No spells- he'd start IDing, but he'll have more time later, and we may have need of what little I have left if we're bothered tonight.
No spells- he'd start IDing, but he'll have more time later, and we may have need of what little I have left if we're bothered tonight.
Ceol will spend the evening in prayer and meditation, thanking Eonwë for the party's success, before retiring (or taking watch, if he's on first watch).
The same watchbill as last time, except for standing down Gilraen. A spoonful of miruvor to all hands, I've been toting it around for months (not that miruvor will take any harm from that) and some soothing harp-music to help settle those getting the first sleep.
Stars shine upon our rest
And aid our sleeping;
The Lords of the mighty West
Their watch are keeping;
The Moon beams in splendour bright
Eternal shining
And quiet is the night
For souls repining.
Here in the greeny bower
'Neath starlight gleaming
Rest for a little hour
In gladsome dreaming.
Slumber in blessed peace
Who wounds have taken;
Let wars and striving cease:
In joy awaken!
Your care and toil is done;
No more of sorrow.
A brighter day is won
And glad tomorrow
- glad tomorrow!
Then to your well-earned sleep
And night's reposing;
May dreams be glad and deep -
The day is closing.
Ceol smiles, and nods to Gil-Gandel. "Thank you, my friend...a beautiful song, to set both body and mind at ease."
Thoroncir appreciates, as always, Gil-Gandel's remarkable lyric talents, and thanks him for sharing his song with us all. The knight-errant will do his best to be alert during his watch, and will otherwise sleep not far from Gilraen, ready to come to her aid if the need arises due to a foe's attack during the night.
Earlier, he will speak with his warhorse Baygir and the other horses as to what happened while we were away. Any problems? Anything occur of interest? Did they have enough to eat while foraging? He will give Baygir a good brushing and currying.
For those who would like to hear the tune in Gil-Gandel's head, it is here :)
Both hobbits are weary and looking forward to a good sleep, the exertions of the last few days appearing to be almost over.
If it is not a cold camp then Mulligan will prepare something hot and tasty. She has a feeling that not just Gilraen, but probably most of the party, could do with it.
Something I missed before as we are rolling back for Baygir:
Freyja was quite happy to see Mulligan. She has secured a small treat for her Hobbit friend, a young hare.
Baygir reports that all was quite outside of a few bats seen surprisingly out during the day.
Gilraen at least is lulled to sleep before the second stanza was complete. She had already eaten a Goodberry and accepted her second sip of miruvor at the camp. The fragrant clear liquid did much to give the rest of the party renewed strength and vitality. The horrors of the past few days dulled considerably.
During the song, Gil-Gandel is somewhat surprised as Dulindar, Ithilneth's nightingale joined in perfectly. His singing added to the soothing quality of the song. Ithilneth does not recall Dulindar singing along with any other Elf or Man but herself in the past. But then Gil-Gandel is an Elven Bard so the unexpected should not surprise too unduly. Hound the Wolf is one of those lulled to sleep by the song as is Freyja but then a cat napping might not have taken the light magic involved.
Prestolwen looks forward to returning to camp. She has no desire to share in further adventures versus undead and trolls and will happily leave the Elven Short Sword with the party and take some less melee oriented item. She is an archer and healer by trade and desire.
Sala would be happy to stay on and aid in translating and fighting. He would hope to fight less undead though. This adventure was costly in the end as he lost part of his vitality to the wights.
Redward mentions I am not of your party but simply asked to help against these undead. I plan to return to the main army. This mission took me away from my primary duties longer than expected with the side trip and I am not sure I was much help or worked well with this group.
The night is quiet, no trolls, undead or other disturbances. As the sun rises in the morning, the far hill is clear in the early sunlight and the tower still stands. It looks like a lot of the lower city is gone though now.
Thoroncir renews his suggestion of sending Folca and a transformed Drinoleth (if willing) over the ruined city for one final reconnaissance, so we can be sure that our work here is done.
