Year 2950: Words of the Wise

[Vladim]

The Elvenking looked upon Tarric as he spoke; his visage was calm and may have seemed cold to some, but in truth he had taken the words to heart. If this was not evident at once, it was soon made so by his response.

"You are the bringer of grim tidings once again." he said to the Beorning and the Woodswoman. "And yet I see the wisdom in the wizard's counsel. Long have these Yrch plagued my realm."

He spoke the elven word for the orcs with palpable disdain and hatred.

"When they were at last defeated, less than a decade ago, I hoped that my folk would be rid of them for good, but alas. Worse yet, their raids have been increasing of late, and they are well-organized, as if an invisible hand now guides their mindless rampages.

Yet I must look to my peoples' needs. What if this is a ploy meant to weaken us? You wisely seek aid, but the Firstborn are a dwindling folk, and we must see to the defense of our own realm."

 

OOC

I don't think that the king should be a total jerk about this, so perhaps the complication simply is that he fears about his own lands, and this is what makes him reluctant to help.
 

Dangerous Scene Challenge
Progress: ■■□□□□□□□□
Countdown: ■■□□

@Maester1216 feel free to take it from here! Good luck!

[Vladim]

Upon being presented before their host Bróin genuflects to the Elvenking, offering Thranduil all the respect he is due by his station. Some Dwarves might rankle at the idea of bowing to an elf, king or otherwise, but in this Bróin had always stood apart from his kin. Past conflicts between the children of Durin and the Firstborn are the substance of just that, the past; stewing in past slights served no one. Certainly not when time could be spent on more profitable ventures.

His eyes wander about the room as the others talk, taking in the finery of Thranduil's court (and noting Vara roosted in some high alcove for the time being). When the opportunity arose to speak however, Bróin took it in both hands.

"Caution such as you propose is not ill-placed in these times noble Elvenking. Shadow has grown potent once more, and the Enemy arrays itself to lay waste to the Free Peoples of Rhovanion. This threat is not something that can be destroyed by any one race; only united can Men, Dwarves, Elves, and all who call these lands home hope to stand and claim victory... but that victory will be bought at a terrible price. A dearer price for some than others even."

Hands folded behind his back, Bróin locked his gaze on Thranduil. "In that estimation your Grace closing your gates and waiting all this out is a sound and reasonable course of action. I know I couldn't fault you for taking it. But sieges are messy business- as you well know Elvenking- and many more of your people may wither away in the face of this Shadow than might have died in battle to stop it. Are you prepared to face your people in a hundred years, or even a thousand years, with that regret gnawing at the back of your mind?"

Opening his pack, Bróin lays the gifts he received from the Woodmen out before Thranduil. "A gift of friendship your Majesty. from the Men of Woodmen-Town... and a reminder that, if nothing else, none of us stand along in this fight. Together, in this moment, we can drive back this darkness... and let our people see the sun for a while longer yet."

 

OOC

Gonna go for a basic Compel here using Heart. Spending Wealth for +2 on the roll. Action Roll (10) = 10, Challenge Dice (11) = 6,5

So a Strong Hit. That'd be 1 or 2 Progress on the bar? Or a bit more?

[Vladim]

A quiet murmur in the elvish tongue spread through Thranduil's court as Bróin spoke forth, but the king himself, with a raising of his hand, caused it to cease instantly, allowing the dwarf to continue uninterrupted. The Elvenking did not at once answer Bróin's difficult question, but clearly the thought was one of many that weighed heavily upon him, and he considered it carefully.

When at last the gift was presented, Ithilas approached to receive it, to the king's approval, and so it was made evident that the gesture, at least, had been seen and was appreciated.

The huntress spoke again-perhaps too soon-seeking to take advantage of the natural pause in the conversation. Some of her earlier boldness had by now departed from her voice, yet still she spoke with calm conviction that betrayed her idiosyncratic stubbornness.

