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Come now upon a crow-wind, boat-borne, bier-borne to the hedge-gate.  See now great Merovech the Mighty, once childhood mentor to a new lordling, blood now upon his beard, bright hauberk arrow-pierced!  See with him Odo Peace-Speaker, dull his once-wise eyes, slack his rune-scribing fingers.  Smell the corruption upon the air!  Hear the fly-drone mocking the living! 

Lo!  Behold the grief of the Beornings gathered, bull-proving abandoned and foot-race foregone! 

Hear now the cries of the spear-thegns, wroth-waxing!  For blood do they call, blood for too avenge.  Hear now the tale of the boat-bearers' finding.  His bonds smote asunder, a third man is vanished...

Visibly weary and struggling beneath their grim burden, four men bear the boat up to the gate in Beorn's hedge.  The shouted encouragement of the onlookers to the young men testing their courage against Gnornung, or their strength and speed against the other foot-racers, falls briefly silent, the only sound that of the mournful drone of the flies and the occasional call of a crow. 

When the men set their load down, however, the voices of the assembled crowd ring out in grief.  For there, drenched in blood from a cut throat, a pair of arrows standing proud of his mail-clad belly, lies Merovech the Mighty, known to all as a trusted warrior of Beorn's own household, and to Grimbeorn as the man who, in his childhood, taught him most of how to heft shield and axe.  Once he was fearless and fell-handed, able to cast a spear clear across the wide Anduin.  Now he lies dead, his lips beset by the ever-present flies.  In the other end of the boat lies Odo Peace-Speaker, famed in these lands as the one who, when Beorn first made to call Men about him and hand down laws to their untamed race, kept council with the Skinchanger long into the night, speaking of justice for all Men.  He lies, his skull arrow-pierced, another shaft nailing his shoulder fast to the wooden strakes

With exhausted voices, the men explain that they found the boat yesterday while fishing and bore it here, marching through the night.  With great deference, they show Grimbeorn the hurriedly-sliced ropes they found in the boat.  A third man, they explain, was likely here.  Given his company, he was certainly a law-breaker of high order being brought to the Carrock for Beorn's personal judgement.  But with the death of his captors, he is now free. 

With this, the thegns raise an angry din, swearing furious vengeance upon the one who would thus flout the laws of their folk.  More than one draws steel, though without anyone at whom they may brandish it, the gesture is impotent.  Their rage barely abated, they turn to Grimbeorn.  "This must not stand!"


:ooc: Sorry it took so long to get this up, guys.  Blame the development of legislation and an unrelated Senate inquiry. 

I'll give everyone a chance to play out their initial reactions, then we'll move into an encounter. 

Esgalwen stood on the outside of the ring of angry people. She understood the calls for justice, if not revenge, but it was not her place to talk. The ranger waited to see what the master of this land would say and do.

Whatever his decision, she would be there to aid him in his need.

All around the hedge-gate, voices rise in volume and tempers flare.  The thegns, and the gathered folk behind them, demand action, but Rorin stands to one side of Grimbeorn, thumbs looped in his belt, as if to remind the young Beorning of the promise made the previous night. 

:ooc: Okay, here's the deal.  The Beornings want something to be done about the murdered men, but nobody has been forthcoming with information about what's happened, so nobody really knows what has to be done.  Grimbeorn has already promised to aid the Dwarven captives taken by the Viglundings, but in the current climate you're going to need to sell the thegns (in particular) on that idea if you want to avoid trouble at home. 

Grimbeorn will need to make an Awe roll to get the crowd under control.  After that, anyone else who wants to speak is going to have to make an introduction roll to get the thegns to pay attention. 

Over to you guys. 

 :ooc: remain quietly in the back and wait for opportunity.

:ooc: Insight rolls

TN 14 Insight by PC

Esgalwen 1d:

:00: 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

Grimbeorn 3d:

:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 3d6 : 4, 3, 3, total 10

Hathcyn 3d:

:00: 1d12 : 9, total 9
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 3, 1, total 7

Tate 2d:

:00: 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 2d6 : 4, 5, total 9

:ooc: Grimbeorn and Hathcyn, by virtue of being much more familiar with the Men involved, each receive a bonus success die to use during the encounter. 

:ooc: First the roll, to see how she is received.

TN 14 Awe 3d

:ooc: Fuckin' dice!

