a tranpsort or pursuit barge in the future."

Celdrahil turned back in his saddle and looked towards the city. "The city Nain was chosen at a very specific spot. It is the furthest point up the river that the ocean going vessels of old could reach. It so happened that the ground north of here became too soft so the bridge paired well with the port. So the city in its prime was both a land and sea commercial hub. Some of my folk, from Anfalas in Gondor, have flat bottomed rafts for marsh and swamp. Perhaps with our heads together we can design something."

:ooc: Two things:

Nain - it is summertime (T.A. June 1639 to be exact), so Nain doesn't have to worry about freezing river waters right now, although they may be still be cold. ;D

Celdrahil - the rivermen already have flat-bottomed boats that they pole upstream and down to move wares about. In fact, two were prepared for your crossing (one of which was commandeered by an eager Guilin), as per the command of Guilin in the previous thread called A New Day.

Taking liberty with Dirnhael in the below narrative to bring the companions back together.

I need a consensus on what you all are doing:

Are you following after Guilin? Leaving now with the sun in the afternoon sky, or waiting until morning? How much interaction do you want to have with Hamad and his troops fortifying the riverfront?

---

Fengel and Edrahil would need to be checked on, thought Dirnhael - of that, Durgil was right. Besides, the Éothraim would never forgive them if they took this hazardous road and left him behind. Edrahil, too, had told Dirnhael that he would not stay behind, whether wounded or not. So with a nod, the Dúnadan consented to Durgil's words and listened long enough to the conversation around him until it was clear he was no longer be needed here for the time, and then spurred his horse north towards the small inn that sat along the Iaur Men Formen.

 :ooc:Durgil's intent is to check on the boat, ensure that we will have the availability of an operator, see if there were any of Hamad's men that were to be sent with us maybe as a guide who knows these parts, secure any supplies needed for a few days' trek (provisions, equipment, information).

 :ooc: yeah, i'm all for rallying the troops and heading over the water.

 :ooc: After Dirnhael checks on the others, Durgil's plan makes sense to me -- especially to get a riverboat captain and some redshirts guides to the region. ;)

It took an hour for Dirnhael and his two companions to make the trek up the road to retrieve their missing friends. While they waited for Fengel and Edrahil to gather their gear, Durgil saw about the needs for their travel.

A guide was found who was willing to accompany the companions across the river and into the lands that used to be home to the Elves - the land that they had called Eregion. Guillin had been true to his word - aside from the boat he had commandeered, another had been prepared with rations and equipment to survive a number of days within the muck and mire of the Nin-in-Eilph. It was still tied to a dock bumping against its moorings as the river swept underneath. It was a sturdy, long boat that had a very short draft that would allow it to move into the shallows of the swamp. It was light, too, which would make it manageable if it needed to be pulled or carried over any obstacle. Its only source of locomotion was the long poles that sat along its port and starboard sides, or the current of the river.

The guide - that was one of the dwellers of Fennin Dorath - was named Del, but everyone called him Finder. It seemed the man had a knack for knowing his feet wherever they may roam. He was also an accomplished riverman, and Durgil had the utmost in trust in his pick. Hamad was helpful, too, allowing for extra supplies to be loaded onto two other boats that would be moved to the other side of the river and stored, in case the companions ran short on any needs. The only thing that the city leader denied was men. He stated, "If we march a host into the swamps of Nin-in-Eilph, then two things will happen - we will announce our presence and our purpose. We will also subject these men to death, for certain they will not have the martial skills to fight within the swamps. I suggest instead that stealth and speed serve us better by only a few of us crossing the river and searching out this Gibbet King. If my Lords of Arthedain do not prefer to take on this errand, I will find other men who might."

Durgil was not certain if the Steward of Tharbad was prodding his ego and courage, or just being deferential to the status of who the companions were, but either way he did not rise to it. The Dúnadan dismissed the comment, shaking his head and saying that there was no others that could serve better.

There was probably four hours of daylight still available when Dirnhael and Nain returned with Fengel and Edrahil - the southern Dúnadan Lord keeping a defensive position behind all. The group all met at the quays of Fennin Dorath where a crowd had gathered.

Durgil greeted them briefly.  "Glad you could join us," smiled the Dunadan to Edrahil and Fengal.  "Gentlemen, this is Finder," he said indicating their guide.  "He will help us with our transportation and leading us through these lands.  The light is fading so I think we should get going as soon as you're ready."

Celdrahil stood on the pier near the boat and gazed into the swamp, as if concentration alone would reveal the location of friends or enemies. When the party was gathered he took a coin from his side and tossed it into the river. "Ulmo, though not least among the Lords of the West seldom now since the days of our Sea Captain's have we called upon you in the north. This is a mighty river, may it carry my petition for a blessing. Though a man of westerness I am, seldom have I journeyed in your domain. As you spared my fathers of old in the drowning of Numenor that is lost, spare me too, and the dwarf too."

Celdrahil smiled at the surprised faces of his friends, "there are some things even my blade and quick tongue have no powers against." Then he laughed, "let's go before we add night crossing to this watery adventure."

 :ooc:It's all about perspective.  ;)

Nain glared at the boats as soon as he arrived back at the docks.  They looked unsafe, too shallow of draft to hold all of them and their provisions without water coming in.

He carefully climbed into the middle of one of the boats, watching carefully as the sank lower into the water with his weight and grumbling like thunder about Elves and Men and their ideas about water travel.

"Lets get this over with."

The companions listened to the gurgles of water as the long boat sliced across the river Gwathló, little eddies being left in their trail by pole paddles that were used to move them forward. Del was not alone in his efforts - his son Matty had also come along to assist. The lad was about to see his sixteenth summer and the guide thought it time his boy learn more about the lands surrounding Fennin Dorath. If either were afraid of the errand that they were now on, both kept it well-hidden under determined faces.

The river boats were long and wide with a shallow draft, and Nain found himself as comfortable a seat as he could determine within the boat's center. Matty stood at the front and Del drove from behind. All the while, the remaining Men and the Elf took up opposite positions to keep the weight evenly distributed.

The docks of Fennin Dorath disappeared as the river took its first bend and the terrain on either shore changed as they plied north. The western bank was hard-packed embankments of red clay earth, and the east was bogs and reeds. Frogs chirped and insects clicked in a cacophonous song that seemed to dominate the air only to be broken when the companions made conversation. Clouds of small, flying midges whirled across the top of the water sporadically and at times caused large-mouthed fish to jump in hopes of a meal. Birds of varying types walked silently among the reeds, some with long bills and legs, as they searched for smaller fish to eat. The most marvelous to behold were the large white swans that still nested and lived among the marshes of the  Gwathló and Glanduin. It was these very swans that had given cause to the Elves of Eregion to call this area Nin-in-Eilph, which translated from Sindar to waterlands of the swans, and to men called Swanfleet.


It was peaceful.

Dirnhael thought of the dichotomy of what he saw before him - a beautiful land under blue skies and bright sun that contained within it things of nightmares, deadly to imagine. They were moving now up the center of the river and were beginning to see, and feel, the confluence of the two waterways. Water from the Glanduin spidered its way into the Gwathló by small rivulets and streams, as well as wide tributaries that caused the water to surge and be more agitated. Rapids formed over submerged stones and Del and Matty began to strain harder at their poles to keep the boat straight and moving forward upstream. Where the wider tributaries entered the main river artery, small little islands were formed that were topped with high grasses or reeds. Some had large trees atop them, their thick trunk sitting atop both land and gathered roots that then plunged into the water. These trees were either willowy, with long tendril like branches that hung out over the water and bent with the breezes that blew, or they were tall and thick with knots of roots below them. The trees grew on both sides of the river, but were predominant to the East - the western lands were rolling and swept away with great swathes of high grass. The men could see to the north and west three hills that rose, the easternmost causing a narrowing of the river, which in turned created a great rapid. Fengel and Celdrahil knew these hills - the Bare Tors as they were called - where the Hillmen had taken up defense just two nights past.


"I am going to take the boat east, into the calmer waters of Swanfleet, and get us into better cover," said old Del. The guide was certain that if there were any spies on the eastern shore, the companions and their boat would be visible to any eyes.

