Tallind growls. "An elf from Mirkwood? Unusual. I detest your kind - too airy-fairy for my tastes. Need a good grounding in reality. Still, you're probably good with a bow, I'd bet, and you'd be a useful one in combat, even if your kind pride looks above intelligence."
He rolls his eyes as if he comes across this a lot. "I may be an elf but, but I am a wise enough one to know not to judge thee by thy kind or appearance. I may be good with a bow but I'm better with a blade and thou may find that I am more than useful in combat." He looks to Fror "What is thy business here Dwarf?" He speaks the word dwarf with slight disgust
Tallind growls. "An elf from Mirkwood? Unusual. I detest your kind - too airy-fairy for my tastes. Need a good grounding in reality. Still, you're probably good with a bow, I'd bet, and you'd be a useful one in combat, even if your kind pride looks above intelligence."
He rolls his eyes as if he comes across this a lot. "I may be an elf but, but I am a wise enough one to know not to judge thee by thy kind or appearance. I may be good with a bow but I'm better with a blade and thou may find that I am more than useful in combat." He looks to Fror "What is thy business here Dwarf?" He speaks the word dwarf with slight disgust
How's it unusual that he's from mirkwood? That's where Tauriel, and Legolas, and Thranduil live, it's an elf kingdom
Not to invalidate your guys’ roleplaying, but I should point out your characters have met before: you’ve made the journey from Dale as part of a group of merchants.
"Patience, friends!" Halbarad shakes his head. "Of all the Enemy's evils, few are greater than the division of those who oppose him. We spite each other, and he laughs."
He nods to each of you in turn, fixing you with his piercing grey eyes. "Ikko, I thank you for your offer of aid, but I have treated my leg already with kingsfoil. It would mend no swifter, I fear, were you a trained healer of Imladris. Still, your kindness sets my heart at ease.
"And Fror, the fire in your voice proves you no coward or villain. My apologies! But you know as well as any: in these dark times, it is wise to be wary of strangers from the Road.
"As to you, Tallind, fear not. Mithrandir and my chieftain are old friends, and if you truly wish to clear your debt with him, you will find no better way than by aiding me."
Slowly, so as not to disturb his leg, Halbarad pulls a pipe from his pocket and lights it. "Now to your questions!" Between puffs of smoke, he tells you his tale.
"A day's journey to the North lies the town of Archet. Good folk dwell there, Men and Hobbits, farmers and craftsmen, but few warriors. We Rangers guard them, though they know it not. Indeed I was walking their bounds when I came on a terrible sight. An encampment of goblins, in such numbers as have not been seen in Bree-land for many years. Thinking to learn their plans, I crept closer. Their foul chatter told me their purpose: they planned to attack Archet on the fifth night from then, which is the third night from now!
"But ill luck was with me, or maybe I was shaken by dread, for as I left I walked right by one of their scouts. I escaped on my horse, but not before he loosed a poisoned arrow into my leg. I made it to the house of a friend in Archet—Marty Banks is his name, a worthy Hobbit—before sleep took me. Since I had not awakened for a day, he sent me by wagon to Bree, where I awoke tonight.
"Alas that he did so, thinking to help! For I needed to go north, not south. A day's journey north of Archet, and two days' north from here, lies the old hill-fortress of Amon Forn. There my chieftain waits, with many members of our company. I feared my warning would come too late: I cannot sit a horse, much less walk. But if you carry it for me, you may be just in time.
"I need you to go to Amon Forn, tell my chieftain of the goblins, and ride with him to Archet's defense. The lives of all the townsfolk depend on it. Will you take on this adventure?"
Ikko looks at him in a determined way "I shall join in this quest. I ask not for payment, for I am not poor, but neither am I wealthy. I know not of this amon forn you speak of, I would like to know more about my destination before I intend to go fight for it."
Captain Jack, a pirate from the Brandywine river, opens the door and walks in. He's around 35 years old, with dark brown hair, grey eyes, and a tan skin tone, dressed in what appears to be a cross between a pirate's and farmer's clothing. He stoops down, so as not to hit his head on the roof, and makes his way to a seat, where he orders a brandy.