I hate to do it, but I think Esgalwen will spend a :vv: here as she needs to maintain an appearance - among men, among strangers, especially as a representative of Gondor's steward.

So with my :vv: point that is a success.

Grimbeorn was silent in his seat. His chin in his hand, which was buried beneath his beard, displayed his pensive mood.

Surprisingly, it was Esgalwen that stepped forward. The thegn's were shouting out their curses and demands for revenge, but things needed to be brought under control. The woman had stood before a king not twelve months prior - she needed to help her friend by getting the commotion settled so that clearer thoughts and ideas could be brought to the fore.

The ranger - now girded in her leather corslet and Nimronyn on her hip - raised her hands. "QUIET!"

Her voice seemed thin at first, buried as it was under the cacophony of shouts coming from the Beorning men.

She reached within her and drew forth the authority and strength that came from generations of Dúnedain - men that had helped shape the world.

"I SAID QUIET!"

There was a change and everyone felt it. No longer a lonely woman upon a dais, she was now the voice of her friend - and he needed silence so as to bring his decisions to his people.

Softening her voice, now that all were quiet, but maintaining her posture, Esgalwen continued. "The Master of this House is before you and though you be his banner-men and his table free for all to speak, it is time for silence. It is time for us to heed Grimbeorn's words. Remember it was he that slayed the Beast of Mirkwood! It is he that will be heir to this seat, and already does his sire convey transfer of rule.

"So...we will wait to hear him speak, but know this - the Viglunding's crimes are known. Not just to Beornings, but to all who reside within the Vale and justice will be delivered! The strength of the South, the North, and the woodland realms will see these crimes answered for! You are not, and need not suffer this alone. Allies stand with you now and always!"

The thegns were quiet now and listening. Esgalwen knew it would require more from Grimbeorn to appease his banner-men, but at least order was restored. She stepped back from the front of the dais where Grimbeorn sat, and moved to his side. She hoped that she had not overstepped her boundaries in this action, but even with such thoughts, the command did not leave her eye.

 :00:

Grimbeorn stood, a sudden weariness upon him from the weight of his father's position.  Putting a hand to her shoulder, he's beside Esgalwen for a moment and passes her by down the steps; the crowd's silence and waiting weighs him down more.  Without a word, he makes his way to the boat to see the men properly.  He bows his head for the men to honor them, giving a barely audible missive of praise and wishing them a speedy journey to houses of their fathers and father's fathers.

"Bear these men into the house so the women may prepare their bodies and come find me so we may talk more about what you found and saw," he directed the men carrying the boat.  "You did well to come as you did, I thank you for my father and the families of these men."  To the eldest of women he spoke closely, "Clean and dress them as is the custom, but bring to me directly their possessions and any other items of note that might indicate who their attackers were."

Returning towards his seat, he passes the Gondorian shield-maid.  "Esgalwen, would you go with the women?  You eye may be useful where theirs lacks knowledge of battle and their wounds."

Turning to the crowd waiting in anticipation, his voice is raised for all to hear.  "This attack on our people will not go without response.  There will be blood for blood!"  This caused swords to bang and voices to call out, but his raised hand for calm.  "But we will not run head-long and blind into this.  We must find those responsible and we will.  Only then can justice, and not revenge, be had."

Esgalwen gives Grimbeorn a nod, "I will let you know what we find."

TN -- Awareness 2d

:ooc: Amazing a perfectly SHITTY roll!

 :ooc:  Welcome to our world  >:D

As the chaos erupted around him, Tate scanned the crowd, hoping to locate Esgalwen. She was, however, by Grimbeorn's side and, by the time he spotted the ranger, a crowd of Beornings separated the two of them. Tate resigned himself to stay near Hathcyn. The man had impressed Tate with his courage in facing the bull and he appreciated the Beornings quick wit.

Tate did what he did best when he didn't have his mouth open -- he sat back and observed, taking in as much information as possible. In particular, he was listening for who these dead men were, what was their stories, what had they done in life, and how were they killed.

But Tate was also after something more... he was listening to the pulse of the people, what this news did to their collective heart.

 :ooc: Tate is looking to gather and understand the information he's receiving around him... so I'm rolling his awareness and insight skills. If needed, Tate will invoke his "curious" trait... Tate's mind is always trying to know more about the world around him.

