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The morning sun shone brightly over the small tent town. It was the mid of August and the day of the Folk-moot had come at last. The great fire ring in the center of camp had been cleared of all debris and more logs and stone blocks were added so that many could sit. In the past four weeks, the camp had swelled even more with the announcement that the moot would finally begin. Tables were also being set on the outskirts of the meeting ring, along with cook fires. Merchants with kegs of wine and beer upon wagons encircled outside of the cooks' ring and opened for business. Bandy smiled to himself as he blew the froth off of a large pint - a cup size he had never seen before.

The clansmen of Stonyford were gathering, as were those of Stonehollow. They began to fill in the outer circles of seats in no particular order, save to be among their own. The boisterous cries of the Men of Mountain Hall carried over the crowd as friends saw each other once more after the many months of waiting. Amaleoda entered the rings of seats along with her people from the Black Tarn; Fridwald with his daughter Fredao led the entourage of woodsmen into the meeting place; and finally came Ceawin with his folk, who were given the seats nearest the center, for it was a place of honor - it had been these folk of the East Bight that had made this all happen.

Ingomer and Radagast, who had been waiting for all to gather, both stood and the tall man of Woodland Hall raised a hand for silence. The noise of talking became a murmur and then naught was heard but wind and birdsong.

"WE HAVE ALL COME TO THIS PLACE FOR A COMMON PURPOSE," cried Ingomer. "BUT ONCE MORE I ASK YOUR INTENTION. DO WE CALL THIS FOLK-MOOT TO COMMENCE?"

A great shout out of "AYE!" resounded through the council ring.

Ingomer looked to Radagast and the mage nodded. With his hand still in the air, the woodman spoke, but now in a softer voice, "We have come together by request of Ceawin the Generous, and his people of the East Bight, in hopes of forming a union. An alliance of the peoples of Mirkwood to strengthen our lands and drive out forever any vestige that remains of the Shadow. It is not just the people of the woods that have come, but the men of Dorwinion and Dale; the folk of Erebor and Thranduil's realm; the folk of Beorn; and even those from as far as Gondor and across the Misty Mountains. I welcome you all and may this gathering prove a boon to all who stand here in representation of their folk!"

Again came a shout of "AYE!"

Radagast now spoke, "The purpose that Ceawin has called us is paramount to all other things, but still - we have come far and so all things will be heard and debated as needed. But," the wizard emphasized the word, "any troubles among the clans will not hinder this meeting. In fact, it is in all of our interests that these differences may be discussed and hopefully be cleared from between our peoples.

"We shall start with the folk of Mountain Hall, for they have come the farthest within the Anduin Vale."

And so the moot began - much news was told, debates were presented, and grievances entered. Ingomer controlled the meeting allowing each clan to talk in turn and reveal all that they wished to say. Notes were taken so that all points could be returned to once all clans had made their appeal.

Bandy wiped his mouth and thanked the good merchants for the ale...it was going to be a long day.

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

:ooc:  I am going to write a few fluff posts of the clansmen's debates of grievances, but I also would welcome your PC's to speak and make a presentation as to:

A) why they came so far
B) why it is important that the tribes ally
C) feel free to add an Awe, Courtesy, Inspire, or Song to rally support to your side. TN's for these tests will range from starting 14 to 18, based on how things are going in the debates.

I will post more once I get a feel for your conversations.

Matt (Grimbeorn) is on vacation right now, and I think Posterboy (Esgalwen) is also away with business. I will fill in as needed.

Arbogast, still ill-favoured by his kinfolk, stands near the back of the circle.  His nephews and nieces, not yet of age themselves, flirt and snipe in whispers around him, largely ignoring the proceedings of the moot.  As he contemplates the horn of slightly sour southern wine in his hand (it being too warm to comfortably stare at a fire), he finds himself wondering what sort of life they will have.  Today is, without a doubt, a turning point in the history of his people, and it seems a grand opportunity for the Woodmen of Mirkwood to become something greater than they have been - to grow in strength and spread the peace and comfort of the Western Eaves throughout the southern forest. 

And yet...

And yet...

And yet, something inside him eats away at a confidence that, by rights, should be near-absolute.  Arbogast has seen the Brown Wizard observing him and his friends with a look of sombre contemplation.  Then there is the issue of the Men of Tyrant's Hill, and what ought be done about the Woodmen's possibly-hostile kin.  Shall it be axes and arrows?  And will that leave them weakened in the face of the shadow that still lies upon the forest? 

As the clansmen speak on one matter, then another, Arbogast's mind turns itself over and over, looking for answers.  Until such are to be found, he holds his tongue, minds his place, and waits. 

Bandy watches and listens intently as the debate rolls back and forth. At times, he is reminded of hobbits who air longstanding grudges against other families over a mug of beer in the local tavern. Within the menacing confines of Mirkwood, he does not mistake the seriousness of the current situation for the entertaining carping of folks at home. 

During a pause in the oratory, Bandy stands on his seat to compensate for his puny stature. Bowing low to the elders, Ingomer and Radagast in particular, he addresses the assembly. "When I left my home west of the Misty Mountains, I had no idea that I would attend, let alone speak at, an important council of the wise. But here I find myself caught up in the events of this great forest and its people. Yet I do not believe I am here by accident. Fate drew me here, just as I believe it called to Ceawin and to many of you, and brought me into an unusual but wholesome fellowship of free people. Woodman, Beorning, Dwarf, Elf, Hobbit and Gondorian: we have worked together to kill the unnatural beast you call Bloody Muzzle and to bring Beran's murderers here for justice. We also delivered Beran's message that orcs once again lurk near Fenbridge. I do not pretend to know your history, laws, and customs, nor do I presume to dictate a course of action. I only urge that during these deliberations we focus on what unites us and to see our differences as minor compared to the evil that lurks in these woods. Our enemies thrive upon division, so we must unite to meet the greater threat with unity and purpose. Then we might drive the shadow from the forest once and for all. Recent events make Ceawin's proposed alliance propitious and timely. Lest I impose too much on your patience, I will say one thing more and then surrender the floor to others. You know best how to treat with the master of Tyrant's Hill, but I would encourage restraint until you can treat with him and exert every effort to bring him under your laws. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Bandy returns to his seat.

 :ooc: I will make a courtesy roll.

 :ooc: Even though I just posted with a courtesy roll, I wanted to check a rule. I do not have the book with me, but at the beginning of an encounter, shouldn't we do an Insight test for possibility of gaining bonus dice?

:ooc:  I will look into it, too, Jim. If we need to add it in after the fact, that is cool.

Stefan, you may add to the moot thread whatever you want after we have resolved how you handle the Orophin's Hunt thread.

---

Each clan leader, visitor, and guest was given his moment to speak. News was conveyed to all of the happenings in Mirkwood and its regions.

