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

Since Gwaelur mentioned that he plans to return to the Lonely Mountain after this adventure, Bitur will accompany him for the journey back, and spend the next few months before the party reforms firing up his old forge and getting back to smithing. He will also spend a lot of time regaling the children with his latest adventures, and will work on getting the music box working. (He should be able to procure some precise clockwork gears in Erebor, both for the music box and for spares.)

He also will extend an invitation to anyone else in the party who would like to see the lonely mountain and hasn't had the chance. Otherwise, he wishes all good luck and godspeed until they meet back in Gondor for the next adventure.

Thoroncir has no particular plans. After getting a new enchanted shield, he's inclined to tag along with Gwaelur and go to the Lonely Mountain unless the passing fair Princess Gilraen has something else in mind.

Ceol will be returning to Rohan, with his cousin Deor. He will first report to his commanders in the Knights (and to the King if requested) about his travels in the south. Once he has discharged that duty, he will spend some time visiting with his family, and will otherwise serve the church of Eonwë and the Knights as required, until the party reunites.

The Lonely Mountain is another place of legendary deeds that Gil-Gandel has yet to visit, where as tales tell the great Arkenstone lies buried in the tomb of Thorin (a flawed hero, alas, yet one who redeemed much in his last hours, and even when moved to wrath at Bilbo forebore to reclaim the kingliest gift ever bestowed upon a hobbit) and the sword Orcrist keeps yet its silent vigil. Also he has a good short sword that might be bettered yet were Durin's Folk given a run at it.

As much as Deor likes Minas Tirith, he's eager to get back home and see his family. He'll stock up on the few necessities that are hard to come by in Rohan, carefully wrap the last few kahve beans for his mother, and set out with Ceol for home. He thanks Gwaelur for his offer, but the Lonely Mountain will have to wait for another trip.

Deor considers Gilraen's offer, but he feels too guilty about taking so long to pay back the money. He'll give her 3,000, and hold on to the rest just in case.

Rorimac would certainly be interested to travel to the Lonely Mountain and see the area.

Mulligan will be staying in Minas Tirith. With the herbs and spices she bought back, not to mention the dresses, she is going to see if any of the merchants are looking for trade links to Raj for new things. Of course, pointing out what might be useful to the Raj will come into it as well.

Drindoleth would also be interested in traveling to the Lonely Mountain. The experience and being able to spend some much calmer times with the others would be most welcome.

Thoroncir with the help of Gilraen learns the best play to locate an excellent shield would be Aglarond near Helm’s Deep; Gimli’s small Dwarven colony. When he rides to Aglarond he is able to arrange for a custom made shield to be commissioned for 5000 gold. It is a +2 War Shield and custom made so Thoroncir will only suffer a -1 to hit with it if he tries. They do a fair amount of damage. Or he could go to Erebor.

He has an opportunity to ride with the Prince into Nurn.

Gilraen spends most of the time back home with her mother and sisters and at the House of Healing but is always happy when Thoroncir is around.


Ceol spends much time is aiding the Brethren of Eonwë. His healing abilities and additional healing skill he learned from Gilraen prove very handy to the men of éoreds.

Gil-Gandel recalls that the Elven swords he owns are more likely to be enhanced at Imladris as Thoroncir and others can attest to by the work that Curunauth did on their swords. Though perhaps a little less than attentive in all things outside of smithing, no one left in Middle Earth is his equal in Elvish works of smithing. There would still be time to visit Erebor though.

Deor arrives home and finds the Wizard’s Tower of Edoras is coming along fast. He will have many weeks or months of preparation to create his staff. He also will need more time to arrange the alchemist equipment.

Mulligan enjoys her time in Minas Tirith I guess with her Uncle Pippin as host. Unless she does something else.

Rorimac is more then welcomed to also stay at his father’s home near the King. He is also more then welcomed to join in the Princes expedition. Is there anything else he wants to do?

Bitur & Gwaelur head for Erebor. Bitur proceeds to become extremely popular with the young Dwarves and makes many marvelous toys. He creates a truly wonderful music box in the end. If he is interested the King of Dale would be honored to buy it for 4500 gold.

How long does Drindoleth spend in Erebor? Does he return either home or to Rhosgobel to visit Radagast.

Thoroncir mulls over his options, all of which have their appeal. Hmm. If Prince Eldarion or Princess Gilraen are not too put out, he will go to Erebor with his friends with the best shield he can buy now in Minas Tirith.

If it is feasible, he writes to Aglarond via the King's Post to commission a +2 war shield. On the way back from Erebor, he will strike out for Aglarond from Sarn Gebir (1) with any friends who choose to come along or, failing that, (2) with any congenial and law-abiding party headed that way, or (3) as a last resort, if the road is not too dangerous for a single knight-errant, alone. He will then pick up the shield and return to Minas Tirith.

