Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Seventh Adventure – The Ruins of Old Hatha

First the disclaimer: The thread is for the game itself. Questions and peanut gallery stuff should go on the control thread:
Middle Earth D&D Game on Domebo: FA63 Setup Thread

First Adventure Thread
Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game, the Second Adventure, Scouting Ered Lithui
Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game, Third Adventure, Ered Lithui Mystery Creature
Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game. Fourth Adventure. Journey to Rivendell
Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate.
Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Sixth Adventure - Harrying Harad by Sea
Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Sixth Adventure - Harrying Harad by Sea. conclusion.
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It is March 24^th of FA64 and the Party is ready to ride out to investigate and hopefully clear the old ruins of Hatha where Undead and Trolls lurk. The Town is but 13 miles from Port Hatha. It is a large party of diverse skills.

Here is the map that Sala drew up.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...insofHatha.jpg

The more trustworthy stories make it sound like a fiend that eats the victims alive and turns them into undead slaves. It appears it favors the young over the old. It seems to prefer the plump. Rumors have it as anything from a dark maleficent shadow creature of the night to a fearsome dead look human with long pointy teeth and a foul odor. The sacrifices are made twice a year but many local disappearances outside the town are attributed to the creature. To this day not one victim has returned but a party of soldiers was accosted many years ago and one recognized one of the assailants as wearing clothing of a sacrifice from the year before. He knew the clothing, as the sacrifice was a young cousin. A shadowy creature that never directly fought led these attackers; six dozen decaying undead humans. Zombies would seem to be a good word for them.

Hatha itself is apparently an old name of a long ago local King. There was over a thousand years ago a much larger city not too far that was called Hatha but war and then the desert largely reclaimed the lost city of Hatha and no one knows how much further back in time King Hatha lived.

Sala knows a bit about the old town. It is said on the nights of the new moon, that phantom building can be seen there and horrors walk the streets.
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The Role Call
Gwaelur son of Gwaelin – NAF1138 - Fighter, Dwarf of the Glittering Caves. 7th level Age: 135
Bitur son of Bofur - Hoopy Frood - Fighter, Dwarf of Erebor. 6th level Age: 180
Sir Thoroncir, Knight-Errant– Elendil’s Heir - Fighter, Man of Gondor, a Sea-Knight of Linhir 7th level Age: 22
Princess Gilraen (Renee)- NPC – Beautiful young woman of Gondor and trained Healer of Estë 7th level Age: 17
Gil-Gandel – Malacandra – Bard 3rd, Sindar ("Grey Elf") 6th level F/Th Age: 624
Ithilneth – Pleonast - F/MU: 5th Silvan Female age: early 2nd age.
Rorimac Brandybuck - CatInASuit – Hobbit Ranger 6th Age: 45
Mulligan Took – CatInASuit - Burglar, Hobbit (Daughter of Peregrin Took's Sister) 8th level Age: 30 (From a larger family)
Deor – appleciders – Mage of Rohan (Brother of Theogrim) 7th level Age:21 (From a very large family)
Theogrim - OneCentStamp – Knight of Rohan (Brother of Deor) 5th level Age:25 (From a very large family)
Prestolwen – eleanorigby - Archer: 6th Half -Elven woman of Greenwood Age: 129
Ceol – kenobi65 - Paladin of Eonwë 5th level Man of Rohan - Age 25
Redward – Koldanar - War Priest: 6th of Oromë/Aldaron Man of Rohan Age: 30
Sala - NPC – Man of Kophra, near Port Hatha, 6th level Rapier Expert. Age 31.
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Folca: Deor’s really well trained Red Tailed Hawk. He is often invisible.
Baygir: The very good Heavy War Horse of Thoroncir.
Cúran: A very swift and well-trained horse of the Elves, Gil-Gandel’s mount.
Kali: A fine Silver Grey Mare of exception stock. Her lines trace back to Shadowfax. She is Gilraen’s mount.
Missy: The strange green eyed, white fur cat, companion of Gilraen. It will not talk to Ghân but seems very intelligent and dutiful to Gilraen. She is an excellent night guard and usually invisible now thanks to Deor. She is apparently a descendent of Mirëgol’s ancient cat Warrior.
Freyja: A Wildcat with Mulligan that is from Ered Lithui. She speaks occasionally.
Leofwin Paladin’s War Horse of Ceol.
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Some background, it is 64 years since the Bearers of the Three Rings left Middle-earth for the Uttermost West and 66 since Sauron and Barad-Dûr fell.

