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Post by waysoftheearth on May 18, 2011 6:25:27 GMT -6
Preparations!
Your fellowship of Men, Elves and Dwarves -- brought together by common purpose -- makes good to depart Edhil and march overland some 40 leagues, by way of the River Sirrion to the very feet of the Misty Mountains and there to locate Hollin Gate, and the fabled Mines of Moria.
The expedition is thirty strong excluding mounts and pack animals, and may yet be joined by a few more.
Gentlemen, I will require a detailed marching order before we get underway.
Moria Awaits!
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 18, 2011 7:06:54 GMT -6
70d6 are rolled for hit points...
Lómëluin Elf 3+3 : 2,4,3 = 12 hp
Telthalion Elf 1+3 : 1 = 4 hp
Fréwine Rohirrim 1+2 : 3 = 5 hp
Rohemnet (Rouncy) 1+6 : 6 = 12 hp
Legándir Half-Elf 3+2 : 2,4,5 = 13 hp
Elindir Half-Elf 3+1 : 2,1,6 = 10 hp
Celglin Half-Elf 1+4 : 2 = 6 hp
Dalian Lake Man 1+4 : 6 = 10 hp
Balian Lake Man 1+2 : 1 = 3 hp
Norin Dwarf 3+2 : 6,1,5 = 14 hp
Ymir Dwarf 1+1 : 3 = 4 hp
Burmon Dwarf 1+3 : 4 = 7 hp
Sili Dwarf 4+5 : 5,5,3,2 = 20 hp
Alf (Hound) 1+2 : 4 = 6 hp
Frosti (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 5 = 9 hp
Miödvitnir 1+3 : 4 = 7 hp
Snod - Miödvitnir's mule (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 5 = 9 hp
Hepti 1+3 : 5 = 8 hp
Fumbul - Hepti's mule (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 4 = 8 hp
Vestri 1+3 : 5 = 8 hp
Tug - Vestri's mule (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 1 = 5 hp
Arbenbard North Man 2+2 : 3,3 = 8 hp
Nat Pickthorn Breelander 1+4 : 4 = 8 hp
Soval Hackbeard Hollander 4+2 : 3,6,6,1 = 18 hp
Beranger Northman 1+4 : 4 = 8 hp
Einar Hollander 1+4 : 5 = 9 hp
Grim Dunderling 1+4 : 1 = 5 hp
Hallam Dunderling 1+4 : 2 = 6 hp
Ran Hollander 1+4 : 4 = 8 hp
Sutherland Dunderling 1+4 : 2 = 6 hp
Ned (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 5 = 9 hp
Lady Éohild of Rohan 3+2 : 4,2,6 = 14 hp
Gleowine (Rouncy) 1+6 : 3 = 9 hp
Barald of Mirkwood 1+4 : 5 = 9 hp
Deorwyn of Rohan 1+2 : 2 = 4 hp
Eremin of Bree 3+2 : 6,2,2 = 12 hp
Piglet (Courser) 2+4 : 3,5 = 12 hp
Dernfara of Westfold 4+2 : 5,5,4,3 = 19 hp
Deor (Courser) 2+4 : 4,6 = 14 hp
Baraglin Banks of Bree 3+2 : 1,3,5 = 11 hp
Ladybird (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 3 = 7 hp
Largo Harfoot of The Shire 2+2 : 1,6 = 9 hp
Doloris (Mule) 0+1d6+4 : 4 = 8 hp
Please update your character sheets accordingly...
edit: Correction to Mercenary fighters' hit points
edit: Added Eremin Sulk
edit: Added Dernfara Longsight
edit: Added Baraglin Banks
edit: Added Largo Harfoot
edit: Added Ned, Soval's mule
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Post by Mushgnome on May 18, 2011 7:57:09 GMT -6
Gentlemen, I will require a detailed marching order before we get underway. has walked all the way from Lonely Mountain and will patiently march a few leagues more. He proudly leads the great column of Dwarves, accompanied by Alf his trusty dog and Frosti his pack mule. If any of the Dwarvish PCs wish to join him near the front of the line, he welcomes their strength-in-arms, otherwise the marching order is Miödvitnir followed by Hepti followed by Vestri. They trudge dawn to dusk ever onward to their goal: Moria. The non-Dwarves may flit to and fro picking flowers as they please. [OOC: This means he supports the "mobile scouting party" proposal.] |
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Post by ehiker133 on May 18, 2011 8:47:22 GMT -6
Norin and his two hirelings will gladly march with Sili and company.
