2950: Beyond the Stairs

Vladim · January 26

Table of contents:

Part 1: Three is Company
Part 2: Return to Lake-Town

Vladim · January 26

(Art credit: Darkening of Mirkwood)

Part 1: Three is Company

Time: Early autumn, 2950 T.A.

Location: In the lands about Castle Orlmond

Varr, son of Halstein

Castle Orlmond loomed large at the distance, sitting upon its hill and encircled by its palisade. The sky was clear on this autumnal morning, and even as he drew further and further from the fortification, Varr could still see it. He had recently left the place, having sought what provisions he could secure for the short journey that lay ahead of him. Perhaps he should have sought more, he said to himself as he left the hill behind him, and begun the return to Frostward with his heavily-laden horse. But that decision had been made already: for despite any remnants of hope he might harbour, in truth he thought it unlikely that the lord would change anything, even with the tensions that recent encroachments had been causing.

That part had been determined already: they needed to seek the source, and bring the news to king Bard himself. Not a simple task, but a necessary one.

Things had not gone all too well for Varr since the night of Ingemar's disappearance. Despite the aid that he had offered, and the men that he had saved, his refusal to work at the logging camp and his constant warnings bought him no good will. In the end, he found himself ostracised, purposeless, and friendless.

Or rather, almost friendless. He still spoke to Breda frequently, and met with Arbereth by the eaves. Their decision had been a joint one. Soon, they would set out. But first, one last attempt to persuade the loggers to change their minds. They had denied him so far, despite appeals to their honour and countless arguments. But winter was drawing nearer... perhaps that would offer reason enough for some of them to join him.

OOC

Let's see if he can convince any of the loggers he rescued to come with him and provide testimony to Bard.

Edit: A great success, so two of them will join.

Vladim · January 27

Varr, son of Halstein

"Last chance, lads. It'll be tomorrow. Have you reconsidered?"

Varr could sense them hesitate. The three of them-Vandil and Stig and Farman-had proven tough nuts to crack. But if he had power over any of the folk of Frostward, it was these three. He had, after all, saved their lives. They owed him.

Still, they were nothing if not recalcitrant.

"You heard about what happened outside Galford last week... or was it two weeks ago? And things have not been exactly smooth here, either."

There was no answer-only awkward silence. Varr smiled grimly.

"So you're sure, then?"

Vladim · January 28

"Sure enough, Varr." answered Farman, who was the hardest to convince-something Varr had already discovered. "Lots of work to be done here, and more yet if you are leaving soon. Still: I wish you safe journey, since your mind is set on it."

For him, that was all that there was to be said, but the others were not as certain. Stig spoke second; he wanted to know more before he was to decide.

"Galford, you say? I have not heard anything. What news do you mean?"

Vladim · January 28

Varr, son of Halstein

Varr smiled bitterly. Of course Stig had heard nothing.

"You truly don't know then? Huh."

He looked at Vandil. By the look of him, and his interest in the tale, the tidings had not reached him either.

"Alright. Well... It's strange that no-one speaks of it here, but Orlmond's people already know it; for them it's old news. I'll tell you then, though you've probably guessed it already. They had the fairy lights again: the forest-flames and the siren's song; the same that you know well. They lost a few folk there too: a young woman, some traveler from Dale, though they say that the elves returned the others, confused and forgetful, but unharmed."

He paused and he watched them for a moment, wondering how they'd react. They both grew increasingly uncomfortable.

"You know that it won't be the end of the troubles. Winter is coming soon, anyway, and Dragontide also: why don't you come with me to Esgaroth, and leave all of this behind you? Haven't you a wife and two young ones, Stig?"

Vladim · January 29

Before any of the others had a chance to answer, Farman spoke, shaking his head briefly as he placed his hand on Stig's shoulder.

"Many days till winter still, my friends. And there is coin to be made here, even in autumn. What use is it to return to little ones and loved ones with empty pockets?"

Vladim · January 29

Varr, son of Halstein

"Better than not return at all." answered Varr grimly. "Or have you forgotten your brush with near-death in the forest?"

Vladim · January 29

"Only fools will go far in the forest by night now." answered Farman. "That stupid Galford girl knew the dangers, and she went in anyway. Perhaps she had a fondness for elf-song, like your cloud-headed Breda. As for the rest of us, we know to avoid it now. And let me tell you one more th-"

Vladim · January 29

"I'll come." said Stig, interrupting his comrade in most uncourteous fashion. Vandil too: he stepped close to Stig, and although he spoke not a word, he made his intent plain.

"It's the least we can do." he said at length, adding his voice to Stig's.

Farman looked at them dumbfounded and wide-eyed, and at a loss for words. He had not expected this, but soon that expression of surprise was twisted into a bitter smile.

"Have it your way then. More for the rest of us."

Such were his parting words, and he quickly turned his back on them and headed towards the great hall.

Vladim · January 29

Varr, son of Halstein

"Farman!" Varr cried as he watched him walk. He felt unable to resist a remark of his own. It was petty and mean-spirited, but he felt as if Farman had earned it with his words and deeds.

"Don't stray into the forest by night again. Now that that cloud-headed Breda and that fool Varr are leaving, there will not be anyone to find you and guide you back if you get yourself lost."

He looked to the others and smiled, eager to make the jest at Farman's expense. But the others did not return the gesture, and Farman only halted for a moment, before going his way.