Rorimac agrees with Thoroncir that it would be a good idea. There is likely to be some undead left remaining, but with the Necromancer gone, they should not be the problem they once were.
Mulligan ensures everyone gets a good breakfast. Fresh caught meat should always be eaten sooner rather than later.
After that, is the party not returning to the town to report on what we found here?
In the morning, Ceol will make his good-byes to Prestolwen and Redward. "You were both a great help in this mission, and your presence with us shall be missed. May Eonwë and all the gods guide you and guard over you, always."
He concurs with Thoroncir's reconnaissance plan.
The currently transformed Drinoleth accepts Thoroncir's suggestion for one final reconnaissance and leaves to go over the ruined city. Assuming there are no complications, he'll then catch back up to the party when done.
DATE: April 5, 64
Drinoleth flies over the old city and can easily catch back up to the party on their return to Port Hatha.
What Drinoleth can report is that ruined tower and burial grounds have crumbled to rubble only. The lower part of the old town has several large pits now and is mostly rubble. The spider area is actually collapsed and a few large spiders are wondering around looking lost. The Main tower and upper wall is still intact but even many of the buildings within the upper walls have partially collapsed and where the stairs were that the party was ready to head down is a partially open pit that part of the building has tumbled into. The sun has climbed a bit and while he is there he hears the cracking noise of old stones expanding and tumbling. It is hard to say what will be left by next year. Nothing but the spiders are moving about the rubble.
Back to the Port or back to the Town?
"I suggest we head to the town before the port. They will want to hear our success in ridding them--and the rest of the world--of that predatory abomination."
Bitur says his goodbyes to Redward and Prestolwen and thanks them for their help.
Then addressing Sala:
"I'm glad you have chosen to continue adventuring with us. Your skills were of great aid to us in this last adventure. While we can't guarantee there won't be anymore undead, we might be able to find some way to undo the damage the wight did to you."
Redward and Prestolwen are riding to the town of Port Hatha they thought with the party. When you say return to town do you mean the undead town of Old Hatha?
Would it be worthwhile to return to the ruined city to slay the last of the giant spiders, or (as I sense) is the majority eager to leave? Thoroncir is always loath to leave any task undone.
Ready to go. Didn't we receive notice that our services were required elsewhere? Spiders will wait, but I'd feel guilty not helping in any active battles.
Gilraen says, "Our mission is complete, the major evil is dead. I don't believe the General ever expected us to be gone this long. While here and away from the army people must have died that Redward, Prestolwen, Ceol or I could have helped. Leaving some spiders behind is not leaving our mission undone."
Thoroncir bows to the Princess. "As you say, then, my lady. Let us be off."
"I agree, good lady, and Sir Knight...we have accomplished that for which we came here. Let us return to the army."
"I think it is time to return", says Mulligan, "but I think you will find that we have saved a lot more people here in the long run, Gilraen, than you would have done tending people at the front lines. I'm also quite happy to leave behind a few spiders, especially the ones that keep looking at me like a juicy fly."
The party rides back to Port Hatha. It is not a long ride. The Port is in good hands and General Haldon is in residence and acting as the Military Governor. He is happy at the safe return. The temporary house of healing in the old inn is where Redward and Prestolwen head for immediately. Gilraen plans to follow shortly.
"Drinoleth, would you be willing to join the army of Gondor in its war or does your mission down here force you to wander on your own? Either way I hope Ghân can help you."
Mulligan is going to make sure that the inn is still going well and that a few rooms become available.
Maybe also see how much profit the inn has made for her. Yup, definitely got her priorities right. :)
If we're here for the night, Deor will start IDing things.
As many other things happen, Deor Identifies all the items brought back including the odd Silver Sword that did not radiate magic. It is a very large haul and some trading of goods could be done after party members speak up for stuff they are interested in.