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Post by calithena on May 18, 2011 12:25:31 GMT -6
"Well, if you don't mind my saying so, as a military man," Soval said, "it seems to me that we are braving the depths with a small army. Those of us who are light of foot and less heavily burdened might do well to make a forward unit, leading us on into the depths.
"This one, here" - he points to Eremin - "treads like a hunting bobcat. And you, good elf, and your three half-kin here" - Soval looks downwards as he addresses Lomeluin, nervous to be in such company - "have the light mail and light step of all your kind. So perhaps ye five would like to take the lead of our crew, and the rest of us will come in your train, going as ye direct. What say ye?"
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Post by doctorx on May 18, 2011 15:22:47 GMT -6
The lean, dark-haired elf looks down upon the snaking column winding its way towards the shadow of the mountains. A mixed company indeed. The dwarves; strange folk. He will judge them by their deeds rather than the tales of the dark days. A small company of half-elven from Imladris - not all gone into the West then - he wonders which half of their blood guides their actions. And the Men - many men shod in steel. He thinks of fire and the sound of axes on the borders of Eryn Lasgalen and a cold gleam comes to his intense blue eyes, although he notes a number of Rohirrim in the column. The words of Radagast return to him; "Look upon the Man. Does he treat his animals as his serfs or his friends? By such shall ye know him." The people of Rohan's love for their horses speaks well of them.
He leans low over Rohemnet's neck and whispers softly in the Nandorin tongue, urging him gently to rejoin the march. On his return he hears the scar-chinned warrior discussing the array of their forces.
"I will undertake the task of scouting ahead," Lómëluin says quietly. "Will the fair folk of Imladris assist me?"
To Síli and Norin; "Hail to the sons of Durin. What know you of the Hollin Gate? The stories I have heard are old and filled with Sauron's darkness. Perchance you have more recent news?"
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 18, 2011 16:36:43 GMT -6
Alas, it is many decades since the stout folk of Erebor have trod the halls of Khazad Dum. None here have news since the coming of the forth age, save for idle rumour and gossip of the foul doings of Orcs and valourless Men.
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2011 16:44:54 GMT -6
"I will walk with you", says Legandir, his voice strong and clear.
He strides up to the elf, enschrouded in a greatcloak of grey. His longbow and the shield on his back both bear the mark of Rivendell, but his mixed blood is obvious in his face as he throws back his hood.
"I do not doubt all this steel will prove its worth in Moria", he whispers, casting his bright eyes over the small army amassed before them, "but my ears are not yet tuned to its song. I would walk in silence while I still can".
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Post by Mushgnome on May 18, 2011 17:04:56 GMT -6
To Síli and Norin; "Hail to the sons of Durin. What know you of the Hollin Gate? The stories I have heard are old and filled with Sauron's darkness. Perchance you have more recent news?" "Hail Lómëluin, I am Síli son of Víli." With his piercing gaze, blonde beard, and incredibly long nose, he is a regal hero indeed! "Is it possible the story of Gimli son of Gloin and his victory over the Balrog of Khazad-dum is remembered, even among your people? The tale tells of a Watcher in the Water who sealed the gate behind the Fellowship of Gimlii as they entered. It is not known to my people of Lonely Mountain whether the gate has been reopened since. If it be sealed and guarded yet, the labors of my Dwarves and mule-team shall drain the foul waters and restore the injured gate!" |
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Post by ragnorakk on May 18, 2011 19:33:12 GMT -6
Celglin says "Ailin adnô b'rônâ... Ndan berja tultâûbanôgais?"*
"Indeed Sili! The great tales of Gimli son of Gloin were made known to us! It is an unfortunate animal in those deeps. Do you think that mule strength could be brought to bear against it? Surely it would drown in the air, under the next sunrise... no - it seems a danger better not tempted...