The bow of the boat shifted 30 degrees to starboard, as Del and Matty shoved her towards the eastern shore and the small islands that rose from the marshes. The companions could not tell for certain at times where the water ended and the land began as the foliage connected and grew atop areas of water that were still. For certain, there would be sparse firm ground throughout the marsh and they would need be careful as to where they placed their feet.

Del could sense the thoughts of those around him, "You'll need take care where ye step or the marsh will swallow you up. You's need to look for the deer trails - they always know where to place a hoof. I have not oft seen many young bucks that are captured by the bogs - most are the older deer that have lost their sense."

The water began to calm as the long boat came in towards the reeds and small crops of land. "Matt - you hold her steady for your Pap, now..." Del proceeded to pull a small clay pipe from his belt pouch and pack it. He then lit a stick he kept within the same pouch from a small tinderbox, setting the glowing end to his pipeweed. He puffed and soon he blew out a grey-white breath of smoke. Holding the pipe in his clenched teeth, he took back up his pole and began once more to aid Matty in maneuvering along the marshes entrance.


"Oy! Look!" Matty, at the front of the boat spoke for the first time since boarding. It was not a loud cry, but he got the companions attention. He pointed to the north along the riverbank to a large patch of the marsh where the trees had been felled. It was as if a great beast had bitten into the swamp leaving naught but the stumps of trees.

"T'would seem that that is where our northern friends crafted their rafts to make the crossing attack against Fennin Dorath," said Del through his clenched teeth.

Celdarhil had his spear near at hand, but he also at this time carried his great bow.

"Keep a look out for an sign of Guilin's passing or if they have beached their craft anywhere near here."

At the sound and the guide's words, Durgil drew his bow and kept it at the ready, with keen eyes alert for friend or foe on the banks.

Nain looked on at the forest, glad for the respite from staring at the water and wondering at it's depth.

"We could put in here, there's probably a trail right back to the wildmen camp from here."

NEEEK! NEEEK, NEEEK, NEEEK!

The chattering click of insects were heard along with soft splashes of the poles, as Del brought the long boat towards the eastern clearing. Then there was silence - the insects all stopping their cadence at once with the approach of people. Durgil stood on the starboard side of the boat, an arrow nocked to its string - Celdrahil beside him. The companions surveyed the small devastation from the wild men who had left ruin here, too.


No one was to be seen, just stumps of trees and scrub plants that were unnecessary in the building of the rafts. Fengel jumped at the sound of a splash near the boat only to turn and see a large snapping turtle paddling deeper into the murky water. It had slid off of one of the small little islands and thickets that were around them in search of better protection. The shore was but fifteen feet away and the Éothraim said, "Do we go ashore and look around?"

Nain looked up and down the shore.

"I see no sign of the other townsfolk, but we're not likely to find a better sign from our enemies than this."

"Del, tell us more of what is upstream?  Is there an easier or more secure place to make berth?" asked Durgil.

Del answered the two, "The marshes on the east side of the river go on for another few leagues, and there is a nasty set of rapids between us and their ending." To emphasize this, Del pointed towards the Bare Tor hills and the river from which emanated a distant roar, though it was soft from this distance. "The waters at Bare Tor will churn this boat to pieces and to carry it overland, around the torrent, would challenge our stamina. The marshes are unforgiving.

The man puffed on his pipe, "There is an old ruin just to our north, too. Elven I believe...the land misses them." The comment would have seemed odd to any other person, but the companions had walked through the lands of Eregion before. They had all heard the whispers of song on the wind. Felt the sorrow within the trees and earth itself of the passing of the Noldor and Sindar that had once resided along the northern bounds of the Glanduin. But the Shadow was heavy here, too. It was Sauron who had led his forces against Celebrimbor, son of Curufin, himself the son of Fëanor - smashing the Elves against the Misty Mountains and cutting them off from aid. The taint that remained echoed as loud, if not louder than the Eldar.

