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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #30 on May 25, 2011, 5:13am »
The hirelings begin doubtfully to ease the loads on the pack animals and to pace out a likely spot among the trees whereto make a camp.
The sun is almost directly overhead, but already it has begun looking toward the east.
Sili and Norin investigate the source of the Gate Stream, and find that is sprung from many babbling pores in the ancient rock and comes cascading down the side of the Silvertine into the little valley. There is no road ahead for any but the most intrepid mountaineer.
Meanwhile Legandir examines the dark entrance into the mountain side that is embraced between the ancient rock falls. To either side a mighty, flat stone slab seems to be trapped between the mountain side and the rubble... as though they were once great doors...
While we wait for all the scouts to return, Soval will eye the land for the most defensible large camp area, or suggestions thereof, in the event that we indeed make it.
Ardenbard's advice is not without merit, Soval judges. Camping within the trees would -- at the very least -- keep the animals away from the dangerous precipice. And, he concedes, the trees might also be made to provide some measure of cover against detection.
A rude fortification might also be established by the placement of certain rocks between certain trees, if one were prepared to work at such an endeavor. Or so might think a fighting Man...
Arbenbard awaits tidings from the scouts, with Nat at his side, among the holly trees in the NW corner.
Éohild walks up to Arbenbard and greets him, "It's a nice day. My name is Lady Éohild of Rohan. I fear the night will not be as safe. I agree with you to set up a camp within the trees. Our hireling can guard our horses and supplies while we venture on from this base camp. Let us help Soval find the most suitable place to defend. I suggest we barricade up between the trees with wood and rocks, and make a stockade for the animals where we can tie them up."
"Come on Barald and Gleowine, we have work to do", as Éohild gestures to her hireling for help.
Meanwhile Legandir examines the dark entrance into the mountain side that is embraced between the ancient rock falls. To either side a mighty, flat stone slab seems to be trapped between the mountain side and the rubble... as though they were once great doors...
"The doors stand open, it seems," Lomeluin says quietly. He stares into the darkness beyond, a pale gleam flickering in his eyes...
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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #33 on May 25, 2011, 8:40am »
Sili is most interested in the dark gate! He takes cover just inside short range of his crossbow (around 8" if I'm not mistaken) and watches the opening.
Sili and Norin investigate the source of the Gate Stream, and find that is sprung from many babbling pores in the ancient rock and comes cascading down the side of the Silvertine into the little valley. There is no road ahead for any but the most intrepid mountaineer.
Norin, too, heads towards the supposed entrance of the mines. Just before Sili stops and takes cover, Norin pauses mid-stride.
He squints his eyes (even more so than dwarven eyes already are) and scans the area around the opening. They stop on a small cluster of rocks and boulders - is that where great-grandfather Nar hid while Thrain went inside to take back what was his? That bit of discoloured earth in front of the entrance - is that where the king's head landed when it was tossed out? Of course it isn't - why would the earth still be stained after several hundred years?
He drops to one knee, placing his left hand on the ground. He squeezes it into a fist, taking up a handful of dirt in the process.
"Sili," Norin whispers roughly, "This is where our king died."
crusssdaddy Level 5 Thaumaturgist member is offline
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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #35 on May 25, 2011, 10:41am »
Arbenbard: "Well met, Lady Éohild. 'Tis strange company we keep, eh? I would like to help make camp but for now I shall wait in the shelter of these quiet trees - yon Dwarfs appear reckless, impatient to test the Mines before the company is ready. I shall watch for a moment to see what results from their folly."
« Last Edit: May 25, 2011, 10:41am by crusssdaddy »
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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #39 on May 25, 2011, 4:53pm »
"I think a camp on the far side away from the dark entrance into the mountain side will be the safest place. Where the orc tracks do not travel. If no other suggestions lets make camp, for we have exploring to do?", says Éohild.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 1,209 Location: Melbourne, Australia Karma: 195
Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #40 on May 25, 2011, 5:42pm »
Hollin Gate indeed stands open. And will never again shut for all the great pile of broken rocks that are fallen over them in a time long past.
The entrance to the great Mines is a flat wedge of darkness like a wound in the mighty flank of the Silvertine. A cool but stale waft of air can be detected by the Dwarves and Elves nearest the entry, but no sight nor sound of any enemy is revealed.
Within, the squinting eyes of Norin can just make out a mighty stone stair at the end of a wide hall, littered with much detritus.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 1,209 Location: Melbourne, Australia Karma: 195
Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #41 on May 25, 2011, 5:50pm »
As Sili and Norin recall to mind the bravery of their ancestors at this site, Legandir reads the ground about the gate with an uncommon care.
Though it is in the main hard beaten stone, broken twigs and bent shards of grass, and the tiny leaves of weeds clinging to the cracks speak to him of the foot traffic.
It seems to his keen eye that a host of soldiery has passed this way within a week. Who they were or exactly there number he cannot say with certainty, but it seems likely that they were at least two score and possibly four, and passed into the Mines not longer than a week since. And who would pass into the Mines in such numbers but Orcs?
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 1,209 Location: Melbourne, Australia Karma: 195
Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #42 on May 25, 2011, 6:02pm »
As Soval, Eohild and their retains discuss the best position for the camp, it occurs to the seers Celglin and Ardenbard that the Doors of Durin were constructed by the Elves of the Second Age and were decorated with ithildin metal.
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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #43 on May 25, 2011, 6:11pm »
Soval and the others concerned estimate the most defensible point and establish a perimeter. With Berangar and Grim he himself moves a few rocks and fallen branches into position. Yet he does not work as hard as he might, eyeing the Hollin Gate.
When a half-elf is free to talk, he asks: "Are the mines open? Or are their spells and charms we must bring down ere we cross that way?"
If there is a riddle or barrier that must be passed, he will call on his men to help him set a strong camp, and that be the end of it.
But, if the way is open, he will address the group when a majority of them have returned. "I think it senseless," he will say, "to camp here for longer than we must, given the dangers of nearby armies and the certainty of our eventual detection. Rather should we eat, and perhaps nap an hour or two, but head in as soon as we are scantly rested and our heads clear: for fights are much easier won as the unheralded aggressor, than as the outthrust rock of defense upon which the tides of conflict crash."
crusssdaddy Level 5 Thaumaturgist member is offline
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Re: (002) Hollin Gate « Reply #44 on May 25, 2011, 11:30pm »
Arbenbard and Nat approach the gate. He gives a look and a nod.
"These doors have been opened to allow evil in... perhaps it is time they were closed again? The password is known to me so we shall never have entry refused, but if we can deny entry to more Orcs it would be good."
[OOC] Can the doors be cleared, or is such a task beyond us?
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