King Elessar & Queen Arwen are in their prime and young Prince Eldarion is in his early training at age 21. There is still a constant struggle to tame the brown lands, Umbar, Harad, Nurn and the North. The court summers in Evedim near the lake and spend 9 months in Minas Tirith. Aragorn has campaign more often than not in the last 64 years, but far less than the prior 67. He and Arwen have had 4 daughters. Silmariën (FA45), Gilraen (FA47), Telperiën (FA51) & Fíriel (FA55)

Legolas has removed a small number of his people to Ithilien to support Prince Faramir in this fair land. He visits the courts of Faramir, Elessar, Éomer and Gimli son of Gloin often. His beautiful sister Elenwë is adventuring and rides a Minaras (Unicorn)

Faramir and Éowyn have two sons: Elboron (FA3) & Caramir (FA7). Both are hardy Warriors. They say that Prince Elboron has the look of his father and Caramir of his mother’s people. Prince Caramir is a great Horseman and loves his visits to his Uncle. Both appear to take strongly after Faramir as they are aging slowly. It has been noted that Éowyn has remained very youthful for all her long years. She could be taken for Éomer’s daughter or even granddaughter rather than his sister. She looks to be in her 50s more than her late 80s. Some wonder if this was a gift of King Elessar’s healing or a reward for slaying the Witch King of Angmar. Faramir is of course still a hale and hardy man. A little over a hundred he too looks to be in his 50s.

Currently Minas Tirith and their allies are fighting a two front war in the South and a Campaign wiping out orc lairs in Ered Lithui and around Nurn. Gondor is expanding and trying to build up a large force of horseman to supplement the Riders of Rohan. They are building a great road to Rhûn to create trade and build an alliance. They also hope to increase trade to Erebor & Dale. There is a project underway at a slower pace to improve travel along the Anduin. It is expected to take decades. Dark tidings arrived out of Rhûn brought by Hodwain the Beorning Bard. There is apparently unrest and some organized evil activity out near the Sea and beyond.

Dol Amroth is still the great Principality of Gondor. It is under the wise care of Prince Elphir (TA2987), son of Prince Imrahil of course. Sister to Lothíriel the Queen of Rohan. His eldest son Alphros (TA3017)is the Commodore of the Gondor Fleet and commands the great and swift flagship the Amroth.

King Éomer has passed away leaving the behind his widow, Queen Lothiriel of Dol Amroth. King Elfwine, his eldest now leads in all things. He is seeking the hand of Silmariën. Elfwine is a tall man of 6' 5" with blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His features show a bit of elvish influence of his mother's side. He speaks with a deep voice and looks to be no more than 30 years old but he is probably 50. He uses a long sword and Gwaelur knows that Elfwine was given a fine chain mail shirt as a gift from Gimli. The Chief Mearas likes the new King, his best son is Prince Elfwine's partner. They think he is a very good human.

In 61 Samwise Gamgee left Middle-earth via Mithlond. Merry and Pippin got their affairs in order and headed south to live in Gondor. Mulligan Took was among their escort. Samwise’s eldest Grandson Elfstan Fairbairn joined the group after visiting Minas Tirith. Faramir Took son of Pippin is the Thain and the Shire’s greatest Warrior since Meriadoc the Magnificent. Mulligan’s Brother Ponto Took is an excellent archer and a good treasure finder.

Arnor is repopulating as is the Anduin Valley. The Shire’s population is growing and their produce is helping to feed the North and even the South. They have steady wains heading to and from the Dwarves of Ered Luin. They are even supplying produce and pipe weed to the Grey Havens in exchange for salted & smoked fish.

