Chapter 3: Gathering Shadows

rogueblade0729 · March 22

Music: Bree Music and Ambience | Day - LOTRO Soundtrack

The Prancing Pony - Spring 2948 T.A.

With the arrival of spring in Middle-earth, the chilled grip of winter has finally begun to fade from the land. While snowbanks still dot the landscape, and occasionally new flakes fall from the sky, the air has slowly grown warmer as life returns to the land. The first hints of green grass are present on and around Bree-hill, and most folk are traveling about now with one less layer of heavy fur to keep them warm.

But pressing questions intrude into our heroes' thoughts. Where is Gorlanc? What are his plans? If Grór's confession is to be believed, he seeks to conquer Bree-land. This cannot stand, and the time has come to act. What will our heroes do first?

OOC

Roles for Journeys

Guide - Galian
Scout - Fletcher
Hunter - Orn
Look-out - Léofwyn

OOC: Alright folks, we'll be getting back into our Adventuring Phase now! This time will be a bit different. As opposed to the last two (or three) adventures, we will not be following a single pre-written adventure or story line. I'm opening up the world to you all now, to give you the choice on where and how you would like to investigate the growing threat of Gorlanc. In other worlds, it's sandbox time, baby!

Over the Fellowship Phase, you all have received some clues on locations where you may wish to begin your search, as well as some relevant NPC contacts to reach out to for information or assistance. Alternatively, if you want to rely on other contacts for help, or seek out new contacts, you're welcome to do so. However you all would like to proceed, I leave to your judgement.

Here's a reminder of some plot threads for consideration:

Twyc Greenleaf, the Reeve of Bree, will be casting his judgement on Grór soon. If the Company wishes to advocate for one punishment or another, this is their last opportunity.
Grór currently rots in Bree's jail, waiting for his sentence. He believes he will be murdered by Gorlanc's servants before this comes to pass.
The Skunkwoods, a family of troublemakers in Bree, seem to have had dealings with Gorlanc, based on the letter the company found in their bandit camp two years ago. Bill Skunkwood, their patriarch, is currently serving out his sentence for banditry in Archet.
The Black Tablet was found in the barrow where the barrow-wight escaped from two years ago, which bears the seal of Gorlanc. The fact that the Tablet appears to have power over the Dead cannot be a coincidence. Anna Wintermoss has warned Fletcher that he has been marked, cursed, by this artifact to some extent. Trouble may find him sooner than later...
Eraniel has completed her reparations with the Hayward family and will be returning to the defense of Bree with the other Rangers.
Barnabas Butterbur keeps tabs on the latest gossip around Bree-land, should you have need of it.
Tarry-Mack the Ranger has traveled east into the Lone-lands to seek the truth behind his troubling dreams. He does not know when he will return.
Galian received some advice from the Rangers at Girdley Island about three locations to investigate, along with three Men of Bree who would be able to provide information or other helpful services related to each location.

Roll20 Map

To Post: Everyone!

@codexgigas @BobtheWizard @Papa Bear @grimlock

Edited March 22 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

BobtheWizard · March 22

Galian Elethor (Mirkwood Elf Wanderer 3) sheet app

AC: 16 | HP: 28/28 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 14 (16 in wilderness) | Features

Galian is glad to see her friends again. She tells them the bits and pieces of knowledge she was able to gather through the winter. She tells them of her winter, asks about their journeys, and then recounts the recommendations of the rangers regarding Thieves Glenn and Oswald Breeker, the Wood-castle and Harry Talltree, and of the High House and Tad Tillfield.

"Do any of you know any of these men? If we are going to investigate this increase in banditry to see if it is related to Gorlanc, where would you like to start?"

Mechanics

Main Hand: Bow

Off Hand: none

Action: none
Bonus Action: none
Move: none
Manipulate: none

Notes

Gorlanc, shadow chasing Gror.