So it was that the swamp loomed closer, cloaked in mists and shadows, threatening the companions as they sat before it, wanting to embrace and constrict them. The gloomy, daunting feeling oppressed the hearts and will of the men, and even the Dwarf, but Edrahil seemed unphased. He pointed to the reeds nearby and all looked to see a large, beautiful swan as it floated and paddled in search of a treat. The bird's presence was like a light in the dark, shoving back the fear. Dirnhael was sure he heard the tinkle of chimes on the wind.

Del spoke again, breaking the trance, "No matter where we put in, the land is treacherous here. The rapids will control the Wild men and their ability to move up the river any further. If I were to guess, they would be inland from here - using the tributaries of the Glanduin that are like veins in through these lands. I am not sure how proficient this army is in the art of water-travel, but for sure there are some rogues and lost-folk that live in these marshes that would aid them."

Celdrahil thought of the Wild-men tribes that had come this far south out of the northern Trollshaws. He thought of simple swamp-folk that might live and make a meager life within the heart of these marshes. It all pointed to a stronger will that would bring them all together and unite them. To dominate them and make them endure the harshness of Nin-in-Eilph; to be willing to set themselves against the city of Thabad. Yes, it was weakened, but still formidable - especially against an unorganized and ill-equipped army.

Fengel spoke, "No matter what lies further up the river, as Nain says, this is our first evidence of the Wild-men's presence. We would be foolish to not at least have a look around."

Durgil nodded in agreement.  "Thank you, Del.  Let's put in here."  The sorrow of the land laid heavy upon Durgil's heart only to be overcome by the presence of his friends and brothers-at-arms.

With a nod, Del pointed to Matty to bring the craft's front end around, "C'mon, Mat, let's bring her in."

The two rivermen expertly swung the boat from running abeam with the current to pushing it into the shallow water and scraping against the soft river mud. Matty jumped out and grabbed the rope that was tied to the bow and hauled it further up out of the water. Nain gave a smile as his boots stepped over the edge, but it quickly faded as they squished into soft, muddy earth. He was on land again, but it was no stone under heel.

The rest of the companions exited the boat and began to move onto the riverbank and up the small embankment to the clearing. The ground was covered with twists of bark that had been shaved off trunks of trees, knotted roots, and patches of trampled grass. Between all of the natural flora, the bare mud was dark and rich. The clearing was about 25 yards in diameter and there were only a scant few trees left standing - those that were were thin and useless for crafting a raft, or were dead and dried out. Beyond the clearing, the forest returned in all of its thick, tangled glory.

On the north side, where a stream of good width flowed into the river, a large brambly trunk of a tree stood, supported on a large stone. Or maybe it sat, for its length was bent in places like that of a person sitting on a seat. It did not have any limbs that reached to the sky, but there were branches - two of which were thicker than the rest and they hung down and low to the ground. It was covered with moss - some dried out and some rich with green - and it had been left alone from all other trees. Its odd shape and apparent rot would explain why this would be, but it now was a sentinel to the sad marring that the Wild Men and Orcs had caused.

Frogs clicked, insects buzzed, and birds called to one another to report the newcomers in their realm. The river gurgled behind them and the wind whooshed in the forest ahead. There was no other noise.

Celdrahil slowly chanted the words that he had been taught in his youth,

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas

"How far away is this Elven tower? A great desire to see it has filled me suddenly. The urge may only be that of a man in the wild to see something that was once fair, or it may be a boon to us in our quest. Very little has happened to us by chance since we left Arnor, this too may be an important part of our quest to be brought up now at this point, followed by the swan, and the words of the Lay of Elbereth coming unthought to my lips. How long of a delay would it cost us in the hunt for Guilin?"

"It's not much further up the river, but it is pretty dense with foliage," answered Matty. This caused the young boy's father to look to him, "You know of the ruin, boy? I best not find that you and those lads you call friends are snooping around these marshes."

"No, Pap," answered an anxious Matty, "Just heard old Gillie talking 'bout it at Rill's tavern."

"Well you don't mind that old codger, son. His tales are spun of fleece...not gold."

The two realized that the companions were staring at them during the exchange. Del spoke, "Pardon, Lords. The boy is right - the ruin lay just a bit further north and it is heavily overgrown. Says its haunted, too."

