View Full Version : Whats going on in the world thread
In order to help DMs run the weekly event which has ties to things happening in the world, please use this thread to talk about things happening IN CHARACTER.
If you think something is significant which your character saw, post it! It may lead to greater things!
Valek-Dark
21-03-2005, 15:36
Think I only saw two important events lately:
1- Shiryu picked up some sort of cursed sword inside a tower in Moria and became possessed by some "evil energy", which almost drove him to kill me and other friends near him. We managed to destroy the sword but I believe he still suffers lightly from it's influence.
2- Richard Wensbane was surprised by an attack to the Dunedain camp by some... strange "elemental forces". By this I mean the water, air, etc. were actually alive and trying to kill everyone in sight! With the help of the Dunedain Rangers, a small group of people managed to overcome the attack.
That is all for now...
It was time, much as the idea of mixing with the lesser races pained him he would never earn his place if he didn't start soon.
Definitely time to go out into the world once more, to finally get his hands clean.
So many years of wandering in despair. Others had come to terms with it in their own way, with the Doom. He had never managed. Years inumerable alone, in solitude seeking forgiveness in the one place he couldn't find it - his own heart.
So he decided to join the world. His name he left behind until such time as he had earnt it again, until he could once more truly be himself. Leaving behind all but the clothes he wore, and the bare minimum of supplies to survive, the one who would answer only to Sauraquen journeyed out of the wilds into the lands of the Free People, to seek his redemption.
A pair of young female adventurers have been reported in the Bree and Tharbad regions, rumour has it they do not much care for the abilities of males, yet interestingly the local gossip is that one of these lasses is the love interest of Frain Hairylobes.
Validriel
22-03-2005, 02:18
Desperation gave way to a scant hint of hope. “Perhaps the Dunedain,” I told the elf-bowmaiden in my company. “Perhaps the Dunedain will aid us in finding the whereabouts of your lost sister, my lost love. If she be found, they would lead us the right direction.”
I choked down horror when at last we’d reached the hillside camp, only to find their assistance could be had only at a grave price. “The dreaded downs,” the captain explained. “That is the aid we require first.” The tall stately figure proceeded to explain the nature of barrow-wights: their deceptions and their devilry. I with my humble blade, Farawen with a quiverful of enchanted arrows. Would we meet our match with this unearthly foe? I hesitated, then said “Yes, we will undertake this trial.”
Not a moment later I had my doubts. Then a welcome distraction. A hobbit could be heard from across the camp: “Cooking is for the women-folk. What would I know about cooking?” Followed by laughter. Some discussion of guild allegiance… I could barely hear the discussions above the activity of the rangers’ temporary settlement. “Perhaps we could stay the night here,” I thought, paralyzed by the notion of facing the undead. “Firithiel’s trail will not grow dimmer with one night’s delay,” I tried to convince myself as much as Farawen.
And then, across the way, an monstrous surprise: the earth opened up on the Dunedain camp, and unspeakable horrors were unleashed, one after the other. Violent spoutings of water came gushing forth, taking near-human form, full of anger and spite. And dark, evil shapes arose, challenging the sore might of the brave warriors also assembled in the rangers’ company.
And all fear of barrow-wights vanished in an instant. “What hell awaits us must surely be a trifle alongside the hell that greets us here!” I told my companion. I watch a moment only, while the sparks of some ancient lore rained down amongst the combatants, spilling over and nearly threatening us, standing a half-dozen yards away.
“Come,” said a mysterious cloaked voice from the sidelines. “This is no place for thee, young ones. I will take you to the downs… But it is dangerous enough. You must follow my every instruction.” We steeled our nerves and nodded. Firithiel still needed finding. The Dunedain might be willing to help. The rangers and their camp-companions clearly had their hands full for the time being. And fear of the unknown is oft-times trumpt by imminent fear of the known.
We set off, the three of us, northward, with the din of battle raging on behind us…
--told by a certain Tirithion of the Woodland Realms an evening or two ago, and overheard by a half-drunken Bree dwarf (being a semi-permanent resident of the Prancing Pony)
Heh, excellent story, that one.. :)
"I believe he still suffers lightly from it's influence."
If only they knew...
Strider splaped Shiryu straight, but his mind and heart are standing in an edge of a knife. The attack on the Dunedain Camp was probably caused by him being there in the first place.
A female elf named Siia seems to be keeping him in the side of the good, for whatever grace she might be passing on to Shiryu.
Shiryu behaves almost possesed in the face of evil characters, namely the trickster hobbitt Khief, who has stolen his first ever helm he bought since arriving in Bree... and that helm was special...
A champion of Light dressed in the darkest black. Time will tell who wins his soul.
Prophet7
22-03-2005, 11:47
Good idea Validriel.
The tall dark warrior crouched over the tracks in the wood. The necklace of old rotting human ears hung low as he plucked a few blades of grass, holding it to his nose to smell the faint odor. "De traitor be close now," he said.
Over desert wastes, frozen mountains, and thick forests, the Haradrim had followed his prey. He was learning the ways of the Northlands quickly. Elven blood stained his massive sword from his last encounter with those that would stand between him and devouring the heart of the traitor Yushmar. Soon he would face the desert warrior, and when he held Yushmar's bloody heart in his hand the powerful magic would be complete.
He turned to his odd assortment of companions; men, orcs, and even halflings. A thin sorceror in a robe of the most brilliant colors took a step forward. There was a faint smile on his lips as he said, "Akbar, I have a little joke planned." He pulled an orange robe out of his pack, the same shade that the traitor Yushmar wore.
As comprehension dawned on the Haradrim, a wide grin exposed a few rotten teeth. "Akbar tink yoo jokez be gettin' bedder Jon. Dis gonna be ah reelly good joke."
Yûshmar still wanders around in the northern exile....
He had to flee from Umbar because his lineage, which definetly is themost important to him - he also prefers to pray to his ancients than to the Valar; started a rebellion that unfortunately failed.
Now adventuring around in the northern exile to become a great warrior and to gain the loyality of mighty warriors and the rulers of the free so that once hopefully he is able to return with mighty powers and a mighty bunch of the greatest warriors of the free to take revenge and maybe even to free his lineage members if they are still prisoned but alive.
As he is planning his revenge his greatest fear is that 'they' also have sent head hunters after him.
So he is distrustful especially against haradrim and so he already suggested that Khaev is behind him he still doesnt know of Akbar but he will be ready and hopefully most practised if this head hunter will encounter him.....
Valek-Dark
22-03-2005, 15:39
"Greetings Abraham!" said Shiryu, how terrible I feel for having to fool my own friends, but I believe they are not yet prepared to know the truth. The truth... what a dubious concept, especially after what I had seen those past few nights.
I never feared the darkness before, but now I dread the day I entered that cursed place. "The screaming tower" I now call it, for I shall never forget the terrible sounds it released for so long.
My name is Richard... and that of my family is Wensbane. Long have we worked as blacksmiths at Edoras, and only now have we gained the real attention of our king Theoden and his guard.
A "hero" they now call me... I am quite sure I deserve no such honour, and I am far from being one! However, I was still the one in charge of a dangerous task, one for a fellow blacksmith of Minas Tirith, it seems he was in need of the greatest metal in the known land. Mithril...
My king ordered me to do as I was asked, however I was to bring him some of that metal as well, so that he could further study it's properties and possible use at the service of Rohan.
Without delay I ventured into Moria, the only place I knew could have such a precious metal.
After facing many lesser dangers I was finally able to find some Mithril. "An easy task!" I thought, and it could have been... were it not for my extreme curiosity.
On my way out I found an impressive tower, a building of undeniable beauty that is true, but at the same time, one that released a very strong and evil energy. Few moments after that I heard an agonizing scream. It sounded like a woman, I HAD to help her at all costs! And so I entered the cursed tower without even thinking twice.
Immediately after entering the tower I was attacked by some rather odd creatures. They looked like humans, however, they were extremely pale and their teeth were as developed as the ones of a brown bear! I managed to overcome their first wave but soon a door opened behind me and I was overrun by their forces. I remember not what happened immediately after that, as I woke up chained, next to another man and a woman.
They looked in shock and refused even to speak! The man to my right just shook his head in a constant motion, almost as if every last drop of hope had been drained from him. A few moments after that, a couple of the "dark ones", as I now call them, entered the room, unchained the woman and took her with them.
The screams... the agonizing, never-ending screams I heard few moments after will always live in my memory. And I knew... oh yes I really knew that my turn would soon come.
I know not how long it passed after that, hours? days? It is impossible to know for sure. The light there was very dim, almost non-existant even. However, their steps were as loud as the horses of the Rohirrim. And that terrible laughter...
My time had finally come, this was the end. I had failed my king and those of Gondor. What a sad ending to a life now starting to have some meaning.
But this was no time to give up! I had to think hard and fast! I knew I had no chance of defeating them all, especially without my trusted sword, but I still had my dagger hidden in my right boot. Perhaps there was still a chance!
I played dead for a while and waited until they came to me. Immediately after they released my hands I took my dagger to the throat of the first one! I had NEVER seen so much blood come out of a single creature... how could that even be possible?! But there was no time! The second dark one was already charging at me! I dodged his attack and smashed his face into the wall. It was time to run! But what about the other man? What could I do to save him?! Unfortunately... the answer to that was nothing. I tried as hard as I could to release him, but I still remember his last and only words to me: "save yourself, I have been dead for a while". And so I did, I found a small hole on the wall to my left and I crawled my way out, with the promise of returning one day to avenge those poor, innocent people.
I returned to Edoras but told nothing of what had happened to my king. I could never tell him I left that other man there to die... I could not risk destroying his new respect for me. I am truly sorry... soon after that I gave my fellow blacksmith of Minas Tirith the precious metal, and in return, I received an amazing plate of Gondor, one which I could not craft even with years of training!
But that mattered not at the time, I had a new mission to carry, one of vengeance... however, people would think me insane if I went around claiming to have seen, whatever it is I saw. I had to assume a different identity, one I could use to hunt those creatures without my king or the Rohirrim knowing.
And so Abraham was created. A dark, hooded man, always hiding in the shadows, learning every bit of information he could about the dark ones. Not even my closest friends knew my real identity, no one could know! Perhaps I will be able to find some help, perhaps someone in this land will believe me! But until then... Abraham shall remain in the shadows, listening, and most of all, learning...
The Black Gauntlet of Bereval dragged forward, gripping the hair of a small mutilated corpse. The little mans life had been ending as Berevals thick bladed sword crashed into his skull.
"One dead Hobbit." The dark man looked at Bereval and smiled, then took the body and threw it to one side, where it was gnawed upon by the great hound beside the man.
"Excellant...now, you and your orc friend may go." The dark man grinned. Bereval spat and turned around, looking up at the Orc. "Well Orc, what now?" The orc looked confused...as orcs tend to, and grunted "Me go wif Tuff Boss". Bereval gave a sadistic smile. The Might of the Blademaster was once more taking form.
sorry.. posted in wrong thread!
Thus, Shiryu was no more.
After an audience with lord Elrond, and hearing the tale of Isildur, He now knows that whatever evil taints his heart is the making of the nameless.
A task was assigned to him by Elrond. Once again Shiryu returns to Harad. But this time, he will not stay in those lands. Is mission is to infiltrate Mordor from the south... and make is way alone into Barad-dûr. Elrond suspects somethign stirs once again in that rebuilt tower...
A suicide mission, perhaps, but Shiryu has nothing more to loose, since he refuses to become a puppet of the Eye, like Saruman and many others, to hurt his kin and friends.
He hastes south, past Minas Tirith where he passed by to see the Statue of Jade and restock on wares. He carrys all of his meager possessions with him, and the most precious of all: a piece of hair of Lady Siia of Lothlórien, given to him has he departed from Rivendell.
Strider and the Dunedain were given word of his mission by emissaries of Elrond (Shiryu knows that Strider would have never let him leave).
If and when Shiryu returns... will he ever be the same man ?
OCC: Bye guys ! It was a very good 5 weeks. Im out for a place where no net (hurray) to spend the college break. Until we meet again
v ^_^
"The Return of Shiryu" Chapter 1 of 2
Faramir rejoined his Ranger unit in Northern Ethilien. Has he dismounted,one of the Rangers aproached him in haste :
- Milord. We captured an easterling hailing from Mordor.
- Oh ? A live one ? That will make a fine offering for my father. - replied Faramir, expecting to please his father. - Take
me to him.
- Yes, milord. He must be a spy... no man can survive Mordor...
- I sense you have doubts, good Ranger. How so?
- We can not make sense of it , milord. He was being chased by about 20 Mordor Orcs...
- "Chased"? Do not you mean "leading"?
- We are devided in opinion milord... you see... he killed 2 of them orcs... until one of the orcs knocked him out. They
seemed has to be preparing to carry him back... then we let our arrows fly, a sucessfull ambush. All orcs died. Only he
survived.
- I see. Good work. I will send word of your success to father and Boromir. You can expect some sort of reward.
- We need it not, milord. Defending Gondor is reward enought for us.
- Well spoken.
Faramir attention turned to a man dressed in pitch black, sitting down, tied hands, with two rangers pointing arrows at his
head :
- So this is him, then?
- Aye, milord. He did not spoke a single word since regaining consciousness.
- I see... nor would I, if captured by my enemy.
Faramir got close to the man in black. The smile on his face turned into shock. Underneath the black hood, with very long
hair and a beard of many days, he recognised the face of one of his childhood friends. Berethor ! The man that stood sitting,
under guard by his own men, could not be a servant of Mordor.
- Milord ? - asked the Ranger - Is something wrong ?
- This man... this man, he is...
The man in black looked up and saw Faramir. Knowing his identity was discovered, he had to act quickly.His bonds were already
undone by him long time ago. Backfliping, he triped one of the rangers that stood guard to him. The second one shoot his
arrow... but he avoided it, missing his head by mere inches. Only a few more seconds remained before the entire camp would be
alerted and come to his capture. Faramir was still stunned in desbilief. The man in black took his chance. Grabbing an elfen
Dagger he had hid in his boot, he quickly took Faramir has his hostage and pointed it at his kneck. Over 25 Rangers were now
surrounding both men, with arrows and swords at the ready:
- Stand down, scumm - One of the Rangers spoke - You have no chance to leave here alive.
- Stop ! Drop your weapons - said Faramir - He is not an enemy.
- Milord, we can not let him escape... nor take you has hostage. - Replied the Ranger, pointing his arrow into the dark
hooded one's head.
- You taught them well, milord Faramir - the dark one spoke, surprising all - I am sorry... I had no choice, I merely wanted
to return to my mission... but we seem to be in a situation where I must spill the blood of brothers of Gondor to proceed...
and that I can not do.
The man dropeed his dagger and raised both hands up. The rangers were puzzled but rushed to is recapture.
- Stop ! - Faramir ordered - This has gone for long enought. The man that stands here is Berethor !
Most of the Rangers seemed to recollect the name. The younger ones had no clue what was happening. Faramir continued :
- He is a man of Gondor ! He serves the White Tree. And I called him friend since we were both children. I know not what are
his reasons, but I order you all to let him go !
- Milord ! We can not do this. He came from the Black Gate ! We will forfeit our lives if we just let him go.
- No ! - the man spoke. - If you must, report that you helped Shiryu, Dunedain Ranger of the North escape an orc ambush.
- Shiryu, is it ? - replied Faramir - We heard you left Harad and went North a few years ago... we heard nothing more from
you ever since.
- I am sorry, milord... much has happened. I return from a mission to Mordor, no less...
- Mordor ? How can a single man survive those lands ?
- With much sufering and some good fortune, milord.
- Stop that "milord" thing. Youre making me fell old.
Smirks: - Sorry, Faramir... old habits passed on from my foster-sister...
- I have much to ask you.
- And I fear I can not tell you much...
Shiryu looks around his scarse personall belongings, pilled up next to a Rangers tent. Finds and shows the Token of Rivendell
to Faramir.
- Elves... I am glad you seem to be doing fine on your own, Berethor.
- Please... Shiryu. I have long dropped that name along with my past.
- I see... Shiryu. But I sense the teachings of Gondor still guide your path.
- Indeed. I may not see eye to to eye with your father, but I still serve the White Tree.
- Aye... and those teaching serve you well, if you have the trust of Milord Elrond.
- I must return and report to Rivendell as fast as possible. We are in grave danger. I now know what turned Saruman the White
into madness.
- How so? We heard many rumours...
Faramir was interrupted. A Ranger came running into camp:
- Ambush ! We are under attack !
Has he spoke, Orc came storming into the camp. A battle ensues. Shiryu and Faramir fought back to back and felled many orc.
Shiryu then spoke, has the battle continued.
- They come for me, Faramir. I am endangering you all. They want to return me back, alive, to Barad-Ur. I must make haste to
Rivendell.
- Very well, we shall try to get you the time you need. Go, my freind, haste. We shall meet again, in this life time.
- I am sorry ... my regards to Boromir.
- Men of Gondor ! Stand and defend this camp ! - was the last words Shiryu heard from Faramir, has he rushed into the thick
vegetation of North Ethilien.
To be concluded...
"The Return of Shiryu" Chapter 2 of 2
Days and nights gone by. Shiryu kept heading north, without rest. Avoiding the main road, he passed unnoticed to all... but
one: saruman, the White, wich saw all in Isengard. Since the hordes of Mordor had failed to recapture Shiryu, it was his turn
to try. And has such, he sent 25 Uruk-Hai to ambush and bring him to his presence alive. And their paths crossed just on the
edge of Fangorn Forest...
Surrounded by the Uruks, Shiryu stood alone, blade at ready:
- Puny human - spoke the Uruk chieftain - We take you to Isengard... one way or the other.
- Many where the times I wished to visit that land... the time it was filled with lush green forests... I care not much for
the fires of Industry. May I decline such a envitation ?
- No... not quite. - smirked the Uruk chief.
One of the ohter Uruks came form behind and hitted Shiryu on the back of the head with is club. Shiryu fell to the ground,
unconscious.
- So falls the mighty Shiryu, Dunedain Ranger. Weaklings ! All humans are the same, nothing more then easy targets ! Too bad
we have to take back alive...
He began laughing, as did most of the Uruks. A few seconds later... the Uruk chieftain was crushed by a huge bolder. Four
Ents came out of the edge of Fangorn and proceed in dismembering and torning apart the entire Uruk party. Shiryu was out
cold, and he missed the entire battle (or should it be said... one sided slaughter?). The ents gathered around the fell
Shiryu:
- Hmmmmmmm... is the human infant dead ? - an ent spoke, looking at Shiryu.
Some minutes later :
- Noooooo. He still breathes...
- Goooood.
Several minutes later :
- What do we dooooo ?
- We better ponder it well...
The four ents just stood around Shiryu. After some time, the Ent named Treebeard came out of the Forest:
- The trees spoke to me of a battle. I came with great haste, ra rum. Where be the mockerys of Life of Isengard for me to
crush?
- They are... a bit all over the place, Treebeard... you are late. - replied an ent.
- Cursed my oak skin, ra rum. I missed all the excitment again...
Treebeard noticed Shiryu in the floor.
- Oh...what have we here...
One of the ents gently grabbed Shiryu and turned him over
- Ra rum ! I know this human Infant - said Treebeard - I saw him not more then a few days ago (Note: over 3 years ago, the
first time Shiryu headed north seeking the heir of Isildur). He used to mock my way of talking, no less, ra rum. But a fine
good heart on him. I wonder... why is he here... hes is both injured and exhausted... hmmm.
The five ents stood for hours trying to decide what to do with Shiryu. It was finnaly decided one of them was to carry him to
Lorien and let the elves decide what to do with Shiryu. And so they did.
A day passed by. Shiryu opened his eyes. He was in a soft bed, in a place he had no recolection of. Has he turned his face, a
fair elf lady healer that was on watch by his side spoke to o him:
- You are finnaly awake, human. Do not move, you had quite a blow to your head. You were in very poor shape when he brought
you to our lands.
Shiryu puzzled, asked:
- He ? Lands? Where am I ? Is this the after life?
The elf lady smiled in tease, and replied.
- No, silly human. An ent brought you here. You are in the realm of Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel. Lothlorien.
- Lorien ? How did I end up here...
- I can not give you answers of what I do not know. Please...rest, I shall go summon milord, he wished to be notified of your
conditions at all time.
The elf woman left. Shiryu stood on his feet, stil a bit woozy. His hair was cut and hes beard shaven. He looked in the room
and did not find any of his cloathes and armour, so he remained dressed in elven cloathing. An elf entered the room... none
other the Lord Celeborn, with two escort centurion warriors. Shiryu bowed and got on his knees:
- Milord Celeborn. It seems I own you my life.
- Shiryu of the Dunedain. Word of your deeds with Teclis, Tyrion and Siia has reached my realm. Rarely have I meet such a
human with so many traces of unselfishness. I also know the aid you havem our smaller, dwarven allies... and of course...
your deeds in Rivendell.
Shiryu looks very apollogetic and speaks:
- Look.. that door at Milord Elrond house...it was an accident ! The door must have been already old or something... I did
not mean to brake it into that many pieces...
Celeborn raises his eyebrow and speaks:
- Ah..yes...word of THAT also has reached me... I was speaking of the other deeds...and your current mission.
- Oh... right, milord. *coughts* I must return to Rivendell as soon as possible.
- Indeed. But first, I wish you to report to me all of what you found. Do not worry, I have sent word to Elrond that you are
alive and well.
Celeborn ordered his escorts to leave. Shiryu spoke all he had found in Mordor. Celeborn was most distressed about the grave
news:
- So... it is as we feared. Elrond was correct. It is very fortunate you are here and alive.
- I thank you. I had to go. And I have won my battle, the nameless can no longer tempt me to his side. I must still leave and
report to Elrond of what I discovered.
- Yes... and I have a plan. It shall confuse our foes and hopefully keep you safe for some time.
One of Celeborns escorts returned with a gold plated second age elfish war plate mail and shield. He gave it to Shiryu.
- Milord ?
- Yes... we had to destroy your old ones... they were well knonw to the enemy and were filled with Mordor stench. I offer
this in replacement... and this.
Celeborn gave shiryu a scroll. It had the following written:
"Milady Siia: I send you one of my finest centurion warriors to aid you in your quests outside of our home. Use him as you
best see fit"
- You... want me to keep an eye on Siia ?
- No. I want her to keep an eye on you, my human friend. And I want you to pass as one of my land. This is my plan, and it
should make both Saruman and the nameless loose track of you.
- I see... very clever, Milord. I shall obbey your command. Can I ask one more thing?
- Perhaps...
- May I meet milady Galandriel ?
Celeborn shakes head:
- Siia told me you might try that... NO. Best be on your way...
- Aye... I am sorry, and I will leave immideatly.
And so he did, grabbing his new armour, before Celeborn changed his mind.
More days and nights passed, has Shiryu made his way by the mountains, back to Rivendell. He made his best to pass unoticed.
Upon arriving at Rivendell, most of the elves did not believe he was back. Most did not believe he would make back alive. He
was, after all "only human". He was quickly directed to Elrond:
- Milord, I return...
- Shiryu, indeed. My faith in you was not missplaced. Speak, I am eager for you to tell me the tale of your journey.
Shiryu reported everyhting to Elrond, from his departure to the events in Mordor, and the plan of Celeborn. Elrond was a bit
upset, for all that he feared was indeed true.
- Shiryu, at least, you are back. And I sense no longer doubt or taint in you.
- Yes, Milord. My faith is not the same as Isildur. The nameless tried and failed. I will not turn to the dark side. I will
remain true to my friends... and the most terrible foe to our enemies.
- We need all the aid we can, in the times to come.
- Indeed. I hate to deceive my freinds... and I fear Siia will not be fooled by long by my "desguise".
- Perhaps... after all, you are no elf.
- Maybe not... but I will pass by one if I keep my mouth shut. I will utter no words to anyone else.
- Truly, Shiryu, a wise decision. I have seen other humans in the past use your kindness to their own purposes. They may
ignore you if they believe you are no use to them.
- I shall take my leave, find Siia and my other many friends. I thank you for evetyhing , Milord Elrond.
- Yes. You may go. Well done, I hope to see you around. And remember Strider. He and the Dunedain show most concern because
of your... disapearance.
- Indeed? I fear Strider will be quite mad if I tell him I went to Mordor alone...
Shiryu bows and leaves. Elrond turns to his sons, with a slight smile and says:
- I told you we would see him again.
OCC: Back ! v ^_^ Did I miss anything ?
Not that I intend to knock your work, its good, but these events didnt actually happen.
We want to follow events which actually took place.
Just giving a good excuse for my current "look"
Argon Balros
03-04-2005, 04:04
how about got some new armor that excuse always works for me :)
Thats too cliché, Andrew. :P
DM_Olórin
03-04-2005, 20:26
Originally posted by Shiryu
Thats too cliché, Andrew. :P
*cough*
wyrmwrath
03-04-2005, 22:02
ROFL......get out of my head!
Can we have this thread back on track from now please. It should be used regularly for people to explain things they have seen which could have later reprecussions on the world.
Argon Balros
04-04-2005, 00:25
not your latest fashion decisions :)
In thefollowing passage, Elrond Half Elven relects on the recent goings on in the world and his foresight of what may lie ahead.
The world is crumbling. The confident air of order we had over the free areas of this Middle Earth is collapsing. Men, women and children are being slaughtered or enslaved by the enemy and we can do nothing. How did we allow this to happen, how did it gain a hold so quickly? Why has our presence become non existent to so ruthless an enemy? Should I face that all will soon be lost, and head west, never to return?
No, I cannot. Too many of the good people left look to me for aid and counsel and I must give it them. Looking forth, I see many outcomes, but which could become true? I see our enemy grow ever stronger and ever bolder, eventually toppling Gondor and ending the race of men forever. But I also see success, I know not how, but I see our enemy, defeated and a Middle Earth free from opression and war. Our path to this is unknown, but I know for certain that our people must unite, organise and face this enemy fast.
