Thoroncir is appalled by these grisly discoveries, but all the more determined to clean out this nest of foulness and evil. He will be especially watchful for any threat against his true love as she goes about her healing duties.
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Thoroncir is appalled by these grisly discoveries, but all the more determined to clean out this nest of foulness and evil. He will be especially watchful for any threat against his true love as she goes about her healing duties.
Mulligan is quite happy to relay the news around
Depending on how long we're resting here, Ithilneth hopes to recover her spells.
December 17th around 6:30pm:
So the party holds it position and surprisingly the undead also seem to hold. It is no more than 10 minutes and the other party has completed its sweep of the fort. They discovered two things of note in the wine cellar. A cat was hiding within and the wine cellar was somehow blessed in a way that no undead entered it. The cat is quite pleased to continue hiding in the wine cellar for now.
Gilraen brings the Captain back to fair health with a few spells. She also has healed Ceol and Thoroncir to full.
The Captain describes a series of tunnels that connect the seven towers of the fort underground from the inner ring wall. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...lsNewRuins.gif
Lindar and Meriadoc think we should clear the keep itself and then break into 6 groups to flush the tunnels and summon the horseman to guard the outside. We should move swiftly to make use of the remaining daylight hours.
Any objections? If not we will need one messenger down to the riders and we should break into 4 groups to sweep the keep. Leaving one down here to hold the main floor.
The recommended groups are:
Gilraen, Thoroncir, Bitur, Mulligan, Ithilneth, Sala
Ceol, Deor, Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel, Rorimac, Drindoleth
Mirëgol Mage & Elf of Light, Elfstan Fairbairn Treasure finder, Hlíf Dwarf warrior and engineer, Meriadoc & Lindar Elven Bard
The 4th guard group: Haldreng Paladin, Bjorn Druid, Felyahin Elven F/Th, Bren Ranger, Nico Archer, Capt Mun and Captain Karzin (Keep).
'Alas!' Gwaelur thinks. 'A warrior's work is never done. What I wouldn't give for a loaf of bread, a slab of cheese and a mug of ale!'
"My axe is ready!" he exclaims out loud.
"Would a cup of water satisfy you instead?" offers Ithilneth.
No objections here to the stated plan. The light will be gone soon.
Looks good. Let's press on.
Meriadoc asks, "Could Deor relay a message via Folca?"
"Yes, if someone out there speaks Hawk. Or maybe, if I can coax her in a window and tie a message to her leg..."
Meriadoc says, "Lets find a window then."
Ceol bows to Gilraen after she heals him of his wounds. "Once again, I am in your debt, o fair Princess of Gondor."
He is in agreement with the plan for sweeping through the keep.
Thoroncir echoes Ceol's words of thanks to Gilraen. He offers his writing kit with its pens, ink and paper for writing a note to tie to Folca's leg.
Mulligan and Rorimac are happy with the groups and ready to move on as required.
The 3 groups set out the 3 doors. The south door leads to the entrance to the keep and thus Deor, Ceol, Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel, Rorimac, Drindoleth are sent that way once the message is written. The swiftest way up is the west door and Meriadoc leads his group out that way. This leaves the north door for Gilraen, Thoroncir, Bitur, Mulligan, Ithilneth, Sala.
Deor's group find no resistance to the front door and get it open with ease. Deor summons Folca and dispatches the orders to the Sea Knights.
They will jog up the road once a signal is given from the top of the keep. That signal will indicate that Mirëgol is at the top and ready to support the unmounted riders on their way up.
Anyone that is in trouble should immediately call for help.
Meriadoc & Mirëgol's group is charges with clearing the top two floors and roof of course.
Deor's group the rest of the bottom floor.
Gilraen's group the 2 middle floors.
The web is expected to last for hours unless burnt or cut through.
One last thing, Bjorn offers Gwaelur some excellent mead at least in place of Ale from a magical honey golden cup and Elfstan offers up some cheese.