While I appreciate the attempt to place Captain Jack in Middle-Earth, he still doesn’t fit the tone (and still ignores multiple guidelines on spellcasters). Maybe switch him up?
I would, but I don't think I'll be active enough for this thread. I'll still check on it, but I don't think I'll be a player. Joyous games to you all!
Captain Jack, a pirate from the Brandywine river, opens the door and walks in. He's around 35 years old, with dark brown hair, grey eyes, and a tan skin tone, dressed in what appears to be a cross between a pirate's and farmer's clothing. He stoops down, so as not to hit his head on the roof, and makes his way to a seat, where he orders a brandy.
While I appreciate the attempt to place Captain Jack in Middle-Earth, he still doesn’t fit the tone (and still ignores multiple guidelines on spellcasters). Maybe switch him up?
I would, but I don't think I'll be active enough for this thread. I'll still check on it, but I don't think I'll be a player. Joyous games to you all!
Captain Jack, a pirate from the Brandywine river, opens the door and walks in. He's around 35 years old, with dark brown hair, grey eyes, and a tan skin tone, dressed in what appears to be a cross between a pirate's and farmer's clothing. He stoops down, so as not to hit his head on the roof, and makes his way to a seat, where he orders a brandy.
While I appreciate the attempt to place Captain Jack in Middle-Earth, he still doesn’t fit the tone (and still ignores multiple guidelines on spellcasters). Maybe switch him up?
I would, but I don't think I'll be active enough for this thread. I'll still check on it, but I don't think I'll be a player. Joyous games to you all!
Halbarad lets out a breath in relief. "Then my hope was not wasted. Thank you, Ikko, for your aid. I will tell you all you need know of Amon Forn and its road, but first I must hear from your companions."
He looks at Fror and Tallind. "What say you? Will you come to Archet's aid?"
Halbarad lets out a breath in relief. "Then my hope was not wasted. Thank you, Ikko, for your aid. I will tell you all you need know of Amon Forn and its road, but first I must hear from your companions."
He looks at Fror and Tallind. "What say you? Will you come to Archet's aid?"
Fror drains his ale and slams it on the table "If there's orcs that need bashing, I'm in!"
Halbarad lets out a breath in relief. "Then my hope was not wasted. Thank you, Ikko, for your aid. I will tell you all you need know of Amon Forn and its road, but first I must hear from your companions."
He looks at Fror and Tallind. "What say you? Will you come to Archet's aid?"
Tallind growls. "That lying trickster Mithrandir, I knew he'd somehow rope me into trouble. Count me in - I've not seen battle for many a year, but my wits are still sharp and my body is still tense. I still remember the feeling of a crossbow in hand, and by that joyous feeling, I shall see Archet's occupiers fall."
Halbarad lets out a breath in relief. "Then my hope was not wasted. Thank you, Ikko, for your aid. I will tell you all you need know of Amon Forn and its road, but first I must hear from your companions."
He looks at Fror and Tallind. "What say you? Will you come to Archet's aid?"
Tallind growls. "That lying trickster Mithrandir, I knew he'd somehow rope me into trouble. Count me in - I've not seen battle for many a year, but my wits are still sharp and my body is still tense. I still remember the feeling of a crossbow in hand, and by that joyous feeling, I shall see Archet's occupiers fall."
"Without Gandalf, we dwarves could not have won back our kingdom! You insult him again, and I'll have something to say about it."
"Peace!" says Halbarad, sternly this time. "You may both soon see more than enough battle, I fear, without fighting each other as well. For no road is safe in these troubled times. There are many dangers in the Wild."
He smokes his pipe thoughtfully. "Let me tell you then of Amon Forn, and the path you must take. It is an old fortress on a lonely hill, two days' journey north of Bree. There is my chieftain, and the Rangers of my company.
"Tomorrow morning, ere the break of day, you must set out northwards by the road to Archet. The Chetwood is less dangerous than the lands beyond, but be watchful still. There are goblins about, at least, and maybe worse things. Before nightfall you will reach the town. Seek out my friend, Marty Banks, and tell him of your errand. He will give you lodging for the night, and horses for the road northward.
