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:ooc:  It's a Fellowship Phase again!  After the reasonably short adventure just gone, everyone earns eight XP and every last AP that's marked off on your sheets.  Nota bene: this includes the bonus XP you earned during the last adventure for toppling the evil stone and such. 

In addition, for seeing a vision of one of the Valar, every member of the Fellowship not only fully refreshes their Hope score but in fact increases it by a point.  Generous are the powers to those that defend the light.

Tom and Matt, feel free to collaborate on how the Beornings react to the passing of their namesake - do the thegns get all grumpy and fractious?  Do the magical animals at Beorn's house stick around?  The Viglundings probably hear the news as well, though probably too late to mount a campaign southward, so they probably get stuck into some serious raiding action. 

This is a year-end phase.  The next Adventuring Phase will kick off sometime in 2960.

:ooc: Well, I suppose someone should kick things off here.  Arbogast has somehow racked up 32 XP and 10 AP, of which he'll bank the latter.  He'll spend 26 XP to raise his Wisdom to six (!) and take the Resilience mastery, raising his maximum Endurance to 28.  I feel like he possibly should have done this much earlier in his career. 

The Holding rating for the Forest Road, for anyone who's using it, lowers to six this year as trade along it continues to pick up. 

Holding roll:


Weal and Woe:

:ooc: To save everyone the trouble, I've adjusted the Hope, XP and AP scores on everyone's sheets.

Ok so the Tavern roll is tied to the Road Roll for me.

I also need to adjust my character sheet. From the last fellowship phase I should have spent treasure and gone up to standing 3.

Im also trying to nug through some Beorning flavor text for all that has happened.

:ooc:
Gwaithlim
XP: 8 -6 (Spears 1->2)
AP: 6 -6 (Inspire 1, Riddle 1)

Undertaking: Write a Song
-- Song TN 14 - Sacrifice Upon the Mountain, of Beorn and the Bear
TN -2 Traditional, follows the same mode in the lay of the Fall of Gondolin, particularly in describing the flight into the mountains
TN -2 Thematic, song of remembrance of heroes fallen
I didn't employ the "Elvish" modifier as he is an elf, figured a comparable one would apply if he were to do a translation in Westron/Common.

If this doesn't work the first time around, he will continue later.
 :00:

btw, the Fatigue and Endurance, are they recovered?

 :ooc: well screw you fate

:ooc: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Matt, but non-favoured skills take 4 AP per level - you can improve Inspire or Riddle, but not both. 

Also it's nice to see someone else making use of the song-writing undertaking.  Re the 'Elvish' modifier, I see it as not just being about overcoming a language barrier but harnessing some minor magic inherent in the form, hence why they're more effective.  Doug might have another view here.  In any case, since it's Traditional and Thematic, it can't also be Elvish. 

We're in a year-end phase, so Gwaithlim gets another Undertaking.  Consider it a consolation prize for an unlucky roll. 

As for Endurance and fatigue, consider them both fully recovered. 

Cow herd holding roll

Weal and Woe Roll

Weal and Woe roll may be made by all PCs

• 1-2 A Grim year [see page 135 of the Adventurer's Companion Guide for results]
• 3-5 The Quiet of the World/Burdens [see page 135 of the Adventurer's Companion Guide for results]
• 6-8 Blessings/Well Guided and Well Guarded [see page 136 of the Adventurer's Companion Guide for results]
• 9-10 A Worthy year [see page 136 of the Adventurer's Companion Guide for results]
•  or  Life-changing Events [see page 136 of the Adventurer's Companion Guide for results]

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 28, 2022, 05:38 PM:ooc: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Matt, but non-favoured skills take 4 AP per level - you can improve Inspire or Riddle, but not both. 

Ok, I found the Weapon Skill/Valour/Wisdom table couldn't find the Common skill progression in Rivendell (or I'm blind).

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 28, 2022, 05:38 PMAlso it's nice to see someone else making use of the song-writing undertaking.  Re the 'Elvish' modifier, I see it as not just being about overcoming a language barrier but harnessing some minor magic inherent in the form, hence why they're more effective.  Doug might have another view here.  In any case, since it's Traditional and Thematic, it can't also be Elvish.

I'm fine with that too if its in the Common tongue (more appropriate any way).
 

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 28, 2022, 05:38 PMWe're in a year-end phase, so Gwaithlim gets another Undertaking.  Consider it a consolation prize for an unlucky roll. 

As for Endurance and fatigue, consider them both fully recovered. 

