Overview

Barin Greycloak As the group left the company of the wizard, Dahr-Ol mentioned this Avena - kinswoman to he and Elfwynn apparently - and her need to speak with King Bard about a matter from Beorn himself. Barin listened with intent and assured his friends that he would do whatever he could to at least get her message to the King, if not direct access to him. With that, he bade the two to come with him and speak with Eawald once more. After conversing with Eawald, it transpired that Avena couldn't gain immediate access to the King, what with the festivities placing undue burden on his time, but after the celebrations access could, and likely would, be granted, or Eawald offered to present the missive himself if the company couldn't wait. Still, at least this managed to gain access to the palace for the newcomer, and so off the four of them went to meet her at the entrance and ensure her safe passage through the guardsmen at the gate. After all the introductions were made, Barin left the others to their own devices as he went off in search of his own King - or at least his emissaries - who would likely be visiting the town this day. That evening as the sun went down and the celebrations began, Barin gazed in awe along with the others at the display of noise and colour that the Wizard produced in the skies above the Palace. Such sights of wonder were rarely seen - although he could recall tales from those who had been present at the first such Dragontide celebrations after Smaug met his end at the arrow from Bard's bow. When an opportune moment presented itself, he mentioned to his companions, "I made some provision earlier this afternoon for us to obtain supplies for our journey when we eventually set out. How long they'll last us for I know not, but at least we won't go hungry or without any shelter for the first few days, whichever direction we may be headed in." Bowing slightly before Avena, he continued, "I hope Eawald managed to get you squared away with your request from your lord. Much as I hate to keep presuming on his goodwill and hospitality, he has yet to let me down. A debt I can likely never hope to repay, but a friend of Dahr-Ol's is a friend of mine, despite any ... minor disagreements we may have on ... philosophical grounds." he shot a wink in Gramtyng's direction at this. "I wonder if the Elves of the Forest may know more about this ... issue we need to look in on? If we're heading West, then they would likely be on our route. Thranduil may be a prickly sort with outsiders, but even so, the lore his folk keep may well prove useful - I'm fairly certain we Dwarves will have no lore here in Erebor dealing with matters within the forest. But tell us, who is this Mab you speak of? This is someone I have never heard tell of before?"

Dahr-Ol of the Beornings Dahr-Ol was skittish for a moment or two after Gandalf let loose his fireworks. This must be what the hobbits of the Easterly Inn so often tried to describe. Satisfied after a few seconds that the display was indeed under Gandalf's control Dahr-Ol relaxed. "Amazing what these magicians can do... Is this Gandalf fellow always so quick to light off such a surprise? I wonder why old Radagast has never done such a thing. Now old Mab, there's a creature who knows a few tricks of her own... If anyone would know what spirits had been loosed from the tower into the forest she would be top of my list. Peculiar in her own way though. Gramtyng, what did she ask of you last time? I wasn't there, but I thought she charged a price for her help." Elfwynn was silent at the display of fireworks, whatever she thought of it, she kept to herself. Presently, she turned to Avena, "You're skill with an oven is amazing. If you know your herbs half as well as you seem to, there is an opportunity here in town we may avail ourselves of when we next chance through. There is a proprietor of a local inn who prides himself on making drink from rare ingredients. Should we find anything exotic, he might pay in coin or trade goods. If you choose to cross the forest trail with us, we should stay alert for such opportunities."

Don’t forget that if we are taking the forest trail, we can probably result at the wood elves place. Barin has a few contacts there, and coin always goes a long way wherever we may roam…

And fixed!

I'll move it around later! Artie is up, gotta run!

Its gone now, but I cant fully delete it.