Too often now are settlements razed and pillaged. The enemy must be punished for his crimes, but we can only do this united. I hope with my imortal life, that the free people become reunited and face our enemy head on, before it is too late.
wyrmwrath
04-04-2005, 02:19
Seems there was a tale told by a lake towm textiles merchant and wizard of the white city (Jona and Anson respectivly) to a gullable....err...naieve...uhm...trusting elf maid about the witch in the shire causeing still born babies, curdled milk, poor harvests and sick cows....I wonder if the witch will ever be found....?
Very funny :P I thought you were for real...
(I'm not fully aware of the RP backstory of this event, so if either of the participating parties feels like filling it in, go right ahead)
Finally, they would have a face-off... Finally they would fight, to the death, and end the perpetual chasing and tracking and hunting (on the one side), and the running away and hiding and looking for a new home (on the other).
Yûshmar the Traitor and Akbar the Headhunter stood on opposite ends of the small bridge (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0000.jpg) that would witness the momentous battle. Behind each, what supporters they had gathered were standing, waiting nervously. Even disguises wouldn't help Yûshmar now, this much was clear, so he tore his current one down, revealing his usual robes, and removed the full helmet.
Both men took off their helmets and glared at each other, Yûshmar's bright orange robe in contrast with the desert warrior's dull and rusty armour. Taunts were exchanged. Threats were made.
The desert warrior reached into his backpack and took out a parcel, dropping the backpack to one side. He unrolled and put on a bright orange robe --- an exact copy of Yûshmar's garment! (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0002.jpg) Akbar's followers laughed at this, the orcs howling as if it was a hilarious joke.
More taunts were exchanged... Finally, Akbar put on his battle armour and a helmet enchanted with evil magic... and the duel began (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0003.jpg). Akbar's huge jagged greatsword crashed on Yûshmar's shield, Yûshmar's scimitar sought to pierce the stone-hard armour of the headhunter. However, the battle seemed to favour Akbar (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0005.jpg)... More taunts were shouted, both men took grievous wounds.
Yûshmar fought with a fierce courage, oblivious to pain and unafraid of death. He forced the headhunter to retreat step by step until his feet left the bridge (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0007.jpg) --- however, at the price of taking several hard hits from the vicious sword he was facing.
At last, a gap in his defence --- Akbar's greatsword came swinging down in a slow deadly arc (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0009.jpg), bypassing the shield and scoring a full frontal hit on Yûshmar, who fell to his many injuries (http://tmp.lithitux.org/merp/duel/NWN0011.jpg).
Akbar proceeded to perform a dark ritual, cutting out Yûshmar's heart and devouring it. A dark fire came forth from the earth and engulfed the two bodies, one lying mortally wounded, the other praying to dark powers. With a special knife made of some sort of black metal, Akbar severed Yûshmar's ear, and, with a satisfied look, put it on his already quite heavy necklace of bloody human ears. He looked down at the body with contempt and spat...
Finally, the desert warrior departed the site of the duel with his company. At a loss for what to do, Yûshmar's friends brought his limp body to Lord Elrond Half-Elven of Rivendell, and begged him to apply his healing arts...
... but they were too late, they had tarried to long, and for all his craft, Elrond couldn't fully heal the wounds Yûshmar had received, nor could he reverse the powerful curse he had been subjected to. He restored some power to the exiled Haradrim, but warned him that it would wane in time... that he would grow weaker as he strayed away from Rivendell, and that he should return every so often to be temporarily revitalised again.
However, in his wisdom, Master Elrond saw a way that Yûshmar could be freed from the curse and regain his will to live permanently. If he could travel Middle Earth for so long, said Elrond, that he would gain the favour of every Valar, then the curse might be lifted.
Yûshmar, never having really heard much about the Valar, was given special permission to use Elrond's private library and take away books to learn from their wisdom how he could please each Valar in turn... He will be wandering the lands for a long time, seeking to fulfill this big task, and returning to Rivendell to be restored as his strength fails him.
(Sorry about the size of the pictures... I just couldn't scale them down, they look quite good ;) )
very nice that:) has anyone (prophet guyror) made some screens at the tharbad murder so we could write the background?
Prophet7
05-04-2005, 08:01
Yes, great pics Aule...and I don't have any screenshots of that Morez.
As the boat rocked back and forth a limp arm moved in concert with the waves. Several corpses littered the deck of the ship, each bloated by weeks in the sun. The Haradrim had slaughtered the entire crew and stood alone watching for the familiar shores of Harad.
It had been years since Akbar left his home in the forests of Far Harad. The shaman of his people, the Tasheed (Blood Drinkers and Soul Stealers), had sent him north with a dark prophecy. Akbar was to hunt down the traitor Yushmar, a Haradrim who failed in an attempt to rebel against the Lords of Umbar and fled to the great Northlands.
The Shaman gave Akbar a special necklace made from the ears of fallen enemies. When Yushmar was slain and his ear added to the necklace, a dark magic was unleashed. Rituals older than the memory of men created the unholy artifact and when the curse was completed Akbar devoured not only Yushmar's heart, but his soul.
The ways of the Haradrim are strange to the people of the North, but since consuming the soul Akbar gradually became more savage and violent. He had become little more than a rabid beast with the primitive intelligence to be the hunter and not the hunted, and his skin was covered in sun-dried gore and dark crimson blood.
Soon this stolen boat would take him home and the shaman would finish the ancient rituals, making Akbar true Tasheed. Yushmar's soul and strength would be added to his own and Akbar would become a ferocious warrior. Yushmar's only hope is that the Valar will have mercy on him and grant him a new soul before his disappears forever.
Kira and Gabriella come upon a tomb stone in Tharbad, on conversing with one of the Tharbad guards they are told that very recently a Hardrim and an elf by the name of Tyrion were the cause of the deaths depicted on the stone. To their disgust they are further told that Tyrion was allowed his freedom by the Mayor upon payment of a fine and the Hardrim managed to flee via the docks.
Kira ponders how much longer the Tharbad citisens will allow this state of affairs to continue. Will the guards themselves take any action? Will she or another of the adventures stand at the sidelines no longer and interfere in Tharbads internal affairs...or are the citisens getting the governance they deserve!
RichardW
07-04-2005, 20:49
The Mayor's plans:
Richard Wensbane and Shiryu have been investigating the Mayor of Tharbad for some time now, ever since the accident with Yushmar in the docks.
While working undercover and with the help of the elves Ami and Teclis they managed to overhear a rather strange conversation between the Mayor and one of his guards.
The Mayor spoke of importing a large numbers of weapons, for him and his unknown "allies". These weapons were to be delivered the following day at midday outside of Tharbad.
Ami had already learned some valuable information from Dorian, one of the Mayor's watchmen, the previous day. He spoke of the Mayor's plans, saying nothing conclusive but showing that his ruler had big plans for the coming days.
After this, the same undercover group of four managed to follow one of the outside people in charge of the weapons deal but he vanished into a thick forest next to the Barrow Downs.
Few hours later a man was sent to the guillotine for, apparently, "being a friend of the elves". Being a great friend of the elves and a defender of all life Richard Wensbane was almost possessed by his beliefs and threatened the watchman in charge of the executions. For this, he was obviously banished from the city of Tharbad, by the Mayor himself.
However, he feels this fight is far from over, and now... it gained even greater importance. When human lives are thrown away like garbage, it is time for action. Only time will tell what this action will be...
((Great RPing in Tharbad everyone, was getting a bit dizzy with so many people talking to me at the same time but I hope I did ok...))
Update on Tharbad...
(The trouble in Tharbad began with Tyrion Alethas being let off the death penalty for killing three Tharbad inhabitants. Some guards accepted the conclusion, but some were angry because they lost friends and also the fact Tyrion bought his freedom with gold and gems. The relevance of the Yushmar incident is that more guards became unhappy with the lack of backup in the city, hence creating more anti mayor guards.
Today there was an incident. A convicted thief was publically exectured in the city (this is fine, Tharbad permits it). There was a controversial killing of a friend of 'the' elf. Are guards making their own law and killing off friends of Tyrion? It cant be proven. The powers that be in Rivendell are now alerted to the seemingly evil actions of Richard Wensbane in Tharbad. His reputation is now considerably hampered.
Tharbad is currently split into two factions. 1. The mayor loyalists. They support the mayor. He isnt a very bad person, but does have an eye for gold. Otherwise a good man. He has recently imported equipment to fight off the anti mayor faction, should they revolt. (explains weapons shipment)
2. The anti mayor faction. This group seeks to remove the mayor and his loyalists by disrupting his rule and ultimately removing him from power. They consist of discontent guards and commoners and any others hoping to exploit the potential change in power.
However this no war. It is a low key domestic power struggle. A cold war if you will. There will be no battle. Any invasion of tharbad will see the attacker/s become evil faction.)
Validriel
08-04-2005, 05:11
“Whack!” A hard right jab scored hard against his opponent’s jutting jaw. “Thwump!” came a counter-blow, pummeling the first’s midsection, causing a shower of perspiration to spray out on the on-looking crowd.
“Whack.” “Thwump.” “Whack.” “Thwump.”
The exchange lasted for what seemed hours, as the two combatants traded closed-fisted blow after closed-fisted blow in a spirited smack-down rarely seen outside of distant dwarven meadhalls.
“C’mon! Bring on another!" "Now, show me your REAL stuff!”—the taunts that were traded were as lively as the footwork in the makeshift ring, demarked atop the summit north of Tharbad.
“Whack.” “Thwump.” And finally, one fell to one knee.
It was more than I could bear to watch. “In the name of all that is good and holy, please stop this madness!” I couldn’t help but think that one more exchange of knuckles between the two would spell the death of both. And while the fight had bloodied both men near beyond recognition, each looked up at me after my appeal for mercy with a broad smile—as if to say “Well, lass, we be just getting to the fun part!”
It was a classic battle. I daresay, an “epic” battle. Between Left and Right. Between clever and simple. Between the dual natures that separate men, and yet join them in common.
It was, in truth, the most wondrous exhibition of boxing you're apt to find anywhere, performed by none other than the Amazing Smashing Brothers. And it was held just this evening, before an audience held breathless and on its feet for the whole duration--stunned witnesses to the comic brutality of this extraordinary pair of itinerant entertainers.
Astor and I had heard our share of woe-crooning bards. Seen dozens of witless wizards and their silly showers of sparks. Why, we’d even grown jaded of the occasional ball-juggling ogre. But this! This was fresh. This was exciting. This was the ESSENCE of sport.
A once in a lifetime entertainment experience? Ho yes! And yet you, too, can see it yourselves! Coming soon, to Tharbad and wherever, it seems, the wind blows! Look for them by name: the Amazing Smashing Brothers. Look for them by their jester’s garb: dark leotards, one leg bright red. But, if it's the pleasure of blood-spattering and tooth-loosening that tickles your fancy: do look for them!
Ah, yes. And from one keen judge of strength to another: place your wagers on the dim-witted one! Easiest thousand you'll ever claim!
--Validriel Vanillanil
DM_Olórin
09-04-2005, 00:28
Originally posted by Validriel
Why, we’d even grown jaded of the occasional ball-juggling ogre.
Which Ogre and who's balls?
Argon Balros
09-04-2005, 03:39
well it was'nt that long ago i saw/copeted in the arena free for all but i've never seen an ogre/troll juggle
The cracked Anvil, once owned by Dargo Trolfallen and Dungrim Ironfist is now seeking new owners to refurbish it and bring it back into business (and to fill the pockets of dwarves)
The owners must be dwarves as this is a dwarven inn.
The title deed includes:
- A bar, with storeroom containing starting stock of drinks kindly supplied by Erebor each reset.
- 3 Guest rooms
- 1 Meeting room
- Kitchen
- Shop room
- Keys for individual rooms
- A flashy anvil which sparks when you give it a whack.
Offers to me by e-mail please :)
Argon Balros
09-04-2005, 18:32
i seriously object to such complete and utter racism unless of course you make argon an honourary dwarf :)
Lolinus Balix - having seen a gathering of orcs in the Druadan forest and having heard of agents of Mordor discovered in Minas Tirith itself has sworn to speak to Dain Ironfoot and ask his permission to raise the clans. Thereby organising the travellin' Dwarves of the world into a force to face the might of Sauron.
Argon Balros
15-04-2005, 19:05
Argon Balros having spoke to lolinus has decided that the humans need also to get more organised and perhaps speak to some of his old freinds about restarting the arcanists
Following a conversation with a few survivors coming out of the depths under Moria. Jonalin has been told that the fell skeletal dragon has shown mercy and signs of intelligence. Not wanting to let such a strong ally go to waste, he will be approaching the nazgul to ask if a diplomatic mission to try and persuade the creature to join the dark lord, is needed.
thromnombulax
19-04-2005, 17:52
The hierarchy at Dol Gulder has experienced a bit of an upheaval after the recent slaying of the Black Numenorean smith by Khamul, as witnessed by several new thralls there.
The Smith was wrongly blamed for the burning of a small halfling settlement attracting undue attention to that area of The Mirkwood after a small war party of uruks, ologs and humans sent by him to "cull" the population exceeded their orders and razed the hamlet to the ground, allegedly at the prompting of a nameless troublemaker who led the group.
The war band was worked into a blood frenzy in the main chamber of Dol Gulder prior to the attack and ripped through the halfling settlement with a rarely seen vigour, slaughtering all who stood in their way (and several who didn't) before being prompted by the cocky and over confident leader to "Burn it to the ground!!!" .
Amidst fears that the ensuing plumes of smoke may attract the unwelcome attention of the nearby elves of Thranduils realm, Khamul slew the Black Numenorean who instigated the attack, inadvertantly disrupting weapon supplies and the chain of command to thralls in the region.
The Smith has since been replaced and business as normal is expected to resume soon.
The troublemaker who led the war party, giving no name but variously referred to as "Pretty Boy", "Bubs" or "Grat" (in the Black Speech) was last seen headed towards Rohan, after gaining favour (along with his frequent companion Jakirah and their pet goblin) with Khamul for clearing the Dol Gulder area of elf scouts sent to investigate the burning.
When asked for his view of events he is alleged to have slipped on some "blood on the sole of his boot", inadvertantly grabbing his companions pack for stability and muttering "Nice!!!"
More news as it arrives.
The people of Rivendell's tranquility was shattered recently after Vinduil was seen entering the halls of master Elrond. Those outside were horrified by strange lights playing in the windows, terrible, unnatural noises shaking the building and the sounds of chanting, song and screams.
Emerging looking pale and shaken, Vinduil left the valley hurrying southwards in the company of Amithiewiel. Elrond remained in his private quarters for some time after the incident with members of his household saying little more than that he was feeling weary and so was resting.
Argon Balros
20-04-2005, 22:42
Whilst on a mission for lord elrond in moria a small party of adventures were shocked when the very earth all around them began to shake and the shadows grew long, but the group pressed onwards untill they met a strange figure in grey with a white beard, one of the group had heard tales of one who matched that description and indeed it was him, it was Mithrandir.
They talked for some time about the puposes of there visits to moria, when a great beast of fire emerged it must have been 50 foot tall, Mithrandir ordered the group to to run and he began to battle the beast. The group ran to the safety of rivendell and reported their findings to master Elrond.
And just when you thought that intrigue had altogether vacated that frackas-filled city of Tharbad… the plot thickens! Indeed, it was at the uneasy suggestion of the ranger Strider himself that a most unlikely trio—Deidus Meyer, Miscreavus Quilfish, and myself (Trista Tanglefoot, West Farthing…)—uncovered the most unsettling facts to date regarding Tharbad’s Mayor, his unfortunate influence at the hands of a rather diminuitive and ill-tempered counsellor—and worse!
But first let me speak of the rudeness of this little man at the Mayor’s side! Make no mistake, a motherless boy he must have been to be raised with such poverty of manners! With utmost politeness I offered him one of the Shire’s finest scones—only to be soundly scolded for it! Well! That should speak volumes enough of his foul temperament… but there’s more. Our investigations uncovered that this little weasel was the cause of the Mayor’s abrupt reconsideration of the fate of that star-crossed elf Avery, a fact that continues to disturb many a city watchman… Furthermore, in our own presence the little man quietly but unmistakably reversed the Mayor’s generosity with respect to compensating the widow of a fine man lost in the revolt (Emile by name)…
And most damning? I personally followed this dark advisor out of the town hall to a secluded corner of the city, and overheard him clearly speaking to another questionable figure about “progress being made” toward the agenda of some mysterious “MASTER”!
Naturally, it took everything I had to set my shock aside—the thought that Tharbad’s rule might have fallen under such control by an outsider!—and to pursue the truth still further. Desirous to know who this mysterious “master” might be, I followed the counsellor’s colleague (as discreetly as I could) out the south gate of Tharbad, and then east into the Dunland area… and then FURTHER EAST!
Thank goodness for Saruman’s wise control of that area… What wickedness might be at work will surely be set right by the White Wizard—or so Strider quite rightly assured us…
Two scone-bribed Tharbad watchmen later, and it’s been confirmed that this altogether peculiar advisor to the Mayor hails from none other than the region known as Rohan, owing to his most-distinctive pronunciation of words that contain the letter “s” (producing a very unpleasant hissing!).
The revelation caused this hobbit to suspend all better judgment and pursue a rather “cloaked” reconnaisance mission to the mayor’s office on her own (so harrowing, I assure you, that it’ll never be attempted solo again!). There I had the very good fortune, though, of overhearing a few more salient clues from the little man (why he’s so sensitive about his short stature and comparison to very nicely-sized hobbits I’ll never fathom!). Very clearly he spoke of the “importance of patience” and not wanting to “undo all that he—errr, ‘we’ had done” in his otherwise unguarded conversation with the Mayor.
Following that, a thick serving of flattery was applied to the town hall's appointment-clerk, which confirmed that the Mayor himself has not had official contact with foreigners--indeed, the number of appointments he's had has recently declined rather notably. The clerk confessed that he has no knowledge of visitations that the counsellor may have had in the recent past.
Notwithstanding that, the implication to this interested observer is that some provocative plan is in the works, but will be unfolding rather slowly and deliberately over the course of time… These humble facts, to the extent that they improve our understanding of the precarious situation in that controversial town, were dutifully relayed to Mr. Strider, who took a keen interest…
Originally posted by Guyror
Following a conversation with a few survivors coming out of the depths under Moria. Jonalin has been told that the fell skeletal dragon has shown mercy and signs of intelligence. Not wanting to let such a strong ally go to waste, he will be approaching the nazgul to ask if a diplomatic mission to try and persuade the creature to join the dark lord, is needed.
Word of said incident and of Jonalin's idea has reached the Witch King of Angmar. He has issued a request for his strongest servants to attend him for a briefing on the matter, and possibly a (semi-)diplomatic mission to the Deep Dark.
// OOC: In other words, there are plans for a high-level evil event when a strong enough party is on. How about tomorrow evening?
thromnombulax
26-04-2005, 19:48
*Khazaldor restrings his bow in preparation*
He will be there when the need arises, looking for Anson, Urrurz-Sum and the others.
(But Thursday may be best?)
Cullkett
26-04-2005, 19:55
Thursday would be good for me too :)
but i just might be able to make tommorow.
Thursday's fine for us too. You'll need the best you can muster. *evil laughter*
Tenacity101
27-04-2005, 05:58
Sorry...
anson still cannot log in in spite of the posted expiration of the ban...
I used the account again because the other is still MIA and Throm deserves a reply.
thromnombulax
27-04-2005, 14:45
If ye can make it it would be good to have you back mate , whats with the account still being disabled though? Perhaps a DM can sort it eh *begs*
I think i'll unban the player account now. Forum bans can't be undone afaik. I will look into it fully when i get round to doing it.
Ok done. Any negativity regarding the issues surrounding the ban or rp bias towards "supporters" will result in a permanent ban.
Tenacity101
27-04-2005, 17:03
supporters? supporters of what?
thromnombulax
27-04-2005, 20:12
I have no idea of the issues surrounding this incident, since i wasnt there ; but just it's in the past, 'tis done and done and all that, so lets all get on with it and have fun:)
There should be no "us and them" sentiment brewing in the audience, and even though oftimes temperaments may clash and actions be misconstrued, ultimately we are all here for one reason; to have fun with and/or in (delete as applicable) the world created by the dev team. Ultimately it is *their* world and the players are "guests", and as such occasionally a difference of opinion will result. As has been mentioned on other threads, oftimes temperatures rise and many a harsh word is spake in swift anger that in retrospect should/would ne'er have been said.
If we are so inclined, i would suggest all concerned take a chill pill, a glass or two of water and reflect for a brief while before initiating any course of action that may prove to be irreconcilable {checks thesaurus ;p}
We all get a bit irate over various issues, but ultimately 'tis a game so lets all try and have fun eh?
It is neither my intention nor desire to undermine administrative decisions, nor to anger players with this post; merely to suggest we all "play nice" like the adults we are:)
(for any who may feel that this post is overly avuncular and patronising, however, let me add that that is purely intentional; whatever happened lets get over it and get on with it? ).
:naughty:
Couldn't agree more :) Lets get this thread back on topic then :D
Silverleaf
28-04-2005, 15:45
Recently, the assumed ranger "Coran" has been sighted throughout Tharbad and Rivendell. He has been known to look like the infamous ranger Valen De'Vir, although most would disagree, as Valen is presumed dead, as well as his wolf pup Slurpy McHaggis. For those that have travelled with Coran, they have noticed a lack of emotions towards the Valar in him, almost a disrespect, and lately acts of intimidation have gained him an unpleasant reputation. Is this elf truly the protector of Bree, or is he merely fooling the townfolk into believing he is pure of heart while double-dealing with orcs?
Argon Balros
02-05-2005, 01:46
yet another bar room brawl in the old guesthouse minas tirith.
the two ofenders where arested.
Recently a strange dwarf as reapeared middle earth with one strange claim: the one that he isnt really a dwarf?!? with much angry words toward Aulë and unconditional disrespect for the Valar he claims that the Longbeards, Ironfists, Stiffbeards, Blacklocks, Stonefoots, Broadbeams, and Firebeards were not the only ones. That other fathers have been hided to Ilüvatar...
such a speech could be easily taken for foolishness but the incredible numbers of details he provided to those who listened to him(few did) would be remembered for a long time as their hearth and beliefs would be shocked...Who could remember so well the chaining of Melkor in Valimar or the cruel fate reserved to the "Unwillings" who stayed home instead of participating in the journey to Aman. How they became the "dark elves" (having never seen the light of the two trees [Telperion and Laurelin] they are considered lesser in wisdom than those that made the voyage).
He also claims the Dwarve to have been weakened because of Eru selfishness. The head of the Valar would never accept his own creation (Aulë) to be the genious creator of selfcontious creatures. According to him the Elves are slitghly modified stone dwarves "The real first race of middle earth" and all that for Ilüvatar pride...
But Aulë would have been sneaky and some of his creation would never suffer the "Ilüvatar forced great dream" .....sadly middle earth wouldnt be very accomodating at that time and few would survive...well thats what he says... The Age of the Trees are so far.... and the dwarf seem like an old fool... but a number of stranges things happens to adventurers....how could their fate not be shocked....
I think you have gone way too far there.
That would not hold water very well. I'd just stick to the dwarf guidelines in the manual.
Argon Balros
02-05-2005, 21:54
The Knights of Gondor
At the gates of Minas-tirith there stands a statue tall and proud of Lady Jade Mordigan,
the first captain of the Knights of Gondor and founder of this elite force.
After she was forced to slay her good friend Avalyn Silversword when he was possessed by a demon, she lost the will to travel the lands and her*famous*knightly order of Gondor was disbanded.
Several years later another of Jade's friends, Argon Balros, suggested to her that the order be reformed.* As she still could not gather the will to lead the Knights, it was decided that Argon Balros would lead them*and so it was that the Knights of Gondor once more rode out of the great gate*of Minas-tirith.
For more information
just type #TheKnightsOfGondor on the mirc
Originally posted by DM_Kev
I think you have gone way too far there.
That would not hold water very well. I'd just stick to the dwarf guidelines in the manual.
thats up to players to decide weather Druleten is a fool or if he is trying to get advantage of the general lack of history knowledge
or maybe he's right? who knows
I think you have been shocked! hahaha :)
No your idea is just too much - would not happen. You are trying too hard. Just do something simple.
hmm this will be pmed to you
Back on topic please, thanks.
DM_Elbereth`
04-05-2005, 01:57
The petty squabbles of orcs had never before disturbed Saruman in the heights of his tower, and yet this day he was forced to intervene - however, no orcs were causing the dispute.
Saruman emerged from his tower and walked to the source of the disturbance, looking at each person in turn until the fight lessened, and eventually stopped - the combatants, Grat-Shaataz and Alastor, stood naked and bleeding, cheered on by others.
After hearing their complaints about the other, Saruman - ever wise (hopefully) - decided upon a plan for them, though neither would likely enjoy it at first. In both of them were aspects Saruman desired in his servants, and it was unfortunate that they could not concentrate on these aspects, each teaching the other - he would have to make them.
From this day, until the day they earn Saruman's forgiveness (and have demonstrated that they have indeed learnt the value of the other), Grat-Shaataz & Alastor are bound together. No lies may they tell each other, no secrets shall they keep, they shall be honest with each other and teach what they may. Their lives are bound together, should one be left to die, the other shall too. Betrayals within the pair would suffer the gravest of consequences. A geas has been set upon them, until Saruman is satisfied that their lesson has been learnt, and he has gained himself two much more worthy servants.
A harsh lesson, no doubt.. but one they may come to value in time.
thromnombulax
04-05-2005, 03:38
The "chief-troublemaker", or "pretty boy" , having never given a name to any who asked, has (since this edict was edicted) sought only to fulfill the obligation laid upon him, much to the chagrin of Alastor and his allies. Ordered recently to "stay quiet" he has done just so ... to the extent of (uncharacteristically) leaving extremely valuable but heavy "loot items" behind on a recent foray into Moria. The servants of the White Hand who later discovered this are said to be fuming at the revelation. The chief trouble-maker is said to be "just obeying orders". Trolls who accompanied them are said to be "still bleeding profusely". Confusion and chaos reign due to Sarumans recent intervention in the petty affairs of his thralls, eye witnesses tell. More news as it arrives.
Having witnessed the placement of the geas, Emilie knew the two would slip up somewhere. She will travel with them no doubt in the future, keeping her senses locked and focused waiting for one to do wrong.