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Deor, Ceol, Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel, Rorimac & Drindoleth begin clearing and locking room after room on the main floor. They follow the hasty drawing of the keep that Capt. Karzin made. They find a single ghoul gnawing on a stray arm until they get to just outside the room that is webbed. It is swiftly and easily killed.
Are there any special plans for this room? You will be able to be aided by the guarding party in the central room.
Gilraen, Thoroncir, Bitur, Mulligan, Ithilneth, Sala make it to the stairs securing two doors on the way. They ascend without resistance and begin going through the 2nd floor. The layout allows for simple and fast work. The hallway run as six spokes off a small hexagonal central chamber. Down each hall are 4 rooms, 2 per side for a total of 24 rooms to clear. As the ghouls smell strongly of decay, Missy or Freyja can easily identify which rooms have ghouls inside. No wraiths are found and three single lesser ghouls were discovered and dispatched by Gilraen. One room had a group of 3 lesser and 1 greater ghoul. Gilraen destroyed the greater and arrows from Ithilneth and stones from Mulligan softened the 3 ghouls before Thoroncir and Bitur attacked. Cirist made quick work of one as Axe and shield dropped the second. The last ghoul beat itself against Bitur’s plate armor as Cirist ripped into its undead flesh and killed it.
The 3rd floor awaits Gilraen’s group.
Gwaelur vows not to think out loud in the future, though he does thank his fellow fighters for the offers of sustenance.
"A stray arm"? Not from us, naturally. Is there anything special about the arm? Maybe a ring? Is there anything else in particular in this room?
"On to the third floor, then, my friends, if you will," Thoroncir says, pleased to be a part of such a small, diverse but nimbly capable group, and inspired as ever by the presence of the lovely Gilraen.
"Well, if those in the middle room can see through the webs, it might give us a bit of an advantage in facing whatever lies within." Rorimac is holding up Kkhosal's Bane to see strongley it is glowing.
"Undead everywhere and not a piece of treasure to be found, I wonder what might be above?" queries Mulligan. "Let's go and find out shall we?"
The blade shines strong but not too strong. Clearly undead are near but not especially strong ones.
Is it just go in and clear or do you wish to coordinate with the other group on the other side of the web?
Let's get help if it's available. We've lost too many today as it is.
Ceol nods to Deor. "I agree, my cousin. The foul undead in this place seem to be endless...let us be cautious."
(Deor, Ceol, Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel, Rorimac & Drindoleth)
Plans go back and forth swiftly. Bjorn's group will burn the webs, let them burn for 2 rounds and then he will suppress the fire. Bjorn will warp wood on your door through the burning webs to let you know it is time to come through and attack and to make it easy to knock the door down.
The room contains 3 greater ghouls and 6 lesser ghouls.
Gwaelur breaks the door down and Ceol turns the lesser ghouls destroying them as Rorimac & Gil-Gandel charge the greater ghouls. Drindoleth crawls through the doorway grabs one ghouls himself and begins to tear it apart. Rorimac and Gil-Gandel swiftly drop on Great Ghoul but the ghouls both hit Gil-Gandel for 12 points of damage. One of the few times he has been injured.
From behind Rorimac, Deor's Burning Hands injures the last greater ghoul.
Ceol joins them against the last ghoul and they make short work of it as Drindoleth finishes off his own.
The flames are quenched by Bjorn and his group quickly finishes off the burnt ghouls.
The groups meet very little resistance in completing the clearing of the tower. At the end they meet back up except for a guard posted at the top. Gwaelur is requested to go to the roof where Mirëgol will charge his helm.
The Riders are being summoned and the best elven archers should be on the roof with Mirëgol. The rest of the group is down below spread from front entrance to center hall.
We now need to plan to break the groups into 6 assault parties to flush the tunnels and outer towers.
Here is the list of the people here.