A further thought: Do the craftsmen of Aglarond have an agent in Minas Tirith whom he can pay, and then get a letter of credit, receipt or its equivalent, to avoid having to carry 5K gold along with him?

"Thoroncir could probably arrange for Ceol to bring the 5000 gold there. Nothing more trustworthy then a Rohirrim Paladin and as he travels with at least Deor to Edoras, pretty safe" suggests Gilraen. She does appear a bit put out that you plan to journey off but she hides it nearly.

The mission with the Prince won't come up if you're not around.

Thoroncir will ask the estimable paladin of Rohan to do him this favor. (If the Dwarves would accept it as payment, the Sea-knight will exchange his 5,000 gold pieces for gems of equivalent value, so that the load is not too great). If Ceol agrees, he'll then send a letter commissioning the shield to whichever smith of Aglarond his Dwarven-friends suggest.

When the opportunity presents itself in privacy, Thoroncir will take Gilraen into his arms, lovingly kiss her and say, "I have never seen the Lonely Mountain and Lake-town, and would very much like to. Could you not come with us, as well, my lady...?"

"It would be an honor to convey the commission for you, friend Thoroncir. If you would like, I could also arrange with the smith to retrieve the shield when he has finished its construction, and bring it to you when we reunite. May the gods guard over you and your betrothed until that day."

Naturally I have no objection whatever to visiting Imladris on the way up to the Lonely Mountain, or on the way back - and I have several new songs to sing in the Hall of Fire when we are there. This one may please the listeners...

If not a minstrel, who should sing of love?
A simple tale it is, and old as time,
Nor aye of our own will, but all by fate
Perchance, decreed by them who rule the stars;
Who turn our longing eyes toward the fair
And bid us strive to win our lady's hand.

I sing, for one, of him who lost his hand
Upon his quest to win his chosen love;
Great Thingol Greycloak's daughter, wondrous fair,
Whose fame be ever told for all of time.
Did Beren set his face against the stars
And rail aloud against unyielding fate?

It is not said that Beren cursed his fate.
Nay, rather set he his undaunted hand
To win the Jewel, as precious as the stars
(Though cheap to him, and small price for his love)
For which is sung the tale through all of time
How he prevailed, and called the bargain fair.

Yet, in a later day, an elf-maid fair
Relived again her great foremother's fate;
For it was written not that once in time
A man might strive for such a lady's hand,
And sang anew the theme of matchless love
Trothplighted 'neath the white eternal stars.

And when the banner of the Tree and Stars
Flew on the field before the city fair
Then won the hero all his promised love;
Restored unto the throne ordained by fate
With gladsome song he claimed her priceless hand
And pledged his word until the end of time.

So now the song resounds another time,
(So circle ever endlessly the stars)
And suing for a willing maiden's hand
A knight who proves himself with deeds most fair
Presents himself, obedient to fate,
And here implores a blessing on his love.

Writ plain upon the stars he sees his fate:
With words all plain and fair to seek her hand
And sing the song of love still one more time.

*inclines his head towards Sir Thoroncir and Princess Gilraen*

Thoroncir gratefully accepts Ceol's more than generous offer in its entirety.

The Sea-knight captain also applauds Gil-Gandel's song when he hears it. He says, "You write and sing as well as you lead and fight, O most noble Elf. I am of course unworthy to be likened either to the mighty Beren of old or to my lord the High King. And yet I am nevertheless very pleased with your song, for it gives my lady the Princess Gilraen her due by comparing her with the lovely Luthien and our matchless Queen. Many, many thanks, my friend."

Gilraen looks thoughtful, "I am sorry, I am being greedy. Go with my love and blessing. I must stay and spend time with both my family and my order. I have more training and I have brought back much knowledge to share from our travels. Someday we may travel together to Esgaroth, Fair Dale and Erebor. In fact I think it might even prove vital one day though I know not why I believe that."

She blushes at Gil-Gandel's song and shyly says, "Despite my loves' proclamations, I am not even the fairest of my mother's daughters. The Evenstar may be as fair as our great fore-mother but not I. I am fortunate enough to be a younger daughter with two sisters even younger and thus a bit more free to promote the suite of my choosing."

Gil-Gandel can see though that Gilraen has not yet achieved her maturity and has grown in beauty even in the short time he has known her. He does not know humans well enough but as a wise Elf can guess she will achieve her greatest beauty still some years in the future.

Thoroncir doubts that very much... but would be delighted to be proven wrong.

