Tharbad

[tomcat]

doug, i was a little confused for a bit too. I thought Guilin was in or closer to Tharbard than it appears he was.

I have it in my mind that there is a schism between the folk of the city and those outside. Since the plague, the people within the city have become very xenophobic to the point of ignoring the outer lands and the needs of those people. Resources, too, are a challenge and those that there are are closely guarded (i.e. men, women, livestock, other foods, healing herbs, healers, etc.) Everything is a commodity and no commodity is spent without first being heavily debated.

In truth, the people outside the city, though less wealthy in terms of coin or other treasure, are actually doing better, as they have the fertile lands to sustain them and both domestic and wild animals. The Tharbad-folk have cloistered themselves in and so are slowly draining away their well-being.

Thus the aloof nature of the guards to the outside problems and not knowing of the small town's local leadership.

[tomcat]

"I cannot fault the man for his duty to his people, reminds me of someone I know..." Durgil trailed off.  "We should meet him, I think," he says sideways to Nain.  "We've heard of this Gibbet King through others and the news is dark, but we should see to the matters on this side of the river first.  But I must say I'm surprised you've not heard of this man, Guilin.  He led a large contingent of men in defense of the city last night.  My friends and I had just arrived when word came of an invasion of orcs and brutal wild men."  Durgil and Nain recount the tale of the previous night.

"I do have one more question to ask, are there any that plot against Hamad's rule, within Tharbad that is?  Even whispers would be useful."  Durgil paused a moment, a little disgusted with himself regarding inserting himself into political intrigue -- a trait his father excelled at, thus he rejected.  But these circumstances required it, marginally at least.  "Father would be proud," he thought, shaking his head.

Matt, could you give me a Persuade [Charm] test against a TN 10

If you choose to reason with him with logic, I need a Debate [Negotiate] TN 10, instead.

[GandalfOfBorg]

  We are warriors, I'll go the no-nonsense route...

TN 10 Debate -  2d6+6 : 6, 3 + 6, total 15

[Stefan]

 That makes sense.  Nain thinks, like a dwarf, that Dwarves would have a different attitude toward another group of their kind that lived nearby, probably because there are fewer so they tend to stick together more.  Humans are far more fractious in their dealings with their own.  But he'll keep his opinion to himself for the moment, he doesn't have an excess of wit but he has enough to hold his tongue at this point (I think.)

[tomcat]

Durgil's direct question and his noble mien caused the old guard to stop and it was plain he was debating within his own mind as to how to answer this Lord out of the North. It took only a moment for the decisions, and Durgil could see he had secured a confidence in the man. "There are no plots that I, or the guard under my command, know about. Hamad is secure in his rule here, though perhaps he dismisses himself as qualified. It is long since the Dúnedain have ruled here and the stability that once was is not forgotten, but sorely missed. Come, I will take you to the Hall of Tharbad and you may meet our Lord. And forgive me Lord Durgil, but I am Cordale, Master of Arms of the Lord's High Guard of the city of Tharbad."

Nain thought the title a bit pretentious, but it was the way of things with Men. To the Dwarf, save for the stone work that was quite solid, there was not much left to Tharbad that rung of the High-men of old. Still, the traditions and titles were held, albeit in the best fashion that could be achieved in these times.

They followed Cordale to the end of the Menetar and to the first of the two bridges that spanned the Greyflood. It was called the Iant Formen, in the old tongue, and it ended on Tol Gelin, but which was commonly referred to by the people as simply, 'the island'. Durgil could see the empty slips and docks that had surely once teemed with sailors, bargemen and fishermen. The abundance of the river's catch along with the goods coming up from Gondor, or south out of Arthedain, would have made for vast wealth and opportunity. Now all sat idle and empty, rotting in the waters that ran continuously down stream. The smell of the river was rich in the air and sea birds hung on the winds above having followed the river north. Though quiet, it was not totally empty - guards still walked patrol and the few remaining river-folk still managed to eke out their living.

The trio passed an inn that sat on the bridge, along with a few trade posts and shops that once would have aided in the transfer of marketable goods from river to the square, but most were shuttered. They came at last to the island and first was seen a large barracks that was abuzz with activity of the city's guard, and beyond was a lordly manor called the King's House. Walled gardens surrounded the turreted manor, but they were now overgrown and untended. Tales told of how once flowers and ivy colored the house in beautiful swaths of scented glory when the Regent Nurnhir and Princess Nirnadel were its occupants. That was over two-hundred years ago and time now withered even the stone.

Smoke rose from the chimneys and voices could be heard coming from the halls inside. Cordale led them into the gates, waving at his fellow guardsmen as he did, and to the doors proper. Durgil and Nain looked into a high-ceiling, airy hall which had a simple wooden throne atop a dias. On the throne sat a man with long brown-hair that was streaked with white. Age creased his face and his eyes squinted from the smoke that filled the room, but he was a kind-looking man, and his toothy smile would appear from the neatly trimmed beard whenever humor took him.

"And you believe that your rights extend to the people's wares though their goods be pilfered? You call yourselves a Trade Guild, but you trade in the stolen sweat and labor of others!" Hamad's face was cracked in a smile as he laughed at his own joke. The intended target of his humor stood before him - tall and slender and eloquently dressed. The other man's pate was balding and he had a waxed moustache that stretched out on either side of his face. He leered at Hamad, "Forget you not, Lord," there was contempt in the uttered title, "it is by our hands that you sometimes eat! It is by our efforts that your guards are fed - the very men whom you set as a fence against the sick and dying within your walls...those that you cannot help."

Cordale grunted and whispered, "Imlach Hardadrimis...Master of the Trading Guild, but truly a notorious thief. Unfortunately, my Lord Hamad must have an insufferable alliance with the guild at times to see that there are necessary commodities entering the city."

As the old guard filled his guests in on the other man's reputation, the booming voice of Hamad brought their attention back to the center of the chamber. "I see my Gatekeep stands at my door...what is it, Cordale, and who do you have seeking audience?" The guildsman looked slighted by this interruption of his own time with the Lord of the City -his demands had not yet been met.

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I bring to you Lord Durgil, Dúnadan out Arthedain and servant to King Argeleb. With him is Nain, Dwarf out of the Blue Mountains. They wish to speak with you at your next convenience."

[GandalfOfBorg]

Durgil gave city's lord a salute in deference to his station.  A biting remark came to mind regarding the guildman's barb but the young Dunadan bit his tongue... for now.

[Stefan]

"Lord Hamad, well met and thank ye for yer hospitality.  Master Trader, I'm a tradesman myself of no small skill, perhaps I could help ye with the the dilemma ye find yerself in?"

[tomcat]

The head of the Trading Guild turned to face the Dwarf and he smiled, but not in the Dúnadan's direction. Imlach had no desire for any interference from kingsmen out of the north, but he was a businessman and always looked for opportunities - hence the reason why the guild had slowly evolved from legitimate trade to more deceptive means. In these times, the ability to conduct proper business transactions was difficult at the least. It was far easier to procure products and wares in a different fashion. And so, thieves filled the ranks of the guild and strong was its hold on Tharbad's commerce. For Imlach, Nain presented a new opportunity to create contacts within the Dwarf Realms and surely the possibilities that would create could increase his wealth.

The Guildsman affected the most courteous of greetings, "Master Dwarf, it would be an honour to have our merchant halls graced by your keen insight. I am Imlach Hardadrimis and I am the Chief Guildsman in Tharbad. Our business stretches to the ends of Tharbad's city limits and beyond...surely in your trades you have seen our seal adorning many a ware?"

Hamad gave a hearty laugh, "And so you still take the time in my court attempting to control the floor! Imlach, you have had your say and you will be given more time, but I would ask that you stand aside so as I might properly meet these visitors to our fair city. Greetings to you Durgil of Arthedain, and to you Nain of the Blue Mountains! I am Hamad and I am Steward of this city. How might we serve such distinguished guests."

[tomcat]

I have expedited getting the two threads back together - but Tom or Shawn, give this scene a bit longer to evolve before you bring your character into the scene.

In other great news - I just finished writing out the next 4 scenes of our game! I haven't been this proactive in our game in a LONG time and it has shown. I apologize for my half-assed work and I look forward to what comes of this particular chapter. 

[Stefan]

Nain gave a nod when the man asked if he'd seen their wares.  He remembered days long ago, before the plague, when he'd seen wares from Tharbad, but that had been many years ago, probably before this man had even been a twinkle in his fathers eye. 
The mans ignominious mean was almost palpable.  Fortunately the steward stepped in before Nain said any more.

[GandalfOfBorg]

"Lord, my companion here and others, were given word of dark tidings in this land.  My brother, Dirnhael, hails from this region and we traveled in haste to provide any assistance that we could.  Upon arriving, barely off our horses, we found that our presence came in time with the northern shores under attack from orcs and wild men.  We assisted where we could but the night was won due in no small part to a captain named Guilin," Durgil said, absently rubbing a sore wound.  "It is said that these foes come from the wild lands not too far from here and that this self-styled Gibbet King may be involved as well."

[tomcat]

Hamad's brow furrowed at Durgil's words, "There was an attack on our northern walls and I was not made aware?!"

