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

Theogrim will take about a 10-foot start, lower his shoulder and let the door have a good clout.

I sincerely hope that there is not a pit behind the door when Theogrim crashes through it.

The door is in the floor though, it would pull up.


As to the rubble of the figures, they won't melt in the fire, the Dwarves are sure of this but the Druid is willing to blast them with lightning as soon as the skies accommodate.

DATE: April 3rd still

That seems excessive- they seem well and truly broken. Let's leave them for now.

Read for comprehension, Theo.

Theogrim will tie a rope around his waist just in case the door completely gives way, offer the other end to the nearest non-hobbit, and give a good hop-and-stomp onto the door.

"We could always try to pry it up with my crowbar. Or barring that, just smash it with my 'dwarven lockpick'", Bitur says.

I shall stay and tend the fires. Good fortune to those who enter the cave.

"I agree with Bitur. Let us see if the door can be pried open, before you risk bursting your way through, Theogrim."

Ceol gives Prestolwen a nod. "May Eonwë watch over you, milady. And, keep an ear open, in case you are needed once we enter."

Theogrim finds the door resists his weight which many recognize might be for the best.

Bitur goes to work on the door with the crowbar but finds the wood gives rather than the door. He and Gwaelur then set to chopping it with their axes and Drindoleth casts a warp wood to help the job along. The door is being destroyed relentlessly but it was thick enough to hold out for a good 5 minutes.

There are stone stairs leading down into the dark and dank. They are steep and spiral down. They look to be in good shape.

Mulligan smiles, "I wasn't expecting my advice to be taken so literally about the statues."

"Hmm, dark stairs leading into the darkness, probably with something fearsome at the end. I guess I had better take a look."

As the stairs spiral and it is already dark in the tower, Mulligan would not be able to see shortly. What will she do for light or who will follow.

Gilraen, "I am soft-footed and quiet and of course can bring lasting peace for lesser undead. I will follow and light the way if you like."

Undead blades were glowing already and still are.

"I am, by no means, stealthy, but I would go in, behind those who can be stealthy, to help deal with any threats you might find."

"Ok, I'll lead. I suggest Rorimac and Gilraen come next followed by Ceol and Thoroncir. Undead killers at the front." says Mulligan, "so lets see what we can find."

Thoroncir is very uneasy to see Gilraen so close to the front, but since the princess volunteered, he reluctantly agrees to Mulligan's plan. He will strive to be especially alert, and will step between her and any foe as quickly as possible.

Wherever Theogrim stands, it will not be on a direct line between Thoroncir and Gilraen. There's enough danger here without the added risk of getting run over. :)

Deor will stay put up here. He's got a Long Light ready to go if someone wants it after we're done being sneaky.

Give me a call if it looks like there might be room for archery - otherwise, though I can bear a hand against undead in melee, you have the specialists down there already.

The stone stairs lead down into the dark and dank. They are steep and spiral down 25’ before coming to the lower chamber. This chamber stinks mightily of corruption. It contains a gaunt horror on the wall opposite the stairs, it moans and rattles chains as it charges at Mulligan. Gilraen commands it "Begone foul beast and trouble this world no more". As it collapses it becomes apparent that it was chained to wall.

The wall behind it flies open and 4 nightmarish creatures with red glowing eyes come pouring out to attack. Somehow steel spikes have been driven into the creatures so they has fierce claws for hands and feet, spikes on their elbows and knees and a gruesome spiked horn coming out of the skulls. Gilraen has already gone this round.

Theogrim will step past Gilraen and anyone else in the front row, sword in hand, and ready an attack against the first creature who approaches or tries to pass him.

Assuming Ithilneth has finished the business with the figures and is somewhere inside, she will move forward for either a bowshot, or if the melee prevents that, to draw her sword and engage.

As the spiked creatures advance, Ceol will move forward, raising his holy sword above his head. "In Eonwë's name, I command thee to begone!"

Bitur will try to get downstairs to aid the melee if at all possible.

Sir Thoroncir steps forward and raises his longsword Cirist, determined to defend his true love and his companions from these hellishly spiked creatures.

Deor will hold his fire for the time being and watch behind, below, and above us for any nasty surprises.

Its times like this Mulligan always wonders why she goes first. The blessed skull stone that was going to be used on the chained horror is launched at the nearest creature instead and then she moves off to one side as they charge to allow the others down. If she can distract one of them and keep dodging so much the better.

Rorimac moves forward into Mulligan's place, both swords ready to meet the oncoming nightmares. Then he will engage and flank to allow the others to assist as well.

Mulligan launches her blessed stone at the nearest horror and hits for 14 points. This is the one Ceol will meet. She follows through by dodging to the side out of the way of the large fighters.

