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Thread: Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Ninth Adventure – Against the Cultists

  1. #701
    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    Thoroncir catches Gil-Gandel's eye, smiles, and then takes the hand of the elderly hobbit. "No dwarf am I, to be sure, patriarch of a Took, just a man who is very pleased to see you once more. I am indeed he who loves Gilraen. Every day I strive to be worthy of her favor, in hopes that someday, if all goes well, we may be wed. But come, it seems like ages since I first met you at the Elf Stone Inn. I hope you are well?"
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 05 Feb 2012 at 05:07 PM.

  2. #702
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    Drindoleth finds himself somewhat distracted by the request given to him and those few other druids. His thoughts are often returning to the support he's pledged for Bjorn and what might change with Radagast having left. As he's often very quiet and lost in his own thoughts anyway, it's not a terribly noticable difference, but one that those who know him well might notice to some degree.

    "That is a remarkable staff," he praises Deor when he sees him. "And it has had a remarkable effect upon you, as well."

    Drindoleth does come somewhat out of his internal musings over the feast. He remains quiet and thoughtful, but is very interested in watching Thoroncir's interactions with the legendary Peregrin Took.
    So now they are just dirt-covered English people in fur pelts with credit cards.

  3. #703
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    Bitur is intrigued by the idea of competing in a tournament. However, he chooses only to enter log hurling and hammer throwing competitions, knowing that the other ones are not really suited to the skills he possesses.

  4. #704
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    Quote Originally posted by CatInASuit View post
    Deor is quite welcome to invite Lorliana. Having travelled with us, she has already been invited but I'm sure she would appreciate the personal gesture.
    Then Deor will certainly invite her. He'll angle to get a seat next to her at the banquet; he wants to hear all about her work in Rivendell since they last spoke.

    Quote Originally posted by Zuul View post
    "That is a remarkable staff," he praises Deor when he sees him. "And it has had a remarkable effect upon you, as well."
    "Thank you! It was quite an experience to create something like this."

  5. #705
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    The Ball is held around the courtyard of the White Tree under large pavilions and the glorious shining lanterns of Algarond. The tables are laden heavily with
    food and drink around the perimeter. There are quiet places but most is boisterous.

    The Ball is a big success as Men, Hobbits, Elves and even Dwarves mingle, eat, drink and dance. The men and elves tolerate the enthusiasm of some of the Hobbits and Dwarves and it is a grand ball indeed. Queen Arwen is stunning in a simple but elegant blue gown. Prince Eldarion looks a little awkward but could be forgiven by the sheer numbers of mothers of potential matches to the crown prince that try to gain his ear. Princess Éowyn is stunning still in her white dress. Of the 4 Princess and many ladies of the court, it looks like a spring flower garden. Silmariën the eldest is dazzling in a complicated golden gown, Gilraen does great justice to a seemingly simple looking white gown that could be for dancing or formal ceremonies to Estë. Telperiën is dressed in spring green and is already much taller then Gilraen though only 14. Her jewelry and coif are the most elaborate but perfect. Young Fíriel at only 10 is dressed as a flower of Nimloth the Fair of Númenor and its descendent the White Tree of Minas Tirith.

    The music is grand and food is great. The Hobbits seem to enjoy themselves the most. Able to both respect the Nobility around them and to make everyone enjoy the night more.

    Lorliana is clearly happy Deor has asked her, she looks wonderful in a elegant gown of silver and gold. She attends to his every word, asks about his adventures and laughs at his jokes. If prompted she speaks but little of why she wants to see the party for a meeting. But hints it is news of Kkósal.

    Thoroncir must share Gilraen with many other dancers, Caramir and Elboron among them. Falastur, Duke of Harlindon tries to get extra dances with Gilraen alone of the Princesses and at one point Gilraen looks quite annoyed with him. To the point where to the sharp eyed Gil-Gandel, he sees Lady Atheniel speak to Eldarion who then politely but firmly leads the Duke off on some major conversation, clearly about matters of state. Thoroncir has chances to dance with Gilraen and the other Princesses. Fíriel in particular seems to be asking questions and judging his worth as only a child or the elderly would do.

    Through it all, Angela Mulligan Took dances and twirls on the arm of various Hobbits. She cuts a dazzling contrast to how all are use to seeing her.