[/Awareness Rollb]

Rolled 1d12 : 3, total 3

Rolled 4d6 : 6, 3, 5, 5, total 19

[/Insight Rollb]

Rolled 1d12 : 7, total 7

Rolled 2d6 : 1, 4, total 5

Hathcyn spotted the Dale man and the two were soon side by side. He gave a quick nod of his head toward the front of the crowd for he was equally curious. Like a snake working its way through the tall grass the man wove his way forward on the crowd. By instinct the man seemed to be able to read the folks and know which way to step and where he could advance to workhimself forward.

The Beornings' womenfolk set down their needlework and, regarding Esgalwen neutrally rather than as an outlandishly-dressed intruder, silently move inside the house to go about their grim business.  The magnificent beasts o Beorn's house bring stools and chairs, mead and cheese, and the impromptu council begins in earnest.  Æthelwold Red-Eyes, taking his seat, spits upon the ground and bluntly says "forget Viglund and his people's crimes.  I met those men well south of here, on their way further down the Anduin to see justice done for a foul murder in Stánford." 

Standing, Claudas Bare-legs bellows "in this, we are agreed.  The Viglundings are a nuisance, nothing more.  A murder there has been, and two more to allow the guilty man's escape!  This strikes at the heart of our folk and must not go unpunished!"   

Within the house, the women begin the arduous task of undressing the two corpses.  They know their work well, and do not ask for Esgalwen's assistance, instead allowing her to simply watch, and handing her the dead men's bee-shaped cloak pins and the four darkly fletched arrows once they are pushed through and out of dead flesh. 


:ooc: Still going!  Hopefully next week will be less mental. 

An Awareness roll for Esgalwen:

In her service to the Stewards, Esgalwen has seen many Men slain in battle, and it is obvious to her that the arrow-wounds were mortal to both men.  Why, then, the cutting of Merovech's throat, she wonders. 

So wrapped up is she in the question that she does not realise for some moments that she is being addressed.  A red-eyed young woman stands before her, a bloodstained sheath in her hands.  "I said," she repeats, "to tell my lord's son that my father's sword is missing." 

:ooc: Two :~~: in a row...looking grim for Esgalwen.

---

Broken from her thoughts, Esgalwen nods to the crying woman, "I will tell him right away. Please, it will be returned, but might I take your father's scabbard with me?" There was hesitance. "I promise you - both the scabbard and the sword shall be returned to you."

There was a conviction in the Ranger's eyes that lent the woman release, and slowly the empty scabbard was given. Esgalwen nodded and placed a hand of comfort on the woman's shoulder, while the other reverently held the sheath.

"I will return with news to you."

And with that, Esgalwen returned to the forum of thegns and her companions. A quiet fell over them all and Esgalwen wondered if it were because her news demanded attention, or if it were due to the fact that a woman had entered the chamber. Part of her knew why Grimbeorn had sent her - he had seen her in battle and knew she would have a keen eye towards the wounds dealt...still part of her had felt dismissed.

Esgalwen shook the thoughts from her mind and strode confidently to where Grimbeorn sat. She ignored the eyes that were on her, as she did. Once there, she bent in close to speak to the Master of the House. She did not whisper, but the words were for Grimbeorn and for him to make judgment.

"I have looked over the bodies, Grimbeorn. The arrow shots were lethal, but yet sill the throat of Merovech was opened. So either, the man was slain with knife and then his body disgraced with arrows, or the opposite is true. Either way - it is a message being sent. Here is the man's scabbard - it is empty."

Grimbeorn took the empty sheath. Esgalwen added, "Is this a grudge that we are seeing, or another incursion by your neighbors to the north? If the former, than this is a brutal murder within your house. If the latter...well, it would seem that Viglund by taking the Dwarves and slaying these men most cruelly, is challenging you. And I say it is you because it is now well-known that Beorn will see you as his heir."

Quote from: Eclecticon on Feb 17, 2018, 04:58 PM:ooc: Still going!  Hopefully next week will be less mental. 

An Awareness roll for Esgalwen:

(https://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
:00: 1d12 : 11, total 11
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 6, total 7

:ooc: What TN were you looking for, Paul? While both of the Awareness rolls were :~~:'s, mine at least was two :%: which would given her an Extraordinary success if the TN was 12.

Let me know, so that I may either mark my sheet or consider her abilities for shite. ;)

:ooc:  Sorry, Doug - the TN will be 14 unless I specify otherwise. Esgalwen has had some bad luck, it's true, but at least you're getting it out of the way early!

 :ooc: doug, welcome to the player side of the boards.

"There are yet still questions to be answered before action can be justly taken.  Where was the boat found?  Was that the site of the attack or was it elsewhere on the river? I don't recall looking close enough but the arrows, are they of Vig-make?  I agree that cutting Merovech's throat was an act of provocation, an unforgivable one at that, but could this attack be connected to the taking of the dwarves meant to divide or divert our attention or the other way around?"

"Let us start with a full account from those that found the bodies and proceed from there."


 :ooc: Where is Stanford?  I also have a sneaking suspicion that this party is gonna get split.

Hathcyn called from just beyond the inner ring of the circle.

"What of Odo? The sword of Merovech was known to be fell and just, and the tongue of Odo to speak with wisdom. If the sword was taken from one was the tongue taken from the other? If they have both been denied in death their greatest tools in life this is more than a slaying. This is a blood fued."

"The ladies did not speak of any mutilation of Odo," answered Esgalwen to the young newcomer she had not yet met. "But I will check on it to ascertain such a vile deed."

Leaving Grimbeorn with the dead man's scabbard, Esgalwen quickly ran to the house where the bodies were being prepared.

She looked to the ladies working there, "Odo Peace-Speaker and lawmaker...has he a tongue?"

"Wha...?"

"His tongue, woman! Has it been removed?" Esgalwen did not mean to speak so curtly, but her ire had been raised and justice was calling. She watched as the women moved to the man and opened his mouth.

And therein, swollen and blackened with spreading corruption, lies the tongue of Odo Peace-Speaker.

:ooc: Some more rolls:

Esgalwen
Grimbeorn
Hathcyn
Tate

Their vigour restored by the mead-horns in their hands, the boat-bearers tell the assembled crowd once more, and in more livid detail, of their finding the boat yesterday afternoon at a well-known fishing spot some miles to the south.  "Stuck fast in the thick reeds, so it was!  Took us near an hour to drag it clear.  We looked, of course, but found no sign of those as loosed the arrows.  Mayhap they shot from across the river?" 

Roan Buck-Shirt, having muttered to himself for a few moments, raises his own reedy voice.  "I remember now.  They came by us at the Old Ford not two days past, Merovech and Odo, may they lie peacefully, and a third man.  Younger, I would guess he was, strong of arm and dark of mien.  Captured, but not subdued, if you follow me." 

Further speculation is hushed by Esgalwen's re-emergence, to relay the news that the tongue of Odo is yet intact.  Grimbeorn and Hathcyn, though, barely hear her, drawn as they are to the arrows, still blood-slick, that the Dunadán bore forth.  Not by any hand of Men were they wrought.  The man of the northern vales recognises the feathers of the carrion-birds that flock in the foothills of Gundabad, and the lord of the hall remembers a night years ago when arrows such as these flew in the light of burning buildings at Mountain Hall. 

Unless some great deception be afoot, this killing is the work of the orcs of the Misty Mountains. 

:ooc: :csu: for the relevant AP, by the way.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 18, 2018, 12:24 PM:ooc: Where is Stanford?  I also have a sneaking suspicion that this party is gonna get split.

Stánford is about as far south of the Old Ford as Beorn's House is north of it.  You'll find it marked on the map (https://rpg.avioc.org/webimages/lotr/tor/TOR_map.jpg) as 'Stonyford' (as it is known in the Westron tongue). 

Hathcyn cries out again. "Those are no arrows of men folk! Those feathers come from the north and have the bearing of Goblin make, if not also use."

Ooc: are you marking the sheets too?

"And without actual sightings of orcs, these arrows could be taken from them or given to their allies.  These alone offer no more proof of men or orc, just an evil act.  Was there anything else of note in the boat?  Was it searched for anything hidden?" queried Grimbeorn.

"Whether Orc or man, whoever was bound within the craft is now free." Esgalwen held up the scraps of rope that had once bound the captive. "We should make our way quickly to where the boat was found to see if any trail can be found of this prisoner's escape." Esgalwen looked to Rorin, who stood near at hand. "Master Dwarf, do you still have your raven ally? Magrac? Can he be sent aloft to see if any sign can be found of the prisoner."