"Lord Thranduil, the elves needn't stand alone against the orcs. If you aid the Woodmen, then surely they too will come to your aid, in your hour of need. I know my folk: they are honorable peoples, and if they made a promise, then you can rest assured that they would keep it. And besides, if the orcs are focused on my kin, then surely all the forest-folk will benefit from it-elves and all other men alike. Is it not so?"

The murmur went up again. To allow more Woodmen into the elves' realm... That was not something that would be permitted easily. She knew this, but her argument still stood, or so she believed.

 

OOC

Excellent, that Strong hit adds +2 boxes to the challenge, the progress for a dangerous scene. And no countdown! So at 4/10 currently.

For Idunn, I'll try logical arguing-Face Danger (or Compel) +wits:

Face Danger:
Dice Roll: 1d6+3t 2d10
d6 Results: 3 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 1, 10 (Total = 11)
Sum Total: 17

Edit: Weak hit. Progress & countdown as follows:

 

 

Dangerous Scene Challenge
Progress: ■■■■■■□□□□
Countdown: ■■■□

If anyone else wants to add a post and a roll, feel free! Otherwise I may add a Thranduil reaction over the weekend. But not fussed-either of you can go first.

[Vladim]

"You cannot know this for a fact..." answered the Elvenking, and added: "...do not underestimate the orcs. They are cunning beasts, and have many a time in centuries past laid traps that at first appeared no different than your people's predicament. Your folk may not recall it, but the memories of elves are ancient, and the histories are long and bitter. Of this you can be certain."

He turned towards the dwarf.

"The siege has never ceased, master Bróin." he said sternly. "I had hoped that the defeat at the foothills of Erebor would earn my folk and yours a brief respite. Alas, it seems not destined to last. All that live here, under the roof of my palace and below the boughs and branches of Mirkwood know this fact, however regrettable. And though both you and your companion offer an alliance, with dwarves and with Woodmen, you know already that my realm does not permit great numbers of mortals upon it. For good reason, I might add. Or do you disagree with such policy?"

By the time that he had finished his speech, the chamber was quiet again-so silent, that one could hear a pin drop.

 

OOC

Dangerous Scene Challenge
Progress: ■■■■■■□□□□
Countdown: ■■■□

[Vladim]

"I think the Battle of the Five Armies has shown us that no one can stand alone," Tarric ventured. "Not even the strong, not even those immortal. All peoples have something to offer, and all peoples have weaknesses that allies can shield and fortify.

Please, consider Radagast's word; consider what aid your people might gain in turn from this. Yes, there is a risk, but there is risk in all things. Is not the reward worth it if it succeeds?"

 

OOC

Updated Scene Challenge per previous posts, and now Facing Danger with Heart again...

Face Danger with heart -- Action (8) vs Challenge (10,5) - (Weak Hit) Mark progress (8/10) but also Countdown (4/4) so that means...

Let's attempt to End the Scene Challenge
Our progress (8) vs Challenge (7,1) - (Strong Hit!) We achieve our goal unconditionally!

[Vladim]

The king took a moment in silence to consider the Beorning's words. Despite the forthright manner in which they had been spoken, Thranduil showed no sign of taking offense, even though the quiet murmur rose again amongst the courtiers, as they were unused to such an audience, and seemed scandalized at the exchange.

"Master Tarric." he said at last, rising from his carven throne as he approached the company, to the surprise of his attendants. "The Battle of the Five Armies was a closely run affair. Many good elves we lost in it; indeed, another such so-called victory would spell doom for all Free Folk alike."

For a moment there was silence. The Elvenking's words suggested that he had made up his mind and would not change it, and thus their endeavor had been a futile one. But then the king turned towards one of his attendants, and what he spoke surprised all those assembled in the chamber.

"I will send a war party back with you." And, turning to Tarric, he added: "Let it not be said that the elves have forgotten their alliance with Men and Dwarves so swiftly."

 

OOC

Well done! End of scene, and end of scene challenge. Milestone triggered-add one more progress to the vow (this should put us at 9/10).

The rest of the stay here and the return journey will be handled in broad strokes. The elves will have us returned to the waiting chamber as they assemble the war party, and after that we will travel with them. I will put h in with the summary. Until then, our PCs find themselves back in the waiting chamber-feel free to briefly RP if you want. I'll try and add something from Idunn's POV.