He will make his days with Gilraen in Minas Tirith count ere he departs with his friends for Erebor. He will also discuss with Ceol his letter to the Dwarven-smiths of Aglarond, and his expectations for his new shield.

Upon arriving in Edoras, Deor breathes a sigh of relief. The winter snows haven't yet melted, but the chill of winter has broken and the warm winds from the west and the south have warmed Edoras up to the point of comfort. Deor spends a few nights (at his mother's insistence) at his family home before escaping back to his tower. The tower itself seems to have weathered the winter nicely, a tribute to the excellent craftsmen in the King's service. After clearing the dust off his laboratory equipment, watching the mice scurry out at Folca's first scream, and stoking the fires up to their customary blazing warmth, Deor's first order of business is to renew the enchantments on the tower itself. After the Thatch has been Freshened and the Protections against Fire and Lightning renewed, Deor will report to King Elfwine and once more make his services available. Until the full arrival of spring and the building season, Deor can't work on his tower, so he'll assist the King and Court with all the magical tasks that will have piled up in the full year of his absence. Hopefully those tasks can be completed quickly, because Deor also needs to set in motion building plans for his tower before summer is in full swing.

A year ago, when Deor ventured out from Edoras to Harad, the King's builders had completed the addition of the basement level and the interior of the first level. This summer, Deor would like to see the completion of the library level, the construction of a small outbuilding to serve as a smithy, and a decent kitchen added to the ground floor. The library, which Deor intends to occupy the entire second floor, will need a great deal of bookshelf space, several large desks for reading, writing, and the translation of magical texts, and his large drafting table. Deor even arranges for several large plates of glass to be carefully carried in from Minas Tirith to serve as windows; an extravagance, to be sure, but Deor intends to have excellent sunlight for reading even in the coldest winters. A single stone balcony, projecting from the south face of the library, should serve as a nice reading spot for spring afternoons and summer mornings. The third floor of the tower, which will eventually contain a map room, several observation balconies, and Deor's personal quarters, will have to wait for another year.

The onset of spring, though, provides Deor with a wonderful opportunity to improve his garden. He's picked up Plant Growth in the last year, and it should prove a major asset in improving both his practical herb garden and his purely decorative one. He'll make a special point of starting many of the seeds, cuttings, and shoots that he found in the South; they may have many fascinating properties! His reading chair, next to the oak he transplanted last fall, ought to be in the middle of a riot of colorful spring flowers before long, and he intends to spend a great deal of time there. Once the heat of summer hits, Deor will force the oak to full maturity in the space of an afternoon to get some well-needed shade.

It will be vital to get the construction of the tower underway as soon as possible, of course, because Deor has a major project for the summer-- the construction of his Wizard's Staff. The most important component, the staff itself, has long been ready-- the long piece of Mallorn given to him by the Queen herself, two years previous. Deor has picked up several valuable gems to use in the creation of his staff, but most special of all is his Ruby of Fireballs, which he'll risk in the creation of the staff in hopes that it will become the set piece, transforming the staff into a perfect vessel to channel the elemental force of flame.

Though Deor picked up most of what he needed in Harad and the remainder in Minas Tirith, there are needs he can't quite manage himself. The most critical is well within King Elfwine's power to grant-- for all his skill with flame, Deor needs Dwarven assistance to get a truly hot fire, to keep even the shavings of mithril purchased in Harad molten, and to keep the fire hot even as his power drains into his staff. Deor will attend the King's Court and make a formal request for aid in this.

More to come...

"A wonderful song, Gil-Gandel. I know only a little of stories such as that of Beren and Luthien...perhaps when we reunite, you would do me the honor of helping me improve my knowledge of those tales, and those days?"

Ceol will work with Thoroncir to make certain that he understands his friend's order for the shield, so that he may inspect it when it is completed.

Bitur will happily sell the music box to the King of Dale. He was originally thinking of holding onto it for both sentimental reasons with it being his first attempt at toymaking, and because he wasn't sure how good it would turn out, but if someone of Dale's stature is interested in purchasing the box, Bitur is honored to have a customer like that.

Drindoleth will remain in Erebor for several weeks to explore and visit, before leaving to Rhosgobel to visit Radagast. Unless something should keep him from doing so, he will travel again towards home, as it feels like ages since he was last there.

Deor has gathered everything he needs and has the fortune of a full moon coinciding with his chosen night; an auspicious omen indeed. The Dwarves are amendable to helping him with his final work as he prepared the alchemical help to make their nearly magical fire perfect.

His tower also progresses well this summer with a Dwarven mason on hand aiding and directing the large crew of Rohirrim directed by the King to help. In the end the Tower will be Deor’s for life though it remains a property of the King to be handed down to the next Wizard of the Mark someday in the future.


