Thoroncir fights to keep from smiling at Gilraen's reaction, and mostly succeeds. He says, "If you wish her to ride with you, of course, my lady, she may."
Thoroncir fights to keep from smiling at Gilraen's reaction, and mostly succeeds. He says, "If you wish her to ride with you, of course, my lady, she may."
Aside to Sala: Two hundred gold is pretty small beer as this group reckon it. I don't say we've ever roistered that much away in one evening of riotous living, but we have had many bigger pay-days, and expect to again.
Librarians rule, Oook
Are we all going to the village, or only a small group?
We stay together. It's a non-trivial distance, and we are in potentially very unfriendly country hereabouts.
Librarians rule, Oook
Let's press forward as far as we can before the sun sets. This isn't a great place to camp.
Bitur is ready to go whenever the rest of the party is.
The party sets out. Falina is with Gilraen. Sala is true to his word and finds both the path and then the road and travel is fast on the road. The village is reached without incident at about 10pm.
The village looks worse for wear and many houses are broken or burnt. Fences are already mended though and a guard stands nervously at the trail into the village. “Halt, who goes there?” He says nervously in this Southron dialect.
"Friends from the north," Thoroncir calls out, raising one hand. "We have with us Falina, once a villager here, who was kidnapped by trolls but is now safely returned. We also have money to help you rebuild. May we enter?"
Adding: We have also ensured that a number of trolls will trouble you no more, and we have healers with us if any among you need tending.
Librarians rule, Oook
The guard looks at the Lords and Ladies in front of him and stammers, "Falina, but the trolls ate Falina."
She replies, "Hakan, they kept me for a later snack, these troll slayers rescued me and have come to help us. The trolls are dead. Their people have conquered the old warlords that failed to protect us. It is the dawn of a new age I think."
Hakan responds, "We lost so many Falina, it is good to have one return. Your mom was killed, but you died saving, I mean succeeded in saving all your siblings. They're all fine and with your Aunt and Uncle out on their ranch. Please go to the tavern and let them know the good news, I must keep watch."
Falina leads the party to a central building. It looks like it has had some recent repairs and patches and fresh thatch. A single person is sitting outside in a rocking chair and drinking from a wooden cup. "What's this, killed Hakan and come to pillage our village? Too late, the trolls already did the job, most of the live stock is gone and the men are mostly gone in war or from the trolls."
Rorimac ponders to himself with a smile. "Well, we have had several hours on horseback, so I would guess that Gil-Gandel already has the full poetic epic worked out not to mention extended explanation for the town. I think I'll leave him to explain, he has the whole noble elf leader to fall back on."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Theogrim finds himself too weary, in body as well as spirit, to smack the drink out of this bitter fool's hand.
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
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Thoroncir understands Theogrim's feelings, but says in a friendly voice to the person in the rocking chair, "My condolences for your losses. I assure you we have come to help and not to pillage this town. Look, we have returned Falina from the trolls' durance vile. Who are you, and who holds authority here?"
Gwaelur mutters something under his breath in Dwarvish about old fools not knowing help when they see it. Only it sounds a bit saltier in his native tongue.
Last edited by NAF1138; 13 Apr 2010 at 12:41 PM.
This is not the hour for poetic epics. Bitter is the rejoicing over foes who will trouble no more, when lives have been lost and livelihoods destroyed. For us this was all in a day's work, but for these folk it was a disaster such as any may hope to hear of only in tales of far away and long ago. If much was lost, some has been rescued, and may the return beyond hope of the innocent Falina be the herald of gladder times to come. But let gladness await its turn when grieving is not yet done and hearts cry out to the sky to know the reason for the pain.
*Dismounting and bowing*
Yet it may be as well to know, old one, that the trolls were sped not without pains of our own, though we had the better of the day, and we are come with all the speed we can to learn what may be done to your comfort.
Last edited by What Exit?; 13 Apr 2010 at 05:24 PM.
Librarians rule, Oook
The old man replies, "What's this? Is it really young Falina? The trolls are dead? Well that tears it, I don't care how foreign you lot are, let me put you up for the night and have your horses seen too. Forgive an old man but the last year has been very bad and the last week worse by far. I am Eckielial, the owner of this fine establishment. I should be retired but my sons have all gone to war and none have returned."
He shouts, "Ladies, awake we have guests, heroic guests and Falina is returned to us."
