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Ceol will give a prayer of thanksgiving to Eonwë for the decisive victory. If there are those of our forces in need of healing, and no other healer (such as Gilraen) to help them, he will do so; otherwise, he will do what he can to heal Baygir. As a Knight of the Mark, it grieves him to see a noble steed in pain.
Sir Thoroncir dismounts as soon as he is safely able to do so, and (if Ceol is otherwise occupied) asks Orodreth to bring Gilraen or some other healer as quickly as possible to attend to his badly-wounded warhorse. He speaks to the magnificent animal in the Horse language, stroking its neck and saying, "O brave steed, noble Baygir, have patience, and be at ease! I have summoned a healer, and with luck we will not have long to wait. May I ease your suffering in any way until then?" In his heart he fears that the horse may be fatally injured, for he also lost his previous mount Seafoam to evil magic in battle not so long ago.
He focuses on his responsibilities and orders five of the other Sea-knights to also dismount, and to immediately ensure with their swords that all of the fallen enemy nearby are well and truly dead.
In this battle, the horses took more injuries then the men. Bjorn is particular is very skilled in healing animals as are the other Druids. They are happy for Thoroncir’s and Ceol’s help. Gilraen and Lady Ariella attend to the injured men with the aid of the many rangers.
Baygir is surprisingly stoic; not even the great steeds of Rohan are normally this calm with great injury. He replies, “I have confidence that I will pull through, it helps I am not bleeding from this magical injury. It hurts and I am not fit for travel but you will get me healed.”
An eagle lands next to them. It morphs into Bjorn, the high Druid and he casts a single spell that fully heals the brave war horse. He says some comforting words and gives praise and asks the two horse friends to assist him further.
The healing does not take all that long and in the meantime the foes are secured and also healed and the belongings can be searched. Fely begins this process swiftly and Elfstan who has been invisible with little to do joins him.
Although pleased with outcome of the battle, Ithilneth still feels unsettled. "Let us scout more carefully. Perhaps the next trap prepared against us is more clever."
Thoroncir thanks Bjorn for his assistance, makes sure that Gilraen is all right, and leaves Baygir to rest for the moment, while he assists Bjorn in seeing to other injured horses.
Ceol bows to Bjorn. "I am quite impressed with your healing skills."
He turns to Thoroncir. "Baygir is truly a noble steed. Horse and rider are well matched."
He then continues to assist with the other injuries, both man and steed.
"Thank you, Ceol, for your kind words, and for your willingness to help," Thoroncir says, bowing in turn. "I confess that I'm relieved that Baygir will likely fully recover."
Mulligan, possibly with Deor's assistance will be dealing with any implements the evil wizards may have. Those specs really come in useful.
Have no fear of Morgul-spells;
Strength and courage quickly tells.
If any of the garnered items look worth a scholar's study, I will look them over.
Dec 21 to 28th: The King and his escort along with both parties and Sea Knight and Linwen’s scouts travel to Bozisha-Dar.
They take a path through the northern woods and along the way the Mage Telemum joined them. There are a few encounters but nothing serious. The force is too powerful and the collection of hero types may not have been collected together in such quantity since the days of the First Age. Ghân however is not among them. He is flying north as swiftly as his Golden Eagle form will take him to deliver several important messages. He is relaying the knowledge of the Entwives to the north for Drindoleth. He is also carrying many well memorized messages north to the Queen and the Prince for the King.
Along the way the King explains, “I hope to forge a solid alliance with the Kingdom of Raj. They are powerful and civilized and have the only remaining powerful Navy on the west coast of Middle-Earth. They are mercantile and thus somewhat easy to understand. I brought some of both our own and one of the Dwarves best merchants with us. The people of Raj are not overly aggressive and by use of delaying tactics managed to defy even Sauron during the War of the Ring and never made it North to fight us. The main problem is the school of Necromancy and their allies in the cults of Morgoth and Sauron.”
There are a few gasps at the use of these names few dare to speak even today.
