Year 2950: A Darkness in the Marshes

[thesloth]

Dahr-Ol of the Beornings

The trap was sprung but the arrow flew wide. They must end the orc before he could summon aid. Dahr-Ol charged the orc heedless of the terrain or any other concerns. Silently he lunged for the orc, his axe seeking its neck.

 

Axe stats: Damage 9/Edge 10/Injury 20

 

Edited February 22 by thesloth (see edit history)

[Eric]

Ernstyr of Rhosgobel

There was no time to waste. With more orcs coming in the gloom, the first arrival would have to go down quickly. The woodman pulled the string of his bow taut, eyes focused intently on the creature's head, and let fly.

 

[Vladim]

Magric, visibly shaken, fumbled to prepare another arrow, but Gramtyng and Ernstyr were ready with their own bows. At the same, Dahr-Ol left the safety of his hiding place and charged towards the lone orc, axe raised high. He would not reach his foe, though: by the time he had closed the distance, the orc lay face-down in the mud, slain by the arrows of the company.

Barin and Dahr-Ol, who both now stood near the felled foe, perceived at once two things. First, the man that the orc meant to slay was still breathing, but only faintly. He was unconscious: alive, but in urgent need of aid.

Second, there were footsteps in the wind: the sound of approaching folk, though the mist still concealed them.

 

OOC

The company has only a moment to decide its next action. You can go back to hiding (no rolls needed), shoot at anyone who approaches (give me ranged attacks if you have them), try to drag the dying man elsewhere (Athletics TN 16), or anything else. There is no time yet to try to treat the dying man.

[Suzuki Stumpy]

Barin Greycloak

"Come on," hissed Barin as he bent to grab the fallen man's ankles, "Help me get him into cover. Sounds like we'll have some company very shortly."

Without waiting for Dahr-Ol, he began, with considerable effort, to drag the unconscious man towards the safety of the rushes...

 

OOC

I'll spend a point of hope if possible to turn that athletics roll into a success...

[thesloth]

Dahr-Ol of the Beornings

Dahr-Ol slung his axe and grabbed the man's shoulders, "Stay in line with me as we move, Elfwynn will shield us..."

 

Axe stats: Damage 9/Edge 10/Injury 20

Elfwynn slid in behind Dahr-Ol shield raised to cover shoulder to knee. Her spear was readied, but she would only drop her shield to strike in the most dire of circumstances. Dahr-Ol shifted his body almost without looking behind them, aligning himself with her shield. The pair had fought together numerous times and clearly understood how the other fought.

 

Shield MaidenElfwynn will be acting as a shield maiden if the orcs arrive before we get back to the archer line. Any attack aimed at me which produces an Eye of Sauron hits and wounds her automatically.

 

[Vladim]

With aid from the Beorning, Barin quickly lifted the dying man and managed to carry him behind the reeds. This new hiding-place was unlikely to survive much scrutiny, but at least it would place the man out of harm's way-at least for the time being. Truth be told, he did not likely have much time left on this Middle-Earth if his wound was as grievous as it had appeared upon first inspection even to the uninitiated healer.

The watchful others (Elfwyn and the three bow-bearing companions and their allies) could see shapes approaching while Dahr-Ol and Barin took the wounded man to safety. The company's choice was now a simple one: hide or ambush those approaching-for presumably they were more orcs. If they chose to hide, however, they would have to hope that the sight of the dead orc would confuse rather than alert them...

 

OOC

You can choose to stay hidden (no roll required-your previous rolls are still valid) or attack/ambush now (give me opening volleys in the latter case, if you have ranged weapons).

[Modest_Proposal]

Cecil Brandybuck

Shapes bled through the mist! The hobbit remained still, his nose pressed against the reeds. First a runt and then more, thicker and taller, smashing stalks as they went.  They were wicked and prickly. 

Barin and Dahr-Ol were too close - their cover too thin. He could not warn them. He felt through the mud for skipping stones. Gentle-edged, some were, but not as smooth as the stones he was accustom to by the Brandywine on those long summer days. 

They would have to do. He caught a glimmer of water. 

"Magric - Ernstyr. Mind your heads," he whispered, before spinning two stones toward a flooded thicket with the hopes that they might skip like birds in a tailwind. 

 

OOC

Cecil's attempting to simulate somebody fleeing with the sound of skipping stones. He's hoping the orcs will pursue (much like when the Black Rider was tricked the hobbits in the first film while they hid below tree roots). He hopes it will give them an opportunity to safely flee.

He throws the stones immediately after they reach the dead orc.