And when they do, by Saruman's will or not, one of them won't be waking next time they crawl into their tent...
:P Good luck with that guys
After receiving word from her old comrades at the Anvil tavern in Esgaroth, Dove managed to gain permission to leave her long time prayer studies.
Upon reaching Esgaroth and meeting her dear friends, for which she had not seen for many moons, the purpose of the gathering was discussed.
Veld and Lolinus drinking as always, brought the meeting to some kind of Dwarven order.
Lolinus then voiced his concerns about the spreading evil accross the lands. All present acknowledge this and no one disagreed with the grim reality that was presented.
"Erebor"! said Lolinus, "our aid is needed there".
Without hesitation, the group started their travels to Erebor, the atmosphere was relaxed and Dove chatted with her old friend Samir along the way.
An early encounter with a lone Orc brought the first taste of combat. The Orc was dispatched efficiently, with the practiced skill and group co-ordination that was expected from these warriors that have, in the past, fought so often together.
Confidence was high, too high it seems for within hours the battered bodies of the party save one, were dragged from the Iron Hills by an Erebor Patrol.
Dove now lies recovering in the sanctuary of her order. The healing will be slow it seems.
*Lolinus sat in the Anvil nursing his many wounds and drinking large quantities of Aule's*
Dagnabit. What happened?
The greatest warriors of the free I can gather and we're taken to pieces. Well it seems I was right the shadow has grown in power. We'll have to train up to take these down. But I'll tell ye one thing - I'm not finished yet. They'll rue the day they crossed the last of the Balix Clan!
*Lolinus continued to drink, plotting a visit to the White City - maybe there he could find somthing to help him practise his somewhat rusty skills*
Argon Balros
05-05-2005, 10:17
*Argon sat with lolinious in the Anvil*
Gone are the days when the few can beat the many, in that mine we faced a small army of well trained oposition not the hordes of rabble we have grown so acustomed too.
The Trolls worked in teams of two and concentraited upon one of use at a time,*shakes head* *sighs* and that is how i fell, my point being the enemy we face has been trained into an army, not only are they skilled they work as a team.
so as i see it yes we need more training but we also need greater numbers and we need to be more organised.
We learnt more in this defeat than we would of in Victory.
I my self shall ride back To Minas Tirith and continue to recruit and train knights, perhaps before you join me you should speak with King Dain of the idea of uniteing the clans before joining me in Gondor.
Many remember how the dwarves tried to unite the clans before and failed. Too often did they drift off topic and become too drunk to discuss their plans.
Argon Balros
05-05-2005, 11:07
*starts planning an ale heist as its the dwarves only chance* :)
*Lolinus and company sat in the Minas Tirith guesthouse, raising many an Ale to their success. They had arrived in the White City to discover a captain was missing. Quickly they went off to his rescue, and after much fighing succeeded. Once more the forces of good are active in hte world.*
DM_Olórin
06-05-2005, 00:11
Originally posted by DM_Kev
Many remember how the dwarves tried to unite the clans before and failed. Too often did they drift off topic and become too drunk to discuss their plans.
Veld and Lolinus cant remember that... ahhh that explains it then....
The Pentagram-Side I Tales of the Naugrim
Brothers Reunited
With red Rekk it began
far-wanderer of Redbeard's clan
alone through others' land, guarded by others' hand.
Fair-spoken Rekk for small fame would fight the goblin bands;
in Bree agreed to share safe the Greenway south
with bardling lame.
At South Down way Dark Lady lay in wait,
promised help in goblin raid,
spells for slaughter, fell imp for aid.
Aelthea it was, and hard behind her Longbeard Dagnir;
hailing brother brave, the Hammerhand claimed part in killing;
and two dwarves of sundered clans set forth to war
with help from woman's spells and songs of smiting.
Ignorant of impending doom, goblins sought to save their
twisting cave with cunning charm and crooked blade,
but Durin's Dagnir, aid he claimed from Aule,
Valar famed for raising Khazad in far-off days.
He it was sent the great wolf that hunted with the Hammerhand
that day: the valiant band swept through the goblin host victorious.
Long will be sung the valor of the fierce dwarves, red-handed
Rekk and Dagnir of Durin's clan;
Long will bards praise Aelthea's spellcraft, sweeping fire
through goblin foes.
Swinging double blade she slew with metal and magic;
swiftly she vanished when slaughter was done.
Singer too sought warm shelter, but for the Naugrim, ALE was
won!
A man dressed in bizarre green and purple clothes was seen walking through the shire, with a short figure, dressed all in black. They were over heard by one hobbit to be discussing the bakery one moment, and crops the next. However a different hobbit heard they talking about spreading the salt liberally, which must be a new recipe he thought.
On a second note, a merchant called Hyrest L'Occitane was seen in the markets of both Bree and the Shire, buying vast quantities of wheat. He claimed it was for the poor children starving in the cities of Tharbad.
Argon Balros
08-05-2005, 10:21
ahhh what a kind soul
I regret to report that four of the Shire's most esteemed residents--the Shirriff of the Brandywine Bridge. his now-retired predecessor (I presume), Hob Hayward, and the two lads that operate the Bucklebury Ferry--have all gone missing under most mysterious circumstances.
While the boys may have been up to mischief (I checked under their overturned boats to make sure they weren't napping there!), it's VERY unlikely that the Shirriff, or Hob for that matter, would leave their posts so unexpectedly.
I consulted with Mr. Bolger and Mr. Boffin of neighboring Crickhollow, and they reported no unusual visitors into Buckland that caught their notice from their front step--though they admit to being somewhat less attentive than normal.
Now I'll be the first to concede that it's possible the four MAY be holed up in a back booth in the Green Dragon having a rather famous time of a tall pitcher of the Shire's best--OR they may have been called away on urgent business to Longbottom or Michel Delving or wherever desperate assistance was required.
BUT it strikes me as more than a little suspicious that the incident left BOTH strategic passages across the Brandywine River completely unattended and vulnerable to who knows what.
I have asked both Robin Smallburrow in Bywater and Harry in Bree to keep a keen eye out for trouble, just in case we're dealing with the worst. Please report any additional facts of interest in this case to either of the above-named authorities...
Trista Tanglefoot,
formerly of Trundle Hill, West Farthing
DM_Olórin
09-05-2005, 03:01
Sounds like someone decided to kill a few NPCs for the hell of it. As the shire stands right now these dont do a whole lot but will with the update become quest givers and plot characters...
Please remember that the shire is a predominantly non-combat area. It isnt designed to be such with so many placables and area dressing. And as far as the "I am evil and wanted to kill Hobbits" argument goes, it is of NO consequence to the schemes of Sauron here in UTT2 as it was not in Tolkien's works. Anyone from outside Eriador probably hasnt even heard of it.
Whoever is mesing about in there please bear the above in mind. Thanks :P
Steve-Law
10-05-2005, 09:30
I am pleased to announce that during a patrol of the Shire districts, Master Dagnir and myself discovered those missing personages to be back at their respective posts.
Neither of the Shirriff's nor the ferry boys would speak of the incident, so i am inclined to believe Mr Dagnir's suggestion that the Shirriff's had urgent need of the ferry boys services for some important journey or delivery, especially coming so soon after I informed the Shirriff's of Master Dagnir's recent encounter in the Blue Mountains.
Rufus Proudfoot
In the Dunharrow:
After suffering numerous incursion by orcs and other dark beings in the Dunharrow region, the Rohirrim recently lay in wait with a plan devised to ascertain the source of these incursions.
It was not long before their efforts bore some fruit, for a brutishly built orc and a brown robed figure armed with a bow soon entered the region. In the ensuing battle many Rohirrim fell but the intruders too were dealt serious blows and soon decided to retreat.
As per the agreed plan the Rohirrim allowed the retreat and then released a falcon to follow the intruders to their lair and report back. The falcon never returned but the Rohirrim continue formulating further plans to uncover the cause and source of the incursions.
In Isengard:
As the orc fighter and his human companion returned to Isenguard, high above the falcon followed them to the tower itself. The White Wizard seeing the bird was filled with rage and soon let it be known to the fools who allowed themselves to be followed by giving them a taste of his power, so that they remember to be more careful in future.
The White Wizard then set his mind to preventing the falcon from returning to the Rohirrim as the falcon itself followed the orc and his human companions all the way to Tolfalas.
DM_Elbereth`
13-05-2005, 09:44
Sauron's Elite returned with news of their alliance with the undead dragon in Moria.
A full (http://tmp.lithitux.org/DragonQuest.txt) account (http://tmp.lithitux.org/DragonQuest.doc) of their adventure has been set aside in the libraries of Minas Morgul.
-----------------
A little delayed, I know, but many thanks to Guyror for help completing this, and Gloin for hosting it for now. I hope it gives all those who missed out on this event a good idea of what happened :)
Text version: http://tmp.lithitux.org/DragonQuest.txt
Word doc: http://tmp.lithitux.org/DragonQuest.doc
An excellent account of the event....Thanks for sharing with us.
Argon Balros
17-05-2005, 22:19
the lost axe a long time ago a dwarf lost his fathers axe in battle when his courage failed and he ran, now he is cursed for ever more to live as a ghost unless his axe is recovered.
Argon, greg, ami and dagnor have vowed to find that axe.
...and get that ghost out of Argon's house before it invites its mates over for a party ;)
Two men, were seen wandering Rohan, taking a careful note of troop placements and quantities of grain and food stuffs. They left the area without causing any disturbance. But what there ultimate goal was is as of yet unsure.
A boy and a dog have been reported to the mayor of tharbad, after catching some contagious 'poison' from the bite of a strange spider. The two sufferers are being held in the town cell for some time, at least until the symptoms are either understood or subside. The symptoms they were suffering were spasms of pain, and feeling very cold to touch. As of yet it is not known how the 'poison' was passed from boy to dog, or even if the dog was also bitten. But the matter is being investigated.
So far no more cases have been reported and the incident looks contained.
Argon Balros
22-05-2005, 11:58
*Argon Balros goes to the visit the boy after drinking an ironguts*
(if a dm is available at some point today of course :) )
DM_Olórin
23-05-2005, 01:56
~ The Spiders of Tharbad ~
____________________________________________________
It began yesterday when a small boy playing in the street outside the Greyflood Tavern was bitten by "something horrible and black with lots and lots of legs". He fell into a swoon and was taken to Ami's house where the elf-woman Ami, Jonalin the merchant, Samir and Mallick tried to help him.... Abelas her wolf companion padded over to examine the stricken child. The boy, comforted by his warm presence reached up to stoke his fur...
The boy was put to bed and as the problem of a cure was discussed ... the wolf collapsed shaking with ague and fell into a deep slumber...
Taking their issue to the town hall the mayor suggested that in the interests of containment - if this malady was to be contagious - that a clean warm cell may be appropriate and a watch kept over the boy and wolf...
So it was that the local merchant - present at all these events - suggested that he had heard tell of a mysterious book that may hold the secret to a cure to this perplexing malady. The others were not convinced but in their eagernes to aid the boy and wolf they harkened...
The book, it was hinted, sonded very much like a tome that had come into the possession of Ami some months ago during a chance encounter on the Greenway. Of the content and nature of the book, I shall not speak of here. Ami claimed to have given the volume into the care and study of Elrond of Rivendell.
____________________________________________________
Today the boy and wolf were no better and no worse, both cold and tremorous. They had been removed from the cell and, tis said, taken to more comfortable accomodation. The city authorities claim that the spider issue is well in hand. It is supposed that some vessel docked in tharbad has inadvertantly brought the pests from some foreign port. But the spiders have been seen by many citizens and visitors in Tharbad... fast, mobile black shapes vanishing into cracks and corners... and in many places and more disturbingly, in many homes... their webs and sounds of furtive movement...
In the docks district... a derelict looking slum dwelling, house number eight was festooned with cobwebs. The investigators, joined now by Argon Balros, Ribas his squire, Trista Tanglefoot, and Shannon Adler the songstress, questioned local guards, officials and residents, to little avail... though it has been noted that the rodent population has been less problematic lately... In the busy streets of Tharbad only a man in colourul garb wearing a "big hat" was considered noteable as having been anywhere near the building, though his proximity may be no more than co-incidental. Try as they might, the ravaged door withstood thier attempts to gain entry to number eight. No official record could be found of the place having any resident.
Argon, Ami and friends deduced that the man was a known figure, one Jonalin Willener of Willener and Sons, who's distinctive dress sense, business acumen and varied "associates" has ever made him noteworthy and a conspicuous subject for debate about town. Suspicion was rife as to the source of the infestation of arachnids. Unfounded theories were proposed, and circumstantial evidence pointed its finger in the direction of the merchant.
A letter was pushed under his door suggesting a meeting in the far off town of Esgaroth, where he was known to do business. What passed between the participants will be left to speculation lest they themselves wish to furnish the details of what transpired... but trickery was afoot. By nimble hands Mr Willener was relieved of his house key as a "book" was given over to him, purporting to be "the book" in question, by Ami.
Soon after in Mirkwood Ami, Jonalin and others awaited the arrival of the one who it is supposed lost the tome all those moons ago. Only he could say wether or not it was the book that they sought... for the pursuit of knowledge... for a cure to the illness... for whatever... With his "pets", Sharga came. He looked at the book and denounced the deception... then departed... Ami was furious accusing the nomad of causing the infestation... Jonalin was angered that he had been deceived... Both parted company in bitterness, but not before a Great Spider of considerable size sprang upon them from above and required thier combined efforts to subdue it.
Returning to Tharbad, Willener discovered his front door unlocked and signs that someone, a small someone, had been searching his property. Inquiries were made and the intrusion reported to the watch... A Hobbit is suspected...
Things still scuttle on little black legs in the gutters and crawlspaces of the city, rumor and counter rumor circulate, the people are getting nervous, the authorities make light of the matter so as to avoid panic... and the house by the river stays shut...
In a clearly excited state, Miss Trista Tanglefoot (formerly of Trundle Hill, West Farthing) appeared at the Tharbad Town Hall this morning and reported to the clerk on duty the altogether mysterious theft of her favorite black cloak the day before. “All I know is that it quite disappeared right off of my person sometime yesterday… Market Day that would make it,” she said in her sworn statement. “Very embarrassing for a hobbit of my general wherewithal to be such a sore victim to a market-day pick-pocket!”
When asked if she suspected anyone of the crime, Miss Tanglefoot remarked only that “there was one small very-slippery shady character darting about the docks area when a group of us were aiding the city in its dreadful vermin crisis... I may be able to identify him—but Tharbad is known to have a great number of unseemly elements.”
The loss was apparently the last in a number of rather unfortunate events for the hobbit lass, who was not restrained in her town hall complaints. “Not long before my cloak was pilfered, I lost 50 coins in a very upsetting riddle contest in the market square… And then! The spice merchant there, in an altogether unbecoming fashion, quite disparaged the butter biscuits I was giving away to the hungry shoppers! Claimed they might be poisoned or something… What is this town coming to?”
An investigation into the pick-pocketing incident is pending the provision of additional evidence.
DM_Olórin
25-05-2005, 01:15
To the delight of his mistress, Abelas arrived at Ami's side in Rivendell today... Perhaps the bond of elven magic he shares with her, wolf and druid, protected and healed him, his love stronger than his sickness, or perhaps the malady ran its course...
There was little sign of the infestation in Tharbad today... why is this...? The boy's condition is unknown at this time but it is presumed if Abelas is fit and well... perhaps he is also on the road to recovery...
Elrond had words to say regarding the tome... and his musings were not encouraging... he fears that something beyond our ken and power to overcome is stirring in forbidden depths. Something of it, he has had news of at least, in reports brought back by adventurous souls who brave those hellish regions... in the horrors they have met there, cloaked in creeping shadows... in the shapes it leaves in others... in those it has consumed.
Troubled in mind and heart, and fitful in rest, plagued by dreams of forboding, of what, he cannot or will not say... the Lord of Imladris broods upon the will of the Valar, the sign of the White Hart, and the Doom that awaits...
Moontoya
25-05-2005, 08:31
Suspicious Neighborhood ...
Yesterday, just when I have some ale drinking in Greyflood Inn at Tharbad I was bited for some kind of bug (probaly a mite spider too). Then I decide to lead my own investigation about the infestation because I bough my house at Tharbad (household #1) and the Clerk dont advise me regarding my eerie neighbohood.
I just start to looking close to the Merchant area and then I notice that some bugs are coming from the Dock area. When I entered the Docks, I saw the house #8 plenty of webs !!!
Then I ask for myself: "- Who, for Ulmo's sake, may live in such very filthy and disgusting place ???"
Also questioning the local guards, officials and residents nobody gives me answers regarding what kind of reasonable person shall live in the house.
The only way that I found to take answer was knocking the house's #8 door.
Five minutes knocking at door and nobody answer me inside. I stop to knock and just began to hear the houses noises. Then I notice some bugs noise sounding like a huge hive !!! Revolted with such nasty situation I ask for Ulmo grace and opened the bad omened door...
In my first step into the house I was engulfed with a disgusting stink. With my stomach knotted, I spit on the floor and take my way through the house's interior. I saw a floor covered with eerie bugs and spiders , but the worst was just comming...
A suspicious man wearing a black cloak walking troublesome through the rooms call my attention. I said to him: "- Hi, my name is Astanamir Rhudainor. Im here investigating the insects activity in this very town, what could you speak anything regarding this?"
The guy dont pay me any attention and stood walking through the rooms. Then I said: "- Could you answer me, what do you know about the bugs that actually are infesting your house, for Ulmo's sake ???"
No answer was given, only a mockery sound of bugs wings coming from the black cloak...
When I get close to him I saw in their eyes a disgusting sight. The man seems to be a moutain of bugs !!! Then I run to the door to call the guards and the door was closed, trying the keyhole I notice that the door was malicious locked!!! I turn myself to the nasty creature and said: "- Open the damned door for Ulmo's sake, or you will get yourself in troubles !!!"
Again I had no answer, just the disturbing bug mockery sound.
Wielding my sword I began to kill those *******s bugs, my action made the man get angerfull and he engaged for fighting me !
I start to chant ancient songs asking resilience and the protection of Ulmo. Then, Valinorean flames engulf the house's interior killing all bugs and destroing almost furnitude. When the flames fade away the vermin-man still atacking me, uninjuried. Looking around I notice that the table was not destroied and a kind of tome was resting on the table. I ran to see and check the book but the vermin-man pursuit me. Unable to pay a close attention to the Tome, I return to fight him. I also notice that my sword couldn't harm him. I start to shout for guard's help but nobody help me.
Then I collapse ... When I woke, I found myself uninjuried outside the house at the Docks area. Regaing my counsious I ran to the City Hall to talk with the Clerk. He puts me calm and said that the city's authorities was already handling the matter. He also told me that he was buying Jonalin's pomads to keep the bugs away from him. I require an audience with the Mayor and he told me that the Mayor was too occupied dealing with the matters. I invited the Clerk and the Mayor to come to my house later in that night to have a dinner and discuss what happened and the Clerk said me that the Mayor will not go outside the City Hall to avoid been bited for the bugs. I still waiting my audience with the Mayor and I don't receive any answer yet.
I would like to join the the investigation working group and try find the clues to solve the problem and punish the guilties.
Ps.: As far the Clerk, the Guards and I remember, I was not drunk.
Astanamir Rhudainor
I would like to point out that every house from number 1 through 8 in Tharbad is owned by player charactres. Although there has been some storytelling about this was all DM led. Up to this point for obvious reasons no-one had been into that house, to keep the suspense going.
However in DM led plots its best not to do anything without the DM being involved. Also I would point out that breaking into other peoples houses isn't the best of actions. Unfortunately currently they don't lock from the outside but will lock behind you. The houses are meant to be locked, and not accesible to all.
*And now back on topic*
DM_Olórin
25-05-2005, 19:13
ahh dammit!
probably not the best idea to advance a DM storyline without advice or permission, particularly in thier absence... Basically you dont know what is planned or when we planned to advance the plot.
it was supposed to be an intrigue... little clues, more suspicions that facts... lots of plausible doubt and deniability... a little more a little at a time... over time... like the events in the deep dark... nevermind though...
*scratches beard... throws up his hands... puts down his pen*
Moontoya
25-05-2005, 19:52
This Morning I return to the Greyflood Inn to speak with Mathas regarding my episode at the tavern.
Mathas told me that I had drink a lot of his best ale in that day. When I bited for the bugs I became rude and even call him of bad names. He notice that I get a kind of fewer and ask me to go to my home to take a rest. When I leave the tavern I spoke some nonsense things to the kids too. Taking the wrong way to home, in fact I was gone to the Dock area. A lady said that she saw me drink another couple of botles of ale chanting drunk songs on the pier. She also said that Im sick with a kind of fewer and that I had hallucinations regarding the house number 8. She tried to help me to get me to my home but I refused any help. She leave me alone at the Docks when I start to shout calling her of "vermim-man". Then I collapse, and when I woke some guards helped me.
Athrougth I was not drunk when I woke, I figure that the spiders poison plus the ale had some kind of hallucinogen effect on me.
I would like to ask apologies to my neighborhoods for such rudeness.
Next time I will drink water, for Ulmo's sake.
Many thanks
Astanamir Rhudainor
With a look of relief Jonalin left the Witch King at Minas Morgul, having been praised for his recent accomplishment. The black book he had been seeking, and another strange white book, both are now safely in the hands of the lore masters of Mordor, being investigated to find more of the secrets held within.
He only held slight trepidation in the fact that once more he may be sent out into the depths of the earth to this up. For the witch king implied many things when he spoke almost as if he knew more than he was willing to divulge.
He took one piece of advice to heart however, 'do not draw attention to yourself'. So he is attempting this... how successful it will be is yet to be determined.
Silverleaf
03-06-2005, 16:44
The two adventurers Valen De'Vir and Pard Swift recently challenged themselves into the deep of Moria, seeking a spear of Rohan. Although successful, it was a dangerous trip. Next time they'll try to raise a few more arms before heading down there again...
Jonalin returned once again to the depths of the earth under the iron hills accompanied by a small army of uruks, ologs and a man. Upon the way down they encountered a creature of legend, a drake of shadow, that escaped before it could be slayed.
They originally went there to seek silvery ore, but there he discovered another group of ulundi. The creatures once again attacked before a parlay could be started. Is this a separate group of creatures than the ones he managed to persuade to ally with the forces of sauron. Or is it a separate group, this is yet to be descerned. However the leaders were brutally killed and few things were left alive inside the tower they had built.
Silverleaf
05-06-2005, 20:47
Valen, recently having dealings in the blackmarket, has begun to suspect that the simple businessman Mr. Willener is more than meets the eye. His silver tongue and ready supply of blades rather than spice is more than a little suspicious, especially when the guards are never looking when he completes a deal.
Argon Balros
05-06-2005, 20:55
yes and many a sword has been sold by that dodgy lagnar :)
Once more Jonalin, being a concerned member of Tharbad's community. Has been to see the mayor regarding the disturbing incident a few weeks back. He was happy to hear that no more cases had been reported and that the people involved had recovered.
However the mayor was disturbed to hear of a 'break-in' at No.7 which is going to be investigated further, as well as the reluctance of the elves to help the men of Tharbad, sort out there own problems.
Recently the people of Tharbad were shocked to see one of its most colourful residents being attacked and struck to the ground by a masked man in black. The incident was seen by a few noted members of Tharbad including Ami and a wandering man called Hrulf.
Upon further investigation the man was recognised by Ami as being none other than the one that had attacked her in the past, he claimed to be working for some powerful but cruel people. And was known to work with orcs and trolls. This was too much for poor Jonalin who fled back to town.
Following this event Jonalin and Ami had a long talk about what might be occuring and he learnt much about what the books this man claimed to have stolen contained. An 'alliance' of sorts was forged between the elf and the man, but how long it will last is yet to be known.
DM_Olórin
16-06-2005, 18:54
Id like to thank all the players who are keeping their storylines running. Well done all, especially to Guyror.
I feel I ought to explain my recent absense from the server. As some of you may be aware I am currently adding some quests and a few extra details to the Shire. As I work full time and we are very busy at the moment my time is pretty scarce.
All the same i can usually be reached on mIRC after 6pm until late :)
Argon Balros
23-06-2005, 22:14
a horde of orcs stormed osgiliath overwhelming the guard and so the Knights of Gondor were sent in to retake the city and did so in spectacular fashion!
Silivrendil
24-06-2005, 07:34
A carefully written note, delivered to Elrond, Lord of Imladris...
Hir Elrond,
The dangers of which you spoke have found their form, my lord, and I must admit that I may have underestimated the determination of our foes.
In my recent search for clues in the Icy North, hoping to establish a positive connection between Morek and that matter that you and I discussed, I found an alliance forged in the Blue Mountains not only between his sorcerous protoge and the hound-headed fiends that we suspected to be so aligned--but also in the same company was a large contingent of that rarer breed of bugbears born of the ice and snow.
As a blizzard they swept through those caverns. And in a hail of ice they rained down their grief upon me, and only by the fond grace of Elbereth was I spared certain disaster, and given the strength to vanquish the enemy from this wretched hole and cleanse it of all wickedness.
And yet, the greater trial had not yet been suffered. As I returned to the Lossoth encampment, I was followed by the foulest of frozen wyrms, whose lust for blood and vengeance was born, quite likely, from the defeat of its partners in evil in the Blue Mountains. Right into the settlement it walked, spewing chilling frost from its gaping jaws, freezing all in its path with its cruel might. Only a collective effort was able to dispatch the vile lizard.
But now I have little doubt of the desperation of he who conspires to frustrate our inquisition. I pray that this letter impresses on you the same.
Your faithful warrior,
Silivrendil
Hereafter is penned two lines from an ancient elvish prayer:
Aiya Alcarinque, anraina, analcarinqua meneldea náro Vardo,
Hlara hantalë Elentarinduro annucumna, etelehtanë naicello ulco.
which, as you know, in the common tongue translates:
Hail Alcarinque, most gracious, most glorious of Varda’s heavenly flames,
hear the gratitude of the humblest servant of the Queen of the Stars,
delivered from the pains of evil.
[Thanks, DM_Olorin!]