    Skylar Took who though older then Angela, seems younger, managed to cause but little trouble. Somehow late in the dance as Falastur was heading once more towards Gilraen, he found himself staggered backwards as if drunk and was convinced it was time to call it a night. A few of the those that know the way of invisibility suspect that Sklyar had something physical to do with this.

  6. #706
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    Such a setting, such fine folk, such music, food and drink, and in the very shadow of the White Tree! Sir Thoroncir knows his family, humble mariners and fisherfolk all, would scarcely believe that life has led him to this.

    He is frankly rather dazzled by the company in which he finds himself, and in particular by the opportunity to speak and dance with all four princesses of Gondor, each quite charming in her own way (what questions does Fíriel have? He will do his best to answer them), but none more so than his beloved. He has never met the forthright Falastur, Duke of Harlindon, before now, but remembers the Crown Prince having earlier mentioned the peer's designs upon Gilraen. The Sea-knight captain cannot honestly say he is unhappy that the duke was diverted to other pursuits this evening. He will ask Mulligan, er, Angelica for at least one dance while Gilraen is otherwise occupied.

    As the wonderful evening goes on, Thoroncir tries - with intermittent success - not to stare at the radiant beauty of the King's second daughter. He is happiest when she is in his arms, moving close to him as they dance, eyes aglow, and smiling only for him....

    "To One in Paradise"
    by Edgar Allan Poe (1833)

    ...And all my days are trances,
    And all my nightly dreams
    Are where thy dark eye glances,
    And where thy footstep gleams--
    In what ethereal dances,
    By what eternal streams...!
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Feb 2012 at 11:28 PM.

  7. #707
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    She was trying to convince herself she wasn't nervous and was failing. Since the others all left Minas Tirith to the time they had returned, Angelica had decided to try something new. In the few weeks, she was learning how to act as a lady.

    It was not easy, the hair that had been growing longer since they had all left for the Raj had been brushed and combed and straightened and curled over and over again. It was difficult to get used to the more flowing dresses having spent so much time in garb considered unladylike. Learning to walk and dance as a lady was much simpler, she had always been light on her feet. Then again, learning to talk as a lady was something that was going to take more time than they had before the ball.

    Looking in the mirror, she considered how much of an opportunity she had and she wasn't going to let it go. A fair amount of money was going towards this, and she at least hoped that it would make her Uncle glad, not to mention all her friends. No, the money was not important, making the people around her happier was. Besides, as she said once to Deor, there is always more around if you know where to look.

    ~~~~~~

    The preparation had been tedious but added to the sense of an oncoming tide that couldn't be turned back. There were lots of people she had invited and several who were coming that she didn't feel she could pluck up the nerve to ask. Thanks to the other princesses it seemed to go well and they seemed to want to put on a bit of a celebration as well. But it was all beginning to come together. She was grateful that her cousin and a lot of her family would be there and she wouldn't feel so small amongst everyone else celebrating. Not that her friends would let her feel that way, she hoped.

    She arranged for Deor to sit next to Lorliana and although she couldn't put Gilraen and Thoroncir together, she made sure that only the other princesses would be around. After an hour or two it probably wouldn't matter anyway as the hobbit contingent would be far more likely to start moving around and talking to everybody and anybody who would listen.

    ~~~~~~~

    While the party was running, she had been moving around to make sure everyone was at least having some fun. Earlier she had spoken to them all thanking them for coming and not to feel nervous despite the esteemed company attending. She had hoped that her nerves would be hidden, but judging by the smile on Gil-Gandel's face at least one person had noticed. Deor seemed to be deep in conversation with Lorliana, more confident, taller and not as reserved. Putting them together could be a good match, they certainly seemed to get on.

    But for now she was dancing and being whirled around the floor. She had danced on the arm of several including Uncle Pippin and now it was Thoroncir, whose eyes were still fixed on Gilraen. Dancing with someone so tall was less tricky if he wouldn't stop looking around to make sure that Gilraen was fine and not being pestered by that Duke. He didn't even realise he was doing it, which was sweet, but leaving her shoes under the chair was beginning to look like a mistake. Her toes would be fine as long she kept them out of the way of his feet.

    Maybe Skylar would come in useful later on, or maybe she would take some action herself. Her ring was on a chain placed about her person, so it could be done. Another invisible hobbit, what would they say.