Metal Strongbox: "This box weighs far less than even the metal of the strongbox itself should weigh." Magic is slowly fading though. In 48 days will be non-magic box: Inside is about 12000 GP in gems, Jewels & gold . Even a small amount of Mithril, about ½ pound. Value hard to say. Maybe 1000 , maybe more.
The non magic weapons would probably fetch a fair price but would be hard to carry out. Do you try to gather them up or select a few of the best? Who takes the magic ones? "Let's see what we can get quickly from these weapons. Small silver or jewelled, keep. Large Jewelled, strip down. Large silver discard." Mulligan gets everyone to work who can. "While we do this, I would check the lower floors to save a bit of time." Roughly 3800 worth
Hundreds of coins without taint of evil or magic. 250gp value
The Elfstone: Allows Elven Mages to cast at +1 level of effectiveness and would make an excellent set-piece for a Mage’s staff or the equivalent. It might go into a Ring, set into a necklace, attached to a hilt or even a bow as examples. Nearly all Wizards will eventually make a totem type item that they partially imbue with their own magic and tie to themselves alone. For humans it is typically a staff and occasionally a rod or wand. For Elves it is often far more varying, particularly a primary weapon. was being used by Ithilneth.
10 gems of odd cuts with Skull etchings: Ancient human works of the south. They are easily enspelled and receptive to magic. Work natively as a +2 sling stone but many spells could work with them. For instance, one stone has taken on the Bless in an odd way and will be an additional +1 to hit and damage and double that for undead. It appears a magic missile spell could store in the stones for excellent effects; one missile per stone and gives the stone a +5 to hit and an extra D4+1damage. The stones will store the spells for level of caster/level of spell days. So a 3rd level spell from a 9th level mage would store 3 days. A 4th would last 2 days and 6 hours. Warning, a fireball or lightning bolt would store but the stone would probably not survive the use. Only one spell at a time of course. In summary, 4 stones are blessed, 4 have magic missile and 1 has a dispel magic. was being used by Mulligan
Rorimac’s Minor Ring of Power: A silver ring on its left ring finger. The ring has a series of golden runes on it. Tengwar of Fëanor in fact. The Tengwar lettering spells out BELETHIL for those that can read them. Rorimac notes it actually feels, well, Good.
“Let it light your way against the dark and help you against the undead. Never fear those that will drain your life away. I also believe that you will now be able to understand all languages of Humans and Elves and maybe a few other creatures too. Tarry not long now for this building is no longer stable with the old spells broken.” So no Fear of Undead, No drains, no aging and no Para. At will light from Dim to bright. In Bright undead are -2 to hit//Shadows hate and fear it.
Minor Evil Ring of Power from Old Hatha’s Chief Wraith. Ceol says this is evil.
Invisibility, warmth, Spell Enhancing, Long Exposure could be bad, extra exposed to Wraiths but can fight incorporeal. Deor believes it can be cleansed for safe use.
A warmth ring provides its wearer with body heat even in conditions of extreme cold where the wearer has no clothing whatsoever. It also provides restoration of cold-sustained damage at the rate of 1 hit point of damage per turn. It increases saving throws versus cold-based attacks by +2 and reduces damage sustained by -1 per die.
Golden belt free of tarnish Enlarges or shrinks from small to large, gives +3 Protection (AC & Saves) (not with armor) enhances Shape changing by allowing faster shifts and maximum self-curing will allow extras shape changes,
Leather boots finely made Speed x2 Mvmt and -2 AC.
+5 Elven Long Sword that gives +5 saves vs. spells & magic attacks was being used by Gil-Gandel
+3 Elven Short Sword does double vs. intelligent undead and may strike incorporeal evil spirits. Special enchantment vs. Ringwraiths effectively doing x3 damage and warding against their fear and was being used by Ithilneth.
+3 Elven Short Sword was used by Prestolwen
Two scimitars +1 & +3
Mace +2 are magical.
5 arrows +4, 3x+3, +2in a quiver of 20.
The other 15 arrows are silver tipped and finely made Enchantable.