He continues, “King Kralji Slú Carlon appears to be both open to peace and especially interested in eliminating the foul presence of the Necromancers and Dark Shamans and Priests. By reports, he is a good man and his closest advisors are good, so we should attempt to make friends and trading partners with them. I would rather our Navy be used to escort merchants then to make war upon the coasts. Eventually, between Gondor and the Rajian Navy I think this can become true. With a powerful ally to the south, I think we can end the threat of Harad sooner rather than later. It would be good to retire from campaigning and I hope to turn over Kingdoms in peace to my son and heir.”
There is some spontaneous cheering at this last.
“Finally, as the way to the hearts of these people is through trade, I wish to give you a reward for the work already done and as a share from this last battle a sum of 4000 gold pieces each to spend in Bozisha-Dar in addition to whatever else you choose to spend. I hope to encourage the people of Raj that alliance with Gondor and Arnor will profit all.”
Dec 29-30th: Reach Bozisha-Dar. The Kings meet for both of the two days with many important figures from North and South. Gimli, Legolas and Prince Éomund and several councilors represent the north. As this is happening, the Mage Telemum works with those people with Detect Lies to interview the mages and illusionists. Three high tailed it out.
In the end, the rough plan for alliance is made. It depends on the North aiding Raj in this critical moment to rid itself of its own self-created problem. The Necromancer’s School and power must be destroyed. The Cults must be eradicated.
King Elessar will ride against the school itself with support from the most trusted of the Rajian commanders and wizard types.
Capt. Meriadoc’s party will scout vs. Necromancer/Morgoth lairs near Necromancer School in the south. 2 Elves of Ithilien will join, Cumegil & Nanthil (both 9th) good vs. undead, Drazil 11th level Wizard with Star Sapphire & Baobab he specialized in Turning spells and dispelling and Prot vs. Evil. Ghaida Mage 12th Fire Staff topped by a Ruby, She has tongues via a silver tongue medallion.
Linwen’s group will go investigate the School and Town of Tresti. This is where the Oliphants are trained and where one of the schools of magic is located. With them will go the Mage Telemum and several other wizards and Prince Éomund leading his 20 Knights.
Gil-Gandel’s group will go by Sea to assault a stronghold of Cultist of Morgoth. This is to the north of the delta just above the woods of Suza Sumar. The Elendil will speed you to a land route that will take you to a great brine marsh where it is believed the Cultist stronghold is. The undead will be thick here and your group should be well suited to the battle. Linwen even has a gift for you. A strange concoction of what she calls Liquid Light. Each protected glass flask hold enough for 4 sword uses or 20 arrow tips. In each case the first strike will inflict double damage on any of the undead that live partly in the wraith world. It will do even more to Shadows if you should encounter them. She gifts a bottle to every member but Gilraen who does not need such.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../Farharad2.jpg
You have two days to trade and buy goods.
Thoroncir is awestruck to be in the presence of his King (as well as the father of his beloved), to say nothing of Legolas and Gimli, former members of the Fellowship of the Ring and both near-legendary figures in their own right. Upon being introduced to his liege lord, the knight-errant bows deeply and says in Quenya, "Ela Ingaran Ondonóreo ar Arnanóreo, Elessar, Aracorno Arasornion, ingwe Núnatanio, Hesto Liyúmeo Númeno, Mahtar Andúrilo, Túrea mahtalesse, yeo mát antat envinyatie!" ("Behold the High King of Gondor and Arnor, Elessar, Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dunedain, captain of the Host of the West, wielder of Anduril, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing!").
As for the money, he is grateful for the reward, but his needs are few. He will arrange with reputable Gondorean Navy or merchant ship captains for a quarter to be sent to the Order of Sea-Knights, a quarter to be sent to his parents in Linhir, a quarter to be sent to the hospital Gilraen established in Port Hatha, and a quarter to be given to several worthy charities here in Bozisha-Dar (where it will, in due course, reenter the local economy).
Mulligan seems quite happy about the liquid light and inquires if it will be usable in the Injection Dagger. Also, Mulligan will be on the lookout for more Chalcedony stones or other similar anti-undead bullets for her sling.