Argon Balros
15-07-2005, 10:49
A not so quiet stroll in the farmlands around tharbad
As I (Ivan Balros) was walking through the farmlands that surroud tharbad i heard in the distance the sound crying, as i walked closer i saw a scene of carnage dead animals and a even a few men, there was a woman weeping just outside a heavily damaged farm house.
I apraoached and asked if there was any way i could be of asistance, as soon as she noticed me shes screamed about a thing that had took her baby and killed everyone else, i asked where it had took her baby and she pointed to some huge foot prints in the mud,
i tried to run but could not in my Fine set of full plate crafted by my very hands, so i folowed the tracks at a pace little faster than walking, untill a i came upon a cave, a foul stench eminated from it, 'this must be the foul beasts lair' i thought and so i entered with my Greatsword to hand and my helmet on, i was as ready as i could be.
Inside i saw a great green beast double my size at least but it was primitive, no weapons or armor and as such we entered into battle i struck it with a fine hit enough to kill a man , but before i could land the finishing blow upon it the wound i had given closed up, then it hit me breaking my ribs even through my now very dented armor,
I was nearly finished time seemed to stand still as i saw it pulling its arms back to hit me again and i thought back to my teachings back in Minas tirith, my farther had told me of beasts such as these and that they have a weakness for flame, and so i threw a jar a lantern oil at the beast, the jar smashed, the oil covering the beast and then i threw my torch the beast was engulfed in the flame and began to scream, soon the fire spread to the beasts bedding and it was at that point i heard the baby crying from the area now engulfed in the fire,
with the strengh of Tulkas running through my veins i got to my feet and ran into the fire, i gathered the baby up in my cloak and ran from that cave, i had done it the baby was alive and the foul best was dead and i would recover from my injuries.
Argon Balros
15-07-2005, 12:19
all true :) except the lantern oil was two fire bombs :)
Both Lord Elrond and Kusil Ironheart, priest of Mahal have been told this tale
and asked who this man clothed in blue might be?
---
I was visiting Tolfalas island after a long time, wanting to see if the island had remained
peaceful.
It had not; the island was as unwelcoming as it was the last time I was there. As I walked
in the west part of the isle I had a... vision, for the lack of better word. A bearded
man, clothed in blue, carrying a trident. I saw him twice, both times only for a blink
of an eye. After the visions something odd happened near the waterfall and small ponds
that can be found throughout the island. There was a sense of calmness and I could
see things previously hidden from me when I was close to water.
When I was getting ready to leave the island, some animals attacked. I had help;
an elemental it is called I think, a being made of water. It helped me to fight and
disappeared right after that.
---
thromnombulax
17-07-2005, 15:56
An olive-cloaked figure was caught red-handed in The greyflood inn with his greasy mits in another travellers purse!!! Seen by the barman and all the greyflood regulars and mumbling "someone will pay for this!" the cowled man fled with haste when his mark turned to confront the common thief.
Townsfolk await the issue of a warrant with anticipation
Two elves have been seen one more travelling the land. Unlike most of their kindred they wear black clothing. When they speak it seems ot be in some form of code, others hear them but know not what they mean. They refer to past deeds which each understand, but no others.
mattimus
18-07-2005, 16:59
There has been several reports of late of a sinister looking man in the company of a rather large warg in the Mirkwood. The lake town watchmen are advising those who must travel should do so in groups.
Steve-Law
20-07-2005, 10:26
The Silvan Ranger, Ainathangion - recent victim to pickpocketing in Tharbad - was directed to report the matter to the Mayor of Tharbad by the watchman on duty outside the Greyflood.
"What would be the point?" the elf replied coldly. "His face was covered and all I can tell you was that he worn an olive hooded cloak. Practically identical to my own, and several others I have seen worn. Besides which, I might be more confident of the thief being brought to justice if he had not so easily walked past you and your collegue inside the inn, despite the alarm having been raised when I detected the first attempt to steal from my purse."
With a scornful sneer the elf simply left the corrupt human city to humans.
Argon Balros
20-07-2005, 10:32
wow an elf that admits to to his keen senses being fooled so easily, certanly not a noldor then :)
Steve-Law
20-07-2005, 11:39
They weren't fooled easily. The first attempt failed, the second succeeded but was detected. There may have been more, though I don't know. (This was a level 20 char against a level 5 char btw.)
But otherwise yes, certainly not a Noldor ;)
thromnombulax
20-07-2005, 11:57
(ooc ; it was one (1) attempt [in total], which succeeded (a gold pick it was...so between 28-32gp cant remember now) but was detected on the spot roll ; level doesn't enter into it as far as i can see since it would be metagaming if i had checked the rating of the mark :)
Khazaldor [for it was he] paused for exactly 2 seconds [time for a voiceset "stop!" or some such] prior to fleeing the scene [like the craven cur he is]
ps ... my (as a player) policy on valuable item picks can be identified from other threads [for those who fear the loss of a valuable item], and the first report of this incident was posted on this thread on 17/07/05 )
If steve-law doesnt have a screenie there is no need since i freely confess, and look forward to the issue of a warrant (will it be the first?) :)
Steve-Law
20-07-2005, 13:46
No warrant will be forthcoming, as explained above. IC it doesn't make sense. OOC I can't be bothered, to echo Ainath, what's the point? It's not like it will stop it. But I'm not going to go into it as that would be further off topic than this topic is for. Whatever.
thromnombulax
21-07-2005, 12:30
Steve law ;
I can't be bothered
cant be bothered to RP on an RP server? what's going on!!!
what's the point?
a bit of RP fun, perhaps? since the dev team went to the trouble of implementing guidelines for just such a situation.
Oh well :)
Pretty trivial tbh. Steve-Law is an excellent player and he is always in character. If he doesn't want to go ahead with a warrant thats fine. Im sure he will contunue to be a great player regardless :)
thromnombulax
21-07-2005, 13:20
:E
mattimus
21-07-2005, 13:46
Hey nice one Kev,
I think Steve-Law is a fine RPer too
Throm's good too - specially with those thieving gypsie types, actually there all thieving gypos arnt they
But I have to say no one ever complements me
*scrathces bum, sniffs fingers*
Yee Buggers
Steve-Law
21-07-2005, 14:32
For the record I consider a trial with more than one victim, witness or culprit, or an offence that is either interesting or original, as viable and fun RP potential. With only one victim and one culprit and no other witnesses (let's face it the barman will hardly provide a lot of RP entertainment) it's an indulgence at best.
(Thanks though Kev and mattimus much appreciated - and mattimus, we had a few fun session with Jach and Clay, will have to look out for him :) )
thromnombulax
21-07-2005, 15:53
We *do* praise you mattimus, but yer usually as drunk as a skunk in a trunk and dont remember ;)
(throm doesn't have to rp a thieving g**** type since they *are* a thieving g**** type ... its just natural!!)
*pours another glass of Gathering Dark* Fer the clan, me coosins, an meself!!!!!
An indulgance???? nay, nevah!!!
A hearing would doubtless bring in onlookers .... allies or enemies of those concerned. There is opportunity for bribing officials, having the tide turned against the elves (in keeping with the "changing tharbad") , jailbreaks, or "whatever".
Khazaldor *certainly* would provide "witnesses" . As i recall, the last trial we had (was it Avery) proved quite popular.
Still, no matter, it needs more than one to play and if it aint happening it aint happening. As you say [quote] "what's the point"
:)
mattimus
21-07-2005, 16:46
now there's a thought!
Cullkett
21-07-2005, 18:24
Trials are always great fun especially when you get to see the culprit beheaded :)
Cull will be a witness ...if the price is right ;)
Silverleaf
22-07-2005, 01:50
I'm sure Bob Barker can do something about that..
mattimus
22-07-2005, 14:57
The fop Culkett has the pox! Several physicians have been seen entering his town house through the back passge of late. The coutesans of Tharbad are reffuisng to make house calls. Muted sounds of sheep mewing come from his garden at night....
Steve-Law
22-07-2005, 15:03
Keep clear of Culkett's back passage!
Cullkett
22-07-2005, 16:23
Its all lies!!
*Coughs*
Argon Balros
22-07-2005, 16:30
its all part of the new tharbad farmlands quest to find the missing sheep
Talk of a strange blue man, and daunting whispers have drawn the attention of a few of Sauron's finest. An expedition to go look into this odd occurence in the Mirkwoods will soon start.
*narrows his eyes and looks around..*
Blue Man? how odd....
*whistles*
Zephyrus
06-08-2005, 22:26
As the lifeless halfling body was still falling to the ground he had allready snuck through the gate. He watched the little people go about their business, not aware of the horrible slaughter that was awaiting them. Soon there would be no merry sounds anymore, just silence. He saw children playing and laughing and considered for a second to spare them, but he knew he wouldn't. He was to kill each and every one of them and he would. After all killing was what he was best at and his master knew that as well.
Feeling the cold steel of his dagger against his palms snapped him out of his contemplation; "So easy..." he thought as he made his way to an unsuspecting hobbit.
mattimus
17-08-2005, 11:37
A group of adventurers led bymembers of the Firebeard clan have put an end to a terrible infestation in the mines of Erebor. The mining authoritys give out there thanks to Thruin, Tetrol and Razor Ragnarsson, Berethor, Nathan of Gondor and an elf for there assitance with the problem.
Unfortunately there were two casualtys both miners from Erebor who are survived by Helka 'the unlucky' widow and mother to the dead. (Rumours abound Erebor that Helka suffers from a curse as apparently this is not the first time she has lost a husband and a son to incidents in the mines.)
Although the civil authoritys are pleased with the assistance the Ragnarssons have provided in this instance there is a growing movement to encourage them to move out of the mountain kingdom as reports of brawling (with each other), extreme drunkeness, nudity, urinating in public and general antisocial behaviour have grown alarmingly since the cousins moved to the area.
Razor and Tetrol Ragnarsson have several unpaid fines to thier names for minor public offenses.
*Notices appear the length and breadth of Arda bearing the following messages*
The Cracked Anvil of Esgaroth will be opening its door to all this very night.
There will be drinks aplenty for sale, all at reasonable prices.
Ye barman for theevening will be the reknowned drinker Lolinus Balix.
If he sups enough of his own stock he may organise some entertainment, including drinking games and bare knuckle fights.
Come along and enjoy the fun.
V.S. Proprietor
L.B. Resident Drinker
Murder most foul!
Some time in the last few days a crime has occurred that has shocked, sickened and caused great concern to many of the noble citizens of Minas Tirith. Someone has murdered, no not murdered but butchered the fair lady of the house of healing. Her body was found by a poor young initiate to the Knights of Gondor draped across the altar in the house of healing. Her arms had been pinned to the altar and she had been eviscerated. No clues can be found as to how this crime occurred and no witnesses have come forward, but many citizens are crying for justice to be served and for the criminal to be found. Others however just cry out for where the Captain of the Guard was, and want to know how he could allow such a thing to happen.
thromnombulax
20-08-2005, 10:43
"Three bells and all is most certainly unwell"
Sir Roberd Immerman (a brave young man, with a voice likened to "a mix of sand and glue" by some), after a long hard ride to fulfill an errand of mercy (the delivery of many bags of Bonnet Bellflower to the White City's ever-busy healer) was heard to sing a sad, haunting lay concerning the desecration of the altar and the foul, fell manner of the healer's demise, both within the city and throughout the lands upon his return journey to Tharbad and environs.
Searching avidly for Captain Balros (and, reports tell, fearing for the Captains safety since witnessing a sad, rude and somewhat pompous Elf Maiden named finareá apparantly *threatening* the Lord Balros near Edoras), the young initiate herald left messages for the captains attention wherever he could, until finally accepting the hospitality of the Bree Rangers under Captain Bence in order to recover from the tribulations of the journey.
"Oh woe ; first a Wyrm in Dunland, now *this* !! Bence, kindly awaken me if any suspicious Elves enter the camp..." Sir Roberd exclaimed as he fell into a slumber of utter exhaustion, "... i am *convinced* that that fop finareá has done ill to Captain Balros!!! How will i *ever* understand these forces of the Gathering Dark!"
The elf finareá was also reputed to have casually and without regard insulted verbally not only Captain Balros but several travellers in the King of Rohan's employ, engendering a rift between the races of elves and men that many will find it difficult to overcome.
mattimus
21-08-2005, 09:01
Not an unusual event you think, and you would usualy correct but in this instance the brawl involved the Captain of the Knights of Gondor. Merchants, Rohirrim soldiers and several of the fairfolk travelling through the Rohirrim capital witnessed the noble and self proclaimed protector of the free brawling with the street comon vagabond Wulfus. Although no serious injurys occured many of the bystanders were shocked firstly to see the heroic Argon Balros fighting a comoner of low repute in public and secondly by the vile language used by the trapper Wulfus.
One bystander is quoted as saying
"Capin Balros laid him(Wulfus) right on his arse while they were talking, then that cut throat Wulfus actually turned the air blue with some real particular language, after wich they started scrapping an cursing again in front of the gaurd and some of the knights of Gondor it were a rare sight...my money was on the Captain all along, that varlet Wulfus is a skinny runt and no match for the great warrior Captain Balros".
The Rohirrim authoritys refused to coment.
Kay Koriandra
20-10-2005, 21:06
*the following was overheard, whispered aboard the ships that trade with the Icy North*
Bearing the extra burden of a madman at her side, a certain 'Kay' Koriandra is hot on the trail of disturbing truths about the alliance being forged between the hillmen of the Ettenmoors and the orcs of Mount Gundabad. Ironically, tracing the roots of the alliance are not only the key to unweaving the threat to the Lossoth camp, but the key to Miss Koriandra's own filling of the power vacuum with her own authoritarian ambitions.
[Thanks, Araw!]
News is travelling around Tharbad like a wildfire: an unknown benefactor has recently purchased a run-down building in a back street, which is being converted into an orphanage for the many homeless and destitute children of the city. The orphanage is currently being prepared and organised by a friendly old lady known to many of the children as ‘Nanny’ or Mrs Dunston. Any person that wishes to enquire about the adoption and re-housing services that will soon be in operation, should talk to either Mrs Dunston (if she can be found) or wait for further announcements on this matter.
The citizens of Tharbad are again thankful to whoever is funding and organising this project.
It is understood that the orphanage has the approval of the Mayor of Tharbad himself, who has given it thorough consideration and spent a long time discussing it with his advisor.
Following the trial orphanage in Tharbad, similar houses for 'disadvantaged children' have been proposed to the respective authorities of Bree and Esgaroth, and have received official approval.
The citizens of said settlements are not aware of the identity of their benefactor, and speculations about the nature of the generous stranger (or strangers) abound. One thing is certain -- With the amount of impoverished children, such facilities will be more than welcome.
When asked to comment, Mrs Dunston (the head of the Tharbad orphanage) said that she was aware of the plans to build more orphanages, and that she was sure the kids would be in very good hands. "It can only be a good thing to reduce the number of hungry brats roaming the streets", she was quoted as saying. The two well-fed well-dressed children she had on either side of her nodded in agreement.
Silverleaf
23-11-2005, 19:03
Tyrin Ceri would dearly love to help out in an orphanage.
(Naturally, those who would like to help out with this noble enterprise are encouraged to seek out Mrs Dunston in Tharbad -- if and when they can find her.)
Nine Inch Nail
04-12-2005, 13:41
As the sole survivor of your previous wreckless errands you'll set out on a wild adventure to find your missing master and answers to the mysterious components of the smithy. Evil characters lvls 9-14, 4 Dec 15 00 GMT (Lisbon Time). Rendez-vous point - Isengard - 2 steps away from the statue (facing the front of the statue).
A hushed conversation and a passing of a few letters in a secluded corner of the Grey Flood Inn.
Kang was left in the Inn holding the letters wondering what simple task he had be set. Deliver a parchment to a wildman living in the rugged hills to the west of the Misty Mountains, and to a Savage in the ruins of Mount Gundabad. What could this man want.
As he peeks inside the parchments to discern their contents he smiles and nods at what he reads. Trouble will result no doubt once these are delivered, the people of Forochel may sleep uneasily in there beds.
Doomnair
08-12-2005, 21:45
Having fought through a horde of orcs not loyal to the Nazgul, Noonr and Ar neared the cave where the hillmen were supposed to live. Ar looked around and saw a couple of them hiding behind a bend inside the cave. Noonr, thinking a couple of hillmen was no match to his great strength, stormed in with his axe raised high.
Suddenly, from another bend further ahead more of the hillmen charged. Ar took a severe beating and tried to retreat. Noonr watched her back and killed several of the humans while getting many stab wounds all over his body. Suddenly, one axe slipped through his defence and he fell, feeling darkness closing in on him.......
Like a whiplash he felt life returned to him by a powerful dark force. He shaked his head and looked up. Ar was standing next to him, staring in disbelief. Ar said "I saw a great darkness expand over your body and suddenly you gasped for air. I thought for sure that your were dead. Lord Sauron truly watch over you orc". Noonr grin and replied "Noonr has allways fought to please tha lord Nazgul and tha lord eye. Now Noonr know that Lord Sauron is pleased with tha cleavin. Noonr is chosen. Chosen to follow tha lord eye and do his biddin. Noonr will fight to become even stronger to become one of tha lords personal guard. Lord eye will see that Noonr be strong and give Noonr the darkness that lord eye gives to all true servants". Noonr grins and looks around at the dead hillmen with their bloody faces. He rips of the head of one of the corpses and shows it to the shadows around him. He then slowly speaks with a voice deep with menace "Noonr will be one of yer personal guards, lord eye".
Cindi Angelheart
13-12-2005, 16:18
A deeply troubling matter has just come to my attention. While in Tharbad looking for dresses, a man called Cullkett brought to my attention the murder of a child right under the nose of the city guards. After a lengthly discussion with Tom and his sister (and a proposal from young Tom, haha my first) I concluded that young Bobby was the victem of this crime. One of the guards was also helpful in the matter saying that a suspicious man in patched dark clothes had caught his attention, he was last seen going south from Tharbad. Questioning the local merchants provided no other information so Cullkett set about his trail, I have since learned that perhaps he also was closer to the crime than I was led to believe. Any information on this matter would be greatfully appreciated as I intend to see this child killer brought to justice. Im sure we all want to know that the streets of Tharbad are safe for everyone to walk. In the mean time I suggest staying with friends when walking about town, even during daytime as that did not discourge this foul villian. I have discussed the general poor attitude of the city guard and the disintrested manner in which all but this one seem to do thier jobs, but the mayor seemed to show little concern, I would therefore also like to suggest that all citizens of Tharbad consider a new canidate come next election, one who takes Law and Order more seriously then treasure expideditions in far away lands.
Cindi
misterroboto2
13-12-2005, 16:31
[This poster can be seen inside the Tharbad inn]
WANTED!!!
MISSING SLAVE
[There's a picture of a hooded figure]
Hi! my name is Dekhàrr, but I also answer to the name Poochie. I have a red nose and curly hairs and I love shiny objects. I dislike being turned into stone. Please bring me back to my rightful owner Ar'Terir. She can be found in this town most of the time and will offer 200 GP for the favor.
Nine Inch Nail
13-12-2005, 16:33
LOL - it doesn't say if she wants him spoiled or unspoiled.
Good one Ar'Tekir. You're a helluva plotter ;)
Silverleaf
13-12-2005, 20:52
*mutters something about spells gone wrong in duels*
Cindi Angelheart
14-12-2005, 05:01
Well it seems Bobby is alive and well but was threatened and chased by our mystery man, things get more puzzing as it seems that no missing children or murders have been reported. However we have learned that a hooded man with dark hair, wearing green and brown with many buckles and speaking with an accent indeed threatened the child and accused him of theaft, which seems rediculous after interviewing the poor dear. Of further intrest is that this description has some resemblance to the fellow who started this search to begin with. He has made comments about women and the "pox" so perhaps suffers from some ill gotten illness, if this is true he shall be healed but he must be found first, still hoping anyone can shed further help on the problem.
Cindi
Rumours abound of a new Inn opening in the Tharbad Docks District.
Three knights of Gondor subdued a man who was peacefully chatting in Greyflood
and took him with them. The man acted peacefully even when the knights attacked
him. As for the reason why he was taken - it is not known. The party of three
knights and the man - now his hands bound - were seen leaving Tharbad by the
south gate, supposedly headed for Minas Tirith.
(Timur)
((The following official notices have been found in the Greyflood and various other places of gathering in Tharbad))
I The Mayor of Tharbad today announce that the bandit problem to the south has been resolved peacefully and am proud to announce the greater influence of Tharbad towards its southern borders as the result of an alliance with, what are now a peaceful and independent search & scout organisation. I am pleased to announce that these services come at no cost to the citizens of the treasury. The scouts will be vigilant for any enemies of Tharbad, groups which have sought to interfere with the internal affairs of the city or sought to usurp or circumvent its authority. For the later cases the scouts will be informing the mayor of the comings and goings of such organisations on the southern border. For established enemies of Tharbad the scouts have agreed to a more active role and will be, where possible, seeking to deprive such enemies the economic resources which may otherwise be used against the city.
On a related note, the Mayor would like to reassure Mathas of the Greyflood that he is fully aware of the incident in his inn last night. I would like to assure him that the Knights acted with out my authority in restricting the free movement of an individual within the city. The interference of Gondor in the internal affairs of the city is not going unnoticed, Tharbad may not be the power that Gondor is but the citizens of the city can rest assured, that with their best interests in mind, I will, if the need should arise, actively seek out allies for the city to counter any threat and maintain our freedom. For now, being the peace loving man that I am, I will simply urge the mighty power of Gondor, it’s Stewards and the Knights to respect our laws when within our walls.
Let me finish by saying that I will continue to build on the period of peace and prosperity that my administration has made significant in roads on.
The Mayor of Tharbad.
Whilst stopping over at Forchol on her way back to her village, Kira got embroiled with the goings on in the camp and surroundings. In the company of one, Morgaise, they foiled a raid on the Forchol camp and destroyed a staging post set up by the hillmen and their allies in a cave nearby.
What looked like the leader managed to escape Kira's attempt to capture him but not before declaring that the Tribes are coming, the name of one Muxtor/Muxton.. or similar, was heard being shouted by a number of the goblins in the battle. A search of the bodies revealed all the hillmen to be in the same garb with an emblem of an eagle and a claw.
Seeking Nildar the loremasters wisdom, it soon transpired that the emblem is that of the normally peaceful Eagleclaw tribe in the cold hills. That Muxtor or similar name mentioned is likely a reference to a, human or half orc and half human creature also known of as the trickster and spoken of in old lore. Nildar tearfully conjectured that this being may have returned and have united the tribes in to a fighting force, along with all manner of other creatures. As for the Eagleclaw tribe it is unclear if they are involved in these attacks or are being framed by the trickster.
Nildar spoke of the current hardship facing the Lossoth due to the increased raids along the trade routes and feared that the Lossoth may have to go in to hiding if the root of these troubles is not taken care of soon.
((Thanks DM Curumo))
DM Curumo
27-12-2005, 16:25
*coughs polietly* I think you have been watching too much Harry Potter! It was the eagle's claw tribe :)
I ave no idea what your on about guv! :P
The following are recent developments regarding S&S vigilance in the protection of Tharbad.
With the rumours and certain questionable decisions coming from the Mayors office the S&S decided to take a proactive stance in trying to identify if all the talk had some merit. A member of the organisation was assigned to follow one of the most talked of officials on a business trip recently. The official concerned being the small man who is the constant shadow of the mayor these days and without whose advice the Mayor would appear to be making few decisions.
The official was followed north all the way to the borders with the Dunlanders. There the official was seen to pick up some unknown item, seemingly a predetermined drop off point. What transpired on the officials return journey is even more peculiar, incriminating and potentially of grave danger to the freedom of the city. Very close to the walls of the city, an orc was seen. To the great surprise of the S&S scout, the orc showed no aggressive tendency towards the official, in fact the official spoke to the orc and the beast seemed to walk away.
It is therefore no surprise that the S&S now suspects this official to be working in the interests of some other power as yet unknown. A power which at the very least has sway over orcs and possibly the dunlanders, thus explaining the recent wild men activity to the north. The S&S not being a fighting force of any significant skill or number, is currently using areas in which it excels to organise a potential defence of the city once they have firm evidence of any nefarious activities and confront the guilty party with such evidence. As part of these efforts they have made approach to the elves of Rivendell, through one Silivrendil but are unsure if aid will be forthcoming for the elves have in the past shown reluctance to involve in such matters. The S&S have also sought aid from the Knights of Gondor through one Berethor but again are unsure if aid will be forthcoming as relations of the city with the Knights have been strained of late, to the degree that no Knights have been seen in the city for some time now. Yet once they were frequent visitors to the city with all the trade benefits which came with it.
One Puggy has agreed to act as liaison between the Knights and the S&S to improve communication, alay mutual concerns and build trust in the hope that a more friendly relationship can one day be reached.
Both Silivrendil and Berethor were insistent that they can only take the information back to their respective Lords and no more. In the interim, the S&S continues its vigilance and awaits word from the elves and the knights.
OOC please note.. this info is for your enjoyment and not for use in character unless you have reason to be privy to it.
Just a brief recap for new comers who may want to join the event on Saturday
A few years ago the previous Mayor of Tharbad was removed from office as a result of what may be called broadly a dereliction of duty which nearly resulted in a civil war.
The new Mayor took office, restoring order and improving citizenship moral significantly.
However over time the constant presence of “Man” by his side was noted. Especially this individuals whispering in the Mayors ear on important decisions has not gone unnoticed.
During a major outbreak of spider infestation the elves sought to offer aid to the city but this was refused even though the city was going through grave hardship. Again the influence of “Man” on the mayors decision was suspected.
The Knights of Gondor are at present keeping a low profile in the city as a result of a very dubios decision by the Mayor regarding someone in their care and a recent action by the Knights which the Mayor is seemingly taking advantage of to turn the citizens against the Knights.
At about the same time a band of “honourable” outlaws operating over a vast stretch between Tharbad and Edoras were persuaded to cease their actions and came in to legitimacy by making an agreement with the city to act as its eyes and ears in return for retention of confiscated booty from Tharbad’s enemies and freedom to trade in the city. This band of rag tag, outwardly mismatched individuals has thus far proven itself honourable to all who have had dealings with it, becoming known as the S&S. (OOC This is not to say that the individuals will not take any opportunities of profit so long as they don’t interfere with the primary task of helping Tharbad function freely).
