Haladain, "Not in any speedy fashion, he is not close to Bree. But we can leave messages at the King's Inns heading for the Last Bridge and for Fornost. But I thought the Lady and others indicated we need to move out tomorrow?"
Haladain, "Not in any speedy fashion, he is not close to Bree. But we can leave messages at the King's Inns heading for the Last Bridge and for Fornost. But I thought the Lady and others indicated we need to move out tomorrow?"
Thoroncir will write letters to Amlaith to that effect.
"Well Gil-Gandel won't be back until morning, but I wouldn't be surprised if he welcomes you along, Haladain. Ok, from the map, I suggest starting with Valandur's barrow, just to get an idea of what we are facing. It's the closest one marked, so if anything goes wrong, it will be the easiest to return from to Bree. It may or may not be that tomb, but any tomb opened to the light is worth it."
Rorimac ponders a little more. "Thinking about it, while its being opened by Mulligan and Bitur, I suggest some of the rest of us check the area close by and watch out for the crebain should they be around. In pairs."
He drains his mug and rolls up the map. "The night may be young, but I think I'll take my leave now, early to bed, early to rise and so on."
Mulligan asks Bitur, "Have you ever broken into a barrow before? This is going to be a new experience for me, I think."
"Although I've had many adventures in my day, barrow delving has not been one of them, so I'm just as much of a novice as you are. Though, I've spent enough time in other sorts of tombs, some where those resting haven't exactly been doing so at peace, that I can't see it being all that different."
August 24th, FA65.
The party sets out and meets up with Gil-Gandel on the road in the morning. They review the prior night and Haladain leads Rorimac and the rest towards Valandur's barrow.
Any changes in spells for the day for the spell casters?
Before then, Thoroncir will post his letters to Amlaith to wherever Haladain thinks the other ranger is most likely to find them - other inns or trustworthy townfolk elsewhere, perhaps? The Sea-knight also takes a moment to speak privately with Gil-Gandel, and says, "This ranger, Haladain, has rather imposed himself on the party, but I think he could be useful. If you would rather we not avail ourselves of his services, however, my friend, say the word, and I shall tell him."
Rorimac will ask if Deor can cast Infravision on the visor. It may not be useful against the undead, but will certainly be useful for identifying everything else on the Downs.
If nothing else disturbs the group, then at the mound it will be Bitur and Mulligan to try and open it, while the rest hang around and keep watch.
Ceol will stay near the entrance during the opening, looking for any particularly strong evil aura. For that matter, he will regularly do the same as we travel through the mounds, and ask his fellow paladins to do the same.
I will take Obscurement and Song Cycle off the second-level roster, and replace with Knock and Cure Light Wounds. The first of these is a special from my harp-strings and the second gets a 50% boost from the same.
*listens to Thoroncir*
No harm in a volunteer of good heart and able hands. Let him stay with us.
If we get to the mound, Mulligan will start by taking a look over the entrance for traps and methods for opening the door.
Thoroncir nods upon hearing the Elf-captain's decision.
He will stand at the ready, sword drawn and shield upon his arm, as his friends examine the barrow.
Should you find anything you mistrust, Mulligan, I can sing it open from several feet away.
Deor actually doesn't have Infravision.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
New, more Barrow-Downs appropriate spells:
First: Comprehend Languages, Dancing Lights, Spider Climb, Shield, Enlarge, Feather Fall, Message, Identify
Second: Detect Invisibility, Web, Invisibility, Levitate, Long Light, Wizard Lock
Third: Fly, Fireball, ID at Distance, Tongues, Suggestion, Detect Lies
Fourth: Mass Sleep, Wall of Fire, Shape Shift, Plant Growth
Fifth: Cloudkill, Wall of Force
Deor hopes that this less combat-focused spell set will help him deal with the confusing and difficult nature of the Barrow-Downs.
Bitur will aid Mulligan in looking for traps since his knowledge of stonemasonry and mechanics should provide some benefit.
Rorimac begins to consider the necessity of finding some scrolls for Deor with infravision on, unless anyone else has it?
It is not a bard spell so I can't help you there - it doesn't come even through my limited access to the illusionist portfolio.
The largish party reaches Valandur's barrow without incident. No evil is detected along the way, but as the party nears the barrow at around 1pm, the paladins clearly detect evil within the barrow itself and faint evil surrounding the mound. Arcirist of course glows with a steadily stronger green light as the near the barrow.
Gil-Gandel's Îdh Uireb does not begin glowing its sickly green though until the party is very near the mound. The tomb sits on the mound slightly less then 60' away on a fairly gentle rising mound.
The 3 paladins lead the way to the doors fanned out a bit to offer protection vs. evil to those that follow. Gilraen has her bauble shining and is chanting her Song of Estë.
Bitur and Mulligan study the door and with Heliox determines that the mound has spells on it and that the door is magically locked. Mulligan thinks she may be able to open the lock though. It does not appear to be trapped.
Deor's got a scroll of Knock if Mulligan can't break in physically.
Gil-Gandel has Knock ready to go anyway.
Sir Thoroncir is calm but alert. He takes care that Gilraen is either behind him, or that he can step quickly between her and any danger.
Mulligan determines it is a complicated set of locks including a puzzle lock. The puzzle lock she'll need a little help with, Gil-Gandel as a Bard and treasure finder may have the lore needed and between Gilraen, Thoroncir and Haladain she hopes they can solve the problem. Gilraen is stumped, she feels her father might know the key but she has never had time to study such lore. Thoroncir also is stumped but Haladain recalls a few simple rhymes that give Gil-Gandel the clue to solve the puzzle. He quickly moves the pieces into place and is rewards with several clicks. Mulligan makes short work of the remaining locks.
As they are solving the problem, Deor, Rorimac, Drindoleth and Wilfrid finds themselves yawning and rubbing their eyes to stay awake. Deep down something about this disturbs Rori though.
Who will open the door now that it is unlocked? Once the door is open, what is the plan? (as in which 2-3 will enter first).
If Thoroncir notices four of the party suddenly (and suspiciously) feeling fatigued, he'll point it out to Gilraen, adding, "I suspect some dark magic may be at work here, my lady."
He will be glad to be among the first through the door, if Gil-Gandel decides we should proceed.
Her work done, Mulligan is quite happy for a couple of strong people to open the door and look inside. Once we have opened it, though it may be better for her to take the lead if only because any passageways beyond may be trapped. Probably Ceol and Elfstan with everyone else standing well back.
"Careful, something feels wrong", yawns Rorimac, "I can't keep my eyes open, so tired." The ring on his finger starts to glow gently as he mutters unders his breath.
"Agreed, this seems much like the sleepiness which overcame Frodo and his companions in the Barrows. I will be glad to enter the barrow earlier, rather than later, and do what I can to break this spell."
I may have less to fear from these creatures than most. One of our holy Knights of Rohan should come, and the sturdy Bitur since he has the marvellous helm. But I hope that Gilraen will be close at hand.
Doubting that archery will be of much import, I have my two good swords in hand, especially the potent Îdh Uireb. Rest eternal may it grant them indeed!