Ceol and Thoroncir go to each side of Gilraen followed by Theogrim and Bitur next. Each warrior takes on one of the four horrors but the horrors are faster than any of them.
Rorimac, Gwaelur and Sala are the next 3 down. Redward get to the floor of the chamber and readies an arrow for his bow.
From the stairs, Ithilneth looks for shots and finds it easiest to support Bitur as the horror towers over him. The monstrosities stand nearly 7’ tall. The melee of course makes firing tougher and the good Dwarf acts as a shield of course for the spiked horror.
Gil-Gandel takes a position next to Ithilneth and joins her is firing over Bitur and wherever else it is safe.
Deor and Drindoleth stand behind the archers spread out so Drindoleth can keep Prestolwen advised of what is happening.
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Theogrim is struck 3 times for 40 points of damage but strikes back for 17. Gwaelur aids Theogrim and tells him to take the flank so the elves can fire over my head. He then shout “Light on 3 … 1,2,3” and a brilliant flash of light goes off from his helm Rilthol doing 23 damage to all 4 undead. This is followed by his Axe and War shield both hitting for 27 more. As it spikes glance off Gwaelur tough armor, Gil-Gandel sends a +3 arrow at it and does 14 more. The horror drops.

The Horror does pause for a moment at the command of Ceol and he strikes fast with his Silver Long Sword the symbol of Eönwë for 18 points. The Horror hits and rips with claws and spikes 4 times before Rorimac can help. Ceol takes 52 points of damage already. He is staggered and nearly dropped. Rorimac attacks fiercely and hits with his Dúnedain Sword for 10. Ceol drives into the creature and is faster than it with his light blades. He shouts for Ceol to fall back and duck and then Ceol sidesteps the monster take the flank opposite Rorimac. Ceol’s rapier strikes once for 7 but is followed by the blast of light from Gwaelur and two arrows from the Elves. Prestolwen misses but Gil-Gandel hits for 15. It claws Sala twice doing 25 points of damage and Ceol comes up stabbing the monster through stomach to finish it off.

Thoroncir is hit twice before he can swing, he takes 26 points of damage but drives the glowing Cirist through the Horror for 32. Sword of Undead slaying are very good to have. He then is hit again for 12, a total of 38. Redward hits with a +2 arrow for 10. The horror strikes Thoroncir again bring him to 51 total. Thoroncir answers back with Cirist again immediately after the flash from Gwaelur and slays the horror.

Bitur blocks the strikes from the spiked horror with his war shield and his tough Dwarven Plate stops the kicks and knees. He answers back with a chop from his axe and a mighty blow of his shield that breaks a spike off for 31 total. Ithilneth’s first arrow hits for 7 and her second misses but Gil-Gandel’s first hits for 13 right before Gwaelur’s flash which drops the horror, actually the first to drop.

The cuts and slashes on all the wounded are bleeding badly except for Thoroncir. His scabbard Kálthalion is protecting him again.

There are no more monsters coming and the swords quickly dim showing no undead nearby.

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Gilraen rushes to Ceol and casts her Cure Serious healing him 30 and stopping all the bleeding. He is still down 22 points of damage. She calls for Deor and Prestolwen, “Please use your clean cantrips on the wounded.”

Drindoleth goes to Theogrim and hands him 8 Goodberries and does a Cure light wounds for 4. He is still down 28 points of damage.

Sala is given 8 Goodberries and is down 17 points of damage.

Redward uses a Cure light wounds on Thoroncir for 6. He is also given 8 Goodberries He is still down 37 points of damage.

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Deor will do as Gilraen suggests.

Looking around at the carnage in the underground chamber, taken aback by the ferocity of the fight, Thoroncir is nevertheless reminded of the old linnod:

"Wounds earned in fighting evil
yield great honour to the brave."

As it is by now early afternoon, and four are still seriously injured, should the party withdraw to its camp until dawn for more extensive healing? Or shall we press on?

With such severe injuries, we should pull back. This close to the enemy, we cannot take an uninterrupted night's rest for granted, and so should not look for more trouble in case we suffer still worse hurts and are attacked in our turn before we can heal them. Let desperate measures await desperate need; for now, prevention is better than cure.

Ceol grits his teeth as Gilraen heals the worst of his wounds. "Thank you, milady. Those creatures were far faster than I thought possible. Truly, the gods have blessed us, that none of us fell."

He considers Gil-Gandel's words. "I think this to be a wise counsel. We have several who are still quite injured, and another attack such as that one is something I do not wish to experience in our present condition."

Having seen that the injured are being looked after, Mulligan has wandered across to the wall the horrors came out of and is looking carefully through to see what lies beyond.

Rorimac goes across to the creature that was chained to the wall to make sure it is definitely dead.

The party begins to pull back, taking long enough to recover arrows and for Gilraen to cast her Cure lights of Estë on the 4 injured.

Sala is healed 14 and under the ministrations of Prestolwen and Drindoleth will be full.
Ceol is healed 18 and under the ministrations of Prestolwen and Drindoleth will be full.
Theogrim is healed 12 and 10 and another 6 by the herbal healers. He is full.