Angelica Mulligan Took enjoys her time as a young lady at the great court. She is a big hit among the small Hobbit population of Minas Tirith and is seen often in the company of the 3 younger Princesses. Gilraen is busy but makes time for Court and Balls. Telperiën appears to get along great with Angelica and Fíriel who is only 10 loves little better then to be with Angelica, Pippin and Captain Meriadoc. It is clear Fíriel looks up to her sister the adventurer greatly and wishes to emulate her someday. Princess Telperiën seems quite content with the life of a Princess and the Dances, Balls and giggly teenage Court intrigues. It is Telperiën that introduces her to most of the other young ladies of the court.


Ceol has a peaceful time; drilling with his Éored and the full Éoherë at times. Largely his duty entailed training younger riders and helping the brotherhood but he was requested to give lectures and drills concerning creatures of the south and shipboard assaults. The order for the shield goes through without problems. A note went with Ceol from the Prince himself as a request to Gimli to aid the fiancée of the Princess Gilraen of the House of Healing and Order of Estë.

Riding north are Bitur and Gwaelur, Thoroncir and Rorimac, Gil-Gandel before he heads for Imladris and Drindoleth before he departs to visit Radagast.

Bitur has good company for his ride home and much success at his craft. He earns 4500 gold for his magical music box from the King Brand the Second of Dale directly. The King hosts a festive party in honor of the adventurers and highlights it with asking of their tales. Gil-Gandel gives good account of the deeds of both the party and the King’s army in the south. One old friend they see while here is Brin who a few of the party knew from their early adventures. Bitur is pleased when his father Bofur arrives back from a mission in Dorwinian. Dori is especially eager to talk to Rorimac and asks him much about Bilbo though Rorimac was not born before Bilbo took the White Ship. Dori appears to be getting quite on in years and is nearly as forgetful as Uncle Pippin. They all renew acquaintance with fellow vets from Goblin Gate, Óttarr, Rafin, Áki, Tobbe, Gedda, Fridi, Hvatar, Vakr, Sparr, Gautor, Sölvi & his brother Sörli.

Dale has grown great over the time since its rebuilding. It came through the War of the Ring damaged but rebounded swiftly from it with much aid from the Dwarves of Erebor. The Golden Bells and bright rooftops of the large stone town are magnificent. Erebor itself is a majestic palace. Well lit and cunning workings providing as much natural light and fresh air as possible. Lovely tapestries and carvings decorate the walls. It is a place of hundreds of skilled craftsmen. It has not just weapons and armor but toys, clocks, beautiful lamps, glassware beyond compare, jewelry to rival any in the world.

Bitur has a very considerable amount of cash available at this point and could acquire a better axe easily here. The master smith Hern son of Dori who trained and shared smithing knowledge with Curunauth and Narvil of Rivendell among others is a master Axe and Mattock maker. In exchange for both axes and 10000 gold he could get a +5 Dwarven Axe that he could wield one handed as it has a weight of a battle axe despite the impact of a weapon double that of a Dwarven Axe (Feels like 7.5 pounds and not 30 pounds.) It will have a speed factor of only 2 and penetrate like the Dwarven Axe doing the damage of a Dwarven Axe.

Rorimac is treated very well at Erebor & Dale. He is one of the few Hobbits to visit the area and the tales of Frodo Baggins and his father Meriadoc and Sam & Pippin are well known and of course the stories of Bilbo Baggins have only grown with the long years. Though they seem a little confused and think Frodo was his son and somehow Bilbo directly told Bard where to shoot Smaug with the Black Arrow.

Thoroncir enjoys his time at Erebor. It is a peaceful land with prosperous farms stretching from Dale down to Lake Town. Constant traffic flows from the Lonely Mountain and Dale to the Lake and out to the Elf King, the Sea of Rhûn and through the forest itself to the Anduin and the prosperous land of the Beornings and Old Ford Town. The wines of Dorwinion pass through Lake Town and fine their way as far west as Ered Luin and the Grey Havens.

Gil-Gandel spends a wonderful time at Erebor, Dale and Laketown and has a chance to acquire some extremely cunning arrows if he wishes. Curunauth is pleased to see Gil-Gandel again when he arrives at Imladris. He evens has a chance to speak to the Brothers Elladan and Elrohir at one point and his Liege Celeborn gets a full report of his doings and any news he has of the south and the east. Curunauth, Agli and Narvil can do much with the +3 Elven short sword. It is quite ancient and came from the smithy of long lost Nargothrond and was part of the arsenal of King Finrod Felagund before his loss. It can probably be made into an Undead Slayer and possibly especially adept at slaying a particular type of undead. Additionally it can be made attuned to Gil-Gandel. This would cost Gil-Gandel about 9500 gold but it would be a +4 sword overall and +5 for him along with being an undead slayer and the chance of something more.