Gilraen, Thoroncir, Bitur, Mulligan, Ithilneth, Sala
Ceol, Deor, Gwaelur, Gil-Gandel, Rorimac, Drindoleth
Mirëgol Mage & Elf of Light, Elfstan Fairbairn Treasure finder, Hlíf Dwarf warrior and engineer, Meriadoc & Lindar Elven Bard
Haldreng Paladin, Bjorn Druid, Felyahin Elven F/Th, Bren Ranger, Nico Archer, Capt Mun and Captain Karzin (Keep).
Any suggestions on how to divide up or do we just let Meriadoc make the call?
"You know me," Gwaelur says. "Whatever wiser heads decide is fine with me."
Ceol thinks. "Ideally, I think each team should have at least one who is strong in melee, one who can attack from range, and one who understands magic. I don't know if we have enough of the latter to go around. I wish we had enough to send a healer with each group, too, but I *know* we do not have enough of those."
Every group should have a someone with mechanical--or at least basic engineering--ability as well, in case we encounter any traps, which means Mulligan and other treasure hunters should probably not be with the dwarves, depending on how many people with these abilities we have to go around.
Thoroncir has nothing to add to the suggested dispositions; he would obviously prefer to be in Gilraen's party, but understands it might not be possible.
December 17th around 7:00pm: Trying to spread out the spell casters, healers, treasure finders, engineering types and undead slayers. Each group heads to a tunnel entrance. The tunnels will be too tight for the huge bear forms to fit. All will march single file.
Meriadoc, Nico Archer (lock smith), Bjorn Druid, Capt Mun Ranger type
Meriadoc is the most skill fighter, can use his bow underground and has an undead slayer and many attacks and fears no undead. Nico is stuck with swords and has a small chance to open locks and deal with traps, Bjorn is a powerful Druid and has many additional powers & Mun is scared but fairly good with his scimitar.
They enter their outer tower, head up first to ensure the tower is clear and then will move through the tunnel towards the ring wall and ring tunnel. They make good progress and cleave through a small horde of ghouls.
Gwaelur, Haldreng Paladin, Ithilneth, Felyahin Elven F/Th
Gwaelur takes point using Dwarven abilities, Haldreng has his Holy Sword ready to help, Ithilneth & Fely bring up the rear in support. Gwaelur has one blast available if things get hairy. Haldreng of course can try to turn.
Gwaelur’s group is attacks from the rear as they head up their tower. Felyahin holds the stairs as Haldreng destroys the lesser ghouls. Ithilneth sends some arrows down to support Fely. Gwaelur is left to guard the front. Fely is using a parry blade to fend off the attackers as he slices into his foes. The first greater ghoul drops. Haldreng again destroys additional lesser ghouls. Fely is untouched and with the help of Ithilneth’s arrows drops a second greater ghoul. This could take a while but the party does not appear to be in danger. Then an even greater ghoul launches itself down on Gwaelur but he was ready and bashes it with his shield and chops with his axe. He is keeping it at bay thus far. Rilthol is lighting the interior stairway. The ghoul was followed by 4 lesser ghouls, Haldreng pivots and banishes them for good. Gwaelur exchanges blows with his foe and thus far is untouched. The 3 greater ghoul drops below Fely and Ithilneth has already put two arrows into the next foe. Haldreng pivots again and more ghouls fall. Fely has dropped the last greater ghoul and Gwaelur drops his tough foe but not before its chill touch did 14 points of damage . The group heads up with Fely constantly checking behind. The tower is all clear and then descend into the tunnel.
Bitur, Deor, Mulligan, Ceol
The toughness of the plate armored Bitur with Deor ready with spells & wand and Mulligan to help out. Ceol guarding the rear.
They reach the top of their tower swiftly and descend into their tunnel. They are unopposed until they reach the ring tunnel that is wider and 8’ tall. Bitur and Ceol face left and right with Deor and Mulligan between them. Do they wait for another group to reach the ring or head one direction or the other?