The S&S have recently observed questionable actions on the part of “Man”, this in conjunction with the rumours surrounding this individual has lead them to suspect that he is not acting in the best interests of the city. Foreseeing a potential for future confrontation and their very limited capability in this regard the S&S have passed what information they have to the elves in hope of aid and to the Knights of Gondor as an olive branch. They have yet to hear from either party.
Now check out the event planned for coming Saturday, titled "Internal Affairs": ((Note it may not be up immediately)
This needs to go on the events calender.
Kev, I put put it up on the events calender, got a pop up saying it will be displayed after being checked by a moderator.
Odd, others havent had that problem. I'll make sure you've got the permissions to do it.
OOC Thanks to the group of PCs (Lianna, Kerrac, Eril and one other whose name I forget now), who decided to frame poor Doc (NPC hobbit in Pony) yesterday after one of their number stole an Ox from the nearby farm.
After lengthy questioning by Chief Harry and numerous references of good character the hobbit was eventually released as victim of a practical joke resulting from his eagerness to acquire fresh meat. The watch has descriptions, some better than others, of the accusers who are suspected of being the real culprits behind the mischief, as the Ox was later found unharmed and grazing from garden to garden as if it had been instructed to do so by an unseen force.
A dark robed figure going by the name of Nico was instrumental in the release of the hobbit, suggesting that the real culprit was probably someone he recently travelled with who had expressed an interest in, as he put it in between chuckles, liberating the animal. Nico refused to elaborate on this as he said it was speculation on his part and no real harm had been done. Chief Harry decided to overlook this lack of co-operation in light of Nico's recent aid in combating goblins
Of the conflicting descriptions the following is certain, one fellow was described as having an eye patch over an eye and a hook for a hand, another was thought to be rather dim witted by a few and a lass was described as young, attractive and dark skinned. Over the next few days the watch will be on the look out for anyone of this description in case they decide to get up to some worse mischief than a practical joke.
The men of Forchol continue to try and fathom the reasons behind their recent troubles. To this end they tasked a group of adventurers to try and discover who was restricting the movements of vital caravans through the mountains and the cause of the recent terrible upsurge in orc and wildmen activity.
Immediately on setting foot out of the camp, the party was set upon by orc archers and foot soldiers. Having overcome this first hurdle, the party continued on its task constantly, harassed by trolls, orcs and metal contraptions which seemed to have troll components within.
The trail eventually led to Mount Gandabad, where the brave adventurers fought through traps in addition to foe of flesh and metal, finally coming face to face with a powerful sorcerer. After futile efforts to get information from the sorcerer and failing to persuade him to leave these lands in peace, which he claimed were his ancestors, the party had no choice but to try and destroy the creature. Immediately the sorcerer jumped in to a nearby portal and vanished from sight.
Not wishing to be defeated when they were so close the party followed through the portal even as one of its members returned to the Losoth with information of what they had discovered thus far. The portal led to a strange place where many others of the metallic creatures attacked the group but these were defeated as before. The mage once again escaped via a portal and this time the party were not able to follow.
It would seem that the mage had been employing Troll essence and body parts to animate the metallic contraptions he had created. On return to the Losoth, the party conveyed all they had learnt. The Lossoth ensured them that the claim of this mage, through any ancestors or otherwise, to their lands was false and they were the right full owners of it.
Was the trickster mage claiming kinship to the witch king of Angmar? Is there any validity to his claim or is this yet another of his tricks? Only time will tell!
A daring act of stealth and distraction organised by the S&S with the assistance of The Knights of Gondor and certain elves acting on their own initiative, resulted in the long sought conclusive evidence which could ultimately lead to exposing “Man” as acting on behalf of another power.
The documents, recovered from a strong box in the mayors office by an elf of the party, are all signed with the single initial S and no other clues as to the identity of the power or even of Man himself were found.
The documents spoke of continuing efforts to keep the mayor under control and to insure that interference and snooping from the Knights and elves was kept to a minimum in case they should stumble on the camp in the Dunlanding lands and associated plans. The following individuals were named specifically as ones to be wary of. Argon and his offspring, Belethor, Nord, Vinduil and his Siblings and Siliverendal.
As regards the camp which the documents spoke of, the opportunity was taken to strike at this quickly before word was sent of the missing documents. As a result of this quick action, the camp now lies in ruins and was thought to have been either a staging post for an invasion or the first step to building a strong garrison town with the aim of intimidating and coercing Tharbad in to bending to this new powers will.
The S&S is in the process of assessing the mood of the citizens and the allegiance of the city watch before attempting to bring this information in to the open and apprehending “Man”.
*bows* did any one get any screenshots of the camp?
I took Screenies DM_Tulkas, emailed em to ya. Not used to taking screenies so I hope they do justice to your work, also the characters decided the camp was best demolished as much as possible so some of your work may not be visible.
with Advanced warning the guards of Tharbad foiled a dastardly plot to destroy and stop production of the ale drank at the greyflood inn.
The man caught redhanded by the guards was then put to trial, however mid way in the preccedings mathas dropped all charges mysteriously.
so the Defendant got charged with the assault of a farmer, who the defendent thought grew hops for the production of greyflood bitter, however the farmer merely grew rice it is thought the brute got confused, the defendent one WhiskyJack was fined 1500 gold peices and released
The Knighting of Nord Ashald began with great ceremony as the Captain of the Knights welcomed members and representatives from as far a field as Erebor, Imladris and even the Shire. After a speech on the virtues values and responsibilities of a Knight, the captain spoke of the great honour, courage and loyalty with which Nord had served the order and asked Nord to kneel before him. The captain placed the sword first upon the right and then upon the left shoulder, uttering the age old words upon which Nord arose as a Knight, to be known hence forth as Sir Nord Ashald.
The guests where then invited to take their seats, among their number being:
The barer of a gift and representing his kin Glorin son of Fendor.
The bringer of news from the Wold and good tidings from Imladris, Lauralea Tir’ier.
Representing the love of good food and comfort, Pippy Smalls.
Friend and confidant of the Knights Tyrin Ceri.
To the delight of Pippy and Gregoire, the food and drink soon began to fill the table. Various toasts to Nord, Gondor, The Knights and alliances were made. The captain soon asked Gregoire to choose a new squire and for Nord to do likewise. Soon it was made clear that Ivan Balros would be squire to Gregoire Althan as Gregoire continues to seek someone willing to take up the axe as a weapon rather than the sword. Nord selected Idril Amraphel for squire and the lady was clearly nervous at the choice. The captain himself chose Ribas Shibar to be his squire, upon which Ribas nearly dropped his goblet , clearly honoured and equally surprised. As the last of his announcements Captain Balros announced that Tyrin Ceri was to become a novice of the Knights, having completed the challenge set him. Glorin son of Fendor, took this opportunity to speak and asked if he could come forward, to which the Captin agreed. Glorin made his way forward and presented the captain with a well crafted sword after whisppering a few words in his earand then returned to his seat.
The formalities finished, talk turned to accounts of recent events, even as Pippy continued to eat through any plate put in front of him, and soon fell in to a slumber after having perhaps overeating. With a few splashes of water on his face he was soon back in his chair asking, in typical hobbit fashion, if desert was yet to come. As the evening neared its end, the lady Lauralea Tir’ier recounted the recent battle in the Wold in which she and Glorin had played a role. The tale soon drew near its end, as did the food and ale. Friends and comrades all, said there final farewells with promises to meet again and so went their separate ways to complete what tasks destiny would put to their feet in the days to come.
OOC and ofcourse DM_Vaire was also there helping things run smoothly, as well as providing the food and the service, big thanks to her :)
DM_Gwaihir
17-01-2006, 11:17
Any travellers passing through Rivendell cannot help but have their attention drawn to the following notice outside the guesthouse (http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/showpost.php?p=3242399&postcount=35).
Preparations have been made by Old One Eye to reclaim the blood of his blood. The one known as Ashia was last seen being carried on horseback towards the valley of Rivendell by the Knights Captain.
Rumour has it that the young Silversword was inflicted with an unknown poison and has yet to recover from a sleeplike state.
With the hiring of ... outside aid, Old One Eyes plans are almost complete.
He shall have what is his...
A party travelling from Tharbad to Rivendell was followed by a hooded figure recently. The motive for this is unclear but the figure was unable to locate the hidden entrance to Rivendell and the elfs later lead him away from it by laying a false trail.
However the hooded figure seemed to have waited for the party to exit Rivendell and then continued to follow them all the way to the depths of Moria. Eventually the individual was confronted by Glorin before he could slip in to the shadows again. Unfortunately the dwarf was able to glean very little information from the fellow and could do little to stop him following in light of his non violent demeanour.
Later the party offered him weapons and asked him to join them, he refused to take up arms but did offer them more covert services as they had been so useful in dispatching foes and clearing the way for him to.. pick up some useful items. As he put it.
On being asked by the party he showed them the dwarves artefacts he had found as they battled, but not before getting a promise from the dwarf that he would not try and take them off him by force, to which the Dwarf very reluctantly agreed so as to get a look at the works of his kin.
The armour and axe he laid out before the group brought tears to the eyes of the poor dwarf at having made the promise. The dwarf, and many of the party tried to buy the artefacts but to no avail, the hooded figure insisting he could get a much better price in the dwarven lands and probably an owed favour to boot.
As the party made their way out, followed by the figure, there was much speculation to who he might be, some suggesting that he may be associated with the S & S.
Cindi Angelheart
18-01-2006, 09:10
I hate the hooded man !
Once Im sure of the time of the update I will post an event on the calender where I will be overseeing the first party to attempt the new quest :)
Argon Balros
21-01-2006, 02:02
Korvein the rudest, proudest, hard drinking and selfish dwarf discovers he has a soft side after all, when he discovers to wee lads from gondor who dream of being knights.
Jussilainen a lad seeking to prove himself worthy of join the ranks of his native lands as a knight of gondor and a street urchin who escaped a life of slavery in umbar and stowed away in a boat bound for tharbad where he lived asa street urchin till he came upon Korvein.
when korvein first saw the urchin in the pub he tried his best to scare the lad off, he even went as far as to reveal what was under his eye patch (oooooow!) but after seeing the lad conviction took a shine to him, the three talked for a long while discovering the lad came originally from minas tirith but on a fateful sea voyage pirates took him and his family to umbar as slaves, the little urchin showed great bravery in his dicusions with the intimidating korvein and told of how he wanted to become a knight of gondor so very badly.
a strange thing happened korvein had an unselfish thought, here he had two lads desperate to become knights, maybe he could help them, so in his wisdom and infinite pride he started his very own knightly order there and then, the order of Korvein.
he asked jussil to kneel before him, jussil was rightly unsure but did so, korvein with his bloody great big axe took the blade edge down to jussils left shoulder and then to his right and told him to arise Sir Jussil of Korvein
he then dubed Dimel sir jussils squire and so the order of Korvein was formed.
Rofan and Bull (Chal & Drudoc) of the S&S in the company of Ninque, whilst in Forchol, were asked by Halmar to seek out an artefact which may offer some leverage to the Lossoth against their struggle with Muxtrom. After guidance from the Lossoth lore-master the trio ventured to Angmar , dogged all the way by orc scouts and padfoots. A careful and quite search of the skeleton infested ancient stronghold resulted in the discovery of a white rod which was hastily retrieved. The party fought its way back to the Lossoth camp were they were confronted by the audacious sorcerer himself, who demanded the artefact be returned to him at the threat of death. However the group, with a few stealthy moves and distractions, manoeuvred themselves in to a position where they could bargain by threatening to plunge the artefact in to the depths of the sea.
It transpired that whatever the sorcerer wants the artefact for, assuming this is not a grand bluff by the trickster, there is a time window of 5 days. Not wanting the artefact lost to the sea Muxtrom agreed to the parties offer that he return on the 4th day for the object. Thus they have gained 3-4 days in which to try and find out what they can of the artefact and what Muxtrom desperately desires it for. The plan they conceived was to set themselves up as a decoy by giving the impression that they take the item to Rivendell. In reality the rod is With the lore-master and the Lossoth themselves are planning to transport it to Rivendell for guidance from the elven lore-masters. There was suggestion that the cave to the West of the Lossoth camp, which was discovered to have a contraption with four slots four such rods. In which case there may be three more rods to be discovered.
Is Muxtrom the trickster mage setting this whole scenario up as a grand decoy of his own?
What is the artefact for?
Will the Lossoth succeed in getting the artefact safely to the elves?
What role if any does the contraption in the cave to the west have?
//On behalf of DM Curumo.
OOC: those characters who frequently visit Minas Tirith might have witnessed some of this.
Those who would know more are Argon Balros and Gregoire Althan.
"A man wearing plain clothes was seen brought into The Guest House by knights of Gondor.
Soon a man wearing blue robes followed the group. The knights remained in common area
and the two men entered a room. It became obvious that a heated argument was taking place -
the entire conversation was not heard, but fragments of the conversation were. One voice
was agitated, the other voice calm. The shouting lasted ten to fifteen minutes.
A few hours later, the blue robed man came out from the room, and said something to
Argon and Gregoire. After that, the other knights escorted the man in plain clothes to
the gates of Minas Tirith and let him go. He was seen heading north"
OOC: what was said to Argon.
"Argon, we've sorted out whatever differences, real or imagined, we had. Let him go."
DM Curumo
04-02-2006, 00:19
Finally the battle was met... and evil triumphed over good! A mighty battle to occur amongst the ruins of Angmar between 2 knights of Gondor, an elf and a hobbit. Against the forces of darkness being a goblin, a man and a woman as well as a huge uruk-hai from Saruman's personal guard.
The battle sway first to the forces of good, and then to the forces of dark. However through a twist of fate.. or was it just luck the goblin did stumble across an item of power, whilst searching amongst the fallen during the battle. She then fled in true shameless style leaving her comrades dying on the floor, or fleeing like cowards. But she held that which would bring her fame!
When she returned to Saruman he was pleased for now the he had that which would draw Moxtrum to his side, and not allow him to be drawn back to the descendants of Numenor.. The Knights of Gondor.
The goblin, once more crawled back into the cold and went in search of the mage, to deliver his offering of peace. Where upon she found the barely living bodies of her comrades and went in search of trickster. He was soon found hiding in a cave close to Forochel and once given the news he started to plan an assault upon the pathetic men of Forochel.
The now stricken men of Gondor and their companions did set out to find those that had fled, but to no avail. Eventually they returned to the frozen north, only to discover Black Numenoreans plotting to attack and wipe out the town of Forochel. Once this was thwarted the ran quickly back to the village inorder to organise a defence, this proved a success and after a mighty battle they stopped to catch breath and decide what to do next. For this day a mighty force has emerged in the north to challenge the free people.
Tiffius Trumpkin
04-02-2006, 20:17
Whilst enjoying a fine pint of longbottom tea in the Greyflood not two days ago, a rather abrupt woman with dark hair (collected into a bit of a tail in the back) and wearing a long cloak posed a great many questions to yours truly about the Shire, it’s production of long-bottom leaf, and which owners of which plantations were responsible for the finest crops thereof. After pointing her in the direction of the Tooks of the South Farthing and estimating the number of shirriffs that tend to patrol the area, it occurred to me that these questions surpassed the level of curiosity that one has come to expect from most humans—those few who are naturally wistful for bucolic Shire lives—and so I followed the woman and her companions (three of them!) out of the Inn.
There I quite clearly overheard their intention to pay the Tooks a “visit”—but when I offered to alert the South Farthing family of their impending guests (only polite, you know, so that extra provisions can be brought up from the sub-cellars), this odd company got quite upset about it, and bade me not to travel to the Shire that day—that “dangers” threatened the roads to the north. As if to demonstrate, they led me just beyond the city gates where an order was given to “grab” me, and if not for my own small stature and quick reflexes, I suspect they meant to do me physical harm! I rushed back to the gates, of course, and reported the matter to two guards standing there, as the company (seeming disappointed) retreated into Tharbad’s shadows.
I proceeded to the Shire and reported the odd series of events to the Tooks (who were ever so grateful not to be set upon by an unexpected party), but also to Mr. Hayward and Mr. Willowbottom, near Buckland and Michel Delving respectively. These latter two promised to keep a keen eye for trouble, and urged me to report any other evidence of interest in Shire leaf-cultivation beyond what seemed normal.
And then! Only today business with Mr. Mathas brought be back to the Greyflood, where this very same woman was chatting in the back corner with another gentleman. After a quick gulp of tea (and an unfortunate slip to the floor), I made a hasty retreat to the other end of the Inn and hid carefully in the shadows under a table there. Sure enough, the lady broke company with the gentleman and came quickly to the area where I was hiding as if to sieze me, and expressed unmistakable frustration when I could not be found.
I know not what bizarre events are bringing such unusual attention to such a quiet corner of the world, but if any misdeeds are to be done—there will be the watchful eyes of one Tiffius Trumpkin minding matters, you can count on that!
Tiffius Trumpkin
Shirriff-in-Training
The Sheriffs having been alerted by Tiffius to this interest in The Shire were not overly concerned about keen questions regarding the pipeweed, as it is sought by many and a chief export of the Shire. However they will be certainly looking out for the lass described by Tiffius as her actions seem to have gone beyond mere questions. The Sheriffs have also temporarily deputised Tiffius and requested of him to continue his interest in this matter. Especially as a strange bottle elixir bottle was found by one of the Sheriffs within the Shire itself and some of the piepweed experts swear by their larders that the elixir has properties akin to Pipeweed but many times more potent.
Argon Balros
05-02-2006, 19:17
Young Ivan Balros squire to First Knight Sir Gregorie Althan was ask for aid by Rofan of the S & S he quickly agreed to lends his sword to the struggle up in the frozen wastes their first battle against a horde of dogmen under the control of a sorcerer, the beasts soon fell as did there sorcerer master.
with the ease Young Ivan confidence soured and when it was they came upon the mountain top fortress of gunabad, young Ivan cut a swathe the tides of orcs with his Finely Forged Gondorian GreatSword, as piles of Orc grew so did his confidence, until he met a true Challenge a Cave Troll larger than he had ever seen let alone faced he and Rofan fought the gigantic beast eventually felling it again his confidence soured, one of the orcs carried a exotic looking sword suited to nimble hands and so it was Ivan confidence had grown too high, he took the sword and felt its balance, but being to encumbered to use it properly in his Armor Ivan removed his Armor, thinking that with great stealth and fine weapon he would have no need of it, that decision had disastrous consequences.
they strode stealthily to the chieftain of the fortresses hall and then began the attack Ivan Cut thru the orcs like butter but sustained many injuries in doing so, then he began to fight a under developed troll , the orcish chieftain took the opportunity and attacked the unarmored Ivan in the back Ivan could stand no longer and fell.
Ivan awoke some time latter very badly injured to find his weapons gone and the orc chieftain taking his gold pouches he arose to is feet giving the chieftain a shock, ivan saw Rofan stirring and so with great cunning devise a plan to keep the chiefs attention, Ivan challenged the chieftain to unarmed and unarmored combat playing on what little pride the chief had, soon Ivan and the chief were battling in with chief have put away his halberd, Rofan took this opportunity to escape, the battle was going well for Ivan, he was doing the unthinkable killing an Orcish chieftain whilst half dead with his bare hands and no armor, but soon what little pride the orc had was used up and he drew his weapon, with a mighty swipe Ivan fell.
Hours if not days later Ivan awoke in a pile of corpses in an unlocked cell in the fortress. the orcs had thought him dead and left him for later consumption, Ivan got to his feet and muttered a few word of ancient elvish he had been taught with them he felt slightly renewed, he stalked the halls of the fortress avoiding the orcs that patrolled until he found where his equipment was stored, the Rack on which his weapons and armor lay was well guarded, Ivan whilst thinking of how to reach the rack was discovered by a patrol and was soon surrounded battling for his life once again a dozen or so orcs fell before ivan picked up one of the hammers an orc had dropped with this hammer he smashed the skull of every orc until he reached the rack and the orcs came no longer.
Proudly Donning his Knightly Armor and gathering the rest of his items he strolled out of the fortress and back towards forochel, already planing his return the mountain top fortress.
OOC duke_lyne, I forget what your characters name was, apologies, referred to here as “Ar”.
Evil…..Saruman’s call having been answered, two of the man folk ventured forth towards the Shire, tasked with obtaining 6 barrels of various Shire weeds for pick up in 6 days time. Flint, a one eyed villain with a hook for a hand and Ar, a Numenorean whom most would likely keep a distance from. The pair having established how they would go about the task and what role each would play, gathered some garments for disguise and headed to the Prancing Pony in Bree.
Good….Deputy Tiffius, having been heartened by the words of his betters and encouraged to investigate the matter of the strange elixir and the keen interest in Shire weeds shown by nefarious man folk from abroad, travelled far and wide from the Shire to Tharbad itself in search of any further information. With no luck in the matter and little progress, he returned to Bree. Anticipating any unwelcome folk to come from the North Gate he had a few words with the guard there and set watch. Fortunately, for Tiffius, his enthusiastic headlong charge in the investigation had not gone unnoticed by those who made it their business to know of any strange happenings. So it was that a hooded figure approached and questioned him in the Pony, soon himself divulging important information, by way of two letters found recently whilst investigating Uruk activity near Gondor. No sooner had this fellow departed from the Pony, that another entered, offering aid and giving his name as Runya. As the pair discussed the matter at hand, A noble looking man and women entered the inn.
Evil….
Flint, putting on the persona of a merchant to a noble family of Gondor, approached the bar with Ar in quite tow. After exchanging a few pleasantries he put in motion the subtle process of interrogation and had soon learned that he might approach one Doderick Brandybuck in the Shire and the Sackville Bagginses. Flint then turned his attention to the two rather drunk looking dwarves in the corner to his left. Grabbing two large beers, he approached them, setting the bears in front of them and grinned a hello. The gruff looking dwarves stared at the beers, licked their lips and then gestured to the two to sit. Things began well with Flint doing the talking and soon had some useful information from the dwarves and might have succeeding in purchasing the goods he was after. Unfortunately Ar let slip too early the need for large quantities of leaf and the two dwarves were soon suggesting, in not so subtle terms, that the two had best move on.
Good….As the two strangers headed to the bar, Tiffius and Runya turned their attention to them and listened with interest. They soon established that this was their quarry and after establishing where the pair may seek the pipe weed in the Shire, proceeded to warn the authorities and the suppliers….
Evil….
Unbeknown to Tiffius and Runya, Flint and Ar decided to get in touch with someone in Bree whom they though may be of aid to them. They approached the Ferny residence and after an exchange of words Ferny agreed to provide them with a barrel of leaf for a sum of 200 gold.
Flint, objecting to this robbery requested the price be lowered but to no avail until Ar began fluttering her eyes at Ferny. The lecherous old man then suggested the price of 150 and certain services from the lass, which flint had no hesitation in agreeing to. Thus the procurement of the first barrel of leaf was concluded.
Good….
As Flint concluded his purchase of the first Barrel from an unexpected source, Tiffius headed for Sheriff Hob. Brunya having had to depart for other business, Tiffius was soon joined by a fellow hobbit, Drudoc. They showed the two parchments to Hob and suggested the two strangers headed to the Shire were in some way connected to the goings on in the distant lands of Gondor. Having no direct evidence that the two were up to no good, Hob declined to apprehend them but agreed that perhaps warning the farmers and Doderick was in the best interests of the Shire. Hob directed his Sherriffs to the farmers as Tiffius and Flint sought out Doderrick.
Evil….
Flint and Ar made their way in to the Shire, asking questions here, seeking directions there but all the time trying to draw as little attention to themselves as possible. Shortly they came upon a mill owner by the name of Sandyman. Flint, seeking to acquire another Barrel from an unsuspected source pressed the fellow for information and soon had agreement for purchase of one more Barrel for the sum of 125 gold.
Good….
Tiffius and Drudoc soon found Doderick. After being told of the events of the day and reading the letters on the person of Tiffius, the poor law abiding hobbit nearly fell apart, especially on realising that he was now the attention of unwelcome visitors to the Shire. He agreed to travel with Tiffius and Drudoc to Sherrif Hob, who decided to put the fellow in hiding and under his protection until the whole unpleasant business was over. Tiffius and Drudoc then made haste to locate Lotho Sackville Bagins.
Evil….
With two barrels now accounted for, Flint and Ar also sought Doderrick but found themselves too late in finding him. As they approached him from a hidden angle they saw and heard two hobbits already in deep conversation with Doderick, eventually leading him away. With their potential sources dwindling fast, they ventured to their last hope, The Sackville Bagginses, of whom Saruman himself had spoken favourably.
Finale….
As Tiffius and Drudoc made towards Lotho, they saw the two strangers already in conversation with him. As they approached, Flint suggested that this was a private matter and the two hobbits might go elsewhere, then proceeded to talk to Lotho about a debt. Tiffius and Drudoc ignored the suggestion that they go elsewhere whilst Lotho to put some distance between himself and Flint on mention of the debt, objecting profusely to the implication that he owed the man money.
Flint reassured Lotho and informing him that money was owed to him and not by him and proceeded to hand him what was clearly a bribe. Sensing an opportunity for greater profit Lotho soon turned on the two hobbits and told them they were most rude and un-hobbit like for sticking around where they were clearly unwanted. The two hobbits decided to seek out aid from Sherriff Hob once again but not before overhearing mention of some tower. As a parting lever to try and keep Lotho from doing harm to the Shire Drudoc whispered to him that men in towers or not the S&S would have their eyes on him.
With the hobbits out of the way, Flint soon concluded the purchase of two more barrels for 400 gold, as no matter what he said Lotho would not lower his price. With no more avenues from which to seek the remaining two Barrels, suspicions running high and the two troublesome hobbits on their tail, Flint and Ar decided they had achieved all they could and made for the Shire borders. However they were not allowed to pass without a final search from Sherrif Hob in the hope that some incriminating evidence might be on their person. However, none was to be found and they were allowed to leave the Shire with out further hindrance.
Closing words…..