Also, perhaps they might have some of the wizards powder that created the smoke bombs and would they be skilled enough to create some more of them. Could they also create something that would reveal invisible creatures in a cloud as well, once it has dissipated?
Rorimac will be looking for something magical that can repel insects if we are going to a marsh. Also would Itilneth like a repayment for her generosity, otherwise he may go for that infravision visor again.
Bitur will purchase a potion of permanent strength increase with his chit from earlier. With the remaining 2000 credits from that, plus the new 4000, he'll buy 2 better speed potions, 2 fire resistance potions, 4 climbing potions, 2 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion.
This leaves him with 75 gp to spend, which he will give to anyone in the party who needs it.
Ceol thanks King Elessar, and Linwen, for the gracious gifts, which he promises to put to good use.
For Mulligan: The Liquid light will work in the dagger. No Chalcedony stones are available here. There are some silver sling bullets for one use that will do triple damage with a +3 to hit. They will cost 2000 each though unless you buy the set of 6 for 10000.
The alchemists can help you with a potion of billowing magical obscuring smoke. This smoke will cause minor choking and for the amount they can fit into a glass ball it will cover a 20’ diameter going about 12’ high at the center and 6’ at the edges. Duration is 5-10 minutes and affected by breezes of course. Better yet, they have a companion potion that would let the drinker enter the smoky area and operate normally. Duration is 31-50 minutes.
The balls would cost 200gp per or a dozen for 2000gp and the companion potion costs 200gp per or a dozen for 2000gp.
An alternate powder bomb can be made that will stay visible as it clings to the invisible but not against those that are invisible via the wraith world. Only those invisible by spell. This is a very common item actually thanks to the paranoia caused by Linwen a century ago. Something sling bullet size would expose a 15’ diameter or more commonly 3” diameter ball for throwing will expose an area with a 30’ diameter. Either would cost 100gp per. A dozen for 1000gp.
For Rorimac: The Infravision visor is still going for 3500gp. There are many potions to repel insects. Even Drindoleth and Deor could probably whip up something effective with a little time. A gallon of repellent which is good for 64 Hobbit applications or 32 human applications is only 128gp. It comes in a large leather protected tin flask.
Quietly persuaded by Gilraen that he really ought to spend all the money locally, Thoroncir will look at various options for magical horseshoes, saddles, etc. for his great warhorse Baygir.
By far the best items that Thoroncir can afford with the Halberd +5 and reward in trade are the Horseshoes of Trosci.
These horseshoes allow the horse to travel at double speed nearly tirelessly. They will not fall off and give +2 to attacks and damage with double attacks and a +2 to AC and saves. The horse will leave no tracks and may move across calm water at full speed and choppy water at normal walking speed. Endurance is enhanced to 12 hours without rest.
With Deor's approval as consulting wizard, and if Baygir is willing (as I suspect he is), Thoroncir will do just that. Thanks.
King Elessar held court in a great pavilion in a meadow near the city. Gil-Gandel's Fellowship was gathered there, as were many other lords, generals, courtiers and officers of the realm. Over the pavilion snapped an ebon banner emblazoned with the White Tree, Seven Stars and Winged Crown.
The King said from his throne, "Sir Thoroncir, my daughter tells me that you have faithfully served her as knight-errant through great peril, and for that you have my thanks, as well. I see the sword which now hangs at your side; is that the blade with which you have rendered such notable service to the realm?"
"It is, my lord," Thoroncir said.
"Let me see it, please," said the King. Thoroncir at once drew his sword and, kneeling, offered it hilt-first to the King.
Elessar, no stranger to the accoutrements of war, took the sword and looked it over with a practiced eye. "A fine weapon indeed, straight and true, with Elven magics laid upon it but recently, I think. It is Numenorean, is it not?"
"Originally, yes, my lord, but reforged by Curunauth in Rivendell. It is called Cirist, 'Ship-blade,' in Sindarin."
The King nodded. "Already you have been knighted, Thoroncir, and deservedly so, by my son, the Crown Prince Eldarion. Now, behold, I rename your sword: let it be known henceforth as Arcirist, 'Noble-ship-blade,' in recognition of your noble service to my daughter, the Princess Gilraen of the House of Telcontar. May it, and you, never fail in that duty." He stood and raised the sword high, in honor, then returned it to the knight-errant.