Gramtyng, son of Fastred Riders of RohanThe Men of the Mark are a generous folk, but when war is upon them, then they are fell to their enemies as they are loyal to their friends. When the lust of battle is on them, they appear as men stricken with grief, their faces deathly white, or as madmen ready to laugh at despair. The Riders of Rohan may enter a battle-fury if they roll an 11 or 12 on any attack or Protection roll. When this happens, they may choose to gain a point of Shadow, to add one Success die (up to a maximum of 6) to all their close combat attack rolls until the end of the battle. Minstrel of the Golden Hall The history of Rohan is not written in any book or tome. Instead it is secreted in the verses of those songs you were taught by your mother and father. You have sung for the living and the dead, and your voice has filled even the Golden Hall of Meduseld. But new deeds worthy of song occur each day as a darkness gathers and you would be there to witness them first-hand and weave them into legend. Basic Attributes: Body 5. Heart 5. Wits 4. Favoured Skill: Song | Standard of Living: MartialIndividuals belonging to a Martial culture often live according to their status in the military hierarchy, with simple warriors and soldiers sleeping together in a common area; probably as part of the household of a renowned chieftain or noble. Meals are usually consumed in large halls, with seats and tables arranged to observe rules of precedence or respect. Clothing reflects the military status of an individual as well, or that of his family. Martial player-heroes have enough resources to look after themselves, and to pay for such things as simple accommodation and meals. Ever mindful of the cost of any luxury, they often lead an austere life, or resort to haggling to lower the price of whatever they are trying to get hold of.| Calling"Speak no secrets! Here is a scholar in the Ancient Tongue." For you, knowledge makes the wild world a less threatening place to live in. Strangers become friends if addressed properly, yellowed maps in lost books replace a fear of the unknown with curiosity and wonder of places you have yet to explore, songs composed in ages past strengthen the weariest of hearts. A love of learning guides your every step, and illuminates the way for you and those who listen to your advice. Favoured Skill Groups: Perception, Vocation Trait: Rhymes of Lore Shadow Weakness: Lure of Secrets "The roots of those mountains must be roots indeed; there must be great secrets buried there which have not been discovered since the beginning." Inquisitiveness and curiosity are desirable virtues in an individual, but knowledge can be put to malicious use and learned individuals can look down on others as ignorant fools. Secrets are dangerous, as the very desire of uncovering them may corrupt the heart.