Thoroncir, Gilraen, Gil-Gandel, Sala
The tough Sea Knight take the lead with his undead slayer protecting our best undead turning. Gil-Gandel provides bow support, sword support and of course treasure finding and spells. Sala as a slightly nervous rear guard.
They are also attacked as they head up their tower but Gilraen destroys the greater ghouls and the rest make short work of the lesser ghouls. They enter their tunnel and fight their way through it. The first two ghouls are cut down and then a larger force of mixed ghouls and a wraith attack all at once. Gilraen blazes and destroys the 4 greater ghouls but Thoroncir is pressed hard by a fearful wraith. Kálthalion is warm at his side as he is hit 6 times for 24 points He feels chilled and a rising fear but hits 3 times and does 88 points to the wraith. Gil-Gandel sends 3 arrows +3 arrows into this foe 41 and the wraith wavers and begins to dissipate. Gilraen destroys the lesser ghouls and this leaves but one foe, a fearsome ghoul greater than the others. Thoroncir feels himself slowing down, strangely weary. The ghoul attacks and strikes twice and this time Kálthalion is not enough. Thoroncir goes down paralyzed and down 50 points in all. Gilraen shrieks as Gil-Gandel sends arrows into the ghoul and Sala moves past the three to defend Gilraen and Thoroncir. The ghoul goes for Gilraen who backpedals. Gil-Gandel can barely avoid her and loses and opening shot but Sala gets to the front. His swift Rapier begins to slice into the undead flesh as he fends off the fiend’s claws with his magic spike. Gil-Gandel puts 3 arrows into this foe and Gilraen begins to pull Thoroncir back. It takes another minute but Sala and Gil-Gandel drop this foe. Gilraen cast Cure Serious wounds and gets Thoroncir to only 7 points. She needs to use Athelas to cure his paralysis. This will cost them time.
Hlíf Dwarf warrior and engineer, Mirëgol Mage & Elf of Light, Elfstan Fairbairn Treasure finder, Bren Ranger
Hlíf is very well armored, our second most experienced fighter, loves tunnels and is a fully trained engineer, Mirëgol provides undead turning & great spell powers and a cat that ghost fear greatly, Elfstan is their treasure finder and Bren a strong rear guard.
This group blows through the foes and makes it to the ring tunnel nearly as fast as Bitur’s but pretty much on the opposite side.
Rorimac, Lindar Elven Bard, Drindoleth and Captain Karzin (Keep).
The Hobbit Undead fighter, The Elf skilled at melee and good thieving skill and some healing spells, The Druid is more spells and the Keeps Capt to try and protect their back.
Their tower is clear and in the tunnel the fight ghouls. They find a slightly wider part where Rori and Lindar and fight nearly side by side vs. a single ghoul. They let the ghouls come to them. Rori takes 6 points and Lindar 7 points but both are immune to the paralysis. They might be here for a while.
"It seems pretty risky to proceed without the support of the group. Maybe Mulligan can scout ahead, Invisible?
If my group is pressed hard I am quite happy to melee with a Mirror Image to help me. I have several castings available and little better use for my magic against such foes.
Sir Thoroncir had lost consciousness from the pain and shock of his wounds, and he now struggles back to awareness, his mind overcoming a still-lingering fear of the great ghoul. With difficulty at first, he focuses on the lovely Gilraen, kneeling at his side. As he sees the concerned expression clouding her matchless features, a wave of relief and joy nearly overcomes him. He takes both her hands and kisses them, whispering fiercely, "Thank you, my love, thank you! Yet again by your healing touch have you warded off the cold and irrevocable grasp of death, that I might spend even another moment with you, and that we might someday share a life together, if it be Eru's will. My heart... my life... my very soul are yours, dearest one, now and forever. Thank you!"
Invisibility is little advantage against those that either live in that shadow realm or smell life. Same problem with Illusions.