Thoroncir rose, deeply moved, and took the sword and bowed. "Thank you, my lord. Let it be as you say; but call it what you will, it could have no nobler purpose than protecting your royal daughter and keeping your lawful peace."
Princess Gilraen steps forward, curtsies and says, "My father and my King, you have surely heard by now how I have captured the heart of Sir Thoroncir, who is truly your captain, and mine. But this happy captivity is mutual, for I love him as much as he loves me. I hope you will bless our future union, O gracious lord, and humbly ask that you do so." She looks to be on the verge of tears at the end. Her face, shining with hope, is beautiful indeed as she stands there in the fair grey raiment of Estë. Thoroncir cannot take his eyes off her, even as he awaits her father's reply.
Aragorn looks surprised and thoughtful. He ponders in silence for awhile, finally broken only by Elfstan's too-loud whisper to Mulligan, "Surely, he'll say yes?"
Aragorn laughs at this point, joining many of those gathered. He replies, smiling, "My daughter, I would not thwart your will. I know your love is strong, and in truth I think you have chosen wisely... but you are young, too young as yet, I think, to make such a decision now. Know this: I will not tread upon your and Sir Thoroncir's hopes, and I will bless each of you separately, but I will also set a task before both of you ere you may wed. My royal forebears did likewise to those who would wed their daughters, as of course did your own mother's sire."
He pauses and then says, "Gilraen, I wish you both to wait a few more years before fulfilling this union. Though Thoroncir has done much already, it is my royal will that he further prove his mettle. For I believe there is a terrible and dark power now at work against the Kingdoms. I believe you are already aware of this unknown power. After your time here, you are to set about with whatever help you can raise to find this menace, and either destroy it or, if overmatched, provide the means and intelligence by which others may then do so."
Another pause, and the King says, a little wryly, "Now, I cannot have a princess of the realm adventuring, without a chaperon, in the company of a suitor whom she herself desires. Rorimac Brandybuck, son of the great Captain Meriadoc the Magnificent, and Angelica Mulligan Took, niece to Peregrin Took who was both a soldier to Gondor and my representative in the Shire, I now ask you both to take on the task of chaperoning my daughter." He turns more serious, and looks directly at each of them. "I also ask for your declaration, here and now, before this very throne, that they have acted with honor thus far.”
With a thank you to Elendil's Heir for editing the post
With the 4000 gold pieces plus a small sum from his own purse, Drindoleth will purchase two Extra-Healing potions, one Water Breathing potion, two Fire Resistance potions, two Better Speed potions, and two Climbing potions.
Bitur does some looking for clockwork parts for to keep in practice at his craft.
The men of Raj do not seem to be on par with the Dwarves for technology. You find them woefully behind even the standards of Gondor. More on par with Rohan.
On the other hand they have many small magics and some might prove very useful. Tiny little gems that produce small illusion. A tiny magic harp only 3" tall that plays up to 5 songs though not loudly or in great quality, actually about on par with a dwarven music box but less charming in some ways. Fastening devices that open and close on simple command. Etc. In fact he then comes across something that might intrigue, some small magical jeweler's tools. The small pouch would cost 1500gp but does many marvelous little things. Drivers for any small threaded hardware. Chisels that stay sharp. a Jeweler's eye for precise vision while working on small things. etc. This set would probably give Bitur a +10% in toy and miniature making.
Such a treasure as this would be passed from father to son among the Rohirrim for generations. Deor strongly agrees.Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Deor will happily work to produce potions for Rorimac and will likewise try to help Mulligan out with anti-Invisibility potions and sling bullets, if such is possible and practical. He has a couple of ideas related to his Invisibility 10' Radius spell. Now, if only he can invert the eldritch symbols, and shred the iris petals from right to left instead of the usual left to right, it might even work! Finally, Deor is happy to let Mulligan carry his share of the Liquid Light; it would seem more effective in her dagger than in his pocket.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
For himself, Deor will purchase that potion of Shapechanging for the shark form; last time it was available at 1800 gp. Possibly he can get a better deal if he goes into the shop with Bitur, to translate and negotiate, and save them both a little for making such a large purchase. Afterwards, Deor will spend about 1200 on other, minor items that relate to making his staff, and offer the remaining 1000 to Gilraen as the first installment of payment on his debt, assuming that she can find enough items to purchase this time that the money will be spent. Otherwise, he'll invest it in kahve and hope to pay her in full when they return to the North.
