Year 2950: Those who Tarry no Longer

[Vladim]

It was a short trek to the clearing where the rest of the elves were assembled, in a place not far from the Forest Gate. No more than a half-hour had passed when they met them, about a dozen more of the firstborn alltogether.

 

As Ruithel approached her kin and conveyed news of their arrival, the company had a chance to observe some amongst them. Presently, two elves stood apart from the rest, both of them seeming… brighter, perhaps? Or more solid than the rest? It was difficult to put one’s finger on it. Only some amongst the company recognized them, and not all of them fully. Elves and rangers alike knew them as nobles amongst elves. Only Elhadron and Lára knew the names of them both: Legolas, one of the sons of the Elvenking, and Írimë, the noble lady that had summoned them here. Barin had seen them before as well, though he had not spoken to them, when he had been a guest in Thranduil’s court… and Gramtyng knew the lady. She had visited him and his old companions years ago in Mountain-Hall, when she had been travelling with Ellerina and Arphel to Rivendell.

 

The prince was dressed in green and brown, carrying a bow on his back. He gave the impression of someone young, confident and brave: an elf-lord in his prime. The lady wore a gown of shimmering white and cloud-grey silks, unmarked and untorn despite the thickness of the undergrowth in the forest. Her face was hidden by a grey veil, but her arms were adorned with silver bracelets, and upon her finger a ring glimmered with its own inner light.

 

The pair spent a few moments speaking quietly to one another in the Ancient Tongue. To the elves who could understand it, the princeling appeared hesitant in his speech, and skeptical of the newcomers, while the lady seemed greatly determined. After a moment, the young elf turned to the company and bowed, addressing them:

 

‘Greetings. I am Legolas, son of Thranduil. This is the lady Írimë, of the house of Gil-Galad. The lady is journeying west, to the High Pass, as the elves amongst your company know already. It was our errand to take her there, with your aid, as we do not know the lands the lie beyond the forest well. Yet these Orcs must be driven from our land.’

 

He paused, and glanced at the veiled woman, who returned the gesture in subtle and quiet manner, as if granting him permission to continue.

 

‘The lady has requested that you bring her the rest of the way, and beyond, to Imladris, a waystation and refuge on her long journey. Yet I do not know all of you... Speak now, and ask your questions, if you have them. We have some time before the orcs arrive.’

 

OOC

This is the point where the adventure will begin properly. I apologize for this initial railroading, but ultimately, the older, more experienced first edition PCs (Gramtyng, Barin, Dahr-Ol and Annungil) will stay with Legolas to fight off the orcs (something that will happen in the background) while the newer, second edition PCs (Arton, Thammegil, Bláin, Elhadron, and potentially Torwald, Frida and Lára-if their players are available) will accompany Írimë.

 

You are welcome to introduce your PCs and ask questions. If you do, and for the second edition PCs only, you can roll an appropriate skill check. The two elves in our company can gain a bonus die (d6) in these rolls. I think the Baldr dice roller is still a WIP, so feel free to play around here (I'll start a dice thread) or just roll them on the original site. The rolls will determine how Írimë views your PC, but that's all that they will do.

 

Good luck!

 

[Diofant]

  

Bláin, son of Lofar

Bláin remained silent as the circumstances of each of the travelers were revealed. He may have scoffed into his beard at the wagering, but it was not as if it was something unheard of - in his father's stories, he'd boasted of many such wagers. Perhaps his elder brother would challenge the both of these men to a wager himself, then clap them on the back, share a drink, and be good friends, but Bláin was a warier sort. Words of the elves of Mordor Orcs in the area darkened his brow. Not because he knew much of Mordor Orcs, but because nothing that came from Mordor could be remotely pleasant, and orcs from there were doubtless worse than their local kin. Still, they were orcs, and as such, would bleed like any other. He got to his feet and pulled his pony's reigns when the others set off - news that they would be travelling with two figures of elf royalty and a lady whom the others spoke of with great respect he received with a nod. His task was very different from what was being proposed here, and would likely take significantly longer, but it wasnt as if he could demand information and maps from accomplished adventurers and expect an answer. He was imposing on them, after all. As a dwarf, he had very little love for orcs, and would gladly take up his sword for the common cause - regardless who they'd be protecting. Of course, he did not think anyone would expect him to lay down his life for a stranger... But this was how bonds of camaraderie were forged, were they not? Perhaps at the end, he would gladly give his life for any of them. With these thoughts, Bláin looked up from the trail, and found himself in the presence of yet more elves. Their presence certainly seemed to almost gleam, to the young dwarf - perhaps it was but a trick of the light, or more elf magic, but he could not find it in himself to be skeptical towards them. The pair conversed in a elvish - he assumed - for a bit, which he decided had been rude, but couldnt hold it against them for some reason, and then introduced themselves. It seemed as if the horseman had known her, concluded Bláin, as he'd removed his horsetail helm, bowing deeply to her, a practiced motion he'd not expected from an outlander, and announced that he was pleased to once again be graced by her presence, and that his old friends would have been happy to see her again; finally breaking his silence. He'd even patted the squire on the back, so the boy performed a bow just the same - his practice seemed to be a welcome sight, and the horseman actually smiled. Deciding that keeping his own silence going any longer would be impolite, the dwarf removed his own helm and gave a more stern bow, trying to sound official and 'hold himself with dignity' without sounding imposing: "Bláin, son of Lofar, at your service. Mine own errand lies elsewhere, as I've been entrusted to learn of the all circumstances about the discovered tower in the north from those who found it - and then rejoin my kin in garrisoning it, by King Dain's decree." He observed the company, replacing his helmet. "But it would be most impolite to decline the service I am asked, especially when it involves removing orcs from the world and helping the Free Folk. What numbers do we face, and have we an idea where to meet them?"

 

Edited June 21, 2022 by Diofant (see edit history)

[thesloth]

Arton of Gram

Arton stepped forward. 

"I am Arton of Gram. My companion and I had thought to journey to the tower, recently uncovered in the North. Serving as escort for the Lady Irime would be no trouble for us. But why not keep the company whole? If you mean to hunt orc, 6 more swords would help you even the score. If Mordor sends its minions this far from its gates, they seek to test our strength. A show of force with elves, humans, and dwarves together might be just the thing to prove to Mordor that the unity of the free peoples is not broken."

 

[Suzuki Stumpy]

Thammegil kept his own council whilst the others made their cases to keep the group together and combat these Mordor Orcs.  Eventually though, when all had said their piece, he stepped forward to introduce himself.

"Thammegil, of the Dúnedain, at your service.  It is as my companion, Arton, says.  probably wisest to keep the company together and face these Orcs as one rather than splitting our forces.  Strength in numbers and all that.  But, if you insist that we move on and allow the rest of you to remain and hunt, then so be it."

He paused in thought a few moments before continuing

"Hmm, from where we are, probably the easiest and most direct route to get to Imladris would be to follow the old East-West road and take the High Pass over the mountains.  It's treacherous territory, but the Spring Thaws should have cleared most of the way for us.  It does take us perilously close to the home of the Goblins, but not so close that we could not pass unnoticed if we are careful."  He glanced at Arton and continued, "Perhaps, my brother, we should stop by the home of Beorn also - to see if he has any advice as to a route since his people look after most of the tracks and roads in this part of the world?"

 

[thesloth]

Arton of Gram

"If we cross the High Pass we should indeed visit Beorn's people. First though, we should take counsel with Gramtyng and Dahr-Ol. Both of them passed through the Goblin caves, and won a mighty victory several years ago if the tales are true."

 

[Varon777]

Elhadron let the reins of his horse drop as they entered the clearing where the others awaited. He bowed deeply, both to the prince and the lady. "Mae govanenn," he said softly. "It is great honor to at last make your acquaintances. I am at your service, my lady." 

 

At the words of the orcs approaching, he rose and looked to the others. "Nay, my friends, this is the task for which I have been sent. My woodland kin are quite capable of holding off the orcs in their own wood, for the yrch of the dark land are unused to the ways of the woods. And for the Lady to fall into their hands would be a grave disaster." 

 

He paused for a moment, considering his words. "Gil-Galad and his house have long fought the Enemy and helped deal him some of his greatest blows, including in the Last Alliance. The enemy shall pursue her relentlessly and without ceasing. We must reach Imladris across the mountains in haste before too many of the enemy's servants can be called upon to hinder us."  

 

Annungil followed up behind, unsheathing his sword and buckling the shield of the tower to his armor, and donning his helm. "I know little of the nobility of the Elvenkind, but a man of Minas Tirith will gladly fight a rearguard action on behalf a noble lady." At the words, he too bowed to Írimë. "Would you have traveled southwards, the great lords and ladies of my cities would have welcomed you with great honor, for both your own sake and that of your House. But alas, such is not the case, and the least I can do is ensure your path remains clear of the enemy as long as my arm has the strength to strike." 

[Vladim]

Legolas listened to the companions and answered their questions, each in turn, while lady Írimë kept her silence. He first turned to the dwarf, Bláin, and though his love for that race was little, he was courteous in his response, and gave a plain answer.

 

"Two dozen, give or take. Perhaps more, perhaps less, yet not by much either way. Already our arrows have slain another dozen, yet those that remain are undeterred still. They are not far from here. We will take the fight to them, and strike before they can, but must first ensure the lady's safe passage."

 

To the rangers he shook his head, for he favored different tactics. "My kin is right to caution you," he explained, meaning Elhadron, "for though they are a hardier breed, we do not yet know if they would dare venture beyond the forest, and march in the open in pursuit of the lady. I will hunt and harry them whilst they remain under the forest. None will be left alive. At the same time, I cannot allow any to risk battle while the lady remains with us.

 

Some of you must escort her far beyond the Forest Gate. The rest can stay and join us in the hunt, though we are capable of dealing with this matter alone, and you bear no obligation to aid us. Either way, my father will reward you handsomely for any inconvenience." 

 

He turned to Annungil, and nodded in approval of his eagerness to join the fight.

 

"Those that know well the lands beyond the Misty Mountains are best suited to undertake the journey to the West." he finally proposed. "The rest of you that hail from here or near should best stay behind. Whether you stand by us or not, you must warn your own peoples of the evil that is afoot. Especially the folk that follow Beorn, and their kin, the young houses of the Woodmen to the South.

 

Whatever your decision, it must be swift. The lady cannot afford to tarry here needlessly."

 

OOC

If none object, let's close the scene here by having your characters' reaction(s) (if any) posted below. After that, I can move us to the next scene.

 

Even though the setup is a little railroady, with me asking you to leave your first edition characters behind to do what they want (e.g. fight the orcs and/or bring tidings of orc movements to their peoples) I am not opposed to having some of the more experienced first edition PCs stay with Írimë and (for example) guide the company to Beorn's House. 

 

Ultimately though, this adventure will work better if the experienced first edition PCs fade into the background, and the sooner the better in my opinion!

 

[Suzuki Stumpy]

Looking at Arton, Thammegil sighed, "Brother, the Elf Lord speaks wisely.  We should hasten to inform Lord Aragorn and Lord Elrond of the emergence of these foul creatures, much as it pains me to leave a skirmish to others to fight on our behalf."

 

Turning to the Lady Írimë he bowed, "My lady, whilst you travel amongst us, I pledge my blade and my bow to your protection."

 

Then, extending a hand in friendship and camaraderie to the Elf Legolas, he added "Good luck friend.  Keep yourself and these others safe, and chalk up an Orc or two for me."  He grinned, the smile of a predator, which gave no doubt that he would much rather have been standing shoulder to shoulder with allies, cutting down these new Orcs than providing escort duties.