Elladan and Elrohir of course remain the Masters of Rivendell and assist in the running of Arnor. They in no way have finished with hunting Orcs. Indeed, they have driven the Goblins far underground with their constant attacks on Goblin Gate and often roam north against Angmar itself. Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel seem tireless these days in hunting the scattered remains of these ancient enemies to the North. They often leave the care of Rivendell to the wise Celeborn. He did leave a thriving Sindarin kingdom in Southern Greenwood from where Gil-Gandel most recently hailed.

Thorin III Stonehelm rules the Durin Folk (Khazad). He rules from Erebor of course. His lords include Gimli in Aglarond, Lord Gíon of the Iron Hill and some lesser lords in the Blue Mountains and Fornost. The Dwarves are again thinking of Khazad-dûm. Dori and Bofur are still alive, but quite venerable and rich. Bofur is acting as the ambassador to Rivendell and Arnor as needed.

A bridge at Tharbad has been built and the great bridge is nearly rebuilt. Tharbad is already a thriving and growing town under the command of Lord Mayor Ianthír (Bridge Lord). He is Ranger of the North and the son of Aragorn's most loyal friend Halbarad. The population is mostly just men of Eriador. There are small Dwarven and Hobbit communities.

The Great South road is rebuilt and maintained from Fornost to Minas Tirith. All the additional trade has brought much prosperity to Bree and the town and the Prancing Pony have both expanded. Fornost is still small, but growing. Most of the remaining Northern Dúnedain have moved near Fornost.

For year 63 FA review & review of The Elendil.

Thanks to Sala for that map - let's see if we can't find ourselves a suitable campsite a couple of miles distant, preferably one that provides cover and concealment, clean water, and a good field of view so that the locals can't sneak up on us without being seen.

On the march I want the dwarves at the centre with the spellcasters (including Prestolwen but not me) and Mulligan, who has a talent for arranging unpleasant surprises for ambushers. Ceol and Sir Thoroncir a hundred yards off to the left, Theogrim and Redward a similar distance off to the right, in both cases as long as the country is reasonably open. I will be about fifty yards ahead of the centre and I want the Brandybuck a similar distance ahead of me. Between his skills and my eyes we shouldn't trip over anything unawares, but if Rorimac yells, our centre can advance briskly while our horsemen move to pincer whatever it is.

Spellcasters, I suggest you consult on how to pool your efforts and work best together. I am a complete lightweight as far as that goes, though I may be able to entangle an attacker or two.

Watchbills will follow soon.

The newest members of the party are approached by a tall, solid-looking young man who takes off a gauntlet as he holds out his hand in friendship.

He says, "Welcome to you all, my ladies Ithilneth and Prestolwen, and also Ceol, Redward and Sala, and well met! General Haldon assures me you will all be assets to Gil-Gandel's Band, and of that I have no doubt. I am Thoroncir, a knight-errant of Gondor, at your service. Most of us first met by happenstance at a tavern in Minas Tirith last year, when we went as one to the aid of a family cruelly taken by orcs. We have been drawn ever more closely together since then through several shared adventures. Our common purpose is fighting the forces of evil and darkness wherever we may find them, and finding what glory and fortune we may in so doing. So again I say, welcome!"

You would not call Thoroncir handsome, as such, but he has a friendly, open face, brown eyes and a warm smile, with brownish-black hair and beard, both worn short. He is armored in the distinctive silvery-gray chainmail, breastplate, greaves, gauntlets and helm of a captain of the Sea-knights of Linhir. He also wears a clasp bearing what you know at once must be a leaf of the White Tree of Gondor. At his side hangs a longsword of ancient design, in a worn but apparently still serviceable scabbard; a small white silken cloth is tied around it, near his belt. It is not long before you notice his attentiveness to the beautiful Gilraen, whose favor the cloth is (and who seems equally drawn to him, although they strive to be discreet).

Sala says, “I know of a good location, a hill top that has two ways up, one easy, one steep and a rough rocky steep slope to the south side. The top is bald but gives a commanding view for miles in all directions. If the day is clear we would be able to down to Old Hatha. We would be a little exposed ourselves, but as long as we light no fire the trolls and undead we’re worried about should not observe us. From this camp, it should be but a one hour ride to the ruins even at pony speed.” Sala knows nothing of the trolls. He is riding a good fast horse. All white and bred for speed not war. He also has a spare horse of nearly the same caliber and he switches off every hour. He carries no bow, but he does have a sling and his rapier of course. His saddle bags appear loaded but he carriers little himself, a short length of good rope, a longer length of cord, 2 small pouches and a very light backpack.

General Haldon calls together the party led by Captain Gil-Gandel. He also brings 4 new faces with him.

Gil-Gandel Elven Bard of Lothlórien, Sir Thoroncir of Linhir Sea Knight of Gondor, Princess Gilraen Healer of Estë, Gwaelur son of Gwaelin warrior and armourer of the Glittering Caves, Bitur son of Bofur warrior and smith of Erebor, Rorimac Brandbuck son of Captain Meriadoc of the two Kingdoms, a Ranger from the peaceful Shire, Angelica Mulligan Took the niece of Peregrin Took the prior Thain of the Shire, a treasure finder of great skill and no fool of a Took, Theogrim, Knight of Rohan who is in service to King Elessar and his brother Deor the Mage of Rohan.

I wish to introduce you to Ithilneth the Fair Elven Mage and Archer of Lothlórien whom I believe is familiar to Gil-Gandel, Prestolwen the Half Elven Maid and Archer of Greenwood who trained in the House of Healing and is known to Princess Gilraen, Ceol the Holy Knight of Eonwë of Rohan, cousin to Theogrim and Deor I believe and finally Redward, War Priest of Oromë or as some know him Aldaron also of Rohan.

I would like to thank you all for accepting this mission. As the main worry is undead, we have looked through the combined armies and found those that are well equipped to fight them and have minimal fear of them. The 9 of Gil-Gandel’s party have done much in service to the two kingdoms and led the assault to Port Hatha. Ithilneth was invaluable with her spells and arrows in our campaign in the south, Prestolwen has proven a most deft healer and from behind the lines of our infantry a deadly archer to aid our cause. Neither fear undead nor both are very capable to assist you and are worth a squad of veterans in my opinion. Ceol is as mentioned a Holy Warrior, a brave leader on the field of battle and was the first to volunteer for this mission when we became aware. Redward has been invaluable in keeping the army fighting and also an amazingly fierce fighter in his own right. Like so many of our Rohirim allies, a vital part of our cavalry attacks.

"I hope that the King of Rohan can spare so many of his worthy countrymen," Thoroncir jokes, "and this does put the Princess and me into a distinct Gondorean minority, but of course you are all most welcome."

Ithilneth has long black hair, braided up around her head for travel. Her skin is fair and her eyes are dark. She is not far from the typical height and weight for Elves. She is impeccably clean, as if the dust of travel does not settle on her. There is a faint scent of sweet herbs about her.

Her facial features are soft, with a slight sadness to her eyes. Ithilneth has a habit of staring intently, both at the people around her, and into the distance. When her eyes first met yours, a flicker of strong emotion passes across her face, as if she was about to greet an old friend, but it fades into a gentle smile. Her voice is soft, yet clear, and she speaks as if she will start singing at any moment.

Ithilneth moves with a confident grace. She is outfitted in fine Elven traveling gear: chain mail under a loose tabard, a hooded cloak, and boots. She wears a short sword and knife, and a bow and quiver on her back. Her clothes are the gray-green shade that melts her shape into the underbrush. All of her gear looks crisp, clean, and unworn.

(Additional description for other Elves only: Ithilneth is a Silvan Elf (Nando). The style of her gear is very old and somewhat unusual. After some thought, you realize she is one of the Galadhrim--the original settlers of Lothlorien. She must be a couple ages old.)

Ithilneth first bows to Gilgandel, "[Sindarin] Greetings, fellow Elf of Lothlorien! We have sung together some times among the mallorn. [/Sindarin]" Then to Thoroncir, "Thank you for the kind welcome, Man of Gondor. I look forward to the part of my journey that coincides with yours." She looks at the others and bows to them as well.

Gwaelur, who has been uncharacteristically silent since being injured in the last battle, greets the new members of the party with a simple nod and says "It is an honor to meet you."

*Bows in return to Ithilneth*

It is an unexpected pleasure to have someone along who is even older than I am! But I hope to have time as we go to tell you of someone I over-wintered with who is almost incomparably older. As for singing, it is to no land of song that we go now - though our music may refresh these our boon companions, soft though we must voice it.

*And to the other new hands*

Swiftness of hand or purity in spirit, both are blessings beyond price on the roads we must tread. I have been gone but little time from Greenwood the Great and yet would welcome news of it. Rohan have I seen more lately since I was permitted to sing a grave-song for King Eomer of noble memory, and it is much to us that you will journey so far from that pleasant green land for the sake of friendship and loyalty. Welcome, all.

When we make our camp you will find our ways easy enough to learn. We post one-third of our number as guards at a time, and will use the following order unless some emergency causes it to be changed.

For the first four hours after sunset good Gwaelur will watch, and also Princess Gilraen, Rorimac Brandybuck, and Ceol of Rohan.
They will then be relieved until four hours before dawn by Bitur, Redward, Mulligan Took and Theogrim.
At four hours before dawn Sir Thoroncir, Deor, Prestolwen and Sala will take over.

Since Ithilneth and I both need little sleep as you understand it, we will rest ourselves for two hours after sunset and two hours before dawn, and will both assist the latter part of the first watch, all of the middle, and the first half of the last. You will have most need of our eyes and ears in the dark of the night.

*to Gwaelur*: Up with your beard, Durin's Son. Pain is for a day, a good name is for all time. :)

"It is good to meet you all. It means a great deal to me to serve on this mission with ones as experienced as all of you."

While he appears withdrawn, and he does not greet you warmly, Redward approaches each of you with the appropriate greetings. Of average height, and well built, he appears rather ordinary apart from the spark of rebellion in his eyes. He accepts your assignments of watch duty quietly, and goes about taking care of Durst, his horse.

Prestolwen looks about her, guardedly. She has dark blue eyes that can deepen to look almost black if she is moved to strong emotion and lighten to a clear blue when she is merry. Her long, wavy red-gold hair is worn tied back, but there are always loose tendrils that frame her face. She is tall for a woman (5'8") and fit. She wears her bow and quiver as if it were a part of her. She favors severely plain garments: her jerkin and skirt are a drab olive; her cloak is a dark gray. Clasped to her waist is her pouch of herbs. Her only ornament is a silver brooch, worn clipped inside her cloak, away from prying eyes. She carries herself quietly, almost gravely, but with a fierce dignity that can be formidable. Not much escapes her, but she keeps her counsel.

"Forgive my lack of gaiety, but I am wary of the dangers ahead. I know we all will do what must be done. I thank you for your kind words of greeting to me." And with that, Prestolwen readies her horse.

"Ceol!"

Deor almost trips over his own staff as he runs up to greet his cousin. "It's been years- you've been gone with the Rohirrim since I've been away! How have you fared, and how is your family?"

Tall (well, taller than average) and so thin he'd look gaunt if not for the touches of baby fat left in his cheeks, Deor wears his faded, well-worn and well-patched (but extremely clean) robes, covered in a strange collection of pockets and pouches, under an incongruously finely-woven cloak. He carries a long mallorn staff in his gloved left hand (his hawk, Folca, circles overhead) and nothing at all in his right, with a small pack slung comfortably across his back. Deor has a quick smile and blue eyes that twinkle mischievously, as though there's a joke that only he can see.

Spells:

1: Sleep, Magic Missile, Comprehend Languages, Shield
2: Invisibility, Web, Levitate
3: Fly, Fireball
4: Wall of Fire

The two hobbits come forward to meet their new comrades who will be journeying with them.

Rorimac is more easily seen, standing a full 4 feet tall clad in elven garb and underneath a fine chain mail, he looks to all the world like a small ranger although by the look in his eyes, no less accomplished.

Mulligan is a slightly different proposition. Unlike the hobbit girl recently seen in the tavern that may have been expected, a young hobbit male slightly smaller than Rorimac, but no less bold, stands there. Also clad in the same garb apart from a fine black mail shirt, she greets the new comrades with a light voice.