Mallor, also known as Tarry-Mack in Bree, dream "a restless bear, an aged crow, a romping elk, four weary boars, a black wolf, and a gray wolfhound. Seven shining stars were hidden by the herd. Over them hung a dark cloud, and within that cloud was a shrieking wind."

Here's a reminder of some plot threads for consideration:

Twyc Greenleaf, the Reeve of Bree, will be casting his judgement on Grór soon. If the Company wishes to advocate for one punishment or another, this is their last opportunity.
Grór currently rots in Bree's jail, waiting for his sentence. He believes he will be murdered by Gorlanc's servants before this comes to pass.
The Skunkwoods, a family of troublemakers in Bree, seem to have had dealings with Gorlanc, based on the letter the company found in their bandit camp two years ago. Bill Skunkwood, their patriarch, is currently serving out his sentence for banditry in Archet.
The Black Tablet was found in the barrow where the barrow-wight escaped from two years ago, which bears the seal of Gorlanc. The fact that the Tablet appears to have power over the Dead cannot be a coincidence. Anna Wintermoss has warned Fletcher that he has been marked, cursed, by this artifact to some extent. Trouble may find him sooner than later...
Eraniel has completed her reparations with the Hayward family and will be returning to the defense of Bree with the other Rangers.
Barnabas Butterbur keeps tabs on the latest gossip around Bree-land, should you have need of it.
Tarry-Mack the Ranger has traveled east into the Lone-lands to seek the truth behind his troubling dreams. He does not know when he will return.

As Galian seeks for further rumors about Gorlanc, she learns something concerning: there has been a marked rise in banditry across Bree-Land. The Chetwood has once again become a safe haven for them, but they are acting with a surprising amount of coordination. Bree-Wardens who try pursing them are swiftly deterred by hidden archers, while Rangers who prowl the woodlands often notice patrols. Even Harry Talltree, renowned bandit-hunter, has been put to the test with driving them away from Archet. Fortunately, the Rangers do know of a few points of interest that may be worth investigating.

The first is the Thieves' Glen, a little coppice of woods near the southern entrance to the Combe valley. It's known as an ideal spot for ambushing travelers on the road to Bree, and has from time to time also been a place to hide or stash stolen goods. While no bandit attacks have been reported so close to Bree in years, it's possible that Gorlanc's men have grown so bold as to use it once more. It would be wise to seek out Oswald Breeker, a miserably reclusive yet remarkably wealthy man, for information and assistance.

Another point of interest is the Wood-castle, a spot between Archet and the East Road where a knoll of rough stone rises suddenly out of the forest. The folk of Bree recognize it as a naturally defensible place, where an archer could command the forest as far south as the Road, and three warriors could hold the heights against a thousand. While the folk of Archet have kept a close watch, it is possible that a particularly talented sneak may have set up camp there to observe the comings and goings around Bree. For help with investigation, Harry Talltree should be sought for first.

The last point of interest is the High House, the old ruins of a small castle near the end of Combe valley, about halfway between Combe and Archet. While mostly used by shepherds to protect their sheep during winter or heavy rainstorms, it has been used by brigands in the past as a makeshift stronghold. If Gorlanc's men were to visit there, they could use it as a staging ground for their highway robbery, or worse, a potential raid of the villages. The Bree-Wardens are used to handling the occasional gang of ruffians that trespass there, though none have been nearly as active in recent years as Tad Tillfield. He should be visited before the Company investigates, as he may prove the most useful for insight and support.

Papa Bear · March 23

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

#3 HP: 32 / 32 AC: 20 (16) Second Wind: Yes Action Surge: Yes Shadow: 2 Character Sheet

Orn is really rather embarrassed when what he had done through the winter was measured up against what Galian had accomplished. Really, the best thing he'd done was recount stories shared over hearth, mead, and victuals with his uncle and kin-folk. He racked his brain to remember anything on of them might have told that might, in some reasonable or far-fetched way, relate to the various roads ahead of them. Really, most of the winter was a blur as he'd spent it feasting and drinking.

In fact, now that he was embarrassed by it all, he looked down and noticed his belly was a bit more round than it was before. He felt as fit as ever, but he couldn't deny that his armor was a 'skosh' more snug.

"Ya done good, lass." Was what Orn opted to say, hoping to deflect from his lack of accomplishments.

codexgigas · March 26

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden (Counselor) 4

Amdiran smiles as he enters the Prancing Pony, the familiar smells of pipeweed, ale, and Butterbur's excellent food filling his nostrils. The Bree-men sometimes exasperate him, but moments like these remind him why he has chosen to guard Breeland for the past few years. He notices Orn and Galian at a table and walks over to them.

His friends will notice that Amdiran seems different. His clothing is still as travel-stained and weatherworn as always, but a large silver brooch now gleams on his right breast, holding his green cloak in place. He seems to stand straighter and to command more attention than he did when he and Orn parted before Yule. Even Galian, who journeyed with him into the wilderness sees a change in the Ranger since they parted.

"Well met, friends," he says, taking a seat and lighting his pipe. He recounts what he learned from Anna Wintermoss about the Black Tablet and Gorlanc. "I'm glad to be rid of the thing, although I fear it shall be long ere I am free of it entirely. Still, what is past is past." When he hears of the leads Galian has uncovered, he nods. "I know Harry Talltree. You'll remember, Orn, that he helped us when we dealt with Skunkwood and his bandits in the Chetwood. He's a good man. If the Rangers think that Harry knows something, then he's a good place to start. My own business has distracted me too much from Bree of late."

Tabletop

grimlock · March 31

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)

Léofwyn smiled as she entered the Prancing Pony. The familiar smell of Butterbur's ale coupled with the sounds of merry conversation gave off a welcoming aura. The sight of her friends gathered around a table near the fire made it even more so like home. She greeted them warmly and sat down as they caught up on the past few weeks over a few pints of ale.

Soon the conversation turned towards Gorlanc and the business of what to do next. "I agree, Harry Talltree would be a good place to start. Perhaps we should also pay a visit to this Skunkwood fellow in Archet. He may be of some use ot us yet."

Show this

Old_Skuul · March 31

image.png.03909d1595567e8c347ac86a95a69c1d.png

Dandifred(Dandi) Puddifoot Hobbit Treasure Hunter 2/Scholar 1

AC: 15 | HP: 21/21 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 11 | Insight: 11 | Speed: 25 ft
Inspiration: 0 | Shadow: 0 | Hands of a HealerYou know how to treat wounds and illness and poison. You have a pool of healing tricks and techniques that replenishes when you take a short rest. You have one Healing Die (1d8) per level in the Scholar class.

If you can touch a creature, you may expend one Healing Die per action, instantly granting them hit points equal to 1d8 + your Wisdom modifier, up to their maximum. If instead you tend the creature for at least 10 minutes, binding their wounds, treating them with herbs and poultices, and offering soothing words, then you may multiply the 1d8 by your proficiency modifier, then add your Wisdom modifier.

Alternatively, you can spend a Healing Die to cure one disease, neutralize one poison, or remove one condition affecting a single target. Conditions are removed instantly, but poisons and diseases require the creature to take a long rest before they are removed.

The types of conditions you can cure are limited when you first gain this feature. You can remove the Frightened, Paralyzed, Stunned, or Unconscious conditions. At 9th level you can cure other conditions as a physician.: 1 | News From AfarYou know many things that are hidden from most and tidings of distant events tend to reach you with astonishing speed. The source of your knowledge is obscure and you do not explain how you know the things you do to others - it is enough that what you know is true.

At the start of each adventuring phase or after spending time in a sanctuary, the Loremaster should inform you of one or two events of importance occurring somewhere in Wilderland.