First came news of the Grey Pilgrim - Gandalf - and how he had been seen in the north. The news was delivered by men of Dale and Dorwinion; from the Dwarves of Erebor; and even from the Elves of Thranduil's realm though this was conveyed by the Dwarves, for no Elves were present at the moot since Orophin had left. Of Gandalf's doings even Radagast gave confirmation, for the wizard had come to Rhosgobel one eve in the last few weeks, under the cover of the stars, and left again a few days later. He had made no attempt to announce himself nor speak of his business to any others, and of this the Brown Wizard said no more.

The men of Dorwinion told tales of how one of the merchant princesses, Una, had left her court on a diplomatic errand to King Bard's court in Dale. It was said that along her way, men out of the East harried the lady and her entourage, but a detachment of Barding warriors arrived to chase the Easterlings off. Una spent the month of June in Bard's court and many women-folk smiled at how the King's eyes gleamed in captivation when he watched the princess dance.

Old stories like the tale of Balthi, rumours about the River-maidens, and of the loss of Ingomer's son in the forest was also topics of many - sometimes repeated. During these councils, Arbogast and his friends could see Ceawin's followers were everywhere, offering gifts of food, drink and gold to win obvious support for whatever their cause would be. The moot continued on with more trivial matters and woodmen of the north said that Dale-men had trespassed under the eaves of Mirkwood and cut down many trees. Included in this theft were the silver beeches, most beloved of all tress of Thranduil's folk.

The clan elders discussed trade between their houses and their allies. To this, Hartfast of Mountain Hall, who was given the floor to speak before all others, cried out in complaint of the high tolls imposed upon them by the Beornings. Grimbeorn stood and shouted back at the accusations and in defense of his father's purpose for said tolls. And so it went as each group stood and presented their clan's needs and issues - the folk of Woodmentown asked for more iron and tin; foreign merchants come to sell swords and spear-heads made by Dwarves in the north.

And on and on it went - nothing seemingly resolved, nor the primary purpose of the moot being discussed.

Next, the folk of the Black Tarn were given the floor. Amaleoda revealed that the recent years brought wonderful harvests, that the lake was alive with fish, and the pestilent fogs that sometimes blew up from the south were gone. She said that the Maiden of the Lake welcomed their presence. Amaleoda invited more of the Woodmen to come south with them to the Black Tarn, for they intended to raise a longhouse and build a larger walled settlement. Some of the Woodmen greeted this prospect with enthusiasm, and many cheers went up as the lady of the Black Tarn returned control of the moot to their leader.

Ingomer raised his hands for silence, "One not of our people – though a kin from afar – asked for this Folk-moot and he has traveled far to speak here. Come forth, Ceawin."

Bandobras pulled another mug of ale for himself and smiled. His head was not yet swimming from the heavy lager, but he felt more comfortable. "At last," he thought. "We get to the point."

Ceawin the Generous stood up moved to the center fire ring to address the crowd. "For those who do not know me," and here he addressed himself chiefly to Hartfast, "I am Ceawin, called the Generous by my kin. My people and I dwell in the East Bight of Mirkwood." There were many courteous greetings called out, but Arbogast could hear the occasional grumble of some of his fellows. His attention was called back to the center as Ceawin continued. "The lands of the East Bight have been blessed and hold many virtues – the soil is fertile and our crops grow in abundance. We must work diligently lest they go fallow and the foods spoil. Fortunately, we are close to the rich lands of Dale and Dorwinion and we make good trade with these lands.

"We are a folk of legacy for long was the East Bight the home of the Northmen of old. The fathers of Eorl the Young were born upon the fields of the East Bight and it was the chieftain, Frumgar, who led his people from there long ago to the northern reaches of the River Anduin. These Men became the Éothéod and were themselves the ancestors of the Rohirrim. It was Eorl the Young who rode south to the aid of Gondor, and was granted the wide green land of Calenardhon, now known as Rohan, as his reward for him and his people."

Again there were cheers, and again there were angered words. "Frumgar led his people away and left ye behind!" Esgalwen wondered at the infighting and the divides that still stood between these clans. Certainly they were not wide enough to keep these people from uniting? She turned her head back to the man in the center of the ring, "I have many followers and a sturdy longhouse. I ask that we be counted among the Woodmen – my people need to learn how to survive in Mirkwood. We offer friendship and wealth in exchange."

As he finished his words, a murmur and then a cry rang out from the eastern edge of the Folk-moot. All eyes turned to see as Orophin, the Silvan Elf, his travel clothes stained with mud (and blood) and torn from his travels, strode into the ring.

 :ooc: Cool, thanks. Not sure what the TN was for the courtesy roll, but may I take an advancement point?

:ooc: Yea, you can. Your roll was a great success and you exceeded my minimum TN 14 - almost achieved the high-end TN 18.

Great, thanks.

After Bandy spoke, Rorin saw many confused faces in the crowd. Most of these people had never laid eyes on a Hobbit and they were unsure as to how one came to be at this Moot. Even through their uncertainty though, it was clear that many saw the wisdom in Bandy's words. Rorin took a long swig from his mug and stood to help ignite the spark that Bandy had laid.

"I am Rorin, son of Barin of the the Iron Hills and of Erebor. This Hobbit, my companion, speaks wisdom and we would all do well to heed his advice. Just a few short years ago when Thorin Oakenshield came to retake the Mountain from Smaug, Dwaves, Men, and Elves stood ready to spill eachother's blood simply for the sake of greed. I know this because I was there. In some of you I see the same anger that nearly led to disaster under the shadow of the Lonely Mountain. And today, just as there was then, an enemy approaches our doorstep. Orcs driven by some evil master move to destroy the good peoples of this land. If you all band together you have a chance to purge this darkness from your lands."

:ooc: I will roll Inspire
(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d12 : 5, total 5
(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 3, total 9

 :ooc: Cool! Can I get an achievement point as well?  ;D

:ooc: Yea, go right ahead.

To cover this now - I will auto award the first achievement point for any skill use that results in a GREAT or higher result. Achievement points beyond that will be awarded based on skill result and roleplaying/party distress.

I will roll for ALL NPC's when I get home tonight and have my books to see those NPC stats that are already created.

Having said his piece regarding the typical slander about the tolls for the roads between the great wood and the passes of the Misty Mountains, Grimbeorn sat and listened. When it was turn to have his say, he stood once again to command the gathering.  "Orcs.  Wolves.  Spiders.  Foul creatures of all kinds my people have protected the Vale from for generations.  Our lands extending from the Carrock to the elf-road in Mirkwood, north from near to Gundabad to your lands in the south, have been under constant assault by these creatures and there is a cost associated with that protection -- my people.  With the death of the Great Goblin and breaking of the goblins in the north, attacks have been fewer but there is still a darkness eating away at us.  In a way, that has grown and encouraged those remnants of evil to be more cautious and even more savage.  People and animals seem to go missing or turn away from others in the outlying areas without a trace."  A despondent look crossed his face for a moment then he continued.  "Then I came across one of your messengers fleeing a stray band of orcs and wargs.  Rest assured they were dealt with promptly," he said, showing off a massive scar across his chest.  "My father and my people stand ready to defeat the darkness that spreads but we cannot stand alone."

