Chapter 2: Timeas' Folly

[codexgigas]

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden 3

---

AC: 15/17 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 3/3d8 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 17 | Warden's Gift: 3/3 | Discourse 1/1 | Foresight: 1/1
Shadow Points: 4 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

Amdiran takes a step back as Tomas opens the Black Barrow and the flies come swarming out. For a moment, he is back upon the King's Chair, his heart flooded with despair and hatred. He gasps, finding the air suddenly foul, even for Midgewater. It is as if hatred and malice have followed the insects out of the mouth of the barrow.

"I mislike this place. Ours has been a fell journey here, and all has gone amiss. Wisdom says that we should turn aside now, but I will not abandon the quest nor my companions," he says with a sigh. He takes the rope from their pony and prepares to use it to descend into the black mouth into the earth. As he uncoils it, he remembers how the last time he used the rope, it did not prevent the fellowship from being scattered in the mist as they searched for the Old Troll. He hopes this time will go better.

Once he reaches the floor of the barrow, Amdiran takes a moment to light a torch.

---

 

 

[grimlock]

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)   AC: 17/18* | HP: 29/29 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 15 | Insight: 11 | Speed: 30 ft Inspiration: 1 | Shadow: 4 |Action SurgeStarting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action on top of your regular action and a possible bonus action. Alternatively, if you spend Inspiration, you may give your Action Surge to a nearby ally as a reaction. The ally must use the Action Surge immediately. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again: 1 | Second WindYou have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your Warrior level. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.: 1 | Mark of HonorInspiration: You may draw Inspiration from your Charge. Once you have gained Inspiration from your Charge, you cannot do so again until you finish a long rest.: 1/1 | Sworn DefenderUpon choosing this archetype at 3rd level you gain the ability to nominate a Charge. At the end of a long rest, you can name a person or place and swear mighty oaths to protect and defend it. This Charge remains until either it is killed, or you change your Charge following a long rest. While near your Charge, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom bonus plus your Warrior levels. Alternatively, your liege lord may assign you a task, in which case the completion of that quest becomes your Charge, and you lose the temporary hit points if, in the judgement of the Loremaster, you tarry or stray from your quest. If your Charge is a place, it becomes a Sanctuary for you as long as it remains your Charge (see the Fellowship Phase chapter for more information on Sanctuaries).: Tomas  Broad Sword+4, 1D8+2 Piercing, Finesse | Spear+3, 1D6+1 Piercing, (+4) Thrown Range 20/60, Versatile (1D8+1) | Short Bow+4, 1D6 Piercing, Ammunition, Range 80/320, Two-handed | Dagger+4, 1D4+2 Piercing, Finesse, Light, Thrown, Range 20/60  Aelfric (Horse, Large) | AC: 12 | HP: 29 | Speed: 60ft | Passive Perception: 10 | Hooves+4, 2D4+2, Charge | Trained Mount

"Do not be so eager yet, Tomas."Léofwyn dismounted and removed a torch and her shield from the saddlebags. "We should make preparation before venturing blindly into the darkness." She shuddered at the memory of the barrow-wight, she hoped no such creature would be found here.

After securing her shield and striking a torch she patted the large warhorse on the neck and whispered, "þes byrgels sicore non, Aelfric abide.This tomb is not safe for you. Wait here Aelfric."

OOC

 

 

Edited October 9, 2023 by grimlock (see edit history)

[rogueblade0729]

Music: Among the Barrow Downs - LOTRO Soundtrack

The Black Barrow - Winter 2947 T.A.

With a rope lowered, the Company descended into the Black Barrow, followed by Tomas. Climbing down, they discovered that the chamber was lined with four stone coffins, upon which were carved the likeness of lordlings of the North from ages past. There were several small jars and chests scattered about as well, though these mostly appear to be looted. Still, a search may reveal some remaining treasures.

Off to the left, the Company also discovered two bundles of moth-eaten personal effects--traveling gear, some Dwarf-made tools for tomb-robbing including a crowbar and a portable block-and-tackle, weapons and a few other trinkets. Based on their age, one may guess that these once belonged to the skeletal remains they saw outside the barrow. The only thing of note among the items was a partially legible letter, though a closer look will be needed to try and decipher it.

At the edge of torchlight, but well within Orn's vision, is what appeared to be a circular structure of stone, covered in moss and capped by a trapdoor. A firm yank would be able to lever it up.

For his part, Tomas began to look around the urns jars and chests, an eagerness for treasure plain on his face. "There must be something here..." the Company could hear him mutter as he angled his torch around for a better view.

OOC

Roles for Journeys

• GuideIn charge of all decisions concerning route, rest, and supplies. Guides rely on Wisdom and Survival proficiency. - ?
• ScoutIn charge of setting up camp, opening new trails. Scouts rely on Stealth and Investigation. - Fletcher
• HunterIn charge of finding food in the wild. Hunters rely on success with Survival checks. - Orn
• Look-outIn charge of keeping watch. Look-outs rely on their abilities in Perception. - Léofwyn

---

OOC: Just to make sure I'm getting this correctly, the only person who does not currently have a torch lit is Orn, right?

Also, if you wish to search around, roll Investigation checks, everyone! Please move your tokens on the Roll20 map accordingly, based on what you wish to search.

Roll20 Map

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To Post: Everyone!

---

@codexgigas @Papa Bear @grimlock

Edited October 17, 2023 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Papa Bear]

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

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

---

"Now ye hold up again, young Tomas!" Orn scolds the lad again. "These places in the dark are dangerous. Ye never know what ye can awaken from beyond yer sight." Orn, probably more than anyone else, being of dwarven blood and all, knew the lure of treasure and a part of that was rising up from within. Sure, he and his family, even his whole clan were very wealthy but there was something more than just capital gains to finding treasure. There was a certain primal urge to it that one must master else it could get you killed by others who have mastered it or some trap set by those who intended to return for the treasure, or yet some monstrous beast that were also drawn to it despite having no need for wealth.

With the best vision for dark places, Orn quickly sets about checking everywhere in the chamber and down any caverns that lead out from there. He doesn't go through any of them yet, but wants to build a mental map of where they were and be sure something dangerous wasn't just out of their vision.

[codexgigas]

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden 3

---

AC: 15/17 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 3/3d8 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 17 | Warden's Gift: 3/3 | Discourse 1/1 | Foresight: 1/1
Shadow Points: 4 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

Amdiran holds his torch high, walking into the cold darkness of the barrow. Although he keeps an eye out for treasure and danger, he feels drawn toward the strange, moss-covered structure at the edge of the torchlight. He stops a few feet away from it, attempting to figure out what it is before coming closer.

---

 

 

[grimlock]

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)   AC: 17/18* | HP: 29/29 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 15 | Insight: 11 | Speed: 30 ft Inspiration: 1 | Shadow: 4 |Action SurgeStarting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action on top of your regular action and a possible bonus action. Alternatively, if you spend Inspiration, you may give your Action Surge to a nearby ally as a reaction. The ally must use the Action Surge immediately. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again: 1 | Second WindYou have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your Warrior level. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.: 1 | Mark of HonorInspiration: You may draw Inspiration from your Charge. Once you have gained Inspiration from your Charge, you cannot do so again until you finish a long rest.: 1/1 | Sworn DefenderUpon choosing this archetype at 3rd level you gain the ability to nominate a Charge. At the end of a long rest, you can name a person or place and swear mighty oaths to protect and defend it. This Charge remains until either it is killed, or you change your Charge following a long rest. While near your Charge, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom bonus plus your Warrior levels. Alternatively, your liege lord may assign you a task, in which case the completion of that quest becomes your Charge, and you lose the temporary hit points if, in the judgement of the Loremaster, you tarry or stray from your quest. If your Charge is a place, it becomes a Sanctuary for you as long as it remains your Charge (see the Fellowship Phase chapter for more information on Sanctuaries).: Tomas  Broad Sword+4, 1D8+2 Piercing, Finesse | Spear+3, 1D6+1 Piercing, (+4) Thrown Range 20/60, Versatile (1D8+1) | Short Bow+4, 1D6 Piercing, Ammunition, Range 80/320, Two-handed | Dagger+4, 1D4+2 Piercing, Finesse, Light, Thrown, Range 20/60  Aelfric (Horse, Large) | AC: 12 | HP: 29 | Speed: 60ft | Passive Perception: 10 | Hooves+4, 2D4+2, Charge | Trained Mount

Léofwyn followed closely behind Tomas keeping a watchful eye on the edge of the darkness. As they move further into the barrow a small wooden chest catches her attention and she leans in to get a closer look.