| TraitsMinistrelsy ☐ Story-Telling ☐ Rhymes of Lore ☐ Hero of the Woodmen ☐ Fair ☐ Reckless(Mastery) ☐ ▣ | AP: 3Personality: ✦✧✧ Movement: ✧✧✧ Perception: ✧✧✧ Survival: ✧✧✧ Custom: ✧✧✧ Vocation: ✧✧✧ ✦✧ | XP: 22 (77) | DP: 0No Challenges Yet. Valour: 5Ancient Mail from Gondor(Mail) - lets you Rally Comrades from Forward Stance and allowed to attack(Found). Horsetail Helm - Standing +1. When fighting on horseback or foot in Forward Stance, if you roll a Gandalf, you receive a bonus success die you can spend on any future rolls or give to a companion(From Heruthain). Superior Fell - quality unlock for Cenegeslit. | Wisdom: 4Old Songs and Children's Tales - When you roll a success on Inspire, Travel, Insight, Healing, Riddle, Lore check Song rating, if it is same or higher, then upgrade the quality of the success up by one: Normal->Great->Extraordinary. If the roll produced Gandalf rune, gain 1 point of Hope, once per session. Household Esquire: Add an extra die to preparation rolls: Lore, Battle, and Insight when preparing for Journey/Combat/Social. Max 6 dice. Squire can also recover horse, bring spare weapon or shield if you drop or are disarmed, will carry you from field of battle if knocked down. Ominous Blessing: Born in the shadow of Dwimorberg. When you roll a Sauron, can change it into a Gandalf for 1 shadow point. Luck turns and favors you but someone suffers. | End: 27/27 | Load: 15 | Fatigue: 0 [+1] | Hope: 13/14 | Shadow: 6 [0] | Parry: 6 | Weary: No | Miserable: No |Wound: No Skills: Body 5 (8)+Awe ▣▣☐☐☐☐ Athletics ▣▣▣▣☐☐ Awareness ▣☐☐☐☐☐ Explore ▣☐☐☐☐☐ +Song ▣▣▣▣☐☐ Craft ▣☐☐☐☐☐ | Heart 5 (7)Inspire ▣▣▣☐☐☐ Travel ▣▣▣☐☐☐ +Insight ▣▣▣☐☐☐ Healing☐☐☐☐☐☐ Courtesy ▣▣☐☐☐☐ Battle ▣▣☐☐☐☐| Wits 4 (5)Persuade ☐☐☐☐☐☐ Stealth ▣▣☐☐☐☐ Search ☐☐☐☐☐☐ Hunting ▣▣▣☐☐☐ Riddle ▣☐☐☐☐☐ +Lore ▣▣▣☐☐☐ | WeaponsSwords ▣▣▣▣☐☐ Bow ▣▣▣☐☐☐ Dagger ▣☐☐☐☐☐ | War GearWeapon | Damage | Edge | Injury | Notes | Enc Sword 5 8 20 Ancient Keen/Ancient Fell/Piercing 2 Bow 5 10 14 N/A 1 Armour/Shield | Protection | Parry | Enc Mail 3d 12(6) Helm +4 2 Shield +2 3 | EquipmentTreasure: 7 War Gear: Mail Shirt, Helm, Shield Leasere: Radhors Mab's Liquor(0) Elven-Crafted Horse Reins Durin the Seeker Radagast's Tome. | SongsSong of Mourning(Tome) ☐ Battle-Song ☐ ▣ What to do when even a Wizard didnt know their foe...? Well, generally you went looking for someone else who might know... Closer to the source of the problem. It seemed ridiculous to think someone would know more than a well-travelled wizard, but there were many things in the world he understood little of. To that end, the horselord quietly nodded his farewell before they had departed. Most of the time prior to the festval's beginning, Gramtyng spend in deep thought, quietly talking to his charge. Before they had departed for the festival's beginning, he'd finally turned to Barin and Dahr-Ol, an spoke quietly: "I know of no ancient library, and would not risk the Hills for this spirit... but Mab the Spinner is a being that I do not think is easily group with anything in the Rhovanion... She knew many tricks and old knowledge. Maybe it is to her we should go, instead of the elves, to ask about this creature." As they headed off to the celebration, the horselord made arrangements to pick up provisions discreetly - perhaps a bit meagre given his finances, but it would be best to remain supplied. He wanted to assign the task to Belgo, but relented when the lad had expressed he wanted to see the ceremony. Gramtyng had listened to the king's words in silence, reminiscing about his original reason for being here, and recalling with some bitterness the sheer arrogance of his past self. Still, there were other things to consider - seemed like another would be joining them, a Beorning named Avena. He'd not known her, so would remain on guard for a little bit. OOC/Actions

