RPG.avioc.org

:ooc: So as not to slog through a day-by-day deal of content, I am going to do every other day. I will give colorful narrative to detail what happened in the days prior. So... to recount the rules:

1) Assigning - I will assign the clans to each of you to 'control' in the thread. I give you liberty to be creative with narrate/dialogue for your athlete.
2) Naming - If not named, give your contestant a name that you like.
3) Skill - Determine their level of skill. Because this is to be the 'best of the best' taking the field to play in these contests, no contestant will be under 3 in skill rank. You will roll 1d4+2 to assign the ranks for that NPC and I will keep it logged.
4) Compete - Each contestant will make an athletics roll at their given rank and the results will be determined. A TN 14 must be achieved to even succeed at the contest. Any result under TN 14 will mean simply the contestant falls out unable to complete the game. Their could be potential side result (see below). The rolls will then be compared to see who scored the best by degree of success ( :%: ). A :g: will determine an auto-success and win unless another player rolls the same and then it will be determined by success dice results. An :~~: will mean the player has failed at the contest no matter their total score, and may have potentially harmed themselves (see below).
5) Winner - Once the rolls are made and compared, the winner will be decided and the brackets will be updated for each game - until the final winner has been decided.
6) Injuries- as in all games and sports, there can be injuries. If a contestant rolled poorly on their roll (either under TN 14 or an :~~: ), I will ask for another athletics TN 14 roll to be made. If failed, the competitor is injured badly and is out of the games. If their first roll had been an :~~: they are automatically out of the games, but if this second result is another :~~:, the player is slain in some fashion by accident.
7) Spite - Lastly, with all sporting events there can be spitefulness. When a competitor is removed, I will roll a TN 14 Valour roll (rank 3) for the clan to determine how their competitor, their team, or even the entire clan, react to the loss. If it results in an :~~:, this will mark a disastrous situation. We will roleplay out any spiteful reactions as they occur. Obviously, the primary spite will be directed towards the Toft-men and vice versa, so we will see how this works out.
8) Games - I plan on having two games being played per day.
9) Hope - Each player may sacrifice one :vv: point on a contestant, per bracket, to help them if things go poorly. If that contestant wins the entire game, you'll get all of your :vv: points back that you spent on them. The benefit will be based on the character's Heart score.
10) GM Fiat - as in all things I make up on the fly, I am allowed to adjust at need. ;) ;D Also, feel free to add any ideas of your own if you think something might work better.

:ooc: the competitions this game day is the following:

Archery, spear and caber toss with the biggest emphasis on the archery event. There will be static targets and moving targets. The moving targets will be hanging on a rope that will be drawn across a length between two posts that have a metal ring on each.

After the events will be a reciting of laws and renewal of oaths, followed by music and dance for the folk.

Let's go with a count of 2 archers from each clan, one caber toss and one spear for the brackets. The athletes can be the same for each event, if you want, but if they are injured in one they are out for the others.

We'll do Athletics for caber toss and ranged attack (spear or bow) for the other two events.

I will do generic brackets to start the event in my next post. You guys will have the same clans you had before.

WH - Woodland Hall [Tom]
WT - Woodmen-town [Tom]
BT - Black Tarn [Paul]
RL - Rhosgobel [Paul]
MH- Mountain Hall [Matt]
TC - The Carrock [Matt]
TT - The Toft/Tyrant's Hill [Doug]
SD - Sunstead [Doug]

ARCHERY

1st Bracket	2st Bracket	3rd Bracket	4th Bracket	5th Bracket (victor)
Athlete 1 (WH) Athlete 2 (WT)	Harold 4d (WT)
Athlete 3 (WH) Athlete 4 (WT)	Henga Bareleg 4d (WT)
Athlete 5 (BT) Athlete 6 (RL)	Gaelsa, daughter of Lufa 6d (RL)	Gaelsa 6d (RL)	Gaelsa 6d (RL)	Gaelsa 6d (RL) - victor
Athlete 7 (BT) Athlete 8 (RL)	Ansovald 4d (BT)
Athlete 9 (TT) Athlete 10 (SD)	Danner 6d (TT)
Athlete 11 (TT) Athlete 12 (SD)	Edager 6d (SD)	Edager 6d (SD)
Athlete 13 (MH) Athlete 14 (TC)	Jorra Three-fingers 4d (TC)	Jorra Three-fingers 4d (TC)
Athlete 15 (MH) Athlete 16 (TC)	Halla 6d (TC)	Halla 6d (TC)	Halla 6d (TC)