Drindoleth spends a few weeks in the area and finds it not all that much to his liking. It is a bustling region of stone and commerce. Mercantile and well tilled with little reverence for the wilderness and some fear. He is invited to visit Thranduil’s Kingdom and finds it much more to his liking. They are in great harmony with Green Wood the great and have loving care of the animals of the forest save only the giant spiders that are now fairly rare in the northern parts of the woods. Mirkwood it is not any more. The paths are clear and safe and the trees a bit more likely to let some little light in near the roads. He spends a few months with Radagast who is clearly planning to soon depart. He hopes Drindoleth will support Bjorn in every way. Radagast spends most of the months teaching him as much about birds as he can.

When Drindoleth returns home he meets with his large extended family and is called upon to help bring in a rogue cousin. It seems cousin Braber has shifted to bear form and waylaid travelers and gone feral. Bella the senior healer of the Beornings leads the expedition with 6 stout Beorning warriors but they hope that with Drindoleth’s help to bring the lost one home to be cured.

Bitur will gladly purchase the new axe from Hern. Upon receipt, he will take Hern out for a pint of ale to celebrate his new acquisition.

"It truly is a work of art, and I've never seen it's equal. An axe such as this needs a name."

Hern is happy to share some ale and suggests, "A weapon should be tried in battle before given a name I think."

Drindoleth is aggrieved to hear of cousin Braber's feral turn. He quickly agrees to assist and offers the help of his animal companions as well. Concerned for both their safety and that of his cousin, he'll only let them assist in tracking and possibly corralling Braber if they must.

To Hern:

"You speak true. It should see some battle fairly soon I imagine. While it'd be nice to imagine living in a world that wouldn't need such masterpieces, we aren't likely to see such a world anytime soon. So we do what must be needed with the best of our resources."

Hern replies, "I can't imagine a world without war, why in our time alone we have had the Battle of Dale right at our door. The Battle of Goblin Gate, The Battles on the plains of Gundalok and I hope someday soon the War for Moria. Not to mention many lesser battles here and there and you're an adventurer like our Fathers, long may their beards grow, were; you have seen many more battles and a war away in the unknown south."


The Beornings set out to bring back their own. The tracking is none to hard with Drindoleth bringing birds in for rumor and then sightings and Hound doing the final tracking. The group waits for their wayward cousin to come out of his hole and into the freshly planted vines and shrubs that Drindoleth provided with a little help from Bella. An entangle slows Braber down and the 6 shapeshifting warriors hold him long enough for Bella to administer a sleeping potion to subdue him. He is carefully bound in his bear form and carried back to Beor's House where Bella lives with her dad, Beor, Lord of the Beornings. Beor is pleased with the aid and offers Drindoleth a reward, a month's supply of Honey Cakes and Mead for travel.

Sir Thoroncir misses Gilraen but finds much to occupy his time. The Sea-knight captain will be sure to sample the wines of Dorwinion when he can; he enjoys walking around Lake-town, admiring the mighty peak of Erebor, visiting with the Dwarves, and exploring the area. He will ride out and hunt if the occasion arises; any of his companions are welcome to join him.

Thoroncir would also like to lay some token of respect on the tomb of Thorin II Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, King Under the Mountain, if that is acceptable to his successor.

On learning of the sword's lineage, Gil-Gandel stays up all night singing songs of lost Nargothrond and Finrod Felagund, and considers 9500 gold cheap (though he may have a little work to do raising the readies) to attune such a noble weapon to himself. If he must choose between that and the arrows, the sword definitely takes priority.

After months of preparation, the date of Deor's staff attempt arrives. Days of feverish preparations in his laboratory, the careful construction, enchantment, and placement of the enormous crucible, a shallow, long, and narrow iron trough made in a gentle curve to precisely align with the setting sun and the rising moon on the solstice, and the careful creation of the ingredients have all come to a head now. Deor stands in the wind in the long, late summer evening at the top of his hill, flanked by a pair of the best Dwarven craftsmen the King could hire, watching for the moment of moonrise over the hills in the East. All his ingredients are standing by in covered earthenware pots, plates, and jugs on a pair of long tables. Deor's staff, cut and nicked from long journeys and free of its worn leather grip, is in his hand, at the ready.