Scholars always know a little bit about everything and the Loremaster should regularly give you rumors or information based on your appropriate Passive ability checks. For more clarity you can always make an active ability check to learn more about a person, place, or event. Once per Adventuring Phase you can add +5 to one of these active ability checks.: 1 | Tongues of Many PeopleYou know a little of many languages. You can hold a simple conversation in any of the tongues of Men or Elves, and a few common phrases in the tongues of the other peoples - enough to offer a greeting, shout a warning, or insult someone. | Cunning ActionStarting at 2nd level, your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. | Sneak AttackBeginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon.

You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. The amount of this extra damage increases as you gain levels in this class, as shown in the Sneak Attack column of the Treasure Hunter table. | Hobbit NimblenessYou can move through the space of any creature who is at least one size larger than yours. | UnobtrusiveYou can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you. | Lore of the LostWhile you have not found that which you seek, you have come across much lost lore concerning other issues. You know tidbits of lore, hints of where lost kingdoms lie, ruins lay buried and relics have been discarded.

When you hear about a new region or ruin for the first time, you probably know at least a bit of lore about it and where you can likely find even more information (such as a song known to minstrels of a particular region, an old book in a library in Rivendell, Goblin cave paintings in the Misty Mountains and so on). | Broadsword1d8 slashing +6 to hit| Short Bow1d6 piercing +6 to hit
range 80/320 | Belt Dagger1d4 piercing +6 to hit
range 20/60ft thrown

A small, diminutive halfling enters the Pony looking rather road weary. He looks around nervously before approaching the gentleman behind the counter.

Dandi: Excuse me sir, might you have any rooms available? I might need an extended stay if that's alright.

Butterbur: Of course, of course, there's a fine hobbit sized room available that will suit you nicely. What name should I put down for you, little master?

Dandi: Uh, Puddifoot...Dandifred Puddifoot from the Shire, but you can call me Dandi, thank you.

Butterbur: What brings you to Bree young master?

Dandi: Ummm...ah...buttons....and ah...marbles....actually.

Butterbur gives a questioning look and then nods with a big smile and a chuckle, "Alright master Dandi, here is the key to your room and when you are ready, food and drink are available here in the lounge."

The hobbit scurries off to settle into his room and a while later returns. He orders some food and drink and finds an open table reasonably close to the fire. He nods to some of the other patrons who take notice of him as he finds his seat. He begins reading through a notebook and lights up a pipe as he waits for his food, blowing a few decent rings of smoke now and then.

Papa Bear · April 1

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

#3 HP: 32 / 32 AC: 20 (16) Second Wind: Yes Action Surge: Yes Shadow: 2 Character Sheet

As the group talks through their plans, Orn notices a halfling fellow talking to ole Butterbur. Orn shakes his head. Shirefolk were strange folk indeed.

Old_Skuul · April 2

Dandifred(Dandi) Puddifoot Hobbit Treasure Hunter 2/Scholar 1

Dandi leans back and studies his notebook with great focus. His long-stemmed pipe protrudes to the side of his face as he brings the notebook in with both hands. He mutters as he reads to himself. A few audible words might be heard by those nearby,"...2 silver buttons...engraved initials...prized marble...dragon's eye...1st place pie baking medallion, hmm I'll have to try some of that..." He rubs his hands together as he sees food coming and sets his notebook aside, giving the other tables a glance and scanning for any hobbits.

codexgigas · April 2

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden (Counselor) 4

Amdiran nods in agreement with Léofwyn. "Aye, visiting Harry will take us close to Archet, so it makes sense to ask Skunkwood what he knows as well," he says.

He glances around the Pony, noticing a hobbit who he doesn't recognize. The Ranger is on speaking terms with most of the Small Folk in Bree, even if he isn't particularly beloved of any of them. He finishes his mug of ale and rises from the table. He walks toward Dandi, pulling out a chair from the hobbit's table and taking a seat. "What news from the Shire?" he asks in a friendly tone. "We get little enough of it in Bree these days."