---

:ooc: I need everyone to give me an Observe [Hear] TN 12

Question: For simple tests like these, do you guys want me to roll them and just narrate results? Or do you prefer I give you guys the chance to 'throw some dice'?

I know in the past you had me roll these kind of tests for your PC's, but I just want to see about now.

:ooc: Fengel
TN 12 observe +4


Edrahil
TN 12 observe +4

 :ooc: Doug, I would rather you make the rolls for us so that when we post we have something to move the story instead of waiting for someone to make a roll before anyone else can post, but that's just my thoughts on the matter.

 :ooc:Agree with Telcontar

Durgil checks around the landing for any sign of recent traffic since the other night besides the occasional animal.

:ooc:
:00: Roll(2d6)+5: 3,3,+5 Total:11

:ooc: I will take two as a consensus.  ;)

Okay, the other party member tests:

Nain
TN 12 observe +6


Celdrahil
TN 12 observe +6


Dirnhael
TN 12 observe +4

The air seemed to pick up as the men spoke of the ancient ruin, as if the call to Elbereth had moved her to give sign. Durgil moved off to search the area for any signs of tracks - Fengel seeing him do this followed to lend an eye to the task. The others stood looking around and listening and as if in unison, their heads turned towards the gnarled, misshapen tree that was resting upon a stone. It was there, still and strange in how it bent - nothing about it had changed.

Yet - save for Fengel and Durgil who were now moving carefully around the cut stumps, the others heard something come from its direction. It was the sound of creaking wood, crunching leaves, and something more.

The Gondorian was raised as a scion of the Elendili, deep in lore he was taught, and though the passage of time was reckoned long by other men his blood was of lost Numenor, and the years had not suffered all lore to be lost. The air slowly stirred in the open cut clearing and the name of Elbereth seemed to drive away the nats and the midges with a zephyr of cool flower scented wind. Celdarhil saw something different in the tree that he had not noticed before and for the second time today the Sindarin tongue of his father's hall came to his lips in song.

"O Orofarnë, Lassemista, Carnimírië!
O rowan fair, upon your hair how white the blossom lay!
O rowan mine, I saw you shine upon a summer's day,
Your rind so bright, your leaves so light, your voice so cool and soft:
Upon your head how golden-red the crown you bore aloft!
O rowan dead, upon your head your hair is dry and grey;
Your crown is spilled, your voice is stilled for ever and a day.
O Orofarnë, Lassemista, Carnimírië!"

"Shepard, your flock has been set upon by wolves. Will you aid us in our pursuit of the servants of the nameless enemy, to send them away from the lost realm of Erigion?"

:ooc: I love this post, Tom, so please do not change a thing. That being said, do me a favor and make sure you play within the realm of your PC's Lore skills.You are very knowledgeable about Tolkien's world, but the PC's are limited by their characteristics. Now I don't necessarily want the +3's or +2's in the skill list to hinder play either, but just ask that you make sure you work within a reasonable regard to both.

Ents are a thing of legend, or wive's tales, to men - even the higher men of Westernesse. Elves on the other hand have walked when the Earth was young, and so they know of them, though may have never actually seen one. In the books, Aragorn even questioned Gandalf in the validity of Ents being more than just tales. Your PC might have been schooled in things of legend, but it would be quite amazing to see legends come to life.

---

Edrahil smiled to hear the language of his people so masterfully spoken by this High Man of Gondor, but was even more pleased to that which it referred. He followed Celdrahil's gaze to the stationary, bent tree and now saw it for what it was. The Sindar had been born in Lindon when the Third Age was new, and so had never seen the Lands Beneath the Sea, nor the world before it had been made round, but he had been schooled by many of the great amongst his kind - Círdan being one of those. Edrahil did not remember when Eriador was a forest wide between the Ered Luin and the Misty Mountains, before the coming of Men and their axes. He did not remember Eregion when it was the land of his kin. But he did hold the knowledge of his people and knew that once the Shepherds of Trees strode these lands protecting and caring for their flocks. Only in the ancient groves of the Old Forest and Fangorn were these legends still rumored to walk.