As the late solstice sun begins to cast long shadows, Deor spots the first curve of the moon coming above the horizon and sets to work. He steps quickly toward the rings of candles and incense burners that surround his carefully prepared workspace and lights each one with no match, but rather by pinching each wick between his fingers. Once the smoke begins drifting over the crucible, he grinds into the crucible the powdered herbs and flowers, crushes the seeds and leaves, and sifts in the precious spices of the south. He moves swiftly to add the liquid ingredients, first water from his family's well and milk from a mearas that recently foaled on his uncle's farm, then the crushed glowworm, the juice of exotic fruits from the south and a tiny measure of strong kahve. As Deor grinds and pours, he chants, over and over, in languages he learned in his apprenticeship and in his travels, in Quenya and in Sindarin, in the ancient Khuzdul of the Dwarves, and finishing each iteration of chants in the ancient Rohirric tongue. Deor moves swiftly on to the mineral components, including the iron and copper from the nearest Dwarven mines and the finest ground mithril that Harad has to offer, alongside pitch-black obsidian and perfect white crystal. Shavings of dense, heavy ebony from the south blend with powdered ivory from an oliphaunt, glowing in the light from pure phosphorus dissolving in the precious oils of Gondor's own coast. Even ice, carefully brought from the mountains under cover of darkness, melts slowly into the basin. Finally, he adds the precious jewels, pearls, and even his own Ruby of Fireballs to the mixture whole and spaced carefully along the crucible from west to east, with the Ruby taking the prime focus position at the top end of the staff, facing directly west and opposite his own Ring of Seven Stones, at the eastern foot end of the staff. Last of all, the personal items-- an eyelash, a measure of his own blood, even one of his own milk teeth, saved by his mother from years past. Six of Folca's long wingtip feathers, earth from his mother's garden, and horsehair from his uncle's prized stallions sink to the bottom of the mixture, more quickly than they would a in natural brew. Deor stirs the mixture with the glass and golden rods the Dwarves have provided, and watches as the mixture changes from cloudy and gray to water-clear to an opaque red.

As the sun touches the horizon, Deor's gaze snaps upward-- only a little time remains. As his hands begin to shake from concentration, he carefully wraps his staff in the finest paper the craftsmen in Minas Tirith have to offer, binds it with the finest copper and gold wires the Dwarven smiths can make, and gently lowers his staff into the mixture, which hisses and sputters as the wood resists the influence of the magic. Deor's knuckle's whiten as he continues his chant, the mixture sending up gouts of smoke and steam from its surface. His eyes roll back in his head, he signals to the Dwarves to pile on their tinder and prepare to truly meld the disparate components of the staff. As the Dwarves prepare, Deor continues his chant with renewed vigor, feeling the stirring of his power as it flows from his body and into the staff, and as the strength of the mallorn wood seeps into his hands he cries out. As the last rays of the sun flash over his face, the light on the hilltop seems to brighten rather than dim, and when the sun finally sets entirely behind the hills, Deor slumps to the ground, exhausted and spent. The pair of Dwarves glace at one another, and carefully place him on the slab of smooth granite prepared for the purpose.


Consciousness comes suddenly for Deor at midday; the Dwarves have, as directed, prepared their tinder, firewood, and coal at dawn and kindled a fire under the crucible from a crystal to avoid the least bit of sulphur contamination. The fire is blazing madly as Deor awakes, and the Dwarves, undaunted by the hellish heat, pile more and more of their purified coal and flagons of their oils onto the now enormous bed of coals. Though he is too exhausted to stand, Deor forces himself into his meditations, chanting aloud in those few phrases of Draconic still known to men to whip the flames into a frenzy. Before long the Dwarves can approach their furnace only from the windward side, and after another hour, they retreat to the edges of the circle, standing among the burned-out candles and incense dishes. Deor continues his chanting, and though his words are drowned out, he feels his voice growing ever stronger, the aches in his throat subsiding as the magic takes over. Deor's eyes are locked to the Eastern horizon, and as the edge of the moon kisses the skyline, Deor halts in mid-phrase. The flames under the crucible abruptly flicker and die, and the only sound is the hissing and cracking of the rapidly cooling iron crucible. He struggles to his feet, leaning on the nearby table for his balance. He walks to the table, stopping three times to catch his breath. Deor steps forward, peers through the smoky mist coming up from the iron vessel, and sees...

Did it work?

Wow, good stuff, Appleciders! Almost felt like I was there watching.

The alchemist training has aided Deor greatly in his work. His attention to detail is higher then normal even among wizards and his youthful stamina does him good service. The flames of the Dwarven Masters, supervised by no one less then Gimli son of Gloin combined with his alchemical agents to aid the flame result in a perfect heating of the delicate final step. In the end the special trough that held the staff melts away and the staff glows, impervious to the flames as hot as any in Imladris itself. A part of himself has imbued the staff. A great power it will soon pass back. He knows it is a great success and is eager to find out how great.

