Year 2946: Don't leave the path

[Vladim]

[Post 106]

Author : Old Overholt

Date : Aug 24 '16 12:30pm

 

Seeing Bella take Belgo's hand and start to eye the river, he must sense that the hobbit does not to stay put in the camp. "Bella, wait!" he grunts out as he pushes himself to his feet, using his axe as an old man might a cane. "It's bad enough those three are charging out into the woods in the dark, you don't need to be going to," the dwarf adds as he gets his bearings and then proceeds to job up towards the hobbit. Exchanging a glance between Bella and Belgo, thankfully both at or near his eye level, Nori tells them, "You needn't go alone. We should stick together, whatever the case. We don't know what else is out there."

[Vladim]

[Post 107]

Author : Vladim

Date : Aug 24 '16 10:48pm

 

The Bride looked around nervously as Gramtyng completed his climb. The quietness around her was eerie, but she feared breaking it. She had not forgotten about the werewolf.

 

As Gramtyng looked around from the webs down below, Idunn gestured quietly; a silent message understood by fellow hunters, meant to convey a simple question: Is everything alright? She did not intend to make any noise, but she was prepared to climb down the webs herself if Gramtyng gestured for her to come.

 

She is essentially ready to do whatever Gramtyng indicates is necessary.

 

@ Dramacydle: Let me know if I need to do any rolls and I will provide them.

 

@ Born / Lee: Should we assume your guys (and Belgo) are here?

[Vladim]

[Post 108]

Author : Diofant

Date : Aug 25 '16 2:59am

 

Making it up the wall and quickly but carefully running up the spiral staircase, Gramtyng had taken a good look at the situation: it was not great. Baldor was trapped below, encased in webs, spiders sleeping nearby - and one false step would alert them if these were anything like the the common spiders. He knew himself well enough to understand he didnt stand a chance at sneaking past them but... Perhaps Idunn might. He saw her signalling, shook his head to deny the idea of 'all right, and pointed down, mimicking something wrapped around himself. Then beckoned her, trying to explain his idea by more gestures: Tying something around his waist, lowering down, then hacking something with a sword, being pulled up. He then put his head on an incline on his folded hands and made a sleeping face then wiggled his fingers to mimic a spider. What an odd benefit of being a bard, making a pantomime before an audience of spiders...

[Vladim]

[Post 109]

Author : Vladim

Date : Aug 25 '16 4:25am

 

Idunn understood all that Gramtyng pantomimed. His gesture for ‘spider would have proved challenging, were they not surrounded by webs, which made for effective clues. As she was the lighter of the two, it made sense for Gramtyng to lower her, instead of her pulling him up.

 

She turned to her knapsack and pulled out a long piece of rope. She first passed the rope through a sturdy-looking branch above her, before tying one end around her waist, and then passing the rope around her shoulder to make an improvised harness. Her betrothed had shown her how to do this to secure herself, when they hunted amongst the trees. She then gently lowered the other end towards Gramtyng and tried to stabilize herself as the horse-lord started lowering her towards Baldor… and the spiders, which she could now see at a distance.

 

This should be interesting 🙂

[Vladim]

[Post 110]

Author : Born on the Bayeux

Date : Aug 25 '16 6:22am

 

I am putting this reply in both this thread and the OOC thread because I don't want to gum up the plot (any further).

 

I don't mind where Nori confronts Bella.  Bella will listen to her friend.  For tactical sense, it would probably be best if the two never left the camp unprotected.  For story sense, it might be fun that all of them are together with the spiders.

 

If so, assume that Bella was at fault for charging away so fast, it took Nori that far to confront her.  This is Bella's fault and she will accept the blame later without protest.

 

Time is against me tonight and I will post tomorrow.

[Vladim]

[Post 111]

Author : Born on the Bayeux

Date : Aug 29 '16 4:42pm

 

It was a too common misunderstanding among too many big folk that halflings were a boring, passionless people.  They cared not for dwarven gold, elvish tradition or men's love of power.  But hobbits did care about the quiet virtues, such a love of community.