"If the princess goes in," Thoroncir says, "then so shall I."
Bitur will readily volunteer to be one of the first to enter.
Deor will cast Long Light on Bitur's helm to provide a consistent and useful source of light throughout the barrow-exploring process.
Bitur enters bringing daylight where it has rarely been seen. He steps through the doorway and the after a 3' landing, steps descend down gently on a 1 to 2 ratio. He notices the stonework is well done of high Dunedain quality and the stone rails of the stairs would allow for the gentle sliding of bier to the actual tomb proper. He sees no signs of recent construction or danger. He does feel the temperature drop to freezing by the 3 step down. There are 12 steps in all to the next larger landing. Next in line is Ceol followed by Gil-Gandel, Gilraen and Thoroncir.
Even the veteran Bitur feels a dread and fear creeping over him with each step. Ceol feels a ancient evil is waiting for them. Gilraen is still chanting her Song of Estë.
His longsword Arcirist at the ready, Thoroncir looks alertly around. He will keep himself between Gilraen and any foe.
"This will come as no surprise, but I sense an evil presence, quite ancient."
Ceol draws his swords, and begins to chant a prayer to Eonwë (not casting a spell, just a simple prayer).
"I sense it too, my friend. Not explicitly evil as such, but a feeling of all-encompassing dread and fear. There's someone--or something--here that isn't particularly happy that we've come to visit, and it's taking no small effort for me to even descend these steps."
As the group descends the chill is terrible, everyone's breath is visible and the chill is biting. Gil-Gandel feels it the least buts knows it may soon be too much for the younger children of Eru.
Thoroncir tries to fight off the deeply chilling sense of ancient evil that presses in on him. He focuses on listening to his true love's Song of Estë, and takes heart from its pure melodic grace, reminding him of starlit beauty and the glad tidings of the Valar.
This cold though is physical. With each step forward out of the summer heat, the need for gloves and ear muffs becomes apparent. The temperature is descending very fast. By the time Bitur reaches the larger landing, the tip of his longish nose is freezing and his fingers are already feeling numb. Ceol who even in his Dwarven chain built up a small amount of sweat on this hot August day, finds a chills setting in, it is already as cold as it ever gets on the plains of Rohan.
Slim and small Gilraen finds her summer robes to be too light but pulls her Cloak of Lothlórien tight and is thankful for her Gloves of Healing. She says, "I wish my bauble put out heat along with light. I'm not use to northern winters and none of us are dressed for it."
Thoroncir wrapped in his Cloak of Seals is quite resistant to the cold and does not feel it like the others do. It helps to be a relative of the seals.
Gil-Gandel feels the cols but it is having no effect on him yet.
Bitur sees that the steps shallowly descend another 12' to another landing. He sees black ice forming fast on the steps below.
While Rorimac and the others wait above guarding the entrance, Mulligan call down to the others through the door to see if everything is alright and do they need a hand?
Ceol replies to Mulligan, "It becomes bitingly colder with each step we take. We may need warmer gear, or fire, or both."
Thoroncir sees his breath frosting before his eyes, and looks down to make sure of his footing on the icy steps. He will offer his arm to Gilraen if she needs it.
After hearing Ceol's reply, Mulligan turns to the back to the group above ground and lets everyone know. "Deor, its a bit cold underground, do you think you night have anything that might warm them up, like that small dragon statue of yours? I'll head down as well, I don't really feel the cold anymore."
Gil-Gandel could heat quite a lot of metal red-hot if we happen to be carrying any, but the effect would not last for long.
Unfortunately, the only magical item I have that does anything like that is the Minor Ring of Power, and we can't share that around very easily. I can loose a few blasts from my Wand of Fire, but I don't know how well that will work to really raise the ambient temperature. I could very easily build a fire with my tinderbox, if we prefer.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
"It's a barrow, not a hobbit hole. Lighting a fire down there, even using your brazier, may warm it up, but the smoke will be going nowhere", chips in Rorimac. "If it's that cold down there, I think you and Mulligan should head down with those Rings of Warmth and see if you can lend a hand. Anyone down there who is feeling the cold should probably come back up."
"If anyone else can do the same, now is as good a time as any to say." he says to everyone else in front of the barrow.
How are Wilfrid and Cwenhild doing? Are they showing any resistance to the cold?
Deor is ready to proceed, though he wonders how advisable it is to proceed with only himself and Mulligan. Is anyone else able to continue? Hint, hint.
Neither Cwenhild or Wilfrid are down there. Thoroncir & Gil-Gandel are fine and Gilraen mostly fine.
Bitur would be fine if he retreated and changed into winter gear. Ceol is feeling the effects the worst and should get out.
Drindoleth could probably change into a bear or tomorrow take the spell Control Temp to help the party a lot.
We are reluctant to be delayed a day, but the druid's magic is probably our best hope. Unfortunately I had no idea we should encounter such extreme cold.
Actually Gil-Gandel relizes that the humans just need a simple short retreat to put on layers of heavy clothes, partial face coverings and gloves should be enough. Both Wilfrid and Cwenhild are a little short of proper clothing but they could remain upstairs with Haladain. Rorimac has Elven Cloak & boots and enough travel clothes. Ceol could borrow from the other humans remaining upstairs. Drindoleth can of course be a bear and largely ignore the cold.
Bitur tries to flex his hands and finds his muscles slow to respond. As he speaks, he can barely feel his jaw moving.
"This won't work. Even if the cold doesn't kill us, it'll make it impossible to be any useful in combat. We need to change into cold weather gear or we might as well just give up the task now."
"I suggest that you withdraw from the barrow briefly, my friends, and don further layers against this supernatural cold," says Thoroncir. "Gil-Gandel, shall we remain here to hold this ground until they return?"
While the others come up, Mulligan passes some layers across to Rorimac and then heads down. Freyja lasts a few steps before heading back up to find a sunny spot. Hopefully, her ring of warmth will work in the depths.
Rorimac piles on a few more layers and then looks to head down afterwards.
When it comes to the black ice, a hammer and spikes may come in useful.
Ceol returns to the surface, and quickly dons warmer attire, then is ready to return to the barrow.
The party moves along, Bitur determines the thin nearly invisible ice is very slippery and advises all to take care. The party descends 30' into biting cold. Bitur guesses it is maybe -30. It should be in the 50 to 60 degree range. They reach the inner door and Ceol determines a great evil is on the other side. This door radiates magic, it is enspelled. It is 4' wide x 6' high and made of stone with 2 huge iron rails at the 3' and 5' height to pull it out and move it to the side.
Mulligan finds no non-magic traps but is sure that something dangerous is weaved into the magic of the door.
Thoroncir looks to see if the door shows any sign of having been opened recently. And does it look like this ice has been here all along, or has it been created for our "benefit"?
"I get the feeling this door is what is keeping the evil beyond it firmly trapped. Opening it is likely to result in us having to fight something really nasty, especially if there is a precise method for actually opening it. I suggest using magic at a far distance to do so. Oh and let's make sure the door at the top remains open if we do so."
