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Second subgroup ; Gárulf, Raghnall


EARLY SPRING 2954 T.A.

Winters are never easy in the Wold, even less when you're an outlaw used to live from the merchants or the occasional cattle stolen from an isolated herder. During the harsh months, the herders gather to form small temporary hamlets, and although they make quite easy targets for well-trained men, forks have a tendency to easily pierce through armors. And as for merchants, few are foolish enough to cross the wide plains of Rohan when the snow makes the landscape even more featureless.

During winter, your gang of outlaws shrinks to half its usual size. Many men go back to their wives and children, those who remain have nothing to care about and nothing to loose. In winter, the gang is the closest thing they have to a family.
Spring is coming now. Soon the herds will spread again, and trade roads will reopen. Business will start again...

Raghnall was happy. Raghnall was always happy about something. He had a nack for finding a siler linning in every cloud. In fact, among the bandits he sometimes foudn the item of the greatest worth seemingly on accident. He did wonders for a stew as well. On this day, as he looked around the camp he felt the urge to move on come upon him. He wasn much of a brigand himself anyway. He usualy stayed in the camp and didnt ask any questions. But as the need to move on and see new things came upon him he started to get stir crazy.

"Say Garulf, your from the green fields of the south. I have never been there. Fancy a walk about to see what may be found?"

:ooc: I will be adding my intro post here later, guys! Crazy day at the office.

I might have a new home for the RPG Profiler, too! WOOT!!

Gárulf sat upon a log in front of the small campfire that was sheltered from the wind. In his hand was a crust of hard bread that he picked at trying to find any of the softer center that remained. It tasted smokey, as it was baked in one of their makeshift ovens that they dug into the ground. The rock base would get hot, but not all of the fire's smoke would escape and so their food always had a hint of the taste.

He cracked the crust and brought it to his mouth. Gárulf munched on the bland food and stared at the coals, his mind wandered back to a day not long ago when he stood staring over the ruins of her body. The food in his mouth became as the ash in the fire and it repulsed him, and so he tossed away the remaining husk.

It was almost through but the winter winds over the fields still bit at his exposed flesh. Gárulf stood and stretched and then took a few paces away from the fire ring. Somewhere behind him, Eogar spoke to one of their other comrades.

"We'll be needing supplies soon."

"There's a livestock farmer not a league away. We should be able to get some meat there."

"Yea...hunting's been sparse."

"Old Kern was the best of us and with him now gone...well, we are better off if we just go take a sheep or two."

"We'll need other foods, too. What I'd give to have an apple!"

"Or a potato!"

"Yes...boiled potatoes in stew."

The band of outlaws now only numbered six - four of their troupe departing for whatever homes they might have had. But Gárulf had no home anymore - his people had cast him out and he only knew this life.

Raghnall the Northman came over to stand by the Eorlingas and spoke, breaking Gárulf's inner thoughts and making him have to turn to understand what was being asked. The other men around the fire continued their daydreams of warm pies, while the Bree-man and Gárulf had quiet words.

"I know most of the lands between here and the Entwash...beyond my knowledge is less, but Edoras is there."

The king's hall.

There was a new king now, the outlaws had heard. It was said he was raised in Gondor and he was unlike his father before him. Perhaps Fengel's decree marking Gárulf outlaw was no longer in force? Perhaps he could cross these lands a free man?

He nodded his head as a gust of cold air took their breath. "Yea, I could see these southern fields."

 :00: Make a Lore check. TN 14.

You know the area well enough. Should you choose to take the straightest road, it will require a one week travel by horse.
You can also choose to go down the Entwash by boat then follow the Snowbourn till Edoras. This is obviously the easiest way, but you will be spotted very early.

:ooc: I will invoke my Rohan-lore trait for this test.

I am not sure if it is an auto- success or if you will give a bonus die, but here is a Lore roll just in case.

TN 14 Lore 1d

:ooc: My very first roll for this game is an :~~:

LOL! This doesn't bode well.

With a 4 result, I hope the Rohan-lore trait will supersede the need for the dice roll.