"I am Bitur, Armourer and Toymaker of Erebor and Veteran of the Battle of Dale and the Goblin Wars. Your offer of lodging is both greatly appreciated and accepted. And if you have any ale to spare...
*Reaching into his pack grabbing his spare waterskin.*
"...I'd appreciate it."
*Opening up waterskin and turning it mouth side down as a couple drips of liquid spill out on the ground*
"It appears I'm all out."
Last edited by What Exit?; 13 Apr 2010 at 08:21 PM.
The Sea-knight captain will dismount and bow, as well. "Greetings, Eckielial. Would that we met in happier times! Thank you for your offer of lodging for the night. I am Thoroncir, a knight-errant of Gondor, a land far to the north. Are you the lord or mayor of this place? Are there any wounded in need of healing? We have skilled healers with us who will, I'm sure, be glad to help. We also have money to aid in the reconstruction of your village."
Sala translates as fast as he can. Eckielial is joined by 5 women ages ranging from 15ish to late 60s. He sends the youngest to spread the news. Soon the grandmotherly one leads everyone inside and the other pair lead the horses to the coral and stables. Inside the fire is lit and they start to light candles but Gilraen tells them to stop and lights up the room. It is a large room, table and kitchen is one. Eckielial hobbles in and starts serving up ale. "Ale we have in plenty, food we are short on."
Though he can't produce food, Deor has a number of cantrips to improve what there is, so he'll use those liberally as soon as he sees food.
Thoroncir says quietly to Gilraen, "The old man has not answered me, my lady, either as to who governs here, or if there are any wounded needing assistance. Nor has he shown any interest in our money, as we might've expected him to. I confess I am... uneasy. All may not be as it seems. Before we accept food or drink, or rely overmuch on their hospitality, perhaps you would like to question him, and see if he - or the others - speak the truth, using your Rod of Kanotir."
He will drink no ale as yet.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 13 Apr 2010 at 11:43 PM.
It further occurs to Thoroncir that Sala may not, for his own reasons, be providing an accurate translation in one direction or the other, or both. He quietly mentions his suspicions to Gil-Gandel.
About the time Thoroncir is talking to Gil-Gandel as stream of villages begin arriving. Most women, children and old men. One old man arrives and says in broken common (Northy talk as you later find out he calls it), "Thank you for killing the trolls, thank you for the offer of aid and thank you for the offer of gold and most especially thank you bringing back Falina." Then less formerly and quicker, "Most of the hurting nearby farm, how do you say it, healing and people to help. I am Jeck, the leader of this village."
"The gold can wait until light but how much? And can the healers go to the hurt?"
"What needs to be done to rebuild, and how much gold do you reasonably think you'll need?" Sir Thoroncir asks Jeck. "We want to help, but of course our resources are not limitless." If Gilraen and any other healer would like to go to the nearby farm, he will escort them.
"Houses and barriers we can rebuild, cows no. We need new breeders and food to tide us over."
Clearly plant growth could help with much.
Sala will go with the healers to translate. There is much work to be done for all and some disease and fever to cure.
Rorimac will go and assist the healers as best he is able.
Mulligan, on the other hand, will be slipping on the invisibility ring and having a snoop around the village. It never hurts to check.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Ceol's normally stalwart expression wavered for a few moments as the group entered the village, seeing the destruction wrought by the trolls.
"The foul trolls have done great harm to your village and your people, Jeck. I will do all that it is in my power to help you rebuild and recover. Though we have slain a number of trolls, if any more lurk in the area, we shall hunt them down, as well, so that they will not plague you any further."
Ceol will go with the healing detachment.
*quietly* Your suspicions appear unfounded for the present, Sir Thoroncir, yet as always, your advice is welcomed and your free speech encouraged, as I know I can rely on your discretion.
A cup of whatever wine is fittest to drink, and I will not hear of taking it on the house but will rather bankroll a small celebration to rouse the spirits of those who will need all the good heart they have through the coming year. Whatever the losses, some have survived and we for our part will do our best to see to a brighter future.
Then to where the sick are being tended, to lend such aid as an Elven harp may bring to those who are hurt in body and spirit alike. Someone should learn where breeding stock may be bought the best and the soonest, and if help can be hired to make up for the lost labourers.
Librarians rule, Oook
Addressing Jeck, "While I have no skill in healing or animal husbandry, I have no small amount of knowledge in stonecunning and engineering. I would be happy to aid the rebuilding of your homes and barriers."
Prestolwen moves off toward the farm to help those who need it most.
The injured are numerous and exhaust the spells and powers of the healers. Gilraen and Ceol know there will be more to do in the morning. The skills of Prestolwen, Gilraen, Rorimac, Ceol and Drindoleth are put to good use and all are resting more comfortably and several will be able to leave in the morning. Again, even among the injured are mostly the old, the young and women. This town is very much lacking in men between ages 16 and 40.
At the inn, Eckielial refuses Gil-Gandel’s offer. “I have wine and ale in plenty and indeed few enough to drink it. You have already done much for this place and you must let me do this small thing I can.” Gil-Gandel sees the stubborn old man’s pride is at stake here.
The drinks are served up and fresh tasty bread is soon brought out. The can offer only steak for a meal, most of their supplies are gone but they have an excess of recently if not expertly slaughtered beef from the trolls rampage through town. Thoroncir would realize that a quick message back to the Port to the General would bring part of the army here fast to secure and cure the excess of beef and get the town some more coin. It could probably be suggested to bring lumbering tools.
After about 20 minutes a number of young women clearly dressed in their best serve the men of the party. Falina looks quite dazzling in her best. They seem to scout out the single males of the party. They are quite friendly and some even flirtatious. It is impossible to not realize that there is a huge excess of women in this town now. Sadly only Gil-Gandel can translate for all that are here until Sala returns with the healers after several hours. He proved handy helping the healers and translating.
The girls seem to start picking up some northern talk as the night goes on. Falina knowing Thoroncir is taken asks Theogrim straight out if her looks please him and if he would like a wife and farm. She now owns a large farm with both parents dead and has plenty of siblings to help run it.
Jeck is quite eager for Bitur's offer of help. Even the well could use a good stone mason.
Gil-Gandel's harp is a boon to both those at the inn and later among the injured. The restless sleep better without the stronger ministrations from Prestolwen.
Last edited by What Exit?; 15 Apr 2010 at 09:13 AM.
Mulligan is rather glad they are going after the men, being several feet shorter than the others. It might otherwise cause embarrassment.
As for the gold, she put in the sack 200Gp, 200Sp and 200Cp to help rebuild the village. It is currently hidden away somewhere on her horse.
As for now, she will relax and try to make sure none of them men get taken too much advantage of.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Theogrim is both flattered and saddened by the offer. Gentle words are not his stock in trade, but he speaks as well as he can, knowing it is a delicate time:
"Milady, you are fair and pleasing to the eye, more so than anything my eye has rested upon since I left the fair fields of Rohan. And the dowry you offer looks kingly indeed to a man who lives out of his saddle bags.
"Yet I cannot agree to this, for I am bound to my friends and my quest. I would be craven to abandon them for the comforts of home and wife, yet I would be worse than craven if I were to take you as my wife, only to ride away again, perhaps to die far away from you.
"If you will, I shall pass this way again after my quest is ended. I lay no obligation on you in doing so, but if your heart is not changed in the time between this day and that one, I would consider it an honor...I..."
Lost for words, Theogrim reddens and trails off mid-sentence. He takes her hand in his and raises it to his lips for a gentle kiss on the knuckle, then releases it. He suddenly finds urgent business patrolling the outskirts of town.
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
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While taking a break from assisting Gilraen and the other healers with the wounded, Thoroncir writes a note to Gen. Haldon back in Port Hatha, providing directions and suggesting that a large detachment be sent quickly to buy, secure and cure the excess beef for the army, as well as bring lumbering tools to help with rebuilding efforts. Could Folca fly the message back, or might one of our swifter-riding companions take it, or do the villagers have another delivery method to suggest?
Well done and well said, OneCentStamp.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 15 Apr 2010 at 01:13 PM.
Though Deor doesn't have anything direct to offer, he does have a number of "domestic" spells that might help. He'll cast Pest Resistance several times on the fields against any pest the villagers can supply an example of, Protection from Fire on the establishment of this fine innkeeper, and Cornerstone Enchantment* on any new building.
The spell description compares it to "ceremony", which I don't have an example of in the 1 ed. handbook. If Deor can select or influence the magical properties of the building, he'll choose for strength, durability, and ease of construction, so that the villagers may have new shelter quickly and may not need to do this again.
Add to General Haldon that if we have a few men who are about due to be discharged, have good conduct records and are of a mind to put down roots in a foreign country, they might find a place here willing to receive them. Give him an estimate of the number of unattached women and suggest if necessary it go down in the books as "garrison duty" given the poor state of the defences here at present. In the long run it can only help to have a blood tie between here and Gondor.
Librarians rule, Oook
An excellent idea. The Romans did something similar with retired troops in conquered territories.
That they did. Indeed, many legionaries shacked up while still serving soldiers - they just couldn't ratify the arrangement until they retired.
Librarians rule, Oook
After returning with the healers, Rorimac is grateful for whatever bounty the village can spare.
He looks forward to a good night's sleep and the hope that those treated will sleep as well as he.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Theogrim offers to convey the party's message back to General Haldon. "With all respect to my comrades, I am probably the swiftest ahorse, and one of the least likely to be molested."
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
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Redward snorts at Theogrim, a twinkle in his eye. "Fastest, aye? I'd love to put that claim to a test. One would think that those who can commune more fully with their companions would have the advantage."
Gilraen, "I believe Gil-Gandel and I have the swiftest horses but surely Theogrim is correct that his speed and horsemanship makes him an excellent messenger in this case. Though I wonder what shapes Drinoleth can take? Ghân was able to fly very swiftly as an eagle, far faster than any of our horses. As Theogrim has actually met the General and that should be of great aid. We could spare two as it would increase their safety."
Koldanar does have a spell that would allow his horse to move at a trot for an especially long time. I do not recall if he took it. It is quite handy though. He could take it first thing in the morning or cast it on Theogrim's horse. Come to think of Gil-Gandel's magic horn/flute gives his mount a similar affect.
Thoroncir grins and says to Redward and Theogrim, "Perhaps you'd both like to go, either to make it a race or for mutual protection?"
Theogrim looks at Redward with a grin. "Well, your companionship would not come amiss, so long as you don't mind seeing a lot of my horse's backside."
"You laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at you because I'm on nitrous."
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*pats his elf-horse thoughtfully but tolerantly lets the blowhards speak as they will.*
Librarians rule, Oook
Theogrim and Redward set out. The two have much in common and Redward’s spell of endurance allow the horses to trot effortlessly for the day and the two seasoned riders do not weary themselves. Redward and Theogrim have actually shared in several battles aiding Gondor though they never worked together before. The horses themselves are well matched though Redward can see that Theogrim’s mount is the greater, probably from the stables of Aldo, and expert horse breeder and dealer. He then finds out that Aldo is the Uncle of Theogrim and Deor and the one that helped them escape the near poverty of a huge family of farmers. Well poverty might be a bit strong of a word, but Theogrim rides with more value by far than his father could claim. Redward himself comes from a family of warriors and his eldest brother was a Captain that Theogrim rode under as a young untrained rider.
They make it back to Port Hatha without incident, passing only farmers and one patrol of Riders from Gondor. They have but a short wait to see General Haldon and can relay messages. The General likes the idea of assigning a squad of single veterans there and will detach a handpicked squad to ride back with the pair in the morning. He also facilitates arranging to purchase new breed stock of cattle and sheep and authorizes a small donation from his discretionary funds to assist in the purchase.
Back at the town, the villagers are well cared for and mostly healed. Bitur and Gwaelur assist and supervise the rebuilding of town and especially the stone work. Perhaps most importantly they get and older deep well dug back out and supported. The water quality is better and greater in the short time it takes for Theogrim and Redward to ride back with 12 veterans. All of the vets are between ages 25 and 35 and all at least corporals.
Last edited by What Exit?; 19 Apr 2010 at 08:25 AM.
Good - if they have held non-commissioned rank for a while then they should be steady responsible types. Once they're settled in we can head back to our original campsite and prepare for some actual expeditioning!
Librarians rule, Oook
Sir Thoroncir welcomes back Theogrim and Redward, thanks them for making the journey, and offers them some miruvor. He then meets the Gondorean detachment, taking their measure and bringing them up to date. After that, he's ready to leave the village whenever Gilraen is, if her patients are now sufficiently healed.
While Theogrim and Redward were off, Ceol busied himself with healing the townsfolk as needed, and otherwise providing a strong back for the reconstruction efforts.
Both Mulligan and Rorimac will be as useful as two small hobbits can be in the village, although by the time everyone returns, they are both itching to move on.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
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