Very good. We need a volunteer at the upper door - I suggest the burrahobbit ensure that the door cannot close itself - and then I will sing this one open. We had better stand to our most effective wight-banes while I prepare the opening song.
Bitur stand at the ready:
"Whenever you're ready, Gil-Gandel, so am I.
*To the rest of the group*
"Let's put whatever is on the other side of that door to permanent rest."
"By all means," says the Sea-knight captain, tightening his fist around the grip of his longsword. "I am ready."
Mulligan nods at Gil-Gandels suggestion." I'm not that much use against the undead, so I'll head up and make sure the door stays open as well as letting the others know. Don't forget we have two excellent undead fighters above ground, so don't be afraid to retreat and lure whatever is down here outside." She heads back up the steps to the outside.
Rorimac lights up the corrider with Belethil, ready for the door being opened. This is the kind of place that it will come in really useful. "If it goes badly for us, I'll cover our retreat."
Ceol nods to Gil-Gandel. "I am ready. May Eonwë and all the gods guide us and protect us."
Deor nods grimly, raises his wand, and prepares to attack if necessary.
Gil-Gandel strums a strange but euphonious chord on his harp to Knock the door open, then without waiting to see the results goes at once to his two swords.
A deep bass sound occurs with Gil-Gandel's song and a horrifying groan is heard from the other side. The door flies open and at the party with great force. Bitur deflects the heavy flying object with his war shield but is knocked over by it. Gil-Gandel successfully dances out of the way and pulls his swords out.
Thoroncir rolls backwards out of the way of the door knocking Deor down and Gilraen to the side.
Rorimac ducks under it and moves forward with Belethil glowing brightly. He sees a fearsome sight, this wight looks like a man ripped inside out. It has a glowing sword in one hand and a black shield emanating darkness and cold. A bloody crown sits on its torn up hideous head. Though Rori feels the fear wash over him with Belethil it has no effect.
Ceol feels a blast of pain and evil but overcomes the fear. The evil is very strong.
Bitur will stand up and advance to Rorimac's side while applying a dose of liquid light to his axe.
Deor doesn't know much about wights, but any being that emits such a cold power won't enjoy elemental flame. He rolls to his left, aims his wand, and cries "Agni Fastu!"
Staggered for a moment by this overwhelming evil, Ceol then draws himself straight, and advances, leading with his short sword (which is particularly consecrated to fight undead). "By Eonwë's power, I smite thee, o abomination!"
Looking for an opening as the warriors press forward, Gil-Gandel is ready to strike over the heads of Bitur and Rory if there is room, while his voice rings out in tones redolent of the ancient song of mighty Iarwain:
Fire burn thee, chill wight!
Wither in the daylight!
Fade away, winter-ice,
In bright dawn vernal!
Vala-power light thee,
Bright steel smite thee,
Lay down thine unlife,
Go to rest eternal!
With Khosal's Bane in one hand and a Dunedain blade in the other, Rorimac stands slightly forward of the others, a fixed grin on his face, Belethil blazing brightly from one hand, and remembering the last time he was in this position. He hopes it goes as well as it did before.
While the others are gathering themselves, he will intercept head on, knowing the others will be flanking him.
Thoroncir sees that Deor is all right, and glances at Gilraen. If she is well, he will stand and - shaken as he is by the sight of this ancient monstrosity - move up in support of Rorimac and Ceol.
From the door at the top, Mulligan can hear the sounds below. Making sure the door is remaining open, she turns to the others, "It's started."
Deor send a fan of flame at the wight and is rewarded with smoking and charring. The 5 warriors charge and assault the wight with blows from swords, glowing axes, shields, glowing swords and flaming swords. It is utter confusion and Rori strikes 4 times and Bitur chops off the wights sword arm with his axe and knocks the foe onto Ceol's Silver Sword who then knocks the wight to the ground as Thoroncir cleaves the bloody crown and Gil-Gandel shoves Îdh Uireb through the wights heart. As all of this is happening, Gilraen sends a piercing light at the wight's shield of darkness and it bursts asunder and the room immediately begins to warm up and get much brighter.
It took less than a minute and this wight is destroyed. Over the next few minutes the barrow warms up to about 53°F degrees. The wight never even successfully swung his sword.
Ceol goes to one knee, and bows his head in a prayer of thanksgiving, before standing, and regarding the group. "Well fought, my friends. We have rid the world of an ancient evil, and finally sent a tortured soul to his rest."
Thoroncir nods. "I agree. Let us search the barrow in its entirety and ensure that it is truly cleansed."
What do the wight's crown, weaponry and accoutrements now look like? Are they too imbued with evil to be removed?
"Is it safe down there yet?" comes a call from the door with just hint of a smile.
"It is," calls Gil-Gandel, "and you may wish to check the burial chamber for us."
Go to your eternal rest, spirit of Man, and may the One pardon your long defiance!
Mulligan lets the others know, and then comes down to examine the burial chamber, look out for traps and magic items and so on. "You might want to lay those items from that, outside in the sunshine and leave them for the moment."
Thoroncir will do so in a moment. Is Arcirist still glowing?
Arcirist is glowing very dimly, Gil-Gandel and others know the wight is not yet utterly destroyed. Gilraen speaks up, "I can perform a ceremony to protect this barrow and Mulligan is right about spreading the burial treasures outside in the sun. I wonder is any of these items belonged to the Witchking?"
Ceol will assist in removing the treasures to the sunshine, using his swords to carry the items without touching them.
Mulligan will be using Heliox to examine the burial chamber.
So the burial chamber is on a deep sea bed? :D
Thoroncir will assist Ceol. He has some empty sacks into which the artifacts can be nudged and then carried. "Please conduct your ceremony, my lady," he says to the Princess.
Deor will assist in looking around. We've made good progress, but the magics in this barrow haven't dissipated entirely yet.
Gilraen asks the Holy Knights, Bard and Druid to assist her if they will. She is going to perform a long spell and song that should put spirits to rest, sanctify and the chambers and mound and help break the curse. She believes it will take 40-60 minutes.
Mulligan finds everything in the chamber is magical but it varies from the light touch of an old spell to clearly magical items. He also locates some invisible magical runes on the main casket.
The magical items are as follows:
Chain Mail (Bitur indicates it is Dunedain craft and probably +4)
Shield (Bitur indicates it is Dunedain craft and probably +4)
Long Sword (runes indicate vs. orcs but it is not Elvish.)
Short Bow (Gil-Gandel guess it is at least +3 but of course it might do more)
15 arrows (all the same)
3 magic daggers (all the same)
Mithril Arrow (Looks very special)
In a chest which is eventually brought up and opened carefully with Mulligan handling the traps and locks but Drindoleth opening for fear of a fire trap:
2 +3 Dwarven made Short swords from the Blue Mts. Belegost
Book of spells for Rangers!
2 more chest contain a total of 800 gp in gems, jewelry and 225 gold coins of ancient mintage.
There are another 26 loose items that have the general evil spell on them, but are not otherwise magical.
The broken evil crown is the only innately evil item and even this seems to be just deeply enspelled. The Shield and Long Sword are strongly evil but it is already fading once outside.