Sadly Thoroncir can only think the words strongly as his mouth will not respond in his paralyzed state. But he realizes he smells crushed Athelas and already feels better. His love should soon cure him.
In that case, if we're in deep trouble and Thoroncir is still down I will trust to my two splendid swords aflame, and my nice fancy new shirt, and general all-around elvish coolness.
Sorry. I read that paragraph to indicate that she had already cured his paralysis.
Mulligan ponders for a little while. "Ok, you lot stay here for the moment. Freyja go that way, let me know if there are any undead. I'll go this way. Back in 5 minutes or sooner if we find something. Invisibility won't help, but two silent cats might suffice. We'll try not to attract too much attention."
Rorimac is enjoying the battle with new friends at his side, striking left and right to bring the undead down.
Meriadoc, Nico, Bjorn, Capt Mun
Meriadoc & Nico stand facing left and right in the circular tunnel sending arrows flying in each direction. The ghouls cannot make it through this hail of arrows and drop steadily.
Gwaelur, Haldreng, Ithilneth, Felyahin
Gwaelur is hacking his way through the ghouls. Haldreng is close behind him with his Holy Sword ready to help. They are slowly but surely nearing the T intersection that is the circular tunnel under the wall.
Bitur, Deor, Mulligan, Ceol
Mulligan gets to the curving T in passage just behind Freyja and finds it opens up much wider. She smells the dead before she sees them. More ghouls and they appear to be 2 types of ghouls. Through Freyja’s eyes and nose, Mulligan spots roughly the same going the other direction. At this point all is clear and she hastily backs up though for the moment. It appears the group to the left and the right are delayed. (This would be Gilraen’s & Gwaelur’s groups.)
Advance or hold?
Thoroncir, Gilraen, Gil-Gandel, Sala
Gilraen heats a small bowl of water and seeps the fragrant kingsfoil in it. She adds a pinch of this and a leaf of mint and a dash of some odd ash and gets Thoroncir to sip the brew with the bowl close to his nose. She completes her cure with a gentle kiss to his forehead. Within seconds he feels the pins and needles sensation in his hands and feet and soon he can wiggle said. Shortly his voice works again.
Sir Thoroncir soon feels the Athelas's powerful effect, and his paralysis fades. He gives voice to the words he first intended, and kisses Gilraen's hands. Heedless of Gil-Gandel and Sala nearby, she leans down and kisses his lips, saying quietly, "You are more than welcome, my dearest Thoroncir. As you have saved my life so many times, so too am I glad to save yours! Now rise, my love, if you are able, and take up your sword and shield, for our foes in this dark place are not yet wholly vanquished." (Written by EH)
Thoroncir indeed feels ready for battle again and none too soon, Gil-Gandel is now engaged with the first ghoul with Sala supporting. Gil-Gandel’s swords flame up and he drops a pair of lesser ghouls and but is about to confront a greater. Sala stabs past Gil-Gandel and gets a single strike into the foe for 13 points of damage at least.
Gilraen stands and turns at the sound of battle and steps towards Gil-Gandel, she blazes with light and commands, “Trouble no more this land of Middle Earth, A Elbereth Gilthoniel o menel palan-diriel, le nallon sí di-nguruthos! A tiro nin, Fanuilos!” With that the greater ghoul collapses and begins to fall apart.
Gil-Gandel hear the sounds to the right of what must be Hlíf’s party fighting. She then hears Warrior snarling and everyone hears “Khazad Dûm!”
Does Gil-Gandel press forward, hold or step back?
Rorimac, Lindar, Drindoleth and Captain Karzin
They continue their fight with the front pair doing well destroying a ghoul at a time. The Captain keeps an eye to the rear.
Does Drindoleth do anything?
Ithilneth encourages her companions, "Let us press on with vigor so that we may rejoin others soon." She will continue with the bow so long as it's effective, switching to her sword if need be.