Saruman the Wise having foreseen the potential of problems in the Shire, for hobbits are nosey creatures and prone to gossip, had asked for more leaf to be purchased than actually needed in the hope that such would result in acquiring the needed amount. However even the wise can at times fall prey to their own arrogance, as the determination and resourcefulness of the hobbits was unforeseen. Forewarned of the delivery date and knowing the source of at least two of the Barrels, they even now seek to disrupt the delivery and transport of the barrels in six days time.
misterroboto2
07-02-2006, 13:15
nevermind...
Cindi Angelheart
08-02-2006, 03:42
Kheav, Igraine would very much like to meet with you. Please contact me via the Greyflood inn, or better, through our friend near Isenguard. I wish to see you on a matter of great import.
Saruman still awaits the return of a certain item from Igraine, his patience grows thin ;)
DM Curumo
08-02-2006, 16:08
Due to matters beyond my control, I shall have to move the event I planned on Thursday to Friday, sorry for any inconvenience caused. Look forward to seeing people there
http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/calendar.php?c=3
*Below is the text of a carefully-lettered placard prominently posted on bulletin boards at inns and taverns throughout the Shire*
With all the recent stir over the very peculiar comings and goings of certain “persons of interest” to our own esteemed shirriffs, Hob Hayward and Fogey Willowbottom, it is my great pleasure to summon an extraordinary meeting of the Four Farthings Social Club’s “Security Sub-committee” to address hobbit-wise concerns related to the matter, real and perceived. According to sources, at least two very suspicious tall folk (and aren’t they all?) have made their way through several corners of the Shire—with some alleged sinister intent—each step watched carefully by local law enforcement.
What’s all the hullaballoo? What’s this about a certain bottle or bottles found scattered throughout the Shire containing what may be a highly deadly poison? And might this whole affair at long last be the explanation for Mr. Copperpott’s missing box of cabbages from a fortnight ago?!?
Well, I can say with certainty that this humble hobbit lass won’t rest easily until firmer answers are at hand! And I’m certain that a great many other well-mannered hobbits are similarly inclined to demand the truth of the matter. And so—residents of all four farthings are invited to attend this FFSC-SS Towne Hall Meeting, whereby I hope to have both Mr. Hob and Mr. Fogey present what facts which they are at liberty to disclose, and to hear from other fine hobbits accounts of whatever other evidence, rumours, and speculations befit such an upsetting turn of events!
The hobbit-only meeting is to take place this Sunday evening at 7pm [GMT] at the Green Dragon Inn. Those who will be testing their luck with the West Farthing Gambling Deck at the Prancing Pony earlier in the day (4pm to 6pm) had best not dawdle in their return to Bywater—lest you miss out on too many lurid details as the matter is introduced!
Trista Tanglefoot
FFSC Acting Director of Events and New Membership
Kira Det being from that part of the world, has been frequenting the mountain paths of the Ettenmoors in the hope of finding clues to the elusive Muxtrom. Whilst returning to Forchol from such a journey, in the company of Ivan Balros, they were ambushed by Orcs near some ruins. It was clear that a camp of some sort was in the early stages of being established. Having dispatched their ambushers the two made haste to Forchol where they informed Halmar of their discovery. Kira herself departed for Tharbad to seek aid for her people.
DM Curumo
11-02-2006, 00:17
Forochel lies in ruins... many lie dead, but the threat to the quiet town has now passed. The battle was fierce and many moments of valour and honour were seen. However treachery did also show it self, for prior to the onset of battle six hooded men, dressed as men of the woods, came to the camp asking to aid in the coming battle. But as soon as the first shot was fired, they turned upon the other defenders!
However as the brave defenders headed deeper into the mountains to split the forces that assailed the township, a second force managed to sneak around behind them a ransack the town. A single lone survivor, an elf that had offered his aid in the battle was found, he told of tales of creatures almost leaping from the ice and a feeling of ill will all around. It was then that the defenders went deeper into the mountains and eventually found a weakened and sickened Moxtrum.. his mortal body was slain, but soon a shadow of his former self formed and fled into the night.
So the party held the mystical rod that they had looked so hard for, but it was now that the true light showed. Friends turned on friends, enemies showed to be friends. In a panic the party fled or tried to flee to Rivendell and seek lord Elrond's aid. He was not as happy as they would of first thought, but he reluctantly took the rod until a better solution can be found.
The party (please excuse spellings and apologies if I have missed anyone out). Nord, Tyrin, Ivan, Astafin, Illumiele, Gabriella, Lauralea, Adanoth, Sasha.
A large party various individuals departed from Edoras to investigate reports of Orcs and other beasts in the mountains. Unbeknown to them, an army of Uruks, 5 of them drugged with the Uruk hash elixir, were also making their way to the same series of deep caverns in the mountains.
As the party entered the caverns and began clearing them, so some of their comrades , Lauralea and Adanoth, following them in the distance were attacked by the advance echelon of the Uruk army. The party, realising the threat behind them sent back Gabriella to scout even as the rest made their way to the end of the upper level of the caverns. Gabriella did not return and what happened to her remains unknown. Astafin was then sent back to scout and discovered Uruks making camp just inside the cave, having counted 40, and still more streaming through the entrance he made his way back to report the dire findings. He also reported seeing 5 chained Uruks in a frenzied state which became calm on drinking a potion.
No sooner had Astafin reported, his findings that a scout from the Uruk army approached. From him they found out that the lower level of the caverns were the home of a dragon and that they were here to kill the beast and take its blood back to their master. Strangely the scout informed them that its orders were to tell the party to flee and leave the dragon to the Uruks.
The party however decided that if the Uruks were so desperate for the dragon blood that they would let them leave, then perhaps they should at least try and thwart them.
Astafin was once again asked to scout, but this time in the lower levels. There he found a full grown adult cold drake amongst lesser beasts in its service. The party soon realised that they had no hope in direct combat with the dragon or Uruks. So they sought out a secluded area in the caverns and blocked off the exit to make it look like nothing lay beyond and waited for the Uruks to attack the beast, Astafin having bean asked to observe the combat first hand.
What Astafin saw was not the Uruk army attacking the Dragon to bring it down, but the five Uruks to whom the potion had been given. The combat between the dragon and the Uruks, was a sight to behold and even those not able to see it could hear the colossal battle. By the end, the Dragon lay dead and although none of the 5 fell they were gravely injured. The party then frantically began to dig its way out of their hiding place but too late did they come forth. Astafin witnessed 4 barrels of dragon blood being hauled back up to the main cavern by the lesser Uruks.
The party made chase, but the Uruks seemed not intent on a full fight but sent forth small contingents of their number to slow them down and then set off a cavein at a choke point. Thus the Uruks cut off the parties exit by land. The brave among them suggested swimming trough the chilled waters to the exit and so they did. As their numbed bodies got out of the water, they realised that they were too late and the Uruks, with the dragon blood were beyond their reach.
Dejected, cold and beaten the group made their way back to Edoras. Nord explained to the Captain what had happened and how he thought the crazed Uruks were in such a state due to what he and others had discovered before, that being the strange Uruk Elixir of the Gondor incident. The Rohirrim Captain made it clear that he was most displeased with the men of Gondor and with the elves, for they had not informed them of this threat before. With accusations flying, the honourable Sir Nord took the blame of this neglect of communication of the Gondor incident on himself, in the hope that already strained relations might yet hold. Lauralea of the elves also promised that she would take the Rohirrims concerns regarding lack of communication to her Lord in The Valley of Rivendell.
The Rohirrim Captain asked the party to leave, so that he may inform the King of this grave development for surely he would seek a gathering of those in power.
Are the free peoples seeing their world fall apart before their very eyes?
Forchol lies in ruins. With the bulk of its population in hiding.
Muxtrom although weakened is still at large.
Rivendell may well be besieged from within as a result of the corrupting artefact held there.
The mighty power of Gondor sees its self threatened increasingly from Mordor.
The cancer at the side of the Mayor of Tharbad still lingers.
An unknown power seeks to build an Army of Uber Uruks.
And now a miscommunication could result in the final breaking of longstanding agreements and friendships.
The skys do indeed grow dark.
Silverleaf
12-02-2006, 19:23
Gabrielle left right in the beginning, and you forgot to add Tyrin. :)
OOC: Cindi I can’t remember you’re hobbits name, my apologies for that. Am calling her Mar here:
Resource full hobbits thwart dark, deadly & dastardly plans.
The FFSC Security gathering generated quite the interest among hobbits with many questions asked and even some answers given. There was much talk of poison, cabbages and various missing items all thought to have been the work of the two talk folk who seemed to be particularly interested in acquiring pipe weed, if the various accounts are to be believed. Eventually, after much discussion, a resolution was reached upon the suggestion of Master Frodo that temporary duties be made active so as to increase patrols. Upon the Captains request many hands went up for volunteers to fill these temporary posts. Although the Captain declined Frodos offer on account of him being perhaps not old enough. Surprisingly Gandalf, who had suddenly appeared late in the proceedings, himself approved of this decision and some might have noticed the hint of something deeper in his words to Frodo, although it could just have been affection for he does seem to visit the Baggins a fair bit. Unusually for the good mannered lad, Frodo departed in quite a huff at not having been allowed to help on such an important matter. Mr Everard promised to keep an eye on the Sackvilles as there was much talk about them, mostly not of a polite nature although Frain said that his dealings with them had been fair and pleasant.
On ending of the meeting Pippy and Mar, decided to look in to Bree and after finding out from Rugni that the tall folk did not get any pipeweed from the dwarves they asked around some more and soon found themselves knocking on Bill Fernies door.
After some strong words threats counter threats and intimidations, Bill found himself squeezed in to a tight corner and soon had little choice but to spill the beans. Still the crook managed to make another 190 gold on top of what the tall folk had already paid him and he gave up the two barrels of pipeweed he had stashed in the back room. The barrels have been handed over to Sheriff Hob and the hobbits plan to somehow trick Ferny and return the barrels to him, but filled with grass and tightly sealed in the hope of further damaging the schemes of those behind this nefarious scheme.
So unbeknownst to the hobbits they have already undermined Sarumans scheming for he is now one barrel short of the four he needs to full fill his plans. However the hobbits will surely continue to fret about orcs, strange tall folk and all manner of missing items and funny happenings for a while yet.
Argon Balros
13-02-2006, 19:33
Captain Balros was seen to meet a mysterious man who seemed most unwell in the Rohirim camp of Dunharrow, After his meeting he was informed that there was some trouble in Edoras and that the conduct of the knights had been called into the question.
Upon reaching Edoras the Captain Met With Sir Ashald who updated Captain Balros on what had Happened, Captain Balros Surmised that the Dragon blood would be used to Create more of those potions.
The Captain then set about the task of mending Relations between Gondor and Rohan, upon gaining audience with the King, Captain Balros Explained the Rohan nor being informed of the previous happenings to do with this strange potion was a mere over sight of the Inexperienced and young Knight Sir Nord Ashald. After the King spoke personally to Sir Ashald he realised it was a mistake that the young knight would not repeat and was appeased, Captain Balros and the King then discussed what they knew and the implications, whilst Sir Ashald wrote a full Report for the king.
Upon leaving Captain Balros left a Sample of the potion for the rohirim to inspect.
Later
the way to tharbad Captain Balros and Sir Ashald happened upon a Uruk seemingly affected by the potion, the Uruk fell and was found to have died seemingly without cause, Captain Balros Reported his findings o the rohirim and Sir Ashald Continued to Tharbad.
La_Crampe
14-02-2006, 16:01
At last...
Crossing so many thousand leagues of sea had dulled their sense of perception… The only distraction on such a journey would be the occasional storm… Not five weeks ago, one of the deck-hands was carried away by a wave that had smashed into the prow of their fast-going sloop. The sea could be a cruel mother.
Sometimes, a ream of seaweed would detach itself from the rudder, and drift away with a purpose mysterious and unknown.
Cautiously circling from afar the Bay of Belfalas, the sloop set anchor fifty kilometers north of Lond Daer.
Not ten members embarked on the landing boat, and when they did, no word of thanks nor recognition was offered to the crew on the ship. They each set foot in turn on the beach. They sat down and each took a piece of dried bread, some dried fruit, and some water. As they slowly masticated, they realized that the journey had left them bored rather than exhausted.
One by one, they fell asleep. On that night the dreams they wove were dishevelled and grave, like tumbleweed moving against a brooding sky.
***********
They rested for days not far from the beach... they ate wild berries, wild flowers, fowl, they feasted like ravenous children lost in the woods, they used few words to communicate, they forgot who they were, they feasted and played and devoured.
Then, one night, atop a hill they built a bonfire. They wove crowns made of lilies, they painted their chests red with the pressed juice of berries, they danced and danced in a circle, for hours till exhaustion took them slowly, and one by one they fell down and drifted into slumber.
Their dreams beheld a vision of glory and of the past. They saw a tall figure, gaunt and majestic and brooding and terrible. His tumbling, falling hair on his shoulders was arrayed in gold. Infinite oceans of kindness were in his eyes.
The figure was genuflected, and seemed bent as if defeated. Bosses were written into his armor, and his jaw was broken. Droplets of blood were falling from his eyes. The knight tried to arise in might, but the weight of his armour came bearing down on him and he crashed to the earth. He was transfixed with pain, he was eviscerated with hope.
The figure let out a bellow. The mountains shook, the seas were rent asunder, fire fell from the sky, the stars came tumbling down, and the sun was unhitched from its position. Heavenly dew rained down gently, and the world was restored to its original splendour...
Tis then they all awoke from their sleep. They felt their bodies filled with an unnatural energy. They cleansed themselves in the waters of a brook, dressed themselves in fine clothes. They picked up their belongings and began the slow march toward Bree, not far from where the Shire-folk live.
************
The lithe figure arose from her chair and walked over to the window. Slowly leaning forward, she rested her hands on the sill, and paced her hands gently back and forth, caressing the grain of the stone. The music of strange, exotic birds filled the night.
Her eyes took in the scenery, fondly. "How many years has it been?," she queried. With a hesitant hand she touched her forehead once so smooth, and felt the lines of age there. "It can't be done," she thought. "It is folly." She dismissed the thought.
Looking skyward, she raised her right hand and pointed a finger toward the starry horizon. Slowly and ceremoniously, she began tracing invisible lines in the air, as if intent on resolving some equation. The points she was connecting she connected not only in the air, but also in her mind.
Valacirca... Menelmacar... Telemendil... Soronùmë... She uttered these names over a over again, until they were no names no longer, and had become music. She gazed in more deeply, until she saw the stars no longer, just the darkess beyond, and the universe.
She turned and smiled for an instant. Thoughts went to her children, and how she loved them so.
"It must be done, Lord Ji Indûr said our host is waiting for us" she said in a hushed voice as they were riding toward Dol Goldur.
Cindi, as we haven’t been able to meet up in the game consider a second meeting between Evrilo has taken place with the following outcome.
The Elixir is made of a mixture of herbs of eastern origin (he gives you the names) and small amounts of dragon blood. It is addictive, intelligence reducing and strength enhancing. Its addictive nature would likely make a creature in need of it oblivious to pain or injury until so much damage has occurred that it falls dead. However he was unable to establish the process by which the substances were brought together to manufacture the elixir. He considers the process to be beyond his abilities to deduce or replicate. As for an antidote he believes that a strong willed subject wishing to be rid of the addiction could be given milder addictive herbs which would eventually take them away from dependency on the elixir. Finaly only those with great consititution would likely survive taking the Elixir unharmed.
OOC Evrilo considers his part of the terms of the agreement complete, he is thunderstruck by his findings and will pass this information on to the elves straight away after the I week grace period is over.
DM_Olórin
15-02-2006, 20:31
A Heart of Dust... a Hand of Flowing Sand
The sword is Silver yet not of silver is it made.... the Nomad knows it is black... old ... pitted by sand and spittle... eaten in passing by iron and bone... A key ... to open the shell and let out the pretty colours... and the hidden shapes... the warm... wet... things...
Little Weavers have kissed her pretty skin.... pale lady of the silver... soft is the kiss.... soft as the sleep it brings... None can say how sweet the nectar in the kiss.... the Nomad knows their kiss... but knows not what it brings... Only She to whom he is bound knows.... only She... and She speaks not save to the Heart of Dust... A heart of dust, a hand of flowing sand... Sand and dust that filled the eyes of hollow men that watched in silence as the Spiralpath spanned the days to end the Age... The spiral in the circle.... the star upon spiral... the weaving unto the time... respite .... the end of it...
End of the words the wizard wrote upon the air and upon the eye... cutting of the bond that binds... The last grain... the eyes she has eaten will finally open...
Words... words... what did he say... the man in the desert... atop the tower... shining....
"...the wanderers will serve.... serve forever.... 'til falls this pillar... 'til ends the this age of the world... or else wander forever.... and be accursed..."
Before he fell... before the white spire was broken and the sand arose...
Wander dreaming.... sand.... deaming.... dreaming of a city of men in the north... in lands the Nomad has only seen in dreaming.... but all is dream... among the hollow men... a dream in slumber in sand and dust and shining spirals.... that is the path... until the end...
Cindi Angelheart
16-02-2006, 02:48
I am afraid the poor fool cannot live to see the end of that week.
OOC. I need permission to assassinate him and the Loremaster.
OOC sorry Cindi, you cant kill them :P
Saruman at last has the dragons blood, all that he needs to manufacture tens of thousands of the Uruk Hash potions. The group answering his call eventually found the wagon loaded with the barrels in the possession of a dragon which, fortunately for them, had just gorged itself on the remnants of the Uruk force and the Rohirrim and rangers tracking them. The Dragon seemed to know the contents of the barrels but was unconcerned, being more interested in the gold, gems and finely crafted weapons that it could get in exchange for them. The group finely parted with items and gold of value in excess of 21000 for the barrels and made for the Wold, on the way encountering what seemed to be a bandit but who was far too easily bribed to keep others off their tracks.
As the group made its way to its destination they came across a band of orcs and after showing the orcs their strength by dispatching a few, they made promises of much food and grog to them if they should accompany them and aid them. With their numbers boosted the group finally arrived at the Wold, and after some scouting realised it to be already in the hands of the Rangers and the Rohirrim. Still they too were now a force to be reckoned with and were soon engaged in battle. As the final defender fell, a badly beaten Uruk came forth from a tent. Identifying himself as a servant of Saruman, the barrels were placed in his care and the group returned to Saruman.
The white Wizard was most pleased with the success the group had and informed them that the barrels were being moved from the Wold even as he spoke as the Rohirrim and Rangers would probably piece together the movements of the blood.
misterroboto2
22-02-2006, 00:13
Last morning in hobbiton a rather strange object was found on miss Marplebrook's yard: a 2 meters high wooden cube decorated with flowers and raccoon pelts. It had the following engravings: " To miz Marion from an "Admar"er heart X heart . PS thanks fer helping me with my law problem."
One of the Local Bree Watchmen was found very shaken the other night. He claims that an Orc came charging throuhg the Village - though nobody was reported injured or disturbed by this. Chief watchman Harry has welcomed those who may be able to help the village watch or shed some light on this unusual incident.
The following is the essence of Lord Eomer’s words to King Theoden after the guests attending the council (http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=60&day=2006-2-22&c=3) had departed.
“My Lord and King, the gathering went well for the most and plans are now in motion on a number of fronts which will hopefully resolve the Uruk Elixir problem favourably. However, I feel it would be remiss of me if I did not report first on the words between Captain Balros and the Lady Lauralea. Both were at times close to open confrontation, and were it not for Vinduils tactful and calming words I would have little else to report. Clearly there is little care between the good captain and the lady elf, with both ill at ease of the others views and suggestions. Although I must admit that for me the greater fault lay with the lady and I said as much to Vinduil. He apologised and informed me that Luaralea is young for their kind and not yet accustomed to the ways of others but Lord Elrond sees in her much potential and saw fit to send her. I did not press the matter further thinking it ungracious and discourteous but thought it best to inform you, for we are certain to have need of the Knights and if the elf lady has the trust of Lord Elrond then we cannot ignore her. Yet the two in the same company on any important errand may fall prey to their intolerances and jeopardise the success of gravely important tasks.
As to the reason for which we called the council, Vinduil brought with him and left in my care all the ingredients which are needed for the elixir, the bringing together of these rare and exotic substances to create the potion eluded even the elves.
Dragon blood is one of the ingredients, so now it is clear what purpose the blood seized in recent events is to be put to. It was good fortune that one of the little folk was with the lady elf, for Pippy came with news of what might have been the first success in thwarting this threat. It transpires that one of the ingredients is pipeweed, which a man and women tried to acquire in unusually large quantities from the Shire. For some reason unspoken, the Shire folks suspicions were raised and they thwarted the purchase of at least two barrels by confronting a man by the name of Ferny in Bree. This may have brought us valuable time, if the foe is now short of his needs and left to seek alternative sources.
The lady elf was earnest in appraising the Shire folk of what we know but I believe I was successful in steering her away from this path. For now it is clear, that the Grey Pilgrim knew at least some of the goings on in the Shire when he came to us last, and cautioned not to involve the small folk in any actions which may direct attention their way. Even though he spoke much in riddles as he often does and most of his meanings are lost to me, this much I remembered and acted on.
Vinduil and Argon also spoke favourably regarding the bandits turned guardians of Tharbad now known as the S&S. In light of their words, with some reservation, I requested that Captain Argon send word of our good will to the S&S leader and convey our wish of co-operation where it may be fruitful to our peoples and purposes.
The following actions were agreed.
Pippy to try and find out more from Ferny.
Captain Argon to alert his man, Ribas, in Bree to the happenings in the Shire so that he also can ask about the matter and question Ferny.
Lauralea to arrange scouting of the Wold for the entrance to the underground Numenorian Chambers which Vinduil spoke of in the hope that we can find the dragon blood and send a force to destroy it.
A token force of Gondors men at arms to remain in Rohan as a show of support.
Captain Argon to convey message of good will to S&S.”
Elves and Man to remain ready to act in the Wold at short notice.
Prophet7
23-02-2006, 20:57
The pale moonlight creates an eldritch glow, blue flame lights the faces of the twin elves as they pass through the glade on their way west. One bearing a longbow keeps a watchful eye on the northern hills and the elf carrying the sword and shield strides with his head down. The path to Mithlond is nearing an end, and the only life they have known has passed on. The warrior doesn't possess the will to carry on much longer, and his brother rests his hand on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Soon," he says. "Soon."
After speaking with Lauralea, Elrond dispatched two of his scouts to search the Wold for the mysterious entrance to the Numenorian underground chambers. Having found the entrance, this information has been dispatched to Lauralea for communication to the horse lords.
1). Lauralea has communicated the location of the hidden entrance in the Wold to the
Horse-lords.
2) Captain Argon has conveyed the good will of the Rohirrim to the S&S and Rofan has travelled to Edoras in a formal capacity for the first time. Extending the full support and co-operation of his organisation and laying all resources at the Horse-lords disposal.
3) The Horse-lords have requested via Luaralea any aid which the elfs can provide.
4) Rohirrim plans proceed at pace to march in to the Wold.
5) All allies have been instructed to prepare for battle.
http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=62&day=2006-3-5&c=3
Silivrendil
02-03-2006, 17:22
Sui loth ned echuir, sui sîr neth thrîw,
sui gwilith ab ross, cuil nîn prestannen ab meleth.
Lauralea, elleth Tirr’eir, and Silivrendil, sadron Imladris, hereby announce their marriage and the conjoining of their destinies, to be celebrated this next midsummer's day [March 25], receiving on that date the solemn blessing of Hir Elrond Peredhil at Council Circle, in the company of their friends.
No calad sila ed erthad
Brotherly Love: Part 1 by DM_Curumo
At the call of Chief Harry a number of well meaning warriors, rangers and scouts arrived in recent days to offer aid in the village troubles. On their arrival The Chief informed them of a recent attack on one of his men on the East Road. The man left barely alive just so that the following note could be delivered:
“To the people of Bree
Let it be known that once more the brothers of Cardolan shall walk these lands and bring justice to all the people of Tharbad, not just those with money and power. Equality shall bring our people together so that we can again rule these lands without having to rely on the gifts of other nations.
Open your gates to me and my men when we arrive and you will be able to welcome your long lost brothers.”
The letter is unsigned but has the crude insignia of a rearing horse.
Finding out that the watchmen was recuperating in the Pony, the troupe made their way there and questioned the fellow. After much interrogation they were able to establish that the attackers came from the direction of the Weather Hills. The watchman became rather agitated upon hearing the voice of one of the company, claiming that this was the same voice with which the man behind the note spoke to him. Rofan, being the one with the offending voice, decided to go out of the inn before he caused a commotion. Not long after, the others also exited the establishment and they all made there way to the Weather Hills, although mysteriously Rofan disappeared for a good while before reappearing in the Hills to join up with the others.
What they found in the hills was a large hoard of goblins, who had taken up strategic positions and surprisingly did not attack. In fact the group were able to question the goblins, and Rofan who was acting more and more as if he had quite a good idea as to what was going on, was able to fool them in to believing that he was their leader.
It soon transpired that whoever was leading them was delivering another note to Tharbad. As one of the party members was tasked to remain in the area to keep watch on the goblin activity, the others made their way to Tharbad.
As they approached the city gates, a dark clad individual approached them and made way to Rofan, informing him that the one he (Rofan) had asked them to look out for was seen approaching the city and that he seemed under the influence of drugs or was very drunk. As it now became abundantly clear that Rofan did indeed know more about these matters than he was sharing, the remainder of the party surrounded him and demanded an explanation. Realising that there was no point in hiding matters any longer, Rofan informed them that he believed the individual behind these troubles was his brother, Falasor. Explaining that the two of them had started off with grand ideas of bringing past glories back to Tharbad and its people but Falasor soon found Rofan’s methods too slow and set about devising his own plans. Clearly a number of those present were not swayed by this explanation but agreed to Rofans request that his brother not be harmed if at all possible, as he thought there may still be hope to help him.
Investigations in Tharbad resulted in finding another letter, with the same content as for the one in Bree, but addressed to the people of Tharbad. The trail then lead to the docks where it soon became clear that Falasor had purchased herbs, possibly addictive herbs. With some persuasion and bribery, they managed to acquire the same herbs in the hope of finding a way to help Falasor. Finally they found themselves walking to the slums district of Tharbad where Falasor was last reported to have travelled. There the group nearly started a riot among the inhabitants when.
they trooped through in their fancy garb and the residents took offence , soon setting off a chant of “death to the Mayor”.
Making a hasty retreat, it was decided that the best course of action may be for some of the party to disguise themselves as slum dwellers and thus try and gain what information was there. This plan proved effective, quickly delivering the information that Falasor would be returning to Tharbad in a weeks time, after which he would decide to move on Bree and Tharbad.
Left with the only viable option of waiting for Falasor to arrive the troupe now await his arrival.
Let it be known that this is the same Falasor who still has the abducted daughter of one of the Bree Watchmen.
Another Crazed uruk reared its ugly head near Tharbad recently, The Mayor ordered the gates shut but allowed a group of able warriors to exit the city in hopes of killing the beast.
After much tracking, and a few unfortunate falls from cliffs while climbing down them, the party eventually cornered the beast and between them brought it down, eventually. Upon the creature they found two potions one was known to them as an uruk hash potion, the other was not familiar. As they returned to Tharbad, they were approached by one of the guards, who in whispered tones implored them to take the potions to Rofan, not the mayor, for then they would fall in to wrong hands.
Taking heed of the advice, the group sought the hooded figure who had advised them on bringing down the Uruk, he in turn directed tem to Evrilo. On examination of the potion Evrilo suggested a rsiky but quick way to find out if it was an antidote, for all were hoping that that was why it was with the other potion.
Evrilo proceeded to mix the two potions in half portions and one of the party offered to drink it, miraculously no ill effects came from drinking it other than a mild pain.
Evrilo promised to get word to all concerned and made preparations to transport the remaining antidote to Rohan in hopes that it could aid in the forthcoming battle.
The Party also informed the mayor of their actions, of course missing out any mention of the potions.
Preparations had been made, the enemy had been engaged by a unified force of Gondor, Rivendell, and Rohan. All that remained was for the best of the free to head for the Wold and step through the recently discovered doorway. Unbeknown to them the enemy had guessed their plans once the swords and shields had clashed and summoned those few of its own elite who could answer the call at such short notice.
At the same time the defenders of the Wold, realising their situation was hopeless split their force in to two. The one continued to try and hold back the attack in the Wold, the other travelled towards Edoras in the hope of ambushing those who may be sent to go through the doorway. The ambush failed but delayed the forces of good sufficiently for Saruman’s call of aid to be answered. As the party from Edoras entered the Wold, the last of the Uruks were falling in battle to the combined onslought of the allied forces.
After a brief search, they found and passed through the doorway, not far behind followed Saruman’s allies. They all found themselves in a vast labyrinth, infested with grotesques the like of which few have seen in all the ages. As each party fought its way through the maze, the first confrontation between the two resulted in a hasty retreat for the forces of Saruman. As did the second, yet fortune favoured them for they found the portal that was sought by the Rohirrim allies and laid in wait for them to arrive. They used the surprise, and the aid of four of Saruman’s Elite Uruks, to devastating effect. Yet those who had rallied to the side of good may yet have prevailed were it not for the desperate act of the sorcerer who aided Saruman. He risked his own demise by calling to the dark evils of ages gone, the stone floor split asunder as a monster of fire, the height of three men and wielding a sword in flames climbed out from the very earth. No weapon could penetrate its skin, no armour could withstand its blows, many who thought themselves brave ran in terror and the few who could bare to look at it and dared to challenge it soon fell to its relentless strikes.
Its appetite of death and destruction momentarily satisfied, the old one returned to the depths from which it had been called. Of both forces, only one still stood. The sorcerer, drained by the daring act he had performed set about tending to the wounds of his comrades, oblivious to the stirrings of those others who lived and in the darkness fumbled their way to safety.
So it was that the forces of evil returned to their master to gloat and those who served good crawled, near death, to the gates of Edoras to report their failure. Desperate talk began on how to quickly deploy the newly discovered antidote to the Uruk Elixir, The fastest horses were made available so that news could be carried to Rivendell, for they were now set with the task of producing antidote in sufficient quantity to thwart any attack on Edoras.
Yet, all is not always as it seems, fates twist and turn on the winding road. Those who think themselves victors often do not see beyond the immediate victory. Those who despair at a recent defeat do not always comprehend the victory they have already achieved. In the fullness of time each will discover how wrong they are about recent events.
Argon Balros
07-03-2006, 02:08
A young man of Gondor seeking the respect of his farther and that of his homeland sought to slay a Dragon and with its blood he would a have Knightly set of Armor, He'd heard tales of a dragon on the isle of Tolfalas and so it was he began organizing an Expedition from Tharbad to the cursed isle.
In the expedition there was his Friend Artorus, His Adopted Uncle Frain Hairylobes, An Elf of the Greenwood Valen, An Elf of Imladis Laurella and a Skinner Nico who sought to gain the valuable hides of the beasts upon the isle.
Once upon the isle They found all sorts of fierce beasts in there search for the dragon, but eventually they found the dragons lair, they entered and fought long and hard until the Dragon fell, they where victorious!
They Gathered the dragons hoard and a vial of its blood and began on there way back to the ship. But on the way Back they where over run by the beasts far too many, The young Gondorian Stood over the fallen until he could stand no more and Laurella went to seek aid from the ship but found only more beasts the bests over ran the crew and Larellas legs could carry her no more and she fell also.
It is at this points Take a turn as a Dragon most probably the spouse of the one that had fallen flew down and landed by the fallen gondorian, The beasts ran and as blood dripped down from the dragons mouth it awoke the fallen.
The Young Gondorian Stood Bravely infront of the dragon Bidding the others to flee, but they would not, The Dragon Buy out its clawed hand biding them to return the stolen Hoard they placed what they had taken from the hoard in its clawed hand and With a Mighty Roar! it flew off.
They Staggered back to the Ship and to there horror they found the scene of carnage, they bandaged what wounds they could of the fallen and placed them aboard the boat, Frain followed the trails of blood to the north where he found laurella had fallen, near to her where THREE! of the Renowned great and ferocious Tolfalas Tigers.
They devised a plan to lure the tigers to a grounds more suited to them, they set fires near the dock and decided to lure the tigers to there and fight them, they put there plan in motion and after a great battle three tigers lay dead, they brought Laurella to the ship and gave her what herbs that had to revive her.
Then they began to think upon the now far from simple task of getting off the isle, The Young Gondorian After Studying the Ship was sure he could sail it and frain after studying his map was sure he could navigate, they set sail for the Anduin and up it to Minas Tirith.
The Journey went well and with in a few days the main land was in sight after another day they say the mouth of the Anduin and set to enter it, but they crashed upon some rocks beneath the waters surface they strong wind that had carried them so swiftly was now there down fall the ship hit upon the rocks with such force that the ship was ripped apart.
The Young Gondorian along with Frain and Laurella washed upon the eastern Shore of the Anduin they where in the lands of the Black Numenorians!, a fisherman pulled them from the water, The Young Gondorian Offered the fisherman a reward for his kindness but the fisherman would not accept in fear if he where found with such a large sum of gold he would be flogged so instead the Young Gndorian Asked for his name so that he would be welcomed in the lands of gondor and wished the blessings of ulmo upon the fisherman.
They Went North up the Anduin searching the coast for the others as they did until they came across the harad road and a bridge over the Anduin, but the bridge Was Guarded and the Group were in no shape to fight.
The Young Gondorian Had Spent several Years training with the rangers Of the ilithen and in his training he had swam the river at this point and knew it to be safe and so he swam across but still thought the others to be on the eastern shore and So he Put on his armor, cleaned himslef best he can and began to cross the bridge ,When Half Way Across he called to Guard to fetch a captain to treat with him bluffing he had come on a mission of diplomacy.
The Young Gondorian Could See a hobbit past the Guard and thought it to be frain but it was not infact it was the adventurous little pippy who had swam across and had tracked them, THe young Gondorian Whistled and his Falcon swooped down to land on his gauntlet, The young gondorian then sent the Falcon to Summon the rangers of the ilithen to there aid.
Nico the Skinner who had bee speaking with the guard came over the bridge to the young gondorian he whispered "bare with me" before Telling him quite loudly how he should leave and was only causing Conflict, the Young Gondorian after seeing Frain on the western side said loudly "I'll GO FOR NOW" after entering the fields of pelennor spoke with a ranger of the ilithen that had answered his call, he asked that the rangers search for those still unacounted for as they may have washed up upon the eastern shore.
Then they went to the city of Minas Tirith for some much Needed rest.
The End .... for now :)
The Tale of Tolfalas (from another perspective)
---
I had returned from a hunting trip with just a few wolf pelts and had gotten enough gold from those so that I could rest in Greyflood for a couple of days. I was sitting in the inn, drinking a well-deserved ale, when I overheard a conversation in a nearby table. The people there - a couple of elves and one man - spoke in elvish. I understood a word here and a word there, but I could not follow the conversation. However, the other elf seemed vaguely familiar to me, I had seen him, even talked to him in the past... something about hunting wolves. The same elf looked at me and talked to the man, but I did not pay more attention, as I was talking to a hobbit about the virtues of an ale named 'Barliman's'.
The man had moved closer and greeted me. I was slightly curious and asked what he wants. I found out they were planning a trip to an island called Tolfalas and the elf - Valen was his name - had told Greg - the man - that I hunted animals for their skins. I did not want to set the record straight there, so I played along. Greg asked if I would like to come along, and help them search the island. He had a crazy idea of looking for a dragon, why anyone would do that willingly escapes me.
The others were an elf called Lauralea (her complete name is all too long, I can't understand why anyone has that long a name) and a hobbit called Frain whom I had not noticed before. Eventually we were well on the way, heading towards the isle. When we arrived to the isle, I was grateful that I was wearing a hood, because I didn't look too happy when Greg turned out to be a knight of Gondor. The exploration began quite well, though the animals were unusually ferocious. I had to skin a couple of tigers, just for the show. Things took a turn for the worse quite soon, since we met another knight of Gondor. One more pair of eyes and ears that forced me to be more careful all the time.
It took us a while to find a large cave, and there were bears, boars and tigers along the way, all of them very eager to have us for dinner. I tried not to be in the frontlines, but waited for the beasts to attack the others and fight the beasts when it seemed safe enough. There's no reason to risk one's life, unless it is absolutely necessary. I was also surprised how unprepared the others were, the small bruises and cuts all require attention, and they ran out of proper bandages and herbs rather quickly.
Inside the cave we found a dragon, and managed to bring the beast down. Greg extracted some of the beasts blood, I think I know the reason though it was not mentioned. We left the cave, but it seemed that the death of the beast had lured a horde of tigers upon us. If it was the death, or if it was the stench of the beast on us that drove the tigers crazy I do not know. We were overwhelmed, and I lost conciousness. When I woke, I saw the biggest dragon I had ever seen and began moving away slowly until I got to the relative safety of a forest. At least the beast would not move too freely in the forest. The beast seemed to want some of treasure we had found in the cave back, but I did not want to let go of the helmet I had. Luckily the beast settled for less and flew away. I guess Greg was frozen in fear, because he just stood in the front of the dragon.
At some point the elf, Lauralea, had vanished. Valen had left earlier. Upon returning to the docks, an unwelcome sight waited us. All the sailors were close to dying, torn to pieces by tigers. The hobbit, Frain, saw a trail of blood leading away from the docks and sneaked ahead. He found Lauralea close to death, surrounded by three tigers. A plan was devised, by the knights, to lure the tigers to the ship and fight them there. I reluctantly agreed to go and set the lures for the tigers, since those tincans could not run fast enough, and at that point I was ready to risk a bit to save the knights - unfortunately I needed the help of the knights to get to the mainland. We managed to kill the tigers and help that damn elf to her feet. I was slightly amused when they were desperate for different herbs, knowing I had a rather good stock. But what would I have gained from helping them? A 'thank you'? No thanks.
After struggling with the ship the knights managed to get us going. A few days we sailed fairly well considering two knights were steering the ship. I knew the luck could not hold, and that the knights would fumble at some point. Obviously no one had taught them what to do when the land draws close. I was resting on the deck when the ship crashed. A friendly fisherman dragged us to the shore, and we found that we were rather close to the city of Umbar. I hope I did not smile too much, and that my smile was hidden by the hood. Greg offered gold to the fisher for having helped us - a brilliant idea. Greg must not have heard of pride, I decided it was wiser to stay in the back and not to talk but to observe how the situation develops. Soon we left the fisherman and headed north.
We were almost in Gondor again, and I was thinking of a reason good enough to not to visit Minas Tirith. The other shore of Anduin waited just across the bridge. However, the bridge was guarded. I was a bit surprised by this, since I had not seen a guard there before. The others walked some ways away from the bridge and swam across the river. I must have looked harmless enough to the guard, or then he recognised me and began chatting with me. Everything would have gone well, had not that stupid knight come to the bridge. The guard and Greg exchanged some none-too-pleasant words, and I was thinking of how to get out of this... I could not let Greg know I was in good terms with the guard, and I could not let the guard know I was in relatively good terms with the others - or so I had them believe. I managed to convince the guard so that I could talk to '... that oaf on the bridge...', and see if all of us could get away without fighting. I acted none too friendly towards Greg (I did ask him to play along - for the show), and the situation was soon over. I returned to the guard, and he was willing to walk with me to the city of Umbar and have a drink or two. A fine idea at the time, but the others might have wondered had I I left with the guard. So, I came up with a reason why I had to go to the north, and agreed to meet and have a few ales with the guard later on.
Nico
---
At risk of boring you to death ;), yet another perspective.
I had been home for quite some time now, Grandpa was in good health and back to giving advice to passers by, wanted or not. I was feeling the urge for an adventure coming on, which I think was brought on by many strange happenings in the Shire recently. Although things were getting back to a more sensible normality, except for the unusual number of elves that had passed through recently.
The Prancing Pony and the Greyflood Inn always had a fair number of folk, some strange and some not, planning trips to distant lands or offering what help they could against unsavoury happenings. So with Grandpas reluctant permission I set off to satisfy my, well, curiosity it would be I guess.
The weather was lovely, the flowers were just beginning to bloom and their was much opportunity to sit by the side of the road in the warm sun, to do a little cooking and reading as I travelled. The occasional traveller joined me and thus I picked up a little information on events that were going on in the South. Apparently a large battle had taken place near Edoras, so I decided to head straight to Tharbad.
By the time for elvenses of the 23rd day since I set off, I entered the Greyflood Inn. Feeling rather parched and empty in the belly I made for the kitchen in hopes of getting something extra nice made for my self, especially as I had brought with me some Shire herbs for the good cook. Before I could get to the kitchen I recognised one of the voices, it was Ivan. I approached to greet the lad, but he spoke first and in whispered tones, asking me to call him Greg. I was quite confused, but the lad was obviously travelling incognito and wished to keep it that way. So I tried my best to play along but must admit I found it most difficult to remember to call him Greg. I never could understand the big folks desire to often pretend they are someone else and thus befuddle and confound people. In any event it soon transpired that Ivan had been asked by Argon to prove himself by getting hold of a dragons blood. You can understand my anger at this, what was Argon playing at, does he not care for the lad. Ever since the boy could walk all he had ever wanted was his father to be proud of him but now I was beginning to worry the lengths to which the lad would go to prove himself.
Soon I was introduced to others of his party, Valen, whom I had travelled with often, a most beautiful elven lady with strange but hypnotically green hair and a fellow by the name of Nico, who I first thought was Samir as his voice and the manner in which he walked was very similar. I was told we were headed to an island called Tolfalas and after gathering some supplies, I was running low on cooking materials, we soon set foot on the boat.
The captain was clearly a skilled sailor and kept the ship in calm waters and so steady that I was sick only two times on the whole journey. Once we got to the island and moved deeper in to it, we were immediately beset by unusually ferocious animals The weather on the island was awful what with constant rain and I am certain this was being reflected in the temper of the animals. Every one fought most bravely, although I myself took care to stay in the shadows and out of harms way as much as possible, carefully stepping around stopping any bleeding on my companions if I thought it dangerous. I did have a few potions and tricks of my own but thought it best to ration them for the encounter with the dragon.
We blundered about on the island for a good couple of days and in the doing came across another Knight who seemed to know Ivan and joined us. At one point we walked in to what I thought was a cave but it turned out to be some sort of labyrinth filled with very curious creatures and they weren’t too happy with our intrusion, we had to make a hasty retreat. Another time we encountered a man in a cave, I have no idea what he was doing there as he wasn’t in the mood for talking and turned his collection of animals on us, by this time I was running low on herbs to close the bleeding and on a number of occasions I had to be re-supplied by the others.
Eventually, we came to an area where we were attacked by very young dragons, just hatched even perhaps. The others made short work of the foul things and we found a cave near by with scorched trees around it. We all agreed that this must be the dragons lair and so prepared for battle. I made everyone sniff some strong herbs to keep their mind focused on the task ahead and then we ventured in. The others were soon upon the dragon, with Ivan, despite his armour, managing to jump on the creatures tale and began stabbing the beasts back. The lady elf was very particularly skilled with the bow and must have used up a fair few of her arrows the rate at which she was letting them loose. The other knight, Valen and Nico were making good use of their feet to keep out of the dragons bigger claw swipes. The way Nico fought, without weapons, made me briefly think again that perhaps he was Samir. I managed to throw a couple of my special potions at the beast, which I can proudly say made it take notice of me, yet on the contrary side I fell unconscious as a result because the foul creature became too interested in me and I couldn’t keep a safe distance from it.
When I came to, the dragon lay dead and although no one had come out of the battle unscathed, everyone seemed in cheerful spirits. We rested in the warmth of the cave a long while and I took the opportunity to prepare a proper meal for everyone. Thinking that the worst was over we eventually stepped outside the cave but were soon being attacked by animals which seemed even more ferocious than before. I soon fell unconscious again but more from exhaustion than injury, as it was quite a task keeping out of the way of the many claws, fangs and tusks.
When I awoke, to my horror, a dragon was standing over us. I stepped away from it and from the way it was behaving I gathered it was after something, I suggested to the others that they hand back a very impressive shield we had taken from the hoard of the dragon in the cave. I’m not sure what was going through Ivan’s mind but he was standing right in front of the evil thing and I thought he might attack the beast, so I shouted to him to back off. Anyway, the thing seemed satisfied with what we gave it and it flew away. It still perplexes me why it let us live, perhaps one should just be merciful when good fortune smiles rather than worry too much why it smiles.
With a sigh of relief I began to look around that everyone was ok and soon noticed the lady elf was missing. I found a trail of blood and trying not to think of the worst, I asked the others to wait there as I carefully followed the trail. It took me pass the boat and I found all the sailors mauled to death, further along I found the lady lying unconscious at the feet of three tigers. They must have been gorged to the mouth from all the sailors because they just seemed to be sitting there, eyes half shut with little interest in her unmoving body. I reported all this to the others and it was agreed that we would have an advantage if we could lure them to the boat. The knights volunteered to act as bait as did Nico, but Nico was chosen as it seemed he had some skill in hunting animals, he certainly took the skins of enough of them.
The ploy was successful and we soon had the lady elf back with us.
With no sailors about we discussed what we might do, I suggested just camping near the boat until another one arrived as it was my guess that this island was frequented often. However the others, especially the Knights seemed keen on trying to sail the boat. Reluctantly, I began studying my maps and we eventually agreed that if we kept the shore in sight of the boat, we could perhaps sail to the shore lines of Gondor with two to three days sailing at most. After some more discussion we finally pulled up the anchor and sailed with out trouble for the first two days, but we didn’t realise the perils of getting a boat near to the shore for a safe landing. I don’t know what happened but the next thing I remember, I was on the shore and a strange fellow was helping me. Soon he had dragged the others in land away from the waves also.
Once I had gathered my sense I thanked the man, he seemed polite yet distant at the same time. Ivan asked him where we were and I think he said Harad, I had heard strange tales of that place on my travels and decided to keep quite, not wanting to say anything which might cause offence. Ivan however offered the fellow gold as a sign of his thanks, the stranger was quite offended by this and said something about how not wanting blood money and anyway, how would he account for it. He also kept looking at Ivan’s knights armour with disgust showing on his face. I promptly suggested that perhaps we should move on and try and get back to safer lands.
We were by a river which Ivan told us we would need to cross, saying he had swam it once before, he advised we swim across rather than take the bridge. All of us did so accept I think Nico, for by the time I had swam across none of the others were anywhere to be seen. I eventually found the lady elf again and she suggested perhaps Nico and Ivan were at the bridge. As we approached the bridge I noticed Ivan and Nico arguing, I don’t understand what was going on I suspect it was a ruse for the benefit of the guard on the bridge for later at the border with Gondor they seemed at good terms again.
Thankful to be back in safe and familiar lands again, Nico parted company and the rest of us made our way to Minis Tirith.
Frain Hairylobes
Mithfindel
11-03-2006, 08:43
A tall man clad in grey robes did carefully walk down the ridge.
"Where is the captain? I have news for Bence."
Upon meeting the Ranger Captain, Arandil did begin to speak.
"You were well right with those goblins. I did join a party heading to the Weather Hills for a rescue mission, as apparently, they had, erm, captured Harry's, erm, daughter. With the party were Alassë, and elf, and then a few men from Gondor, namely Tilrahin and Ivan. Then we did have with Kyle, and then this Rofan from Tharbad, and most strangely, a Shireling by the name of Marion. And yes, the lout Eolair, claiming to be of our kin."
Briefly, the ranger did describe the looks and equipment of those present: Rofan hooded, Marion with his food, Eolair's broken sword, the Gondorans' more sophisticated way of making war.
"Ivan was sent to take some message, but the other six of us went eastward, and south of Weathertop we ran into goblins, having wargs with them. From there, we did basically cut our way through to the north, all the time being followed by this man cloaked in brown. Never got a too good a look to him, though, as always when we reached to him, he did evade us, and we had those goblins to worry about, and worse."
For a moment, the report paused, as if Arandil were afraid or just thinking what he was going to say.
"It was plain insane what the goblins had done... they had beheaded some people there, likely merchants, and let the heads as trophies. This is yet normal, but from a cave we found an assortment of blood and intestines, sorted for use in some fell rituals. On the same room there were a some kind of a magic circle we did activate by chance... and it spawned some kind of a creature no doubt from the darkness of the Void: I have never seen such of a monster, full of eyes, a truely deformed abomination."
Again, a pause followed.
"But this was not the worst, I guess... for we found some captives, only one alive. With the rest, they had done some kind of experiments... they were barely recognizeable. This Ongus, a watchman, we did find alive, but he barely remembered his name. But, still, he gave us a few valuable hints. Earlier, we had found Harry's 'daughter'... whom likely is the same than the she-devil Ongus named temptress. Seems the old watchman had his secret - Kyle was the first one to say it: A mistress it seems. Rofan thinks that this mistress has misled his brother, but I'd say that we should be careful of both."
As the fires were fading to the night, the two continued conversing for a moment, and then the man bowed to his captain, and strode away from the camp.
Steve-Law
17-03-2006, 07:36
Whilst the recent trial was taking place in Tharbad, one of the local watchmen was engaged in ejecting a ragged clothed Hobbit who had been begging for scraps from Greyflood patrons.
On the way back from the city's northern gate he stopped to discuss the event with a collegue he had passed on the way.
"You know," he said with a half shrug, "I'm not sure I didn't recognise the little fella."
"Yeah," replied his friend, "he used to be a Shirrif I think. Used to hang around here quite a bit up until a few months back."
The first guard snapped his fingers in recollection. "Ru.. Rou... Roughfoot! Shirrif Roughfoot! Used to travel with elves and all sorts right?"
"Aye, that's the one," replied the second guard nodding his head. "Used to be a Shirrif, now a beggar."
The two watchmen looked at each other and both offered the same explanation.
"Hobbits?!" they said as each rolled his eyes comically and went, chuckling, back to his post.
Steve-Law
17-03-2006, 12:04
A brief comment, from the cheap seats, on the latest Tirin Kormi storyline. (Copied) Moved from there as I'm not actually one of them :)
http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/showthread.php?p=3253332
I would add an outsider's perspective, if I may? (and only coming into this story half-way through (or near the end?)) that there was also some doubt (in some of the audience at least) as to whether the executed man, claiming to be "Chal" was actually "Rofan" or his twin brother - general confusion as to identity anyway, not sure I remember the name Rofan being mentioned in court?.
Jach, for one, seemed to credit this possibility - his sister's twins being infamous in their village for impersonating each other. (Jach wasn't, mind you, in the slightest bit interested in the whole, "puppet" or miscarriage of justice thing (most of it just whizzing over his fickle and somewhat self-centered head) he was only there to be entertained for the most part and didn't see these "larger" events as being anything to do with him )
DM_Olórin
17-03-2006, 12:37
welcome back steve ;)
The life and death of Rofan (http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/showthread.php?p=3253346#post3253346)
Kyle Morgan
19-03-2006, 01:53
A cold wind hurls down the dark main street of a now ruthless Tharbad bearing the occasional rain drop within. The thick-set figure of a dwarf swiftly loads two ponys with boxes and bags.
After finally frapping all firm together he scowls into the dark. 'Boy, what does this hobbit think i'm payin her fer?', he mutters spotting a hobbit curled against the Town walls near to the city guards barracks. Sighing he looks around with sharp eyes but no one seems to take any notice.
Grumbling more into his beard he directs the ponies to the south gate, 'hope Cindi got my letter and can meet with me on tha way. Would hate ta lose my wares in tha turmoil of tha south.'
Kyle Morgan
19-03-2006, 02:57
Long red hair streaming in the wind, the young woman is standing on top of Rauros Falls, Amon Hen in her back. Her right hand clenched around the shaft of a spear, which has dwarven runes carved into the wooden shaft. Spirited, venturesome she stands but a hint of damp in her eyes seems to belie her confidence.
Turmoiled is her heart but only the keenest insight might tell an observer. Rough and stony has the pass been that led her here. Ejected from a Numenorian father to slavery in orcish pits of Dol Guldur she managed to survive only through cunning, deception and humiliation.
