The companions rode along in quiet conversation. Though their errand was urgent, they spent the time catching up on what had transpired over the last two years. Esgalwen always trying to keep the mood light, especially where Arbogast was concerned. She had not seen him so dour before.
They passed the location where the mounds marked the slain Easterlings, as a slight breeze blew from the west. There was no other marker - no names, no family marking - just strangers in a strange land. Grimbeorn urged them on, as it was his wish to make the river and camp by nightfall.
Like the sullen graves, to their south stood the dilapidated Elftower in the distance. Its prominent peak could be seen on the southern horizon. Esgalwen stared at it while they passed, her mind wondering if any truth still lay in the whispers that one of her ranger companions out of Ithilien was held captive within.
But that mystery, too, would need still wait. Their path and goal was before them - which led into the Gladden Fields. A mire of water and earth, the marshes could be a dangerous stretch of land.
As anticipated, the riders reached the bank of the Anduin River with only a splash of golden light still crowning the Misty Mountains, which now stood clearly in the west. The great barrier's jagged tops stretched both north and south.
Sliding from their saddles, they looked to make camp. "Let us not worry about comfort, this night," said Grimbeorn, "but expediency. Tomorrow we must find a way to ford the river."
The sounds of frogs, insects, and water fowl filled the air. Arbogast saw to making a fire while the other three decided on what food would be shared. They swatted at biting bugs and pulled their cloaks tighter, though the warmth of summer made it a discomfort. All agreed that sleep would be a difficult treasure to find.
When their dinner was finished, three of the company found as comfortable a spot on the ground that they could, while Grimbeorn stood the first watch.
These were dangerous lands.
:ooc: Although it is only 1 day of travel - I am rolling a Travel test for all companions to test for fatigue. (You guys rode most of yesterday, buried some dead, spent the night at a fest, and then were off in the morning for another full day's ride).
I am also rolling a random encounter die.
RANDOM ENCOUNTER by each two-hour watch periodGrimbeorn 1d12 : 12, total 12
Esgalwen 1d12 : 2, total 2
Hathcyn 1d12 : 7, total 7
Arbogast 1d12 : 11, total 11
Fatigue testTN 14 by PC:00: Arbogast 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 3d6 : 6, 5, 6, total 17
:00: Esgalwen 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 3d6 : 5, 3, 1, total 9
:00: Grimbeorn 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 4d6 : 4, 3, 1, 2, total 10
:00: Hathcyn 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 3d6 : 6, 6, 1, total 13
:ooc: Okay - none of the PC's suffer any fatigue from travel. In fact, the dice rolls were amazing.
On the other roll of Encounter, Arbogast has an :~~: result. I need to roll his awareness against the threat's stealth to see if he knows there is a threat and to gain an advantage.
ArbogastTN by opposed roll awareness 2d:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 3, total 4
EnemyTN by opposed roll 2d6+4:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 2d6+4 : 3, 2 + 4, total 9
:dmg: edge: injury:
Night passed with a cacophony of river noises, but still the companions slept.
Arbogast was nudged, and the Fire-watcher awoke to see the dark shape of Hathcyn kneeling near to him. "You're up," was all the Beorning said before he rolled on to the ground and found a comfortable place under his cloak.
The Woodman sat up and then found a perch atop a grass-topped islet - a mound of earth that had been cut around by the passing river. The embers of the fire glowed softly, but the light from them was not enough to hinder the man's night-eyes - nor was it bright enough to see by others.
Listening and watching, the remains of night began to slowly change with the oncoming daylight creating a dusky morn. All was gray around him - water, land, grass. But then his keen eyes saw darker shapes moving along their eastern bank - coming towards the camp.
Arbogast looked intently and could see the mannish shapes, though they were more squat and broad. It was the harsh tongues that groused in the ending night that confirmed his fear - orcs!
"Keep your eyes sharp, lads! The spindly one is here somewhere."
"Why do we care where the grouse went? Let him go skulking back to his eating worms and bird eggs!"
"Because the Master wants him!" came the sharp reply.
"Well he's better served with a knife in his gut! It's no orc nor man, whatever it is and quite intolerable."
"Just keep your eyes and ears open, or I will have your tongue!"
:ooc: A band of orcs is approaching your encampment coming from the south, along the eastern shore. They have not seen you guys and you currently have a surprise situation.
What does Arbogast want to do?
:ooc: Aaaaand were back!
Arbogast's Natural Watchfulness means that his normal success is upgraded to a Great one - with that, can he tell roughly how many orcs are in the group?
:ooc: He can see at least 8 shapes moving along the river - but there could be more.
Moving as swiftly as he dares, Arbogast springs to the shore, disturbing the thin morning mist that had risen from the river. He drops his woollen blanket over the coals, wincing at the slight sound of is fall. Glancing southward, he looks for the orc-shapes in the wan light...
:ooc: Stealth roll (if you need one):
:00: 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 6, total 8
... but though they still approach, they show no sign that they have marked his movements.
Keeping them in view, he moves to each of his companions, shaking them from their dreams. "Wake," he softly bids them "and to arms! We are not alone."
The leather cover was slipped from his spear head in an instant. The blade shown faintly in the night as did the eyes of Hathcyn.
The fitful slumber of Grimbeorn was disturbed more so by the intruders than by his friend. His family's weapon was in hand by instinct, breathing in the early morning air to get a sense of things.
Hathcyn went from a general alertness to danger on being woken early to a wary wrath at the discovery of Orcs. He recalled once more the way they mutilated the fallen at the steading....
Rousing from her sleep, Esgalwen saw Arbogast's urgent look and heard his whispered words.
With a nod, she moved to her gear and slid out her bow. Quickly bending and lacing its string, she then grabbed up her quiver and sword.
The Ranger moved to an advantageous spot among the tall river grass and nocked an arrow to her weapon.
:ooc: All right, everyone has given me their descriptions of preparation - but what do you wish to do. Feel free to talk in character, or out, and formulate whether we are going into combat or what. The company has the drop on the baddies.
"We should take one for information, none leave this place alive lest they arouse others nearby," says Grimbeorn in a hushed tone. He knows it won't be long before they smell them out.
With quick gestures, Arbogast sets out a simple plan. The three men will move away from the river and wait while Esgalwen conceals herself in the rushes. When she looses her first arrow, the orcs will be drawn to her, at which point her companions can attack them from behind.
:ooc: Very good! I will set up the combat thread later tonight or tomorrow.