Thoroncir, feeling much better, arms himself immediately and steps up beside Gil-Gandel. He is ready for action once again, determined to do his duty, his heart filled with love for the beautiful princess.
"Hmmm....Our friends are delayed. We have to help them if it's not too late. Unfortunately, it would be unwise to split up, so we can only aid one of the groups. Mulligan, do you have a recommendation of which way we should go based on what you scouted? I will mark our spot here so that any of our group who show up later will know we made it safe and which way we went."
"I agree, Bitur, we should not split up, but we should, indeed, do what we can to aid." He glances one way, then the other, attempting to use his ability to detect evil to sense if either way is more seriously threatened.
"It's the same type of group heading in either direction, so do we go and backup Gwaelur's group or Gilraen's. I think Gilraen would have less trouble with the denizens here, so I think we should probably go and help Gwaelur's group. Let's drop a note and then go ambush some undead."
Meriadoc, Nico, Bjorn, Capt Mun
Meriadoc & Nico stand facing left and right in the circular tunnel sending arrows flying in each direction. The ghouls cannot make it through this hail of arrows and drop steadily. Meriadoc tells Nico and Mun to hold the passage and he and Bjorn will start pushing to the left. Shout if they need help.
Gwaelur, Haldreng, Ithilneth, Felyahin
Gwaelur is hacking his way through the ghouls. Haldreng is close behind him with his Holy Sword ready to help. They are slowly but surely nearing the T intersection that is the circular tunnel under the wall. Haldreng identifies that the next 4 ghouls are lesser ghouls and calls upon Eönwë to destroy them. Gwaelur rushes forward over the corpses and at the T intersections finds that 4 greater ghouls had held back. Felyhin calls for him to push them back so he and Haldreng can join the fun and let Ithilneth use her bow. He does think Rilthol might help here.
Bitur, Deor, Mulligan, Ceol
Turning to the left the four make for the ghouls. Bitur and Ceol lead the way with Deor ready to help over Bitur’s shoulder and Mulligan and Freyja watching the rear and looking for sling stone opportunities. They know it is nearly 80 yards from tunnel spoke to tunnel spoke. After only 30 yards they find their foes. Ceol calls upon Eönwë and destroys 7 lesser ghouls leaving a greater ghoul for the party to destroy. Bitur attacks right after a stone finds the foe and then flames leap over Bitur to burn the ghoul’s face and shoulders. It beats uselessly against the Dwarven Mail and then dies. A loud groan is heard and more ghouls come into view. The fight is on.
Thoroncir, Gilraen, Gil-Gandel, Sala
With only ghouls to face, Gil-Gandel presses forward, knowing Gilraen is there to handle the greater foes again. Indeed the ghoul turn and race off away from her light. The 4 reach the curving T-intersection swiftly. They see the ghouls are racing off in both directions.
Rorimac, Lindar, Drindoleth and Captain Karzin
They continue their fight with the front pair doing well destroying a ghoul at a time. The Captain keeps an eye to the rear.
As they march forward, Lindar is singing an Elvish song; Rorimac comes to realize it is the lay of Eärendil. He had forgotten for a moment he fully understands Elvish now. Belethil shines brightly and the ghouls appear to be at a disadvantage in its light. Rorimac & Lindar are each hit a few more times and Rorimac is down 19 total and Lindar is down 22.
They at last reach the T-Intersection.
"Nice work all, here comes the second wave." Mulligan's sling whirs trying to whittle them down before they reach us.
Depending on Drindoleth and how Lindar is feeling, Rorimac does have some healing potions available if necessary. Is it quiet at the T-Intersection?
Are we underground? If we are, and the walls are stone or earth, Deor can bring out the Fireballs again.
Meriadoc, Nico, Bjorn, Capt Mun
Nico and Capt Mun hold their intersection as Meriadoc is dropping all the ghouls heading towards Rorimac and his group.
Gwaelur, Haldreng, Ithilneth, Felyahin
Gwaelur uses Rilthol to drop most of the ghouls around him and then feels a wave of heat and flame hit him that Rilthol largely protects him from. He takes but 11 points of damage. This also dropped the last ghoul to his right. Gwaelur pushes out to the left and Haldreng swiftly join him. Ithilneth is behind Gwaelur ready with her Elven Bow. Fely is guarding the right passage. As the fighters begin to drop the remaining ghouls Fely and Ithilneth hear the unmistakable sound of Bitur charging towards them.
Bitur, Deor, Mulligan, Ceol
Deor uses his Ruby to sends a max damage Fireball of 77 points behind the front line far enough back to allow for extra flames to not engulf Bitur and Ceol. This sends up a horrible smell and much smoke but leaves all the ghouls dead for a long distance, at least 40’ and probably a bit more. Hopefully no friends were in its path. The flames actually lapped back to Deor’s party as a wave of heat but no damage.
Bitur and Ceol make short work of the one remaining ghoul and speed down the corridor looking for friends or foe. Deor realizes he needs to be careful using Fireballs in tight passages. Freyja sees that a few ghouls are coming from behind the small group. Mulligan picks off the first two with a pair of stones. But she will need to call back her fighters or have Deor launch another fireball. Then Mulligan sees …
Thoroncir, Gilraen, Gil-Gandel, Sala
Gil-Gandel & Sala will hold the intersection and Thoroncir and Gilraen will pursue those fleeing left. None come from the right having fled. Thoroncir and Gilraen over take the slower lesser ghouls and Gilraen dispatches them with ease. They hurry on. Soon enough they overtake a pair of greater ghouls and Gilraen dispatches them. Her blazing light is visible to Freyja and Mulligan at this point.
Rorimac, Lindar, Drindoleth and Captain Karzin
They continue their fight with the front pair doing well destroying a ghoul at a time. The Captain keeps an eye to the rear. It seems like an endless supply of ghouls are keeping this group in it defensible point just into the intersection. Drindoleth does a cure light on Rorimac for 6 point, he is now down 13 and then on Lindar for 5 but Lindar takes another hit and Lindar is down 21. Over the din of the battle they suddenly hear the voice of Meriadoc the Magnificent singing of Tom Bombadil of all things. Rorimac takes great heart from hearing his father approaching. Lindar swiftly adds his voice to Merry’s and the ghouls actually look perturbed if possible.
A short time later the passages are all clear. Folca reports via Deor that the Sea-Knights and men of Raj are winning the battle of those ghouls fleeing out of the final tower. Lindar orders the swiftest elves to follow him out the final passage and when they emerge with Mirëgol in their midst the battle outside is short indeed. The remaining party members sweep the tunnels once more and after 10 minutes dispatch one last ghoul hiding in a tower. At this point the swords that detect undead go out.
The battle is won the Fort retaken. What are the next steps?
Meriadoc calls for a large meal to celebrate. Bjorn is prepared to grow large crops in the farm areas for the townsfolk and the feast.
A feast sounds good. In the meantime, Thoroncir would like to look over the fort more closely with a treasure-finder or two, seeing if there's anything of value, of historical interest, or both. He will also ask Gilraen for some of Missy's food, and will find, feed and (if possible) befriend the cat in the wine cellar.
Fair enough, but the treasure is well claimed by the remaining residents of the fort. It would probably be best not to loot the place.
Harrumph. Who said anything about looting?
First of all, Ceol will take a few minutes for a prayer of thanksgiving to Eonwë, for the group's triumph over such a large number of foes. Then, he will assist Gilraen as needed in seeing to the injured. As he moves through his comrades (both old and new), he gives congratulations and words of encouragement and praise for their efforts.
If Meriadoc is calling for a feast, who are we to say him nay? And with delight on hearing him singing of Tom I shall gladly join in. I hope there is drink to be had, for I hear the Master-Emeritus can hold his wine... or maybe his Brandy. :LOL: