The Mountains of Mirkwood

[tomcat]

Well there you go!  
If the previous legs of their journey was hard and wearisome, the travel north into the mountains was worse.

They rose dark and desolate from the forest, and their peaks were bald and snow-covered. There were no paths here and the ground was very treacherous. Rocky slopes concealed many deadfalls and narrow ravines. Landslides could be heard rumbling in the distance, as if the forest trees relaxed their grip on the soil and let the rocks free to roll.

The companions were tired and muscles ached from the extreme changes in geography. The lowlands north of the Dwarf Road were terribly hard to cross, as thick weeds and clinging plants filled that part of the forest floor. Signs of Orcs had been seen - small encampments, or empty holds in rocky caves - and the Company had to move with greater care. Other dangers were also present - wolves, panthers, and bears. Even the raptors on the winds above seemed to be spying them out, and the Gore-crows taunted them with each step, croaking and singing hateful songs from the tree-tops above.

At night, the sky around the lower foothills of the mountains filled with large swarms of bats, as they darted to and fro to consume the large mosquitoes and other flying insects. Fear occasionally preceded the flight of bats, and stories of vampires were whispered about the fire.

Lastly was the spiders. They were here and they were plentiful. Constantly did the companions need to watch for tendrils of webs that were apparent tripwires that sent tremors down their lengths to signal the fellowship's presence. At times, they would stumble into a thin gorge, or ravine, that was thick with a deep tunnel of web. The heroes would quickly, but quietly back track from these horrid places in fear of what might strike from the silky traps.

It was late afternoon when the trouble caught up with them. Saer Aegas rose to its heights and Grimbeorn knew it was only days before they would skirt its feet and make it to its northern facing where the lair of the Beast of Mirkwood was said to be. Unfortunately, the honey cakes were depleted; the dried fruits were consumed, and the meat that they had - both dried and fresh hunted - was sparse. The Beorning decided it was time to hunt.

After some hours of scouting, Grimbeorn at last came upon tracks of a small herd of the sturdy mountain rams that lived in the region. If he could get close enough to the herd, he might be able to quickly bring down one of the older animals. It would be enough food to last them the rest of their journey and beyond.

What's beyond? he thought to himself, as his big frame moved cat-like (or bear-like) through the foliage. They had not talked about the other side of the journey - only the task of getting there. What would the Company do once this task was done? Would they struggle home the way they had come? Would it be easier to continue north and make for the Elf-realm, Dale, or even Erebor?

CRRRAAACKKKK. There was a sudden concert of mewing sounds from the sheep, and then Grimbeorn heard their clopping hooves - many hooves - racing away at speed over the rocky ground.

He continued on in the direction of the clip clops, and then came another sound...nearer at hand.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Grimbeorn stopped and looked about. A great wolf climbed atop a stone in front of him and snarled. Around the immediate area, one more, than two, than three, and another, crept from behind rock and brush.

The man gritted his teeth and clenched his axe. A feral anger erupted from within him and he turned animal-like himself.

[tomcat]

Awareness test by others to hear the melee that Grimbeorn is dealing with:

TN 14 Awareness by PC

Arbogast 2d 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 6, total 12

Esgalwen 2d 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 4, total 5

Morirúsë 4d 1d12 : 2, total 2
Rolled 4d6 : 6, 1, 2, 3, total 12

[tomcat]

• As Grimbeorn is her Fellowship Focus, Esgalwen will spend 1 and make that a success. As long as he is not wounded in combat, she will gain her back at the end of the melee.

• Arbogast fails, but could succeed with a

• Morirúsë fails

Hearing the howls and growls from a distance, Esgalwen is aware of the danger that faces Grimbeorn and she will shout out to everyone else.

Because she succeeded, she will react and be able to be in the melee on round 3; anyone who failed the roll will have to wait for round 4 (even though they were told of the situation).

[Eclecticon]

Arbogast will definitely spend the Hope point.

[tomcat]

Excellent, Paul. 

I will extend the same return of your Hope point, as I am to Esgalwen.

[Eclecticon]

Cheers. 

Don't fuck this up for us, Matt.