Cordale handled the answer to his master, "No, my Lord, there was no attack on the city. T'was the outlying burg of Fennin Dorath of which he speaks. It seems that this Gibbet King - a nuisance to be sure - has made efforts at gathering forces to his banner. This petty army must be making forays against the weaker towns. Apparently their strength must be unimpressive to be sure for Fennin Dorath to turn the attack aside. The town is naught but hunters and fisher-folk. Some bargemen and shipwrights still live along the shore, but no true knights and warriors."

To the eyes of Durgil and Nain could easily be seen the flush of anger cross Hamad's face. "And you just bring news of this to me now, Cordale!" His voice rose as he continued, "Surely a nighttime engagement would be seen from our walls and we offered nothing in aid?!"

"Again, Lord Hamad, it comes down to resources," stammered the elder knight.

"Damn your talk of resources, Cordale! I oblige your presence as Master-of-Arms due to your family's long service to this seat, but speak no more to me of resources. Too few men... too few swords! Each day we lose more good people because of the apparent fear to step beyond our own walls."

"It is not fear, my Lord...but...we...there are not..."

"Enough!" Hamad bellowed. The hall grew quiet. Even the Trade Guild master drew back from the wrath of the large man on the dias. "Master Cordale, you may return to your duties. I will speak to our guests. Everyone else...clear my hall."

The old knight bowed with deference to the Lord of Tharbad. He looked to the two companions and nodded and then he backed from the hall. A crowd of others milled past Durgil and Nain and into the daylight outside. As he passed, Imlach spoke to Nain, "See me when you are available, Master Dwarf. I would speak further of the opportunities that might be available between our peoples."

And then it was just Hamad, a few city guards in inconspicuous locations, and the Lord's advisor standing at his left-hand. The noble stood from his seat, "Forgive my outburst. It is not the manner in which I would have you see my house." Hamad gestured them to join him at a long table adorned with bread, fresh cream, and fruits. "Come... tell me more of what you know and have seen."

The lord was respectfully silent as the two companions spoke of the night before and the attack by near two hundred Wild Men and Orcs out of the North. He was visibly bothered by the telling of the lives lost and those left wounded on the banks of the river. Durgil could see an impotence in the man - not because he personally lacked strength or will, but because the conditions of Tharbad, and the surrounds of Cardolan, were now weak with sickness and loss.

[GandalfOfBorg]

"Lord, I understand your plight all too well.  In the North, frankly, sir, we are in decline as well.  Our lands are spread wide but too little is given to their defense except in great need.  No one wishes to uproot and retreat but if the people in the area are to survive, it might be wise to encourage them to move closer to the city -- they then would be easier to defend.  This of course would bring more sick to the area as well.  One of my companions is of the Fair Folk and adept at healing -- he may be able to lend a hand or give counsel to your masters of leechcraft.  The others of our group are more adept on the field of battle.  We are kin, Lord Hamad, and we are at your disposal."

[Stefan]

Nain simply nodded his agreement with the Durgil's statement.

[tomcat]

Hamad listened as he grabbed a trio of stemmed cups and poured a heavy-scented spiced wine into each. He handed two to his guests and took a pull from his own, "Your words of the North do not comfort, Lord Durgil. The condition of Cardolan has always given rise to the thought that Arnor has all but fallen, but still hope lies in the blood of Isildur and your kin who sits upon the throne in Fornost. We of Eriadorian stock have faith that the strength of the Dúnedain will stem this evil tide." He thought a moment of his guest's advice, "T'was the sickness that caused a large exodus of the city. Our population had already been greatly depleted having never recovered the destruction of our army at Amon Sûl and the death of our Prince. The ravaging forces of Angmar drove us from our lands. Two hundred years - many blights, shadows rising in our sacred tombs and barrows, constant attacks of raiding men and orcs, and now a terrible sickness - we have never recovered our strength. We merely hold on in hopes that the King in Fornost Erain can quell this evil. I do not know who is safer? The folk that live in wide spread communities living off the land and surviving, or us who still defend the ancient walls of this city in some semblance of civilization? We still ply the waters and keep the road as far as we can control, but trade from both north and south has dwindled and our coffers run empty. We begin to question what do we really control?"

There was movement again at the entrance to the hall and the Lord of the City looked up to see who might be disturbing his requested privacy. It was Cordale once more bowing, "My Lord, forgive my disturbance, but I bring two more of Lord Durgil's companions. I present Lord Dirnhael, Knight of Arthedain, and Lord Celdrahil of Minas Ithil in southern Ithilien."

The anger that had risen due to being interrupted quickly ebbed with the names of the new guests. Surely this was a boon for Hamad and Tharbad, three noble Dúnedain in his house, and a Dwarf from the mountains. Was there a new hope rising for he and his city?