7 magic stones +3 no range penalties
3 crossbow bolts +1,+3,+4,
26 arrows of various types 12x+1, 7x+2, 6x+3, 1x+5,
+2 knife
2 short swords +2,+4,
+3 long sword
3 scimitars +1,+3,+3,
+5 Bastard sword
+2 Long Sword has the ability glow like a torch at will.
+1 Dagger can seal a wound once per day, cleansing it and healing a d6+6 hit points.
+2 flail Enchanted for Speed needs a Dwarf and/or mending spell to rehab give SF2 & ROF x2 weight is ¼ normal for 4lbs may be used on horseback but footman size base fumble only 10%
Scimitar +2/+3 Troll Slayer, Gil-Gandel recognizes the Scimitar as being an unusual design and not like the typical orc or Corsair style.
There is also another clean long sword; it appears to be made of silver . Gilraen senses there is something very odd about this sword. It should not be handled lightly she discovers it is aligned and Neutral Good. But it does not radiate magic.
None of the last 4 magic weapons are familiar to the Dwarves or Thoroncir. The silver sword however reminds Gil-Gandel of an old legend he heard.
“There was once a brave hero, a Númenórean that had very strong sword of silver. This man was very powerful but the bloodlust was strong on him. He was nearly reckless in battle and sought battle. As the years went on it was said none could face him. He slew a foul Ringwraith once though of course the Ringwraith was only disembodied. He assaulted an enemy ship once and half the enemy jumped over board to flee his coming and the other half died on his sword. He never let a foe live and would gladly go for hours ensure all down on the field were really dead. It was also said it was dangerous to fight near him. He often struck friends in his frenzy and the bleeding was both tough to stop. The sword itself was said to give him great strength and almost sing in battle. At times it would blaze. Finally one day he went too far, he was lured by a large number of goblins that died by the dozens but 40 tall orcs stood ready to bow him down and slew him. Even then he got a final revenge. Or at least his sword did. The largest orc went to grab the sword and the sword exploded killing this chief and several others nearby. Where once there was a single sword there were now 7 swords and daggers of various sizes but most of the orcs would not go near them and took off running. Two smaller ones stayed behind and one grabbed a short sword and immediately died. The other then took off and spread this part of the tale.”
The Identify determines the Silver Long is actually alive and looking for a symbiote. It is +1 to hit and damage and will act as a defender optional. It does not seem to like Deor but tells him telepathically, "please find me a swordsman. I will ensure they never fumble but you will never do. Any good person I can work with. As I gain experience I gain many powers. I can usually tell them how many hit points the foe has left after I hit."
Left behind and hidden: 9’ long 2-Handed +3 weapon and is does a mild poison to humans, orcs, Elves and Hobbits. The poison would be 10 pts or 5 on a save except for Hobbits where it is 6 points or 3 on a save.
"The evil ring might make a good set piece for a staff, if I were able to cleanse it. I'd like to take that and work on cleansing the ring, unless anyone has objections."
"Actually, on reconsideration, I wouldn't mind the knife with healing powers; I'd like to diversify my abilities a little. That is, of course, if no one else wants it?"
Does IDing the prominently not-magic sword reveal anything?
Prestolwen mentions that the Dagger is the one thing she wanted. She has no need for the sword really. She is a healer first, archer second and fighter at last resort.
Sala suggests, "Perhaps instead of the dagger, we can find you some potions or something else." He goes on, "For myself, I would not mind the Boots, I don't know how you divide the treasure, but that is one item I am interested in. Other than that gold is always good and if it comes to it trading Scimitars should not be too hard."
Sorry, she specifically expressed interest in that during the game.
Thoroncir reports to Gen. Haldon, and then accompanies Gilraen as she goes about her healing duties, helping wherever and however he can. He'll also write letters to his parents and to the Lord Commander of Sea-Knights, both in Linhir, giving them updates. He posts the letters by the next reputable civilian or naval ship heading for Gondor. There's no item he particularly wants among the loot this time around, and he has no objection to Prestolwen and Sala getting their requested items. When everything's sorted out, he'll send the monetary value of his share to the Order of Sea-Knights.