 :ooc:  sigh, nothing like our group to go off half cocked without all the facts and giving orders in another's home :P

How far along with the contests are we?
 

:ooc: It is not my intention that Esgalwen is giving orders, or telling Grimbeorn what to do, but to confer her counsel. The men said there was a third person in the boat, apparently tied up and now freed.

We are missing the mark on everything else, whether it be Viglunds or Orcs. So, maybe we should hunt down the escapee and ask some questions? Rorin's bird is a great source to scout the region of Grimbeorn's lands.

Rorin nods his head.  "Would that Magrac were here right now," he says, "but he is already seeking what tidings may be had of the missing Dwarves to the east.  He will meet me in another day, and I'll learn what he has found.  Perhaps then he could help track your escaped prisoner."

Quote from: Telcontar on Feb 19, 2018, 08:55 PMOoc: are you marking the sheets too?

:ooc: I did this time around, since I already had your sheets open in front of me.  Mostly I'll leave it up to you guys - if I do it myself, I'll make sure I tell you to avoid doubling up.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 20, 2018, 02:17 PM:ooc: How far along with the contests are we?
 

Okay, here's full rundown of the situation:
1.  The traditional contests are only half-finished.  Several thegns and other important people will be annoyed if the Sickle of the Moon isn't awarded to somebody. 
2.  The Viglundings (or, possibly, someone else) have abducted a party of Dwarven masons and labourers to the east.  Rorin wants them rescued. 
3.  The Hobbits' inn (which you've heard about previously but never visited) has been burned to the ground.  The whereabouts and status of the inhabitants is unknown.
4.  There may or may not be orcs on the western side of the Anduin, not far from the Old Ford. 
5.  An accused murderer is on the loose, after possibly slaying two of Beorn's key followers. 
6.  There is a distinct lack of good information on any of the above. 
7.  Several of the thegns are dissatisfied with Beorn's policies of late, particularly with regard to the Viglundings. 
8.  None of the thegns have any more respect for Grimbeorn than they do for any other member of their folk, and they will base their future judgement of him on how he handles matters now.  Some of them may want him to fail, and may be withholding information to make sure that happens. 

Welcome to being in charge.

 :ooc: Thanks for this summary, Paul... though I liked you pre-edited comment of "welcome to leadership!" best!  :tup: 

 :ooc: Not sure if you are serious about splitting up the group, but if you are, here's where Tate stands:

* If Grimbeorn actually tasks Tate with something specific, Tate will definitely look to see if done.
* If no specific task is given to Tate, the man of the Lake will volunteer to accompany Esgalwen.

Quote from: Posterboy on Feb 20, 2018, 04:18 PM:ooc: Thanks for this summary, Paul... though I liked you pre-edited comment of "welcome to leadership!" best!  :tup: 

:ooc: On this basis, I have put it back in. :)

"This is no simple quandary with many issues to address.  These events may all be linked or all separate yet now none can be ignored or put off."

Retrieving the sickle of his father, Grimbeorn holds it high.  "For the good of our land and out of respect for our fallen, I am closing these festivities now.  We will need as many able of body, keen of eye, and minds of discernment to address these dark events. As heir of my father, the right to pass the sickle on for thus year falls to me.  The competitor worthy of its charge is Gelvira.  May you use it well."

After the lady accepts her prize, Grimbeorn takes his seat again.  "We won't tarry ant longer with this charge.  Three groups must be sent to inquire as to what befell on these events.  First, the halfling settlement... I need four volunteers to go swiftly and learn all you can of what befell them and bring back news and evidence if possible. Next, I would ask for three more volunteers to follow Esgalwen and the men who bore the boat to assess what happened at the river.  And before I hear of any grumbling of this, she is one of my most trusted advisors and friend, and she represents a valuable ally to us all with knowledge outside any of our experience.  Finally, I will lead a small group with Rorin to the north to find out what has become of the dwarf captives.  If there is Vig involvement, I want to know personally and I should be the one to meet with them if any are encountered.  My house will supply provisions. Return within four days or send word of any delay.  Any questions?"

 :ooc: man, did anyone know Grimbeorn was so long-winded?  Lol Doug it's cool,
just poking at Esgalwen  ;)

Also since Tate will likely go with Esgalwen, Grimbeorn will choose Hathcyn to join him, remembering him from the other night.

Esgalwen nodded respectfully at Grimbeorn's edict, seeing Tate stroll up next to her as she did. "We shall see it done."

---

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 21, 2018, 04:31 AM:ooc: man, did anyone know Grimbeorn was so long-winded?  Lol Doug it's cool, just poking at Esgalwen  ;)

Also since Tate will likely go with Esgalwen, Grimbeorn will choose Hathcyn to join him, remembering him from the other night.

:ooc: Cool, Matt - just wanting to make sure my narrative and dialogue text isn't coming off as bossy, from Esgalwen.

Quote from: Eclecticon on Feb 20, 2018, 03:54 PM

Quote from: Telcontar on Feb 19, 2018, 08:55 PMOoc: are you marking the sheets too?

:ooc: I did this time around, since I already had your sheets open in front of me.  Mostly I'll leave it up to you guys - if I do it myself, I'll make sure I tell you to avoid doubling up.

Sounds good. Please indicate character when you mark a check. I'm bad at remembering that.

Hathcyn Longspear raised his mug of honey mead, a thirst quencher from the bull encounter.


"I have worked on the road, Rorin the Roadmaker and his folk have treated us well. Long will I remember the friendship of the dwarves. I will go!"

:ooc: Yeeessss... split the paaaartyyy... Tackle eeeeach prooooblem with haaaalf the resssourcesss...

Also, give me a roll for how you're selling this.  Awe works, as would Inspire.  You need to get the thegns (and their followers) on side, and they're not there yet.

Hatcyn nugged his friend.

"Come Harhold, sign on with me. The thegns wont go with the young master or wish to follow him. We however, have no such complaint. We'll both make a name for ourselves and the dwarves will long remember we offered aid. Raise your hand with me."

His road companion laughed, "very astute for a wood cutter."

Harhold raised his own arm. "I'll see this done with Grimbeorn!"

Quote from: Eclecticon on Feb 21, 2018, 10:10 PM:ooc: Yeeessss... split the paaaartyyy... Tackle eeeeach prooooblem with haaaalf the resssourcesss...

:ooc: Just want to say - as a Loremaster who has to try and run a campaign via a series of posts and how hard it can be...this was not my idea!  ;)

:ooc: Where are our horses? Woodland Hall? I think they were left there after the company went north, through the woods, in pursuit of the werewolf.

Oh well.

---

"Master Grimbeorn," said Esgalwen. "Might there be horses for me and Tate to ride? We can investigate the trail and return here quicker if we had such a resource."

 :ooc: I guess I'll go with awe.  Sorry,
I suppose the old adage holds true, no story survives contact with players.

 :00:
Hope if necessary.
 

ooc: is there a standing modifier for that roll?

:ooc: Not this time.  Grimbeorn manages to squeak a success out with a Hope spend.

Tate came up next to Esgalwen. After Grimbeorn gave the two their quest, the minstrel returned with a slight bow and a, "It'll be done, m'Lord."

Tate moved to examine the boat more closely as Esgalwen secured them some horses.

 :ooc: Tate is going to Search the boat to see if there are any more clues... he'll use his Curious trait if needed -- his mind aches to know the full story of what happened.

Search Roll

Any reaction the thegns might have to Grimbeorn's announcement is drowned out by the roar of enthusiasm as young men push to the front of the crowd, eager to volunteer.  Hathcyn and Harhold are swiftly joined by others wishing to join Grimbeorn's party.  Nor does Esgalwen find any shortage of youths wishing to accompany her to the river, and potentially pursue an escaped murderer.  Ethegert Long-neck, son of Ethelgar the Oak, volunteers to lead the party north to the ruin of the Hobbits' inn, which surprises nobody as his family was known to trade with the halflings to purchase their excellent ale and cheeses, and will no doubt rue their loss. 

The impromptu council begins to break up, as the different leaders start to assemble the necessary supplies.  Amid the bustle, however, the still figure of Iwgar the Slow sits on a stool, watching Grimbeorn.  When the young lordling's eyes meet his own, he beckons him over and, standing with obvious reluctance, says "that was decisively done, and your father's men will see much good in that.  I would counsel against departing too early yourself, though.  For two great men lie dead in your hall, and in your father's absence, you should be the one to preside over their funeral." 