 

And, despite their brief acquantaince, Baldor was part of the her community, her fellowship.  And he was the father of young Belgo, who Bella was quite fond of.  And Bella had failed them both.  She ran with a warg's tenacity and single-mindedness, dragging Belgo behind her.  She would put it right.

 

Nori's words and their good sense finally caused Bella to stop and assess her situation.  The camp!  It is unguarded.  Perhaps it had still been the right decision to charge after the other members of the Fellowship but it should have been arrived at calmly.

 

Bella was able to keep wits enough to not make an exceptional amount of noise, certainly not more than Baldor.  So she probably hadn't made this situation much worse by her appearance.  She could see enough of Gram and Indunn to see them particularly sacrificing speed for stealth and knew to be quiet.  The slight increase in webbing was enough to hint at what everyone was being quiet from.  Certainly, the spiders were never far from Bella's mind and nightmares.  She gestured for Belgo to be silent, hoping the young lad had better sense than she had shown up to now.

 

Seeing Nori, she mouthed quietly, "Thank you and forgive me, Dwarvish for 'friend'."  It was doubtful he could perceive the entire sentence under the circumstances but Bella hoped Nori got the sentiment.

 

 

My sincere and heartfelt apologies to you all.  I wrote this post four days ago and I thought I had actually posted it.  Bella will be cooperative to any plan so that I don't slow the game down any more.

 

I think I have done this right and chosen the best options.  Let me know what I have gotten wrong (and my apologies).

 

Nori's reason has finally stopped Bella.  But it took all of the way to the spiders to do it (which Bella feels bad about).  As I see it, Bella, Belgo an Nori are together but easily in the perceptible range of at least Indunn who is in contact with Gram.  Now finally quiet, Bella is watching Indunn for orders or guidance (as are likely Nori and maybe Belgo).  The normally retiring Bella is willing to fight the spiders hand-to-mandible if needed out of responsibility.

[Vladim]

[Post 112]

Author : Old Overholt

Date : Aug 29 '16 5:16pm

 

Nori doesn't hesitate to follow behind Bella, the dwarf keeping up with the quick pace, huffing and grunting as he charges through the brush of Mirkwood, keeping the hobbit and the boy in visual sight. Both hands grip his axe, keeping it at the ready as he's unsure what kind of beasts or creatures they might encounter through the frantic race to aide The Bridge, Gramtyng, and Baldor. The dwarf has a mixture of urgency to keep up with Bella, but at the same time, an apprehension to look out on all sides of them as well as behind them. This is the second time he's charged into a situation in recent days - tempting fate/luck once again.

 

Only once does Bella stop does Nori slow his sprint to a jaunt and finally a sure-footed walk. Sallying up two the child and the halfling, the dwarf looks towards the webs and the pair of fellow adventures trying to save Baldor. Reaching out, he tries to rest his hand on one of Bella's shoulders. Whether it's to calm her, reassure her, or suggest she go no further, it isn't exactly clear. But the dwarf is there and silent as the dead - his eyes searching to make sense of what is going on and what might happen.

[Vladim]

[Post 113]

Author : Diofant

Date : Aug 30 '16 12:20am

 

After they'd finished tying Idunn securely with the rope, and she tossed it over the branch, Gramtyng took a few steps back and moved his feet far apart, steeling himself so there was no chance of dropping their Scout while she attempted the daring rescue of an insane old man. He had felt a bit sour about that - he should have been the one going down there, but for her, pulling him up along with another would likely be impossible... That and he hadn't been the best as sneaking past anything more threatening than a snoring innkeeper. Of course, in these sort of stories, the situation would have been ideally a little different; Baldor was very far from the damsel in distress of those kind of stories. Then again, the heroes of those stories rarely 'fished' for their rescue object in the way that he and Idunn had been trying right now.

 

So thinking, he lowered the Woodsman girl towards the spiderwebs; doing a double-take when he noticed one of them twitch in the web. Clearly they had MUCH less time than he thought they did, and there was no real way to let Idunn know... Clenching his teeth, he shook his head and gave in to the nature of his people, channeling his Invoking Reckless for Third AP point in Movement since its an Extraordinary Success into what he had seen was the only true option: The spiders would awaken in a few moments, and several more stirred, legs twitching disgustingly as they began to rise. Then... He would just have to give them another target! Gramtyng spared another glance to the thick branch that had supported the rope and mentally begged it to hold out, as he unsheathed his sword and leapt forward, off the wall, holding onto the rope. Half-running, half-falling down the slightly inclined wall, he did not pull the rope, allowing it to slide between his fingers, other on his sword: This way, Idunn would descend rapidly, but he, being heavier, would reach the webs before her, use her as a counterweight, hang onto the rope to slow his fall enough to be safe, then allow her to be grab Baldor. Then, he would pull them up - he'd been confident in his muscles for that at least - after that he just had to climb up the wall, kick any spiders off, and escape.

 

In reality, things had went a little differently... He'd descended safely, though not comfortably, ended up slamming the entire spiderweb with his full weight, and awakening the spiders resting nearby. "Shame I dont have a torch..." He muttered, helping Idunn descend. To his horror, however, that was not going nearly as good as he thought as his hands started to slip from the sweat, eliciting a great deal of anger from the minstrel: allow his first real friend to get injured like that, and probably trapped in the spiderweb? "Uh-uh. Nope. NOT HAPPENING." Hissed the Rohirrim. Using 1 Hope Point to turn my Athletics failure into a Success: Athletics is not Favoured for me but Gramyng's Body is 5, and the roll was 11, so a 16 should be enough to pass it, as the TN was 12. Naturally, as The Bride is Gramyng's Fellowship Focus, the 1 Hope is refunded immediately., he made a quick gesture wrapping the the rope around his upper arm, and pulling hard: it had stopped her rapid descent, though yanked on his arm a bit painfully. Grimacing, he'd lowered her to the ground quickly, hacking at the webs around Baldor. "They were waking up, no choice, sorry. Help me out! We gotta go - fast - no telling how many are here. I'll pull you and Baldor up first, then follow. Damn! If I knew this would happen I'd have lit a torch earlier."

[Vladim]

[Post 114]

Author : Vladim

Date : Aug 30 '16 10:49am

 

The Bride was grateful to be standing on firm soil again-even if said soil was covered in spiderwebs. Quickly, she pressed her ear against Baldors chest to ensure that he still had a heartbeat. She also helped Gramtyng free the old man of the webs. If Baldor was still alive, it was time for him to start running again, something that he had already proven to excel at.

 

She could see her companions at a distance, so she and Gramtyng could hold back the monsters while the dwarf and the rest escorted Baldor back to safety.

 

I can defend myself as good as any man of Rohan! she said to Gramtyng stubbornly, as she prepared her buckler and readied her spear. Nori and the rest have followed as, she continued, pointing to her companions, they can see to the old fools safety!

 

If she and Baldor survived this, the two of them would be having a little talk...

 

1. Do you want a Healing check for trying to figure out if Baldor is still alive?

2. Can I roll Battle for combat advantages and Spear as an opening volley?

3. Can Ellerina join us, given that she is supposedly still around? It would give Howler a chance to start posting.

[Vladim]

[Post 115]

Author : Diofant

Date : Aug 30 '16 9:43pm

 

"I don't doubt your fighting prowess, Idunn, just Baldor's ability to hobble away alone!"  Gramtyng had pulled his shield from his back as well, glancing side to see, anticipating an attack to come shortly. "He'll need help - and our friends have Belgo with them! We cant fight like this: We need to retreat, thats why I'm saying I'll buy time. But... it looks like I'm not convincing you out of a fight. Fine then!" He grinned, feeling his blood begin to boil, the old curse of the Fey Mood that he desperately struggled to hold back trying to surge to the surface again; the battle-rage of the Rohirrim when they rode against the black tides, and their only song was violence and death. "Lets not get into any heroic tales yet... We've got a mission ahead bigger than this one! Back to back, fight for a while, then escape."  He moved as he spoke, taking up a position so neither of them would be caught Gramtyng will assume Open Stance if we're fighting. If we get a Volley, he has a bow, and combat advantages should get us some bonuses I think.. "See if you can scatter a few... The less we fight the better." 

 

Gramtyng is suggesting that you try to scare the spiders, and that they dont commit to a long fight. If we have Ellerina, we have a better shot (forgive the pun) at this. Maybe we can even find Hepti somewhere around here and he could strike a heroic entrance if he isnt passed out in one of these cocoons around us...

[Vladim]

[Post 116]

Author : Dramacydal

Date : Aug 31 '16 1:19am

 

As Baldor is raised in the nick of time, An opulent red eyed Attercop awakens to see that it's next meal is missing and senses the Fellowship a top the walled ruined bridge. As it's mandibles begin to click, it leaves at once; climbing to the top as the four begin to take up stances against the offensive spider.

 

It raises it's hind legs to show the belly of the Attercop, which looks like a slimy fresh underside. It's hairy mandibles click, as a few other spiders begin to stir down below. As your Fellowship inches backward ever so slowly across the bridge. You finally take a look to the bottom and below is a thirty foot drop. It looks like anything that falls down the ravine underneath will likely die from the fall.

 

The sun is setting at this point, as the orange hue of the sun begins to set in the west. Mountains and more foliage of Mirkwood is the landscape around this lone Castle Ruin. This place speaks of evil as it appears Baldor has regained sanity from drinking the fresh but magical waters of Mirkwood.  Then the Attercop lowers itself down and begins to inch quickly towards Gram, Indunn, Bella and Nori.

 

Soon the bridge begins to shake at some points. Perhaps the spiders made this place home and were weightless a top the bridge, but with the four heroes and the Attercop a top it, portions of the bridge begin to giveaway. A small step here and there, one false move and the outcome could be disastrous.

 

With weapons drawn, there is the chance of fleeing this place of evil or fighting this creature of the night. Known for inhabiting Mirkwood for nearly 2000 years, the spiders of Mirkwood were not a champion to the likes of Sauron nor any other faction of evil but inherently predescessors of their own birth right.

 

Soon loud clicking can be heard from below. It's only a matter of time before the place is overrun with more Attercops. In mere minutes, the time will be night and with no burning torch or light of day, the creatures will bite with venomous abandon and paralyze your flight.

 

OOC: For those who wish to join combat. Roll combat advantages and a battle roll with Feat Die.

[Vladim]

[Post 117]

Author : Vladim

Date : Aug 31 '16 8:16am

 

Idunn nodded quietly at her Rohanese companion as she pointed her spear towards the advancing spider. The arrival of Nori and Bella had put additional strain on the webs and, looking down, the Bride could see that they were all in grave danger, even if they somehow managed to fight off the legions of awakening spiders.

 

Fall back! she said to her newly arrived companions, Nori and Bella. See that Baldor and his son are safe! she continued, shoving the recently freed merchant towards the trio of Nori, Bella and Belgo.

 

She turned to Gramtyng, ready to follow his lead. Although she was not keen on fighting under such precarious conditions, she was proud, and would not leave Gramtyng alone if he chose to hold back the spiders.

 

The Bride will follow Gramtyngs lead: If he flees, so will she, but if he remains, she will too, assuming the Forward stance.

 

Dio, it is your call; if Gramtyng chooses to fight, I hereby authorize you to roll Battle for the Bride (she only has 1 dot).