Ceol will also report in to the General, then spend the immediate future providing what assistance he can at the house of healing.
The only magic items in which he is interested are either one of the +3 short swords. If he receives one of these, he will place his +2 short sword into the treasure pile, to be distributed as the rest of the group sees fit.
Those heading for the House of Healing find out at the inn it has been moved to a large stone building near central keep area.
Mulligan sees the inn is running well. Those running it have a small lump sum to give her but also feel she should relinquish her interest in the inn as she is not actually running it at all. They suggest a final lump payout 300 gold.
If no on else has an interest in it Theogrim would be happy to take the +5 Bastard Sword as his share of the magic. He is skilled in it. His other interests would be a better shield or a strong bow. Of the three departing party members, he is the only one that made level.
Redward is interested in either a shield or potions unless he can find an armor upgrade from Dwarven made chain (elven style) or his +2 horse bow.
First off, the inn. Mulligan is quite happy to see it is running well and at a profit. She thanks them the share, but says they should keep it and spend it wisely instead.
Looking over the items, Mulligan is quite happy to keep the 10 Gems of odd cut and possibly the other magic stones but none of the other weapons really suit her.
Rorimac would like to keep the ring if no-one minds. He is happy with his current swords if Mulligan allows him to keep Khosal's Bane (she is), but would be happy to take some of the arrows as well.
Drinoleth decides to stay with the party for now. None of the weapons recovered suit him, but the golden belt has his interest. If there are no objections, he would like to keep it.
As Drinoleth relates more of his own story and reason for being south, Sala tells of some old tales he heard from further south.
"There is a kingdom south of here, the next great bay or delta down that calls itself Raj. About a hundred years ago they were invading woods even further south and by reports the woods defended themselves and some spirit of the woods invaded the King's Castle, putting it to sleep and scared him enough that he ordered his army home.
This also led to a deep paranoia among the ruling class of Raj. They established schools of wizardry including a necromantic school from what I understand. Overall they are a nation of traders. From the stories I hear, their army was the last to head north at Sauron’s orders and did not arrive before he fell and thus they did not actually participate in the Great War to the North. I don’t know much more about them. There must be others that do know more.”
Ithilneth is very happy with the two items she has gained and wants nothing else. She will not claim a share of the monies and jewelries.
None of the magic items particularly would be of use for me (I can take the three crossbow bolts if no one else wants them, I know most of our ranged fighters are archers). Potions would be fine as well, or a larger portion of the coins collected.
Also, if it is so desired, I will happily help rehab the enchanted flail. My forging skills gear more towards armor than weaponry, so I'll probably need help, but I'll do my best.
"No, you spoke first- it's yours.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
"I'd love the +2 knife, unless some wealthy Hobbit is about to abandon a better one..."
"What wealthy hobbit?", smiles Mulligan, "Deor, I have no compunction to take the knife and if I ask nicely, can I have some sleep refills for the Injection dagger."
"It's a deal."Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
Gilraen says, "It appears everyone but Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel and I have spoken up and we have no conflicts to resolve so far which is always wonderful. If Bitur, Gwaelur and Deor or Ithilneth can repair the flail it is a valuable weapon. I think we can speak to General Haldon about trading the large number of magic weapons we have found for items more useful to the party that have been taken in the battles. Is this agreeable?