Deor will cast Comprehend Languages to better interpret the magic runes on the casket and the runes on the long sword. However, if he suspects that the runes might be explosive, he'll take precautions, and maybe have Drindoleth open it.
Thoroncir will stand guard near Gilraen as she casts her spell and sings her song.
Deor would know that Comprehend Languages does not work on magic writing Gil-Gandel could read the runes on the sword. There is nothing more to learn this way.
While those underground carry out their ritual of cleansing, Mulligan will be ensuring that the items are well spread out in the sunlight, remembering that we should not really be taking any of these items anyway as they are burial goods.
Rorimac picks up the book of spells and starts looking through it to see if there is anything in it he understands. "I'm just looking", he says to Mulligan as she fixes him with a stern glare, "I'll put it back shortly."
Ceol will certainly help Gilraen with the ritual, and encourage his fellow Knights of Rohan to do the same. "Let us finish the task which we have set before ourselves."
Gilraen is sure the Ceremony was successful and thanks all for their help. Gil-Gandel feels the need to scatter these items far and Drindoleth calls and then summons birds to grab the smaller items and coins and carry them far off to the north and east and thus away from the downs completely. The items should also be scattered and for each party member to take one but never more then one is best at this point. Even the arrows should be scattered but the birds can carry the excess ones away. Even Tom thought it was fine for the Hobbits and himself to each take an item as Rorimac would well remember*.
It is clear nothing found could be the item of the Witchking that Kkósal seeks.
Gilraen says, "What appears to be left is dividing up the items and deciding where next and when to go."
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...arrowDowns.jpg
* Also recall what Lorlianna said, "Should the party be willing to take on the Barrow Downs I advise you seek help and remember this, the curse is great on the items under the wights guard. No one should take more than one item of the accumulated hoards and all the items should be scattered to try and break the dark spells. This is not a case of disrespecting the dead but clearing the land of evil ancient and deadly. One item at least should be most foul and this one must be destroyed."
Rorimac sits on the grass outside the barrow and unfurls the map for all to see.
"One down, six to go. West of here we have the Prince and King's Barrow. South West, the other four barrows or Tarcil, Avantar, Eldacar and the Lords of Arnor for us to check out. I'd suggest tackling the Prince's Barrow next and then, if we have time or are not chased from trhis area, the King's Barrow."
"That sounds like a good plan, Rorimac."
Ceol has a mild interest in the long sword found in the Barrow, if it is better than the one he currently wields, but given Lorlianna's warning, he's a bit leery of taking anything from the hoard.
The "very special" mithril arrow naturally attracts Gil-Gandel's attention.
Thoroncir agrees with Rorimac's suggested plan.
Rorimac recalls Merry having related the mound of Princes was just cleared. (This was an oversight on my part, I apologize)
As he recalls, Merry related the following:
On August 16th we arrived at the Prancing Pony at 3pm. Bokken told the tale of losing 3 companions on the Barrow Downs. Elder Ranger Haldir (of the grey company) stepped up and says it sounds like the Mound of the Princes. Merry's party left at 3:30am for the 20 mile journey. Lindar casts a Phantom Steed for Haldir to ride lead on. Lindar then casts Phantom Steed 3 times to bring the 3 Revived Companions of Bokken back to Bree. Bokken left with Sulring and 2 pairs of +6 Galvorn Chain. Haldir took +3 Helm with Eyes of the Eagles. Mithril Headband: Lindar (pg 19), Brin Mithril Cup of healing, Bjorn Amulet of Eagles Tongue, Merry Cloak Pin Speak with animals, Fely Boots of speed, Haldreng Boots of Movement, Nico +6 Galvorn Chain, Mírëgol Books of Elementals, Hlíf: Crystal Orb of Light.
August 17th they then escorted Hobbits in quick and back out in exchange for the 500 gold each to party. Party visited Tom and then most headed back for Bree. They then dispersed.
We need party members to take an item if they're going to and then scatter the rest.
Then the King's Barrow alone, although it may be worth checking the Prince's Barrow has remained cleared and possibly cleanse it if we have to.
Rorimac is interested in the Book of Spells, but Mulligan will pass.
Can Rorimac use Belethil to read the runes on the long sword?
Rorimac uses Belethil to interpret the runes on the long sword as "With this weapon, free Morgoth's foul orcs from their tortured time in the world."
If it wasn't so large Rorimac would have considered using the weapon
"If any of you would like to wield the long sword, I shall defer to you. Otherwise, I may take it along, as it would seem to have been created for a worthy purpose."
Would Thoroncir be well-suited for the weapon, or could he do more good against such foes with his enchanted Numenorean longsword Arcirist?
Bitur doesn't have much need for any of the items found, already possessing a +4 shield, so he is fine with however the rest of the party wants to divide the goods.
Without an identify, these items are too hard to determine, but Gil-Gandel knows enough that the old Dunedain Blade is not going to be as effective as one from Gondolin. It won't do double damage but is likely just makes it easier to hit and damage.
Rorimac realizes reading from the Ranger book with the help of Belethil again, that he will be able to learn a wide variety of spells that he has seen Mages and Druids use.
Deor will go ahead and Identify the longsword, since there seems to be so much interest. He'll leave the other items for later identification, depending on what else we can find in barrows today.
The Long Sword identifies as +2 but +5 vs Orcs with +10 damage.
"Shall we move on to Tarcil's Barrow?"
"Very well," says Thoroncir. "And I decline use of the longsword we found; I think Arcirist is better-suited for the work at hand."
"I agree that we should move to the next barrow."
I had suggested the King's Barrow next, with a brief look over the Prince's Barrow if necessary as it had been cleared. But if you want to go to Tarcil's barrow, it's that way.
Rorimac will take the book of Spells for rangers. Mulligan will pass.
Sensing a decision needs to be made and people feel uneasy taking from the resting place Gilraen speaks up, “As a descendant of Valandur, I will ask each of you to take an item from here to ensure the spell is broken. I will make this simple in this case and distribute them myself.” After a pause and a nod of encouragement from Haladain, Gilraen continues.
“Gil-Gandel please take this mithril arrow and may it fly true into whichever foe troubles you in the future.
Rorimac, I can think of none better to learn from this tomb of ancient knowledge on Ranger lore and hopefully Drindoleth & Deor can assist you with it.
Ceol please take the Long Sword and put it to good use. Perhaps someday the smiths of Rivendell can further enchant it for you.
Thoroncir, my love, please take the chain mail, it is well made and crafted and will protect you better than your current mail. It will not slow you down and will allow you to better protect others if you yourself are protected.
Drindoleth, there is little here for you, so please take this gold chain and medallion, gift to another or use it in trade someday far from Bree.
Deor, Mulligan & Bitur, they are not much but please each of you take a magic dagger. A good knife that will not break cannot be a bad thing to have. Perhaps they will prove better. They appear to be of excellent balance and make. ,
Cwenhild, please take this Dwarven Short sword of Belegost. I know you will use it well.
Wilfrid, it appears this shield should be an improvement on yours. Use it in good health.