 :ooc:

 :ooc: I think I'll wait to see what happens with the encounter before I post in here.

:ooc: Is there anything we're waiting for besides the outcome of Orophin's bow-shot before this moves on?  I don't mean to be annoying or pushy, but it seems like everyone has spoken who is likely to at the moment. 

:ooc: I need an Awe, Courtesy, Song or Inspire roll from Arbogast, Esgalwen and Orophin.

As the man, Gromborn, ended his speech Orophim entered the tent.  He strode silently over to where the Hobbit was sitting crossed his legs and sat down next to his companion.

Awe:

 :ooc: Finally a decent roll! Looks like Orophin needs to give up his bow and just start inspiring Awe in people haha.

:ooc: Hmmm.  Arbogast isn't really talking yet.  I'm happy to make an Inspire roll now (see below, to avoid slowing things down) to represent being cautiously positive in some quiet side-conversations, but I was really hoping for a chance to bust out his Persuade later on, when the debate is raging.  Perhaps that's more of a one-on-one deal. 


Inspire roll Inspire 1 (turns out he sucks at public speaking)

:ooc: Wow, that's even worse than I thought it was going to be!  Arbogast's folk really don't seem to like him. 

If I'd been thinking, I would have said "I'm just going to be patient and/or cunning, take the base success number now and wait for my chance to speak at exactly the right moment."  C'est la vie...

:ooc: Not sure if Ayrn is still slammed with work, but I am going to roll for Esgalwen...

TN -- Courtesy   ♦♦○○○○

:ooc: Okay, all of the inspiration has been rolled and we have achieved 47 points. You guys will get the chance to spread your points out to the three different proposals, as you see fit.

Essentially, what the points imply is your argument for or against a certain proposal, and thus gain percentage of approval from the clans folk, or dissent.

Paul, as for the debate really raging - we can RP it out, which is what I would like to see you guys do (interact with NPC's); or we can just have the Inspiration point chart emulate how the debate went back and forth. I am waiting for Tom to enter with his NPC, but that should happen now that Orophin has walked back into tent-town.

Ingomer stood and raised a hand, cutting off Hartfast as the mountain-man continued his argument towards the Beornings and their taxation of the roads out of the mountains. The leader of the moot gave the Elf a questioning look, "Master Orophin, you have returned out of the forest after near fifteen days of being gone...do you not have a tale to tell?"

"Sadly, not much of a tale.  I followed the man who escaped us in the woods back to this hill in the south on which they've built a fortified town with a wooden palisade. There looked to be about fifteen score or so in the village.  I put an arrow in the man as a warning to stay out of our woods then returned here."

 :ooc: my post will be up tonight.

As Orophin rose to speak there was a rustling in the crowd of the tent as if more room was being made for newcomers. The wood elf's words were scarcely done when the crowd parted and a fletched arrow well known to Orophin struck head first into the ground for all to see.

"And well did that arrow find its mark into one of people!" resounded s stern voice from the crowd. The crowd rippled again and a group of figures were revealed. To the company they were recognized as bearing the same gear and equipment of the men they had recently done battle with in the woods. Several of the men bore sacks over their shoulders, but one stood clearly in charge.

The leader, like his men, was well armed and equipped. Their gear of war looked cared for, but well worn and often in the field. The stranger took a few quick steps forward so that all in the tent could both see and hear him. The light of the tent revealed a dragon helm upon his head, the light making the bronze shine and flicker like flame.

Ingomer stood and was the first to speak after the moment of silence.

"Only Woodmen and their friends are welcome here."

The keen eared among the crowd heard a low chuckle come from under the helm. When a hand swept up to remove it.

"Oh, but I am a Woodman, by blood and birth. Don't you know me father? You called me Ingold, your eldest and only son. Though now men call me Mogdred."

Ingomer looked at the man, face suddenly slack, and sat down again.

Mogdred scanned the room and spoke with a voice the filled the tent.

"For many years I was a slave in the dungeons of the Necromancer. Now, I am lord of the place you call Tyrannt's Hill and command many men."

The man spun on Amaleoda and a finely wrought intricate blade sprung from its scabbard, gripped in a tortured scarred hand. "You and yours would be long dead if it were not for our protection and the valiant deeds of my men." The man lowered the blade point, but the naked blade still shown in the light.

"Darkness does indeed return to the forest, had you all the eyes to see it. There are Orcs in Fenbridge, and shadows stir again in the fortress that was my prison, the mount of the Necromancer."

A voice then spoke from the nameless crowd, "What do you want here? Your men killed Beran."

"Killed Beran? A trespasser and a spy we believed him to be. How many would have been treated the same by you in your homes? How many unmarked graves lie in the woods, dead at the hands of an elf arrow when a man lost in the woods strayed too close to their homes? We did no more to him than this elfing did, and this woodelf here was far from home to call it defense. If the man had a just purpose he should have revealed it, instead of skulking in the woods. I will consider the wergild for the one you call Beran paid, if he was honest, due to the death of my own men who's families I will now have to support."

"I have come for a seat at in this council of Woodmen, tribute from the Black Tarn, which is just for the protection provided, wives for my warriors, and for gold from the mountains.  This is no more than any other clan chief wants for his people. This stranger..." and it this he pointed to Ceawin, :"who is not a woodman by any reckoning, offered you trinkets and sweetcakes. My offer is of a far more practical sort."

He motions with his hand and the men bearing the sacks step forward. A rustle and a tumbling is heard by all in the tent as objects begin to spill from the sacks.  Several gasps are heard from the crowd as the upended sacks spill forth the severed heads of orcs.

"Here are the pledges of the Men of Amon Bauglir. What say you to my terms?"

"Bah!" spits Bandy, as he leaps back onto his chair. The memory of Dagmar's knife cutting deep into Beran's chest overriding his caution. "You, Mogdred, come to us like the thief who demands restitution after he has been caught and the goods returned to their rightful owner. Had you presented yourself with an honest heart and displayed some willingness to discuss the issues that stand between us, I would beg for your inclusion at this meeting. But coming here and demanding tribute at the point of the sword from people you claim as kinfolk reveals you for the blackguard you are. If Mogdred takes a seat at this council, I predict his demands will grow and he will turn this body of equals into a tyranny."

 :ooc: Persuade

"A child speaks while others are silent eh? The moot is the very place for such things to be discussed, learn better the ways of a folk before entering their conversations boy. No one has taken such umberage at the same tolls charged by the Beornings."

Careful who you call child. I am the slayer of Bloody Muzzle and I am the one who defeated your servant Dagmar after she buried her dagger to the hilt into a defenseless man's chest. We can use your strength, that is true, but I for one will not submit to demands or veiled threats against Black Tarn. I want to know what others think.

 :ooc: Not sure if I can try again, but here is another persuade roll.

Grimbeorn stands with his companions against the newcomer with axe out upon seeing the flash of the blade.  "My companion here certainly has proven more courage and honor than we've seen from your people as of yet.  Your demands have been heard and I'm sure will be discussed but you gain no favors here by your presentation."