[Vladim]

[Post 118]

Author : CrimsonKnight16

Date : Sep 1 '16 12:00am

 

Hepti squinted his eyes at the old fortress, trying to make out the numbers of the enemy.  He'd like to rush in there right now and kill every last one of those eight-legged bastards, but a den of this size would be impossible to clear without help.  As the dwarf was plotting how to best get people to join his cause, he spotted movement near the castle.  He felt a strange mix of excitement and dread as he noticed a small group rushing straight into the fortress.  The group probably wasn't equipped to clear out the whole nest, but at least he had an excuse to slay a few monsters rescuing them.

 

The spider hunter barreled toward the fortress as fast as his short legs would take him.  After what felt like an eternity of running, he finally made it to the keep.  After frantically looking about, he found the group on a spiderweb bridge, right in front of a waking Attercop.  His blood began to boil at the sight of its grotesque, spiny limbs and unblinking eyes.  He let out a mighty battle cry and charged past the group with his axe held high, determined to bury it in his mortal foe's carapace.

[Vladim]

[Post 119]

Author : Born on the Bayeux

Date : Sep 3 '16 3:58am

 

Bella rested her own hand on the hand of Nori resting on her own shoulder without thinking or regret.  She was glad to have her companion here and also wroth with herself that Nori was also now in the danger she had helped bring about.  Certainly the presence of Belgo had brought out her maternal side but now her thoughts were going where this 'confirmed spinster' rarely imagined.

 

The momentary distraction went away and now both Indunn and Gram had pushed the dazed form of Baldor towards the three of them.  He seemed dazed at first glance but regaining his senses.  At Indunn's cry to "Fall Back!", Bella herself almost ran to the forefront to challenge the attercop directly.  But it was a narrow bridge and the two big warriors needed what little space was allowed them.  Reluctantly, Bella began to try and lead Baldor and Belgo back off the bridge.  Something snapped nearby, maybe a strand of webbing or a minor plank of the bridge.  But it was clear that Baldor and Belgo (at least) were a weighty danger to everyone else until they retreated.

 

 

Combat is tougher (but perhaps more rewarding) with each additional PC involved.  So Bella will hang back unless ordered forward by another PC.  She does realize that her, Belgo and Baldor are more of a hindrance on this bridge than a help (barring a change in the situation and/or Bella's perceptions).

 

Thinking ahead, Bella will see if there is webbing on this bridge.  Should the bridge break, an awful-but-better-than-death choice might be for the PCs to stick themselves to the webbing.  It's a difficult visual to convey in text but the final fight scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom might help as an inspiration.

 

Were we playing in practically any other fantasy setting, I would likely play Bella as having a crush on brave Nori (with leecarver's approval only, of course).  But romance is almost non-existent in Tolkien.  There are very few women even mentioned and it seems that any romance is merely a plot complication in this unique genre at best.

[Vladim]

[Post 120]

Author : Old Overholt

Date : Sep 4 '16 4:23am

 

Hearing The Bride should in the distance, Nori immediately takes two large steps in front of Bella, letting out a grunt and gripping his axe with both hands. His toughened skin causes the handle of the axe to sing as it rubs across the wooden surface, the dwarf ready to put the weapon through whomever or whatever should come their way.

 

As Baldor comes stumbling towards them, he growls to the man, "For the sake of all that shines, get behind us!" He seems impatient, ready to charge head, or swing his axe, or something. But he remains there to shield the others in a defensive posture. It's only once Baldor, Belgo, and Bella are all behind him that Nori starts to urge them back the way they came. If they had sent Baldor forward, The Bridge and Gramtyng will be sure to follow, and who knows with what behind them.

 

... that is, until he sees Hepti speeding past him, crying out into the blackness with his weapon ready. His shoulders shrinking somewhat as he realizes what's happening, Nori shakes his head and rumbles, "That daft, venom-thirsty git!" It's said more in disappointment than anger or malice, as if the rust-haired dwarf wasn't surprised.