Meanwhile, Tate finds himself thoughtfully examining the boat.  In form it is very much like those used by the Men of Lake-Town, though significantly smaller, and it bears dents and old scrapes that speak of much use.  High on its strakes, he sees newer gouges that can only be from arrows that failed to lodge in the hard wood.  Blood has pooled in the bottom and mixed with a small amount of river water, but that which stains the saxboards is dry and dark.  It was, he guesses, spilled a good two days ago. 


:ooc: Horses are available in Beorn's stables, but not for all three parties.  Two can be mounted and one will have to proceed on foot. 

"Aye, you're right of course," agreed the heir.  "Rorin, I'm afraid we will have to leave in the morning; honor must be given to the dead."  To the men who will go with him and his dwarven friend, "Pack light for we will go on foot as hunters."

 :ooc: The other groups may take the horses.

To outsiders there were strange laws among the Beornings. For instance the hunting of animals was forbidden within two furlongs of Beorn's house. This was to insure that the animals that served the great man would not be accidently slain. There was also a less understood law that no hunting of animals at night was allowed near the steadings of the Beornings. It was a grave insult to draw blade or loose an arror after sundown. Hathcyn was keenly aware of this law himself. While many thought this was out of respect for the totem animals that the folk of the vale esteemed and reevered, but there was a secret reason for this law.

While it was true that the folk each revered animlas by clans and all were respected by the ban, it was also true that some among the folk walked in the skins of animals. Some of the old bloodlines and the ancient family's had tighter bons with the totem animals of their faimily, and they could if they willed it walk in thier skins at night. For this private and secret reason the slaying of beasts was enforced.

Hathcyn was one such that possessed such an ability. This was known to his friend Harhoold and so when the two men pledged themselves to Grimbeorn's quest they decided they would attempt to gather more information. While the funeral was in full swing and the sun had set Hathccyn lid himself down at the edge of the camp, his body guarded by his friend. As sleep took him he drifted away, passing from the bounds of body he took the form of a red fox with a silverr tipped tail. Passing from the camp into the night the skin changer attempted to run along the river and see what he could find, saving time for the group, and making himself useful to the son of the great thegn Beorn.

Esgalwen told the young warriors that wished to join her and Tate to gather what they needed, but make their burdens light. "We may be in pursuit of this person and so we must not be weighed down."

To the others in the hall that knew the two dead men, she then called, "One last question and my party will be away. Does anyone who knew them well know the purpose of Merovech and Odo's last trip? Were they, too, seeking a criminal? It will aid us in any pursuit knowing whether the two men were searching for a troublemaker, or happened upon one."

"Aye," comes the gruff reply of Claudas, "but they sought no man in particular.  Those two were Beorn's hands, and often toured the villages and steadings to see his laws enforced.  What's more, if there was such a lawbreaker at large, Beorn would have sent messengers to us, it being every man's duty to apprehend him, or slay him if he will not submit to judgement.  If they were returning with a prisoner, it was because they found him and subdued him." 

The thegns and other important men nod their agreement, their faces stern and serious. 

Quote from: Telcontar on Feb 27, 2018, 02:00 PM...passing from the bounds of body he took the form of a red fox with a silver tipped tail. Passing from the camp into the night the skin changer attempted to run along the river and see what he could find...

Quick as flowing water, Hathcyn's spirit-form rushes from Beorn's theshold, only to pull up short near the wooded banks of the Anduin.  By the light of the moon, he sees orcs both large and small milling on the eastern shore, and he hears the yelps and splashes as more row crude rafts across the water.  A slope-shouldered orc, its curved sword brandished, calls out 'move it, mud-leeches!  We've miles to go yet, and if we don't have time to find food, it'll be the slowest of you who feed the rest!" 

Though the reeds where the boat was found are now trampled into the mud by goblin feet, and the scent of orc hangs heavy in the air, there is still an undertone of the blood that was spilled here, and a scent leading away that could perhaps be followed. 


:ooc: Activating Hathcyn's Night-Goer virtue costs a point of Hope, if you haven't spent one already.  There's enough of a scent that you could follow it with a Hunting roll at TN 16, but you'll need to make a Stealth roll to get close enough to pick it up without the goblins' look-outs seeing you. 

 :ooc: i'll take a moment to circle around the orcs to see if I can find the trail without going amongst them trading time for more security.