 :ooc: that's an automatic success, although I ask a roll nonetheless in case you get a greater/exceptional success.

You get an extra dice to spend on any travel roll, representing a well prepared journey.

Which way do you choose ? Horse or boat ?

:ooc: we shall travel by horse, of course!  ;)

 :ooc: Telcontar, anything to say before we carry on ?  :)

There was no large amount of time needed to gather their belonings, for they had so few. The two made quick farewells to the others and were soon ready to depart.

 :00: Telcontar, please make your Lore roll before embarking for the journey

Lore

For some reason, you're not as well prepared as you expect to be. Perhaps you didn't expect that journey on horseback would be that uncomfortable, perhaps your brother in thievery took you through unused pathways and shortcuts,... in any case you don't get bonus dice. Fortunately the journey shouldn't be long.

You expected to travel for days without seeing any living souls. Instead, at the end of your first day of ride, as you were about to leave the Wold and enter the plains of Rohan, you come across a most unexpected sight. At least three scores of chariots and carts half-piled with brown bags and small crates, and thrice as many men, women and children, gathered in four circular camps. In the middle of one such chariot circle, a flock of famished sheeps is grazing whatever it can get from the cold ground.
The people are a poor sight. Most wear ragged clothes, ill fitted for travel, even less in the cold of early spring. You spot some of them displaying leather armors and swords, but most are weaponless. Those are clearly no travellers or traders or even Rohirrim, they are exiles, trying to survive in an environment they obviously don't know. They didn't see you so far.

 :00: Please make a Lore or Insight (whichever is higher) check TN 16.

:ooc: Insight is my skill...

TN 16 Insight 2d

:ooc: Awesome! That is a :%: success.

Tom - if you actually do not agree with us moving in, let me know in your post and we can re-think a plan.

If my successful Insight roll reveals something, too, that would cause us to be cautious, I will edit my post below and we shall re-think the approach.

---

From atop a rise, but using the foliage around for cover, Gárulf inspected the travelers. They were refugees, but from where? He looked at the sheep that huddled close and then to Raghnall, "I see no point in taking from these people - they have lost enough, it would seem."

The Eorlingas was a thief and rogue, but he did it for survival's sake - not out of malice. Only an orc saw his quick and brutal judgement.

"There are only a few that are armed and they seem downtrodden. Should we approach and inquire?"

A nod from the Bree-man was enough and Gárulf spurred his horse forward. "Come Cleofus," he said, "perhaps you can find some new, green shoots upon the plain."

They look anxious and frightened. Although you notice that the presence of a young woman clad in leather and wielding a spear seems to bring them some relief and even some hope. As she speaks to her folk she sometimes gestures widely at the plain around her, as if outlining the shape of a future settlement.
Your greater success makes you believe that the leather and furs they are wearing are fitter for forests than plains.

Insight TN16



Raghnall also has Folklore. This allows him to gleen information on peoples or cultures I believe.

"We are too far for me to judge much more than what you see. Let's move closer and see and learn whhat we may."

As you approach, half of dozen armed men step forward. The young woman you noticed earlier walks at the front and raises a hand in greetings. She nods at you in salute when you're close enough and speaks with a coarse voice and a harsh accent. « You have horses. Are you sent by the king ? » Straight to the point, as Raghnall can tell of the folk living in the north of the vales of the Anduin. 

 :00: Please make you Awe, Courtesy, or whatever skill you wish to use, TN 14. Raghnall has automatic success thanks to his Folk Lore, although you may make the roll in case you score some Tengwar. Additionally you know that the vicinity of Gundabad did somehow stain some of the people living in the area. Indeed, hill men often went down in the valleys to require offerings and sacrifices from the folks. Most were forced to comply, but others did so eagerly. 

Courtesy TN 14

Raghnall smiled, then laughed, and his face settled back into a grin.

"No, no lady. We have not been sent from the King. Many of the folk of this land ride and own horses. They are an independant folk and pride themselves on horses. You have nothing to fear from us. We too are coming out of the wild and moving to more settled lands to see and learn what we may. How came you here in the wild? You have not been here long, your sheep have the look of a journey and not of grazing on the thick grass of Rohan."