Ok, thanks... and I need to roll Weal/Woe too.

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Nov 29, 2022, 04:22 AM

Quote from: Eclecticon on Nov 28, 2022, 05:38 PM:ooc: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Matt, but non-favoured skills take 4 AP per level - you can improve Inspire or Riddle, but not both. 

Ok, I found the Weapon Skill/Valour/Wisdom table couldn't find the Common skill progression in Rivendell (or I'm blind).

The Weapons/Wisdom/Valour table is different than the common cultures and is in the Rivendell book. To spend AP and increase skills, you need to look in the Core revised rules page 195.

I will update soon with my post for Esgalwen.

In case you are unaware from previous posts, Paul needs to take a break for a while from Loremaster and I will be picking up the task. I am doing some work on where we are in the Darkening of Mirkwood book - what parts we have to do, what we ignored, and what we can or cannot ignore (or at least change to our tale).

Between that and running a Tuesday and Thursday night live games, and Christmas prep in full swing, I am a little backlogged. So be prepared for at least a week (and maybe a bit longer) before I have our new Chapter post up and running.

Not a problem, Doug.  It's nice to linger over the Fellowship phase in any case.

 :ooc:
1. Fixed the skills and updated remaining AP
2. Addressed the song above, will try next time.  2nd Undertaking: Befriend the Beasts - Learn Beast-speech (Birds)
3. :00:

Quote9-10 – A Worthy Year
A loved one recovers from a lingering malady. The hero is forewarned of treachery or deceit. The character's efforts on behalf of their folk are taken up in song. Gifts or rewards totalling 6 Treasure points are given to the character. The character is 'adopted' by a particularly clever beast. One of the hero's holdings is significantly improved in some way, increasing its value.

• The hero provides 1 additional point to the Fellowship pool for the length of the following Adventuring phase.
• Alternatively, if the hero has a holding, he may choose to roll the Feat die twice keeping the best result on the next Holding Upkeep roll.

Well I would go for that Treasure, but what does an elf need treasure for? hehe
Actually, "being 'adopted' by a particularly clever beast" makes sense with his learning bird-speech, though doesn't go so far as the effect of "Befriend a <beast>" undertaking. I'll have a narrative of this soon (inability to complete his song, taking up with the animal companions in the House of Beorn, learning the bird-speech as inspiration, a nightingale takes especial interest in him)

:ooc: Arbogast's Undertakings are:
1) Patrol the Wild (TDoM p 58 - basically gives him an extra benefit from his Mirkwood Lore speciality in the next adventure) and
2) Confer with Radagast the Brown (buy his next Explore or Lore rank at half price).

Tom, if you haven't chosen Undertakings for Hathcyn yet, might I recommend that he go see a lore-master (e.g. Balin)?   

Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Nov 30, 2022, 04:29 AMWell I would go for that Treasure, but what does an elf need treasure for? hehe

Remember Standing!  Unless you want to backslide with your reputation among your own people by spending too much time away (as they see it) Treasure is useful.  I'm not saying that your nightingale idea isn't cool, but keep that in mind. 

EDIT: moving away from pure game mechanics, remember that the High Elves in particular have left shiny trinkets all over the place as one homely house after another has been lost, and that many of them have sentimental value.  Also, elves of all stripes still have jewellers who need precious metals and gems to practice their craft.  Thranduil's folk love their white and green gems, f'rex. 

The journey back to vales was a long, somber one.  The companions were quiet, contemplating this whole journey and all they had seen.  The events that transpired had a profound impact even on the elf, for he had only known the lands of Middle-earth and having not yet seen the Undying Lands himself.  As they traveled, the song of the mountains and sacrifice kept running through his head in a way but in an altered fashion where Beorn and his story now comes into it. This feeling was new to him for he was no minstrel of Elrond's courts yet he had this urge to pen the story of this man and his story.  The narrative ran through his head but committing it to pen and prose proved more challenging than he though.

Upon the return the House of Beorn, as it would thence on be known, the companions took their friend aside and in turn told the story of the events that they experienced.  The story woven spoke of the travails with trolls, the menace of the mountain, and the hallowed encounter of the Huntsman of the Valar.  Grimbeorn remained silent through it all, no questions asked nor comments made.  Once complete, he bowed his head and wept the tears of loneliness and brokenheartedness that only a child can feel at the loss of a parent.  The room was quiet.