 

Edited February 26 by Modest_Proposal (see edit history)

[Vladim]

Soon enough a company of orcs reached the site of slaughter. Like curtains the mists seemed to part to reveal a group of eight: a scouting party rather than a warband. It consisted mostly of orc-soldiers with blackened mail-shirts, bucklers and spears, and bent blades at their waists. A few amongst them-a pair to be precise-were keen-nosed snagas with bows, much like the one that already lay dead... And their leader was taller and stronger: with a broad-bladed sword and a large shield that lacked a painted pattern, and chain-mail that seemed sturdier than that of the soldiers'.

At once they noticed their fallen comrade, and at once they drew or readied their weapons. At once the hobbit let loose the skipping stone. His timing was impeccable, and his precision great: the stone leapt across a stagnant pool and landed into a few nearby reeds with a quiet sound, but it was enough to lure the scouting party away from them-for now.

 

OOC

Cecil spends 1 hope (updated) and successfully creates a momentary distraction.

The company can avoid combat automatically if they leave the injured man behind. No rolls are needed, but this will count as a misdeed and incur Shadow.

Alternatively, the company can try to carry the injured man. Dahr-Ol and Barin are situated best to do this: I'll need Athletics checks from both of them (TN 14). 3 successes will be necessary to achieve this in timely fashion (greats count for 2, extraordinaries for 3) otherwise they will both be noticed.

Or you can try to attack the orcs while they are distracted. There's one black uruk (the leader), 5 orc soldiers and 2 snagas (archers).

Good luck!

[thesloth]

Dahr-Ol of the Beornings

Dahr-Ol nodded in approval at Cecil's ploy. It had bought them a precious advantage, surprise. But he knew the orcs, they would realize no scent of man came from that direction and return. Better he judged to use what advantage they had now. Nodding to Barin and Elfwynn he rose, charged the big black orc. He issued no war cry. He hoped to take the beast in utter surprise.

 

Axe stats: Damage 9/Edge 10/Injury 20

 

[Suzuki Stumpy]

Barin Greycloak

As the Orcs turned at the sound of the stone skipping across the waters, Barin glanced towards Dahr-Ol and nodded. The big man did exactly the same thing at the same time. The dwarf grinned, liking that they were both on the same page.

Sheathing his knife and hefting his axe, he crept forward until they were both within striking distance. Whilst the Beorning went for the huge Black Uruk, Barin took one of his lieutenants with a two-handed overhead axe strike.

 

[Diofant]

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: 1Personality: ✦✦✧
Movement: ✦✦✦
Perception: ✦✦✦
Survival: ✦✦✧
Custom: ✧✧✧
Vocation: ✦✦✧
✦✧ | XP: 88(62) | DP: 0No Challenges Yet.

---

Valour: 4Ancient 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: 1 [+1] | Hope: 12/14 | 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 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 ☐
▣

---

Gramtyng growled in frustration at this decision, but knew that at the very least, the company were capable at dealing with this. As far as he was concerned, Cecil had the right idea - getting away here would be far better than risking these things getting away and knowing for certain they were here. Even if they grew suspicious, there would be patrols in the area, which meant less to sneak through in other parts. But at this point... He loosed two arrows, aiming to take out at least one archer, and then grabbed for Cenegeslit and his shield. No song nor warcry on his lips, only the thought that they'd had to find a deep enough place in the swamp to drown nine corpses.
 

---

OOC/Actions

 

 

Edited March 3 by Diofant (see edit history)

[Modest_Proposal]

 

Cecil Brandybuck

Like fish to a worm! He thought. Or worms to a fish... He flashed a smile, turning as he did to retreat - waiting for his comrades to drag the wounded man with bended knees.

But still they crept forward!

They pursued?! It took all of Cecil's restraint not to split the reeds toward Barin and Dahr-Ol and leap for their legs. It was too late, of course, the fools were proving themselves warriors in the worst of times.

"No!" He whispered hoarsely.

He fumbled an arrow in a panic and grabbed two more between his hairy knuckles. There was nothing for it. Time and space shrunk down to the tip of his bow as he turned half-way between the forces ahead and the route behind.

[Eric]

Ernstyr of Rhosgobel

Ernstyr could feel the tension among the company as the orcs came into view. Even though saving the man was the right thing to be doing, to potentially alert an entire swamp full of orcs that foes were among them was a significant risk. The orcs' deaths would need to be swifter still. With that in mind, and seeing Gramtyng already aiming for one of the Snaga, the Woodman took two arrows and sent them at the back of the second archer.

 

[Vladim]

Without warning, arrows were sent by the company against the orc warband. Gramtyng’s and Ernstyr’s bows sang as Cecil and Magric fumbled with their own. The missiles were aimed against the snagas: the small yet swift trackers that bore bows of horn. Yet they were prepared, and with snake-like speed they took cover in the undergrowth and warned their leader at once, before seeking to retaliate with shots of their own.