:ooc: My first question is - was the Insight roll above for Encounter advantage dice?

If so, I have 2 bonus dice for the encounter and you can ignore the next roll.

If not, here is an Insight roll for encounter advantages:

TN 14 Insight 2d

:ooc: I am not sure which is the case, but I would like to have encounter advantage dice for the Insight rolls - so if the first roll was not for advantage dice, I will spend a :vv: on the second to achieve the result needed to have 2 bonus dice.

Please let me know if the :vv: is necessary.

Now on to the encounter rolls...

Even though his Awe is his stronger skill, I don't see it as the approach Gárulf would make, so I will use Courtesy:

TN 14 Courtesy 1d

:ooc: I will use one advantage dice to try and seal the deal...

:ooc: Bummer!  (-D

Okay - I will use my second advantage dice to make it a success!



Still, Gárulf will sit quietly behind the Bree-man and allow them to talk - seeing as Tom had a nice :g: success.

Gárulf, though stern of face, nods back to the woman and her companions. "Lady," is all he says in introduction, as Raghnall begins to speak. The Rohirrim draws himself up, taller in his saddle, and listens.

 :ooc: Yes, you can consider it was a bonus for the encounter. Not sure if you've read the supplement yet, but as a reminder visitors must introduce themselves to the king and ask him leave to travel his land.

She eases a little bit. " I'm Edelyn, daughter of our chieftain. We come from the north, not far away from the place where the two rivers become one to form the Great River. Orcs have always been a threat but they came in so great number that we were forced to leave our village. We followed the river. Many times we thought we found a place to stay, but every time we had to move on. Until finally we arrived here. My people is tired, we have already lost too many of our own, especially from the elderly and the younglings. We want a place to stay. Could you take me to the king so he can hear our plea ?" 

The question hung in the air for a moment - the outlaws not knowing what to say. Raghnall looked to Gárulf, whose face was blank.

Take them to the king? That could be a death sentence!

The new king was said to be unlike his father, but Gárulf was certain that the son would not look favourably upon him and his outlaw band.

Still, it would be nice to see Edoras and get a feel for what the Rohirrim thought of their new Lord. They could lead Edelyn to the town and leave her and her folk to garner any comfort they may from Thengel. Raghnall and he could wander the streets and get news - maybe even a little coin.

The Bree-man was about to reply when the gruff voice of Gárulf interrupted, "Yes, we can lead you to the town though you shall be on your own to speak before the king. Know this, too - it is law that no folk may cross the king's land without his permission...we will need be wary, lest they take us for outlaws or invaders."

Raghnall looked at his friend and a question was plainly in his eyes, but Gárulf ignored him. Instead he softly said, "We need to know this new king. Perhaps we can find clemency from our past."

The Eorlingas dismounted and stood before Edelyn, "I know you are poor travelers, but have you food to share? We can discuss more of your goals and seal this pact for our aid."

She nods and she gestures at you to follow. The three of you head back to one of the camp circle under the gaze of dozens of eyes. You can read fear and hope mingling in these stares. Your presence seems to kindle some strength back in the refugees, some chatter excitedly about soon meeting with the king and the prospect of having a place to settle brightens up their gloomy mood. Edelyn crouches by a fire and gestures for you to the same. She then hands you a water skin and some dried food hard as wood. 
« We got those from river folk some weeks ago. They said it was fish but we can't be sure. Some of us say the leather of their belts taste better but we have nothing else. Do you think the king will receive me ? » Again straight to the point. She stares as you intensively all the while and her blue eyes pierce you with their feverish look. She can't be more than seventeen yet you feel more resolve in her than in some of the hardened men you came across during your months of thievery.

Raghnall smiled and hummed a tune to himself as they walked through the camp. He greeted all the eyes upon him with a smile and a nod.

Crouching by the fire the northman warmed first his feet and then his hands.

He took what was offered and while he spoke he prepared the food. Taking a small pan from his gear he added water to the fish and reaching into his pouches he drew out some pine seeds and juniper berries.