 

Shouldering his meagre pack he then strode to the edge of the clearing, "Well, I'm ready.  We should make haste, we have a long journey ahead of us."

 

[thesloth]

Arton of Gram

"What days we have lived to see, when I counsel to fight and Thammegil advocates for the wiser course. Lady Irime, the last heir to the house Gram stands ready to see you safely to Rivendell."

 

Arton bowed to Legolas and Irime before taking his place next Thammegil. 

 

Dahr-Ol talked briefly with both Rangers advising them where Beorn's home lay. He would stay and fight. He had no love for the servants of Mordor and was suspicious that some other plot might be afoot.

 

[Varon777]

Annungil rolled his shoulder and moved to stand beside Dahr-Ol, staring into the woods opposite the forest gate, head tilted. He could hear no orcs yet, but there was something unsettling about the quiet of the wood. He much preferred the farmland and open skies of the Pelennor, and the sea wind traveling up the Anduin from the Bay of Belfalas. The sun-kissed lands of the South had grown appealing after the winter beneath the shoulders of Gundabad, but his family lay across the Misty Mountains yet, and whatever legacy still lingered.

 

"Shall we prepare a shield wall?" Annungil's mouth quirked slightly at the question. He knew little of how Elves fought, let alone Elven princes of Mirkwood, but he thought they did not fight in formations with shields and spears like the guards of Gondor. 

 

Elhadron sprang to his feet and adjusted his saddle bags on his horse, whispering softly into the creature's ears. "My Lady, should you desire to ride, my companion will bear you swiftly and surely for the duration of your journey." 

[Vladim]

Annungil's remark earned him a strange glance and a half-raised eyebrow from the elf-prince. One of his followers approached the Gondorian, and motioned him to approach, and remarked: "We may put you to good use yet, if you are as eager to learn as you are to fight. Have you a bow?"

 

As the company split into two, what few words were left to exchange were spoken, and promises were perhaps made to meet and regroup at some safe haven when all of this was over. The tower still awaited its guardians in the deep North, and other matters now pressed the Free Peoples, if the elves' reports were indeed as dire as they had said. Or perhaps the companions said little, for some amongst them were no more than strangers, having been brought together but nothing but coincidence.

 

Either way, none of them lingered. Soon, all of the elves that had come with Legolas vanished into the forest-all save the lady that those that remained were to escort westwards.

 

She stepped forth, nearing Elhadron, her kinsman, and cast back her veil, revealing a beautiful and ageless face. "I am Írimë of the House of Gil-Galad. Elen sila lumenn’ omentielvo."

 

It was the first time that she had spoken, and her voice had something of the lingering sorrow of the Ages: quiet and solemn, yet melodic. Nearing the horse that had been offered to her, she gently touched its head, and accepted Elhadron's offer, before guiding the rest of them back towards the forest-gate.

 

OOC

Just a short post to keep things moving-as outlined in Discord, it's time to choose journey roles: Guide, Scout(s), Hunter(s) and Look-out(s).

 

[Vladim]

The lady led them westwards without word. As they approached the Forest Gate, she suddenly turned to the south, and urged them to follow her through the forest, which was less dense here, in the eaves of Mirkwood. She seemed to know every tree and every path, no matter how small, or narrow, or winding.

 

When at long last twilight fell they reached a clearing. There, they found a table covered in a white, fine cloth, as if set by others specifically for them, and lit lamps that glowed with silver and gold hanging from low boughs, and a supper fit for hobbits. 

 

There was not an elf in sight, yet others-Elhadron especially-knew that forest sentinels were likely not far off.

 

Regardless, here Írimë invited them to feast and supper with her, and bid farewell to the forest, and gather their strength before the long journey that lay ahead of them.

 

OOC

As per the Discord discussion, we have:

Guide: Bláin

Scout: Arton, Frida (?)

Look-out: Elhadron

Hunter: Thammegil

 

Let me know if you want me to make changes. Happy to do so. Feel free to RP a bit and interact with Írimë (if you want). I'll try to have another post tomorrow!

[Varon777]

"A bow?" Annungil shook his head. "I am afraid not, for I gave it as a grave gift for a fallen companion. I trusted it less than my sword arm and the strength of a shield." 

 

Elhadron heard the continued conversation as they headed down the pace, walking in quiet just to the side and behind the horse, his eyes studying the landscape around them, roving across the horizon and down through the landscape as the sun set. 

 

The light appeared in the gloom and the table appeared before them. Elhadron slowed and shook his head in wonderment. "It is delightful, my Lady. Your paths are well chosen." 

[Vladim]

As they suppered under the trees, Írimë spoke and ate little, and seemed at first content to merely observe the members of the company. At times she would turn to Elhadron or the others, answering questions or commenting briefly on the forest, or some ancient history, long-forgotten by the mortal races. In particular, she spoke of Eryn Galen, the Green Wood, for so the Elves used to call it before the Shadow came to Dol Guldur. She did so with nostalgia and sorrow: for though in recent years the Wise had driven the Necromancer from his fastness in Southern Mirkwood, evil still lingered in its depths.

 

The deaths of so many of her kinsfolk weighed heavily on her mind, and she spoke of Celebros, Annungil's companion, who had recently passed, and made mention of how young he had been by the elves' standards, and of how few of her peoples now remained, and fewer yet who had lived or remembered still the Ages past.

 

She spoke with longing of the white ships that would carry her westward, and of her sea-voyage, that she had long postponed, yet for no more.

 

They slept in this safe haven after their supper, and when they awoke, they discovered that Írimë had changed her shimmering gown for more practical travelling clothes, including a heavy hooded cloak that hid her features. After the initial preparations, a scoutWhatever was decided-see company roles above. was sent out. Soon, they returned with strange tidings: for it appeared that the company was close to the western border of Mirkwood, near the road to the Old Ford. About a hundred miles southwards from the Forest Gate, which was no distance that could have been covered in what had merely been a few hours of leisurely walking!

 

Perhaps Barin had been wrong about their whereabouts on the previous day, and perhaps they had not been at the Forest Gate at all. For the only other alternative was that the company was transported many miles while they slept: an obvious impossibility.

 

OOC

Just to make it clear that the first edition PCs are, from this point on, with Legolas, and not present in this narrative thread.

 

The scout(s) that report(s) these strange tidings can be Arton (as outlined above) and/or Frida, or Bláin if the Lake-woman and the dwarf decide to exchange roles. Up to you.

 

I've added a map of the expected route. A comment has been made about stopping at Beorn's House above. This is possible, but someone will need to convince Írimë to do so (choose a skill and roll, e.g. Persuade). This is because while she travels out of the forest, she wants to keep her identity a secret, and wants to follow the most direct path without interacting much with other peoples. We can RP this if you want.

 

Otherwise, I now need a Travel roll from our Guide to push the story onwards.

[Yelik]

It had been a long journey from lake town and yet family needs must, Freida thought to herself huffily.

 

 Sent to find the younger son of the younger son... Always a daydreamer that one she thought to herself, quickly dismissing the speed at which she had agreed to this errand as a matter of duty and not the same curiosity with which Ingi showed openly to the wider world. 

 

At the remnants and rebuilding of the Easterly Inn she had been gifted the horse of Ingi, that she'd not known existed, and heard news of the location of her errant cousin. She had also found a raven who insistently followed her forthwith as if trying to communicate something, almost acting as a guide. "Always a menagerie following him she said to herself with a sigh" and looking up at the raven she said you've something to do with my cousin Ingi haven't you..... 

 

After many days of wondering along through the forest she chanced upon a strange company sitting down to eat. Quietly surveying the company from the shadows she judged the risk and stepped out of the shadows. "I am Frida of Laketown and I suppose, or at least hope, that some of you may have news of the kin that I seek, Ingi of Laketown. Or at least news of his companions ? My family worries and have sent me to find more news"