Then low it came with a deep bass rhythm, and louder it grew.  A melody and rhyme in an ancient tongue that none recall but only as a song of sung by the old bear at the death of his wife years ago and now his son gives it voice.  Low and dark it rumbled, deep and throaty.  High it ran with power and nobility.  Though none knew the words, it brought visions of life and love, battle and glory, struggle and victory.  When he looked up again, all eyes were on him and the tears had dried and a smile was upon his face.  "I didn't know if I'd remember that song," he said.  "So passes Beorn the Skinchanger, scurge and protector.  You have done me and my house great honor to be with him.  We will forever speak of him with fondness and continue his purpose of seeking peace within these lands, no doubt not without thanks to you and your continued efforts.
 Tonight we will feast to his memory but tomorrow we return to his purpose that is now ours."

Great was the merrymaking and many speeches given in honor and memory of Beorn that night, but even before that word spread like fire at the loss of the great man.  The animals spread the news where the birds chirped and squirrels chittered, where a hawk hunting over the edges of Mirkwood heard and went at speed to the halls of Thranduil with the news and the lamps were lit in memory.  Further on Elf spoke to Man down the River Running and spread from Man to Dwarf upon reaching Dale then Erebor.  All remembered the appearance of the great bear years ago.  Horns blew in the city and dwarven voices were raised in a dirge and mugs raised in toast for their memory is both long for foe and friend alike.

Man told Man, Man told Dwarf. Dwarf told Dwarf and Dwarf told Man and Halfling west of the mountains.  Soon word traveled from Bree to Buckland and Buckland on to Bywater.  Bilbo Baggins happened to be at the Green Dragon for a pint when some dwarves arrived coming from the East towards the Blue Mountains. Curious of course for news, he struck up a conversation with them about their travels -- where they come from, where they were going, how faired the King Under the Mountain and such.  These dwarves impressed at his knowledge of the lands beyond finally realized with whom they were speaking as soon as he gave his name.  As the conversation progressed and a few more ales were tipped back, other news came with the death of Beorn.  The tale told of his passing had long been stretched between there and the White Mountains after so many retellings but the hobbit was shrewd nonetheless seeing through most of the tall bits.  This the dwarves could see though saddened Bilbo.  He finished his draught with as much of his famous courtesy could muster and offered to pay for the drinks where his money was flatly refused.  On his walk home, he pondered his time, brief though it seemed with Beorn.  Memories came back of bees and horses and the great man walking beside them all from Erebor back to his home.  Upon his return to Bagshot Row, he thought he should put on a kettle and a light snack before bed.  Once the pot began to whistle, he poured himself a cup with a generous dollop of honey and nibble a honey-cake before turning in for the night.  No better a tribute he could he think for such a man who made such an impression on this small fellow.

- - -
Gwaithlim though struggled with the song and rhyme in his head that he ventured into the gardens of Beorn seeking some quiet contemplation.  As dusk came on nightingales brought their sweet music to the fields and trees.  One in particular fluttered down to observe the odd sight of an elf in these lands, no less hiding amongst the gardens.  His curiosity piqued with the song also the elf sang.  Like many things elvish, they leave an imprint on the world around them even from ages past -- in this case, ages upon ages, for nightingales were the inspiration of Luthien and since have sought out the fairest for their kindness and gentleness and love of music.  This elf here intrigued the bird for he struggled with a song and after a moment's listening understood its meaning.  Like all other animals in the area, they had come love Beorn and his family.  This bird though was young and a bit cheeky as he tried to help the elf with his song, butting in with his own suggestions of melody.  The elf cocked an eye to the songbird and smiled.  "You too?  I thought I was enough a critic.  You have given me more than one thing to think about, young one.  Good evening."

Though his kind had affinity for all creatures, not many could speak with them.  This was a lore known to few, mortal or immortal.  So inspired by his encounter the previous night, Gwaithlim sought out Beorn when he wasn't deep in counsel.  "I wish to learn the speech of birds, can you teach me?"
"Which is it that you seek?  Their language is different among each kind that I may not be able to help you."  The elf recounted his evening in the gardens.  "Ah, I cannot help you with that one, my voice is not so fair to them -- they tend to flit off or cover their heads with their wings when I try.  Seek out Halla, she lives nearby.  She is known for her mastery of bird-speech and has many feathered friends."  With a bow of gratitude the elf was off.

The elf's approach was silent and the chattering birds were not, so when he called out to her, Halla was startled nearly out of her wits.  "I apologize but Beorn said you may be able to help me."

"I am confused, sir, but what may I do to help an elf of all people?"

"He said you were well-known in bird lore and speech and I am seeking help and inspiration from the nightingales."

"Oh, are you?" she chuckles. "You know as well as I that they are a flighty bunch.  But I can tell you my secrets for they aren't many.  Prepare yourself now though, once you learn it, you might wish you hadn't.  Not only are they wonderful at song, they are some of the worst gossips."

:ooc: Esgalwen's upgrades:

• She spends 21 EP to increase her longsword to 5 and banks the remaining 3
• She spends 9 AP to increase her song skill to 3 and banks the remaining 2

Although she still has a place of honor within Dale, I am not going to make any kind of Holding roll for her.

Her Weal & Woe roll:


*Last Fellowship, Esgalwen had a really good Weal and Woe roll that would be tied to her meeting someone from west of the Misty Mountains, per Paul. I am going to see if I can entwine that in this new chapter.

:ooc: Her Weal/Woe result is mixed based on whether we consider her "At home", so I am going to interpret this into her Fellowship phase.

Undertakings (I am working on this now).

The way home from the House of Beorn is easy, the Eaves of Mirkwood still holding their summer brightness, and it is in a thoughtful mood that Arbogast arrives home once again.  He accepts the embraces of Lindwine, Lafwyne and Cyffa with a broad grin, and his face does not fall far when he recounts the tale of the passing of Beorn, for it carries with it the message that great and hidden powers besides the Enemy are yet at work in Middle-Earth, and lend their subtle aid to the Free Peoples when they may. 

As the summer passes and the hard work of planting is set aside, the builders and woodwrights of Black Tarn Hall bend their backs raising the tower that will be their people's redoubt.  The Fire-watcher, of little use for such skilled work, sets himself instead to leading small bands of impetuous young warriors on forays and patrols on the outskirts of his people's territory.  More than one band of orcs, ranging no doubt from the black fastness to the south, do they accost and drive away, and Arbogast cannot help but wonder aloud that the shield once provided by the Men of Tyrant's Hill appears to have been shattered.  Or perhaps, he thinks, simply withdrawn from those who have earned its master's ire. 

As the leaves of the forest change from deep green to dazzling red and summer withdraws from the world, so to do the warriors' venturings lessen in number and in depth as the work of the harvest and gleaning, in which any hand that can hold a sickle is needed.  In these days, Arbogast keeps up a correspondence with Radagast as long as there are birds to carry messages between the two, the Wizard's replies to his ill-formed scratchings provoking ever more and deeper musings as he stares at the hearth-fire of Sweartmereseld long into the night. 

Come the cold of winter and the freezing of the Black Tarn, Lindwine leads her daughters as they dance, sure-footed and splendid, upon the ice.  Above them, the tower now rises high and strong above a stout pier, though the sound of hammering can still be heard from within as the woodwrights wear out their gloves at their work inside, shielded by walls of thick wood from the eastern wind.  The sight and the sounds ease his heart, for though neither the muster of swine nor the lambing season have been quite as fruitful as was hoped, both are plentiful enough to feed the Woodmen through the winter, and the fishing has been excellent.  Together with the new defences, Black Tarn Hall is at last growing to match the dreams of he, Amaleoda and all the others who laboured a dozen years ago to raise it from its meagre beginnings. 

Spring brings the thaw, and much news of far-away places accompanies the swelling waters of the Dusky River.  From Rhosgobel, going abroad in the guise of a marten to travel swiftly through the trees, comes Radagast.  To the folk of the Tarn he brings the tale of the death of Ingomer Axe-breaker, elder of Woodland Hall and thrice War-leader of the Woodmen.  "No blade of the enemy claimed him, in the end," the Wizard announces, sorrow at the passing of a once-hero plain in his voice, "nor did a beast of the wild strike him down, nor did he waste away by illness.  It was, in fact, a rather sudden collapse at a midwinter feast, felled by a bone caught in his throat." 

Not long upon the heels of Radagast's coming and going comes Rorin Roadmaker, his well-braided beard, ringed fingers and growing paunch telling more than a dozen minstrels of the prosperity brought by the long labours of the Dwarves, and the Fellowship of the Helm, to re-establish the Forest Road.  He has come, he says, not just to see once again his friend of old but with a promise of silver and gold for warriors willing to raise their weapons on behalf of the Roadwarden.  "For something odd is afoot with the Elves of the Woodland Realm," he says.  "More and more children have been lured into Mirkwood, and some have never returned.  The merchants of Dale and Esgaroth, not to mention my own folk, value the presence of hearty Men whose wood-cunning matches those of Thranduil's folk." 

His last news comes from much closer to hand, for one cool night in March Lindwine wakes him from his slumber and takes his hand, placing it upon her belly.  "She is quickening," she says with a smile he can see even in the light of the hearth's last embers.  "Do you feel it?" 

He waits for a short while, and is rewarded by an unmistakable stirring within her.  "He will be strong," he says, "like his sisters." 

"She will be strong." 

"Oh hush." 

 :ooc: Just want to be sure I have done all my updates leading into the next adventure.

Im Slacking

:ooc: Take your time, guys.

I am seriously bogged down at my end, so it is going to be a bit. Just an idea of what is going on:

1) my father had hip replacement surgery, so my brothers and sister and I are all bouncing back and forth to help him and my mother, who is suffering from dementia.
2) the Christmas Holiday season is filled with EVERY kind of activity you can imagine this year.
3) no excuse, but I also am running two live games on Roll20
4) I am sure there is more I can blame, but I can't think of it at the moment.

It might be that we have a game hiatus until the beginning of the new year, but I will try to not let that happen.

 :ooc: No worries, in the same boat which is why i asked to see if I forgot to do any expected character maintenance.

:ooc: Yep, same here.  I'm two weeks into a new job with family members' mental and physical health to manage and all manner of Christmas shit to get organised.  Take your time, everyone!

:ooc: Just a quick update to save everyone else the trouble of looking through the thread:
- Gwaithlim and Arbogast are all done and dusted
- Esgalwen needs some Undertakings and end-of-year narrative
- Hathcyn needs the above, and to spend his AP and XP. 

In case I don't get a chance, I hope everyone has a great Christmas, enjoys the company of family and friends, over-indulges in a socially acceptable way and generally feels refreshed by the new year. 

Im still alive. I'll get to this eventually.

I am there with you, Tom!

:ooc: No rush at all.  Let's all give it until the new year, rather than bust a gut to write something here when we have more pressing priorities. 

Spending 6 AP points for stealth 2.
Not spending XP

Undertakings
Guard the Old Ford (Guard the Forest Gate area)
Befreind the Beasts. (Hathcyn will learn the speech of dogs as the his hound friend in the house of Beorn comes to live with him after the old bears passing.

Busy Days gain 5 treasure

:ooc: Allow me to call us back to order, after a longer than average hiatus.  We're still awaiting end-of-year narration from Doug and Tom, but that can wait for the moment.  I'll start the next chapter off and we can finish these matters as and when time allows.

The change began with the bees. The hives were all a stir and the thrumming of the drones created a cacophony of sound to a much greater distance than usual. This was not the buzzing of the slow steady labor of the creatures, but the sound of turmoil. All the signs pointed towards a  swarm, but none of the reasons or problems were present.

Grimbeorn called up all of his apiary skill and even summoned the oldest and most skilled in the craft. After coaxing and working their skill, and with the assistance of the elf to affect all things of the natural world the crisis was averted. Without bees there were no honey cakes and how could the house of Grimbeorn exist without them?

Hathcyn heard rumors at the forest gate that events were not bad, but they were not good either. Receiving mixed rumors at his hone he decided to make his way to Grimbeorn and see for himself what was passing. The grumbling of thane's was a thing expected during any change of power, but the issues seemed deeper, like the fabric was unraveling instead of being torn, the fibers spun out and coming apart. The pattern of their lives was changing and the threads needed to be bound or rewoven.

The hall was full of men when Hathcyn arrived. Thane's or their sons, or those that aspired to the title, came and went speaking with the son of Beorn. He sat on a great chair hearing and listening. For one who had traveled greatly with the great bear of a man he knew the strain it placed upon him to listen and speak. He pondered more and spoke plain but less direct than he had during their long journeys.

Then Hathcyn noted that hall was different. The animals, who once were almost man like were fewer in number. The smaller creatures were nowhere to be found and even the larger ones seemed fewer in number. At this Hathcyn set out to find his friend Sardoc the hound. He found him gnawing a joint in a quiet remote place of the hall.

"Sardoc, my old friend." He reached and scratched the hound. The beast looked at the man dropping the bone and and Hathcyn understood but a few words of his greetings.  He frowned and asked again this time he understood more but the easy speech they once shared now took all of his concentration.