"What you have here is dried fish. Needs a little water and a little something for taste, but we'll make it right up. Eaten as is surely will taste terrible, but we have fire and water. If you have a bigger pan I can get this going for more."

The nimble hands of the Breelander set to work in preparation.

"I cant say I know the goings on of any King or what drives them. Kings are only a memory and a pile of stone where I come from. But like any neighbor I imagine anyone who shows up, is willing to work hard, and celebrate the same feast days is always welcome. If not traveled that far yet myself, but we will join you I think if you'll have us. We know the land and its ways a little better and will help where we can."

Watching the Bree-man prep the old, dried fish made a smile crack across Gárulf's weathered face. He was not an old man, but the bitter wind that could blow in winter made everything hard.

"Where do you keep all these herbs and berries, Raghnall? I sometimes think your hand will only find food when next it goes to your quiver."

Everyone stared on and each laughed at the sight.

Gárulf gave a sigh and stood. He left the fire ring and walked to where his horse waited. Reaching in the saddlebags upon its flanks, the Eorlingas retrieved the hard bread that he had stored there - his trail rations. With his last three loaves in hand, he returned to where everyone sat, but not before handing the bread to Edelyn.

"It is not much, but it is fresher than what you have. Slice it thin and add it to your stores...mayhaps the weakest can be fed."

"We have a new king in Rohan and I cannot speak for him, but it is said he is fair of word. I cannot guarantee your travails will not be in vain - but we can try. How soon will your folk be ready to move again? Or is it your intention to send an embassy from your people, whilst they wait upon the sward?"

Edelyn watches with amazement as Raghnall turns the unappealing food into a mouthwatering dish. More heads turn in your direction as the sweet smell spreads out. Edelyn's eyes now linger from the pan to you and back as she answers. « I'd be glad if you could take me to the king. I will go in embassy. My people need some rest, there's no point to keep moving, we don't even know where we would head to. We've seen the worse of the winter, I think they can endure for some more days. » She thanks Gárulf deeply for the bread, and soon the loaves are dispatched between the children and  the sick. Dusk is closing in. The refugees prepare themselves for the night. Edelyn offers you to sleep by their fires if you so desire.

As Edelyn and her people settled in to sleep, Gárulf moved to where Raghnall sat.

Softly he asked, "What do you think we should do? I fear if we enter Edoras, we will not leave."

Raghnall stared into the fire and thought.
"I don't know. This is your country and your people. By law I too am an outsider here and should also follow these folk to Edoras and present myself. What is your fear? Will Edoras ensnare us or is it the obligations of your folk you are hesitant to confront? I do not judge you my friend I ask only to better understand our danger. I have traveled far from my home, but know only the ways of my own people. Other than the Dunmen I have seen no large settlement of people."

"What is my fear?" It was a good question. "I am not quite sure."

Gárulf picked up a stick and prodded the coals in the fire pit, "There are two possibilities - nothing could occur and we are ignored as nothing more than newcomers in Edoras. Or my name precedes me and they will know me for who I am. King Fengel held me as an outlaw for not answering the call to his Éored - a marshaling of riders. My own clan cast me out of our village, as you know, and I have lived the life of an outlaw ever since.

"I have not slain a man without cause, and never a Rohirrim, but I have taken from my folk without right and that is a punishable act. If our new King does not carry forward his father's decrees of transgressions, then I have no worries. Mayhaps they have no idea who we are, which would be good. But if they do...if the Marshall of the Mark has me noted then I fear we would be entering a trap with possibly no way out, or worse, death."

:ooc: Feel free to keep talking, but make your Travel rolls TN 12 for the journey. I assume Gárulf will endorse the role of the guide (he has auto success thanks to Rohan Lore), and Raghnall the scout ?

"I see your point."

Raghnall thought a moment more.

"I dont think any of us really resemble who we were when we left home. There are many miles behind both of us. Perhaps a change of name is all you need to throw folks off enough to take no notice. Many of you horse folks all look alike anyway." Raghnall smiled, "the horses have more variety."