I agree Soval that we can lend our sight and quiet step. Lómëluin, our company can only benefit. We are even enough for two pickets, perhaps one ahead, and one on the side of the mountains? And what news of the far gate? Perhaps the Lady of Rohan can say?"
* for ye elfs: "pool, lake" "gate" "that has long endured unchanging"
"not dare?" "draw forth" "monster to dread"
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 18, 2011 20:23:05 GMT -6
I think I am hearing that we will have two scouting parties, one ahead of the main column, and one on the eastern side (between the column and the Misty Mountains -- probably, therefore, on the east side of the Sirranon?)
Might I say at this point, that while the Elves are swift of foot, those mounted upon horse-back are swifter yet.
It would seem likely then to have the horse riders forming one party, the remaining elves forming another, and all other in the main column.
For the main column we have the Dwarves marching up front (most of whom are not the fighting sort). Who will come next?
There are still fighting men, retainers, pack animals and scholarly sorts to arrange.
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Post by crusssdaddy on May 18, 2011 21:16:30 GMT -6
Arbenbard the North-Man: "A place in the main party, behind the Dwarfs suits me. My guard Nat shall remain at my side."
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Post by ragnorakk on May 18, 2011 21:26:34 GMT -6
I think I am hearing that we will have two scouting parties, one ahead of the main column, and one on the eastern side (between the column and the Misty Mountains -- probably, therefore, on the east side of the Sirranon?) Ah! We have a river between us and the mountains! (Sorry - I do not have access to a good map of the region). Do you all think that having a group on the other side of the river is a good/bad idea? For the main column we have the Dwarves marching up front (most of whom are not the fighting sort). Who will come next? There are still fighting men, retainers, pack animals and scholarly sorts to arrange. I'll have the Lakemen hirelings stay with the main group. |
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 18, 2011 21:56:45 GMT -6
Ah! We have a river between us and the mountains! (Sorry - I do not have access to a good map of the region). I posted a map of the region in the introductory thread here. |
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 19, 2011 6:30:20 GMT -6
I'll have the Lakemen hirelings stay with the main group. Very good, Celglin the Elvish seer and his hired Men of the Long Lake will march in the central body of the main column... p.s. Please post in third person to remind me who I is  |
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 19, 2011 7:31:56 GMT -6
The great expedition sets out from Edhil, marching steadily north-east along the western side of the Sirannon River, ever into the shadow of the Misty Mountains that loom before them.
Dernfara (a Rohirrim ranger), Lady Eohild (a Rohirrim shield maiden) and Eremin Sulk (a Breelandish adventurer) have the strongest mounts -- fine animals them all -- and ride ahead seeking a ford by which to ride the eastern banks.
Behind the riders, a band of the fleet footed come next. These are Lómëluin the Elvish bard, Legándir the Half-Elvish ranger, and Elindir the Half-Elvish bard. All set off apace, running lightly ahead of the main column, keeping an eagle eye upon the road for any sign of trouble.
Then comes the main column, headed by a throng of marching Dwarves, the the pack animals and least hardy, followed by a stout van of hard nosed fighting Men.
Lady Éohild's Man, a woodsman of southern Mirkwood known as Barald the Old Boar, has the very last. He comes with measured stride, casting his knowing gaze often to the settling dust behind...
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Post by doctorx on May 19, 2011 14:57:25 GMT -6
Lómëluin will have Telthalion with him if that's okay.
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 19, 2011 16:47:45 GMT -6
Lómëluin will have Telthalion with him if that's okay. Of course. Telthalion runs ahead with the other Elves (hardly wanting to be the only Elf left in the main racket of Dwarves and Men). |
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 19, 2011 17:03:44 GMT -6
The spring time makes fair weather for marching, and the company makes good time.
The Elves on foot bring frequent tidings that the way ahead is all clear, before returning to their scouting mission.
The Dwarves sing songs of old as they march, their spirits soaring as they march toward their ancestral home-lands. Here is the song of Durin's Awakening which they sing in their deep baritone voices, among other songs of their folk:
The world world was young, the mountains green,
No stain yet on the Moon was seen,
No words were laid on stream or stone,
When Durin woke and walked alone.