    ~~~~~~~

    Angelica looked around and was quite satisifed with the evening. It was quieter now as most had left to retire for the night. Each of her friends would have their own stories to tell of the night. She reached behind a chair for the shoes she had discarded not fifteen minutes into the ball. How people danced in them she would never know and the feel of the grass on her feet was always preferable. They had escaped injury though. She sat down with as cup of something and smiled, thinking back to watching them all dance and enjoy themselves. Uncle Pippin had at least enjoyed it while he could, although he was definitely slipping away, he had started to call her Angela again. A tear rolled down a cheek as she hoped it was the best she could do for him.

    She raised the cup to a couple of hobbits who were leaving and thanked them for coming. The smiles and acknowledgement in return the same as many others that evening.

    The morning would bring other problems, her new status in Minas Tirith and word of this would get home to the Shire. Elfstan and Faramir would see to that, if any of the other 70 or so hobbits there didn't. Maybe avoiding the Shire for a decade or so might be advisable. A few offers had already come her way from distant cousins, but she wasn't ready for the settled life just yet. Lorliana's mention of Khosal was enough to ensure that it wasn't time. But thoughts of that could wait until tomorrow, tonight had been to celebrate...celebrate...it was a party. who needed an excuse to have fun.

    "Here you're missing something", came a voice. Looking round, she saw Rorimac approaching holding out two pipes and a pouch.
    "I'm not supposed to be smoking, it's unladylike."
    "Since when did that ever stop you."
    "For one night, I'm trying something new. Being different, something people never saw of me or in me."
    "Here's the good news, it worked, Angelica. You made a real impression. The other good news, it's gone midnight, here you could do with this."
    Mulligan accepted the offered pipe and filled it from the pouch. "That's excellent quality, where did you get it from?", she asked lighting it.
    "You have you secrets and I have mine", replied Rorimac as he lit his own pipe.
    "I bet I can blow better smoke rings than you."
    "You're on."
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

  8. #708
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    Ceol enjoys the party, taking turns dancing with some of the ladies (though he's not a particularly skilled dancer). He finds himself rather tongue-tied in the presence of the four princesses, even Gilraen (certainly, she doesn't look quite this way when they're on an adventure).

    He also enjoys spending time speaking with the large number of hobbits in attendance. He makes a point of dancing with Angelica. "You look quite charming, Miss Took."

  9. #709
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    Telperiën, Gilraen's much taller younger sister has one dance with the handsome tall young Knight of Eonwë. His 6'4" height helps contrast her own 5'10" height. She is already quite a beauty but leaves Ceol somewhat out of his depth as she talks of dances, lords and ladies, fashion and songs. Ceol is actually quite popular as a dance partner and one older lady, perhaps all of 40 helps him a bit with his dancing. He has no hopes of remember the dozens of names he learned that night.

    Deor and Lorliana talk much and dance some. Neither appear to be a great dancer but they complement each other fairly well.

  10. #710
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    Gil-Gandel has been watching and listening to all but saying little. He slips away from the festivities at one point and reappears in finer clothing, fashioned after the manner of a travelling harper but of more expensive workmanship and materials. He asks leave of the company to play, and takes up his Starharp.

    He performs an elaborate song-without-words that conveys to all present how the company conducted themselves in the far lands and what befell them; a tale of a voyage upon the ever-moving Sea, of battle before the walls, of brave enemies who became trusted friends, of trolls and terror by night, of undead, of villages bereft of menfolk and hope alike, of hope rekindled after the manner of King Estel Envinyatur, of evil fire-cultists, and of the long-awaited return to home. Without one word and without even exercising those powers of silent illusion that he employed at the funeral of King Eomer, Gil-Gandel allows all those who were there to remember and all those who were not to understand what it was like to be there. Each member of the Company is represented with a tune and a theme of their own, all woven together and now giving way one to another as each took the lead from time to time in their affairs; and yet perhaps the most prominent and memorable themes are those which, as all who hear can tell, depict Sir Thoroncir and Princess Gilraen. As the music closes Gil-Gandel weaves these two themes together in a haunting duet of startling beauty.

    Many of those who were on the voyage home will recognise some snatches of melody from here and there which from time to time they heard Gil-Gandel rehearsing alone by the mast or in the bows of the ship; but never did they hear more than a small fraction until now, nor did they understand it until it was played in full.