"You will need them, for the second day will lead you off the road, by paths only the Dunedain now tread. Keep your course by the sun, and be swift, for this leg is longer than the last. Amon Forn will not be hard to find, for the North Downs are near treeless, and the hill is the tallest for many miles. About it lies the Barrow-Garth: a ring of ancient tombs. There the gorcrows croak in their sleep, and dead men do not rest easy. But once you pass it, you will reach your goal.
"Tell my brethren of the goblin threat, and, if you will, ride with them to Archet's defense! The goblins will attack at sundown, on that third day from now. We will have need of each warrior we can get."
Halbarad sighs, watching his pipe-smoke drift up to the ceiling. "You know already there is danger in this errand, and little hope of repayment. Know also, then, that I would not send you if the need was not grave, and threatened many other than myself. Whatever happens, I thank you for your courage.
"Soon we all must sleep, for my wound is far from healed, and you must rise early tomorrow. Perhaps you have more questions? Or, if not, let us say our farewells!"
Tallind nods. "Well said. What does it cost to get a stiff drink in this..." Tallind sniffs, "malodorous establishment? I do hope the brew is better than the sweaty smell wafting from the partakers, including myself."
"Peace!" says Halbarad, sternly this time. "You may both soon see more than enough battle, I fear, without fighting each other as well. For no road is safe in these troubled times. There are many dangers in the Wild."
He smokes his pipe thoughtfully. "Let me tell you then of Amon Forn, and the path you must take. It is an old fortress on a lonely hill, two days' journey north of Bree. There is my chieftain, and the Rangers of my company.
"Tomorrow morning, ere the break of day, you must set out northwards by the road to Archet. The Chetwood is less dangerous than the lands beyond, but be watchful still. There are goblins about, at least, and maybe worse things. Before nightfall you will reach the town. Seek out my friend, Marty Banks, and tell him of your errand. He will give you lodging for the night, and horses for the road northward.
"You will need them, for the second day will lead you off the road, by paths only the Dunedain now tread. Keep your course by the sun, and be swift, for this leg is longer than the last. Amon Forn will not be hard to find, for the North Downs are near treeless, and the hill is the tallest for many miles. About it lies the Barrow-Garth: a ring of ancient tombs. There the gorcrows croak in their sleep, and dead men do not rest easy. But once you pass it, you will reach your goal.
"Tell my brethren of the goblin threat, and, if you will, ride with them to Archet's defense! The goblins will attack at sundown, on that third day from now. We will have need of each warrior we can get."
Halbarad sighs, watching his pipe-smoke drift up to the ceiling. "You know already there is danger in this errand, and little hope of repayment. Know also, then, that I would not send you if the need was not grave, and threatened many other than myself. Whatever happens, I thank you for your courage.
"Soon we all must sleep, for my wound is far from healed, and you must rise early tomorrow. Perhaps you have more questions? Or, if not, let us say our farewells!"
Fror slaps him on the back "Don't worry laddie, we'll get there and give those goblins the hammering of a lifetime." He raises his (second) ale "Your health!" and heads off to bed.
*BTW Naivara, just letting you know that we have a Discord server for the cult now, I remember you mentioning something about Discord and the cult before*
"Rest well. Remember, you must be gone ere daybreak." Halbarad leans back in his chair. "What of you, Ikko? Have you any questions, or should we say farewell?"
"Very well then!" Halbarad settles back in his chair. "I will rest much better now than I feared. May you do the same, and be off before the break of day!" Blowing one last puff of smoke, the weathered Ranger closes his eyes.
Sorry I haven't moved the game along: I've had a lot going on, and I wanted to give Gradius a chance to post. I'll post again tomorrow hopefully as you guys leave Bree, and I'll try to be more consistent then!
Tallind appears not to have bought a room - they immediately disapproved of the Prancing Pony by its very name, and as such they are attempting to sleep under their cloak outside the tavern door.
"However, for the meanwhile, walking was not unpleasant...The sun was shining, clear but not too hot. The woods in the valley were still leafy and full of color, and seemed peaceful and wholesome."
