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:ooc: This thread will be starting off with journey tests and results from which will narrate and dialogue, as well as see what actions may result.

Distance: The path to the Eldosa tributary is 4 hexes from Rhosgobel, or 40 miles. Everard was in the water a long time - perhaps he was saved by a River-maiden sister of Duskwater.  ;)

The terrain modifier is Hard x2. Not only is Mirkwood a challenge to walk under, but the spring melts have caused the river's path to flood and make the land treacherous along its length. The companions face a perilous march through the fens, where the soggy, muddy ground conceals hidden tree-roots and many serpents. Thick greenish fogs wrap around the trees.

Travel is on foot, so 20 mile per day. The distance to the tributary can be accomplished at the speed listed, but you guys are also searching for clear paths and signs of the barge-men so it will take a number of days based on your rolls.

• make a starting Lore test for any bonus dice TN 14

• I need the character that is in the role of Scout to make a prolonged action of Explore tests (4 successes required to achieve the goal). Each test roll must succeed against a TN 18.

• Explore tests will be made until the prolonged test requirements are achieved, but each test will be impacted by the following Travel tests TN 16 that need to be made with each Explore.

• Each explore test will require each of the companions to make a Travel test for Fatigue

• Any acquired fatigue or hazards will be applied to each future Explore test and Travel test made by the company


So, we'll start this series of tests with the Scout making his Explore check and then everyone making their Travel test. The process continues until the exploration is successful and you find what you seek.

I will narrate and dialogue between each series of tests, and you guys may add in kind. I am going to let you guys do the rolls so you can have fun with the struggle of moving through the marshy forest.

So give me your Journey roles and then let's start rolling!

:ooc: Okay, starting off with the first Explore roll:



And a Travel roll to go with it:

:ooc: So close!  Bugger it, it's worth burning a point of Hope to put a great success over the line.  :csu:

EDIT: Doug, are you going to call for the usual Lore rolls for planning the journey, or does the fact that we don't know precisely where we're going remove that opportunity?  If we do get advantage dice, then Arbogast will do his usual Mirkwood Lore thing and spend the resulting die rather than a Hope point. 

 :ooc: yea, Paul, I forgot to add the Lore roll for bonus dice.

So, make those, too, and then your great success on Explore will give you 2 successes towards the prolonged test.

Hathcyn Rolls for first leg

LORE


Travel

 :ooc: Not sure what to roll as I can't see my current character sheet.

:ooc: Hey Matt, we lost the character profiler but I have saved Grimbeorn as a PDF.

That said, I need you to post a simple reply in the TOR Character Sheet thread. I will then populate it with your character's stats. You posting it will give you the ability to edit it.

Cool?

:ooc: You can find the PDF here (https://rpg.avioc.org/boards/index.php?topic=1587.msg29816#msg29816) once you're done. 

:ooc: Mike, Jacob, are you guys ready to [roll]?  If not, shall we do it for you to keep things moving?

 :ooc: I'm here, will look for my PDF and make a roll.
:ooc: Here are the results - sorry if I did this wrong and can roll in a post! Roll(2d6)+0: 2,1,+0 Total:3 Roll(1d12)+0: 4,+0 Total: 4
 

:ooc: I am going to roll for Matt, and Jacob (he gave me 1 roll but it is not labeled, so I will treat it as his LORE test.) I have no stats for Anar.

Lore tests

Grimbeorn
TN 14 lore 2d


Travel tests

Grimbeorn
TN 16 travel 4d


Eomund
TN 16 travel 2d

:ooc: RESULTS

Lore
• Arbogast invokes his Mirkwood-lore trait for an auto-success - 1 bonus die
• Hathcyn fails
• Eomund fails
• Grimbeorn succeeds with a :g: :%: - 2 bonus dice

Explore
• By spending his bonus dice, Arbogast has a :%: success and achieves 2 successes towards the prolonged test goal 2/4

Travel
• Arbogast succeeds
• Hathcyn succeeds
• Grimbeorn rolls an :~~: and incurs a Hazard roll; he also fails his travel test (Matt, you can spend one of your bonus dice to make that a success, if you want)
• Eomund fails his travel test and his fatigue is increased by 2 (Jacob, you can spend a :vv: if you want and roll to see if you can make the Travel test a success)

Again, I have no stats for Anar. Mike, if you kept a copy of your character sheet let me know. Otherwise, we will need to recreate him.