    The duet fades, and a coda so quiet as to be almost on the edge of hearing seems to be on a theme that can surely be meant only for Gil-Gandel himself. It drifts away, each time as though to drop below the level that human ear can hear and yet never quite doing so, as if mingled with the rhythm of the sea itself, fading, fading as though over the edge of the world -- and Gil-Gandel's eyes themselves have a far look that is not on his harp, nor the ballroom, nor anyone present -- until it diminishes entirely to a close.

    He whispers in his own tongue, which many present speak well enough to understand: "But not yet".
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Thoroncir is very moved by the tune, and joins in the partygoers' initially-quiet, respectful applause, which soon builds to a crescendo. He walks over to the Elf-captain, clasps his shoulder and says, "Thank you, my friend, for sharing that with us. You have done yourself proud with so evocative and melodic a composition. Well done!"

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    Feel free to post for the Ball or the Tourney at this point. I'll open the next thread next week. It is already up though.

    The Tourney: Day after the Ball

    The Tourney takes place on Théoden Park amid the orchards of Pelennor Fields, beyond the gates of the city. There may well be 50,000 people here for the games. Théoden Park is a 40-acre area around the site where King Théoden fell and Lady Éowyn and Meriadoc the Magnificent slew the Lord of the Nazgûls. A great statue to Théoden and Snowmane are the center of the park between Snowmane's Howe and the black, scorched earth where the Fell Beast was burned.

    The first of the games is the wall-scaling. The prize is a purse of 100 silvers and fine kid gloves. Many young men and a few Elves and a dozen Hobbits participate, but Skyler Took scrambles up the wall with a wild abandon and easily beats everyone else.

    Next up is the log-hurling event. Many very large strong men are participating in the event. But Bitur is the only Dwarf, and in the end his great strength and low center of balance carry the day. He heaves a heavy log a good 22’ beating the local champion by 4’. He wins a purse of 100 silvers and a small keg of ale from the Prancing Pony.

    The archery contest comes next and this draws great attention and a hush. It appears no Elves have joined in, which gives the men a fair shot, but surprisingly Faramir Took is competing. He does quite well, coming in second to Haltin, a man of Ithilien from Prince Faramir’s guard. A purse of 100 silvers and a +3 Dwarven arrow is the fine prize for this one.

    The hammer throw sees Bitur eliminated early but in an exciting conclusion, a man of Blackroot Vale and one from Stonewain Valley match each other throw after throw until finally Hendrik of Stonewain manages to throw a hammer farther than anyone has ever seen before. A prize of a large skin of wine and a purse of 100 silvers is awarded.

    The footrace is swift, of course, and Oroher, an Elf, did participate in this one and ran away with it. He gave the purse to the man who came in second but gladly accepted the bottle of Dorwinion wine.

    Finally the swords competition arrives. Many skilled opponents do well, but as the rounds near completion one man dressed in simple grey and a full helm seems to do just enough to move on. He makes it to the final round against the Captain of the Citadel Guard, one Falastur. It is a good match but Falastur laughs during it and says loud enough to hear over the quiet crowd, “Think you I would not recognize your style? I helped to train you, my lord.” With that, the man in grey disarms Falastur in a sudden flurry of moves and Falastur yields. At the Queen’s command the winner steps forward though he looks as though he wishes to flee. “Remove your helm, young man,” she commands.

    He does so and it is the Crown Prince himself that has won the match of swords.

    The final event of the day is the joust.

    Ceol is matched against Sir Melenthul, a Knight of Gondor, and wins easily, showing better lance control, greater strength and far more skillful horsemanship. Melenthul is quite awed by the one that defeated him and his horse. “No match am I for a Knight of Rohan, for compared to you I am but a teen learning his skill.”

    Sir Thoroncir does well in his first 2 tilts. Fortunately there are only a handful of Knights of the Mark here. Sir Rickerd of Harlindon is matched against Thoroncir in their third tilt. He wishes his foe “Good luck” and lowers his visor. He is dressed in heavier armor than Thoroncir, and his horse looks excellent. Thoroncir judges this will be a tough match and he will have to hope his strength and agility are enough to win. The two come charging together and at the last moment something seems to disturb Rickerd. His lance aims cruelly high and not at the target. Thoroncir’s lance strikes true and sends Rickerd flying off his horse, but Rickerd’s lance has found a vulnerable spot in the armor around Thoroncir’s neck. The Sea-knight falls from his horse. The crowd gasps in horror, and someone screams.

    Rickerd is very slow to rise but blood is spurting from Thoroncir’s neck. Ceol, who was watching his friend's tilt, immediately feels that this was no accident, though for what reason Rickerd would want to injure Thoroncir he cannot imagine. Oddly, Ceol hears a voice nearby among the shouting, “Foul, most foul that was not right!” He realizes it is Pippin watching from a high seat.

    Gilraen leaps from the royal box where the princesses surround their mother the Queen. She races to her true love's side as swift as an Elf. Not far behind her is Mulligan Took. They reach Thoroncir as Ceol is closing in on his friend. Ceol fears the worse. Gilraen is clearly in a panic but Mulligan interrupts her and says, “Gilraen, calm yourself and save him, he still breathes.”

    Gilraen gathers her magic and has Ceol remove the lance. She throws a pair of CureSerious spells on him and heals 64 points of damage. She also gives him a potion of Extra Healing and he is soon stable but still unconscious. By this time the White Lady and Lady Athenial of Estë have arrived and are helping Gilraen.

    Lorliana, who was with Deor, says, “Swiftly Deor, I am sure the healers could use your help at least in boiling some water swiftly.”

    Ceol notices that Sir Rickerd is now limping away instead of seeing to his fallen foe.

  13. #713
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    At the ball, Ceol will graciously thank each of his dance partners, particularly the older woman who helped him with his dance steps. Telperiën leaves him feeling both honored and bashful, trying (but fearing he'll fail) to find a topic of conversation which might appeal to the princess.

    He approaches Gil-Gandel at the conclusion of his song. "Truly, I have never heard such a performance before. I felt as though I was once more experiencing all of those events, and the emotions which accompanied them." He bows to the elf. "Truly you are a master of your art."

    ******************

    Ceol will bow to Sir Melenthul, and then clasp his hand. "Thank you for your kind words. It would be an honor to perhaps teach you some of what I have learned."

    After he and Gilraen save Thoroncir, Ceol focuses his ability to detect evil on Sir Rickerd as he walks away, and begins to walk after him. "Hold, sir knight...for what reason have you abandoned the code of knightly honor, not once, but twice, on this field?"
    Last edited by kenobi65; 09 Feb 2012 at 10:54 PM.

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    Sir Rickerd is not evil.

    He mumbles sounding dazed, "It was a accident, a bee disturbed me. I never meant to hurt him."

    The first part is not a lie, the second is and the third is a half truth at best.

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    Noting that Sir Rickerd isn't likely to be going anywhere with any great speed, Ceol heads back to the group. If Deor or Gil-Gandel aren't directly involved in working on Thoroncir, he will draw them them aside.

    "I believe that something very strange has happened here. I suspect that Sir Rickerd may be ensorcelled in some way. He blamed a bee for distracting him, but I sense that is not the real story...I am quite certain that his high strike was no accident. Perhaps you might be able to learn more?"

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    Hands covered in Thoroncir's blood from helping to staunch the wound, Mulligan keeps up a steady chatter aimed solely at Gilraen to focus her on what she does best and to distract her from what it actually means.

    Rorimac nudges Drindoleth if around and suggests they pay a quiet visit to Sir Rickerd's preparation tent to see if anything untoward can be found there.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    Deor will jump up and begin boiling water and cleansing cloth for the healers. Their art is beyond him, but he can at least prepare their tools.

    As he does so, he'll cast Detect Lies, and upon Ceol's question, he'll agree to help. Deor will also probe for the aftereffects of sorcery about Rickerd-- if there are remains, they might give a clue to any magical source to his actions.

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    At the ball, Bitur will spend most of his time at one of the tables drinking his share of ale and regaling the other guests with stories of his adventures both with Gil-Gandel's group and previous. He will also have the full array of the toys of Erebor on display, and all who desire are welcome to play with them. He will happily share their history with those who show interest, and brag somewhat that his first attempt at replicating such masterwork was bought by none other than the King of Dale. Of course, he will give due credit to Gil-Gandel who provided the song that was so integral to making the music box what it is.

    At some point during the evening, after watching Mulligan expressing a side of her that none probably even knew existed, Bitur will cut in during one of her dances with one of the more adolescent humans (largely for the humorous contrast of an old short dwarf telling a young tall human to beat it, but in a nice way) and dance with her for a song. While not as adept as some of the others, Bitur is still surprisingly light on his feet, particularly for an old dwarven warrior of his age. After the dance, he thanks Mulligan and returns back to his seat.

    When Gil-Gandel begins to play, Bitur stops whatever tale he was in the middle of telling and watches the bard, lost in thought and memory. At the end, a glint of a tear can be seen in his eye, but if asked he'll sneeze and say it was a bit of dust.

    At the tournament, Bitur welcomes all he competed with in both competitions to join him in sharing his prize of ale. After all, what use is good ale if it can't be drunk with good company. Upon seeing Thoroncir's "accident" though, Bitur will jump up axe at the ready and chase after Rickerd. Catching up with Ceol, Bitur offers to stay with Rickerd and watch him while the rest attend to Thoroncir.

    To Rickerd:

    A bee, eh? It's been my experience that most coincidental accidents are neither coincidental nor an accident. Not to mention that you don't seem all that concerned about how the man you just injured is doing. Let me give you a piece of advice: if you try to leave these grounds before this business is sorted out or try anything else suspicious, you'll have much more than a bum leg to worry about. I promise you that.

  19. #719
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    Deor will add,, "There was no bee, was there? Why would you invent such a thing?"

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    He looks very nervous and is sweating profusely. He suddenly takes off running.

  21. #721
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    Bitur will chase him down and tackle him. He will pin Rickerd until Deor or someone can tie him up.

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    Mulligan will let others handle Sir Rickerd while she keep Gilraen occupied.

    Rorimac will be over by Sir Rickerd's tent, checking it out to see if there is anything suspicious.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    As Bitur with a little help tackle Rickerd, Rorimac reaches the tent inside to find something of great interest. A women is gathering up belongings hastily with an apparent intent to flee. The tent is otherwise empty. She is filling a well made back pack are the moment. The tent by the way is blue as is a tradition among the men of Ered Luin.

  24. #724
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    Gil-Gandel is never early nor late - he arrives precisely when he is needed. "Bitur, put not this man to the shame of the rope before such a company; he will give his word not to flee again, I am sure, and if not, the ways of the elves are more than enough for the present need." On a social occasion like this Gil-Gandel is armed only with his "dress sword" - the short blade - but it should do.

    "Honour is hard won but easily lost, my friend," Gil-Gandel adds, "and when you are dealing with those who are close to the King, it is well to consider carefully one's next move. You are in an ill situation, perhaps not altogether of your own making, and a loose tongue might be the surest way to mend matters." Gil-Gandel is ready with a Stunning Discord should Rickerd attempt to flee again.
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Quietly Unsheathing Kkhosal's Bane and moving carefully in trying not to be noticed, Rorimac will attempt to apprehend the woman from close behind. If Drindoleth is there, Rorimac suggests the druid waits just outside to catch a fleeing female.

    To the woman in the tent, "I suggest you stop what you are doing and move very slowly towards the exit. Leaving so soon after the trouble on the field does not look well for you."
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    Bitur will relax his hold on Rickerd and gingerly help him up.

    To Gil-Gandel (plainly): I will defer to your judgment in this matter. However, I'm not leaving this man's side until we sort all this out.

    To Rickerd (with contempt): I suggest you listen to Gil-Gandel's advice. And if I may offer some advice of my own, you probably should thank him for treating you better than you deserve.

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    Rickerd looks shaken and then starts to talk, "I was following the orders of my liege, Duke Falaster. But I knew meant to deal such a grievious wound, I was just to end the tourney for him. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I should have known better. Will he be all right?"

    He then gets shaky and expels the content of his stomach.


    At the tent the woman shrieks and drops what she was loading.

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    It is a skilled actor indeed who can feign distress as convincingly as this. What is Duke Falaster's quarrel with Sir Thoroncir, I wonder. Perhaps we need to take the matter up with him. Do we know of his reputation?
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    Gilraen replies, "The Duke is obnoxious and has had designs on marrying one of the King's daughter. He realized he had no chance at a match with Silmariën the fair and settle on trying to win my hand. Apparently he was very upset when an 'upstart nobody from a fishing village' won my hand. I'm guessing he had not ended his hopes."

    Éowyn says, "I think we should go pay a visit to this wart and please escort that one with us." She points to Rickerd.