All good. It happens!

No problem. I had to walk away from the computer so I didnt post it.

@Diofant just a minor nitpick (sorry!) but if it's possible, can we avoid placeholder/WIP posts in the future? In general, I don't mind as long as they're edited within half an hour or one hour, but if left there, I feel like they may discourage others from making their own posts (as they may want to wait what Gram/Belgo say before voicing their thoughts). Additionally, I think if your post gets edited long after there's other replies added, it kind of gets lost, and it devalues all the effort of your writing. I'll leave it for now for editing, but in the future I will probably be moving WIP posts to a different thread as I think that they disrupt the flow a bit. We can always add them in when they're ready.

Since we are facing a winter journey, I think Dahr-Ol and Elfwynn would devote their meager resources to stockpiling food. I have some rather unpleasant memories of our last winter journey and the search for food. Especially if we take the forest trail. We might even want to consider a beast of burden, to ensure we have enough. If there is an upside to this journey's timing, it's that black spiders should stand out really easily in white snow. Even easier if the Mirkwood loses it's leaves in the winter....

Also, FYI: Kind of suffering from a nasty cold atm, so next posts may take a few days...

That can be arranged, though you guys (aka, the players) will have to discuss on how to proceed. While this adventure is (perhaps regrettably) not the Great Middle-Earth Bake-off, baking scenes are low-stakes enough that I am happy for anyone who wants to to insert them in the celebrations.

Scene 3: The opening ceremony Having heard Gandalf's counsel and partaken in his knowledge, the companions left the busy wizard to his own affairs and the new troubles that would no doubt occupy him in the coming days and weeks. Normally, they would have been asked to leave the palace upon concluding their business, but they had Lord Ewald on their side, and Barin still had other friends in high places, and favors to call. And so, they lingered for a little longer, and Dahr-Ol recalled that his kinswoman, one Avena of the Beornings, currently in Dale for the Gathering, had mentioned to him that she sought king Bard for a missive from Beorn. Dahr-Ol spoke of this to his companions, and for a long while Barin discussec with Ewald, conveying the information, and inquiring if an audience with Bard would be possible. It turned out that yes-such a thing was indeed possible-but not immediately. The celebrations would keep the king and his queen busy for the next few days, and also his court... Now, if they were willing to put up with a short delay, and wait for three days (give or take), a short audience could be arranged. Otherwise, lord Ewald advised that Avena should hand the missive to him, and he would do his utmost to pass it on to Bard and bring it to his attention as soon as possible. These negotiations took some time, and by the time they were finally concluded, the morning had passed. Thus, it was decided to remain in Dale and attend to the opening ceremony before considering what to do next... but with winter now closing in, they would have to gather supplies and set out at speed if haste was their top priority. It was twilight when the crowds that had thus far been enjoying the wonders of Dale's Market-Square converged in front of the Royal Palace. The majestic building, raised by dwarven masons under the direction of their own king, shone in the fading light, its dark, perfectly polished stone catching the last rays of the sun. Under its tall, marble pillars, guardsmen stood in their impeccable uniforms, polished ring-mail, and bright helms. The combined Dalesfolk and visitors pushed and crammed about the tall fountain that commemorated the Fall of Smaug-the most highly contested spot for witnessing the opening ceremony. A few minutes passed when some within that crowd begun to point, and it was soon made apparent why. A procession of nobles and courtiers had emerged from the great front gate of the Palace and was welcomed by cheers and shouts from all bystanders. The group was led by Dáin, King under the Mountain, and a trio of elven emissaries clad in green and gold; they were followed by the Master of Lake-town. Last, King Bard made his appearance, flanked by his queen, the fair Una of Dorwinion. Queen Una held in her embrace their child, the prince of Dale, wrapped in blankets-hardly a year yet, and yet still in attendance, alongside his mother and father. The pair was followed by their most trusted counsellors and comrades, all archers who had formerly served in Bard's company when he was but a Captain in Esgaroth, all of them now elevated to nobles. King Bard stepped forward to address the crowd. His dwarf-wrought crown glittered in the light of many lanterns. His frame was as lean and hard as it was when he had brought down the Dragon, but this night his grey eyes were alight with joy. "People of Wilderland!" he cried. "Years ago, we were strangers to each other, as we hid in shadows. We were afraid of a world where Dragons ruled and Orcs were free to plunder. Then, one day our worst fears came upon us, and threatened to bury us forever, together with our weaknesses and worries." The crowd grew silent, as an old man wrapped in cloak and hood emerged from among the king’s counsellors and took his place by Bard’s side. Bard continued his speech: "But then the clouds that darkened our days were torn by the wind, and a red sunset slashed the West. We fought together at the Battle of Five Armies, and we prevailed together. And today we are here to testify that since that day we stand united!" As the crowd erupted, the old man cast aside his hood and cloak, raising a tall staff, and confirming that which the companions had already guessed: Gandalf the Grey, convinced after all to remain in Dale for a few more hours, for the opening-a task that no doubt had required the king's personal intervention. Suddenly, the staff of the Wizard blazed forth with a flash, and behind the Royal Palace, the sky over Dale erupted with the most magical fireworks, bright enough to illuminate the flanks of the Mountain. Flowers and trees and candelabras and shooting stars, and then a flock of great golden eagles that burst like the dawn. OOC I hope you don't mind my assumptions about your PCs, but I thought this a good opportunity to introduce Avena. Unless there are objections, let's assume that Avena is with the company, informed by Dahr-Ol about the possibility with an audience with king Bard (if the company can wait for a few days) or at least the option that a Barding nobleman like lord Ewald can pass on her message/package to the king. It's up to @Powderhorn to decide which option Avena takes, but it may interact with the company's plans and departure time. I'll leave this scene here so that folks can RP and interact, but beyond some scene-painting and introducing Avena, it does not serve a huge role or give many options for PC decisions (it's mainly an RP opportunity and that's all), so we can certainly fast-forward to the next day if folks are so inclined.