He laughed then, "I am sure you would say the same of my folk, for we are short, stocky, and queer of speech. Should we go to Edoras you could give a traveling name and say we dwelled in the west. There are small holdings of mixed Dunmen and Horselord there. I saw them on my way through and it would be unlikely that anyone who know enough to know which families lived there. Then we may see what type if man this King from the south is without exposing you to fine and punishment in blind hope."

Travel roll

 :ooc: travel roll

TN 12 travel 2d

Gárulf nodded, "Then let us try."

You resume your journey toward Edoras shortly before dawn. Edelyn accompanies you, along with two of her men at arms. They have no horses unfortunately, and despite their good running pace you can't help but being slowed down.
You soon lay your eyes upon the endless plains of Rohan spreading from one horizon to the other, patched in places with the white remains of winter. Given some weeks, green hues will reign undisputed, but for now the grass is only waking up from its seasonal slumber.
Deserted as these lands seem, Gárulf knows better. You follow the Entwash river not only for the fresh water and fishes it provides, but also because Gárulf knows that the patrols from the west and the east both tend to leave their counterpart mind these border zones. Only once every ten miles or so stands a small guard post easily avoided.
Edelyn's henchmen turn out to be decent hunters and although game is scarce they provide the five of you with enough food to sleep soundly. Once again Raghnall's cooking skills work wonder and roasted hedgehog never tasted better.

The plains are easy travel grounds, no unwanted event troubles your journey. After three days, about half way, your guide instructs
you to turn southwest and cut short through the plain until you reach the Snowbourn river.

:ooc: Make a first Travel test TN14. Telcontar, you have two bonus dices should you decide to use them. Tomcat you have one. Your roll is reduced to TN12 given your Rohan Lore.

(https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/photos/8047/images/story_full_width/HargreavesPrairieWinterScenicM6839.jpg?1418672192)

Tavel tn14

Bonus

 :ooc: travel test

TN 12 travel 2d

 :ooc: Just an FYI, Tom...

You can put all your dice in the same [roll] function by just separating them with commas.

1d12,2d6,3d4+2

Etc.

 :ooc:  :| , well I'll be damned.

As you get closer to Edoras, you come across more and more settlements. In Rohan, they are typically composed of a long wooden house, the common place in which men, women, children, and horses live together. Three to four additional buildings act as warehouses or cattle housings, mostly for sheeps, sometimes pigs. Wood palisades are rare but not unseen.
When the settlement grows too large to fit all the villagers in the long house, people move to their own house or share one with another family. In either case, some cattle is kept inside during the cold months to provide warmth. The long house becomes the sole dwelling of the alderman and his family, although it remains the gathering place to share food and drinks come nightfall.
All hamlets are required to provide footmen in time of war, and any men learn to use a sword and a spear when he comes of age. Not matter the size of his domain, the alderman is required to own a suit of armor, weapons, a horse, and a squire. The more riders he can afford, the more his status increases.

:ooc: It becomes nearly impossible to be spotted. Should you decide to try to sneak your way though anyway, it will require to travel by night and success a Stealth roll TN 16 (including the NPCs). Needless to say, being caught sneaking around in the dark is sure to brand you as up to no good.


(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/3a/95/4f3a956c3202fd312779f204b63b3f3c.jpg)
A large settlement, featuring a fence, an Alderman long house, several family housings, a warehouse, and cattle housing. In Tolkien's Rohan, horses are of course overconsidered.

:ooc: Would my Rohan-lore help at all with the Stealth tests?

Know what to look for, or what to avoid? Know the terrain - not necessarily of the immediate area - but know how the country's plants grow (i.e. tree groves) and how to use the rolling landscape to go unobserved?

If not, we will have to consider moving during the day and suffering each Alderman's demands as to our presence.

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 22, 2019, 07:00 AM:ooc: Would my Rohan-lore help at all with the Stealth tests?

Know what to look for, or what to avoid? Know the terrain - not necessarily of the immediate area - but know how the country's plants grow (i.e. tree groves) and how to use the rolling landscape to go unobserved?

If not, we will have to consider moving during the day and suffering each Alderman's demands as to our presence.

:ooc: it would lower the difficulty but no less than 12.