Haladain, I hope you can put this bow to good use.
I will take the other Short Sword and gift it to someone else eventually.
Thoroncir, Ceol and Gil-Gandel, please just shoot the remaining 15 arrows as far from here as possible in 15 directions. This leaves only coins and minor items; Let us quickly scatter them around this hill and ride on.”
With only a little more time spent to complete this request, the party can head off. Haladain supports Rorimac, “Going to the King’s Barrow next is the best choice as then we can sweep south from it to hit the others. It is nearing 3pm and 12 miles by air to the King’s Barrow but 15 as we must ride. I believe we can be there just after 5pm and sunset should around 8pm. ”
Gilraen says, “If you are lucky enough to travel with Rangers, it is only wise to follow their travel suggestions. It think 3 hours should prove long enough for one more barrow.”
"Well I certainly hope I can learn something from this book", says Rorimac.
Mulligan starts pondering, "Very well Gilraen, if it will help to break the spell on these items, I will take a dagger. It is a fair blade, and will hopefully come in useful at some point."
Once the items have been distributed, Rorimac will lead the way as quickly as he can to the King's Barrow.
Gil-Gandel scatters his share of the disposable arrows far and wide with the alacrity that the company have come to expect, then mounts up and prepares for the off.
Bitur will take his dagger.
"I guess it won't hurt to have a well made dagger in case I ever find myself lacking an axe."
Thoroncir bows to his true love, the wise, gracious and passing fair Gilraen, and says, "If it is your wish, my lady, and if our companions have no objection, I shall do as you suggest and take the chainmail." He will don the mail upon emerging from the barrow, and will bundle and secure his old suit of mail upon his saddle.
The party makes better than expected time with the aid of some helpful birds via the Druid. It is at about 15 to 5pm the party arrives at the King's Barrow.
Thoroncir says with a smile, "Would our burrahobbits be so kind...?"
"Of course, I'll start looking at the entrance now, but you know, I've never seen anyone call Bitur a burrahobbit before", says Mulligan with a sly wink in the dwarf's direction.
Deor lift the dagger curiously, hefts it to feel the weight, and tucks it into a pocket inside his robe.
The King's Barrow: There is a barrier against Good formed by the circle of stones before the door can be reached. It keeps out Gilraen and the Paladins and affects everyone else but the Druid.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ingsBarrow.jpg
"By now Bitur is almost an honorary burrahobbit, is he not?" Thoroncir says in jest.
Huh. Deor will inspect the stones for runes, markings, and other possible magical focuses.
Mulligan will do the same as Deor. She will also see what happens if she puts her ring on, and if it has any effect other than summoning wraiths, seeing as it supposed to be an evil ring.
Gil-Gandel, suppressing a shudder at the palpable blasphemy of this place, inspects the stones for ancient writings, and also tries to call to mind any stories of similar places in history and legend.
The 3 study the stones and Bitur can point of the fresher marks and runes. The stones date from early in the third age and the marks vary from the same time to many from around 1600s which Haladain confirms as when the wights first arrived following the dreadful plague of 1636-37. Then there are some newer runes from maybe 60-70 years ago. It is these that the three interpret to be a Protection from Good enhancement.
Gilraen will attempt a Dispel Magic on it. She warns everyone to be ready to move if it works as the wight could put another spell up. Her spell fails.
Drinoleth offers to try. His Dispel Magic succeeds. Gilraen has a Detect Magic up and warns there is magic on the door itself.
Deor will continue to investigate the magic on the door; can he tell what the magic is or does?
Thoroncir, increasingly uneasy in this accursed place, stands near Gilraen, with his longsword Arcirist drawn and ready to protect her against any foe.
Ceol's face had shown his extreme discomfort, caused by the evil of the stones' spell. With Drindoleth's successful spell, his discomfort eases, but only a bit.
"We will need to be on our utmost guard as we enter. The evil here has undoubtedly festered."
Once again, I can sing that door open if you want. I'm also immune to poison and nearly incombustible, though there are many other magicks against which I am as vulnerable as the rest of us.
The door is of hard magical stone and has so many runes on it that it is reveal little to study. It does however radiate a strong evil and foul magic of the wraith world. Rorimac & Gil-Gandel both feel touching the door would be very dangerous. Deor realizes this door might need an identify at distance to get past it protections. Mulligan is sure she wants nothing to do with it. On thing Gil-Gandel picks up with his knowledge of legends is that this door will not be any more breakable then the walls of the Orthanc and bypassing will probably prove very tough. The feeling of old evil and power is much greater here then the prior barrow. Using Belethil, Rorimac makes out the oldest runes have been reworked with Black Speech.
Gilraen suggests, "If we get through the door in a timely fashion, we should take every precaution available in terms of helpful spells and protections. This may well be the barrow that Kkósal seeks."
"I thought this was just a practice run for the real thing, Gilraen," jokes Mulligan, "But that front door is giving me the creeps just being near it. This place is seething with Dark Magic and I doubt I could fool it with this ring as well. I'm going to have a look around the rest of the hill see if there are any other holes leading in. But before I check for any traps on that door, you are going to need to remove the magic surrounding it."
She stops and thinks for a moment.
"If this is the barrow that Kkósal is seeking, then he is not going to be fighting his way through lots of dark magic and protections and wraiths and such to retrieve whatever he is looking for. He is going to know how to get in. I feel like saying I should be saying the Black speech version of mellon to the door and see if it opens."
"If so, Princess, then this will prove to be a stern test of our resolve, indeed."
Ceol will take Wilfrid and Cwenhild to one side of the doors, and lead the three of them in a prayer to Eonwë, requesting strength of both body and will in the upcoming encounter.
"Would it be possible," Thoroncir says thoughtfully, "to seal it from without by use of white magic, both to confine its present evil within, and to bar passage inside to Kkósal and his dark ilk?"
"I wonder if that would be enough. Even if that prevented Kkosal from entering, it would not defeat him. Only by entering and ensuring that we find the relic of the Witchking can we know that we have actually dealt a blow to Kkosal."
Oh, and Deor didn't prepare ID at Distance today. Unless we want to take a couple hours for him to restudy, we'll need to find another way.
"Unfortunately, those would be the two hours we would need to get off the Barrow Downs before night fell. If we are going that route, we should find out as much as we can about the barrow here and now and return at first light."
Rorimac ponders the possibilities
"Mulligan does have a good point though. How would Kkosal get through the magic on this barrow, especially if it is that secure? Maybe just singing it open is not only the obvious way, but the correct way to do it. Once the door is open, we can see what further barriers may prevent us moving in to the barrow."
Gilraen will ask the 3 Paladin's to support in their prayers and Thoroncir to support her physically while she attempts to dispel magic on the strong evil on the door. If she succeeds, then Gil-Gandel should be able to sing the door open. She asks Mulligan to keep a check on the magic of the door as this is happening. Bitur, please be ready to spike/block the door well once it is open. She hands him her Short sword from the last barrow. At least we'll know if the strong spell is dispelled.
Moving this along as I know the players will be willing ...