Almost at once Dahr-Ol and Barin charged into the fray like brothers-in-arms, heedlessly and with axes ready and raised in two-handed grips. The mists concealed them for a moment, but even as their forms appeared through them, the orcs were unprepared for their fierce onset. They hastened to lower shields that had been raised to defend against missiles from unseen archers moments prior, but their reactions were too slow. The axe-heads bit into their armor and pushed them back.

Only for a moment, though: soon they closed ranks around their leader, and counter-attacked with cruel hatred. Bent blades were swang wildly, and their leader bore down upon the Beorning with hideous strength, while another dealt a vicious wound upon the shield-maiden guarding his flank. Arrows were shot against them, and even Barin was not spared, though he fared better than his brave companion.

Beaten and badly bruised, Dahr-Ol barely clung onto consciousness. His wounds were neither grievous nor life-threatening, but he could not continue enduring such punishment for much longer. Already he was feeling the cumulative effect of the savage attacks...

Gramtyng quickly shouldered his bow and drew forth Cenegeslit and joined the dwarf and Beorning. He stabbed against one of the soldiers, but by that point the enemy was well aware of his peril, and lifted his buckler just in time to defend the blow. Cenegeslit did not find purchase: perhaps a blessing in disguise, for none of the other orcs seem to pay the Rohirrim any heed, focused as they were on his two reckless companions.

 

OOC

All melee attacks are moderately hindered (+2 TN) due to the muddy terrain.

Because of the mists, the typical rule for allowing archers (i.e., 2 melee companions required for each archer) does not apply here. While the orcs remain unaware of Cecil and Ernstyr, they can both be in rearward and use bows.

Round 1:

Company actions:

• Dahr-Ol (forward) attacks Black Uruk and hits with a keen & grievous long-hafted axe held in two hands for 9 damage.
• Barin (forward) attacks Orc Soldier #1 with a fell axe and hits for 5 damage. Note: a normal axe (in contrast to a long-hafted one) does not give any special benefits like increased damage when held two-handed, so I treated what you wrote as fluff, and you can still retain Barin's +1 to Parry from his buckler.
• Gramtyng (open) makes an opening volley against Snaga #1 and misses (due to snaga's snake-like speed) before joining the melee and missing Orc Soldier #2. Note: since the distance is not too great, I did not use the results for the second opening volley.
• Ernstyr (rearward) misses Snaga #2, twice.
• Cecil (rearward) readies a few arrows.

Enemy actions:

• The Black Uruk (-9 End) attacks Dahr-Ol (to hit: TN 10)... Edit: Great success... hits for 10 damage and activates Horrible Strength (-1 hate) to increase damage to a total of 15. (Black Uruk: -9 End, -1 Hate)
• Orc Soldier 1 (-5 End) attacks Barin (to hit: TN 15 from buckler (+1) & warded helm (+3))... Edit: miss!
• Orc Soldier 2 attacks Gramtyng (to hit: TN 15)... Edit: miss!
• Orc Soldier 3 defends his leader, attacking Dahr-Ol (TN 10)... Edit: piercing blow, and automatic wound for either Elfwyn or Dahr-Ol (thesloth's choice).
• Orc Soldier 4 defends his leader, attacking Dahr-Ol (TN 10)... Edit: a basic success; Dahr-Ol takes 4 endurance damage.
• Orc Soldier 5 defends his leader, attacking Barin (TN 15)... Edit: a basic success; Barin takes 4 endurance damage.
• Snaga 1 defends his leader, attacking Dahr-Ol (TN 10)... Edit: a basic success; Dahr-Ol takes 4 endurance damage.
• Snaga 2 defends his leader, attacking Barin (TN 15)... Edit: Miss!

Dahr-Ol is now at -23 endurance and weary, and must take a point of shadow for seeing Elfwyn wounded. Barin at -4 and Elfwyn is wounded. The orc leader is at -9 endurance and -1 hate, orc Soldier #1 is at -5 endurance and snaga #1 is at -1 hate. Everyone else remains unharmed.

Round 2!

[thesloth]

Dahr-Ol of the Beornings

Dahr-Ol's vision clouded as the big orc hit home and two of his fellows followed suit, bit hard on his own tongue to keep from crying out. Silence was still a necessity. A fourth spear was about to pierce his side when Elfwynn appeared, sheild up, but she could not ward the blow and took the spear herself.

The thought that they both might die here flitted through his mind. He determined to bring the black orc with them when they left this world. Stepping forward he mustered his remaining strength to drive his axe up into his opponent's chest.

Axe stats: Damage 9/Edge 10/Injury 20

Ever the loyal companion Elfwynn would not stay to watch over the wounded man. Moving along Dahr-Ol's flank she saw the orc lining up for a killing blow and thrust her shield up and out. Too far forward she placed it, and the orc was able to slip the shield to the inner edge and take her in the side instead.