 :ooc: Intent is to intimidate to cause him to back down his attitude/tone.

Orophin's bow was in his hand and arrow nocked before the men had made it inside the tent.  He responded to the man's insult with calm composure barely veiling his anger.

"My people do not murder one another or follow the shadow like those men.  Perhaps were those men not skulking murders, as you're people have proven themselves to be, my King would be a little more accepting of their presence in his realm."

 :ooc: Is the party currently armed? I thought that everyone was disarmed while in the camp, just trying to get some clarification before I make a post.

Mogdred seemed unaffected by the words of those who had spoken at the council. He judged their renown to be low and not likely to carry much weight at the council.
"My men do not travel so far north as that master elfling, but I am sure the Dwarves, Beornings, and Men of Woodland Hall would have more to say on your brand of hospitality. Long have the folk who called me lord dwelled under a darker and harsher shadow, many like myself bore chains and toiled as slaves. Now, we have a longhouse, stout walls, and valiant men, who here as done better or come so far as those of us bereft of succor and the support of family as we of Amon Bauglir have. I tell you all that the shadow is not wholly gone. Is not the moot established so those that are strangers may support each other? Who here is not leery of strangers? T'was naught but a month past that me and my folk came upon a large group of orcs waylaying travelers out of the south. We were too late to save them, but I will have you know they were avenged! We are men of valor and strength. I have offered my terms, they are no more than any other lord would offer if the roles were reversed."

Mogdred sheathed his sword and his fiery helm gleamed tucked into the crook of his arm.

As the moot erupts in a cacophony of exclamations and insults, Arbogast pushes his way toward the centre of the circle.  His moment has come - if he has not already waited too long. 

"Kinsmen," he calls, "cease these harsh words, for they will avail us naught!  This man has shown himself, by his father, to be one of us, and to desire that which we all do - a hearth, home and refuge from the shadow of the wood.  But more than that, his arrival at this moot shows that he desires the bonds of kinship that unite us!  What right have we to deny this to him?  The actions of the murderer Dagmar, after all, are not his, and his words," he pauses to meet Mogdred's eyes, "while unduly harsh, are no more than any of us might utter who had lived a life as harsh as he claims." 

"But whatever may be thought of him, the question we face goes beyond his demeanour, or his actions.  Master Orophin has seen with his own eyes the hall that he claims, and has told us that many dwell within.  How many more of our kin may be under his protection, for who among us did not lose close kin - vanished into the wood before the death of the dragon and the flight of the Necromancer?  Shall we deny the bond of our kinship to them?  Orc-heads and harsh words he has shown us, but I say to you that the return of such lost ones as he has found is his true gift to the folk! 

Think what you will of Mogdred of Tyrant's Hill, or certain of those who follow him!  Yet we have no cause to turn away our kin, once enslaved and now free.  Let them take, not tribute, but assistance, for which hall, which household, could stand against the darkness of the wood unassisted?  Let them take, not gold that might adorn them as the orcs slew them for it, but wool from our flocks, mead from our halls and fish from the Black Tarn.  And, should they take wives from our clans, then might we rejoice, for they will thereby have proven their devotion to our fledgling nation, and then will their strength truly be called ours." 

Exhilarated by his speech (the longest he can remember making in his young life), he casts his gaze around at the circle of the moot.  Please, he thinks desperately to himself, please let them see!  Mogdred is but a man, and will pass in time, but to have all the Woodmen united!  Please let them see what that might mean...



:ooc: The moment of truth! Persuade 3

 :ooc: I am giving this one more night to see if Tom has anymore to add for the NPC's. In the morning, I will finalize the moot. You guys will help determine this campaign's course by placing your earned inspiration points in the column, or columns if you wish to split the points up, based on the proposals. Mogdred is the obvious UNKNOWN that was listed before he was introduced.

Quote from: disench4nted on Jul 20, 2015, 11:41 AM:ooc: Is the party currently armed? I thought that everyone was disarmed while in the camp, just trying to get some clarification before I make a post.

:ooc:  Yea, you guys are unarmed. Orophin has his bow, though, because he just returned from the tracking of the Tyrant's Hill man.

I am starting the final post now for this Adventure Phase. I am moving forward the vote. You guys will influence the direction of our game by your choices, so choose carefully.  ;)

I will allow anyone to take the new roll they just made, if it earns them better inspiration points (i.e. Arbogast - I updated the chart in the next post).

There was something in the air. Arbogast could feel it, and it had extended from his powerful words. The men and women around him wanted to say something; wanted to cheer; wanted to yell and stomp their boots; wanted to cry for their dead. The emotions that were being withheld were palpable in the circle of the moot. Even Esgalwen was stirred when she heard of the orc raiding party that had been slain. Was that the raiders who had killed her own kin? She would need to have private words with Mogdred once the moot had ended. In any  case, she suddenly felt unsure of her decision...should this man and his people be punished for the misdeeds of one of his own?

It was Ingomer who broke the tense silence. He slowly stood, all the while looking at his son and smoothing down the gray flecked beard on his face. His spoken words came in a whisper, "My son is alive...alive!" Ingomer's face broke into a smile of love and pride, "MY SON HAS RETURNED TO ME!" He shouted. A murmur from Ingomer's clan could be heard, while others quietly whispered both curses and thanks. The moot leader turned to the throng of people, "We have heard from all folk who had a proposal or spite to bring before the clans. It is now time for you all to make your decision and have your voice heard. To each of you will be given a chit - a small piece of wood that says naught but your clans sigil. Three proposals have been made to us and so three barrels will be brought to the center of the moot. You will cast your chit into the barrel of your choice and so be heard. Once finished, the chits will be counted and so our decision made. A majority must be received in each barrel for the Folk of Mirkwood to accept this proposal."

At his words, three men rolled out three barrels into the center. The names of Amaleoda, Ceawin, and Mogdred were whitewashed on the outside of each respectively. The people of the moot all began to stand and collect the markers for their clan. Even the strangers were given a marker of Rhosgobel, for they, too, would influence the choice of the moot. Once in hand, each person walked to the trio of barrels and made their choice.

---

:ooc: Okay, you all have points by your name to spend as you will on each of the proposals - essentially the inspiration you created with the people of the moot and how you influenced their decisions. Me and Tom will decide how the NPC's cast their votes.

 :ooc: Being as Grimbeorn has a negative score and none likes Mogdred too much, his negative score will goes towards him.

While the speech of his companion had pulled him back from being openly aggressive toward Mogdred and his natural joviality made him cheerful at the options they had, Orophin would not support the man and decided to split his chits evenly between the other two barrels.

:ooc: Awesome, Stefan!

Just to reiterate, so you guys understand what your points mean - it is not necessarily Orophin's chits that he is doling into each barrel, but the individuals that he influenced. So, Orophin impressed upon 6 votes (including his own) to vote the way they did. Make sense?

Also understand, there are a lot more people than the number of earned points - I just created a chart to make an abstract vote for the folk-moot.