"A pleasure to meet you all, I'm looking forward to travelling with you in searching out this danger".

Theogrim nods and smiles in greeting to those in the party whom he as already traveled and fought with. Dismounting his horse, he walks over to where Ceol and Deor are reuniting. Nearly a head taller than either of his kin, and heavier, he puts a friendly hand on each of their shoulders.

"Well met, cousin. It does my heart good to see you. If the tales we hear of this quest are true, no doubt your godly ways will be a boon to us." With a smile, he adds, "and with all these dwarfs, halfings, and strange wild men about, it will do me good to have another companion who can truly handle a horse."

With a smile Gwaelur says, "There are four of you in the party now, Theogrim, I don't think you will want for the company of horsemen any longer. If you all will excuse me, I must ready my packs for the trip ahead."

(Gil-Gandel is spelled up with Entangle, Faerie Fire, Hypnotism, Speak with Animals and Stunning Discord.)

*Watching the reunions between old friends and the arrival of the new hands with clear eyes that miss nothing, Gil-Gandel is relaxed though alert. He is of no great height for an Elf, but as lithe and limber as the seasoned stave of his beautifully-made yew bow. He plucks it experimentally and seems content with its dry bass-viol timbre. Clad and equipped after the manner of the folk of Lorien, he goes unarmoured save for his fleetness of foot. There is a gleaming silver horn at his belt and a small harp in a case on his back. Murmuring softly to his own horse, the swift Cúran or "Crescent Moon", his very speech seems to evoke distant echoes of music beneath the timeless trees.*

Is the campsite acceptable that Sala suggested?


Gilraen gives greetings and exchanges some quick remembrances of the House of Healing with Prestolwen. She shows Prestolwen the pretty and useful pouch that Sir Thoroncir recently bought for her. She keeps her healing and surgical tools inside and seems quite pleased with it.

Princess Gilraen who goes by just Gilraen or even Renee is dressed in the grey raiment of her order, that of Estë the healer. She wears a Cloak of Lothlórien of this. She is young and very pretty, a raven haired elfin beauty of slight proportions with brilliant and piercing green eyes. She is also very petite standing no more than 5’2” and the shortest of her siblings. She is effectively half-elven as the daughter of Aragorn and Arwen. You she also wears a Clasp that is a leaf of the White Tree and a beautiful Elven Necklace that is surely Noldorian work. She rides Kali, a fine silver gray mare from the line of Shadowfax. She occasionally talks to and pets a cat that you cannot see.

Thoroncir is pleased that the party seems congenial so far.

If he can see no better location himself upon looking over the terrain along the road to Old Hatha, he has no objection to the campsite which Sala suggests.

Deor will agree to Sala's proposed campsite as soon as he and Folca can give it a quick look.

I am sure Sala's proposed campsite will do very well, but we will scout it over in the usual manner - we can do with the practice as it has been some months since we were operating by ourselves, and we have some new hands who are not used to our ways. So we will have it overflown, then send in the scouts including the Lorien-clad elves who are nearly invisible in helpful terrain. Once we are satisfied that it is secure, we will call the rest of the company in.

Theogrim will trust the selection of the campsite to those with sharper senses. If we use Sala's suggested site, he will then see to making sure the horses are comfortable and safe.

Overflying and checking the campsite, the choice appears to be good. As a bonus Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth can see the ruins of the town from the location. Rorimac does find signs on the tougher trails that 2 trolls used it about 10-12 days ago.

Watches?

Before bedding down for the night, Deor will cast Invisibility on Folca, and on any of the various animals around camp that their caretakers would like made invisible. (I think Gilraen's cat is already Invisible, unless she's caught a mouse recently or something.)

The watches as suggested by Gil-Gandel seem fair, unless anyone objects. Seeing as his is not the first watch of the night, Theogrim removes his armor and prepares for bed.

The watches as suggested by Gil-Gandel seem fair, unless anyone objects. Seeing as his is not the first watch of the night, Theogrim removes his armor and prepares for bed.

So a cold camp is set and the watches are as the Captain said,
First four hours Gwaelur, Gilraen, Rorimac,and Ceol.

Ithilneth and Gil-Gandel with watch starting 2 hours in for 8 hours.

Next 4 Bitur, Redward, Mulligan Took and Theogrim.

Last 4 Sir Thoroncir, Deor, Prestolwen and Sala will take over.


Prestolwen's vision is also exception at night, nearly Elven is ability.

I just need the spell selection for Ithilneth now.

The Sea-knight will also take off his armor for a better rest, but keep his sword and shield close at hand.

After checking her herb pouch, flasks of infusions, and repacking her healer's kit, Prestolwen covers herself with her cloak and closes her eyes for sleep.

((OOC: Sorry, been sick as a dawg the past two days.))

Quote:

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Originally posted by Appleciders

"Ceol!"

Deor almost trips over his own staff as he runs up to greet his cousin. "It's been years- you've been gone with the Rohirrim since I've been away! How have you fared, and how is your family?"

---

Ceol embraces Deor, a smile on his face.

"It is a pleasure to see you, too, my cousin. And, is that Theogrim, as well? I am quite well...yes, I began to ride with the Rohirrim four summers ago. I made Knight of the Mark, and then I was allowed to travel on my own, following where Eonwë sends me. My family fares well, though I see them rarely of late."

Ceol is in his mid 20s, and looks the part of a Rohirrim: tall, muscular, and handsome, with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a close-cropped beard. He wears a suit of chainmail, which carries the hallmarks of dwarven make, and has a pair of swords, long and short, at his belt. Nearby, his horse grazes happily.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by OneCentStamp

Theogrim nods and smiles in greeting to those in the party whom he as already traveled and fought with. Dismounting his horse, he walks over to where Ceol and Deor are reuniting. Nearly a head taller than either of his kin, and heavier, he puts a friendly hand on each of their shoulders.

"Well met, cousin. It does my heart good to see you. If the tales we hear of this quest are true, no doubt your godly ways will be a boon to us." With a smile, he adds, "and with all these dwarfs, halfings, and strange wild men about, it will do me good to have another companion who can truly handle a horse."

---

"Hail, cousin. It is very good to see you, as well, after all this time. As a growing boy, I had always hoped to match you in height, though it seems I have fallen short." He smiles.

"It is indeed good to have family along on this quest...tell me, have these others been companions of yours for long?"

After the reunion with his kinsmen, Ceol will approach the rest of the group.

"Well met, my good people. I am Ceol of Rohan, Knight of the Mark, and servant of Eonwë. I hope that I can be of some aid to you in the quest which you have undertaken."

So, here we are out under the stars again.

Mulligan will pass on the Invisibility as well as she has her ring. although it may be required later because it will not be much use against the undead. Freyja will be accompanying her as well, but can stay visible as well. Hopefully her senses wil be of use in this.

Rorimac settles down for the night is anxious to start tracking down the trolls at first light. Hopefully we can put an end to them before we have to tackle the undead.

Ithilneth is accompanied by a nightingale is named Dulindar. He is a large songbird, a dusty gray color with slightly ruddish tones on the undersides. He is very outgoing and friendly with anyone nonthreatening. He likes to sing along with Ithilneth, or anyone else for that matter.

(( I'll memorize Feather Fall, Light, Protection from Evil x2; Detect Evil, Greater Light; Protection from Evil 10-ft Radius. ))

A disturbance occurs around 10pm which gives us the first watch of Gwaelur, Gilraen, Rorimac and Ceol and the pair of Elves.

Coming up the steep path are loud laughing figures carrying torches. Their distant words do not appear to be in any known language of the North or the local language of Hatha and the related language of Harad.

Gil-Gandel thinks the figures are large in size, maybe larger than human and elf.

Rorimac will wrap his cloak about him, hopefully fading from view, and head off to get an initial look at the intruders so he can report back to the camp.

As Rorimac disappears from view, Ceol turns to the others in the first watch.

"Shall I awaken the rest of our party?"

Do it, Ceol. Quietly, but we want everyone awake and armed. Gwaelur, stay close by Gilraen. Ithilneth, you and I will slip into cover either side of the path, and converge on the intruders' flanks, but not too closely. We know to expect trolls, and neither you or I want to get closer than a short bowshot unless there is no help for it.