—J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Rain drums on the roof of the Pony that night, but morning dawns as fair as you could wish.
The party leaves Bree before daybreak. Halbarad, weary with wound and fear, is still snoring in his chair. The town is asleep, and only a few guards and errand-runners are out to stare curiously after the travelers. As dawn goes from grey to gold and the road wends into the Chetwood, the damp chill of early autumn gives way to cool, pleasant day.
North the party goes, but even this peaceful wood is not without its challenges.
Tallind's suspicious eye falls on some elvish runes carved into a tree. Ranger's marks, no doubt. A supply cache might be hidden about, but time is scarce and tracks may be old. Tallind, roll a Survival check.
While the company rests at midday, Ikko follows the sound of a stream, replenishing the party's water. But his quick ears tell him he is not alone. A goblin scout is already there, washing his foul blade in the river! Ikko, roll a Stealth check.
As Archet draws nearer, a small stream cuts across the road, its stony banks twice a man's height. The wooden bridge lies ruined, washed out by last night's rainstorm. A strong companion might be able to climb across and throw down a rope: otherwise, the party must seek a ford. Fror, roll an Athletics check.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tallind looks closely at the rune - she rolls a 17 for survival. Either way, she will scrawl below the rune in a slightly broken Sindarin "One does not walk these woods alone" if they might.
He rolls his eyes as if he comes across this a lot. "I may be an elf but, but I am a wise enough one to know not to judge thee by thy kind or appearance. I may be good with a bow but I'm better with a blade and thou may find that I am more than useful in combat." He looks to Fror "What is thy business here Dwarf?" He speaks the word dwarf with slight disgust
Back in black baby
How's it unusual that he's from mirkwood? That's where Tauriel, and Legolas, and Thranduil live, it's an elf kingdom
Back in black baby
Not to invalidate your guys’ roleplaying, but I should point out your characters have met before: you’ve made the journey from Dale as part of a group of merchants.
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
"Patience, friends!" Halbarad shakes his head. "Of all the Enemy's evils, few are greater than the division of those who oppose him. We spite each other, and he laughs."
He nods to each of you in turn, fixing you with his piercing grey eyes. "Ikko, I thank you for your offer of aid, but I have treated my leg already with kingsfoil. It would mend no swifter, I fear, were you a trained healer of Imladris. Still, your kindness sets my heart at ease.
"And Fror, the fire in your voice proves you no coward or villain. My apologies! But you know as well as any: in these dark times, it is wise to be wary of strangers from the Road.
"As to you, Tallind, fear not. Mithrandir and my chieftain are old friends, and if you truly wish to clear your debt with him, you will find no better way than by aiding me."
Slowly, so as not to disturb his leg, Halbarad pulls a pipe from his pocket and lights it. "Now to your questions!" Between puffs of smoke, he tells you his tale.
"A day's journey to the North lies the town of Archet. Good folk dwell there, Men and Hobbits, farmers and craftsmen, but few warriors. We Rangers guard them, though they know it not. Indeed I was walking their bounds when I came on a terrible sight. An encampment of goblins, in such numbers as have not been seen in Bree-land for many years. Thinking to learn their plans, I crept closer. Their foul chatter told me their purpose: they planned to attack Archet on the fifth night from then, which is the third night from now!
"But ill luck was with me, or maybe I was shaken by dread, for as I left I walked right by one of their scouts. I escaped on my horse, but not before he loosed a poisoned arrow into my leg. I made it to the house of a friend in Archet—Marty Banks is his name, a worthy Hobbit—before sleep took me. Since I had not awakened for a day, he sent me by wagon to Bree, where I awoke tonight.
"Alas that he did so, thinking to help! For I needed to go north, not south. A day's journey north of Archet, and two days' north from here, lies the old hill-fortress of Amon Forn. There my chieftain waits, with many members of our company. I feared my warning would come too late: I cannot sit a horse, much less walk. But if you carry it for me, you may be just in time.
"I need you to go to Amon Forn, tell my chieftain of the goblins, and ride with him to Archet's defense. The lives of all the townsfolk depend on it. Will you take on this adventure?"