He will not be casting though until the next full moon, a harsh wait for one so young still. But he is quite safe in the Dwarven home until a small escort from the King brings him back to his tower. He spends the day studying the staff and talking fire and heat control with Gimli and 6 of the top smiths and smelters.

The following day he makes it back to his tower with his new staff.

Exact stats to follow by email by Monday but the biggest thing is the double the numbers of spells now.

July 28 of FA65

The party gathers back together by the end of July. Travels and various side missions accomplished. Is there any things of note that occurs in Minas Tirith?

Gilraen is overjoyed to see her love return safely and leaps into his arms in a decidedly unprincessly way. "I missed you Thoroncir but I have worked hard and I am free to travel again with you if you wish me to join you."


Deor was successful and fortunate in his staff making. It went very well indeed. Though his friends will notice a few changes, he seems to stand taller and his hair has taken on a reddish tint almost like the beginnings of flames ready to flare up. Deor’s staff of Mallorn appears gilded with gold and glints in a light but most striking is the prominent ruby atop it that appears to have living flames captured within its facets. Also noticeable is he speaks faster then he use to.

One note for Drindoleth in particular, Radagast the Brown, friend to birds and Yavanna's representative in Middle-Earth has left turning over the burden of aiding the wilds and the beasts to Bjorn and his fellow Druids. The message has gone out by bird to all the lands for those that know how to listen. Drindoleth is among the small inner circle of senior druids Radagast had personally asked to support Bjorn in the upcoming decades.

Surprisingly Thain Faramir Took and a goodly part of Mulligan’s extended family arrive just as the party all make it back. He did mention back before the Battle of Goblin Gate that he planned to take his family to Minas Tirith in about 2 years. It is just 78 Hobbits is a fairly large number.

Lorliana is back in Minas Tirith and wishes to see all of the party that is around and any friends willing to help them.

Thoroncir is taken aback for just a moment or two by the princess's very enthusiastic welcome. However, delighted, he quickly reciprocates, holding her close and repaying each of her kisses with two of his own. When he catches his breath he says, "Truly we have been apart far too long, my lady! I am glad to find you well, even more beautiful than when last I beheld you. I have much and more to tell you about Erebor, Lake-town and the other places I have been, and wish to hear all about how you have occupied yourself here, as well. And of course - need you ask? - I would have you by my side in all my further travels, now and forever, my love, sweet Gilraen...."

He will do his best to make the visiting hobbits feel welcome in Minas Tirith, as they made Gilraen and him feel welcome when the two were in the Shire last year. He will also be glad to meet with Lorliana to learn how he might be of further service.

Oh, good! Deor's glad that Lorliana's back from the North, and he'd love to see her. Maybe they could get a meal in the Elf Stone Inn, and maybe meet up with the rest of the party there too?

Ceol enjoyed his time back in Rohan, and was quietly amused (and perhaps a bit daunted) at being looked to as an instructor (he thinks of himself as still having far too much to learn, himself).

He congratulates his cousin Deor on the completion of his staff. "You seem to have been...invigorated...by the entire experience."

He delivers the new shield from Helm's Deep to Thoroncir. "It does appear to me that the Dwarven craftsmen outdid themselves on this commission, my friend." He will also have gladly conveyed any response from Gimli to the Prince's letter.

In his studies with Bombadil Gil-Gandel earlier learned of the Barrow-Wights' chant incanted over the Ring-bearer and his companions, which ran as follows:

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
and cold be sleep under stone;
never more to wake on stony bed,
never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead.
In the black wind the stars shall die,
and still on gold here let them lie,
till the dark lord lifts his hand
over dead sea and withered land.

So over his reforged sword Gil-Gandel sings on this wise:

Fire in hand and heart and bone
banish cold sleep under stone,
malisons dispelled and done
under cleansing light of the Moon and the Sun.
Summer breeze fans stars to light,
Blaze disperses the shades of night;
for the dark lord is slain and sped
and none shall fear more the powerless dead.

Rorimac very much enjoys his time at the Dale, seeing the battleground and paying his respects.

"Cousin Faramir, it's so good to see you again." Angelica curtsied dextrously as she had learnt over the last few weeks.

"Mulli...I mean Angelica. It's a pleasure to see you too." Faramir eyes widened at the unfamiliar sight of Mulligan in a pretty dress.

"I see you have bought the family as you said you would. Well you will be pleased to know that a few preparations have been made. I managed to ensure they had enough food in stock for at least a few weeks. I'm not sure their stores would have been able to cope without a little suggestion or two."

Faramir smiles at the thought of his family attempting to eat Minas Tirith out of house and home.