"Sneaking around may not put our friends here in a good light. They seek a home and safety, not to steal land. Would any of these foln know you here or may we just ride up and declare our bussiness in Edoras?"

"I cannot believe that my name has come this far south," said Gárulf. "If anything, it may be known to a few of the marshalls and alderman who might rule the lands.

"We will seek Edoras in the open and keep Edelyn's people secure."

Your attire finally betrays you, and a patrol of six riders recognizes you as no farmers or herders. You're hailed, and although they are not agressive, full armored Rohirrim mounted on war horses are an intimidating sight nonetheless. « Greetings, travellers. You are hereby in the domain of Thengel King, where no trespassers are allowed unless they have his leave. State your names and business at once. »   

As the only Man of Rohan in their company, Gárulf spurred his mount forward keeping himself sanguine in his saddle and making no threatening gestures.

"Well met, Riders! I am Gárulf, son of Gármot, out of the East Emnet and we are traveling to Edoras. Upon the fields east of here, my companion and I came upon a haggard group of refugees who bade us take them to the King. Knowing his laws, I asked that only an emissary come with us to Edoras, so as she could make an appeal personally to King Thengel for sanctuary. We travel there now."

The Rohirrim holds his breath in hopes that his name does not proceed him - but he felt, too, that to lie would be woefully more dangerous. While he waited for a response, Gárulf turned back to his small company and gestured for the woman to come forward.

As she walked up to stand before them, her guide said, "Let me introduce Edelyn - she speaks for her people and seeks our aid."

---

:ooc: I am going to throw in an Awe roll to make sure Gárulf sounds confident and is unmoved by a host of his fellow countrymen arrayed before him...

TN 14(?) Awe 2d

:ooc: I think this is worth spending a :vv: and securing the roll with a :%: success.  :csu:

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 23, 2019, 07:09 AM"Well met, Riders! I am Gárulf, son of Gármot, out of the East Emnet and we are traveling to Edoras. Upon the fields east of here, my companion and I came upon a haggard group of refugees who bade us take them to the King. Knowing his laws, I asked that only an emissary come with us to Edoras, so as she could make an appeal personally to King Thengel for sanctuary. We travel there now."

"Refugees ? Indeed the king has to be warned. Ordgar, take Aescwine with you, and go tell the alderman we're heading to Edoras with travelers." The two riders nod and ride away. "We will accompany you. Edoras is not far away, but we will stop in the next village to borrow horses for the rest of you. That way we shall arrive tomorrow by dusk. "

:ooc: the Eorlings will probably chatter with you on the way, do you wish to keep the conversation going or keeping it as short as possible ?

:ooc: I think Gárulf will speak as needed, but not be conspicuous either - like he is trying to hide something. He will leave the chatting to the Bree-man, as he seems to have a knack for it.  ;)

Courtesy Roll:

Doh, unless its a Hazard its also still a 14 great success. How do you want me to play that?

Quote from: Telcontar on Jan 24, 2019, 07:26 AMDoh, unless its a Hazard its also still a 14 great success. How do you want me to play that?

:ooc: Unfortunately, a Sauron is an automatic failure. Doesn't have to be that bad though, probably some unwilling breach of etiquette due to your poor knowledge of Rohirrim customs.

 :ooc: I promise I am not "that guy", but I wanted to interject on your ruling.

Per page 27 of the revised core book:

A  :g: result is an auto-success for the heroes.

An :~~: result is read as a 0, unless it has some other function (i.e. causing a Hazard, etc.)

But otherwise, an :~~: is nothing more than a zero. Seems like it should do more, but per the rules, it doesn't.

Now as you are LM, I will not get in the way of your rulings.  :)

Game on!

:ooc: True, true... I consider it a failure in my tabletop games, to give it more meaning. Could be a good opportunity to see how it goes when it's played by the rules, though. Let's keep it official then ! Your character gets along pretty well with the riders, and the journey should be fine. I'm writing what's coming next :-)

 :ooc: Doug I was going to cite the same page when I got the chance to.