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
Ikko looks at him in a determined way "I shall join in this quest. I ask not for payment, for I am not poor, but neither am I wealthy. I know not of this amon forn you speak of, I would like to know more about my destination before I intend to go fight for it."
Back in black baby
I would, but I don't think I'll be active enough for this thread. I'll still check on it, but I don't think I'll be a player. Joyous games to you all!
Looking for a campaign? Or, perhaps, trying to start one? Come join Rolegate! Just send me a friend request (same name as here) and I'll help you get started!
Ducks are just geese lite. Focus on the future. It'll become the past soon enough.
Istari and White Counsel in Club. Not the wish-granter of a thread.
Become a Plague Doctor today!
Join the Knights of the Random Table and Calius and Kothar Industries!
Homebrew: Artifact, Dungeon
May be offline due to school
That’s okay. Thanks!
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
No problem.
Looking for a campaign? Or, perhaps, trying to start one? Come join Rolegate! Just send me a friend request (same name as here) and I'll help you get started!
Ducks are just geese lite. Focus on the future. It'll become the past soon enough.
Istari and White Counsel in Club. Not the wish-granter of a thread.
Become a Plague Doctor today!
Join the Knights of the Random Table and Calius and Kothar Industries!
Homebrew: Artifact, Dungeon
May be offline due to school
Halbarad lets out a breath in relief. "Then my hope was not wasted. Thank you, Ikko, for your aid. I will tell you all you need know of Amon Forn and its road, but first I must hear from your companions."
He looks at Fror and Tallind. "What say you? Will you come to Archet's aid?"
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
Fror drains his ale and slams it on the table "If there's orcs that need bashing, I'm in!"
I'm the Valar (leader and creator) of The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit/Anything Tolkien Cult!
Member of the Cult of Cats, High Elf of the Elven Guild, and Sauce Priest & Sauce Smith of the Supreme Court of Sauce.
If you want some casual roleplay/adventures in Middle Earth, check out The Wild's Edge Tavern, a LotR/Middle Earth tavern!
JOIN TIAMAT'S CONGA LINE!
Extended Sig
Tallind growls. "That lying trickster Mithrandir, I knew he'd somehow rope me into trouble. Count me in - I've not seen battle for many a year, but my wits are still sharp and my body is still tense. I still remember the feeling of a crossbow in hand, and by that joyous feeling, I shall see Archet's occupiers fall."
Frequent Eladrin || They/Them, but accept all pronouns
Luz Noceda would like to remind you that you're worth loving!
"Without Gandalf, we dwarves could not have won back our kingdom! You insult him again, and I'll have something to say about it."
I'm the Valar (leader and creator) of The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit/Anything Tolkien Cult!
Member of the Cult of Cats, High Elf of the Elven Guild, and Sauce Priest & Sauce Smith of the Supreme Court of Sauce.
If you want some casual roleplay/adventures in Middle Earth, check out The Wild's Edge Tavern, a LotR/Middle Earth tavern!
JOIN TIAMAT'S CONGA LINE!
Extended Sig
"Peace!" says Halbarad, sternly this time. "You may both soon see more than enough battle, I fear, without fighting each other as well. For no road is safe in these troubled times. There are many dangers in the Wild."
He smokes his pipe thoughtfully. "Let me tell you then of Amon Forn, and the path you must take. It is an old fortress on a lonely hill, two days' journey north of Bree. There is my chieftain, and the Rangers of my company.
"Tomorrow morning, ere the break of day, you must set out northwards by the road to Archet. The Chetwood is less dangerous than the lands beyond, but be watchful still. There are goblins about, at least, and maybe worse things. Before nightfall you will reach the town. Seek out my friend, Marty Banks, and tell him of your errand. He will give you lodging for the night, and horses for the road northward.
"You will need them, for the second day will lead you off the road, by paths only the Dunedain now tread. Keep your course by the sun, and be swift, for this leg is longer than the last. Amon Forn will not be hard to find, for the North Downs are near treeless, and the hill is the tallest for many miles. About it lies the Barrow-Garth: a ring of ancient tombs. There the gorcrows croak in their sleep, and dead men do not rest easy. But once you pass it, you will reach your goal.
"Tell my brethren of the goblin threat, and, if you will, ride with them to Archet's defense! The goblins will attack at sundown, on that third day from now. We will have need of each warrior we can get."
Halbarad sighs, watching his pipe-smoke drift up to the ceiling. "You know already there is danger in this errand, and little hope of repayment. Know also, then, that I would not send you if the need was not grave, and threatened many other than myself. Whatever happens, I thank you for your courage.
"Soon we all must sleep, for my wound is far from healed, and you must rise early tomorrow. Perhaps you have more questions? Or, if not, let us say our farewells!"
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
Tallind nods. "Well said. What does it cost to get a stiff drink in this..." Tallind sniffs, "malodorous establishment? I do hope the brew is better than the sweaty smell wafting from the partakers, including myself."
Frequent Eladrin || They/Them, but accept all pronouns
Luz Noceda would like to remind you that you're worth loving!
Fror slaps him on the back "Don't worry laddie, we'll get there and give those goblins the hammering of a lifetime." He raises his (second) ale "Your health!" and heads off to bed.
*BTW Naivara, just letting you know that we have a Discord server for the cult now, I remember you mentioning something about Discord and the cult before*
I'm the Valar (leader and creator) of The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit/Anything Tolkien Cult!
Member of the Cult of Cats, High Elf of the Elven Guild, and Sauce Priest & Sauce Smith of the Supreme Court of Sauce.
If you want some casual roleplay/adventures in Middle Earth, check out The Wild's Edge Tavern, a LotR/Middle Earth tavern!
JOIN TIAMAT'S CONGA LINE!
Extended Sig
"Rest well. Remember, you must be gone ere daybreak." Halbarad leans back in his chair. "What of you, Ikko? Have you any questions, or should we say farewell?"
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
"Very well then!" Halbarad settles back in his chair. "I will rest much better now than I feared. May you do the same, and be off before the break of day!" Blowing one last puff of smoke, the weathered Ranger closes his eyes.
Sorry I haven't moved the game along: I've had a lot going on, and I wanted to give Gradius a chance to post. I'll post again tomorrow hopefully as you guys leave Bree, and I'll try to be more consistent then!
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
Tallind appears not to have bought a room - they immediately disapproved of the Prancing Pony by its very name, and as such they are attempting to sleep under their cloak outside the tavern door.
Frequent Eladrin || They/Them, but accept all pronouns
Luz Noceda would like to remind you that you're worth loving!
"However, for the meanwhile, walking was not unpleasant...The sun was shining, clear but not too hot. The woods in the valley were still leafy and full of color, and seemed peaceful and wholesome."
—J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Rain drums on the roof of the Pony that night, but morning dawns as fair as you could wish.
The party leaves Bree before daybreak. Halbarad, weary with wound and fear, is still snoring in his chair. The town is asleep, and only a few guards and errand-runners are out to stare curiously after the travelers. As dawn goes from grey to gold and the road wends into the Chetwood, the damp chill of early autumn gives way to cool, pleasant day.
North the party goes, but even this peaceful wood is not without its challenges.
Tallind's suspicious eye falls on some elvish runes carved into a tree. Ranger's marks, no doubt. A supply cache might be hidden about, but time is scarce and tracks may be old. Tallind, roll a Survival check.
While the company rests at midday, Ikko follows the sound of a stream, replenishing the party's water. But his quick ears tell him he is not alone. A goblin scout is already there, washing his foul blade in the river! Ikko, roll a Stealth check.
As Archet draws nearer, a small stream cuts across the road, its stony banks twice a man's height. The wooden bridge lies ruined, washed out by last night's rainstorm. A strong companion might be able to climb across and throw down a rope: otherwise, the party must seek a ford. Fror, roll an Athletics check.
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
Tallind looks closely at the rune - she rolls a 17 for survival. Either way, she will scrawl below the rune in a slightly broken Sindarin "One does not walk these woods alone" if they might.
Frequent Eladrin || They/Them, but accept all pronouns
Luz Noceda would like to remind you that you're worth loving!