OOC

 

 

[rogueblade0729]

Music: Among the Barrow Downs - LOTRO Soundtrack

The Black Barrow - Winter 2947 T.A.

As the Company explored the upper chamber, they spread out a little to cover every corner. Leaving the tomb-robbing gear and the letter alone for the moment, Tomas and the others turned their attention to whatever else laid within.

Joining the search for treasure, the Shield-Maiden pried open a wooden chest in the corner. Meanwhile, Tomas tipped over and shook out the contents of the various jars and pots. Despite most of the barrow having already been looted, there was still a few bits and pieces to be found. Between the two of them, Léofwyn and Tomas a humble offering of coins: 30 gold pieces.

Orn quickly discovered that this barrow was rather small. Despite containing the stone tombs of at least four distinguished individuals, it is a far cry from even the lesser glories of the Dwarves in their mountain halls. On the upper level, there were no other side chambers or secret passages, just the moss-covered stone structure on the far side of the chamber.

Amdiran joined Orn as they both began to investigate it. To their searching gazes, it seemed to simply be the entrance into a lower level of the barrow. A rotten trapdoor made of wood covered the lid, and a decayed rope ladder sat next to it, no longer usable for climbing. They did not notice any traps, though the general foulness of the barrow was ever-present. Thankfully, this barrow was not quite so cursed as those in the Barrow-downs (i.e. no saving throws against Shadow), and with but a little courage and willingness to bear the scent of the place, the heroes could linger here for some time.

If either Amdiran or Orn opened the trapdoor, they would quickly notice a concerning sight. Less than a foot below the bottom of the trapdoor, they could see the lower chamber was completely flooded with water! Peering closer, they were able to make out vague shapes through the murky water... are those swords? Is that another, grander tomb? Could that shine there be gold, lost beneath the mud and cold water of the rising marshes? Should our intrepid adventurers wish to retrieve anything in the lower chamber, they will have to go for a swim.

OOC

Roles for Journeys

• GuideIn charge of all decisions concerning route, rest, and supplies. Guides rely on Wisdom and Survival proficiency. - ?
• ScoutIn charge of setting up camp, opening new trails. Scouts rely on Stealth and Investigation. - Fletcher
• HunterIn charge of finding food in the wild. Hunters rely on success with Survival checks. - Orn
• Look-outIn charge of keeping watch. Look-outs rely on their abilities in Perception. - Léofwyn

---

OOC: Léofwyn and Tomas search the upper chamber of the barrow, uncovering 30 gold pieces. Most of the other treasure has either already been plundered, presumably by Timeas (remember his unexplained wealth?), or simply did not hold up through the passage of time. Withered bits of cloth, heavily rusted war gear, decayed fragments of ceremonial and sentimental items, and other useless junk can be found in plenty around the barrow--nothing worth even a single copper piece all put together.

Also, you still have the tomb-robbing gear and the parchment to inspect. No checks are needed, your Investigation rolls were high enough for anyone to decipher it if they so choose. Tomas doesn't seem to care much for them, but he won't stop you if you're curious.

The only way further into the Black Barrow is to descend the trapdoor into the flooded lower level. If you wish to go diving for any treasure that may lurk below, you'll need to roll a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check. Despite being in winter, the barrow seems to have decently insulated the flooded chamber. While the water is cold, it isn't unbearable, and you're certain you won't risk frostbite or other natural hazards by going for a swim.

Roll20 Map

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To Post: Everyone!

---

@codexgigas @Papa Bear @grimlock

[Papa Bear]

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

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

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"Dwarves do not drown themselves intentionally!" Orn grunts upon seeing the flooded chamber below.

[grimlock]