:ooc: the Folk-moot decision.

Each point is an abstract number that represents the amount of inspiration that each leader generated among the people of the moot. There are certainly more folk present than 58 (or the needed 60 points to pass all proposals), but again it is an abstract. Once the PC's and NPC's disburse their points we will know what happens within Mirkwood.

TN	Normal	Great	Extraordinary	:~~: (11)	:g: (12)
ANY FAIL	-4	--	--	--	--
14	1	2	3	-4	6
15	2	3	5	-5	7
16	3	4	6	-6	8
17	4	5	7	-7	9
18	5	6	8	-8	10

Character	Earned	Amaleoda (18)	Ceawin (20)	Mogdred (22)
Bandy	5	4	1	--
Rorin	2	1	1	--
Arbogast	6	1	--	5
Grimbeorn	-4	--	--	-4
Esgalwen	4	1	1	2
Orophin	6	3	3	--
Ingomer	8	1	1	6
Radagast	5	2	3	--
Hartfast	-8	-1	-1	-6
Amaleoda	5	5	--	--
Ceawin (+3)	11	--	11	--
Fridwald	-8	-2	-3	-3
Targus	8	1	1	6
Bofri	4	1	1	2
Cutwine	8	1	2	5
Mogdred	6	--	--	6
TOTAL	58	18	21	19

I have pre-placed the inspiration points for Mogdred, Ceawin and Amaleoda, as they are speaking for their own causes.

The people I have posted and their reasons:
Esgalwen - not sure Ayrn is here anymore...but I think the character would feel indebted to Mogdred for at least trying to aid her Rangers.
Ingomer - his son is back and love overrules maybe better judgement.
Bofri - I disbursed his points in this way, as the Dwarves desire a peaceful wood (allows for greater trade), but to have these men guarding the very lands of the old Necromancer - that would be helpful
Radagast - he does not trust Mogdred and votes to those issues that are closest to his home and these people
Hartfast - for whatever reason the dice fell with a high negative score for Hartfast, so I am going to assume he is just absolutely against any decision, but mostly Mogdred
Targus - he scored a high score with his appeals to the moot, but I am going to assume his people gain benefits from Mogdred's forays into the Anduin vale
Fridwald - like Hartfast, the dice fell badly...I am saying he and his people are opposed to any changes
Cutwine - his people, too, would be appreciating the Tyrant Hill forays against the orcs in the Anduin vale

:ooc: I just need Arbogast, Rorin, and Bandy's points disbursed how you influenced.

 :ooc:  Rorin will cast one vote each for Amaleoda and Caewin. He is not against Mogdred yet, but remains unconvinced of his true motives.

Bandy, although moved by his companion's speech, cannot believe that Mogdred's will not use his influence in Woodman councils for anything but selfish and self-interested purposes. While the people at Tyrant's Hill might be woodmen, they also seem devoted to Mogdred and will obey his commands even to the point of committing murder. He casts one vote for Ceawin, allowing him to reach his needed 20, and four for Amaleoda.

:ooc: Well it is certain that Mogdred and his proposal has failed. Arbogast can make the final decision on Amaleoda, and then I'll post the epilogue post to this first Adventuring Phase.

Once done, I will get the new Chapter started.

Here are the Advancement Point and Experience Rewards for this chapter:

ADVANCEMENT POINTS
Paul seems to have been the most disciplined at checking off his skill usage Advancement points, so I will use him as the template for all the other PC's Advancement points and award 6 points, plus what you may have already marked on your sheet.

EXPERIENCE POINTS
I am going to award 8 experience to each PC

As always, please log here how you spend your AP and EP's.

Thanks!

As the counting of the chits concludes, Arbogast leaves the hall rather than let his kin see his youthful disappointment in person.  Amaleoda's hall would be built, and Caewin's folk would join the Woodmen, but the Men of Tyrant's Hill were now enemies by the wilful decision of the moot.  It is as he had feared - the Woodmen will be divided, as the shadow of Mirkwood reaches into the gaps between halls and clans. 

As he waits for his companions, the sun sets behind the Misty Mountains.  Arbogast watches, unseeing, as the embers of a nearby fire-pit flicker, and tries to decide what must now be done. 



 :ooc: Thanks, Tom - I must say, I enjoyed the folk-moot more than I thought I was going to! 

I'll spend a point of Arbogast's total on Ameleoda's proposal (as a player, I think it's a no-brainer that we definitely want) - despite having not spoken out about it, Arbogast is among those who put their hands up to build the new longhouse at the Black Tarn. 

Caewin is fine on his own, as I suspected a man with money to throw around at voting time would be, so I'll leave him be and cast the rest of Arbogast's points behind Mogdred.  A close vote is more dramatic, after all...

:ooc: As regards experience points et al, I'll drop eight of my nine on an extra rank of Insight - this episode has taught Arbogast quite a bit about reading people's intentions!  I'll also use the experience points to bump both Valor and Spear up to 2. 

As a Reward, I'll take the Reinforced shield of his uncle Lafdag - his crippled leg leaves no place for him in the shieldwall, and it was always his intention to give it to Arbogast once he came of age.  I like to think it looks like this:
(http://www.elvenforge.com/images/shield1.jpg)

One last thing - nobody has taken any points out of the Fellowship pool this Adventuring phase.  We have 7 to use (1 per PC, plus 1 'cause of Bandobras' Hobbity good cheer), so I submit that everyone should be able to regain one Hope point.  Those of you who haven't spent any (I think there's one or two), do you have any objection to the rest of us drawing on your share?

 :ooc: Ok, looks like I'm gonna have to refresh myself on advancements and this skill-advancement point thing.

 :ooc: Yup, its been a month or so since I looked at the book. Gotta remember how this works.  :P

:ooc: I am reading up, too, so if there is any questions let's bounce them off each other.

I kind of want Tom to close out the Folk-moot with Mogdred's reaction to the decision, so give him some time to post. I will also be posting a closing narrative that will lead into our Fellowship phase.

Be prepared to account for your part in the party's next 15 months of aiding in the building of Amaleoda's compound and making new routes of trade to Ceawin's folk - all of this will be posted in the Fellowship Phase thread, so give me a day or so to get it sorted out.

For now, just do as Paul did above and let me know how you use your advancement. I think the use of the Fellowship pool sounds like a wise decision.

Arbogast stats  :csu:

Okay, I'll use six XP to increase Bandy's wisdom from 2 to 3. As a cultural reward, I'll take Small Folk, which gives me a pary rating equal to my favoured Wits score (9) when fighting creatures larger than myslef, which I figure is just about everything. I also gain the Small trait. I will have two XP left over for the future.

I will use 6 of my 8 AP to raise my Lore skill from 1 to 2 (it is favoured so costs less) and bank the other 2 APs for later use.

Divying up the Fellowship points sounds good to me.

Thanks Tomcat. This has been a very enjoyable adventure so far.

Quote from: Bandobras on Jul 28, 2015, 02:56 PMThanks Tomcat. This has been a very enjoyable adventure so far.

:ooc: Thanks, James! I am glad you guys are enjoying it. It is you guys that make it happen - I just set the stage.  ;)

 :ooc: I'm going to spend 4 AP to raise Orophin's Insight to 1 and 6 xp to raise his Bow skill to 3 (maybe I'll be able to hit something for a change).  Assuming my math and table reading are correct that should leave him with 2AP and 2XP to save for later.

And I'm good with spending points to raise your hope back to max.

 :ooc:  A couple things:

1) I'm good with people using our Fellowship pool to restore their Hope points.
2) As far as undertakings go, should we attempt to "open a sanctuary" here?
3) Esgalwen will spend 6 AP to raise her Explore and Song skills up to level 2.
4) Esgelwen will spend 6 XP to raise her Wisdom to 3 and gain the "Shadow Bane" Virtue. This should leave her with 2 XP for the next fellowship phase.

Other fellowship phase possibilities (from the Heart of the Wild book:

1) Go Hunting with the Woodmen (pg 91)
2) Enter Wuduseld (pg 98)

 :ooc:
AP: 7
With all the travelling that the companions have been doing, Grimbeorn's Travel (Favored Skill) will increase 1 -> 2.  This leaves 2 AP to carry over.

XP: 8
Even though Grimbeorn didn't fare so well in his diplomacy, he still learned more about dealing with outsiders and people as a leader than he would have just ranging across his father's lands.  His Wisdom will increase 1->2.  Grimbeorn is coming into his father's legacy of a skin-changer, gaining the Brothers to Bears virtue (Increase max Endurance by +3, add Attribute score to Perception skill at night, night sight and hearing are increased).  This leaves 4 AP to carry over.

I'd be happy to get my Hope back, thank you.

Would we be able to do 2 undertakings due to the extended duration of the Fellowship phase?  Grimbeorn is up for Hunting with the Woodmen and Making New Trade Routes with Caewin's People.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jul 29, 2015, 05:35 PM:ooc: Would we be able to do 2 undertakings due to the extended duration of the Fellowship phase? 

Seconded. 

It makes sense to open Rhosgobel as a Sanctuary - I think we'll be spending a lot of time around here and I don't fancy schlepping all the way across Mirkwood to Lake-town any time we need to do things that can only happen in a Sanctuary.  I would also suggest picking up Radaghast as a Patron.  I seem to recall that this was a 'whole-fellowship-or-nothing' deal in the slipcase edition, but can't find any reference to this in the revised edition.  If Doug is okay with patrons being attached to particular PCs, I recommend it (though I can't do it myself - neither Arbogast's Wisdom or Standing are high enough). 

Given that some members of the company have explicitly been cast as their people's representatives at the folk-moot, we probably have to disband at some point so that they can go home and report in. 

Lastly, I'm going to nominate Bandobras as Arbogast's Fellowship Focus.  The Hobbit represents all the exoticism of far-off lands and peoples to the young Woodman, and is full of new stories and songs.  More importantly, though, his inexperience with Mirkwood is letting Arbogast see his own home and people through fresh eyes. 

Sorry guys I was away at a conference but will have a post up today.

:ooc:  Hey Tom!

I look forward to Mogdred's exodus from the Folk-moot.

As for everything else guys - I love all the thoughts and back and forth player interactions (whether it be in character or out), but give me a day or so to get myself up to speed on this portion of the game and how the Fellowship phase works, along with either setting up a sanctuary or Radagast becoming your patron.

I need to find out if the undertakings are roleplayed, or is it some mechanics that we perform and you guys gain a benefit.

Sorry! I know. I should have the core rules all resolved, but I am truly learning this game in phases as we go. I have two other games (sorta  ;) ) going along with a VTT game that has been taking prep time, too. On top of this is my TKD class I take four nights a week and the Wife and Kiddos demand I spend some time with them in the real world, too! The nerve!  ;)

Anyway, I beg your patience with me. I should have my rulings up tonight or tomorrow.


On another note, I just wanted to let some of our new players know so there is not any confusion:

We have a player, Tom, that goes by Telcontar on our boards. My name is Doug, although I go by the alias Tomcat (my favorite USN jet). I have had a couple people call me Tom, which is fine - this is not to criticize. It might have been because it is short for Tomcat, but I just want to make sure you guys are addressing the person you want to be addressing.  :)

I will get my ruling post up as quickly as I can.

:ooc: Updating the PC character sheets and stat blocks now.

I am using the Fellowship pool to restore Hope.

Be back about the other things.

Arbogast  :csu:
Grimbeorn  :csu:
Orophin  :csu:
Bandy  :csu:
Esgalwen  :csu:

 :ooc: No worries Tom. I think most of us are either getting up to speed or refreshing our memories on aspects of the game.

Given the length of the Fellowship Phase, I would be in favour of two undertakings.

I second Eclecticon's suggestions. Bandy would like to open Rhosgobel as a sanctuary since he so far from home and could use a Sanctuary east of the mountains. True, there is Lake Town but he hasn't been there. He would also like to cultivate Radagast as a patron. I think he is eligible as his Wisdom rose to rank 3 this Fellowship Phase.

I'd forgotten about the Fellowship Focus, but I think Bandy would reciprocate and choose Arbogast. He has not forgotten the generosity and comradeship Arbogast offered when Bandy was alone. Plus Bandy was moved by Arbogast's speech for the unity of all Woodmen, even if his pragmatism led him to vote differently. Arbogast possesses some hobbittish qualities even if he isn't chatty.

And by Tom, I mean Doug.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jul 29, 2015, 05:35 PMWould we be able to do 2 undertakings due to the extended duration of the Fellowship phase?  Grimbeorn is up for Hunting with the Woodmen and Making New Trade Routes with Caewin's People.[/color]

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jul 29, 2015, 09:16 PMSeconded.  

It makes sense to open Rhosgobel as a Sanctuary - I think we'll be spending a lot of time around here and I don't fancy schlepping all the way across Mirkwood to Lake-town any time we need to do things that can only happen in a Sanctuary.  I would also suggest picking up Radaghast as a Patron.  I seem to recall that this was a 'whole-fellowship-or-nothing' deal in the slipcase edition, but can't find any reference to this in the revised edition.  If Doug is okay with patrons being attached to particular PCs, I recommend it (though I can't do it myself - neither Arbogast's Wisdom or Standing are high enough).  

Given that some members of the company have explicitly been cast as their people's representatives at the folk-moot, we probably have to disband at some point so that they can go home and report in.  

Lastly, I'm going to nominate Bandobras as Arbogast's Fellowship Focus.  The Hobbit represents all the exoticism of far-off lands and peoples to the young Woodman, and is full of new stories and songs.  More importantly, though, his inexperience with Mirkwood is letting Arbogast see his own home and people through fresh eyes.