Gilraen begins casting Dispel Magic, she is holding aloft the Light of Galadriel, her Golden Bauble in her right hand with the gift from her Uncle, Elrohir, the Ring that helps her Dispel Magic. In her left hand she holds Rod of Kanotir, but mainly for focus and luck. Missy is on shoulder for support and the 3 Holy Knights lend their own prayers and Thoroncir is holding Gilraen firmly to support her.
At first it seems the spell is not working and the skies seem to grow darker at least around the mound but then her Bauble blazes and some of the runes melt off the door. Gilraen is thrown back but Thoroncir is right there to catch and hold her. She is visibly pale and beads of sweat can be seen on her forehead despite the coolness inside the stone circle.
Mulligan confirms, the strongest magic is gone and the Paladins feel far less strong evil from the door.
Gil-Gandel Sings the door open, overpowering the magic of the wight. Bitur forces the door open and uses the spare magic short sword from Gilraen to spike it open.
Gilraen whispers, “Now prepare your magics to fight what waits below. I will sing some help that should last 18 minutes after I stop singing. ” She casts her Estë Prayer song, all get +1 Save and -1 to be hit and damage.
Drindoleth hands everyone 8 Goodberries. Each will heal a point of damage he reminds.
Who will lead the way once preparations are done?
"I'll go first", says Mulligan, "Mainly because I can see any magic down there and any invisible creatures that may happen to cross our path. I can also run faster than any of you. The rest of you form up behind."
As the party sorts itself out and gets ready, Mulligan spies ahead a little and sees that the passage is 8’ wide and descends in a circular spiral widening as it goes. Nothing of note is visible from the doorway.
Thoroncir is worried about Gilraen's condition, but knows that time is now of the essence. "I am right behind you, my dear Mulligan," he says, stepping forward.
Ceol nods, and steps up beside his friend Thoroncir. "As am I."
Bitur takes up position next to Ceol and Thoroncir.
"Me as well."
"And of course."
Looks like being a bit tight for effective archery though.
Any extra prep? Spells or potions? etc?
Ceol will imbibe his Potion of Superheroism (which I believe he still has) immediately before the party enters.
"Give her a bit of room, she'll be fine and she will find it before we do."
Rorimac unsheathes Kkosal's Bane and looks at it glinting in the light.
"Ok, Bitur, with me at the front. Thoroncir take the left, Ceol take the right. Cwenhild, Wilfred, back them up. Gil-Gandel, Deor, arrows and spells. Drindoleth, Gilraen keep us safe and whole. Ceol, Cwenhild, Wilfred, any further protections you may have, against the evil resident here, would be welcome. Haladain, if we get into trouble, get back to Bree and let my father know what happened here."
He suddenly realises everyone is looking down at him.
"Umm, if that's alright with everyone."
Mulligan looks back from the doorway, having heard this, and whispers quietly to herself and elven ears, "I think he'll do just fine as an officer." She marks a point of return with Heliox and then steps through the threshold looking for the invisible and the magical before carefully moving slowly down the corridor checking for traps.
Thoroncir jokes to break the tension, "Did the King appoint you to command this party while Gil-Gandel and I were distracted, O gallant Rorimac?"
"Not that we're complaining. As good a plan as I can think of, anyway."
Rorimac goes through couples of shades of scarlet.
"Gil-Gandel, Thoroncir, please accept my apologies."
"None are needed. We are at your disposal," says Gil-Gandel, tolerantly but with evident sincerity.
"Indeed. Your plan is a good one, Rorimac. If we are ready, let us proceed."
The party begins to descend the circling ramp that spirals to the left and grows larger as it goes down. It gets as wide as the stone circle above.
It takes 3 full circuits bringing you down 60’ before coming to the first door off the passage. The door is to the left leading into the center of the hill. The passage continues downward.
The door is very odd. In fact many see that it is but a phantom door of magic. There is a great fear for all though even contemplating trying to pass through this dark magic. Even Elven feel it.
Rorimac Bitur
Thoroncir Ceol who is effectively 10th with 24 extra HP (103) for 28 rounds
Cwenhild Wilfred
Gil-Gandel Deor arrows and spells
Drindoleth Gilraen
Mulligan will do a brief check of the door for magic and traps if she can stand it and let the others know what she can find.
Mulligan with her hardy Hobbit reserve of willpower overcomes her fear of the door and finds it is of magic and not physical. She cannot pick it and suspects a knock will not work. Though perhaps Gil-Gandel's song would have a better chance then Deor's spell.
Assuming Gil-Gandel will try, as he sings his song of opening he feels that while this won't work; a twist of the tune with some of what he learned from Tom Bombadil should dispel the magic of this door. He can choose to put the equivalent of 2 third level spells into it to do so and should have an excellent chance.
Gil-Gandel focusses all his power on the task in hand, aware that the Children of Iluvatar are frail vessels indeed to bear the might so artlessly wielded by Iarwain ben-Adar. He strums the Starharp into life and begins a song that at first seems to freeze his listeners almost to the marrow before rising triumphantly into a glad paean of supernatural majesty. Not all of the song is even intelligible to mortal ears, but those nearby seem to hear words on this wise:
Chill of the endless night, pride of the Barrow-Wight,
Hateful resentment for countless years nurséd;
Blackness of nether hells, venom of Morgul-spells,
Warding the proud dead in dread tomb accurséd:
Flee now, for days dawns, bright as the First of Morns
Blazing in radiance of Anor in splendour,
Ringing with Ainu-song chorussed through ages long,
Joyfully the praises of Eru to render!
The door seems to shudder, a piercing shriek is heard from the other side and the door melts away. This reveals a large octagon shaped chamber. On the far wall is an ornate throne glowing faintly green. Sitting on the throne is a Kingly looking Wight. He is holding a golden rod in his left hand and a wicked looking long curved knife in his right. The evil from him is palpable. It makes Deor feel physically sick to his stomach and Drinoleth knows this is a foulness the likes of which he has never felt. Gil-Gandel would suspect this may be the chief Wight of the Barrow Downs and surely he is quite powerful. He is but 40' away. All the swords that glow in the presence of undead are glowing strongly.
Deor will toss off a Fireball if he can before the wight closes with the party, and will try to hit it with a blast from his wand otherwise.
Ceol steels himself, and cries out, "By Eonwë and all the gods, we have come to send you to your eternal rest!"
He will wait a moment for the first rank to move through the doorway, before moving up and to the right, to stand beside Bitur. As he does, he chants a prayer to Eonwë.
Thoroncir, moved by Gil-Gandel's song, shakes off the evil of this place. He says just loudly enough for those he is addressing to hear, "Ceol, Cwenhild and Wilfred - shall we spread out, but attack as one?"
If the liquid light from earlier has run out, Bitur will add another dose to his axe.
Then shield at the ready, he will wait to strike the wight until it approaches melee range, not wanting to block any of the range attacks any earlier than necessary.
Mulligan hears the cry and moves further down the corridor lying in wait to make sure nothing can creep up on the group and the fight they are about to undertake.
Rorimac steps forward into the room and sets Belethil to blaze brightly. "Time to shine a light in the darkest areas and leave evil no place to hide."
Both swords are drawn and he faces off against the Wight King in front. He wonders if his father was feeling the same nerves when he encountered the Witch King on Pelennor Fields, before concentrating hard on the enemy in front.
Ceol gives Thoroncir a quick nod of agreement, as he continues to chant in prayer. He signals to Wilfrid to accompany him when he goes to the right flank, and sends Cwenhild with Thoroncir to the left flank.
Thoroncir, sword drawn and shield at the ready, steps forward, pacing his approach to the wight with that of the other three warriors.
Gil-Gandel also draws both swords, ready to see how the initial engagement seems to be going - if the Wight King is not quickly dispatched by the swordsmen quickly closing on him then he will cast Mirror Image and flame his swords before taking over from anyone who needs relief. Meanwhile he continues to repeat the words above in the Westron tongue to give heart to the fighters.
Flee now, for days dawns, bright as the First of Morns
Blazing in radiance of Anor in splendour,
Ringing with Ainu-song chorussed through ages long,
Joyfully the praises of Eru to render!
Deor’s Fireball blasts the room and sets off much steam but appeared to wrap around a small globe of magic without doing any harm to the wight.
Ceol and Wilfrid head to the right as Thoroncir and Cwenhild head left. Just a little behind them comes Bitur with his axe glowing again. Rorimac glowing moves straight ahead but is keeping low of course.
As the party moves in on him, he barks out a Word of Power and Gilraen goes down instantly.
Mulligan hears sounds from below but knows there is a little time at least. She signals Drindoleth who turns in a giant bear taking up the entire passage with liquid light applied to his claws. He is ready to guard the party.
If that wight can shrug off a Fireball, there may not be a lot else that Deor can do to stop it. He kneels and begin tending to Gilraen immediately.
Thoroncir's resolve flags as he sees his true love fall, and for an instant he considers turning to aid her before he realizes that the wight must be defeated at once, or they might all become its prey. Victory or death, he thinks. He steels his heart and moves forward. Raising his sword he cries, "Elendil!"
Ceol spares a moment's glance back towards the fallen princess, then presses forward, his swords raised. "For Eonwë! For Rohan!"
If the Wight-King can speak Words of Power then it is likely that even a Wall of Fire from Deor would have no effect on him (and would somewhat incommode our own fighters, although Gil-Gandel and Drindoleth could endure it for some time). Gil-Gandel looses off the mithril arrow found in the earlier Barrow, and after it enough of his best arrows to make up one full round's worth, over the head of Rorimac, then follows the brave hobbit, and continues to chant, in the full confidence that no magic he knows would even affect the dread lord.
Good news in that at least the arrows fly true. The Mithril Arrow strikes the wight through its chest and he wails in pain. It does 17.
Thoroncir fights off an urge to flee in fear as Kálthalion glows warmly at his side. As he reaches 10' from the wight, he feels a barrier of cold so fierce. It is -85° and cold enough for exposed skin to start freezing immediately. Thoroncir is fortunate in his Cloak of the Seals, heirloom of his family. He barely feels the cold though he is well aware of it. He strikes hard with Arcirist doing 36 points of damage. His shield does no damage though.
Cwenhild comes in slower with the bitter cold affecting her. She strikes with her swords but missing twice, this foe is tough. She starts shivering immediately. Wilfrid follows suit but manages to hit with his silver bastard sword. He does 17.
Ceol also feels the cold harshly and knows this battle better be quick or the unprotected will be in great trouble. He misses with his long sword but strikes true with his short. This is a blade enchanted against the living dead and he does 32.
Rorimac comes straight through wearing his Elven cloak he feels the cold less then the 3 paladins but more then Thoroncir. Belethil seems to offer some protection to that hand at least as it glows brightly. He strikes with 2 swords and both hit. This does 16.
Finally comes Bitur blazing in with glowing axe and fiery helm. He chops with his great axe and appears to chop through the wight splitting him asunder and shattering his brittle bones!
Deor is quickly reassured, he sees Gilraen is either stunned or in shock but still breathing.
Mulligan sees a dim sickly green glow coming up the stairs. Drinoleth growls out, "A little help when available. Deor your spells may work against these."
Gil-Gandel spins abruptly and turns to confront the new foe, bow at the ready but prepared to switch to swords if it looks like Drindoleth needs hand-to-hand assistance.
Thoroncir quickly ensures that the wight is bashed into oblivion, and then turns to see how Gilraen is doing.
Ceol joins Thoroncir in ensuring that the wight is truly felled, before turning his attention back to the stairs.
"May you finally rest in peace." Bitur says to the wight when he realizes he's dispatched it.
He then turns to face whatever is coming up the stairs.
Having seen the Wight felled, Rorimac heads outside to face the oncoming foe.
Mulligan is waiting further down to catch first glimpse of whatever is coming.
Drindoleth and Mulligan see a line of wights coming up the sloping passage 3 wide. They all have eerily glowing swords and a variety of ghostly looking equipment. The dread from these though is far less than the dread from the just dispatched Wight King.
Drindoleth takes up most of the passage but Rorimac and Mulligan could work from one side and Bitur the other for now. Gil-Gandel will probably need to try to take pot-shots with his bow again.
Thoroncir finds Gilraen looks pale but is breathing. She feels cold to his touch though.
Deor will leave Gilraen to Thoroncir's capable hands and move back to help confront the wights. A blast from his wand, followed by a quick retreat behind Drindoleth might be the best plan.
With the passage apparently well-plugged with combatants, Ceol will say a moment's prayer over the fallen King, then move to Gilraen's side. He sees the concern in Thoroncir's face.
"I am by no means the princess's equal in healing, my friend. Even so, I do have some small gift, through Eonwë's grace. Let me see if I can help her."
An Elven archer does not take "pot shots", but he does loose off as opportunity permits without risk to allies. :)
I also have some small skill as a healer; call me if I am needed.
Once the line of wights is within reasonable range to get most if not all of them, Bitur will release a blast from his borrowed helm.
"Yes, please, Ceol," says Thoroncir, his voice strained. "Do whatever you can, and may the Valar bless your efforts. If it would be best to remove her from here, I will do so, if my companions can do without my help against whatever foes remain in this hateful place."
Ceol sees that Gilraen should be alright after the effects wear off. But also sees that Thoroncir is correct that getting her out of the cold damp barrow and into the sunshine would be best.
Thoroncir can easily carry the petite Princess and the passage back up is smooth. It should help that there is a Ranger of the North waiting above and they are known for their herbal remedies. As he carries her up, he is again amazed with her delicate, elfin beauty.
So a front line forms of with 3 wights closing and 3 more only 6’ back.
Wilfrid ____
______ Deor Cwen Gil-Gandel
Bitur BEAR Rori Mull
Wight Wight Wight
__Wight Wight Wight
_____Wight Wight Wight
Bitur's blast of light from Rilthol does 21 to the first 6 barrow wights. Drindoleth shreds the center wight with his glowing claws and then rakes the next one. Both dissipate from the ferocious attack.