"The ears of men change. I stay the same. The bear has passed the bridge between man and not-man. Men see only beasts now, and they get what they expect to see."

Hathcyn was worried. "You are my friend and it is sore to loose you."

"We must change your ears, there is perhaps time enough for me to teach you."

"How did this happen?"

"The will of the bear, his nature as both man and not-man was the link. Men here forget us and so they no longer hear us. We no longer hear each other. The words of the badger are now strange to me, the birds meaningless. Our nature's overcome what was."

"How can I make my ears hear?"

"I can teach you the way of hounds, but each is to their own again."

"I will learn and you shall come with me. Come to my hall and you will have a place of honor."

"Rathcyn, I will come. I miss Aestid and would see her pups when she has them."

Hathcyn laughed. "Then we shall have a measure of joy still though an age is passing."

Hathcyn spoke to Grimbeorn and shared what he had learned from Sardoc. He then remained for awhile and helped him with the troubles of men. The sundering of the animals was sad, but the sundering and joining of men was foremost in their minds. Again and again talk turned to the Vigs and the Hill. One was a foe and the other an uncomfortable neighbor with unclear intentions.

"I'm afraid I can not bring you peace with my wife-father Wolfslayer. There are some there would honor Aestid and myself, but not all. Some have come to live with us and I would be a fool to think that all are loyal to us. He has eyes on me, and truthfully I have perhaps some on him. The raiding will pick up but perhaps not spill to war. Either way, the we must settle at least one of these issues the lids wont remain on the pots long when the water boils."

They could come to no answer and as his own cares called, smaller perhaps but no less pressing, the Foresthelm took his leave and with him went the hound Sardoc. Those on the road that met them never saw a man and a dog so seemingly carrying on as true companions until they came to the Fox's Tale and their friendship become of the fireside tales that was told and grew along the forest road. 

:ooc: Man, that was worth the wait.

Esgalwen's Undertakings
Each require a roll, so they are rolled in order:

Guard the Old Ford


Collect Marsh Herbs (assuming that the Anduin river bank would offer the same opportunity as Laketown's marshes)

Results:

:g: - I get a Chance Meeting with a potential Patron of note or other prominent individual. I gain 3 bonus dice to use in any encounter with that person and may later take them on as a patron.

2 - I find Reedmace. By boiling it down into a salve, all of my Healing roll TN's made during the new adventure phase are reduced by -4.

Awesome stuff!

I will have my Fellowship Phase post up in a bit and it will include narrative of these undertakings.

Quote from: Eclecticon on Jan 16, 2023, 02:11 AM:ooc: Man, that was worth the wait.

Wasnt quite where I wanted it, but I wanted to at least get something in the record and not dither anymore.

 :ooc: i reread my own post.....😂 as a reminder I am mostly educated and speak English as my native tongue. My typing and posting on the phone and my brain moving faster than my fingers are usually the culprit for my garbled transmissions.

The journey out of the mountains left Esgalwen wandering once more within her memories. Always were the quiet times between action that the woman found herself straying to her home far away.

Perhaps it was the mountains.

Perhaps it was the passing of Beorn, sire of her dear friend and a boon patron these many years.

Needless to say, Esgalwen could not break her long gazes at the peaks of the Misty Mountains. Their march down from the heights was arduous, just as was the climb, but less fraught with danger. The green, forested foothills came closer with each day's hike and soon they walked within the hush of evergreens. Beyond this, the expanse of the Anduin Vale stretched out before their eyes and the thin, greenish-brown vein of the river was plain to see. So, too, was the Carrock and the Old Ford, as was the Dwarf-road that ran off to the dark green of Mirkwood.

And so, upon their arrival at the gurgling river's edge, at the ancient ford, Esgalwen spoke to her friends where they camped. "I know you all have homes and tasks of your own that you each shall seek, but I feel that my journey will end here for a while."

"Here? At the river?" asked Arbogast. The Fire-watcher was not concerned, only interested as to why the lady would not continue on with them.

"Yes," smiled Esgalwen and her face had a hint of the younger woman she once was. The cares and worries that had hung on her for so long, since the Battle of Stánford, were less. "I feel at home here and it soothes my soul. And so I will abide along this river's edge, if but for a while." The Ranger pointed to the ford and its small barracks where a few Beornings and Woodmen kept their watch. "I will serve with these men for the spring months and enjoy both the river and mountains. Though you have not seen it, it reminds me of Ithilien back home and I am at peace. I will mourn here the passing of Beorn - our friend and patron - and hopefully some of the shadow that haunts my heart will diminish."

Arbogast smiled back at her and looked deep into her eyes. Esgalwen was fair to behold, even covered with grime as she was, and he flushed. His heart was true to Lindwine, but the beauty of the Dúnadan woman struck him.

Had he never truly seen it before?

He dismissed the interruption of his thoughts, "As you wish, Lady. I am certain that you will prove yourself worthier than all the men that serve this ford. When will see you again?"

"I don't know," she answered idly. "I am certain that we shall all see each other again soon when some new urgent need arises. That has been our wont."

To this, each member of the company nodded and the subject soon changed. With the dawn, Arbogast, Hathcyn and Gwaithlim each said their goodbyes, and then began the task of crossing the river and seeing themselves off to their own paths. Esgalwen watched them until they disappeared from her sight and then grabbed up her things and moved to where the men stationed here kept watch.

Though they did not scorn her offer to aid, it was evident that they did not see the value of a woman in this duty - but that soon changed.

The Blood of Númenor ran through her and Esgalwen's strengths soon became apparent. She was keen with bow and aided in the gathering of food. Her eyes were good, and she speared many a fish, as well as gathered many edible river plants and herbs. Her renown with the Men of the Vale could not be dismissed and with each traveler that crossed the ford, some new her and many were the tales of the Company of the Helm around the river camps. Within weeks, Esgalwen was one among the watch of the Old Ford, and all were better for it.

The harsher months of winter passed and spring at last began to color the landscape. The river surged from snowmelts, but still the ford was busy. The Men of Mountain Hall began bringing their wares from the mountain as soon as the passes were clear. Their larders were still full of purchased grain and fruits, from the previous Fall's reaping, but time was always against them. Snow could come early, or stay late, and so when the passes opened, Mountain Hall began to work.

News passed over the Ford with each traveler and Esgalwen kept her ear out for anything that might be a call for her to return. But no call came and so she moved along the edge of the river, collecting herbs and plants. Learning new skills and honing the knowledge she already held. The peace she felt continued, and she healed. Though Minas Tirith and Gondor still called to her heart, knowing these waters ran all the way to Pelargir made her feel at home.

On the first day of Spring, strangers came into the Old Ford camp and rested there. They were tall and dark of hair, and their eyes were gray. A strength was hidden within each, though they dressed in rough-spun clothes of commoners, and wore dark-coloured cloaks that gave no hint of a particular color – only blending with the browns and greens of the surrounding terrain.

The Woodmen and Beornings left these men to themselves, talking to them little but not denying them any need. So it was that Esgalwen returned to the camp, her woven basket filled with a plethora of river plants with many uses, and she beheld these strangers. Immediately her heart jumped, and she stared in wonder.

Rangers? Of Ithilien? Had some of her long lost companions survived? Where had they been?

She quickly handed off the basket to Bronin – a Beorning of few words – and asked, "Who are they? When did they arrive?" As was his nature, Bronin merely looked over his shoulder and grunted, "Day ago, maybe? Come down out of the hills and camped. Not sure their business."

Intrigued, Esgalwen straightened herself and walked over to where the men rested. She could easily note that their eyes watched her approach and she felt drawn to them. There were four of them - two leaned against a log, while a third poked at the embers of their fire, stirring it up. The fourth eyed her over his long clay pipe that he puffed at and then blew forth smoke.

"Good day, Lady," he said when she had come amongst them. Taking the pipe from between his teeth, he gestured to an empty log that ringed the fire, offering her the seat. "Join us?"

Still intrigued, Esgalwen answered, "I would be honoured. I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan, of Minas Tirith. Forgive me to ask, but you also look to be my kin and I wonder as to why you are here."

The smoking man nodded, "Well met Esgalwen, I am Dernhuin, son of Damphel, and I believe you are correct in our kinship, though it be far greater in time." A memory came to Esgalwen immediately as the man spoke, of another whom she had met some years past with the wizard, Gandalf. Great was the similarity between these men and the other.

Long did they speak and much did Esgalwen learn. Dunédain of the North? Though they did not say it was so, she could not mistake them for who they were. In them, she saw many of the visages of the great kings of old, and in their voices was a strength not heard save in the high princes of Gondor.

She learned of their errand and made oath to keep it in confidence. She learned of Arnor and what was left of that realm of old. Her thoughts marveled at the idea that there were still people of her blood residing in the empty lands of the north. But why would there not be? It was Elendil and his folk that settled that realm, even as his sons settled Gondor in the south, and surely the blood of Elendil could not be washed from this earth.