He named the nameless hills and dells;
He drank from yet untasted wells;
He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,
And saw a crown of stars appear,
As gems upon a silver thread,
Above the shadow of his head.
The world was fair, the mountains tall,
In Elder Days before the fall
Of mighty Kings in Nargothrond
And Gondolin, who now beyond
The Western Seas have passed away:
The world was fair in Durin's Day.
A king he was on carven throne
In many-pillared halls of stone
With golden roof and silver floor,
And runes of power upon the door.
The light of sun and star and moon
In shining lamps of crystal hewn
Undimmed by cloud or shade of night
There shown forever far and bright.
There hammer on the anvil smote,
There chisel clove, and graver wrote;
There forged was bladed and bound was hilt;
The delver mined the mason built.
There beryl, pearl, and opal pale
And metel wrought like fishes' mail,
Buckler and corslet, axe and sword,
And shining spears were laid in horde.
Unwearied then were Durin's folk;
Beneath the mountains music woke:
The harpers harped, the minstrels sang,
And at the gates the trumpets rang.
The world is grey, the mountains old,
The forge's fire is ashen-cold;
No harp is wrung, no hammer falls:
The darkness dwells in Durin's halls;
The shadow lies upon his tomb
In Moria, in Khazad-dûm.
But still the sunken stars appear
In dark and windless Mirrormere;
There lies his crown in water deep,
Till Durin wakes again from sleep.
Shortly before midday, Dernfara, Eohild and Eremin ride back to the column, just as it is preparing to break for a meal.
They report that the Sirannon flows quick and steady, and no safe ford can be found, for the opposite bank is mostly steep and rocky as it rises into the feet of the Misty Mountains.
After food and water is taken, packs are stowed and the march toward the mountains continues...
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 20, 2011 18:52:25 GMT -6
After luncheon, the horsemen ride out again, this time circling west of the company in order to skirt a wide perimeter in the now rugged and undulating lands that by tomorrow will break into crags, and then rise into mountains proper.
The Elvish company once more scouts the ancient road ahead as the great column clatters into movement. The voices of the Men and Dwarves are quieter now as the rhythm of the march settles over the expedition.
During the afternoon the Elves report signs that this is not the only great company afoot in these parts; tracks of many booted feet -- probably columns of troops -- are found several times across the land. Indications are that these might be a fell soldiery -- a discarded belt buckle here, a worn out hob nail boot there. These things are all of Orcish make; hard and dull, and without beauty.
Despite these marks, no Orc or Man is seen upon the land, and the day's march goes on until the less sturdy members are foot sore from their exertions, and the sun begins to sink in the east. A large camp is set for the evening, and an ample night watch is set over a bold fire so that no beast of the night might dare approach.
Morning comes, and the march continues steadily into the foot hills now, and the way ahead becomes steadily steeper, and rockier.
The horsemen are less able to cover wide distances now in the challenging terrain, and the forward scouts report that the road only grows rockier and steeper ahead. All can plainly see that they are climbing into a mighty wall of mountains, and that they way ahead will be challenging, to say the least.
They march on.
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Post by waysoftheearth on May 20, 2011 19:01:31 GMT -6
By the forth day the company is into the Misty Mountains proper, climbing up a steep and often treacherous stair along side the now noisy Gate Stream, the Sirannon, as it tumbles down the rocky faces with great verve and splatter. It's water is icy cold despite the warm day time weather -- but night in the shadow of the mountains is chill indeed, and the comforts of Edhil seem very far away.
On that fifth night there is a chill wind whipping through the rocky teeth of the mountains, and there is scarcely a flat place to call a camp site. Instead the company in forced to overnight stretched out along a winding, mountainous path with scarce shelter or comfort to be had.
On the cold morning of the sixth day, the company sets out early for none have found much rest upon the cold trail with the noisy river falls and the wind rushing about them.
The climb continues more steeply and in single file now, and the narrow stair cut from the rock is often wet and rocky. The horses and mules have much difficulty and must be assisted by the Men about them.
The tiresome stair seems to climb and climb and climb to the very clouds, but at last, after some hours of scaling these steps the Elves in the lead at last come to a plateau at the stair top!
[Continued in Hollin Gate...]
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