I think just generally speaking, Avena would like to have the opportunity to bake as much as possible, spread the love, and then have enough for marching. However, I think a full single day of baking, and then a day of farmer's market-esque booth hounding would be adequate to the task, if that makes sense.

Sure, that will go down well (pun not intended). The primary reason is to have Avena join us, so I think I will go ahead with it. You can treat it as a cutscene, if you want-so that if you want to fast-forward past it, that's totally ok. Since we're taking a more sandbox approach with this, there's no need to have something driving the story forward in a linear adventure style. Events are happening in the background, and will continue to do so; it's up to you guys to decide how and when to get involved in them.

Just tell Beorn it fell into the lake? Ooooops

I don't think it's a message, it's just a gift for the birth of his son.

I think once Aveena arrives we should not delay. Beorn's message could be important.

As a player, I don't have any problems with trying to call in some favours. As a Dwarf, Barin might grumble and moan, but I think he'd go along with it all the same as he would see the benefit in having more folks on-side. Plus, you never know what those in high-places might turn up. As for the opening ceremony, if we're still around for the evening's festivities, then I'm cool with that. If, on the other hand, we want to get in to see King Bard then hit the trail, cool with that also.

From a player's perspective, I'm fine moving on. I don't need a scene for the opening ceremony, unless you think there's something there that will drive the story forward. I know you want to keep the adventure moving and Cecil already had his fun while playing for his hunk of meat.

Sounds good! Ceremony day *is* present day. But in the evening/night (it's currently morning). It may be hard to get to the king given how busy it will be... but maybe Barin can call some favors.

We need to get Aveena in to see King Bard. But we could that do on ceremony day.

Alright, then that's two votes for Mab via the elf-path (Dahr-Ol, Gramtyng) and one vote for staying at the festivities. I think Gram is also happy to stay for the festivities, but depart on the morning of the next day. So basically 2-2 on votes, in a sense. I'll wait for @Eric @Suzuki Stumpy and @Powderhorn to weigh in with their characters' preferences. I am not sure if Avena knows what she's getting into... perhaps another PC can explain so she can be less passive about it (i.e. not just following along). But that's up to you guys. I was thinking to introduce Avena at the opening ceremony of the festival. I'd rather avoid the hand-wavium and a 'poof! Avena was there all along!' because (a) it's immersion-breaking and (b) it's rather unnecessary. For example, even if you decide, as a group, to skip the opening ceremony and set out at once, we can introduce Avena in the next scene anyway. It simply won't be the opening ceremony, but the preparations for the journey. Another option is to split the party, with some staying behind in Dale while others travel to Mab... but this may get messy from a practical point of view. I am not completely against it, though.

As long as we can handwave that Dahr-Ol and Elfwynn showed up at the Inn with another Beorning in tow, we can pick up with Aveena in the castle?