Knowing this still, the Elf was not surprised that within the woods of this once Elven land an Ent would take refuge. Yet, as he looked at it, he saw that it was in a bad way. Its tough hide was mottled with mold and showed signs of boring insects. It was draped in hanging mosses to which clung dead leaves and nests of birds. Even now, as it spoke, Edrahil could tell the thing spoke in gibberish words that fell between Sindarin, its own language and that of common folk.

Celdrahil's words broke the silence and though it did not move, or make any sign of its recognition, Edrahil could sense it heard. The one thing that changed was the crackling whispers that came from its direction were now distinct, as if the Ent had cleared out a dried throat that had not spoken in many moons.

"O Orofarnë, Lassemista, Carnimírië!" the voice mirrored and then, "TOOOM TUUMMM," graveled forth a quiet rumble. Finally, to the astonishment of the Men and Dwarf, the tree straightened and a head turned in their direction, though it eyes were wild and lost. Nonsensical grumbles flowed from the mouth, "Flock, lock...Hey, day!...to times when lands were green. TOOOM TUMMM TI TUMBER DOOM! Elves again in Eregion? Where are my children? HOOOM BOOOOM! Manke ier i' Ents?" [translation from Sindar: Where are the Ents?]

(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1290.0;attach=2797;image)

In his travels, Durgil had seen monstrosities and horrors that had filled his heart with blackest fear, but upon seeing this creature and hearing it speak caused a rarity in him: speechlessness.  He still had his bow at the ready in the event of ill intent but somehow he knew it somewhere deep down it was a gentle spirit.

 :ooc: Doug, ok I'll tone down my Jedi lore. I was going off of Celdrahil being a pure blood of a Dunedain, a distant relative of Elrond through Elros, and of a noble house. I was working off of the inspiration of Elbereth. Whatever excuse works!

And Aragorn said that 1,380 from now.  ;D

:ooc: No, I totally understand how you are playing Celdrahil - the noble, learned-warrior - and I love it, but I just want to make sure the amazing things in Middle-earth are not a common occurrence to the man. I agree, too, that the customs of the past are VERY important to the Dunedain, so keep it up. I also agree that Aragorn is 1300+ years in the future and did not have access to half the amount of lore that might have once been in Fornost, and definitely in Gondor. Just put a little bit of a limit on what you know and what he would know.

Lastly, I would love to see this kind of 'knowledge' be bought with PC upgrades, too. If you guys wanna know tons of lore, awesome, just cover some of the costs with Advancement points. There is even a character Order in the books to allow for such. Thanks!  ;D

You guys going to say anything to the old tree, or should I add more through NPC dialogue?

 :ooc: we have to get advancements in order to use them  ;)

:ooc: LOL! Touche, sir, Touche!  (-D

I was actually planning an Advance for the team this go around.

Celdrahil was surprised when the tree actually spoke out loud. He had assumed that it was the whisper of Erigion that had been putting words in his own mouth and now that same spirit seemed to animate the tree as well.
The Gondorian, out of habit, slipped into his native Sindarian tongue.

"Edrahil! Do you see it? I simply recalled an old bit of song from when I was a child and here it is. IS this truly one of the tree shepherds, or have I conjured it in these lands in which the great craftsman of the Noldo once dwelled?"

"Nay, sir, this be no conjuration. It is truly one of the shepherd's of trees that is before us." The companions could hear the excitement in the Sindar's voice. Edrahil looked around to see if there was such animus in any other of the trees that stood, still tall along the river, but it was apparent that though alive, the others were naught but normal trees. Still, in looking at the woods the Elf caught the gloom of it for the first time. Something hung over these trees, imperceptible to most but not one of the First Born - it was a fear, or a blight of evilness.

Edrahil looked towards the Ent, "Where are the Ents, Old One? Where are the Children of the Wood?"

Hearing the voice of an Eldar - a voice that rang with the Old Days, though Edrahil had not himself seen them - the old tree turned completely in their direction, as if noticing them all for the first time. It had a face that was draped in ivy and fern, but its eyes were dark and sunken. "GRUUUMM TUMMM-TI-TOOOOM! Children? Walked the far reaches...don't drink the water...poison the roots. The Ents? You know them? BOOOOM BOOOM TOOOOM TOOOM!"

Fengel drew to Edrahil's right flank, his hand on his sword. "Edrahil, should we be afraid?"

The Elf shook his head, "No...I don't believe there is any threat here, but do not put hand to haft, sir Dwarf. Let us be sure that she is not misunderstanding as to who we are - that this," he gestured around him, "was not our handiwork."

In a creaking, groaning and flakes of bark, the Ent stood to a towering height and now stared down at them. Its legs were firmly set apart and the men could see what could be called toes were digging into the soft earth. Again the booming voice filled the muffled silence and it suddenly seemed angry, "WHO CUT DOWN MY TREES? DID YOU?"

Fengel shouted, "NO... it was not us. It was others - Men and Orcs! Evil things! We are here to find them. We are here to find our friends who came looking before us."

"GRUUUUMM...I do not like Orcs." The answer was stretched and slowly spoken, "Nor Men with axes and fire!"

Edrahil spoke next and his voice came like a song, "No, we are not of those Men. Nor do we endure Orcs, as well. We seek those that had done this for they also harmed the people across the river - some of our people were slain at their hands, just like your trees. Four others came before us... did you see them pass? For certain they would not have noticed you. What is your name, lady shepherd?"

The Ent's voice softened to the sound of wind through leaves, "NAME?" The word drew out like a long breeze. "They called me Willow...but now I am Witherfinger. All is dying. All is dead. No more Ents to be found. The children have walked into the shadow of the wood. TOOOM BOOOM-TI-TUM! Slugs rot, insects bore...weakening our tough hides. A storm is coming. See your friends?"

The companions looked to one another as the Ent seemed to talk to them, then to itself, and then to stare off into a distant time. Fengel spoke, "I fear it is not of a right mind." To which Edrahil gestured to not speak of such things. The Sindar spoke again in the sing-songy voice, "Yes, our friends...did they come through here, or pass?"

"North, against the river's flow. A boat passed with four of the short-lived ones aboard. Further north..."

Celdrahil remained silent during the exchange between the elf and the ent, for he too heard the trepidation and uncertainness in the voice of the tree.

Quietly he spoke to those around him in the common tongue, "I think we should respectfully take our leave, be thankful for having seen this sight, and quickly be on our way. We have found what we have sought, and the elven tower is that way as well. I don't think it would be wise to converse with Willow very long." 

"Edrahil, is... is there anything you or we can do to help?"  This sight, wondrous indeed, saddened Durgil.  "We can't just leave it be for what if those we hunt come across, uh, her?  They would surely destroy the creature."

Dirnhael, still slack-jawed at what he was seeing and hearing, turned to Edrahil.
"Can you tell this creature how to get to the nearest forest; a place to take refuge?"

Nain stood staring at the talking tree, mouth agape.  His mother had told him elf stories about giant eagles that could carry a dwarf away and talking trees that herded the forests, but the idea that they'd been anything more than stories to scare dwarf children into staying under the mountain had never entered his mind. 

:ooc: The ent is speaking in common, just so you all know, so anyone can talk to it.

---

Edrahil shook his head, "How would we tell her to go to Fangorn, or the Old Forest? Mirkwood is farther still, but would she survive the journey alone? She does seem lost, or forgotten here in this sad place."

The ent was now looking about left and right, as if in search of something, to which her words added, "Where? Where? Where did I leave them? Children in the shadows...the eaves of the wood have drawn back like the sea. Where? Oh...no...shadow in the woods. They're here. Blight. Blight on all of us!"

The companions' attention was suddenly drawn to a new sound of brush and branches moving. From the tangles of the marshy forest came three hulking, ominous shapes. To say they were living would be false; they moved with the likes of men, but tall as the ent. Shadow and evil draped them and the two guides were taken with panic. Matty cried out and fell backward into the river water, as Del grunted and staggered his own way back into the water towards the boat.

"DEATH!" cried out one of the village men. "DEATH HAS COME!"

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52987685/wood_wight.jpg)

Nain, shaken out of his stupor by the men's yelling pulls his axe out and turns to see what was crashing through the forest toward them.