SPEAR/CABER TOSS the first match up in each will be spear and the second is caber toss

1st Bracket	2st Bracket	3rd Bracket	4th Bracket (victor)
Athlete 1 (WH) Athlete 2 (WT)	Arkam the Giant 6d (WH spear)
Athlete 3 (WH) Athlete 4 (WT)	Both failed qualification (caber)
Athlete 5 (BT) Athlete 6 (RL)	The Eagle 6d (RL spear)	The Eagle 6d (RL spear)	The Eagle 6d (RL spear) - victor
Athlete 7 (BT) Athlete 8 (RL)	Fridegar the Iron-bender 6d (RL caber)	Fridegar the Iron-bender 6d (RL caber) - victor
Athlete 9 (TT) Athlete 10 (SD)	Arden Vexed 3d (TT spear)
Athlete 11 (TT) Athlete 12 (SD)	Ruud 6d (TT caber)
Athlete 13 (MH) Athlete 14 (TC)	Adoc 3d (MH spear)	Adoc 3d (MH spear)
Athlete 15 (MH) Athlete 16 (TC)	Ulric 5d (TC caber)

:ooc: Re-figuring the competitors from my clans:

Black Tarn Hall
Archers



Spear thrower


Caber toss



Rhosgobel
Archers



Spear thrower


Caber toss

Woodman Hall
Archers




Spears


Caber Toss



Woodman Town
Archers




Spears


Caber Toss

Archers






Spears



Cabers

Archers
Group 1



Group 2



Spears



Cabers

:ooc: My athletes do their crazy athletics thing:

Archers
First pair



Second pair



Spear throwers



Caber toss

:ooc: I didn't specify in the rolls themselves, but the first one of each pair is from Black Tarn Hall, the second from Rhosgobel.  Narrative to follow.

 :ooc: feeling really good guys, but it is still hard to sit and type at my desk. I will have the game updated in a day or so. Feel free to embellish with narrative the results of your rolled contests and the contestants that played.

Some other stuff will be going on 'today', too, but I just need to get back to feeling comfortable and no longer have a drug-addled mind.

Thanks for the patience!

There is still dew on the grass, and a slight mist from the nearby pool in the air, as the first archers string their bows.  Many of the assembled folk are sleeping late, having celebrated their kin's various victories the evening before.  Nonetheless, enough are awake to see Gaelsa, daughter of Lufa, handily defeat her first opponent.  The contest between Ansovald of Sweartmereseld and Leudast, son of Eidast, is much closer, and it is only at the last shot that the judges award victory to the man of the Black Tarn.  As the crowd, appreciative of the show, falls to cheering, the two men exchange mutual words of respect and retire to discuss the world, a new bond of fellowship having been forged between them. 

Arbogast watches the spear-toss with no small amusement as Udele, visibly the worse for a night of drinking, is defeated with almost insulting ease by a beardless young man from the vales whom none present know by any name but 'the Eagle'.  He hurls his spear, not just with power, but with a startling accuracy, and will clearly be a great hunter when he is waxed into full manhood. 

Finally, as the afternoon wears on, Amand, brother to Amaleoda, gives a competent performance at the caber toss that fails to match the heroic effort of Frideger the Iron-bender. 

The crowd and keen interest about the new Beorning minstrel brought envy to some, yet amusement and joy to many.  Why hasn't he joined in the games some thought but the young man waved off their inquiry, "I have not proved my worth to the Lord Grimbeorn to represent the people but without a doubt love to talk of them o'er these great games."

...

"Are you ready for the tournament's recap?  It be but day 3 and yet those valiant of The Carrock show their pride with each of their achievements.  Again the Men of Mountain Hall prove their worth but still are mostly bested by their Beorning foe.  First with the caber's Ulric gave a first-rate display of his ability but evil befell the man of the Mountain, losing his grip and then balance." Doffing his hat with a moment of silence, "Suffice to say, littles, he is healing but all pray for his recovery."

Replacing his cover, the light returned to the minstrel's eyes.  "And yet... and yet! Cheer up for that was only the beginning of the day.  We turn now to spear-throwing.  Not the usual for the Men of the Carrock for their spears are long, made for two hands.  The Beorning gave his best effort, going toss for toss, coming down to the last two where he gave a bull's eye and his opponent returned one in kind.  He through his last but coming up shy, just off the center.  All eyes were on the Mountain Hold man but that pressure proved nothing for Adoc with nerves of granite as he threw his last straight and true, striking and splitting his previous throw in twain. Beorning and Holdmen alike rose in great cheer for such prowess.  Keep an eye on this one, there is greatness here."

"I know, I know.  You've come for the archers, the acolytes of the bow.  Jorra Three-fingers -- yes folks, three fingers, losing them to a giant spider in years past -- makes easy work of his foe with his personal best making the target to appear to sprout a forest about its center.  Last of the round now comes to Halla... do you know where she went?  I haven't seen her since the round.  No?  She is a shy one that girl.  All I know of her is that she came to our Lord's service barely a year ago half-starved out of the East by way of Dorwinion.  She is seen rarely and speaks even less, mostly to our lords and goes about her business.  Not much to her, barely a stripling of age with a bow more than her height, Halla trades arrows with Neleg the Seeker from Mountain Hall.  The crowd at this contest was vicious and cruel -- yes some of you were there, you know what I speak -- some clans and peoples don't take well to women bearing arms."  "We still don't!" came an anonymous cry.  "Aye, enlightened are you? They bleed and die just as any man if pierced by bolt or blade!"  Angrily, Eosca downs his drink.  "Now where was I?"

"Halla was shooting arrows against the Mountain man," came a helpful young girl.

"Aye, she was.  *Tttthhhwack!* *Tttthhhwack!* *Tttthhhwack!* went their arrows.  It was almost as though they channeled the same mind for their placement was near identical.  Down to their last arrow, Halla drew back and released.. *Tttthhhwack!* Dead center for another bull's eye.  She actually smiled with that.  All eyes were once again on a Man of Mountain Hold and all breath was held, nothing to be heard but the distant hum of the tents in the distance.  Setting himself up, he knocked the last arrow and drew it back.  But as he released, calamity befell him for his string broke and the arrow flew wildly off course.  Another great Beorning win!"

:ooc: Let me determine my competitors' skills"

Archer #9 (TT)


Archer #10 (SD)


Archer #11 (TT)


Archer #12 (SD)


Spear #9 (TT)


Spear #10 (SD)


Caber #11 (TT)


Caber #12 (SD)

:ooc: First bracket rolls for The Toft and Sunstead match-ups:

Archery
TT #9

SD #10

TT #11

SD #12


Spear-toss
TT #9

SD #10


Caber-toss
TT #11

SD #12

Ingomer watched the games with a concerned eye.

The day was light of mood, though the skies were overcast. It at least quelled the heat. But tempers were high - having been even more so the night prior. The games on the previous day were simple, but the Toft-men and those of Tyrant's Hill were making a good showing for themselves and there were many braggarts among them. This had the affect of making the other clans chafe around their opponents and it had come to fists the night before over mugs of ale.

Today was no different as again, the Toft-men knocked the other clans out of the brackets in archery and both spears and cabers. From his chair, Ingomer could hear the grumbles from the crowds...

They should not be here.

They lost their rights to stand next to us in games when they brought blood-shed to our gates.

They are not natural these men of the Sorcerer's wood. Some say that they are tainted by the Shadow!

Ingomer looked to Grimbeorn who was also quite aware of the mixed feelings of both competitor and bystander.

At the end of the field, the announcer called the matches between Sunstead and The Toft. Ruud of Tyrant's Hill had clearly out thrown his stone against Wingold of Sunstead, and it had come down to the closest of calls on whose spear had flown farthest between Arden Vex from the Toft and the east-man that had challenged him. The Toft was given the match as the Sunsteaders who had come to watch cried out in protest.

Though beaten on the south field, Edager out shot the man of the Toft, though his brother was bested by Danner of Tyrant's Hill.

"They have once more pressed out the easterners," said Ingomer to no one in particular. Only slight resentment could be heard in his voice, for these men of Sunstead were only now being accepted among the clans, but still it was causing trouble. With Sunstead out, the Toft advanced against the more indigenous clans of the Vale - and they were the ones who had suffered at the hands of the Blood-moon.

:ooc: We'll give Tom some time to get his stuff posted, but if he is too busy, I will update with the weekend.

Hall
Archers






Spear



Caber



Town
Archers






Spear



Caber

The men of Woodmen Hall and Town took their marks. The crowd was anxious as the games began to take on a greater level of intensity and competition. Today was the much vaunted archery and spear day, tools and weapons both the men of the Wood took great pride in their skill.

The anxiety of the crowd rose as the two men of WoodHall failed to hit the marks. Both the contestants and the crowd rose in fevered pitch to see two contestants in this vaunted match fail to qualify. Even their own townsfolk fell upon them as the spectators took to throwing clods of turf at the home town failures.

The men of Woodman Town faired better, shaft after shaft was sent towards the mark. Each stayed in pace with each other as arrow after arrow found its mark. The closeness of the contest between Harold and Henga of Woodman Town finally subsided the heckling the men of WoodHall had been dealt.

Harold shot his last arrow and from his spot in the line believed he had hit the smallest of marks.

"See Henga, behold how the MEN of the Vale shoot. Go back to the spinning of thread!"

He laughed and faced the crowd raising his bow cheering on the crowd.

Henga stepped to the line and paused. This caused Harold to laugh louder and point. At this Henga hiked her skirt up, the fabric up and over her belt to show her bare legs from the knee down. She now had Hathcyn's and many others full attention. The draw of the arrow and the quick movement of the string were like one motion. The arrow sped to the target hitting the mark and breaking the arrow of Harold. The crowd cheered, as the woman curtsied to her now defeated opponent.  A cry of Henga! Henga Bareleg went up from the crowd.

Next was the spear event.

Arkam of Woodhall was a giant man. Here was the hope of the Woodman Hall. He had at first come only to watch, but the poor showing of his comrades and the prompting of the crowd drew him forth.

His size was contrasted by that of Ewer, the man from Woodman Town. While the other was large and imposing, the later was small in stature, but had poise and grace of movement.

As the contest progressed the folk of Woodman Town marveled that Ewer went toss for toss with the much larger man. It took a final feat of great strength to defeat Ewer of Woodman Town, and though he lost the contest he drew the greater glory. Even in victory a gloom hung over the folk of WoodHall.

The caber toss darkened their mood further as both the contestants of Hall and Town failed to qualify.   

:ooc: Okay - I am going to get the rolls done for this day's games and then we will add some narrative/dialogue at need and get the game moving.

Archery
Harold 4d (WT) v Jorra Three-fingers 4d (TC)


Henga Bareleg 4d (WT) v Halla 6d (TC)


Gaelsa 6d (RL) v Ansovald 4d (BT)


Danner 6d (TT) v Edagar 6d (SD)

Spear
Arkam the Giant 6d (WH) v The Eagle 6d (RL)


Arden Vexed 3d (TT) v Adoc 3d (MH)



Caber -  the three remaining competitors will all go at once

Archery
Gaelsa, daughter of Lufa 6d (RL) v Jorra Three-fingers 4d (TC)


Edager 6d (SD) v Halla 6d (TC)



Spear - final bracket

Archery - final bracket

:ooc: Looks like the whole day's events go to Rhosgobel! Cool.

Narrative to follow, sometime today.

With day three of the games starting with the dawn, Grimbeorn was becoming anxious. As a chieftain of one of the clans, his presence was necessary but there were more important things to be done. It had been good to have this time relaxing and enjoying the efforts of the competitors, but he felt it was time to get back home and see to the tasks at hand.

When he and Hathcyn met once more with Arbogast, the Fire-watcher, too, seemed that there had been enough idle time. Amaleoda had let him know that she would be returning to the Tarn in two days and Arbogast wanted to pack up his family and go with her, but she had told him no.

"After the games, you are to make your plans for travel and be in Dale with the Spring."

She had given him his instructions, but the Spring of next years was a long time away. He shook his head in frustration. It was then that Grimbeorn and Hathcyn had arrived and they persuaded the Wood-man to join them along the lists to watch the archers. So far, the Carrock had made a good showing and Grimbeorn beamed with pride. The other events were looking to favor the men of the Toft and Rhosgobel.

Arbogast kissed his daughters and wife and told them to go enjoy the fairway - he and his friends were going to head to the Field of Heroes. Lindwine smiled at her husband and told him to remember that too much beer under the sun caused for terrible headaches. Arbogast laughed and promised that he would not do anything in excess.

And so they went their way.

The men walked along and chatted of the game results thus far and how the presence of the Toft was causing more tension then anticipated. There was nothing to do about it, save as leaders, to quell the protests as they arose.

"It would seem that nothing can separate you - whether it be battle of fun," a voice came from nearby, directed at the trio.

Arbogast turned to look and a beautiful smile caught his gaze - dark hair, softened by days under the sun, adorned the face. Her clothes were traveled, but they were not those she had worn when he had met her and through their perilous journeys. No - she looked rested and... clean. The immediate recognition made the Fire-watcher's face bloom into his own wide smile and he called her name...

"Esgalwen!"

There she stood among the fair-goers that passed by. She was dressed in light and dark shades of blue that reflected the colors of Dale and the mountain. Upon her cloak was pinned an interesting broach made by skilled hands - it was that of a star which cast its breadth across a mountain peak. At her hip hung her sword, Nimronyn, though its hilt and pommel had also seen the labors of a craftsman. Arbogast could see that peace was in her face and she no longer carried the hopelessness that once burdened her so.

"Hello my friends," she said. "It is truly wonderful to see you all!"

Barely before she finished her sentence, Grimbeorn had rushed over and engulfed her in a bear hug.  It was a moment or two before he put her down.  He'd not been so relieved to see his friend nor ashamed at his outburst (for him) of emotion.  "You look well.. well, well.  It has been some time since your light has shined so."

The strength of the giant Beorning took her breath as he embraced her in a hug, but she would have it no other way. Esgalwen beamed with a smile even as she struggled to take in air.

At last he lowered her to her feet and his eyes twinkled under the great mop of hair atop his head and the beard that filled his smile.

"I am well," she said and placed a hand against his cheek. "The shadow that hung on me has dispersed. The thoughts of my friends from Ithilien, of Orophin, and the terror of the cave have not left me, but I am no longer a slave to the dread."

She looked to them all, "There is so much to tell and I want to hear all about each of you. Come! Let us away to the fields to watch the events and we shall catch up."

Arbogast hangs back behind the two Beornings, letting his broad and unfeigned smile speak his feelings for him.  Nor does he rush to interrupt as Esgalwen leads the companions toward the fields.  There will be time enough for the tale of his recent days, and he has no wish to mar a moment of joyous reunion. 

When the conversation reaches a lull, however, he asks "What news is there from Dale and the North?"

The excitement bubbled from Esgalwen. She was truly a different person then what the three men remembered when she had left those few years back.

She enthusiastically listened to Grimbeorn speak of the Carrok and the House of Beorn, and how things had developed beyond the cruel winter. Little was said regarding the battle of Stoneyford, as the presence of Toft-men might create some animus within the crowds. Still, the woman read through Grimbeorn' subtle words and created the picture that was intended.

Even Hathcyn's stories of his farm and the Dwarf Road was of great interest to Esgalwen and she listened quietly, absorbing the details that were pertinent. The men could tell that her questions guided answers that might be of value to the North and Dale. Arbogast's vague, or basic contributions implied that there was something that he did not wish to discuss - a heartache, or worse - and the Gondorian did not pry. It was evident to all three men that her skills as a statesman were honed well, and that she used them masterfully.

With the Fire-watcher's question, Esgalwen smiled in answer. "Things are well to the North! Dale is growing quickly in commerce and strength and has become again a jewel of the north. Relations with the Dwarves is good and Rorin has been a boon in my ability to grow the alliance between the Kings of Dale and Erebor.

"King Bard had taken a woman of Rhovanion, Una, to be his wife - but you all know this - and their son, Prince Bain turns six this year. There will be celebrations at the end of the year, but then the city will prepare for the new spring and the Council of the North, as called by the King.

"I am here for that - to help drum up support and attendance from the clans of the Vale. King Bard sees that the union of the Vale and the alliance of Elves, Dwarves and Men are essential to our prosperity."

Esgalwen realized she had been talking too much and sounding like the statesman she now was, instead of a friend seeing boon companions. She paused with a smile and then changed tack.

"Arbogast... how fares Lindwine? Is she here? Are the children?" The Fire-watcher could see the earnest look on her face, as she spoke of his wife and kids. He remembered Esgalwen's fears of never having such things. In her current place, maybe she would be right. She continued, "And what of you Prince Bear? Is there a fetching, young lady that has wrestled your heart to her own? Please don't tell me you are here at the fair to offer yourself up to one of the many young ladies-in-waiting."

"Lindwine abides..." Arbogast pauses, considering his words, "well enough, as do the twins.  But it has been a cruel winter indeed for my family."

He tells the story of Wilone's murder in spare words, and finds as he does that he is becoming numb to the pain that the recitation, delivered in similar terms to distant kin, and more recently to the two Beornings, once brought.  It now pains him barely more than does seeing the growing expression of horror and grief on Esgalwen's face.  In the end, his tale stumbles to a halt. 

"But enough," he says.  "Since that day, the stars have kept turning and my broken heart has kept beating, perverse though it still seems.  The Shadow continues to wax in large ways and in small, and I have many days still to see out before my duty to my people, and to my friends, may be discharged."

Hathcyn was glum, "the shadows touch leaves deep bruises wherever it's fingers find purchase and long does its wounds sting, but there is ale and sunshine and ways and means for a man to prosper yet."

Grimbeorn bristles slightly at Esgalwen's questions, teasing though they are.  "I remain unattached as ever.  There has been the notion I put myself out there," eyeing the other two there, "but I will not.  There are other matters more pressing; it is not my time.  Yet I agree with the King of Dale, we should do what we can to strengthen our bonds of kin- and comradeship. Much has been gained thus far and more will in the coming years."

Hathcyn smiled, "well then have a care Wolfslayer, for should my cattle prosper and the Dwarf road bring me fortune I'll make Aestid my own wife. If you will not take her then I will gladly. A proud, beautiful, and strong woman with a Chieftain as a father will make a good wife for you, and if I manage it, a better one for me."

"Then go with my blessing *if* the lady will have you," replied Grimbeorn.  "I'm afraid such a union with me may actually incite renewed retaliation from the Viglundings.  My station and how I carry it, I'm afraid, has widespread consequences for not just our people but all the peoples here."

Relieved that the conversation has turned away from his affairs, Arbogast seizes on the new topic. "And what news is there of Viglund and his folk?  The threat of war looks ever larger there, it seems, and precious few travellers bring their tales to the ears of the Woodmen."

Esgalwen shook her head, "I have heard little of the Vale since I left."

And so, instead, all eyes turned to Grimbeorn.

---

:ooc: Matt, I turn this over to you and give creative license to tell us what is happening with the Viglundings.

Remember - their hall was burnt, the slaves freed, and his daughter taken. Final fact is they are still kinfolk to the Beornings.

With all of that, I give you the freedom to define what the relationship is right now between the two folk. I will build our story on what you tell us. Be as detailed as you like - if you decide to take the easy way out and be very cryptic that is fine, too, but either way I will work with what you give.

:ooc: Hey guys looking back through the story, I can see where this conversation has been brushed on before and I don't want us to have to go round in circles with details.

Matt - give us what you want to define the relationship and we will make it short and sweet.

I am going to post either tonight or tomorrow the end of this scene and bring us into Day 5.

 :ooc: i was interested in the player contribution of where this is at. Seems appropriate for where we are at.

:ooc: Sorry - probably my fault for not checking more thoroughly.

:ooc: I agree, Tom, and it is totally cool, Paul.

We can keep the thread going. I just didn't want you guys out there thinking we keep recirculating the same conversations. Granted, I just did it with Esgalwen and Arbogast, but it seemed the natural flow of things.

So - forget my post above! I am fine with the conversation keeping a natural progression. I just don't want you guys to be scratching your heads and thinking, "Didn't we just do this?"

 ;D

"The Vigs are still recovering.  Not to say they haven't continued to harry our people's but some have also accepted our aid and even come to us for a better life; there are even a few here. Aestid has been integral helping those that come to us.  Otherwise, progress has been made on the road. The land and it's people continue to recover from other incursions and the hard seasons.  Now you find us here."

Grimbeorn was thorough in his discussion of the lands north of The Carrock and the others listened with silent attention, only interrupting to ask the occasional question.

When that part of their conversation ended, the topic of the last winter and the trek into the forest was brought up. They spoke long on the ghost hall and the boldness of the spiders, but soon this grew old, too. Their attention and banter turned instead to the more enjoyable activities around them. They found a place to sit near the archery range and watched as the competitors matched skills. There were many times that what looked like a win was suddenly thwarted by an underdog archer who placed the better shot. Each time this occurred, the crowds either grumbled with disappointment or burst into a raucous cheer.

The quartet of friends enjoyed picking their expected champion, laying minor wages, and then getting the opportunity to exploit some pleasant razzing of the loser. Arbogast smiled to see his large Beorning friend swell with pride at the presentation of his kinfolk. The young scion stood and called out Huzzahs with each well-placed shot of Jorra and Halla, hoisting his cup high and splashing foam as he did.

The Fire-watcher could not help but give an inward smile as the large man deflated when first Jorra was bested and then finally Halla, too, submitted defeat. The day went to the folk of Rhosgobel. Esgalwen laughed with each verbal prod at Grimbeorn's pride, until at last she gave an apology for going too far - Grimbeorn standing and storming off to find another ale.

When he returned. "Forgive me, Grimbeorn," smiled the woman. "May you find comfort in the cup, but still your people did well."

A pull on his ale and a grumble was all he gave in reply and the other three laughed.

Arbogast stood, "I must away. Lindwine is somewhere with the children and the day grows old. I am sure her patience with me has also met its limit." He gave Esgalwen a hug, "It is good to see you, dear friend! It pleases my heart to have all together once more."

"Tell your wife it was me that kept you busy for the day, Arbogast, and let her know that I will come find her tomorrow to see her and the children. I miss her beautiful smile and seeing her strength of body, mind and heart."

With Arbogast gone, the three companions gave idle attention to the last two games, but Grimbeorn's mood could not be changed. It was not long before they, too, stood and gave their goodbyes for the evening and went their own ways.

Day three of the games was over. Already the totems of games past were being dropped and the new - of clans who were champions - were being cut, painted and raised.

The sound of handaxes chopping wood went well into the night.

This day, even the ever-bright Eosca was muted and deigned to give much of a day's review. Though the Carrock's representation was acquitted themselves well, still no champion has yet to be crowned.  Fear not though for thishere is still more left to the games.

Hathcyn grew silent and reserved when the topic changed to ghost hall. He said little and offered less. The conversation left him as glum as his Chieftain.

Hathcyn caught up with his Woodman friend later in the evening.


"Arbogast, I near forgot, your friend the half-man sends his greetings. I saw him for but a moment at Beorn's Hall before our departure. We spoke of news and events, that little fellow will talk and talk, but he is surprisingly well informed. We have heard news that the River continues to turn against your folk."

"Well your little friend has been busy at work and has raised a queer hall of his own in the rolling hills, part of it above and part below ground.  Though he be small it seems the land itself responded to his touch and he tames and cultivates it with ease. Several others of his folk are there. I believe the Halflings of the burned down Inn have settled with him, as have several Beornings. He told me to tell you he has a place for you, and should you wish it, space enough for you and your family as well.

:ooc: that was cool!

"Alas," Arbogast says, "that I should have neglected a great friend so!  Greatly would I have valued his learned conversation over the winter, for it seems he knows of half the world.  Nor, I think, would his simple words of comfort in hard times have fallen upon barren ground." 

He smiles.  "Know, Longspear, that your words have stirred me to action.  Having come this far, it would seem churlish not to bring my family the rest of the way, to call at the strange hall you describe!"