:ooc: Okay - here is what I am going to do. It is a bit of a stretch of the rules, but I don't think it will have any ill-effect. You guys will be able to do the two undertakings during this Fellowship Phase, and the reward that comes from the ideas presented by GandalfofBorg will be to increase each characters' standing to 1. In essence, your activities of hunting and opening new paths to the East Bight will create a new wealth of mercantile trade and thus create the treasure needed to bump your standing. By doing this, you guys will also achieve the requirements for Radagast to become your patron.

So, I am going ahead and increasing your standings and with our new Adventure Phase commencement, you guys will have Rhosgobel as a sanctuary.

[EDIT] Actually, some of the PC's did increase their Wisdom to 3, so we did meet the guidelines. Still, I am leaving my above ruling as it and giving you all 1 Standing. So you all know, I updated the PROFILER PC sheet to allow for an Advancement box and a Standing box.

ALL PC'S EXCEPT RORIN HAVE GIVEN ME THEIR LEVEL ADVANCEMENTS AND ARE UPDATED ON STAT BLOCKS AND PC SHEETS. Also waiting on Tom's post for Mogdred, but otherwise I am bringing this thread to a close.

---

The sun had ridden its path through the sky and was beginning to orange as the last of the clansmen cast their chits into the barrels. Ingomer stood and walked to the barrels and looking at each, tossed his own. It was done. The people had made their choice. Now it was only to count them and see for whom the decisions were made.

Each barrel was rolled away from the other and then shoved onto its side to allow the wooden chits to pour out - their clatter filling the quiet of the moot. The people all sat silently in the great circle and watched as Ingomer and Radagast - the appointed leaders - slowly counted through the many tokens. It was a slow and tedious process, but no one within the gathering stood and left, all kept their eyes to the center and only soft whispers were spoken.

Ceawin's barrel was counted and many tokens were stacked across the table, a telling sign to the moot that he and his people were probably entered amongst the ranks of the woodmen. Amaleoda's was next and her count was tallied. The majority of votes  would be needed in each circumstance for it to have passed the will of the clans. Finally, Mogdred's barrel was spilled and the chits counted. It seemed to many of the onlookers that his tokens did not need the same amount of time as his fellows.

It was done.

Ingomer looked to his son and his eyes said it all. For the briefest of instances, the old man wanted to deny the decision and make his son's proposal a success. He had the power. His word was all that need be said - an aye for Mogdred and he would not lose him again. Surely, with this vote his son would leave once more and Ingomer knew he would not see him again, at least not in peace. Mogdred - the man that had been raised as Ingold - knew what had been chosen without his father's words. The large armored man stood and spat, kicking the fire as he did sending a shower of sparks and embers into the burgeoning night.

Quote from: tomcat on Aug 02, 2015, 02:53 PM:ooc: Okay - here is what I am going to do. It is a bit of a stretch of the rules, but I don't think it will have any ill-effect. You guys will be able to do the two undertakings during this Fellowship Phase, and the reward that comes from the ideas presented by GandalfofBorg will be to increase each characters' standing to 1. In essence, your activities of hunting and opening new paths to the East Bight will create a new wealth of mercantile trade and thus create the treasure needed to bump your standing. By doing this, you guys will also achieve the requirements for Radagast to become your patron.

So, I am going ahead and increasing your standings and with our new Adventure Phase commencement, you guys will have Rhosgobel as a sanctuary.

:ooc: Just to be clear, does this make the establishment of new routes to the East Bight a one-off Fellowship Phase activity that we may or may not participate in, or do that and the opening of Rhosgobel as a sanctuary count as our two undertakings for this phase? 

:ooc: I am sorry, Paul, I do not 100% understand the question.

I want to say yes, those would be your two undertakings, but I want to make sure I am reading your question right. Was there another undertaking you were wanting to do instead? I know Matt said something about hunting with the woodmen, but that can kind of go hand-in-hand with opening new routes.

Let me know if I am reading you right.

:ooc: Oh, I'm quite happy to go with opening a sanctuary and raising Arbogast's Standing by trading with the East Bight!  I just wanted to establish whether we were locked into this, or whether other people could choose another undertaking for the second part of this fellowship phase. 

 :ooc: I'll give you Rorin's advancement after work today. I keep forgetting to do it when I get home.

Quote from: Eclecticon on Aug 02, 2015, 08:31 PM:ooc: Oh, I'm quite happy to go with opening a sanctuary and raising Arbogast's Standing by trading with the East Bight!  I just wanted to establish whether we were locked into this, or whether other people could choose another undertaking for the second part of this fellowship phase. 

:ooc: Cool, Paul. I don't think you guys have to all do the same undertakings. So, feel free to individualize your Fellowship Phase posts.

:ooc: That said, we definitely want a Sanctuary, so do that, people! 

 :ooc:  I lied and forgot to do it again....But I've got it now!

Spend 4 experience to gain Wisdom rank 2, and save the rest. I'll take the Resilience Mastery instead of a virtue. I'll save all of my Advancement points.
Rorin would also like to get rid of his helm, he'll sell it off or just leave it in whatever armory exists at Rhosgobel. He is reluctant to let go of the protection he was used to using while fighting in Durin's army, but is starting to realize that he needs to be a bit less encumbered. (By that I mean, I finally understand the combat system a little bit better and want less fatigue ;) )


For the undertakings, Rorin will also open Rhosgobel as a sanctuary and he will also Guard the Old Ford.

Rorin :csu:

 :ooc: sorry all, I was overcome by events. Did this post by memory, so I will correct all the proper nouns when I get a chance and I am not on my iPad.

Mogdred watched as the votes were cast and tallied by the members of the moot. He spared few glances at his father during the proceedings, but neither could Ingomer bear to look upon his son for long either. Clearly the boy who had become a man in bondage of the Necromancer was heavy on his mind.

As was tradition two men counted the votes. The current custom was that The Brown Wizard and Ingomer be the ones to do so and they proceeded to make the tally quickly.

Ingomer was the first to speak, "Assembled folk and friends, all who have desired to speak have been allowed to, the proposals have been laid before the folk and voted on.
Ceawin the Generous, your proposal to join with the Woodmen has been adopted. I recognize you as clan head and member of the Folk of Greenwood the Great.

Amoleoda, I extend greeting to you as well. The Black Taryn will be a welcome addition and source of trade and friendship for the men of the wood.

Ingold, my son who has returned out of darkness and death to us, the folk have spoken against your proposal. Long lost to me I am happy that you have returned and survived your ordeal. Perhaps our clan would consider taking the woodmen among you back into our long house."

The responses of the Ceawin and Am to the verdicts were stymied by Mogdred's retort to his father.
"Spare your filial love for Ingold, for he died many years ago upon the rack, Mogdred has no need or use for it. You have rejected my proposal, not that I am surprised by that, but that does not negate the needs of my people. We, who bore the lash and the scars of bondage, will not meekly set aside our new found freedom for a distant past that few now can recall. All of you have lived on the fridge of shadow, but we, we men of Amon Byrn existed in the very pit of darkness. Of all of you the wizard alone knows perhaps the truth of the horror of those days. But from them we breathe free again, have built a longhouse of our own and draw swords in common cause with men from far and wide. Our common bondage and freedom has united in ties stronger than blood. I will not return here, and nor will I renounce our need for peace, wives, and wealth either. We came before you as a bulwark against the shadow, you have rejected it by your vote today. Pray that when the time comes for you to ask us for help, or extend your hands in need and common cause that my war leaders are more open minded than you have been here. I assure you, that need will come. The elves will not heed you, the dwarves have redeemed what they have lost and will not come forth again, only in other men will you find succor. What collection of warriors do you have secreted away here? Or do you place your trust behind a brown robe and pigeons?"