 :ooc:Lol just because it speaks Common doesn't mean we want to speak directly to it  :P

Durgil moved to intercept the dark creatures, bringing his bow to bear.  "Come no further.  You do not belong here."
:ooc: :00: Intimidate(Power) - Roll(2d6)+8: 1,5,+8 Total:14

 :ooc: Agreed, Ogres Nain can deal with, but talking trees is something that he's going to take a little while to wrap his head around, chatting with the tree he'll leave to the elf.

Celdrahil turned to see what was shambling through the underbrush. Unconcerned for the moment about his bow he dropped it to the ground as most likely unsuited to the current task. A quick flood motion brought both his shield down and his sword to hand.
"The sunlight is with us!"

:ooc: Bearing Test for Valiant Trait

Dirnhael readied his shield and drew Vorandur; the enchanted metal singing as it raised from its scabbard -- though he wondered what use his blade would be against something so massive.
"What kind of foul monstrosity is this," he asked... to Edrahil, to the giant tree... to whomever might have an answer.

The Elf did not answer Dirnhael as he started to think through his incantations of what might aid them in a battle against such as these.

 :ooc: Valiant test was successful, correct?

:ooc: Hey Tom, no, the TN to activate Valiant is 10

:ooc: Before we continue with the new round of combat, although I am going to be posting in it tonight or tomorrow - it was pointed out to me that I have not awarded these PC's any advances in a while.

So I looked and it has been since the end of 2010! Of course, we did a complete start over of Chapter 12 and Star Wars kind of took over gaming here for a while, but holy crap! That is way too long!

So, I am awarding two advancements to all PC's in Chronicles of the North. This is for their efforts in our last chapter and also for being so damned patient.  ;)

Post your advancement picks here and update your sheets. I will update the stat blocks for you.

:ooc: Game update: waiting on player's 2 Advancement picks to be posted

This is just an update to remind me where I am with our three games - not a snipe at any players, nor a rush to get you to actions.

Doug, do you know how many advancements Durgil has in each Order?

Adv. 1: (warrior) Evasion, Track +2
Adv. 2: (Noble) Deference, Inspire +1, Persuade +1

 :ooc:Advancements for Nain:
Adv7 - (Warrior) Swift Strike, Favored Weapon (battleaxe), Flaw - Proud
Adv8 - (Warrior) Warrior Born, Edge - Weapon Mastery (battleaxe)

 :ooc:
Advancement 8: Edge - Weapon Mastery (Sword/Vorandur), Order Ability - Warrior-born
Advancement 9: Healing +2, Spot +1, Edge - Warwise (2nd pick)

:ooc:

Dirnhael Profiler / stat sheet  :csu:
Durgil Profiler / stat sheet  :csu:
Nain Profiler / stat sheet :csu:

 :ooc:guys, I'll try and knock this out this weekend. The past two weeks I was wrestling with Army .

:ooc: yea, that is cool, Tom!

 :ooc: the advancement rules suck. i can spend one pick to get +1 to a skill or two to get an edge. Why wouldnt you munchkin?  It would cost me three picks to get Lore Eriandor at +3 or two to get Valor +4 to fear checks.

 :ooc: its not that the system is bad... Yes, left unchecked, you can munchkin a character but the point is that you collaborate with the narrator on your picks...  It is advised that you limit your choices to things that are story related.

:ooc:  We've been playing this game for over 12 years now and no one has munchkined a character - I think that comes from players that like to run rules instead of build a character.

Anyway, as to your point - the cost to build a character's skills is not cheap when you compare it to an Edge that gains a +4 bonus, but that Edge usually can only be taken once and then it is bought. To further grow your Reactions - which can be very important, even compared to skills - is a greater expense. So, the Edges allow for early mods to keep a PC alive while they are advancing.

 :ooc: Sorry Guys I missed that the boards were  back up.
Advancement 1:
Edge: Wary +3 to Swiftness for Init
Valour: +4 to fear
+1 Lore History Eriandor

Advancement 2:
+1 Horse
+1 Ambushes
+1 Spot
+1 Realm Arnor
+1 Lore Dunedain

:ooc: I will get your PC sheet updates tonight or tomorrow, Tom.