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    Rorimac looks at the lady and then the backpack she has dropped on the floor and then gestures towards the exit.

    "I apologise for startling you, but I believe that there will be other people who would most definitely like to talk with you about Sir Rickerd. If you wish to bring the backpack as well, so be it, but I think we should be on our way."

    If there is no apparent danger, he will sheathe the sword.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    Ceol nods at Eowyn's suggestion. "I believe that her highness has an exceptionally good idea. I also wonder if Sir Rickerd was perhaps the subject of some manner of magical control."

    (Is Thoroncir still unconscious?)

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    Thoroncir now comes awake.

    The lady in the tent relies to Rory, "I'll go with you but I have done nothing wrong."

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    Thoroncir looks around, rubs his throat and winces. He focuses on Gilraen and asks, "What... what happened?" His voice is a little hoarse.

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    I think it were best not to denounce this Duke publicly for the time being. Odious he may be, but it is possible that the King has need of him for the present. Perhaps the Lady Éowyn could utter a word or two in the right ears?
    Librarians rule, Oook

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    As the party looks to where the Duke would have been sitting they already see Prince Faramir there with what at first looks like a group of kids but they soon realize it is a squad of Hobbits. Apparently someone has already put two and two together.

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    Any attempt to rub his throat by Thoroncir will get his hands slapped away by Mulligan. "Don't touch it and lie still. You have been in an accident, but you should be better soon."

    ~~~~~

    Rorimac to the lady, "Your actions may hint otherwise, but if you are innocent then please forgive my suspicions. Shall we go"

    Rorimac will then escort the lady back to the main area, keeping an eye on her if she intends to run away again.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    Deor will continue to investigate Rickerd. He'll use a Detect Magic to search for any leftover traces of spells that could have altered Rickerd's behavior.

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    There is no magic residue on Rickerd from a spell. His short sword does radiate magic but much like you would expect a short sword to.

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    Thoroncir glares for a moment at Mulligan, but realizes she acted for his own good. He asks, "Is my horse Baygir all right?"

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    Baygir comes over when his name is said. He looks concerned.

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    Thoroncir says, in Horse, "Are you all right? Was anyone else injured?"

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    Baygir neighs, "I'm find, but you're foe tried to kill you."

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    The Duke, thinks Thoroncir. He wants Gilraen, and Sir Rickerd is his man. Jealousy is surely at the root of this.

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    Seeing the look in Thoroncir's eyes, Mulligan leans over and whispers quietly to him while making the pretence of looking over his wounds. "It's under control. The Duke is going nowhere and will be answering for these actions."

    ~~~

    Rorimac leads the lady back to the jousting area.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    The group collectively makes their way towards where the Duke is with Thoroncir being forced to ride in a litter that was brought up.

    They find old Pippin haranging the Duke and Faramir looking grim. Pippin sees the party appoach and demands, "There is the wretch that did the deed but on whose orders? Mordor work this was today."

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    Leaving Thoroncir in Gilraen's care, Mulligan moves across to quieten her uncle down. "Uncle, I'm sure we can find out what has happened here today. Let us let those in charge look at what happened without accusation or rumour being spread as to what occured and why."
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    OK as this is not moving at all.

    It comes out in questioning that Rickerd was given a large purse of gold to knock Thoroncir out of the tourney early. It was the Duke, his Duke that did this. Rickerd will be stripped of his title and put to hard labor for 2 years. The Duke as someone of much greater responsibility is judged the more sternly; for his heavy handed act directly affecting the security of the Kingdom he is sentenced to 7 years of hard labor like any other enemy of the Kingdoms. The purse of 2000 Gold is offer to Thoroncir in compensation.

    The woman in the tent is found not complicit in the acts and deeds and is warned of her association with men of questionable morals.


    On to the next adventure ...

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    Agreed. Moving swiftly onwards.
    In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.

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    After long thought, Thoroncir forgives Sir Rickerd, as the knight was only following the orders of his liege. Thoroncir even finds it in his heart to forgive the Duke, as Gilraen is so remarkable a woman that the Sea-knight captain can understand how even a peer of the realm might be tempted to criminal misdeeds in some deluded, vain attempt to win her. Nevertheless, their crimes were against the King's peace, and not just against him personally, and he cannot say the sentences were unjust.

    He will donate the purse to the Order of the Healers of Estë.

    Off we go....

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