Hunting

Esgalwen nods and thanks those that offered the information, and then she turned to Tate. "Let us be on our way. The sun reaches its zenith, even now."

---

:ooc: Okay...time sync check.

I thought it was early day that we were having this meet. Grimbeorn gave orders, canceled the games and we are to be off.

Tom has it as the end of the day and into night.

Where are we all at, LM? Do you want to separate this into three story threads that you will then need to keep in sync?  ;D

 :ooc: games were canceled and i assumed a funeral was occuring that night.

:ooc: Yea, I am sure that is how it will play out for that part of the story.

I just need to know if Tate and Esgalwen have the day to start off on their search for the criminal.

:ooc: I have assumed, for the sake of convenience, that Esgalwen and Tate are staying for the funeral and that the hunt will start in earnest in the morning.  I will absolutely split the party into multiple threads once everything gets going. 

The evening begins sombrely, as the cloth-wrapped bodies of Odo and Merovech are laid out before the high table in Beorn's hall and old songs of mourning and loss are sung.  By the light of the setting sun, the two bodies are borne to where a small group of carved timber posts, the final resting places of several of Beorn's early followers and companions, rise from the grasslands.  There, they are laid on wooden beds, and the dirges continue, the deep notes of the men mixing with the higher voices of the women, as the soil is piled atop them. 

The journey back to the hall is quiet, but by the time all have returned, grieving has begun to give way to the business of the living.  Mead is drunk, food eaten and some of the joviality of the previous festivities begins to creep back into the assembled folk.  As Tate leads the Beornings in song, Hathcyn finds a quiet alcove and lets his spirit slip away to the river. 

Rorin approaches Grimbeorn at the high table, bows formally and says "I never did offer my condolences.  If half of what I hear about those two is true, your house has suffered a grave loss.  I wish that I had better news, to lift your mood, but Magrac has returned and told me that he cannot find a trace of my missing kinfolk south of the Elfwood." 

Hathcyn, meanwhile, has slipped like a bead of quicksilver from gully to bush, and passed the goblin sentries without a whisper of alarm.  The scent he picked up hangs still in the air.  It is faint, but a mix of the blood and fear of Men leads away to the south. 


:ooc: Aaaaaaaaaaaand we're back in sync.  Tom, give me your Hunting roll, if you please.

 :ooc: it was in my post. 18. Unless you want another one.

:ooc: Whoops!  I thought that was your stealth roll! 

 :ooc: are we waiting on me?

Roll again if we are.

 :ooc: Tom, I think Paul is looking for you to make a stealth check, so 2d.

I think the mix-up is Paul said Hathcyn would need to make a stealth check to get close enough to pick up the scent without being seen by the goblin scouts.

You then said that you'd rather take the extra time to go around the goblin scouts.

However, my sense from Paul's post is that you can't actually go around... you have to make the Stealth check because, to pick up the scent (and be able to make the Hunting check), you have to go amidst the goblin scouts.

I may be wrong though.  :-B

Grimbeorn returned the condolences with a solemn nod of appreciation.  "I was afraid of this", he responded to news from Rorin's scout.  "We will make to intercept the group as if they were heading towards Vigor land.  This affront cannot stand."

Hathcyn follows the scent-trail south, skirting around isolated farmsteads and keeping to the empty, half-wooded lands close to the river.  The joy of racing beneath moonlight fills him, and he knows, for a time, the impulse felt by the ancient elves that leads them to dance beneath the stars. 

Quicker than any creature born of flesh, he races over hill and dale, many leagues from where his body lies, until finally, as the far-off leaves of Mirkwood begin to meet the dawn, he finds a lone traveller, sleeping by a banked fire.  A homespun cloak is pulled tight about the man's body for warmth, and an unsheathed sword lies near to his hands.  Though he can be no older than three-and-twenty, he is clearly long of limb and great of strength, and has all the hallmarks of an up-and-coming warrior.  His face is dark, though, his brow furrowed even in sleep, and the twitches and occasional noises he makes speak clearly of troubled dreams. 

Then the sun rises fully, and Hathcyn is once more on a straw pallet in the Hall of Beorn. 



:ooc: I'll take the second roll to be your Hunting roll, so give yourself appropriate AP for your Stealth check if you haven't already. 

  :ooc: stealth is ine less d