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)   AC: 17/18* | HP: 29/29 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 15 | Insight: 11 | Speed: 30 ft Inspiration: 1 | Shadow: 4 |Action SurgeStarting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action on top of your regular action and a possible bonus action. Alternatively, if you spend Inspiration, you may give your Action Surge to a nearby ally as a reaction. The ally must use the Action Surge immediately. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again: 1 | Second WindYou have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your Warrior level. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.: 1 | Mark of HonorInspiration: You may draw Inspiration from your Charge. Once you have gained Inspiration from your Charge, you cannot do so again until you finish a long rest.: 1/1 | Sworn DefenderUpon choosing this archetype at 3rd level you gain the ability to nominate a Charge. At the end of a long rest, you can name a person or place and swear mighty oaths to protect and defend it. This Charge remains until either it is killed, or you change your Charge following a long rest. While near your Charge, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom bonus plus your Warrior levels. Alternatively, your liege lord may assign you a task, in which case the completion of that quest becomes your Charge, and you lose the temporary hit points if, in the judgement of the Loremaster, you tarry or stray from your quest. If your Charge is a place, it becomes a Sanctuary for you as long as it remains your Charge (see the Fellowship Phase chapter for more information on Sanctuaries).: Tomas  Broad Sword+4, 1D8+2 Piercing, Finesse | Spear+3, 1D6+1 Piercing, (+4) Thrown Range 20/60, Versatile (1D8+1) | Short Bow+4, 1D6 Piercing, Ammunition, Range 80/320, Two-handed | Dagger+4, 1D4+2 Piercing, Finesse, Light, Thrown, Range 20/60  Aelfric (Horse, Large) | AC: 12 | HP: 29 | Speed: 60ft | Passive Perception: 10 | Hooves+4, 2D4+2, Charge | Trained Mount

Léofwyn clasped the dwarf on the shoulder, "There will be no drowning of dwarves today my friend. As a girl I spent many days swimming in the spring-fed pools of the White Mountains. This should be no different." She quickly doffed her armor, boots, and weapons; leaving only a dagger tucked into her belt. Then undressed down to her linen tunic and trousers.

She tied one end of the rope to her waist and handed the other to Orn with a smirk. "I shall spare you the indignity of getting your beard wetted."

OOC

Léofwyn will take the plunge. Athletics check below. (I forgot to label it)

 

Edited October 18, 2023 by grimlock (see edit history)

[codexgigas]

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden 3

---

AC: 15/17 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 3/3d8 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 17 | Warden's Gift: 3/3 | Discourse 1/1 | Foresight: 1/1
Shadow Points: 4 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

Amdiran shakes his head as Léofwyn plunges into the cold waters. "I will leave you to it," he says, wandering over to inspect the tomb-robbing supplies.

---

 

[Papa Bear]

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

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

---

Orn takes the end of the rope from the Shield Maiden. "Thank ye, lass." he says, then wraps the rope around his waist and ties it off. He'd pull her out if she needed it or drown trying... but he knew he could pick her up and throw her several yards, so he wasn't too concerned that he'd take that splash-down.

 

[grimlock]

Léofwyn (Rohirrim Knight level 3)   AC: 17/18* | HP: 29/29 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: 15 | Insight: 11 | Speed: 30 ft Inspiration: 1 | Shadow: 4 |Action SurgeStarting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action on top of your regular action and a possible bonus action. Alternatively, if you spend Inspiration, you may give your Action Surge to a nearby ally as a reaction. The ally must use the Action Surge immediately. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again: 1 | Second WindYou have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your Warrior level. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.: 1 | Mark of HonorInspiration: You may draw Inspiration from your Charge. Once you have gained Inspiration from your Charge, you cannot do so again until you finish a long rest.: 1/1 | Sworn DefenderUpon choosing this archetype at 3rd level you gain the ability to nominate a Charge. At the end of a long rest, you can name a person or place and swear mighty oaths to protect and defend it. This Charge remains until either it is killed, or you change your Charge following a long rest. While near your Charge, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Wisdom bonus plus your Warrior levels. Alternatively, your liege lord may assign you a task, in which case the completion of that quest becomes your Charge, and you lose the temporary hit points if, in the judgement of the Loremaster, you tarry or stray from your quest. If your Charge is a place, it becomes a Sanctuary for you as long as it remains your Charge (see the Fellowship Phase chapter for more information on Sanctuaries).: Tomas  Broad Sword+4, 1D8+2 Piercing, Finesse | Spear+3, 1D6+1 Piercing, (+4) Thrown Range 20/60, Versatile (1D8+1) | Short Bow+4, 1D6 Piercing, Ammunition, Range 80/320, Two-handed | Dagger+4, 1D4+2 Piercing, Finesse, Light, Thrown, Range 20/60  Aelfric (Horse, Large) | AC: 12 | HP: 29 | Speed: 60ft | Passive Perception: 10 | Hooves+4, 2D4+2, Charge | Trained Mount

The shield maiden braced for the initial shock of the cool water and slipped beneath the surface of the pool. She dove towards a glinting object below. When she resurfaced Léofwyn placed the small pile of gold upon the edge of the pool. "There is more yet." She said and took a breath before diving down again.

 

OOC

 

 

Edited October 19, 2023 by grimlock (see edit history)

[rogueblade0729]

Music: Among the Barrow Downs - LOTRO Soundtrack

The Black Barrow - Winter 2947 T.A.

When the Shield-Maiden dove for more treasure, she traversed the murky waters, heading for the shiniest thing she could find. As her hand neared a particularly fine pile of coins, she suddenly felt her wrist grasped by an icy cold grip! Looking down, she realized she was face to face with a disembodied spectral hand, intangible yet glowing a sickening greenish color. With a maddened fury, the hand seemed intent on keeping her trapped until she downed. However, a glint caught Léofwyn's eye: several fine pieces of jewelry could be seen still clung to the hand, as if it once belonged to an ancient lord buried here. If the warrior was swift and mighty, she could not only break free, but also snag one of these treasures before escaping to the surface.

As for Amdiran, he inspected the tomb-robbing gear. Based on appearances, it was decades old, and clearly of Dwarf-make. There's enough supplies here for roughly three people. Memory of the skeletal corpses found outside the barrow return to the forefront of his mind. If there were two bodies, but enough supplies for three people, who was the third? However, Fletcher also uncovered a piece of paper, and inspected it with a keen eye. It was a partially legible letter that seemed like it might once have been instructions on finding the barrow: the words 'Barrow', 'Weathertop', and 'unearth' can be made out. At the bottom of the page are two things that are perhaps most of interest to the Ranger: the seal of the black bird, identical to the one he found on a letter in Bill Skunkwood's brigand camp and the black tablet he now carried; and a name, 'Gorlanc'.

OOC

Roles for Journeys

• GuideIn charge of all decisions concerning route, rest, and supplies. Guides rely on Wisdom and Survival proficiency. - ?
• ScoutIn charge of setting up camp, opening new trails. Scouts rely on Stealth and Investigation. - Fletcher
• HunterIn charge of finding food in the wild. Hunters rely on success with Survival checks. - Orn
• Look-outIn charge of keeping watch. Look-outs rely on their abilities in Perception. - Léofwyn

---

OOC: Léofwyn has encountered a spectral hand, which has grasped her and is dragging her deeper into the water! She must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw or gain a level of Exhaustion. If she succeeds, she can swim to the surface. If she succeeds by 5 or more, or if she expends Inspiration, she can take one of the treasures from the spectral hand as well.

Since Orn is holding a rope tied to her body, he can either take the Help action to grant her Advantage, or use his one-use Encourage ability to grant her a flat +5 to the check.

Roll20 Map

---

To Post: Everyone!

---

@codexgigas @Papa Bear @grimlock

Edited November 2, 2023 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[codexgigas]

Amdiran, Son of Amdirgir | Dunédain Warden 3

---

AC: 15/17 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 3/3d8 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 17 | Warden's Gift: 3/3 | Discourse 1/1 | Foresight: 1/1
Shadow Points: 4 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

Amdiran frowns as he spots the seal. It troubled him when it found it at Bill Skunkwood's camp, and it troubles him even more to find it now. Clearly this "Gorlanc" has been active and intending mischief for much longer than the Ranger had feared. His brow wrinkles further as he realizes that there are more supplies left behind here than there are corpses outside. Did that mean that Tomas' uncle had been in league with Gorlanc? It certainly seems that the Bree-man had betrayed his erstwhile companions.

He looks up to share his discovery with his companions, only to realize that Léofwyn has been underwater for a very long time. "Orn, how long has Léofwyn been down below? She should have been back by now," he asks, his voice filled with cold dread.

---

 

[Papa Bear]

Orn, Son of Thain

Weaponmaster

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

---

Orn feels the pull on the rope, but didn't worry too much as it was fairly steady. He figured that if the Shield Maiden of Rohan were in trouble, she give several tugs. But when Amdiran mentioned the amount of time the lass had been under water, his heart melted with fear for he did not know how long a human could stay submerged.

The burly dwarf decides that its been long enough and if she were in perfectly fine condition, there would be no reason she could take a dip back into the waters after catching her breath. Orn pulls on the rope with all of his might as he begins to walk backwards. He intended to catch a fine fish.

 

OOC: passing advantage to @grimlock