Rhadagast rose and spoke, " Mogdred, I hear your words. I do know of the darkness that you speak of, I know it better than you yourself do. I know by sight that the blade you carried slew kin once before when the scions of Numenor made war on each other.  Be not so quick to reject your fathers love out of pride."

Mogdred spit upon the floor, "I seek no love from any here. Keep the heads of the orcs, take them as wergild for all the other sons that were lost in darkness and never redeemed. From today on their blades will be drawn in their own defense under my leadership. Let each of you look after yourselves then."

The scarred man crowned his head in the dragon helm and left the tent, his followers swept behind him in his wake.

Silence ruled the tent of the Folkmoot.

Quote from: disench4nted on Aug 04, 2015, 09:06 AM:ooc:  I lied and forgot to do it again....But I've got it now!

Spend 4 experience to gain Wisdom rank 2, and save the rest. I'll take the Resilience Mastery instead of a virtue. I'll save all of my Advancement points.
Rorin would also like to get rid of his helm, he'll sell it off or just leave it in whatever armory exists at Rhosgobel. He is reluctant to let go of the protection he was used to using while fighting in Durin's army, but is starting to realize that he needs to be a bit less encumbered. (By that I mean, I finally understand the combat system a little bit better and want less fatigue ;) )


For the undertakings, Rorin will also open Rhosgobel as a sanctuary and he will also Guard the Old Ford.

Rorin :csu:

Are you aware of pg 48 in the rules?
"Dwarf characters calculate their starting Fatigue threshold by adding up the Encumbrance ratings of all the items they are carrying, and then subtracting their favoured Heart score from the total."

 :ooc:  Yes I am and that is reflected on my character sheet. But with the armor I'm wearing it is unlikely that I'll ever fail a Protection test, and if I lose the helm then I can take one or two extra hits to my endurance without becoming weary.

Quote from: Telcontar on Aug 04, 2015, 12:46 PM...

"Ingold, my son who has returned out of darkness and death to us, the folk have spoken against your proposal. Long lost to me I am happy that you have returned and survived your ordeal. Perhaps our clan would consider taking the woodmen among you back into our long house."

The responses of the Ceawin and Am to the verdicts were stymied by Mogdred's retort to his father.
"Spare your filial love for Ingold, for he died many years ago upon the rack, Mogdred has no need or use for it. You have rejected my proposal, not that I am surprised by that, but that does not negate the needs of my people. We, who bore the lash and the scars of bondage, will not meekly set aside our new found freedom for a distant past that few now can recall. All of you have lived on the fridge of shadow, but we, we men of Amon Byrn existed in the very pit of darkness. Of all of you the wizard alone knows perhaps the truth of the horror of those days. But from them we breathe free again, have built a longhouse of our own and draw swords in common cause with men from far and wide. Our common bondage and freedom has united in ties stronger than blood. I will not return here, and nor will I renounce our need for peace, wives, and wealth either. We came before you as a bulwark against the shadow, you have rejected it by your vote today. Pray that when the time comes for you to ask us for help, or extend your hands in need and common cause that my war leaders are more open minded than you have been here. I assure you, that need will come. The elves will not heed you, the dwarves have redeemed what they have lost and will not come forth again, only in other men will you find succor. What collection of warriors do you have secreted away here? Or do you place your trust behind a brown robe and pigeons?"

Rhadagast rose and spoke, " Mogdred, I hear your words. I do know of the darkness that you speak of, I know it better than you yourself do. I know by sight that the blade you carried slew kin once before when the scions of Numenor made war on each other.  Be not so quick to reject your fathers love out of pride."

Mogdred spit upon the floor, "I seek no love from any here. Keep the heads of the orcs, take them as wergild for all the other sons that were lost in darkness and never redeemed. From today on their blades will be drawn in their own defense under my leadership. Let each of you look after yourselves then."

The scarred man crowned his head in the dragon helm and left the tent, his followers swept behind him in his wake.

...

Esgalwen, moved swift and silently out of the tent, following behind Mogdred and his men. As the slave-now-lord prepared to leave, Esgalwen attempted to intercept him.

"Lord Mogdred, a word please, before you leave," Esgalwen pleaded. "The folk from the South that you spoke of, can you tell me how many you found dead and describe for me what they were wearing? I fear they may have been rangers of my company, my kinsmen. Did any of them speak to you?"


 :ooc:  I'll leave it here for now and move forward in the Fellowship Phase after she hears Mogdred's response.

:ooc: I think I want to allow Tom to answer here as Mogdred, so we keep the character consistent as to how he is played, talks, etc.

If you need anything about the ranger attack by orcs, Tom, let me know. Otherwise, feel free to create off of what I gave before.

The large woodsman turned at Esgalwen's voice. Anger filled him from the result of the Folk-moot and he at once wanted to lash out, but stopped...she was beautiful and there was something about her that demanded, if not commanded him to calm. She was of the Dúnedain, born of the blood of Westernesse and the Exiled Kingdoms - of Isildur and Anarion themselves, and Mogdred, not knowing why, deferred to her.

"My...Lady, forgive me. I fear that in my ire... I did not hear your words." She asked once more and watched as he breathed, calming himself. "The night was a flurry of swords and cries, my Lady. My horsemen and I were ranging in search of raiders and came upon the encampment being attacked. We drove our spears into the enemy, but I fear it was too late - the orcs were already plundering the fallen, and thus were caught unawares. Now that I think of them, the men of the fallen company did have your look to them, yet we did not see any other women-folk." The afternoon was quickly falling into dusk and Mogdred felt his impatience rising, "I must away from here, madame, as I find it more to my distaste with each passing moment. If you would want more information, then ride with me. I will take you to the place where they were slain - I will take you to the hill under which your people were laid to rest. We saw to it that no evil befell their remains. If any survived, I cannot speak of it."

Esgalwen was immediately filled with the desire to mount up with this man of the Tyrant's Hill and go to look upon the place where her company was slain. She had lost it when she ran into the woods and did not know how to get back, save to walk along the western eaves of Mirkwood. Alone would be dangerous, but with these men she would have no fears. The Dúnadan woman turned to look back to her new companions, those that had brought her out of the darkness of the wood, and wondered at the road she should take.

The hesitation for Esgalwen was momentary. "It is a kindness you show me, Lord Mogdred," she said graciously as she accepted the large man's hand and mounted behind him. "I accept your generous invitation."

She looked back once more at her new companions as moved off with Mogdred and his men. She hoped they would understand.