Ceol nods to the elven bard, then goes about quietly awakening the sleeping party members. He whispers, "Be prepared...a group is approaching, and Gil-Gandel fears they may be trolls."

Ithilneth follows Gil-Gandel. Her bow is ready in hand, but does not draw an arrow yet.

Gwaelur says silent but moves into position to protect Gilraen from any danger. His xbow loaded with mithril is at the ready, and his axe is close at hand in case things go wrong.

Kneading the sleep from his eyes, Deor carefully and quietly stores his pack and spellbooks under a bush, then casts Invisibility on himself. Then he'll prepare for the trolls' approach, trying to spot the best place to cast a Web to catch them between trees. He'll also prepare his tiny dragon figurine to fly forward to that point and light up, giving any non-elven archers an excellent target! Finally, he'll make sure to keep an eye out for anything approaching from any other direction.

Thoroncir unwraps himself from his rough woolen blanket and chuckles quietly, thinking: It figures that no one will get a full night's sleep on our very first night out from Port Hatha! If the approaching potential foes are far enough away, he will quickly don all his armor; otherwise, he will just put on his chainmail hauberk and helm.

Sword drawn, shield at the ready, he will join Gwaelur in protecting Gilraen and anyone else who wishes it.

Theogrim will don his chain mail and prepare for combat on foot, as the idea of charging trolls on horseback in the dark does not appeal to him. He also makes sure he is within 60 feet of the last place he saw Deor.

Once everyone is awake and preparing, Ceol will quietly draw his swords, and join Thoroncir and Gwaelur, where it appears the melee stand will be conducted.

Deor doesn't know much about trolls, but he suspects they might be strong enough to break his Web, so he'll cast to trip, rather than entangle. However, Webs are flammable, so he'll try to keep the first web out of the enemies' torches. Subsequent Webs, if necessary, can be cast right through those torches. He'll avoid casting anything other than Web unless the battle seems to be going badly.

Folca quietly casts off from her night perch and glides silently downhill until she reaches a good vantage point. How many trolls are coming?

There is enough time for the chain mail wearers to get fully armored. It is indeed trolls coming up the hill and there appears to be 7 of them, each carrying a large torch. The trolls are actually pretty well lit and seem to have some large chunks of cows or the like and at least two are carrying large amounts of branches and even logs on their backs.

If it can be done without too much dwarvish racket :) I would just as soon let them go by - if they are feasting on naught worse than beef, they may as well have their bellyful of it before we fall on them. I'll hurry back to camp after getting my best guess at where they are going and see if we can arrange for them to miss seeing us.

During the march to the campsite, Bitur introduces himself to the newcomers. A stout dwarf (aren't we all?), he is outfitted in Dwarven Plate and carries two axes, a war shield and a crossbow. He also carries a large backpack stuffed with various sundries. His eyes are almost as grey as his temples, though, the rest of his hair has still maintained the majority of it's auburn color.

"Well met, my new compatriots. I am Bitur, son of Bofur, dwarf of the Lonely Mountain Erebor, veteran of both the Goblin Wars and the battle of Dale and Erebor. I had retired after the last to pursue my interests in armoury and toymaking. When the call went up for help at Goblin gate, I closed my workshop and came out of retirement to aid my father and his companions. It was there that I met the group you are now traveling with--though, I knew Gwaelur from the battle of Dale. It was quite a surprise joining up with him again. But I digress. Though I plan to return to my forge and workshop someday, for now, there is more important business to take care of. I shall enjoy adventuring with those of such accolades such as yourselves."

-----------------------

Upon being woken up, Bitur will try to put on as much of his plate mail as is reasonable, and will have his crossbow at the ready.

It is sadly clear to Gil-Gandel and Rorimac the trolls are heading for the hill top in this case. Doubtful they are planning to pass over it and back down without their midnight snack.

Bitur is hurrying into his finely made plate armor. He could use a little help.

Gwaelur says to Gil-Gandel with note of friendly ribbing in his voice "Elf, I think it's time we came up with a better plan than 'wait for the trolls to go away'. How much time do you think we have before they reach us?"