There is nothing for myself but we’ll see what has been found by the army. Sir Thoroncir, would a magic lance be of interest to you? I think the odds are good one could be found in trade. Gil-Gandel, our Captain, I assume you will want to keep the Elven Long Sword +5, but I suspect we can also find a small upgrade for your short sword as we trade in your +3 long and +1 short sword. Gwaelur I doubt any weapons greater than your own can be found, I will ask around but those boots of speed Sala asks after might prove more useful to a Dwarf. Bitur, I suspect that both Battle Axe and War Shield along with Bolts can be found for you or again the boots might be best used by you. I will ask around. Ithilneth, Rory, Theogrim & Drinoleth all appear to have gain major items but perhaps at some few magic arrows could be given to Ithilneth; her lack in the combats was a problem. Deor a Ring you can barely use and a minor knife seem like little. Should I ask around for items to help you? We know there are alchemists in this town. Or is something else of greater interest? Ceol you ask for very little, but I think a magic Strong Bow could be found and maybe some arrows along with the short sword. Or perhaps a magic lance? Or we could ask around for something else if you suggest what you are interested in finding. We don’t seem to have a candidate for the Silver Sword as it is only +1.”
The Silver Sword speaks directly to Thoroncir’s mind, ‘You are aligned as I and use but one sword, put aside Cirist and I will be more powerful eventually. I can make you a hero for the ages.’
Requests so far:
Deor: The Evil Ring & +2 Knife
Prestolwen: The healing dagger.
Sala: The Boots of Speed.
Thoroncir: No request and monetary share to be donated to the Order of Sea-Knights.
Ceol: Either +3 Short returning a +2 Short.
Mulligan: The 10 Gems (for Sling) & 7 magic stones +3 no range penalties
Rorimac: The Magic Ring, languages, Light and vs. Undead.
Drinoleth: The golden belt, best for a shape changer.
Ithilneth: The Elfstone & +3 Elven Short Sword vs. Undead
Bitur: Bolts and potions?
Theogrim: +5 Bastard Sword
Redward: is interested in either a shield or potions unless he can find an armor upgrade from Dwarven made chain (elven style) or his +2 horse bow.
Gil-Gandel: ???
Gwaelur: ???
Gilraen: ???
Gwaelur realizes the others are looking at him expectantly, then realizes he has been staring at something longingly. "Mithril," he whispers.
Gilraen says, "Ah, Gwaelur would like the Mithril, but was there something in addition to that? Also can you help clean up the flail?"
Ceol bows to Gilraen. "You offer wise advice, milady. There were several times during that mission in which I used a bow, so a better bow might be very useful. My vows preclude me from accumulating much in the way of wealth, but I believe I could use such a bow."
"Of course, Gilrean," Gwaelur replies. "Forgive me, but the sight of Mithril is quite distracting. I desire nothing else. And, pray, tell me how I can help."
Several of you notice Sir Thoroncir shake his head abruptly, and he looks at the argent blade oddly. After a moment he thinks, Silver Sword, if you speak to me thus, I hear you. But I am well satisfied with my Numenorean longsword Cirist, which I helped Curunauth reforge in blessed Rivendell, and which my true love has hallowed with her royal kiss. Cirist has particular powers against the Undead and has served me well indeed since first I began to wield it, and its scabbard Kalthalion is meant for none other. So I thank you for your offer, but respectfully decline. There is doubtless another now among the mighty armies of Gondor and Rohan gathered around this city who could wield you with equal or even greater effect, if you will.
Then, with a slight air of distraction, he says to Gilraen, "My lady, I have no experience with magical lances, but one might indeed be useful. If such a thing could be found, I would gladly add it to my arms."
"I'd love to see what anyone else in the area has. Potions aren't especially exciting, but I might be able to find some new spells. I'd hate to gain access to 5th level spells without actually knowing any."
There is little in the way of Wizards here but Sala did mention the Kingdom of Raj has schools of Wizardry.
Deor may, then, take a double share of cash and no other items (beyond the ring and the knife), if the party is agreeable, so that he can try to buy or otherwise acquire spells or something else useful to him.
Mulligan may look around the area to see if there are any extra tools for thieves. Otherwise she make take any portion left other and see if she can find something to help with reading languages.
Rorimac asks for some written elvish to see if he can read it clearly as he can listen to it with the ring.
Sala comments, "Our Captain is strangely quiet."