Her hot temper and unwise headiness nevertheless led her to be fed to voracious hungry Orcs. Crippled, dazed and ill she escaped and strayed into the riven dell.
Although the elves helped her to recover from her injuries, the most educated amongst them recognized the ring at her finger as one forged in the dark lands of Mordor and touched by the forsaken will of Sauron himself. And deported her without hesitation.
Arrived in Rohan she only met more distrust. Impossible appearing tasks have been given to her, which should have killed her quickly. But now, after conquering Uruk warbands, trolls, a snow drake and - most surprising - surviving Moria, she holds a present of the heir of Edoras in her hands: The great spear forged by dwarves for Thengil to dash armies of Orcs!
Is this a sign of something she never experienced before: Trust? Credit? Faith?
A sudden shudder is overcoming her and she feels the inward urge to throw the spear down into Rauros falls. But something holds her back. As quiet as she came here, she turns and steps back into the woods...
Steve-Law
19-03-2006, 12:03
What's going on in the world? Nothing. Nothing at all... :(
Kyle, Nice weaving of online character activity :).
And Steve, shger frger rger ;)
DM Curumo
20-03-2006, 11:20
A battered and blooded group return to the house of healing in Minas Tirith, having been rescued by the men of the white city from remaining a permanent fixture in the Tombs themselves. They were happy to see the light of day and cheery in attitude, however the looks they were getting from many of the healers and guards that had to rescue them was clear. Was the risk worth the lives of the guards that were lost?
// The group that went on that quest last night, you were not strong enough to complete that quest, and taking a 2 level 9's and a level 10 was sheer folly. By the end the low levels were doing nothing but staying out of trouble, which is just 'farming xp'. I was willing to let it go this time, but please think twice before doing it again. It is meant to be a near epic quest.
Silivrendil
20-03-2006, 15:09
Perhaps that much-esteemed Gondorian Ivan Balros might have counseled his comrades who had never engaged those tombs what party was appropriate to accompany him. Indeed, was he not one of the ones least interested in having the Steward review the party assembled, and one of the ones most hell-bent on plunging into the tombs with those we had gathered? I have to admit that I was looking for signals, but that one certainly confused me. One would certainly imagine one of his standing to be knowledgeable of such a grave error.
Lacking the sounder judgment of those who should know better, perhaps the surest way to assist the ignorant among us then is to publish a guide. Would you be willing, for the benefit of us old-timers who still have so many high-level quests we're doing for the first time, and all those newcomers who are even more vulnerable, to write a comprehensive "Curumo's Quest Ratings Guide" that fairly precisely recommends the party composition that DMs expect is appropriate (to avoid xp farming and other exploitations), so that those of us on the first time through quests don't have to so sorely test the patience of DMs like you, and find out in the boards what's a "near-epic" quest and what is not?
It would certainly enable those among us who don't know these quests to enforce some reasonableness on those who might otherwise apply the common sense standard, but don't. I'm sure a great many would be grateful from this "constructive" approach to the situation, rather than learning after-the-fact about the extraordinary tolerance you were required to exercise.
Argon Balros
20-03-2006, 15:24
//ooc i alerted Curumo to the situation. and as for counseling it was not me who organized the party and as such did not feel it my place to say much about who could go and who couldn't also ivan certainly had never done that quest before and as such had no clue of what they would face.
Flamgoch
20-03-2006, 17:17
I think the easiest common sense rule for party composition is - Don't party with anyone who's Impossible or Effortless to you and try to limit the Overpowering and Easy ones too.
Recently a group of elves and men ventured in to a dark tower at the request of wood elves in Lake Town. After battling vicious insects, spiders and vampire like creatures they recovered a sword hilt. As they made for the exit their way was blocked by an ancient warrior who also looked like the vampire folk the party had just battled. Yet the deep ancient eyes which bore down on them suggested something else. The ancient demanded that if the party wished to leave that they lay down their weapons and give him the hilt artefact. After tarrying long and hard the ancient informed them that the artefact was the only thing that could release him from the curse of neither being with the living or the dead. Eventually Ivan agreed give back the hilt but not to lay down the weapons. At this moment a strange event took place, the ancient picked up the hilt, removed a blade from a cloth and by some means reunited the two to form a sword. He then directed him self to the party and requested the sword be taken to the elf lord of the valley in the hope that returning the sword there may lift the curse on him. He also warned them that if the sword was not taken to the elf lord, his curse would also become theirs.
The party first returned to lake town and spoke to the wood elves. After examining the blade the elves were able to identify eleven and dwarven runes on the blade and hilt but could tell them little more. The party then made haste towards Rivendell, unaware that their conversation had been heard by a roguish rascal who confronted them in the Mirkwood, asking that the sword be handed over so that he could sell it to the dwarves. With neither group willing to yield combat ensued with eventual victory for those going to Rivendell.
On examining the sword Lord Elrond identified it as one that was forged in the days when elves and dwarves worked together on such things and crafted items with best qualities of both peoples. He suggested it likely that the return of the sword lifted the curse on the ancient, the sword now has its place amongst the other ancient artefacts in Rivendell.
Steve-Law
23-03-2006, 11:47
Last night a kindly gentleman calling himself Greg, found a disheveled and alarmingly thin Hobbit outside Tharbad's music shop. The man promptly took the Hobbit to the Greyflood and applied several hot meals to him. After approximately three bowls of stews and at least one cherry pie, the Hobbit was already beginning to look better.
During their conversation Greg discovered that the Hobbit was not certain of his name - offering the name Roughfoot, being the one the local Watchmen use for the Hobbit - and had not even heard of the Shire. Leaving the Hobbit in the care of Alesse and her friend GS [OOC: terribly sorry can't remember the chars name!] Greg began to question the watchmen of Tharbad.
Apparently the Hobbit had appeared in the city only a week or so ago - the Hobbit's earliest memory - in an appaling state. The guards had been forced to eject the Hobbit from the city following complaints by Mathas, owner of the Greyflood, over various begging incidents. "He's very polite, but its upsetting my customers," was Mathas' plea.
One of the guards thought he recognised the Hobbit as being a Shirrif Roughfoot seen quite regularly in the city, in good company. Since then the Hobbit had not been in any trouble, or not caught at least, and one or two of the guards had even been known to sneak the little chap - whom they had taking a bit of a liking to - scraps of food from time to time.
Greg decided that a visit to Rivendell might help to jog the Hobbit's memory - he had been seen in the company of Elves on more than one occasion he was told. If all else failed perhaps Lord Elrond would be able to help restore Roughfoot's memory at least.
And so, Greg bought a room in the Greyflood, much to Mathas' initial chagrin, and sent the Hobbit off to bed to regain a little more strength before he, and the two ladies who had also taken a keen interest in this Hobbit's well being, would return in the morning to make the journey to Rivendell.
TBC
DM_Olórin
23-03-2006, 12:51
Another hobbit, a rough sort of fellow from the Westmarch (well what can you expect), espies the disheveled figure while dozing on a bench on one of the piers jutting into the Greyflood. Taking his heavily booted (ooh the scandal) feet off the mooring post they were propped on and heaving his oversized hammer onto one shoulder, he tucks his leather jerkin into his belt, thoughtfully scratches a wart on his cheek and saunters off after the familiar young hobbit, curious to see what might happen next.
"Well, Lemmy old son", he muses to himself, "I know 'im from up Bree way. Green as grass 'ee were an' nay mistake... Looks like 'ees been 'n' seen a rough 'un".
Lemworth Mugwort clomped casually along in his oversized pit-boots after the figure throwing a lewd wink and a crack-toothed grin at the bonny human lass selling provender at the market and idly wondering if any Dwarves were in town. He would probably fancy a drink later, to get rid of this bloody head ache. The bearded folk wouldnt mind his manners going down hill after a few beers, and theyd prop him up when he inevitably fell over...
"Started with an "R" I reckon... said he was gonna join the Shirriffs, silly bugger, wonder if 'ee ever did... bloody daft hats too..."
karakedi
23-03-2006, 13:07
When the elves Galia and Alasse came into the Geyflood at the end of their journey to Tharbad, they immediately heard a familiar voice. When the owner of the voice spotted them, though, he said, "My name is Greg," which told them he did not want the denizens of Tharbad to know that he was in fact the distinguished Ivan Balros of Gondor. Both could see that he was preoccupied with a matter of importance, which they soon found out was the effort to find out more about the hobbit called Roughfoot. While 'Greg' made inquiries of the guards to learn what he could, the two elves took Roughfoot in charge, learning that he had lost his memory. Ensuring that he always had enough to eat--hobbits are always ready to eat, and especially this one--they tried to find out what he did remember.
Soon 'Greg' returned, with assurances that the guards would look out for Roughfoot and a key to a room in the inn. Master Mathas had also assured 'Greg' that he would look out for the hobbit while he was in the city. The hobbit, exhausted by all that had happened to him, soon retired, and the other three repaired to a house in Tharbad where they could talk privately.
Alasse was dismayed to be the bearer of the bad news about Rofan's 'trial' and death; Ivan was clearly stricken to hear it. Fortunately, he was slightly encouraged to hear that Rofan had died with dignity and grace. After that, discussion turned to what to do next about Roughfoot.
It appeared that the amnesic was probably a Shiriff of the hobbitfolk and yet also known to the elves. Ivan wanted to take him to Rivendell for Elrond's assistance; Galia and Alasse pushed hard for escorting him to the Shire and Bree first. Alasse, drawing on her healer's expertise, insisted that he would be much better off if his memory were to return in a natural way through exposure to familiar places and people. In addition, it was likely that he would be recognized by kin, friends, and acquaintances. After much argument--not too surprising given the *cough* firm nature of the Gondorian--it was agreed that they would head north to Bree and see who might recognize Roughfoot there. If a trip to the Shire was needed after that, Alasse and Galia would help out if Ivan's duties took him elsewhere.
THARBAD
A Guard Lies Dead
He was on duty guarding the Western gate of Tharbad, he was found in a back ally in the slums district of the docks with several very large wounds.
Steve-Law
24-03-2006, 12:52
[OOC: eek! I didn't intend this to be so long! Hope its worth the reading...]
As promised, the kindly Greg returned to the Greyflood to meet the rested, and washed, Roughfoot the following morning. Alasse and Galia arrived as the Hobbit tucked into an assortment of breakfast dishes. Sortly thereafter a large group of individuals decended on their table, all apparently known to either Greg, Alasse or Galia. The Hobbit was somewhat overwhelmed by the sudden interest in his situation but was distracted, at least momentarily, by the arrival of an, how shall one put it politely.... enthusiatic lady by the name of Helga.
There was some confused conversation during which Roughfoot at one time thought Helga to be an Elf - this notion excited the young Hobbit until it was pointed out that Helga was, in fact a Dwarf, which was itself almost as exciting but was eclipsed by the revelation that Alesse, Galia, and in fact most of their breakfast company were Elves.
Soon a slightly diminished company began their journey to Bree, not "Ravendell" as Roughfoot had been led to believe the previous night. Still, as neither name meant anything to the Hobbit, he was just as happy with either destination.
Approximately halfway between Tharbad and Bree, Roughfoot called a halt to their pleasant walk in the country. The Hobbit had heard something moving on the hills bordering the road and, for the briefest instant, had spied a dark figure disappearing back into the trees. The company made a short search of the area to discover nothing unusual and so they resumed their journey, the incident being put down to the general failing of Roughfoot's mental capacity - at least by the Hobbit himself.
Then, only a few short miles from Bree, Roughfoot again called his travelling companions to attention. He had noticed the same figure once more lurking around the hills around the Barrow Downs. Others of the company heard a strange noise and a more thorough search was made this time, with much the same result. However, upon returning to the road, they discovered a small vial of a foul looking liquid that had quite obviously not been there before. This discovery supported Roughfoot's observations and hinted that there was, perhaps, more to this sharp eyed Hobbit than they might have judged from his outward appearance.
Some of the company seemed very interested in the discovery of the vial and several minutes were spent in hushed speculation as they made their way inside Bree's gated walls. However, once in the town matters returned to the Hobbit Roughfoot.
Greg immediately ushered his charge into a small clothing shop slipped some coins into Roughfoot's hand and bade him to choose a new set of clothes. When the Hobbit had made his choice, and the seamstress Tanya had made the appropriate adjustments, Greg took Roughfoot to one side to make a confession.
It turned out that "Greg" was, in fact, an Ivan Balros, an important man travelling incognito through fear of enemies in Tharbad. Roughfoot was quick to forgive Ivan's confession, judging only the kindness the man had shown him.
When the pair emerged, each hardly recognisible as the same two companions that had entered the shop, they were confronted by a new arrival, a Hobbit lass who introduced herself as Shirrif Marion Mablebrook. After a summarised explanation of the company's mission - namely to discover the history of their Hobbit charge - Shirrif Marion appeared certain that she knew Roughfoot's identity.
Shirrif Mablebrook told them of Shirrif Rufus Proudfoot, a Shirrif-adventurer well known around the Shirelands and one who had vanished without trace several months ago. During this revelation the storm clouds, threatening much of the companions' journey, finally broke, and they all rushed to take refuge, and comfort in the Prancing Pony.
Shirrif Marion expounded somewhat on what little she knew of Shirrif Rufus Proudfoot and the whole company were excited to be near and end to their mission of care. However, Roughfoot, or should that be Rufus, was once more overcome by the emotion of recent events. He told his newfound friends that he would need a little time to think about everything he had learned in the last few hours and excused himself to take an upstairs room in the Pony.
As the Hobbit made to leave, Ivan asked him for another moment in private. Ivan revealed to Rufus that he could not stay to accompany the Hobbit as he had important business elesewhere that could not, sadly, be postponed. Rufus was understanding through his disappointment, but was brightened immesurably by Ivan's parting words.
Once hearing the Hobbit's real name Ivan remembered tales of how a Shirrif Rufus Proudfoot had once aided the Knights of Gondor in an important mission. Ivan then dropped another bombshell on the Hobbit. Shortly Ivan was to be given a formal banquet in Gondor and he invited Rufus to accompany him. Rufus was delighted and bid his friend goodbye looking forward to his return so they could both travel to Gondor to attend the feast.
[OOC: eek! I didn't intend this to be so long! Hope its worth the reading...]
it certanly was, well done :)
karakedi
24-03-2006, 14:56
While returning from a mission to Erebor, the dwarf Helga and the elves Alasse, Galia, and Sereg-Mirth were accosted by one of Galia's wood-elf kin. He informed his kinswoman that the spectre they had thought laid to rest by Elrond's reception of an ancient sword had been spotted on the eastern bank of the Anduin. After a brief discussion, the company agreed that they must make for Imladris immediately to notify Elrond of this grim news.
On arrival, they made their way to the Hall of Fire. Needless to say, the Master of Imladris was less than pleased to hear what they had to impart, but at the same time, he had news of his own to impart. The sword was indeed of dwarven make, with runes inscribed by the elves. The runes held menace, and Elrond was desirous of seeing the sword removed from the valley, once there was enough information to decide on its disposal and to bring the spectre to its final rest. Unfortunately, Elrond had little to contribute on the lifting of a dwarven curse and suggested that more information be sought from the dwarves and the library at Erebor.
Helga was most excited to hear of the sword and eager to see it for herself. Initially it seemed that she might wish to bear it back to her folk herself, but then she realized that something of such power might be better left in the Vale until more was known. So eager was she to see the weapon, however, she left the audience with Elrond immediately to visit Valdor the Master Smith, in whose care the sword had been placed. The others left shortly thereafter, after completing the formalities that the long-lived elves considered necessary.
At Valdor's forge, the elves arrived just in time to attest to Helga's bonafides, for she was in the process of alienating the smith in her zeal. It was then that he brought the weapon out of safekeeping to show to the company. It was indeed an ancient artifact, designed for use against the undead, and a masterpiece of dwarven smithing. The runes, inscribed by elven hands, were seen to be in Quenya though written in the Cirth of Daeron of Doriath, which the dwarves had adopted in the days of Beleriand. Sereg-Mirth and Alasse agreed that the item must date from the time of Ost-in-Edhil at the latest, especially in view of the use of Quenya for the inscriptions. There was an unsettling feel to the sword, one suggesting evil influence.
The maker's mark was found to be that of Ironheart of the Iron Hills, a name familiar to Valdor, and though the maker himself was almost certainly no longer living, Valdor thought that some of his lore might survive among his descendants. Bidding farewell to Valdor, the company agreed that at least Helga and Sereg-Mirth would return to the Erebor region, and others of the company who might be available would go with them. Thereafter, all retired to take their rest and to ponder the meaning of the information they had just acquired.
As was Decided there would be 2 attacks, one upon the wold to finaly destroy that damed dragon blood and the other to destroy an encampment of Uruks near Helm's deep.
Captain Balros Lead a Battalion of Gondorian Infantry to attack the wold, they Quickly overwhelmed the defences and soon the dragon blood was destroyed.
Meanwhile Lauralea lead a group of elves, several men and a stout dwarf to helms deep, in what some might say was a tactical error they Charged a hill where the bulk of the uruks where stationed in case of attack, all hell brokeloose and many of the party where completly overwhelmed with only the stoutest warriors managing to hold back the tide, eventualy the uruks withdrew and the man watching from atop the hill ordered for reinforcments to the hill as the party recovere, once reinforcments from the back of the hill arived the man in a dastardlt move ordered them to attack the party whilst they were recouping. They were once again overwhelmed, luckily Captain Balros having acomplished his mission quickly had come to see how they fared, he Ordered His men to attack and the batytalion of gondorian Infantry decimated what was left of the Uruks and Aid was given to the party.
Argon left them to the rest of the mission and they Gave Chase to the man, first he fled to the gap of rohan then to the east emet but they lost him as he entered the Forest of fangorn.
Now they can only hope it was enough of a scare to deter him from returning to continue his dastardly deeds in tharbad.
A bedraggled figure, looking no better than a beggar has been making inquiries regarding members of the now defunct S&S. Strangely, he was mentioning specific names from the organisation and certainly seemed to know more of its inner workings than one would assume.
The Frenchman
28-03-2006, 21:00
"The world is grey, the mountain cold,
The forge's fire ashen-cold..."
Curse that song. Nailnain sat up and tried to pry his eye open. Anvils ringing in his no-longer-drunk-enough mind.
"Here laddy, get some of that down you."
A series of painful blinks identified "That" as tea and the speaker as old Rumn. Oh Seven Fathers, this might not be so bad after all.
It had started in Bree, he'd walked out of the Prancing Pony in a mood, grim thoughts carved on his eyebrows. "Your's it" hit his ear just before the tag that came with it caught him between the shoulderblades. He coughed and to his amazement burst out laughing.
Once he caught the lad he gave him the Gondorian toy soldier he'd made in the fashion of one of the gate guards he'd seen there. He sat in his room and thought for a while after that. He'd been too concerned, too cold and grim. He felt he'd been quite rude to all those nice hobbits. He'd run around helping them alright, but without a "gooday" or a "thank you", or even a "how are your flowers today Mrs Badcrumble?" He must make amends.
When he left his room in the Pony that night he met two strange yet friendly seeming folk. They were of another kind to the farmers and ruffians of the pub. A Hobbit and a Man, the later impressively armoured. They had spoken briefly, but Nalnain had sworn to finish the fine selection of drink he'd gathered on his travels with old Rumn his fellow Toymaker an hour hence, and bade them his farewells. He'd nearly eaten his beard in frustration on the way out of Bree, they had invited him to accompany them to Rivendell, a word he had heard of only in legend. Oh well, maybe he would meet them again and they would all have time for that drink he'd offered.
He'd camped with Rumn, and had a merry old time, from what he could remember over the headache, it was good to speak of Dwarfish things, and lighten his heart. Maybe he should go and apologise to those fine hobbits now, lets finish this tea first...
Tea? TEA! Wha are ye, dwarf or hobbit! ye heathen... git yer some Ale! Even better git yer sel a Aules lad:P
The Frenchman
29-03-2006, 16:42
Now now ancient one, is that a challenge to a drinking contest? Can your old bones still take falling over?
Anyway, it was Rumn's tea, I was in no state to refuse, my mouth was drier than the fabled harad desert, and we'd drunk all the bloody ale, the spirits, and the wine the night before... doubting my dwarfdom indeed, hrumpf...
Although, someone might have to explain the NWN drunk getting / contests process. I read somewhere it has to do with your CON. I tried drinking everything Nalnain had collected on his travels while doing some rp practice, but I never seemed to get drunk. Nalnain did manage to convince himself he'd got stuck between his tent campfire and Rumn's comfortable log, and would need divine intervention again to come unstuck from the landscape. Later (when I logged back on) he found he could go round Rumn's caravan. It was dark and he was drunk then, not anything to do with the spirit that moves him being a dork.
DM Curumo
31-03-2006, 23:04
Trouble in the brewery!
The dwarves of Erebor are up in arms, this evening. Fusin the ale master has had to stall the latest batch of Dunsdoom after a fair proportion of his ingredients have gone missing. Very few clues point to where they have gone, however a masked and hooded human lady was seen skulking around the cellars and ancient halls of the Lonely Mountain.
Even after her capture, she did not divulge any information and managed to slip through the clumsy fingers of the dwarves. No sign of the rare mineral Zauchalian was found upon her, so the dwarves are still short on clues (pun intended). :bigcry:
However worry not, the supplies will soon be replenished and the brewing will commence once more, with full gusto!
The recent actions taken by an unknown group of adventurers in Isengard has inspired the evil masterminds of Mordor. Seeking to spread further confusion and discord amongst the enemy, a call has been put out for proven agents of the black lands to come forth and gather in Orodriun under the banner of one Khaev, the chief Hand of Sauron.
*This is a series of DM events I will be running, featuring some unseen content i've worked on and shelved for the time being. Because of other commitments, I won't ever be able to guarantee scheduled events running their full time, but I will do my best. (This is why i've split it into parts).*
See the calender for further information.
An Apology
Sorry - as I warned, I got pulled away. I will, however, have more potential hours free tomorrow from 4pm.
I got about 10 mins of the planned event done, managed to exchange a few words with Gothmog and the party. If people are present tomorrow, I will continue as far as I can.
I will update the calender now.
Sorry for the abrupt ending! I hope you can stick with it, I've got some eciting stuff planned :)
DM Curumo
08-04-2006, 07:53
Angh's Little Games
Some very angry dwarves were seen running from the mines in the Iron Hills after a theft was they believe thwarted upon the vast treasures they had down there. The only clues to what happened were that a young woman and a very sick man were seen skulking around, however they had been dwarf-handled out of the mine before anything could of been stolen. Obviously others were missed, which has caused them to up their security around the mines in case another attempt is made.
Back in Isengard, Saruman received a few parcels over night, and has since then been closeted in his rooms working upon something. Horendous smells and a few minor explosions have been heard but so far he has not come out for more than a few short breaks to eat and sleep.
A patrol of Ithilien Rangers on the Anorien Road stumbled across a burnt supply camp of theirs this morning. It seems that the camp was attacked during the night and the sentries taken completely by surprise. All shelter was destroyed and the supplies looted.
The attackers are unknown - none of thier bodies were discovered, though it seems that all of them were men, judging by the tracks left. Most significant of the clues left was the head of the camp commander mounted on a tent pole with a bloodstained note fluttering above his head. The note reads: "It's starting....". The note is initialed "V.K".
DM Curumo
21-04-2006, 00:09
Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control the dwarven feast will have to be delayed until next week. As Saruman is having trouble with his brewing.
Sorry for any disappointment.
DM Curumo
29-04-2006, 07:06
After much planning, many hours of preperation and quite a few soar heads from all the pre banquet ale tasting. The dwarves of Erebor were greatly looking forward to their little feast to celebrate the opening of the Anvil, Dain himself had even planned a speech and the giving of gifts to many of his loyal followers.
However...
Disaster! Woe! Outrage!
The beer, it was off! After about 10 pints of Dunsdoom every dwarf was merry and looking forward to a fine evening of dining and drinking, but suddenly they all started falling over in a dead slump, completely dead to the world.
Not even the mighty Dain II could hold his ale this day and he slumped over the arm of the chair he was sitting in.
But this was not the worse, for the devious individuals that had planned and schemed for many weeks were ready to pounce and from the hands of Dain II they took the famed necklace of Durin V. As the thieves slipped away into the night, the dwarves slowly woke and questions were asked, how did people get into the halls so easily? who spiked the ale? who would do such a thing?
Not many answers were found, but the only clue is a wandering peddlar from Tharbad called Hurthgun, who had previously sold the scribe a book that alerted the dwarves to the presence of the necklace and where it could be found.
So which crime is worse? Spoiling dwarven ale, or stealing Durin V's precious necklace? Only time will tell if the criminals can be found.
DM Curumo
05-05-2006, 00:28
The plot thickens, the necklace is found, but after some vigorous testing and investigation, it is found to be a exceptionally well made fake. It was found upon the body of a dead elf, that had a 'B' carved into his chest. And other letters and items were strewn around the body.
Relations between elves and dwarves is getting once more strained as the dwarves accuse the fair folk of stealing and being 'fairies' however who was really behind this devious plan.
Who are the two mentioned in the notes. Sauraquen and Grendel?
The peddlar Hurthgun was known to the guards of Esgaroth and was described as a one eyed man that was asking after the where about of the anvil and how to get hold of large quantities of beer.
What does this strange ritual of mutilating corpses mean?
And where has all the beer gone!
On a separate note, near riots in Umbar as one of the cities most wanted forgers and swindler has gone missing. He was last seen climbing out of the back window of the Inn, which is no mean feat since the man is nearly 80. His current where abouts is unknown.
The Frenchman
06-05-2006, 17:13
Nalnain holds his hammer and chisel lightly as he steps back to gaze at his days' work, the sweat on his bare chest glistening in the sun. Mmm, that should do it. The carved runes, placed on rocks at the four corners of Tharbad in such a way that only Dwarves or the Wise could read them, state:
"To my kin on the road, Hail.
Nalnain Gentlehand of the Blue Mountains
Calls you to The Greyflood on (9pm GMT tonight)
That news be received from Erebor,
And Council taken.
Strength and Honour."
If I can get someone to open the private room in the Greyflood, Nalnain has a little gold stored up for the occasion.
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