Tabletop

Old_Skuul · April 2

Dandifred(Dandi) Puddifoot Hobbit Treasure Hunter 2/Scholar 1

"Hello sir," says Dandi with a smile, happy to engage with any of the big folk interested in the goings on of the Shire. "The Shire? Well...quite a lot actually!" says Dandi as he points his finger in the air with emphasis. "Besides all of the planting and growing and baking and sewing, daily walks to breathe the fresh springtime air, little hobbit children playing truth or dare. It's really a wonderful time to visit if you can make it out that way. The annual hide and seek contest is generating quite the buzz of late. Oh...Tulip Bracegirdle married Haldo Brandybuck..." he pauses with his eyes wide and his head shaking," ...I KNOW...NO ONE saw that coming...quite a shocker it was. And of course, a few missing chickens in Brockenborings...OH...OH," he says excitedly as he leans into Amdiran with a grin and a hushed tone, "Have you heard of the Fiend of Frogmorton? It's is QUITE the big deal...but not for long" he says as he leans back wearing a smug smile across his face. "Oh pardon me, where are my manners. I am Dandifred Puddifoot at your service," he says with a bow of his head. "What news from your part of the world my friend?"

Old_Skuul · April 3

Dandi raises a finger and says, "Hold that thought my friend" before Amdiran has a chance to reply. "Duty calls," he says as a second Hobbit, a bit more aged but still in fine shape has entered the Pony and is looking a bit lost. Dandi waves him over and introduces him as his esteemed colleague Mr. Will Whitfoot. "Perfect timing old chap. Let's be off then and bring our business to its conclusion." "But I have not had my lunch and it is almost time for afternoon tea," replies Will. Dandi grabs an untouched chicken leg from his plate and hands it to Will, "Justice cannot wait my friend, come," says Dandi as he heads out of the Pony. Will stands there for a moment holding his chicken leg, he stares at the unfinished plate of food and after a glance at those seated nearby, he reluctantly follows Dandi out of the Pony.

A couple hours later the hobbits return. They look different than when they left. Scratches can be seen on both of them, their clothing is a bit torn. Dandi is nursing a bit of a limp and Will is holding his arm. They find an open seat near the fire again and sit down with sighs of relief. Dandi addresses Will, "Well done my friend. We have decisively concluded our business." "Yes, but at terrible cost," replies Will holding his arm and looking none too pleased. "Yes, shame that happened" says Dandi holding a crinkled hat with a hole in it. He tries to straighten the hat but it does not appear willing to retake its proper form. He then empties his pockets and examines each item he removes for a moment before handing them to Will. Two small silver beads or buttons, 1 black and red marble, a small medallion of some sort and a handful of small baubles. "When you return this property to the ladies of Frogmorton they will be terribly happy. And when word spreads round the Shire of your good deeds, your reputation will be terribly improved. And when your lovely wife hears of it, she will be terribly proud," says Dandi as he gives Will a sad puppy dog look. Will just shakes his head as his expression turns from a frown to a smile, "You are incorrigible." "And yet you love me," says Dandi with a wink. "Go now, get cleaned up, Ill have food sent up to your room." Will collects the recovered property into a small box and leaves the lounge. Dandi folds his arms behind his head and closes his eyes as he leans back in his chair. He breathes a big sigh of relief and seems to be at peace.

Old_Skuul · April 4

After a good long several minutes of replaying the last couple hours of events in his head, Dandi begins writing in his notebook. Dear Shirriff Hayward....the following is my report...frog mucus was the key...evidence led me to Bree-land...Botho Maggot...brave actions of a certain Will Whitfoot...stolen property recovered...thief remains undetained...local authorities unwilling to arrest based on a woman losing her marbles...

Dandi notices the group of folk still enjoying their drinks at the nearby table. "I apologize for rushing off, that was terribly rude. Please allow me to buy the next round of drinks for your table. It's the least I could do, and I am very interested to hear about the latest happenings of your home lands."

codexgigas · April 5

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden (Counselor) 4

Amdiran smiles at Dandi as the hobbit buys the next round of drinks. "What news from my part of the world?" he says, his voice sounding amused. "You must not have spent much time outside of the Shire, Master Puddifoot. They call me Fletcher, and I am one of the Rangers. If you ask old Butterbur about me, he will tell you that I am one of that shiftless and disreputable lot that roams the highways and byways of Bree-land. He'll warn you not to associate with me, lest I lead you to a bad end."