"Also, there is a feast to be had, with many family and friends here. Gilraen and Thoroncir, I'm sure, will be there. If we asked nicely Gil-Gandel could amaze us with his songs, and so many others. There is Deor with his new staff, Bitur and .....

"Ok, stop. Who are you and where is the real Mulligan?" asks Faramir

"I've been learning to be a lady, which is probably more a surprise to myself than anyone else. But it has been useful, and don't get used to it. Now about this feast, it will be tomorrow night and I expect everyone to be neat and tidy and above all enjoy themselves. If you will excuse me, I have some invitations to write."


~~~~~~

Later that Day, everyone receives a neatly penned invitation to a feast. It will be in honour of Prince Faramir & Princess Eowyn, who have arrived and will be attending not to mention the young Princess Gilraen and her Knight in shining armour. Although Meriadoc Brandybuck is unable to make it, as a resident of the city, Peregrin Took will be in attendence.

Elfstan has journeyed along and is happy to see the rest of the group he adventured with. He has recoved somewhat from his injuries, but is still not quite the same as he used to be.

One word of warning, if a young hobbit called Skyler asks you to look in the bag. Don't

Does the invitation explicitly list only Deor? Or can he invite Lorliana as well?

Captain Sir Thoroncir closely examines the new shield which Ceol brought back, and thanks him very warmly for his assistance. Does the shield meet with the Sea-knight's approval?

He looks forward to the feast - especially the chance to see Gilraen in some dazzling new gown.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Appleciders

Does the invitation explicitly list only Deor? Or can he invite Lorliana as well?

---

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.

The shield is excellent indeed. Not just a defensive piece but a weapon in its own right.

After the day of the ball there is to be a tourney. Archers, lancers, swordsmen, wall scaling, foot races, log hurling, hammer throwing are among the many events with small prizes attached.

Ceol's ears perk up on mention of the tourney. "Lancers and swordsmen? This could be entertaining."

Thoroncir, too, is intrigued; it has been several years since he last took part in a tourney. He begins practicing with his lance and new shield on the Citadel parade ground, hoping to do well and to make Gilraen proud. He asks Ceol, "Would you care to practice with me, my friend? I know that you would be a worthy adversary, and we would each provide a good challenge for the other."

"Aye, Thoroncir, I would be glad to practice with you. I admit, my practice has been more recent -- I drilled extensively with my Éored during my time back in Rohan, but a tourney is a different sort of combat. Let us make certain that we do not accidentally break each other's bones prior to the tourney." He grins.

The party is partially assembled on Pippin's wide front porch before the Ball begins. Many of the Hobbits they know are there and some other old acquaintance. Faramir and Éowyn along with old comrade Caramir their son come up to say high and introduce Elboron the elder Prince. After they leave to head for the Citadel, Ornan of Lossarnach (who the party knows from that day seemingly so long ago when they rescued Anthar's family from the orcs) remarks, "The blood of Morwen runs true in her granddaughter the White Lady, she ages like a high born of the Dúnedain, it is remarkable, I would guess she was no more then 50 if I did not know better."

Faramir Took replies, "Éowyn has indeed aged little compared to her beloved but departed brother, but so too has Uncle Merry. The pair that slayed the WitchKing appear to have been both blessed with longevity. Perhaps some gift from the King's healing or perhaps the Valar?"

One thing the party notices, is Pippin has become quite slow and falls into naps very quickly. His appetite is very sparse for a Hobbit, he eats less then a normal human in fact. He also has given up smoking and has become hard of hearing.

Thoroncir will make it a point to introduce himself to and speak to Pippin - loudly, if necessary! - and get to know him a little better. He is a quite estimable, indeed legendary, hobbit.

Pippin looking a little confused says, "You're very tall for a Dwarf, much taller then Gimli, is that Orcrist at your side? Wait, you're dead and furthermore you're clearly a man, you have no beard. What was that name again? I killed a troll in the final battle of the War you know. Haven't we met before? Wait you're THORON-cir, the young man that Gilraen likes, right? You're a friend of my niece I believe. Where is that Angela? Have you taken care of our good Pony? Old Bill the third is a good lad. You there, Thoroncir, do you think you're worthy of Gilraen? She is the King's daughter after all and Granddaughter of Elrond himself."

Gil-Gandel looks on fondly, remembering that this was the same Pippin who pledged his sword to Gondor's Steward as man-price for the sacrifice of Boromir, and sees in him still that which led the people of Minas Tirith to call him Ernil i Pheriannath, Prince of the Halflings. All this was an eye-blink ago as Elves see it, and now dear, deaf Peregrin Took is plainly not long for the World of Men. Yet who knows what awaits him in the world to come? - and moreover it may be that Pippin and his deeds and sayings are remembered when Gil-Gandel and all he wrought are long gone.