[Vladim]

The huntress had said nothing as the elves escorted them back to the waiting-chamber. Indeed she was at a loss for words, and it took her a few minutes of peace to finally manage to regain her composure.

When at last they were left alone, she turned to her companions and exclaimed in amazement. "I... I had not thought that it would have been possible to change his views. At times, I thought that he would have dismissed us."

She paused. The elves' unexpected decision had surprised her; in the past, the king had listened to her, but had offered her nothing tangible despite her repeated requests. And though she was confident of the importance of her task, she was aware of her limitations as an emissary and speaker.

"I could not have done it alone. Thank you."

[Vladim]

"Think naught of it my dear. Truth be told though? His grace had me going there for a bit to. Was gambling on him seeing the bigger picture and looked like he wasn't going to, but by the stone the Elvenking pulled through."

"Or maybe his grace has grown bored of sieges. Spilling orc blood in the thick of battle is an experience few can pass up on, at least I find." Vara had descended down and was now resting on Bróin's shoulder, the dwarf looking rather unimpressed with his companion's words.

[Vladim]

"Thank you, your majesty. I hope that this alliance will stop the orcs short and avoid the need for something like the Battle of Five Armies, ever again." He bowed and let himself be escorted away along with the others.
 

~~~~~

Back in the waiting room, Tarric shrugged uncomfortably at Idunn's thanks. "Don't think I helped much," he said gruffly, "but this fight belongs to all of us, so if thanks are due, they are due to you as well." The Beorning sighed and fiddled restlessly with his talismans. "I hope Olwinne and the others are all right."

 

OOC

Updated Defend the Woodmen vow to 9/10 per above.

[Vladim]

Time: Evening, thirty-two days after the attack
Location: Rhosgobel, the western eaves of Mirkwood

 

As the companions conversed, the elves made ready. The war party that the Elvenking had promised them was quickly mustered, and soon enough the three of them were summoned outside, where a company of forty elves stood assembled. They were armed with long, sharp spears, clad in shining mail and all carried bows and arrows. They brought steeds and were well-equipped, and all seemed eager to set out at once.

Perhaps a band of forty mortals, even mortals as well-armed as these fair folk that stood before them, would have not amounted for much against the orc-horde. But these were elves: each of them had long years of experience, and a bitter hatred of orcs. To send so many must have been no small matter for the king.

The king himself was not to lead them, but in his charge Thranduil was sending Prince Gibranon, one of his sons: another sign of the importance he placed on this task. They all set off with Tarric and Bróin and Idunn at once, and the sentry Ithilas also came with them. They journeyed at speed, once again taking advantage of the secret paths that only the elves knew, and made rapid progress even though they remained dismounted through the tangled woods.

It was three days later, when they emerged from Mirkwood through the Forest Gate, that they could continue on horseback. Then at last they attained their full speed, riding hard towards Rhosgobel with horses that moved as if they had wings on their feet. Even the companions' mounts seemed to run faster when in the presence of the elves, as if striving to emulate their kin. This time, they had no reason to tarry through Mirkwood, and so they took the direct path, where they could ride unhindered by the dense growth.

And so, a mere five days later, they returned to Rhosgobel, from where their journey had begun. When they entered through the Hedge-Gate in single file, the Woodmen marveled at the great procession, and looked upon the three of them with amazement at the aid that they had managed to bring. But it was no time for feasts or celebrations. The Prince quickly found Radagast and Arnulf, one of the elders, and soon they and the companions were informed of what had transpired during their month-long absence.

The orcs had continued to press their advantage, engaging the Woodmen in skirmishes, raiding farmsteads and hamlets and forcing them to retreat behind the walls of their strongest settlements: settlements like Woodland Hall, Woodmen-Town and Rhosgobel. Now the wizard's animal friends and winged messengers were warning of a large, swiftly approaching war-band. They were to attack at night-not long from now. Perhaps tonight, or tomorrow, or the day after.

Their arrival, and the aid of the elves, had been timely indeed.

Once informed of all this, Prince Gibranon quickly set towards organizing his own. The sight of so many elves in the village was unusual, and their presence energized the Woodmen, who now threw themselves onto the preparatory tasks with renewed hope. He also asked for hay bales and other combustibles-if this were to be a nightly affair, then they ought not be caught unprepared.

As for Radagast, he asked the companions to stay back after the council. Their task in the coming battle, he explained, would be to act as a reserve, and to plug any gaps in the line.

 

OOC

I fast-forwarded a bit, but I think it's better than having another journey or a council scene, and anyway this is what the published adventure suggests. So this coming fight will be the final scene in this adventure.

Before we start the fight, let's give the PCs time to reconnect with old friends or do whatever they want, and roll for the moves as appropriate. In addition, any PC can try and formulate a plan or make preparations for the upcoming fight-just use Secure an Advantage to represent this.

After eveyone's POV post, I'll set the scene & start the fight.

[Vladim]

It was a homecoming more extravagant than Tarric could ever have imagined they'd achieve. Help from the elves, certainly -- that had been the goal. But so many, and the Elvenprince besides! It was honestly a relief to stay to the side and let the shining, graceful beings take center stage. For Tarric, he only watched for a particular golden head among the crowd.

And this time, it was she who found him. Olwinne slotted herself in next to him at the council, her hand casually gripping his as if it'd always been there, as if it belonged there. Which, of course, it did. Tarric smiled and lifted their joined fist to his lips briefly before they both returned their attention to the planning session.

Afterward, the Beorning looked to his companions from the journey. "We should all rest and prepare for the fight to come." He shared a glance in accord with his wife, then nodded. "You are welcome to stay with Olwinne and I, if you choose. We'd welcome the company. And I hope you will both accept fresh talismans for the upcoming battle. Those others must be tattered by now."

 

OOC

Setting up a Sojourn for the group... +1 for bond with Rhosgobel:
Sojourn + heart and bond - Action (7) vs Challenge (6,9) - (Weak Hit) All right! So assuming the group accepts this Sojourn, I think that means Tarric and Idunn get to pick 2 items off the Sojourn list because they have a bond, but unfortunately Bróin only gets one since we didn't make that roll yet. Hopefully since Supply covers all of us, we don't all need two choices. Tarric will take Provision for +2 Supply (this will max out our Supply at 5/5) and Plan for +2 Momentum... and I think he'll try to double down on Plan (will add the roll for that below the talismans so MW doesn't squawk)

And then talismans for them all vs orcs... I don't think any remain active anyway, but if they do, consider the old ones void.
Talisman (wits) vs orcs for Bróin - Bróin Orc Talisman (7) vs Challenge (6,3) - (Strong Hit) Bróin gets +2 on any rolls to oppose Orcs, until he rolls a 1 on an Action roll against them!
Talisman (wits) vs orcs for Idunn - Idunn Orc Talisman (7) vs Challenge (7,4) - (Weak Hit) Idunn gets +1 on any rolls to oppose Orcs, until she rolls a 1 on an Action roll against them!
Talisman (wits) vs orcs for Tarric - Tarric Orc Talisman (5) vs Challenge (10,4) - (Weak Hit) Tarric gets +1 on any rolls to oppose Orcs, until he rolls a 1 on an Action roll against them!
(of course he's also making talismans for Olwinne and other friends but no need to roll those I assume xD)

Extra Sojourn roll attempting to double down on Plan: Plan More (6) vs Challenge (1,1) - (Strong Hit with DOUBLES) Tarric gets +4 Momentum instead of +2, putting him at full 10/10 momentum, plus if anything good comes of the doubles, it should give us some kind of help or advantage in the coming fight!!

[Vladim]

It was good to be back amongst her folk; doubly so now that she had the knowledge that they had not come too late. No; if anything, she'd returned just in the nick of time. And so, though reunited with old friends and kin, this was no time to relax or rest, despite her weariness from many long days of riding. It was a time to make ready.

As she went about Rhosgobel, Idunn found the village crowded, filled with folk who had found refuge here. Even neighboring Black Tarn Hall had been left with a small garrison, abandoned almost, and most of its defenders had flocked here. That worried her, but friends from that village assured that if Black Tarn was to be overwhelmed, its walls unable to deter the orcs, then those that remained could take to the safety of the river or the lake with their boats. She had to trust this and put her faith in that plan: for the huntress could do nothing about Black Tarn any more.

As time went on, she threw herself at the preparations. She had gladly accepted Tarric's offer; under less dire circumstances she would have been overjoyed to meet Olwinne, but presently she dedicated every spare moment to the coming conflict. She organized a party of Woodmen archers, placing caches of arrows in strategic locations throughout Rhosgobel, to ensure that no-one with a bow would run out of projectiles, and making sure that everyone in the village knew about it. She, along with others, fortified and reinforced the Hedge-Gate with everything they could find. And for herself, she found a helm and a shield and a shorter spear, not wishing to leave to luck anything in the coming battle. Clad in them, she looked strange, for she was a huntress and not a warrior, and the helm sat uneasy on her head, but she knew that it was necessary, lest she be ended by a chance orc-blow or stray arrow.

 

OOC

Thanks for the Sojourn move-I'll also take a prepare for +2 momentum. I don't think Idunn shares a bond with Rhosgobel-at least I think that's the bond the move references and not the one with Tarric-so I'll stick to the one option.

I have a good idea for a narrative twist for those doubles-I'll post it in my next post!

She'll also make additional preps that can be represented as a Secure an Advantage +wits.

Secure an Advantage:
Dice Roll: 1d6+3t 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 5)
d10 Results: 6, 8 (Total = 14)
Sum Total: 19

Edit: A miss! Maybe I'll have her lose heart when she sees the orcs. Pay the Price pending; +1 for the failure track.

[Vladim]

"Given our good fortune on this journey so far Tarric, I'd be a bloody fool to turn my nose up at those charms of yours. Far be it from me to impose overmuch though; I'll find somewhere else to bunker down for the night when it comes to it." Of cour

Finding himself ill-disposed towards martial ventures, Bróin busies himself with the logistical and material considerations for the battle ahead. He assesses Rhosgobel's stores of food and other such sundry items, all of which could grow sparser and sparser if the battle ahead turned into an out and siege. Water needed to be secured as well - as much to prevent fires set by the orcs from spreading over much. All this and more at least Bróin could do for the Woodmen.

Vara, for her part, took to the skies and cast her gaze down onto the land below. The eyes of a Raven are keen indeed, and perhaps that keenness may reveal the dark intentions of those threatening Rhosgobel...
 

OOC

Gonna take Recover per Tarric's Sojourn roll and bring Bróin back to full Spirit.

I'll roll to Gather Information through Vara, using Wits.Action Die (7) = 7, Challenge Dice (17) = 8,9

Gonna Burn Momentum, which nets me a Strong Hit here. That nets me +2 Momentum, and lets say Vara gains insight into the movement/arrangement of the orc warband threatening Rhosgobel.

[Vladim]

Time: Morning, thirty-three days after the attack
Location: Rhosgobel, the western eaves of Mirkwood

 

When Bróin set his feathered friend to wing, Vara did not return with mere tidings of a sizeable orcish war-band. For there was more, and not all of it bad. But none needed take the raven's word for it-what she reported was soon confirmed by unfolding events.

A host of men-folk, armed to the teeth and ready, stood at the gate of Rhosgobel on the following morning. But they were not enemies. "I come to honor my vow and promise." said the young man that stood at the head of the band, and added: "Mogdred, lord of Tyrant's Hill, son of Ingomer axe-breaker, has come to your aid. Let me in."

Uneasily, the Woodmen did so. For it was true that an alliance had been made in their last folk-moot, and although not all trusted this man, it was clear that they had need. And despite any misgivings, they all knew Mogdred to be a bitter enemy to the orcs, and a capable warrior and leader, something that he had proven many times over in recent years.