Amdiran puffs on his pipe, silent for a time. "But if you ask for news of the Rangers of the North, I will tell you. The Shadow is growing over Bree-land, and I do not think it will stop at the Brandywine River. The wind carries dark news from all the corners of Middle-Earth. The White Council may have bested the Necromancer, but they did not defeat him, and he is still up to his foul purposes. The dead are restless in the Barrow Downs, and sorceries stalk near Bree. That is the news my people tell among ourselves. Doubtless, it is not so pleasant as the news you shared with me from the Shire. We have no weddings after long engagements, only a ceaseless watch to protect those around us from dangers they do not see."

Having said his piece, Amdiran takes a drink from the new mug of ale. "Barnabas Butterbur has outdone himself. This year's ale is the best he's brewed. At least there is some good news in Middle-Earth."

Tabletop

grimlock · April 5

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)

Léofwyn watched hobbit exchange words with some amusement. What a strange and curious fellow, though he seemed friendly enough. She grinned at the offer of more ale and Fletcher's praise of the batch. "That it is." She agreed and raised her mug to clink it with the others before turning her attention back to the hobbit.

"Do not listen to the rumors that Butterbur would spew, our dear ranger friend is as noble as any man of Bree. I would take his word over that of ten-score others here. His tongue may sound grim but he does speak the truth." She winked at Amdiran and continued. "As for me, I am Léofwyn, and I hail from the West-March of Rohan. Where any news of interest is few and far between, particularly concerning hobbits." She smiled and emptied her mug. "But what business would bring a gentle-hobbit, such as yourself, so far from the Shire to seek such news?"

Show this

Old_Skuul · April 5

Dandifred(Dandi) Puddifoot Hobbit Treasure Hunter 2/Scholar 1

News From AfarYou know many things that are hidden from most and tidings of distant events tend to reach you with astonishing speed. The source of your knowledge is obscure and you do not explain how you know the things you do to others - it is enough that what you know is true.

At the start of each adventuring phase or after spending time in a sanctuary, the Loremaster should inform you of one or two events of importance occurring somewhere in Wilderland.

Scholars always know a little bit about everything and the Loremaster should regularly give you rumors or information based on your appropriate Passive ability checks. For more clarity you can always make an active ability check to learn more about a person, place, or event. Once per Adventuring Phase you can add +5 to one of these active ability checks.: 1

"Oh dear, that sounds rather serious." Dandi makes a mental note not to ask Amdiran of the latest news ever again, but then the message sinks in. "Across the Brandywine? But that is on the border of the Shire! What is this threat that you speak of? How can it be stopped! Restless dead and sorcery?" Dandi is troubled by the words of the Dunedain and wears it upon his brow as his mind is flooded with questions. How could these things be true? He looks over at Butterbur and then back to Amdiran.

"A pleasure to meet you Lady Leofwyn. Heh...Heh...yes, far from home," he says under his breath, still pondering the dark news of the Dunedain. Snapping out of his thoughts he focuses his attention to the woman called Leofwyn. "You and I both it seems. You are from way over there" he points in a mostly correct direction. "I actually do not know anything of your home, I'm sorry. But yes, business indeed has brought me here. I came to recover stolen items of some significant sentimental value to their owners. It is not often that I make it to Bree, but this was a case that needed extra attention. The ladies of Frogmorton were counting on me you see, and I could not let them down."

Loremaster: I would like to use my News From Afar skill to learn of "one or two events of importance occurring somewhere in Wilderland."

Edited April 6 by Old_Skuul (see edit history)

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Chapter 3: Gathering Shadows

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