Gilraen uses a Cure Serious of Thoroncir for 34 and uses her natural healing to bring him to full.
She also uses the Rod of Kanotir to cast the Extended Light spell on Gwaelur's helm to recharge it. His helm surely saved some lives.

Mulligan finds the tunnel leads off to a small chamber of filth and another passage beyond leading away.

Rorimac finds the creature that was chained is dead. The dim light of Thoroncir's sword confirms this and the new Undead Slayer is not even glowing. It was determined that Thoroncir's sword Cirist had a range of about 600'.

This takes about 15 minutes in all.



Where does the party pull back to or do they wish to continue instead with the healing? Gilraen has used 2 of her 3 fourth level spells and 4 of her 5 firsts. Gilraen can still cast 3 more cure lights and could muster 3 more cure serious wound spells. Ceol has a little healing, Redward and Drindoleth have cure lights and of course the party boast three healers types and a ranger.

While everyone is healing up Mulligan is going to have a look around, possibly a bit further down the tunnel, just to make sure there are no further surprises coming this way.

Maybe a 100' or so, you know how it is. Honest.

Everyone has moved out of the area anyway, so might as just have a peek for the mo.

Anyone else interested in having a look?

Mulligan will of course need some sort of light source for the dark tunnel. There is no light.

Let's do this the old fashioned way, would do a lantern do?

I can pass on a Light spell as several spells have been used already and its not an emergency.

It would but it has the disadvantage of lighting you the sneak up. Gilraen can provide you will a light spell from her Rod but same issue.


Sala, "I'm willing to come with you, I assume we should expect nothing worse than spiders, bugs, rats or snakes? I would prefer the magic spell to carrying the lantern though. More light and my hands will be free."

"Thank you Sala, but I'm not expecting anything left alive down here. That door had not been moved for a long time and as the swords are no longer glowing, I don't expect any undead either." replies Mulligan.

"This is purely to satisfy a little personal curiousity. I don't think sneaking is going to be necessary. "

I will join you, Mulligan, now that our company is on the mend. Prestolwen checks her arrows and dagger and is ready to accompany the hobbit.

Since everyone is totally healed more quickly and easily than I thought could be done, Sir Thoroncir will be glad to join you, too.

Deor will cheerfully stay back and investigate the room we're in with the rest of the party.

As the healing is being completed, Ceol kneels, giving a prayer of thanksgiving to Eonwë for the party's triumph, without losses.

He then stands, and stretches. "Mulligan, Prestolwen...be cautious. While there is no nearby threat of undead, there could be any manner of other threats."

That there could. However, if everyone is well for now, and we still have healing in reserve, I am all in favour of cautiously pressing on.

Go not to the Elves for advice, for they will say both No and Yes :)

Bitur will accompany mulligan and keep an eye out for any loose stonework or other potential dangers.

Somehow this has lost the feel of a quick jaunt down the passageway into something moer serious, but you are all most welcome to join me.

Thoroncir, I know you are itching to come, but you have just been injured quite seriously and I'm sure Gilaen would like to give those wounds one last looking over to make sure you are fine. If anything gets too dangerous, we will run back here and you can prove your honour and worth all over again.

Prestolwen, Bitur, Sala shall we head off, just a quick look mind, otherwise our warriors will get tetchy.

Don't worry, if we find something of interest, we will let you know.

The passage leads in a slightly windy way in the direction of the ruined stone building but does not reach it. No secret passages are found. Bitur reports the passage is old, older than the tower itself but still in excellent shape. Those in the basement find no other secrets or items. This is with Gwaelur, Rorimac and both Elves checking.

After cautiously investigating the ruined stone building it is found roofless and unused. It is empty of items and creatures.

The time is only around 1:00 pm at this point.


Does the party begin to investigate the town itself or make a safe camp?

"I think taking advantage of daylight to do some exploration of the town would be a good idea, my friends."

Seems like its the only place left to look.

Well it is still only mid morning, so we can have a quick look round and see what condition it is in.

Shall we start at the front gate then?

Ok, so investigating the main town.

To begin with, I would suggest the usual marching order. Lets cover the main gates, broken though they may be, and see how easy it is to get in and out of the city.

Get the scouts to check the gate towers while the area is held by the heavy hitters. Make sure we can get in and out without being obstructed as something of importance.

The town itself, check a few of the houses between scout and fighter to see what is around. Detect Magic's to locate anything of interest and Sala and Gil-gandel to translate any writings of interest. Cirist and Khosal's Bane around for the undead.

I'm not looking forward to finding out why the front part is called the place of sacrifice, but its probably going to be obvious.

Do as much as we can until mid afternoon and then head back to the camp to rest. I would much prefer to leave in daylight.

What say you all.

"I agree, cousin. We still have some healing resources left in case we get into another battle, and we still have many hours of daylight left. Let us begin to explore the town."

"Agreed. The usual marching order, and let's be done well before sunset."