Matt and Jacob - let me know about your decisions above. ALSO - if you guys will make a post in the TOR Characters thread with just your PC names in the body, I will get all of your characters' stats posted. YOU need to make the original post, though, so you will have the ability to edit your sheets.

This is what we need to do while I figure out the Profiler issue. I might have a new hosting location.

 :ooc: You roll me a 12 then 11 *sigh* lol

I'll spend a bonus die.
The reply is made, thanks.

 :ooc: I will as well.

OOC: what roles are taken so far?

:ooc: We've just started keeping the roster here (https://rpg.avioc.org/boards/index.php?topic=1581.msg29615#msg29615).

:ooc: I'll have a post up tomorrow morning (my time).  Are we fine with declaring that Mike has gone dark and handling Anar by Loremaster fiat for now?

EDIT: Never mind - I just remembered that we have a Hazard to resolve.

 :ooc:

1 target:


2 hazard:

:ooc: That's a Look-out hazard, risking Weariness for the duration of the journey.  Might I suggest that the company has rested dangerously close to the nest of an adder (not common in the shade of Mirkwood, but not unknown among the Western Eaves), and that someone risks a painful, energy-sapping bite unless it's spotted in time?

:ooc: Yea, Paul - I have it all set.

Sorry for the delay again, guys. I made my rolls last night and then I went and set up the Characters dropdown code, as well as got Matt's PC data input onto his post for Grimbeorn.

I will get the hazard narrative up tonight, but it will be after my Roll20 game that goes from 830 to 11PM.

:ooc: Take your time.  GM burnout is a terrible thing. 

:ooc: No one was named as Look-out, so I am exacting one :vv: to allow Grimbeorn to make the roll:

TN 14 Awareness 3d

:ooc: I am taking the :vv: from the Fellowship pool, but Grimbeorn passes with flying colors!

:%: :%: success

Anar can be whatever role is needed including lookout. Sorry for the delay

Quote from: Paladin003 on Jan 15, 2019, 07:57 PMAnar can be whatever role is needed including lookout. Sorry for the delay

:ooc: I will put Anar into the Look-out position, although I am still costing the company the :vv: for this last test. I still have no stats for Anar. Did you save a copy of his character sheet? Do we need to reconstruct him?

As to delays and game play - guys I understand delays. I am a father of four, married, career-driven man and I know how Real Life has precedence over all other things. I would never think differently.

That said, I need a commitment from the players that they will try to at least READ what is happening in the game weekly - including OOC notes and messages sent by me (or other players). I would like to see at least two to three in story posts from players weekly, otherwise our games run to a halt as everyone waits. I would like to see more content in a post than just the basics of what your character is doing (include any OOC information if it needs to be further explained). We are telling a story here, I would like everyone to see it as such and contribute to it as such. Lastly, if you use game mechanics in your post, label what the roll is for and any other information necessary (hope points spent, advantage dice used, etc.)

If you have questions, please ask. We are the easiest going group of gamers you will find.

If you are struggling to lace your character into the weave of the story, ask for help. I promise you - if you start talking in character to any of those PC's that have been here since the beginning, they will help you become a part of our story tapestry. The latter is to see our long-running players hesitant to make interactions with characters that might not be here in a month.

If you can't participate in the game as requested above, that is okay, too! You are welcome to hang out on our boards for as long as I have them running. You can read along with our story, contribute to General Discussion content, as you wish, or just lurk and use the content for ideas of your own game. But we would ask that you step out of the game so we can keep it running the way it has been going now for fifteen years.

Now... on with the story...

The Dusky River followed a small vale that lay on the western side of Mirkwood, a mere twenty miles within the forest canopy. Its headwaters started at the lower end of the Mountains of Mirkwood - more specifically, the Beacon Hills - and it meandered south until at last it filled in the Black Tarn. Many smaller tributaries fed in and out of the river, but no other major artery was known.

It was an invaluable resource to the Men of the Vale. It provided water for the people, ease of travel, and was a natural barrier to some of the many threats within the Heart of Mirkwood. Arbogast was as familiar with the run of the Dusky from Woodland Hall to the Tarn, as most of the bargemen that plied its dark waters. The Fire-watcher was especially knowledgeable about the river in the surrounds of the lake all the way to Rhosgobel.

What they saw now defied that knowledge.

With the easing of winter's terrible hold, the snow melts had filled the riverbed to bursting and the overflow had turned the surrounding lands into a morass of bogs and sinks. Arbogast was reminded of the dark lands around Dol Guldur with its dangerous meres and small little islets that supported the Fenbridge. The Dusky River was now as dangerous - if not more, for the people would not realize the changes until too late.

The Company had traveled from Rhosgobel into the forest with little to bar their way, save new sprigs of growth and fallen limbs from ancient trees. As guide, Arbogast led the Beornings, Eorling, and Dwarf along a weaving trail that headed north and east. The land pitched up and down where spurs of stone escaped the ground - these topped by trees whose roots weaved around like webs - but for the most part it was easy terrain.

On day three, things began to change. The trails that Arbogast well-knew disappeared into mires of frigid, dark water. The mud sucked at their feet and strained to hold them from going forward. Black flies, newly awakened with the Spring sun, buzzed and bit at any exposed flesh. Eomund thought the land awful and mentioned so many times. The Dwarf, used to heavy burdens and long labors, grumbled with each sucking step. Even the Beornings were more dour than their usual countenance, with Hathcyn regretting his desire to see the lands south of the Carrock.

As the sun of the third day set on their camp, Grimbeorn sat as look out for the group. Among the trees, his sharp eyes made out the slim figure of a woman! Her dress shimmered with the fading daylight, but then as she moved, it would turn to black of night. She was far away, but made herself visible to the man, beckoning him forward, as she did. Grimbeorn felt a great weariness befall him, as if his shoulders were laden with more than he could ever possibly carry. His back bent with fatigue and his eyes drooped.

Sleep.

He desired it above all things.

Still his mind cried out in warning. Something was not right. The others lay around him resting upon their blankets and oiled skins, trying to keep the dampness from pervading all they wore, and the chill of night from digging into the bone.

Grimbeorn shook his head and closed his eyes. When he reopened them, the woman was gone.

His hand quickly went to the pouch that hung on his waist and he drew forth one of the wonderful honeycakes that his people twice-baked. Hard they were on the outside, but light and sweet within. He cracked one of the cakes open and munched it down, and immediately felt the wave of weariness retreat.

As always, he grumbled in thought, something works against us!

The next day was no easier for travel, but at last the Company made it to the river's edge. They were well north of the Tarn by 16 leagues or more, but Arbogast wanted to be on the north-side of the Eldosa tributary and work their way down the river in hopes of finding the lost men. Also, it was here that the Woodmen fashioned a simple rope bridge to cross the Dusky. It was simple - like how the Elves of Mirkwood made their crossings - one rope tied low from tree to tree, across the river, another tied high. It was a simple matter of walking upon the lower, while holding on to the higher.

Simple.

Arbogast shuddered when they saw the Dusky raging under the rope span. It was a dangerous torrent that could sweep away even the strongest of men. Still, they needed to cross.

:ooc: Crossing the rope bridge will require an Athletics test TN 14

I am making a 2d skill level assumption for Anar - if it is different, please let me know.

TN 14 Athletics by PC

:ooc: RESULTS

• Anar fails with a 13
• Arbogast succeeds with a 16 :%: success
• Eomund fails with a 9 :~~:
• Grimbeorn fails with a 13
• Hathcyn succeeds with a 14 :%: success

So - here is how this translates.

Anar begins to fall as he crosses, but Arbogast with his great success is able to quickly move out onto the line and aid the Dwarf the final few yards of crossing. The same thing happens with Grimbeorn, but his banner-man assists with his own great success.

Eomund is the only one who fails completely, but will succeed if he uses a :vv: point. :csu:

Jacob, if for some reason you do not want me using a :vv: for your character, let me know, but then he will fall into the torrent below.

All PC's :csu: for advancement points and :vv: usage

The companions started across the rope bridge. The heavy hemp was strong, but had been colored green by the algae that grew along its length. It made for a slippery crossing.

As guide, Arbogast went first with Anar close behind. The Dwarf was very familiar with rope-bridges that spanned over dark crevasses, but the raging water unsettled him. Half-way across, his foot slipped and it was only by luck that Arbogast was able to grab his pack and haul him back level with the span. Giving a nervous laugh, Anar thanked the man and they finished the crossing.

Eomund followed and it was by luck alone the Eorlingas made it - though certain in a saddle, the swaying rope bridge tested his balance. Hathcyn and Grimbeorn came last, and the scion of Beorn also needed assistance, but at last the Dusky was behind them.

Now their path would take them south, once more, and deeper into the wood.

Arbogast looked to the newcomers, "Now is the time to make your decision - should you wish to go no further, you may return without shame. But if you go, our lives will depend on one another to the end."

Eomund and Anar could see the Fire-watcher's serious face - there could be no mistakes, or the Company could be lost.

:ooc: Going to pause here to allow for player dialogue/narrative and give you guys a chance to add your parts.

We will be starting another set of tests for the Exploration and Travel back down the Dusky and in to Mirkwood. I will give the setup for those tests after I you guys have a chance to post.

Hathcyn chuckled at the Woodman's words.

"Why didnt you say that BEFORE we crossed the river Woodman! Nay, I have no where else to be, I'll go forward. Though I'll say nothing about those who desire to turn back. This wood is dark, darker than you led me to believe when we spoke of it."

 :ooc:
Matt, does Grimbeorn say anything to the group about what he has seen while on watch?

Doug,
Are you updating the sheets with the checks or should we? I believe the great sucess has earned me a check.

:ooc: I had a look, and Doug has been updating the sheets, bless his heart. 

Quote from: Telcontar on Jan 16, 2019, 01:20 PM:ooc: Matt, does Grimbeorn say anything to the group about what he has seen while on watch?

Doug, Are you updating the sheets with the checks or should we? I believe the great sucess has earned me a check.

:ooc: I just finished these posts today, so Matt may not have seen them yet. Feel free, as always, to go back to certain points and add in the narrative/dialogue that you would like. We can feed it all together.

Yea - I have been marking sheets. I will try to make sure it is done and reconciled when I do tests for you all. When you roll for yourself, though - that will be on you.  ;)

Quote from: Telcontar on Jan 16, 2019, 01:20 PMHathcyn chuckled at the Woodman's words.

"Why didnt you say that BEFORE we crossed the river Woodman! Nay, I have no where else to be, I'll go forward. Though I'll say nothing about those who desire to turn back. This wood is dark, darker than you led me to believe when we spoke of it."

Arbogast gives a lopsided shrug.  "Can you blame me," he asks "for wishing to have an argument against turning back?  Though I hold the manhood cheap of none who do, for dark as our passage has been we go now into a realm where the sun has not shone in an age of the world, and wherein true horrors dwell." 

The Fire-watcher catches the eye of Grimbeorn, a few paces away, and though nothing is said of the dark memories the two share, he fancies that he sees the same apprehension in the dire man's eyes as is visible, no doubt, in his own.  A heartbeat later, their gaze breaks.  He looks instead to Anar, and says "We may live or die by the keenness of your eyes.  I counsel you: look upward.  The worser denizens of this place do not often go abroad on the forest floor." 

:ooc: There may yet come more dialogue, but I don't want to hold things up by waiting unnecessarily.  With that in mind, here's my next set of rolls:

Explore:


Travel:


Doug, does the TN for our Travel tests go up to 18 now that we're across the river?

Travel

Bam! That's gotta be an AP right there!

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jan 17, 2019, 03:44 PMDoug, does the TN for our Travel tests go up to 18 now that we're across the river?

:ooc: It does - you guys are now in the Heart of Mirkwood.

I will post a map to show your position.

 :ooc: Yes I just saw these updates, I'm not getting notifications like I used to *sigh*. I didn't notice any issues with the sheet.

"Press on, we are here for whatever may befall us and return those kinsmen if they may be found.

 :ooc:
 :00:
 :00:

 :ooc:
 :00:

:ooc: Eomund and Anar travel rolls :|

I have no stats for Anar - going to assume he has 2d for Travel.

TN 18 travel by PC

:ooc: RESULTS of second exploration after crossing the river:

First... Matt, only the Guide needs to make the explore test, so Paul is giving me those. If you guys want to change roles in the expedition, you can, but you guys need to let me know.

Second...Arbogast's explore test was a failure so we are at 2/4 of the prolonged test.

Travel tests:

• Anar fails and is increased by 2 fatigue
• Arbogast crushes it with a 22 :%: :%: success  :csu: (by Paul)
• Hathcyn crushes it with a 24 :g: :%: success  :csu:
• Grimbeorn succeeds with a 20 success (uses his second advantage dice)
• Eomund fails and is increased by 2 fatigue

The companions slogged through the flooded wood on the east side of the Dusky.

Days passed and Arbogast began to worry. He found no sign of the craft that Everard had traveled upon, nor his shipmates. With the river being a torrent, it was to be expected, but still the Woodman thought the capsized craft might reveal itself.

Weariness was beginning to affect the party - Eomund, unused to the terrain was slowing his pace. Even the stout Dwarf was faltering - his shorter legs were causing him to be caught more often in the mires of water, mud and reeds. It would take everyone's effort to pull Anar free and then they would need wait while all caught a new wind.

The flies were relentless. Hathcyn slapped at face and arms only to feel a painful bite on his leg - and there welts would form. "Why would anyone live in such a damnable place," he cursed.

On the third day since the crossing, the Eldosa tributary appeared. It too was wide and swollen, having broken its banks. The waterway seemed more a part of the flooding than a branch of the river. Still, it went deeper into the dark wood, which was now fully canopied with new spring growth.

Eomund looked at the gnarled trees and their roots, which broke the surface. It was as if they were in torment and could not stand to grow within the ground. They also appeared to be the worst gatekeepers he had ever seen.

With aching legs and backs, the companions found as dry a place as they could and made camp. Once rested and fed, they could set out down the length of the Eldosa.

Night fell on the wood and they fell asleep in pairs. The Fire-watcher thought it better if they had two sets of eyes keeping vigil, though it would mean they need to camp a bit longer. And so it was that Anar sat with Hathcyn in the mid of night - the wood pitch black around them, for even the starlight could not be seen. A fire popped in a small hole, but it threw out only sparse light. The Dwarf grumbled in his weariness. He sat on the opposite side of the camp from Hathcyn, the two keeping watch in all directions.

The Beorning could hear the the Dwarf grump, "Darker than a cave....

"Don't understand why the Elves would make this place their home...all their songs tell of diamonds in the sky. Can't even see the sky...

SLAP! Something bit one of them on the arm. A curse followed.

The Dwarf rubbed at his tired eyes. The sleep was not taking away the weariness that was now permeating his body. His hands left his face and went to smooth down his beard, even as his eyes opened.

There was something there in front of him.

Massive.

He could barely perceive it in the dark but it was there. A face? A tree? One hand clawed the ground for his axe while the other reached out into the inky blackness to ascertain that it was there.

The darkness moved.

It was as if it stood straight up and and now towered over Anar. There was a rustle of leaves, a creak of branches, a vibrating thump.

"HATHCYNNN," hissed the Dwarf, as he crab-walked backward into the camp, clumsily climbing over the sleeping form of Eomund.

The Beorning felt and heard the vibration and then the Dwarf. He stood and turned, but only the blackness of the forest could be seen.

---

:ooc: Corrected above with a campfire although it does not throw enough light out beyond the camp.

Hathcyn heard the harsh hiss of the dwarf and what sounded like the rasping call of his own name. He turned slowly, spear set upon his lap to see what it was the dwarf wanted.

The Beorning discerned the Dwarf in the faint light.

"Hathcyn, do you see it?" whispered Anar.

It was Eomund who replied, "What are you doing, Dwarf?"

Anar was still sprawled over the Rohirrim, his axe clutched in his hand.

"It is there!"

The Beorning now stood near and the remaining two were waking. "What is there?"

They all stared at the dark woods but all that could be seen were the tall tree trunks.

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 19, 2019, 06:48 AM:ooc: Going with the assumption that a campfire would be dangerous at night. Let me know if I am incorrect, and I will update my narrative above.

:ooc: It may become a question with tactical import, so are we happy to say that efforts were made to build a fire, but (unless anyone as Fire-making as a Speciality) it's too damp to get wood to do much but smoulder - there's technically a fire, but it's throwing out a lot more smoke than heat or light? 

 :ooc: i had asked earlier if Grimbeorn told us about what he had seen because it would have changed probably our standard layout.

Id say this current incident would mean that we would in the future have some mechanism for light in the future and maintain two guards.

Anar's character sheet

:ooc: When you put his stats into the Character thread, just remember that his Valour has increased to 2 and he has his fancy-pants hauberk. 

 :ooc: Paladin, I need you to make a post in the TOR characters thread with just your PC name in the body.

 :ooc: Ah yes, had to go back to see what you asked about and when... Yes he relays what he saw and his supposition of who it was.

Y

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jan 21, 2019, 01:09 PM:ooc: When you put his stats into the Character thread, just remember that his Valour has increased to 2 and he has his fancy-pants hauberk. 

This was just his original I found. I keep that in mind!

:ooc: Okay, we will go with the assumption that a smouldering fire is in a small dugout giving off a little light.

The companions are all looking at tree trunks where Anar said he saw something. Is there anything you guys want to do?

Just an FYI, Eomund will be heading back to Rhosgobel and on to his own business.

:ooc: I'm a tad unclear - are Grimbeorn and Arbogast even awake?

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 20, 2019, 05:13 PMThe Beorning tried to discern the Dwarf from the utter darkness.

"Hathcyn, do you see it?" whispered Anar.

It was Eomund who replied, "What are you doing, Dwarf?"

Anar was still sprawled over the Rohirrim, his axe clutched in his hand.

"It is there!"

The Beorning now stood near and the remaining two were waking. "What is there?"

They all stared at the darkness but all that could be seen were the tall tree trunks.

 :ooc: yes

Hathcyn had little trust in this forest, and doubted everything that it showed him as truth. He took seriously the observations of the dwarf.

"Anar, your folk are accustomed to the dark, so it was unlkiley a shadow. Little enough light comes through here as it is. Tell us what you saw."

Hathcyn stands gripping his spear in two hands and thrusting the point away from the small group.

Anar turned to Hathcyn, his face slightly aglow from the sputtering fire and looking somewhat shocked, "May my beard fall out, but I saw a tree look at me! I have seen orcs. I have seen trolls. I have even seen the accursed spiders that dwell in these woods, but it was not one of them. I would swear to it."

"Arbogast...." Hathcyn was unsettled, for he used the given name of the woodman instead of his title. In other circumstances he would have recalled that some folk, the woodman included, were relectant to hear their names thrown about.

"What devilry of the wood is this? Have you heard such a thing?"

:ooc: I edited previous posts to have a campfire burning, but still going with the idea that outside the sparse light, the wood is pitch as black.

"Stones have been said to move in this place, and trees to speak," Arbogast answers.  "In truth, I know not whether such things are true, or the product of darkness-oppressed eyes, for the Shadow lies heavy beneath these boughs.  But there is a creature that dwells within the wood, and I have seen (https://rpg.avioc.org/boards/index.php?topic=1564.msg29219#msg29219) with mine own eyes the seemings it weaves.  Shuddersome thought though it is, it may be that this creature is here, and is weaving false signs to draw us deeper into its domain." 

He shakes his head.  "My kinfolk are still lost, and I shall not turn homeward without sure sign of their fate, but we must assume that a trap is being baited and set for us." 

:ooc: Am I right in thinking that we're not moving into a combat encounter or anything at this stage?  If so, here's my next set of rolls:

Explore:


Travel:

:ooc: If we're counting these, then I'll spend a Hope point to make the Explore roll stick. 

:ooc: Yes - that encounter was narrative only and I will tell you all out of character - Anar met an Ent. Whether long lost, or an Entwife, we'll never know, but the tree-shepherd was interested to see what those that go on two legs were doing this night. Maybe, it even protected you all by its presence.  ;)

Now, back to your results.

I will roll the others Travel tests just so we can move along:

TN 18 travel by PC

:ooc: RESULTS

• Arbogast spends a :vv: and gets a :%: success and completes the prolonged action
• Arbogast fails on his Travel with an :~~: causing a HAZARD and incurring 2 fatigue

Has Arbogast's sheet been updated for the :vv: and fatigue increase? If not, I have done it - but feel free to change it back, if so.  :csu:

• Grimbeorn crushes his Travel test with a 24 :%: success
• Hathcyn fails his Travel test with a 15 and gains 2 fatigue (you can spend a :vv:, if you want to change that result, Tom)
• Anar fails his Travel test with a 10 and gains 2 fatigue.

Uneasy from the utter darkness and silence, the companions sat awake for a while until at last they felt it safe to return to sleep in pairs. Only the chirping of crickets gave them anymore challenge to find their rest.

With the coming of dawn, Hathcyn awoke to hear Arbogast pleading with another of their company. It was Eomund - the Eorling had had enough of the woods.

"Marshes and bogs? Woods that seem a greater threat than any living man I have faced? I think not. There is nothing tying me to this journey save the camaraderie that we have shared, but I must return. I will leave you folk to your wood and return to the sun bathed fields of the Vale."

"It is dangerous to go back alone, and we cannot stop our search to accompany you. Come with us - once done with this task, we can work together to get back to Rhosgobel."

Eomund stared a moment at the Fire-watcher, but then shook his head. He feared the wood, but not enough to keep him from returning...alone. "No, you do what you must, but I will return."

Grimbeorn and Hathcyn sat silent, and Anar picked at his axe-blade. The man was foolish to go it by himself, but there was no changing his mind.

They all watched as the tall Eorling grabbed up his pack and with hand on hilt, marched back the way they came. It did not take long for him to disappear from sight. Arbogast looked at Grimbeorn - the one man he knew that understood the dangers of Mirkwood - but the Beorning only shrugged. With a nod, the Fire-watcher directed the others deeper into the wood.

A day later, they found what they sought. The boat was there, half-sunk in the fast-flowing water of the Eldosa tributary. It was pressed against a web of thick roots that sank below the brown river, the torrent keeping it pinned. The companions looked all around the capsized vessel, but they saw nothing else within the roots or on the banks.

No bodies of drowned men or survivors. No sign of a camp where survivors might have hid. Nothing.

They jumped at the sudden call of "HELLO!" The cry seemed muted by the forest and somewhere a flock of birds took to wing. Arbogast looked to Anar, who  looked back. "What?" said the Dwarf. "If they live, it will let them know we are here."

The Fire-watcher's only reply was a look of scorn. Something would now know they were here.

Though it now seemed futile, Arbogast pushed them forward and the day passed into night.

Morning came and they broke camp once more. As they did, a sound softly carried through the trees, as if someone was crying - or struggled in some way. Again the sound was muted, but it revealed a definitive direction - someone was in need not far down the river.

Hathcyn shouldered his pack.

"Well, we came all this way we might as well see what fortune has set for us."

He looked at the trees and the flooded mire around them.

"Wonderful place Firewatcher. Incan almost see the charm of it. Almost. "

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 26, 2019, 03:45 PM... a sound softly carried through the trees, as if someone was crying - or struggled in some way. Again the sound was muted, but it revealed a definitive direction - someone was in need not far down the river.

The Fire-watcher stiffens, and though it is difficult to tell in the half-light beneath Mirkwood's canopy, it seems to his companions that his face goes white.  "No..." he murmurs, not seeming to realise that he speaks out loud, "not again!" 

Taking his axe in hand and unslinging his shield, he calls out to the others: "We must both make haste and be wary, for we will now learn whether we have come so far only to find ourselves deceived and in mortal peril!" 

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 26, 2019, 03:23 PM:ooc: Has Arbogast's sheet been updated for the :vv: and fatigue increase? If not, I have done it - but feel free to change it back, if so. 

I had updated the Hope, but forgot the fatigue like an idiot.  All fixed now. 

Grimbeorn is unsure of what is befalling the group, these happenings are beyond his ken.  This wood torments all who enter in different ways, all the more reason to never enter it but they have.  The Beorning follows suit with his friend and prepared for the worst.

Hathcyn grew frustrated quickly for it seems there was always some information or some hidden inowlwdge that was left out about the wood at there every turn. He calmed, this was a large place full of devilry and torment. The Woodman had lived within its eaves his whole life. Suck knowledge is not imparted in only a single trek.

"Firewatcher, what do you mean? One can better face a danger when it is less unknown. Have you seen this before?"

Hathcyn moved deliberetly while he spoke. Contrary to normal circumstances he put his traveling gear on instead of taking it off. In the wood, or if some dweomer should take them he would not be seperated from his friends and his gear. 

He stood the. Spear in hand and peered into the dark wood.

Hathcyn spoke, but Arbogast was somewhere - or some when - else.

He moved with others of his folk around him, pushing through the forest floor undergrowth and branches that hung low from above. There was something there...moving...watching...giving no tell of its presence. It hungered for their fear. It hungered for the sweet juices that made up their bodies. It hated.

The forest moved.

Arbogast put his hand to his head as the whole forest seemed to move. A path was now in front of them. Clear and straight, as if Mirkwood opened a way.

A scream to his left. A cry to his right.

The Fire-watcher saw something massive fall from above and disappear into the foliage, but with it went one of his companions. There was a terrible rush of branches and plants - brown, spindly legs with matted hair moved with preternatural speed and then they were gone. So, too, was the man or woman that had stood there before.

Spiders!

He had fought them before. He had killed them and driven them away. But never had Arbogast seen this!

The trail disappeared and in its place was a woven funnel of black threads.

"RETREAT! WE MUST AWAY!" The Fire-watcher commanded his allies to fall back. They beat at the bushes around them to make sure nothing lay hidden, as they fell back in a semi-circle.

Two more shapes fell from above and two more Woodmen disappeared.

The band of warriors ran...

"Arbogast! Have you seen this before?" again came the question, as if from a long tunnel. He turned to face the Beorning, even as Anar spoke from ahead of them, "Look! The forest opens into a path. Maybe an old Elf-trail?"

:ooc: I need everyone to make a Corruption test TN 18 as you enter this Blighted place, please, which I will roll.  ;)

Corruption
TN 18 wisdom by PC

:ooc: RESULTS

• Anar fails with a 14; gains 1 Shadow
• Arbogast fails with a 17; gains 1 Shadow (may use a :vv: to make the roll a success)
• Grimbeorn crushes the roll with a 22 :%: success
• Hathcyn fails with a 15; gains 1 Shadow (may use a :vv: to make the roll a success)

:ooc: Arbogast - having been here before, must make a Fear test TN 18

TN 18 Valour 4

:ooc: Fuck! You guys are smoking these tests!  ;D

• Arbogast succeeds with a 23 :g: :%: success; he does not succumb to the fear that tries to fill his heart

 :ooc: thats because the LM is rolling them. I'll burn  :vv: I'm not going to start down that shadow path just yet and Grimbeorn is an example to us all.

"Hold fast," he says to Anar, conveying in two words the gravity of the company's plight.  To Hathcyn he says "Indeed, I have seen this before.  Not long, in fact, before I first met you on the road to Stánford.  The path you see before you is a ruse - a stratagem set by one of the ghastlier horrors of Mirkwood.  And yet it is there we must go." 

As the colour returns to his face, he rolls his shoulders, loosening his limbs for the trials ahead.  "But we shall not go blindly, nor on the dark thing's terms."  The stare he fixes on the treacherous path ahead is hard and level.  "Gird yourselves.  And bring fire." 


:ooc: I'll take the Shadow point - it seems appropriate.  (:csu:)  Will any future Fear tests benefit from his being Hardened? 

"The wood is wet, and we have not prepared brands. You have confirmed that you know of our plight, but have offered no explanation of the danger ahead."

Hathcyn thought for a moment to blow the silver mounted goat horn he carried, but thought better of it. The wood would either swollow it or let more enemies know they were here. No friends were near to hear it.

"Firewatcher, name our foe so I may know what hunts us. And if i go to the fire of my fathers I'd know what sent me there."

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jan 28, 2019, 03:15 PM:ooc: Will any future Fear tests benefit from his being Hardened? 

 :ooc: I can see it either passing a Fear test of lesser threats, or at least reducing the difficulty by one degree.

Quote from: Telcontar on Jan 28, 2019, 03:51 PM"Firewatcher, name our foe so I may know what hunts us. And if i go to the fire of my fathers I'd know what sent me there."

"We face one of the three great spiders, ancient beyond the reckoning of Men, and perhaps even of elves, who between them are the truest rulers of Mirkwood.  I know not whether she was given a name by whatever antediluvian horror spawned her, but Men name her for Tylquin, and the Wise know her to be a great weaver of illusions and falsehoods of the eyes and mind."

Grimbeorn is enraged at what his friend says.  It's ilk has spread fear and blight and personally injured him in more ways than one.  It took all his restraint to not leave the group and face the thing head-on.

"If we cannot bring fire, then we must proceed without it, mislike it though we may.  Stay watchful, but trust nothing that you find beyond this point." 

 :ooc: I will get a post up tomorrow.

 :ooc: no worries, I'm in the middle of the polar vortex and wife has surgery tomorrow.

:ooc: Best of luck to you both, Matt.

OOC: I'm so sorry, the government shutdown had my wife and I both not working and no money to pay bill for internet. I'm back now.