"The orcs will come tonight." he said once within, confirming Vara's findings. "But we will be ready for them."

---

At night, any who could bear arms stood by the western walls, where they expected the orcs to come. This section of the palisade was the strongest, fortified with not only the tangled, thorny hedge but also stakes and earthen banks placed outwards. There stood Gibranon with his elves, all with bows and arrows at the ready, their keen eyes piercing the darkness. There too stood Mogdred with his battle-hardened men, with swords unsheathed and shields beside them, eager for orc-blood. And there stood Radagast, silent and expectant, and though he looked old, he was hale still, and had great magic.

When Idunn first sensed the horde approach her heart sank. They must have been many. But the thought of fleeing did not cross her mind. They would fight till the end, if it needed come to that.

 

OOC

Ok, a few points:
1. Mogdred's arrival resolves Tarric's doubles and introduces another element from Darkening. Because of the extra help (elves and men of Tyrant's Hill), I think it's reasonable to bump challenges and combats down a rank.
2. So let's start with a Troublesome scene challenge: defend the western walls. Everyone can contribute as they see fit.
3. Regardless of the outcome, we'll then move towards fighting a small band of orcs that secretly scales the walls from the east. This fight will be troublesome if the scene challenge is successful, or dangerous if we fail it (representing some extra orcs penetrating from the western walls as well).
4. If anyone misses with a match we can have the troll Bróin/Vara spotted days earlier breaching the main gate. This will be another foe to deal with (dangerous because of the help).
5. If we win, that can be our final milestone.

The magic of Radagast can play a role here, as per the book. Here's some ideas to narratively embellish scenes; feel free to use them on Strong Hits:
1. An orc drops its weapons and escapes after having looked with a terrified expression at the hero.
2. A white stag is seen standing perfectly still and imperturbable in the middle of the fight. A blink of an eye later, it is gone. The companions are left with the impression that a longer lapse of time just passed.
3. Sweet female voices are heard singing in the distance, despite the deafening din of the battle.
4. A breeze from the West makes the leaves rustle and the boughs shake. The sky turns a lighter shade.
5. An Orc is blinded by hundreds of black butterflies that suddenly swarm upon him! He is quickly felled by
arrows shot by the Woodmen.
6. High up in the air, high voices as of birds of prey can be heard. Sometimes, Orcs seem to disappear into thin air, as if something just plucked them out of the ground and cast them into the dark night sky.

Finally, I'll roll below Idunn's Endure Stress (-2 Spirit). Good luck everyone!

Endure Stress:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2t 2d10
d6 Results: 6 (Total = 8)
d10 Results: 7, 8 (Total = 15)
Sum Total: 23

Edit: Weak hit. Press on. Stats updated.

[Vladim]

Idunn's eyes were keen, but in the darkness she could not see any better than any other mortal. She could only spot some vague movements and hear the sounds of the great war-band as it neared them, but it was difficult to see individual enemies. The sense of approaching doom and the uncertainty of the situation were the things that made her most uneasy about it. But her resolve was great.

It was Gibranon that first raised his voice, commanding his archers. What his elvish eyes had seen the huntress could not tell, but she did not question the prince, and added her own arrows to the volleys. Soon enough, a rain of crude orcish arrows flew back towards them as their enemies responded in kind. But the Woodmen were ready. They had their wall to take cover behind, and most of the projectiles fell harmlessly on the palisade.

 

OOC

Let's start the Scene challenge.

Defend the western walls
Troublesome Scene Challenge
Progress: ■■■□□□□□□□
Countdown: ■□□□

I'll have Idunn join in with the elves and shoot her bow; basically a Face Danger +edge done in the context of the scene challenge. Adding +1 for the talisman.

 

Face Danger:
Dice Roll: 1d6+3t 2d10
d6 Results: 3 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 2, 9 (Total = 11)
Sum Total: 17

Edit: Weak hit. Mark Progress & Countdown. Maybe the orc volleys are so frequent that they force the elves and woodmen to cease theirs and instead make ready for melee. Stats updated.
All yours Maester & BlueTrillium! Good luck!