Esgalwen knew the history – of the three splinter kingdoms that came of Arnor, and how each of them fell to the Witch-king of Angmar. She knew of Eregion and the Elves and the tales of the Last Alliance. She swooned at all she heard and felt, and Dernhuin leant her an arm to steady herself.

"We leave with the morning on our errand east but will pass through this region on our return." Dernhuin looked at her, "We would welcome you to come with us over the mountains, if you wish, Lady. Our lands are humble, but you would find a home and kinship there, should you want it. Lest your goal is to return to your own lands, for surely Gondor must miss a daughter of such great strength."

"I know not where my road leads, right now," answered Esgalwen, "but my heart and mind are intrigued, good sir. I will look for your return, though I cannot promise that it is here that you will find me. I have resided long among the Woodmen of the Vale and the Men of Dale, and struggled beside them in their labors. Still... your offer is one that I could accept if our paths meet once more."

Dernhuin smiled at her and they talked longer into the day of things more mundane.

With the new morning, these Men of the North were gone.

Quote from: tomcat on Jan 16, 2023, 06:13 AMResults:

:g: - I get a Chance Meeting with a potential Patron of note or other prominent individual. I gain 3 bonus dice to use in any encounter with that person and may later take them on as a patron.

:ooc: I did not make it into an encounter, yet. The dice rolls will be a better meter as to what Esgalwen really learns of these men. I did not make it a prominent person, more that she has learned about the Dunédain of the North.

I will roll it out and see how the dice land and you can embellish on things she learned, later in our story, as it becomes relevant.

Encounter rolls to follow.

Encounter with the Men of the North

Bonus dice - 3 per my undertaking results; I will also roll an Insight to see if she gains any more:

TN 14 insight 2d

Encounter with the Men of the North

Bonus dice - 3 per my undertaking results; none from Insight

Introduction - I will use Courtesy, even though she is better at Awe. It seems more apropos.
TN 14 courtesy 2d

Encounter with the Men of the North

Bonus dice - 3 per my undertaking results; none from Insight

Tolerance - Wisdom seems the better basis for this rating, so it will be 5.

Introduction - was a Great Success. If we are counting Introduction to the outcome, that gives me 2 successes thus far.

Interactions - I am going to roll a series here and apply them accordingly to the encounter. Riddle will be for her trying to puzzle out who they are; persuade is to get them to talk; insight is to understand what they are really saying; and song is to compare her knowledge with the old lore from songs:
TN 14 riddle 2d, persuade 2d, insight 2d, song 3df

Encounter with the Men of the North

Bonus dice - 3 per my undertaking results; none from Insight

Tolerance - Wisdom seems the better basis for this rating, so it will be 5.

Introduction - was a Great Success. If we are counting Introduction to the outcome, that gives me 2 successes thus far.

Interactions - I am going to roll a series here and apply them accordingly to the encounter. Riddle will be for her trying to puzzle out who they are; persuade is to get them to talk; insight is to understand what they are really saying; and song is to compare her knowledge with the old lore from songs:

Riddle was a 15 success for 1
Persuade was a 14 success for 1
Insight was a :g: success for 1
Insight was a :g: success for 1

I am going to roll my 3 bonus dice and see if any of them will make 1 of the tests above a Great Success:

Encounter with the Men of the North

Bonus dice - 3 per my undertaking results; none from Insight

Tolerance - Wisdom seems the better basis for this rating, so it will be 5.

Introduction - was a Great Success. If we are counting Introduction to the outcome, that gives me 2 successes thus far.

Interactions - I am going to roll a series here and apply them accordingly to the encounter. Riddle will be for her trying to puzzle out who they are; persuade is to get them to talk; insight is to understand what they are really saying; and song is to compare her knowledge with the old lore from songs.

Okay with the bonus dice rolled and added, the new results are:

Riddle was a 20 success for 1
Persuade was a 20 Great success for 2
Insight was a :g: success for 1
[CORRECTED] Insight was an 11 Failure, to which I will add a :vv:. That makes it an 18 success for 1*

And that is the end result of either a 7 (if we include the Introduction result), or a 5. So the overall encounter was an Extraordinary Success or a Great Success per the chart on page 189.

I leave the results for you to incorporate into the game in the manner you choose, Paul.

*I had rolled this wrong using the new 2nd Ed. rules for Favoured skills - rolling 2 feat dice and taking the better result.