Captain Sir Thoroncir bows to the wizard of Rohan. "I am much obliged to you, Deor, and will of course purchase the horseshoes."
I'll shop for another eight +3 arrows. Much though I'd prefer to make my own if we had the leisure time, and someone to craft the points for me, I'll have to settle for ready-mades - and I need them, since I now shoot rather faster than before.
Bitur will change his shopping list to be 1 better speed potion, 2 fire resistance potions, 2 climbing potions, 1 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion, plus the magical jewelers tools.
This still leaves him 75 gp free to donate to anyone who needs it in the party.
Also, how much are the illusory gems?
The Gems range from 10gp to 2000gp. They are as simple as a 3D image in a fairly cheap gem to a Star Sapphire that produces the image of a dog playing.
Apologies for the delay, I'm on hols
"You Majesty", replies Mulligan, "allow me to speak for both of us, when we accept your charge to chaperone the couple. I have long been aware of the feelings between the pair and have seen truly the love which has flourished between them. I can also say that they have both acted with honour and propriety."
Mulligan coughs slightly.
"Of course, knowing that such love would flower and that there will always be those who would caste aspersions against such true love and seek to cast doubt on their honour, I have spent a fair while chaperoning them already, perhaps without their knowledge and can honestly say that they should be held above reproach, for their actions have always been honest, dignified and respectful of each other and the positions they hold."
Rorimac remains silent and nods along with Mulligan, only affirming at the end that what she has been saying is true.
Seeing the star sapphire, Bitur decides it would be a perfect addition to making his own music box, one that would produce the image of the dog while music plays upon lifting the lid.
So with the tools and the sapphire, Bitur will change the potions to include 1 better speed potion, 2 fire resistance potions, 2 climbing potions, 1 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion.
During down time when he's got nothing else going on, he will begin to craft it. He looks around the city for a nice carved wooden box that would be appropriate to use as the shell.
Thoroncir smiles gratefully at Rorimac and Mulligan, and bows again before the throne. He says in Quenya, "Taura herunya, ómu uin valda sen túra melme olostie imbe selyelya Gilraen i aranel ar inye, ar merimme verya auresse, lavielyanen ar arwe aistielyo." (My sovereign lord, although I am unworthy of her, your daughter the Princess Gilraen and I have fallen deeply in love, and we [indeed] wish to someday wed, by your leave and with your blessing). I am your humble servant and loyal knight, eager for your command. I will do my utmost to accomplish any task you set before me, true to my oath, and true to the fair maiden who has come to mean more to me than life itself."
The party is later called into a small meeting with the King, Legolas, Gimli, Meriadoc and several other advisers and the Mage Telemun and 3 strangers. The one stranger looks weather worn but fit and is clearly armed. She has dark hair and dark skin and wears a silver medallion in the shape of an odd looking fish. Her cloak is gray but seems to have greens, browns and tans in it from certain angles. Her leggings appear to be of similar material. She has a pair of scimitars at her waist. It is hard to judge her age and she is by no means a beauty.
As mentioned briefly before, the King would like your party to go just north of the Kingdom of Raj and destroy the Cultists of Morgoth who have apparently built up a force of undead. They might even have orcs as allies.
“We can speed you there on the Elendil and Luzi Mati (pointing to the unknown woman) knows the area as well or better than anyone and has some skill in fighting the dead. She also is carrying an item to allow her to communicate with most of you. I understand there might be a few exceptions.”
Luzi says and all but Bitur, Gwaelur and Gimli hear perfect Westron, “Greetings, I am grateful for aid you people are giving us and I wish to do my own small part to aid you in return. I can hunt if needed, warn of natural dangers, leads you through the trackless marshes as needed and help in the fight itself. I have been a scout and spy for Raj for most of my life and I am perhaps older then I look.”
The Dwarves in general just hear her talking in the local language.
"Are there any questions or concerns?"
Rorimac asks, "How many Orcs and cultists, how far into the marshes and is there anything else in the area we should watch out for?"
Luzi replies to Rorimac, "Not sure on the orcs, only rumors of them, but I was informed your group and especially you in particular knew how to handle orcs. As to the Cultists, we are fortunate, they don't actually work well together and there are 12 known rival groups. For the marshes; we may be as far as several miles deep over paths that shift but take us close to 10 miles of travel. We need to watch out for giant reptiles that are up to 22' long and fierce carnivores. Very intelligent wild cats of a fair size, maybe 120-200 pounds. Ratlings, a strange savage humanoid group that often works with a different type of huge lizards. These though are mostly in the arid areas. The ratlings themselves are on the small size, closer to Hobbit size. Then there are just nomadic tribes that probably won't bother us but might."
Ceol bows deeply to King Elessar. "I am honored to serve."
"Greetings, Luzi, and welcome to our group. This sounds like a wild place, and we will be grateful for your knowledge of it. It is good that the cultists are fractured, though I wonder if our presence might not give them cause to join together. Do you know how big these groups are? Do you know what sorts of undead they have been able to raise?"
The Mage Telemum answers, "The groups will eventually work together so you must strike from stronghold to stronghold as swift as you can. As to types of undead, many ghouls, ghasts, lesser wraiths and one has built a small force of lesser ghouls up. Another has brought the very shadows of the swamps to unlife apparently. One group though may be in league with a ancient Black Numenorean Sorcerer who has preserved his unnatural life through magics and potions. We don't believe any individual group is all that strong though. Their spells are not as overtly powerful as a mage or necromancer and their greatest weapon is fear."
...and surprise?
We have an abundance of courage to those who would assail us with fear, and for the rest, we will do what strength, skill and lore may allow.
"I don't mean to be rude, but can someone who understands what our new companion is saying please translate for those of us who don't?"
"Kind of the usual for us, isn't it? Opposing a force that's stronger than us in aggregate but not individually, so we have to bring overwhelming force to bear on a single point and break the whole thing. Not to mention that's it's more undead and evil spellcasters, which are kind of our specialty."
Mulligan smiles and fills in the dwarves with the general meaning of what Luzi Mati said.
Rorimac responds to Luzi Mati, "I'm looking forward to working with you and perhaps swapping some ideas of travelling through marshes and dealing with Orcs."
Luzi, "Marshes I know, especially these, fighting orcs I do not. I've heard they are some twisted creation of the dark lord. Half Man and half beast from whom the soul has been ripped and given to only the basest emotions. Is this true?"
"There are many legends about the creation of orcs, and from whence they came, but all the legends agree on one thing -- that it was the Dark Lord who caused them to become what they are."
Thoroncir bows to Luzi, introduces himself and says, "Welcome, friend. We are grateful for your help, and I'm sure we will come to rely upon your scouting and tracking skills. Do you have particular preferences or habits of which we should be aware? And is there anything you would like to know about our band?"
There is one last minute change. Luzi is worried about spies, she instead hires an old friend to transport the Party and herself and their mounts to slightly different landing location. She has the party turned invisible by Telemun and leads them over at 4am. Telemun also casts and Infravision spell for Rorimac and he will be good for the next 4½ days.
And so the party boards a sturdy looking trade galley. The horses remain on the deck but a glamour is cast over the boat to look like a load of trade goods of low value. The horse connoisseurs of the party note that she rides a gray mare with very nice lines. She should be a fast runner with good endurance.
The trip itself in uneventful. They arrive on shore by 10am and mount up without issue. They are now just east of the river on the North Side of Suza Sumar. Luzi knows some trails that lead along the river and the woods to the first goal. She will shortly share a map of the known targets but part of what we need to do if find leads to the other lairs.
Next adventure thread: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...t-the-Cultists