Rorimac's blade both rend the nearest wight. He clearly injures it but it is ready to strike when a +3 arrow goes through it, causing it to lose cohesion.
Bitur blocks the blow from the nearest wight with his shield and his massive axe glowing with liquid light, the gift of Linwen, chops his foe apart. The wight shudders before coming apart and its sword makes a particularly loud clang on the floor.
Deor never saw an opening for his wand.
Wilfrid ____
______ Deor Cwen Gil-Gandel
Bitur BEAR Rori Mull
Wight Wight Wight
__Wight Wight Wight
_____Wight Wight Wight
With Gilraen now safe, and the doorway well-clogged with our combatants, Ceol takes out his bow, and looks for an opportunity to take a shot. (As he is *not* a skilled Elven archer, these could, indeed, be called "pot shots".)
Seeing that his stalwart companions have the situation well in hand, Thoroncir carries his beloved up and out of the barrow and into the sunlight.
It is well that the path is smooth, for he might otherwise misstep and stumble. He finds that he can only with difficulty look away from Gilraen, in his arms and so tantalizingly close - her ripe lips, her dark silken hair, the gentle curve of her hips, the swell of her breasts, the grace of her limbs. Her beauty thrills and intoxicates him, but her silence now reminds him how much his attraction to her stems not just from her beauty but from her strong will, lively intellect and well-chosen speech.
He loves the fair princess now more than ever before, and yet not as much as he knows he will tomorrow. It is for her that he strives always for chivalric honor; it is in her that all his future hopes and dreams have their focus. What would I have done if she had died? he wonders, agonized. How could I bear her loss, if it should ever come to that? He forces such thoughts from his mind, knowing that no good can come of them, and carefully lays her on the grass, ready for Haladain the Ranger's ministrations.
Mulligan will just keep backing up Rorimac who will be keeping his side of the corridor blocked.
Once the Sea-knight captain is assured that Gilraen is being well cared-for, he will reenter the barrow and rejoin his companions in facing and destroying the wights.
Glad to hear the lovesick loon returning to the fray, Gil-Gandel continues to provide both missile and moral support to the fighters.
Deor dashes up the stairs, wand at the ready, prepared to cast a jet of flames or a Fireball if he sees a good opening for either.
Deor tosses a Fireball behind the back visible row and destroys the bodily form of 7 of the wights.
The remaining 2 wights are very swiftly dispatched. No one is even sure who struck the killing blows in the front. The swords that glow in the presence of undead all go dim but are still glowing faintly.
"I'll start checking further down and see if there is anything else we need to be aware of" says Mulligan. "Someone might want to check out that main throne room and see if what we are looking for is in there."
"Good idea, Mulligan." Suspecting that the item we seek will have an evil aura, Ceol will attempt to locate it using his ability to Detect Evil.
The main barrow or throne room contains much that detects as evil including 2 of the 4 chests and objects scattered about the room. However, still grasped in his cold dead hand is a Golden Rod of pure evil. Stronger by far and ancient in appearance.
Mulligan quietly descends and the ramp continues to circle down. The are 4 small chambers that are as old as the rest of the barrow and empty of wights and then it descends into more recent diggings. Bitur following behind suspects they were dug by magic and not craft. 9 more chambers are in this lower section bring to 13 total the lower chambers. Each appear to have a variety of items within. The passage itself just ends smoothly 10' beyond the final chambers' doorway.
Gil-Gandel entering into the main chamber notes the Wight King wore exceptional Mithril Chain mail, probably +5 quality. A helm of mithril which is of ancient Númenórean make and probably +3 quality. He has finely wrought silver bracers on his arms and apparently Dwarven made. The Gold Rod is unknown to Gil-Gandel's lore but his knife appears to be crafted of Angmar and notoriously sharp and deadly with the ability to poison its victims. Probably +5 quality.
Mulligan will quickly check each room for traps and magic to make sure they are safe. Each of the rooms will need to items removed and dissipated into the light outside. After that it will be head back and let the others know what has been found. It may just be a case of grab what we need and run, given the time though.
"Let's get these evil relics up into the sunlight before there's no sunlight left in the day."
Agreed. When you have a Wizard with you, it is well to listen to him.
Ceol and Thoroncir will work with Cwenhild and Wilfrid in bringing the items up out of the barrow, and into the sunlight. Ceol will volunteer to bear the wight king's golden rod out, taking great care in how he carries it, and chanting prayers as he does.
How does Ceol handle the rod? It is very evil feeling.
Unless Gil-Gandel or Deor have any more-informed suggestions, Ceol will use his sword to slide the rod into a sack or other container, then carry the container out using the sword (along with his short sword, if a second "hand" is needed). He will keep his gauntlets on the entire time, being certain to not let the rod touch his skin.
Sounds careful enough. We'll want to spread the sack and your sword out in the sun too, although I'm sure any transferred contamination would be slight.
"I've got a better idea", says Rorimac. "I'll loop a small piece of rope around the rod and around your sword. The loops will tighten when you lift your sword up. Then you can carry it out dangling in front of you like a very disturbing carrot, or perhaps an unusual fishing lure for wraiths."
"The most important thing is that no one touch it with bare skin. The next most important is that we get it out in the sun quickly. Everything else is of only minor importance."
Despite the seriousness of the moment, and the situation, Ceol cannot help but laugh as Rorimac describes his solution. "So very well put, Master Brandybuck. If you are willing to rig the rope, I shall take it from there."
He nods to Deor. "Very sound advice, cousin, on both counts. Let us do this immediately."
The Rod is carefully removed and chamber by chamber the barrow is emptied into the sunlight. It is closing in on 7pm now though. (August 24th, FA65) sunset is less then an hour away. Gilraen has recovered at this point.
The treasure is vast.
Main chamber had 4 large chests. The 4th weighs nearly 150 pounds.
1) The Queen's chamber has Woven Númenórean gold belt: Set with gems worth 500 gp; Jeweled comb; Elven Cloak; Elven Boots; Ring Bright with diamonds.
2) The Chamber of the younger Princess:
Emerald Pendant; Jeweled comb; Elven Cloak; Elven Boots
3) The King’s Champion: Chain Mail, Helm, War Shield (Dwarven); Long Sword
4) The Queen’s Ladies: 3 were laid here. Needle of stitching; Medallion; Ring
5) Knife & 139 silver coins
6) shield & 139 silver coins
7) Long Sword & Short & 139 silver coins
8) Mace & 139 silver coins
9) Shield & Knife & 139 silver coins
10) Large Backpack no encumbrance & resists magic & 139 silver coins
11) Gauntlets & 139 silver coins
12) Scabbard & 139 silver coins
13) Boot & 139 silver coins
Thoroncir is delighted to see Gilraen recovered. He says of the treasure, "This looks like too much to carry away now, especially while the taint of ancient and deeply-settled evil still lingers. Shall we set up camp here and keep watch over the trove tonight, or leave it, establish camp a safe distance away, and return on the morrow?"
He also wonders about the oddly-recurring number of coins. "Tell me, Deor, does the number 139 have some magical or historical significance?"