Raghnall nodded to their escort as they came up to the group. He attempted to engage them, but they were aloof and standoffish. When the horses came their companions mounted them awkwardly and with little grace. The Rohir had a word for such demonstrated lack of skill with horses and Raghnall used it and pointed. Their guides laughed at the insight.

One spoke, "you are not one of us, but you make a keen joke."

Raghnall smiled, "I am a traveller and a great student of people and their ways. My folk too are not keen of outsiders, but we are following the law and headed to Edoras. There is no reason why our journey may not be a pleasant one."

The two riders looked at each other and thought a moment.
 
The second responded in the common speech, "you are right. We have grown wary of outsiders, and treat the sneak in the night the same as those who come open in peace during the day. You speak the right of it, we may obey the laws of the land and not also in turn be rude."

Raghnall smiled, "This surely will make the miles past swiftly at least." From their they fell in to talking about simple things. The riders were cautious not to give too much direct information about the people and hamlets in their area, but were open about the birds, berries, and food stuff. Topics most close to the Breelanders heart and the mile rolled along.

Travelling in the Mark has never been easier. You've been welcomed in every farmsteads you met, and were provided with food, drinks, rudimentary yet clean beddings, and even three horses for the refugees, that the riders promised to return once their task would be done.

Edelyn and her two bodyguards cautiously kept out of conversations, for fear of saying too much too soon. They kept simple and short their answers to the questions they've been asked, making their poor riding skills a decent excuse for that.

You followed one trail bred from the hammering of countless hooves and feet. It didn't nearly qualify as a road, but you understood from the farmsteads along the way that it must be one of the major pathways of the plain. On both sides, you guessed the outlines of what would be fields of barney and wheat within a few months, and you passed by what finally looked like actual villages.   

You arrive at Edoras at dusk. The first thing you behold is a shining beacon on top of the hill, the lights of four wide braseros reflected upon the gold leaves adorning the walls of the building ; Meduseld, the Golden Hall of the kings of Rohan, built four hundred years ago by Brego, son of Eorl, and fifteen lords and one usurper have sat upon its high seat since that time.

The wide rutted track weaves past lines of great grassy mounds on either side ;  the barrows of kings, white with simbelmynë,  small Evermind flowers that blossom in every season. The nine western mounds house the graves of the first line of kings, from Eorl the Young to Helm Hammerhand. On Helm's mound, farthest from Edoras, the white flowers grow thick as snow. In the six eastern mounds lie the second line of kings, from Fengel to Fréaláf.

You follow the road up to the gates where spearmen stand guard. They salute the two riders and let you in. Beyond the gates a paved street rises curving up the hill on flagstones and many well-laid steps. Houses line the path and narrow alleys lead off it. A clear stream sparkles and chatters down a stone channel along the way. You notice that Edoras even boasts an inn, a long house where foreigners can gather for drinks and meals and where they can find a bed in need.

At last you arrive at the top of the hill. Four king's guards are standing there. To your surprise, there's also six dwarf warriors sitting on the ground next to a brasero. They talk joyously and share bread with slices of pork. A small cask of ale is opened next to them and they dive their cup in it at a frighteningly regular pace. You can hear cheers and laughters coming from the inside of the hall. A sweet smell of roasted meat leaks from under the gates.

Your two escorts nod at the king's guard standing by the gates. « Hail Heáfod. These people here need to see Thengel King.
- Greetings Gareth. Can't it wait ? As you can see, there's a feat going on, in honor of our Erebor guests. » The dwarves cheers and raises their cup at the statement.
« I fear not », says Gareth, wincing. « From what I understood, lives may be lost if we delay too much.
- I'll announce them to the king. You can leave them to us. Maybe we can share a cup later at Cépa's house ? It's been a while since we last chattered.
- Sure things, we'll meet up later. » He turns to you before taking his leave. « Good luck travellers. Maybe we will meet again. »

 :ooc: great job bringing us all together!

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 26, 2019, 04:01 AM:ooc: great job bringing us all together!

:ooc: Thanks. I'm glad you decided to move south though ;-)
As of now, the game will go on in the "Edoras - Heart of the Riddermark" topic. I close this topic.