Vladim · January 30

Varr, son of Halstein

Varr found Breda ready and eager to depart. What few provisions they had she had already secured safely on his old and sickly steed. The journey should be a short one, though, and these lands were under the King's power and protection, and they ought not prove perilous. In short, unless something extraordinary were to happen, they should reach Esgaroth swiftly and safely.

He left Vandil and Stig to her capable hands, explaining the situation, and he allowed them to make their own preparations for the parting. The plan was simple: he would meet Arbereth later, for he feared that others might look on her with suspicion. This part he omitted from his explanations, but as soon as he had finished conveying the rest, he took his leave of them, and sought to say his last farewells to the elder.

Vladim · January 31

(Art credit: Jon Hodgson, Eaves of Mirkwood)

Varr, son of Halstein

They set out a little while later, and soon Frostward was behind them: a small blot on the horizon. But they did not venture all too far before Varr halted, and asked the rest of them to wait. His purpose was known to Breda, as this had been discussed already... but it was not without protest that Vandil and Stig finally acquiesced to his request. For they were near the forest now, and they did not wish to remain there for long. Their misadventure in Mirkwood had made them fearful and superstitious.

Varr was less concerned with such matters. He had not made any plans beyond meeting Arbereth here; he did not know how to explain it to them, so he had decided to just move forward with it and smooth things over after the fact. As he made his way towards the clearing where they had met before, he looked about him cautiously, trying to keep all his wits about him. Arbereth could move about the woods as if unseen, and he did not want to be caught unawares again.

Vladim · February 1

Arbereth, daughter of Firithros

Like all of her folk, Arbereth could walk the forest unseen, especially from mortal eyes, which were less sharp than elven ones, and unaccustomed to the depths of the forest. It would prove little challenge to elude Varr's watch, but still she did not-she had not come to play a trick on him. She purposefully approached from a clear path, ensuring that the sound of her footsteps would announce her arrival.

And that seemed to do the trick. Varr turned and saw her, though by the look of him, he still seemed surprised. He had not given her the impression of one particularly attentive or sharp, but he was, at least, fair-spoken and courteous, and strong, and his heart seemed to be on the right place.

He asked her if she was ready and she nodded in affirmation. She had a small pack on her back, a shouldered bow, a sword sheathed and a travelling-cloak with a hood. More importantly, she had her father's permission to journey to Lake-Town, where her mother dwelled, in the elven quarter. Perhaps she would have some insights if the situation was explained to her.

Vladim · February 5

Varr, son of Halstein

Varr's guess had not fallen far off the mark. When he returned with Arbereth, he was met with a rather cold reception from both Stig and Vandil, though Breda had been prepared. The two Dalesmen did not show their disapproval too openly-at least on the surface. This was not owing to any particular courtesy, but rather fear: for they worried that the elf maiden might place them under some kind of enchantment.

Varr was, in the end, forced to take them aside and speak to them. He tried to persuade them that they had nothing to fear, and spoke the truth to them. He explained that Arbereth was an emissary, and that not all fair folk sought to ensorcell men-folk. That did help a little to allay their fears, though they remained reluctant and wary. But Varr would maintain their cooperation-at least for now. It was sufficient, though the Lake-Man hoped to gain more trust as they journeyed towards Esgaroth.

But now the road called them. The journey was not long, but they had to set out at once, before the first rains of autumn decided to come, and hinder their progress.

OOC

Ok, time to brush up on the journey rules for the second edition...

So, given the skill sets, let's set:

Arbereth: Guide, Look-out & Scout

Varr: Hunter

Then, the Guide (Arbereth) must make a marching test (travel) to see how far the company gets before an event is triggered.

Edit: That's a failure, so an event occurs just a hex away.

Edit 2: Event is ill choices.

Edit 3: Ok, so if I understand correctly, everyone gains +2 Fatigue, and Arbereth +1 Shadow. Actually I shouldn't have rolled with favor because it's a Wild Land (not border yet), but the result would have still been a 2, so no changes.

Vladim · February 6

Arbereth, daughter of Firithros

Arbereth led the way: she was fleet and sure of foot, and eager to guide them to Esgaroth. A simple journey, and one that she had made before. She also scouted ahead: she was aware of the loggers' concerns, and wished to discretely give Varr chances to speak to them in private, and try to convince them that she posed no danger.

The journey began smoothly enough. The lands were verdant and welcoming, made again wholesome and safe by the alliance of the Free Folk, and king Bard's ascension to the throne. But the sky was darkening, and clouds were gathering above them. And so Arbereth redoubled her pace, hoping to find them shelter before the weather turned against them.

Even so, she was not fast enough. It began with short showers, which were pleasant enough, but when they suddenly turned to a storm, their company of five were caught in the open, ill-prepared and exposed. Soon enough the green fields were wet and muddy, and their shoes sank slowly into the ground with every step. And so did their spirits.

OOC

Arbereth and Varr's stats have been updated. Shadow test is a failure, so the shadow point remains.

Edit: The second marching roll is a success. The company moves 3 hexes-enough to reach Esgaroth. New travel checks can be made for each PC to reduce fatigue. I'll leave them for my next post.

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
Warm_1	Warm_2	Warm_3	Bold_2	Accent_2	Mood_2
Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

2950: Beyond the Stairs

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites