IC Story Thread: Ch.1, Ad.3 - Black Hand

Thunder_Lungz Inactive for 7 months

As you all emerge physically, returning to the Druedain village, and mentally, clearing the cognitive fog of the mystic journey, you learn it is the second morning following the evening on which you embarked upon the ordeal.

As you come down the path, into the hillside settlement, members of the tribe rise and peer carefully and count who is returning, and when they see it is all four of you, there is a good level of excitement. Druedain leaping, "Yop"-ing, and slapping of thighs to show exuberance for the new, honorary members of their people.

Then they come to you with food, and drink, and asking many questions which - in the tumult of voices - even Turil can't understand.

The Chanter leads you all back to the dug-out, lean-to-like shelter where you gain some solitude and have some time to rest.

After a time, the elder comes to the shelter and speaks.

"Having seen the world through time, as we have seen it, and in opening yourself up to the wisdom of those things which are a part of our world yet beyond our realm, we welcome you as a People alike to our own People.

Our fire is your fire, our shelter your shelter. If you are in need of aid, you need but ask and we shall lend it. And if our People become in need of aid, we ask that you lend your hand...

Now. We welcome you to dwell here for as long as you wish, though we also know you have ... a matter that demands your attention..."

Túril Amdirion

Nov 1, 2024 12:51 am

OOC:

do we gain any mechanical benefits from the rest?

Túril does his best to translate everything between the party and the Druedain. Judging that now is the time, he retrieves his smoking supplies and shares a pipe with the elder and anyone else who accepts it. He says: Thank you, we are grateful to the People for accepting us, and regretful that we must burden you with aiding in our struggle against the Shadow that has come to these lands…perhaps after resting, we can gather ourselves and our supplies and tell you more as we continue to track our quarry?

Last edited November 1, 2024 12:51 am

Nov 2, 2024 7:46 am

Cirion thanks the elder for the privileges bestowed upon them, and also Túril for translating.

He sits in reflection, contemplating the newly acquired awareness of the living past, having seen it and experienced it through his vision quest. It is a marvel that one can live the past in such undeniably real moments.

He also knows a new strong bond with the element of water now lives within him. He thinks of the Great River, realizing it has played a bigger role in his life than he had ever thought. He is a child of the River, and as such he now understands his special link to it.

His travels are expanding Cirion's universe in wonderful and unexpected ways.

Nov 2, 2024 10:18 pm

Duinhir wakes up with the worst hangover he had ever had. The ordeal was everything he had expected just much more impactful and overwhelming.
His head is hurting and his whole body is weighted down with feelings of shame and dread.
He can only hope it will pass soon.

He eats and drinks was is offered and gets some rest in the dugout before getting ready to go on the road again.

Nov 5, 2024 5:03 pm

Thunder_Lungz says:

OOC:

do we gain any mechanical benefits from the rest?

OOC:

No, so waking up from the Ordeal your "sleep" is not considered a mechanically restful sleep of any kind, so no benefits of Short or Long Rest.

Though you could pursue either or both now.

Dr_B says:

He also knows a new strong bond with the element of water now lives within him.

OOC:

This brings up a good point (that I should have spoke to preemptively), I wasn't sure how to introduce your new abilities narratively.

I think some are easier than others, for example Duinhir I think would sense this new ancestral presence, like a "new part of his mind" or maybe would just unexpectedly hear it speak unbidden in some circumstance, and Eothain might surprisingly experience after a greeting Skunktail in the normal way he does in the morning or whatever hearing the actual words of the horse in reply.

I wanted to make you all aware of them mechanically for sure because I wanted you to be able to actively use them in case I forgot, but narratively we could roleplay out the discovery and process of understanding of these new abilities more, if you guys wanted too.

That said, I think what you've roleplayed is fine, Dr_B, as during the Ordeal, maybe Cirion found himself speaking with the pond or the waterfall that was there? And so that is what he reflects upon now.

The Druedain are eager now to share the pipeweed and speak with you all.

However the Elder kind of dismisses Turil's apology, "Already we struggled against the Shadow. Your arrival has brought nothing new in that regard - other than new allies. And so it is all to the good.

And yes, take what time you need, we have little provisions nor warriors to spare, but I wish to know more of your quarry.

There have been some... strange things happening on the mountain recently, and so I think we will each learn from the other."

OOC:

@Thunder_Lungz you can use the Pipe Smoking rules here if you would like. i.e. roll a DC15 Pipe Proficiency check (WIS or INT bonus (your choice)+Prof. Bonus), to gain advantage on a subsequent check (could be a Persuasion to determine the level of aid from the Druedain, or a knowledge check to deduce something about the problem, or Investigation, or whatever the next check you make is).

Nov 10, 2024 9:03 pm

"What strange things have happened? As you know we chase a servant of the Shadow. Any strange occurrence may pertain to our quest." Duinhir joins the conversation through translation.

Last edited November 10, 2024 9:04 pm

Nov 12, 2024 3:58 am

OOC:

RPing the Shadow Points ...

More strangeness? Éothain feels a sense of dread upon hearing the Elder's words. This journey has already taken him away from his family and friends for far too long. When will this end? So much trouble brewing, what if I'm needed to defend Rohan soon? Skunktail misses Rohan too.

Last edited November 12, 2024 4:00 am

Nov 13, 2024 5:22 pm

"Our Mystics watch over our lands, in part, through the eyes of our Stone Sisters...", the Elder gestures outside the door of the dugout lean-to toward a squat stone statue, or totem, that looks like a rudimentary carving of a person, weathered and growing moss and lichen.

" They are scattered about the mountains, and with their aid we are able to see great distances, anywhere they are.

But some weeks ago some of our Stone Sisters were blinded. Never in the stories of our People has this happened. We sent hunters to tend to them, one party returned noting that nothing was outwardly wrong or changed with the Sister, the other... has not returned.", at that the Elder looks sad and concerned.

Nov 13, 2024 9:39 pm

Feeling the concern of the Elder even before the translation gives meaning to the word, he asks,
"The Stone Sisters... Are they hidden, so only your people can find them? Or are they in plain sight, for all to see?"

Nov 13, 2024 10:00 pm

The Elder wags her head, "Some may be grown over by grass or bush, but no, they are often placed in exposed positions as the more they can see, the better we can see through them.

Also... we have had no reason to hide them. They are a secret that... very few... outside of our People know of."

Nov 13, 2024 10:33 pm

Cirion nods, understanding they are privileged to partake in these proud people's secrets. These folks were strangers just hours before, and now they share their hidden knowledge freely. He bows his head to the Elder in a gesture of respect.

"Please tell her that we are grateful of their faith in us, and that their secrets are our secrets... we will honor them." he murmurs to Túril.

Nov 14, 2024 4:26 am

Éothain bows. "Let us have the honor of finding the missing hunting party and tending to any needs the Stone Sisters may have."

Last edited November 14, 2024 4:26 am

Nov 14, 2024 3:52 pm

She bows back but holds up her hands to indicate a degree of hesitancy, "It is a most generous offer, but... for the Sisters, we don't yet know what has even happened, much less what is needed to right it.

As for the missing hunters... Winter is coming, and we must make preparations. We have sent for aid from other tribes, but they must make the same preparations, and we have not yet received the additional hunters we would need to mount a search effort.

It was not my intent to make this your trouble. Already we have sent in motion our own measures that we hope will resolve it. And I know you have your own troubles.

But...

Perhaps our troubles overlap? When you all were first found by our scouting party, you were on a course that was generally headed towards the area of our blinded Sisters... Please. Tell me more of your troubles? Where do you go? What do you expect to find there?"

OOC:

Obviously I don't need you guys to tell me what's going on, I more just want to know what information you might keep to yourselves for now, if anything.

Nov 14, 2024 9:36 pm

Thunder_Lungz Inactive for 7 months

Duinhir has a feeling they can trust this people. They have shared so much including the secret of the Stone Sisters and their vulnerability.
He starts telling about their quest and the man they hunt. He keeps things simple as some of the concepts may be far from the experience of these people. But he does not hide the fact that they chase servants of the Shadow.

OOC:

As this has to be translated through Turil any of you can censor the story if you want too

Túril Amdirion

Nov 15, 2024 1:04 pm

OOC:

Sounds good to me!

Túril adds: while we can pick up the trail of our quarry again, it might be faster for one of your own hunters to guide us. As to your preparations for winter, I have supplies and tools to aid you, if that would soften the loss of a hunter in your efforts here.

OOC:

So rolling for persuasion to see if they can spare a guide for us in exchange for a bunch of supplies and tools.

…oh my

Last edited November 15, 2024 1:04 pm

Rolls

pipe proficiency check - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Nov 19, 2024 7:13 pm

OOC:

Heh, so, all that means is everyone smoked a little TOO much (or is it, not enough? :P) leaf, and you didn't gain advantage on the subsequent check.

Sorry it took me so long to reply.

But you can still make a normal Persuasion roll. No set DC, and it's not opposed, but rather this would be an "open ended" check. The higher the result the more aid they could be persuaded to give.

And because you're considered honorary members of the tribe, there is a certain minimum amount of assistance they would give you no matter/without a roll.

"We can certainly afford you a guide, to get you at least very near your destination. Whether they could serve in a role beyond that may depend on what is needed beyond that..."

Dec 3, 2024 4:22 pm

OOC:

Hey gang, I'm back from holiday.

Seems like we've lost some momentum so I'm going to jump us to something more actionable, to see if we can get things going again.

If there are any final "house keeping" items or last questions your characters would want to ask or do before embarking of the Hunt for Urqakar, go ahead and conduct them as an ooc-aside with your next post?

Two Druedain hunters lead you all to the nearest blinded Stone Sister. It is about a day's hike from the settlement.

The statuette is perhaps two feet tall, depicts a crude carving of a humanoid of indeterminate gender, but the figure is positioned in a squatting position or perhaps sitting back on their haunches, with their elbows tucked in close to their chin and their hands resting on top of their head. It is covered in lichen and mostly shrouded by the bushy grasses surrounding it.

The trek to the Sister has taken you up in elevation a good distance and the temperature is rather cold up here. There is frost on the grass and an underlying crust of snow or permafrost coating much of the ground beneath the dry spindly blades. Coniferous trees are still thick here, but the alpine tree-line is less than 1,000 meters above you, you would guess.

The hunter indicates that there is another blinded sister relatively nearby (a few hours hike), and shows you the trail and trail-markers that lead to it. But notes that the other blinded sisters besides these two are not on the same trail, and are infact a good distance away on the other side of the mountain ridge.

Because your only other lead on where to try to find Urqakar is the nautical map, and that does not denote topograghy or accurate mountain features, you can use the stars to try to move towards the mark, but in mountaineering a straight line is rarely the best path, as a canyon or mountain wall could present an impassable hindrance...

OOC:

What do you do?

Dec 3, 2024 9:12 pm

Duinhir looks up at the statue. The walk up to it to feel it. Something had blinded these Stone Sisters. It could be related to Urqakar. Maybe.
Duinhir starts investigating the statue and the area around it.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Dec 5, 2024 6:54 pm

Duinhir finds that there are no outward signs of disturbance or meddling with the statue, or even really in the nearby surrounding area.

No damage to the stone that could indicate it's been struck violently, no disturbed mosses or lichen on it's surface that could have indicated of it had been less roughly touched or moved, no indication on the ground or grasses around it that could indicate it was moved. No human tracks in the area that don't belong to your traveling contingent.

Dec 6, 2024 7:07 am

"What do you think? We travel to the next nearest Sister? Can you ask, will our guide stay with us and show us the way? It will be difficult without him..."

Dec 6, 2024 8:08 am

"Perhaps the Stone Sister was covered by a black dome or other obstruction, blocking her view." Sometimes, guesswork is all you have. "Or, since our enemies are familiar with foul magic, perhaps a spell was cast that performed the same task."

Éothain stops conjecturing and asks the nearest hunter a couple of direct questions. "Is this Stone Sister still blinded? Would it be disrespectful to tap the statue to make sure it's not a hollow copy?"

Dec 9, 2024 3:15 pm

The guides again show your the trail, and it's markers, and say that it should be a relatively simple matter for you to navigate to the next Sister. Going all the way to it and back would add on a half day to their absence and the clan is trying to prepare for winter, so they would prefer not to delay their return.

They also say that they tend not to touch them, but it's not forbidden or anything, and so in the interest of ensuring it's not a fake, they kind of just shrug and indicate that it's probably ok.

Upon doing so, the statuette seems to have an appropriate weight, solid bottom, all that.

Dec 9, 2024 10:09 pm

That didn't give us much to go on Duinhir concludes his investigation. "I see no signs of mettling with or sabotage of the statues. I guess our best option is to go to the next. On our own it seems."

Dec 10, 2024 4:30 am

"So it seems. Let us go and make use of the daylight."

Last edited December 10, 2024 4:30 am

Dec 10, 2024 10:05 pm

The next Sister is at an even higher elevation, still several hundred meters below timber line, but it is colder and windier.

This Sister would be easy to miss if you hadn't the trail markings, as it's back is to the trail, and it is heaped with accumulating dirt and debris from the slow erosion of years. The statuette sits on a prominence looking off across a valley to another arm of another mountain.

And as you take in the surroundings, still gathering yourself in this new place, perhaps it is the direction of the "gaze" of the diminutive stone person that draws your own eyes in the same direction, or perhaps it is just chance... but there you notice the distant and vague forms of... two figures on the other side of the valley. It's hard to make out much about them at this distance other than they walk upright on two legs.

Dec 12, 2024 6:07 am

If I can see them, they can see me. Éothain stops moving and says the group, "Anyone want to get a closer look at the two travelers?"

Dec 12, 2024 9:36 pm

"Indeed. Could be the ones we are looking for." Duinhir replies

Dec 14, 2024 2:33 pm

OOC:

@emsquared with Cirion's recently acquired ability to commune with water, if we reached the spot where the 2 figures are , could Cirion interrogate some water in that proximity (say a puddle, or dew or other) about the figures?

Dec 16, 2024 3:26 pm

OOC:

In general, absolutely, the ability is there to be used.

You raise an interesting question as to what constitutes a body of water that could be communed with though.

And I had not thought of so small of, nor temporary, "bodies of water" in my conception of it. So, active rain, dew, a puddle that will soon soak into the ground or evaporate. Probably not able to get much of a sense of things from.

Where would it stop, right? If there's humidity, there's water.

I guess I would say it's nebulously about water that has "character", or "life". A water feature that, in the strange mysticism is Tolkien, might have a "spirit", like a Goldberry or Tom Bombadil, linked to it, just as those spirit figures are linked to "the river" and "the old forest" (one of the other Ordeal options would have taken you guys to meet a Tom Bombadil-like figure, but of the Andrast Mountains).

And it's not that you're "speaking" with such a figure when you use the ability. You're not speaking at all, it's more about "sensing" and being able to experience what the water might have experienced.

But anyway, something so small as a babbling brook or even a small seasonal pond or wetland. Absolutely. Puddles and dew. Sorry, but no.

As for the larger effort of getting closer, if you all want to try to remain undetected, give me a Group Stealth check, please!

As a reminder, at least one half of the group must succeed for a Group Check to be successful.

The general course of the distant figures seems to be away from you all. But as is the nature of mountainous travel, switchbacks could point them in your direction rather unpredictably, even if only for a short time.

As Cirion thinks back to what he experienced by the mountain pool at the foot of the waterfall, during their ordeal, and the things he felt through the water - and whether he might be able to feel similar things here, he can see their is a mountain stream the winds along the bottom of the small valley, between the figures and him.

And although they are well away from it now, and getting further from it with every step, perhaps they passed over or through it earlier?

There is also the matter of the cold... the frosted grass and the crust of snow, begs the question of, will there be any liquid water in the stream?

Rolls

Dice clatter behind the screen... - (1d20, 1d20)

Dec 16, 2024 3:41 pm

OOC:

got it, thanks. The river seems a lot more pertinent to that magic ability, I agree.

Cirion points. "That stream, over there. I think I can try to sense if those figures have passed by it. Perhaps know more about them, if they have. I cannot assure it but... I can try," he says to his companions.

Dec 18, 2024 9:00 pm

Clad in mail, Éothain doesn't try to hide. If I don't move, maybe they'll think I'm another statue on the trail if they look this way.

Dec 18, 2024 9:23 pm

OOC:

Alright, so I think what I need to know then is, since one or more of you are not trying to hide, you can assume they will see you if you try to follow them while they're still visible to you/you're still visible to them.

So, do you all wait to follow/go down to the stream until they're out of sight?

Or is the thought to send Cirion alone to the stream?

Or do you all set out while you all are still in each others' visible range, unconcerned about whether or not they see you?

Dec 18, 2024 9:36 pm

OOC:

I'm unsure how far they are away. Is it possible to run and catch up with them or would it be hours/days to pursuit them?

Dec 18, 2024 10:05 pm

OOC:

Good question! Not all that far - less than a mile as the crow flies, but it is a sharp elevation drop followed by sharp elevation rise on the ground, as well as difficult terrain, between you. If you started pursuing them as quickly as you could, and they didn't start fleeing (but did keep moving)? You estimate you could catch up to them in probably a couple hours at most.

Dec 19, 2024 7:56 pm

"So, do we pursuit or try to hide our presence? If we let them go a bit, we might be able to track them."

Dec 20, 2024 4:07 am

"I like the idea of tracking them secretly. But first, Cirion, it would be amazing to hear if the stream knows anything."

Skunktail whinnies in a language only Éothain understands. "Talking water? How strange."

Dec 22, 2024 11:10 pm

rpgventurer says:

Skunktail whinnies in a language only Éothain understands. "Talking water? How strange."

OOC:

Ha, I see what you did there :)

So what I'm hearing is, since the preference is to track them secretly anyway, you'll just wait until you're all mutually out of each other's sight, then go down to the stream?

I'm gonna push the narrative forward under that assumption.

It doesn't take long before the figures are passing in and out of visibility due to intervening trees, and soon after they're over a ridge and out of sight.

And you all are out of their sight.

The trek down to the stream takes a bit of time, due to switch backs and the unstable gravely slope, but before too long you're there and although there is a crust if ice reaching out from the overhanging, dead-grass lining the banks, there is a bare rivulet of water winding through it.

OOC:

Just a reminder; it requires Inspiration to activate the "Speak With" abilities, and I didn't recall who had and had not used theirs and when, but hopefully you've all marked it down?

Dec 23, 2024 12:12 am

OOC:

I have "Inspiration: 1" marked on Cirion's sheet, if that is enough?

Jan 2, 2025 4:47 pm

Cirion must get down on all fours to reach the running water, as the ice is almost certainly not strong enough to support his weight, and so from the frozen bank, he reaches out beyond the ice to touch the trickling stream.

He can feel the frozen cold of the earth at his knees and palm where they rest on the ground, but it is nothing compared to when he touches the water...

The icy wetness is felt on his finger tips for only a moment before it spreads to encompass his entire body - or is it just his awareness? - perhaps there's no difference... It's not painful or even really unpleasant, it just is.

As he contemplates his will - to sense if those figures have passed by it, the mountain brook responds much like his other senses.

He can feel the rough scraping of the boots of his companions on the nearby hardened earth as vibrations to the stream-bed. The sharp clip-clop of Skunktails hooves echoing through the ground as the horse shifts it's weight about. He can feel the smooth, cold stones and mud that make up the flowing water's cradle. And the faint and meager warmth of the sun on its surface.

And like his other senses, it extends into memory. Water is capricious and ever changing though, and he finds the memory to be short.

However it is long enough for him to trace it back to, really, the only notable thing that occurs within it's available timeframe of awareness.

And that is, similar to the sounds of his companions feet - he recalls through the water the approach of the rhythmic striking of two sets of footsteps, both must be shod in hard boot heels. The shadows of two figures passing over darken the stream's surface momentarily - but it's difficult to make out much specific about their forms - cloaked certainly, but that's about the extent of the detail that is notable.

However, then, there is a hand that dips down into the water - it is holding a large leather skin, and he feels a portion of the cold steam wash into it.

And he can feel the hand and the waterskin, as if they're touching his own hand. The waterskin is a well crafted thing - with metallic bindings and waxed finish. And the hand is, well, not unpleasant to "touch". No filth washes off it, trimmed finger nails, largely uncalloused.

Jan 3, 2025 9:05 am

Cirion spares a moment to thank the waters of this brook for their memories, amazed that he can actually commune with something so ancient and free-flowing.

Standing up from the riverbank and still feeling the drops in his fingers he speaks to the others of what he learned.

"I got a very brief glimpse. Not much, two cloaked and booted figures. But one of them filled a leather skin with water from the Creek. It was a refined skin with metal and wax finishings. And the hand that held it was no soldier or workman's hand. Nothing else..."

He looks at his companions, " We follow?"

OOC:

spent an Inspiration point

Jan 3, 2025 3:01 pm

OOC:

Yea, if nothing else, the vision was meant to convey - the figures were not Druedain (they wore boots and cloaks) , not orcs (the hand was clean and trimmed), and it's a good insight you picked out that it wasn't a workman's or soldiers hand.

Did that feel satisfying? Worth an Inspiration?

This is a totally non-RAW ability and the first time we're trying it out, so I can adjust the amount of information it provides...

In a situation where there was more water/more contact with the water, you would likely be able to learn more.

Jan 3, 2025 3:39 pm

OOC:

I think you pitched it great - small details contributing to a bigger picture, it's not like he was checking CCTV footage 😅
And Cirion is just learning to use these strange powers, so it all made sense, thanks

Jan 3, 2025 11:32 pm

"I think we should. We will either find an enemy or a potential ally."

Jan 4, 2025 10:03 pm

"Yes." Duinhir agrees. "It should be possible to track them."

OOC:

Leaving a roll to track the persons through the wilderness either for more information or just to follow their tracks.

[ +- ] Ways of the Wild

[ +- ] Tracker

Rolls

Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+5)

(1815) + 5 = 23

Jan 7, 2025 4:32 pm

OOC:

Daaang, Duinhir's quite the tracker!

The frozen earth may not take much for tracks, but the crust of snow cover and the dry and dead high alpine grasses do. Duinhir has no problems finding and following their path.

The route the travelers are taking is a winding one. There is no existing path and their progress is slow, taking the course of least resistance while still traveling in a generally westward direction.

Duinhir can tell there are frequent pauses in their progress. And their steps small, unhurried. You have the ability to catch up to them if you wish, to a large or small degree as desired. Or you can simply match their pace and just wait until they arrive at any destination.

OOC:

Do you all want to catch up to them (and possibly risk detection the closer you get?), or confront them, or stay well back not knowing where they night be going and so if it might or might not be helpful to you?

Jan 7, 2025 7:28 pm

"They don't seem to be in haste. Should we catch up with them?" Duinhir asks.

OOC:

From what we have seen there are two of them, right? I suppose the tracks would reveal if it was a much larger group.

Jan 7, 2025 7:36 pm

OOC:

Ooo interesting thought. I hadn't thought about that thought...

Yes, only the two of them that you're following but, you did roll quite well, so...

As you all move along, following their trail, Duinhir notices that the only fresh tracks are indicative the two figures you've seen.

However. Their fresh tracks do occasionally cross older sets of tracks, also booted, from time to time.

So, only two people have passed this way recently. Presumably the two you witnessed from afar.

But Iin the preceding days or weeks - however long it's been since the last snow probably (which you don't know), there is evidence of a greater but indeterminate number (due to the age of the tracks - not necessarily volume) of others that have also passed generally this way. Though there is no defined trail, they're all clearly going the same direction.

Jan 9, 2025 8:15 am

"It appears this trail is used at times by others besides the Druedain. Perhaps it leads to a village. I shall stay to the rear, to reduce the chances of revealing our presence." Éothain hums a barely-audible tune as they walk.

Jan 9, 2025 3:37 pm

OOC:

I think I've mentioned this before, but so just as a reminder, as your PCs would know: it is well known that the Andrast peninsula here where you are, is considered completely unsettled.

And so that we don't get bogged down, or lose sight of possible options, I'm going to go ahead and give you guys some specific options, as I'm not sensing the will to drive the investigation/narrative from you guys atm. Which is a common problem with investigation focused games, so no worries on my end.

1. You can continue to follow them at a great distance as you are now - hours behind them, not risk detection, and just see where they go. But the risk in doing that is, not knowing where they're going, it could set you back days or even weeks from finding whatever the mark signifies on the nautical map, depending on where they're going.

2. The opposite of that would be to try to catch up to them as quickly as possible, to... just see who they are? Confront them. See if you all tracking them servers any purpose at all toward your goal. The risk here tho is, well it would ruin any sort of advantage you might have if they are enemies in them not knowing you're there, and ofc maybe it'd spark a fight even? But maybe they're friendly and can somehow help?

3. You could do something in between. Get closer. Risk detection. But do something to try to learn more about them, before confronting them. Maybe you succeed and learn more, or maybe you're detected and essentially you're at #2 right?

4. Stop following them and just try to navigate toward the X using the nautical map. Which as mentioned, will be difficult, as it's not meant for overland navigation and doesn't have any indication of typography for example.

So perhaps discuss those options, ooc or ic. If you have any questions that you feel need answered to make a choice, plz ask those questions.

Jan 9, 2025 7:11 pm

OOC:

I feel this must be something interesting based on the fact that these people are not Druedain and this is unsettled lands.
My vote is for the in-between option of risking to get closer to learn more but not confront them before we know more. I'm however open to other suggestions

Jan 9, 2025 9:47 pm

OOC:

I'd say (2) has its advantages - if they are allies, great, and if they are foes, we outniumber them and might have a good chance to best them / take them prisoners? They are checking the Stone Sisters, they might be the ones rendering them blind (or, like us, they are after the perpetrators)

Jan 10, 2025 7:06 am

OOC:

I vote for #2. We'll have to confront them at some point. If we do it openly, that increases the chances that they trust us.

Jan 11, 2025 7:04 pm

OOC:

Good points for 2

Jan 13, 2025 4:34 pm

OOC:

I'm sure you guys have noticed as well, but @Thunder_Lungz has seemingly ghosted us, since the holidays.

But so it sounds like 2 has it?

Could you guys give some narrative toward that end?

Some considerations might be (tho also please include your own): Do you approach still with caution/moving quickly but trying to remain hidden as long as possible (in which case, please each make a Stealth check at disadvantage), or just completely unhidden but not hailing them either, or do you start hailing them once you get within earshot bidding them to stop and wait?

In the daylight or at night?

Etc.

How do you approach?

Jan 14, 2025 1:05 pm

Encouraged by what he found out, and by the fact that the two figures they spotted in the distance seem to be no Orc, or Druedain, he petitions to the others.

"Brave companions! We should make haste - they probably have spotted us as we spotted them, so it might be worth catching up with them by the shortest route, putting stealth aside. If we set off now, we have a good chance to reach them. We shall see if those men are responsible for the Sisters' blindness.
They are the best lead we have!"

OOC:

I say go for haste! Catch the fellows, think about their reaction once we're on them...

Jan 14, 2025 7:13 pm

OOC:

If the sneaky guy says, no sneak, then that's what I'll go with :P

You all begin to pursue the travelers with haste. There will be no concealing your approach, and so it is not a matter of if they will notice your approach, but when.

Their path has begun to take them up a shoulder of the mountain, and so they do make occasional switch backs and it is on one of these turns that they seem to notice your approach.

You're still a couple hundred meters away, but you can see the two stop in their tracks, they appear to confer with each other for a few moments - raising hands to block out the glare of the sun as they look in your direction. Then they start into a jog going a bit further up the mountain side. There is nowhere for them to hide, but they have stopped at what could be considered the most defensible position available to them.

A rocky out-cropping that sits perhaps 25 feet above the path they just took to ascend the hillside. Which is also the path you would have to take, to approach them directly.

Though you could of course detour to approach from a different route, or if you do wish to approach them directly you could certainly attempt to parlay from a safe distance...

Jan 14, 2025 10:11 pm

"Hello there" Duinhir shouts at a safe distance from the outcrop. "We mean you no harm. We just want a word. Travelers are few and far between in these lands, what brings you here? Can we come closer?"

Jan 15, 2025 3:58 pm

There is a brief pause and their mouths work silently as they exchange words with each other that are too quiet for you to hear.

"Hail! You gave us a scare, coming after us in such hurry as you did...

We have no wealth!", the speaker pauses to hold open their traveling cloak, turning a circle to prove that he has only a backpack, and that sags with some weight at the bottom, but otherwise it does look largely empty.

It also serves to display a sword at his hip.

The companion sits still as stone, making no such gestures, gripping a long spear in one hand.

"And we will leave our food for you, here, on this rock!

We do not wish to be bothered, and I tell you, we will be more trouble for you than what we carry will be worth!"

It's hard to tell what exactly it is, due to the need to shout to communicate, but the speakers words bear some heavy accent.

OOC:

If/as you continue to parlay, please provide an appropriate check for your goals, along with the narrative.

Also, as always, let me know if you have any questions for me, or want to make other checks.

Jan 16, 2025 4:54 pm

OOC:

I know we lost the PC who was probably our skilled talker but there are mechanics you can leverage here in your favor - namely the Help action.

Jan 16, 2025 5:50 pm

He raises a hand. "Fear not!! We are Homeguards of Gondor. You can see it by our attire. We do not want your food. Just to talk!"

He dismounts, and steps closer. "Who are you? We have seen you around the stone statues known as the Sisters... What is your interest in them?"

Cirion squint his eyes in the hope of picking up visual clues of the men's identity or allegiance.

OOC:

leaving a Perception roll

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Jan 17, 2025 5:38 am

Éothain dismounts, trying to put the strangers at ease. "You have my word as a Rider of Rohan that we mean no harm to simple travelers such as yourselves. I have travelled far to guard against the darkness that threatens our world."

OOC:

My attempt at a Help action for the next time the strangers are asked for information.

Last edited January 28, 2025 7:10 am

Jan 21, 2025 4:31 pm

OOC:

Going to go ahead and roll the Persuasion for you guys.

Will edit post to add the narrative to both checks.

Rolls

Cirion Persuasion w/Eothain Help - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

1d20+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

Jan 21, 2025 5:02 pm

It's difficult to see much beyond their cloaks, but Cirion can tell that their manner of dress is not much like that of Westron Men.

It looks like a more loose, linen based cloth and furs and no fasteners - instead ties are used to close and secure openings, as opposed to the more prevalent wools and finished-hides/leathers of the Men of Gondor and the other more northern lands, which more often use hooks and buckles.

"We are just travelers bound for the western coast of Andrast, and ultimately Lond Daer!

And we are no longer in Gondor, so, you will have to forgive me but... you have no authority here!

We do not know of any statues or Sisters, we have no interest in them.

And so we ask that you leave us in peace!"

Jan 21, 2025 9:07 pm

Duinhir listens to the reply with his full attention trying to discern if the strangers is telling the truth and reply in earnest.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Jan 22, 2025 11:32 pm

"We impose no authority upon you. I mentioned our title to reassure you of our honour, and as a token of our peaceful intention," he replies, measuring his words.

He sees Duinhir focusing on the strangers as if to read their demeanour.

OOC:

quick check @emsquared - did we see these two near one of the Sisters statues? I might have imagined we did. Or did we just spot them away from the statue?

Jan 23, 2025 9:24 pm

OOC:

@Dr_B You guys and the Sister were at the top of a ridge when you spied them maybe a couple hundred meters away, in the valley below the ridge.

So they were definitely in the general area, but not super close when you saw them. And they were/have been moving away from it.

Duinhir senses an un-ease in his voice when speaking about Lond Daer that contrasts sharply with his statement on the Sisters.

And it gives him the impression that they're telling the truth about the Sisters, but not their destination.

Jan 24, 2025 6:53 am

He considers their equipment, in relation to their declared destination.

could they be running away from someone? Or scouts from a better equipped larger group

"The western coast... That is a long way. Yet you seem to be travelling light, for such a long journey."

Last edited January 24, 2025 7:24 am

Jan 25, 2025 7:11 pm

"Indeed a long way" Duinhir adds "I would be faster to go by ship. What's in Lond Daer, that you need to travel there?" The harbour city is known to the ranger of the North.

Jan 28, 2025 7:45 am

"A fellow traveler, Astalor, might have come this way. Have you seen him? Tall, slim, gray hair, probably bearded, about 60, give or take ten years. Possibly wearing the robes of a learned man, which he is. Don’t get into an argument with him. He’s a sore loser." Éothain watches the two men for their reaction to Astalor’s name and his insult.

Last edited January 28, 2025 7:45 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Jan 29, 2025 5:18 pm

Eothain gauges no particular reaction at the mention or characterization of Astalor, and the speaker replies...

"You claim no authority, yet you question like an authority...

Come. It seems we have much to discuss.

Let us build a fire, we share food, and discuss."

The speaker gestures behind him and says a few words to the man with the spear. The companion's shoulders sag, he lays down the spear, removes his backpack and moves away from the ledge. It looks like he kneels down to rummage in the bag, perhaps for food or fire-making supplies? But you can only see his head and shoulders so it's hard to tell.

Jan 29, 2025 9:16 pm

"Cautious." Duinhir warns his companions in a low voice "This could be a trap"
He watches the half hidden figure closely

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(20) + 3 = 23

Jan 29, 2025 10:27 pm

He nods at Duinhir, responding in the same low voice. "We keep an eye on the food and drink, lest they try to poison us. Or we watch out for any hidden weapon... Come quick, now."

He starts walking forward, leading his horse towards the duo, and not losing sight of the spearman's preparations. "That is kind of you. I am glad you can see we present no threat to you."

OOC:

he thinks that the quicker he approaches, the harder it will be for those two to prepare a possible trap, be it a hidden weapon, or poison in their food...

Jan 29, 2025 11:31 pm

Trying to avoid startling the duo, Éothain closes in silently and slowly.

Jan 30, 2025 3:22 pm

The only way up to them, without going 100s of meters out of the way (which would give them an opportunity to try to flee if they are so inclined) is by the same dog-legged route that you watched them take up to their current position at the top of the out-cropping after they first spotted you.

And because of their significant height above your path - nearly 10 meters - you cannot possibly maintain visual contact while also ascending to their position.

But Duinhir's watchfulness prevents you all from being surprised, as pebbles begin to cascade over the edge above you, and both travelers come to the edge with large rocks held aloft over their heads to cast them down upon you.

OOC:

So they're up on a cliff and because of the steep incline you have to zig zag your way up. Which means you must pass below the cliff once to wind your way up to their position, and really there's no possibility to see what they're doing once you're much closer to the cliff.

But to reward Stefron's good roll, and all of your general suspicion: there would normally be a surprise check for each of you, but because of the crit success, none of you will have a chance of surprise.

Initiative!

Rolls

Traveler's Initiative - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Jan 30, 2025 3:36 pm

OOC:

oh boy

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Jan 30, 2025 7:15 pm

I knew it the seasoned ranger thinks to himself

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+0)

(8) = 8

Jan 30, 2025 9:18 pm

Éothain raises his shield and continues up.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+3)

(14) + 3 = 17

Feb 4, 2025 3:16 pm

OOC:

Sorry for the delay. Been busy at work in the first part of the year here and it's where I usually do most of my posting 😅

We didn't establish a marching order, so if it's alright with you guys I'll just assume it's by your initiative?

The two travelers send the large stones raining down of the first two of you to come up the path...

OOC:

Eothain and Cirion please roll me a Dex save, for half damage!

Rolls

Falling Stones! - (3d4+2)

(334) + 2 = 12

Feb 4, 2025 3:18 pm

OOC:

I should add it will require a full round of movement this round as you must move up the dog-legged path, if you wish to get within melee range of them next round. And missile attacks made now/from below must be rolled at Disadvantage.

Feb 4, 2025 3:48 pm

Cirion sees the raining stones and tries to swerve out of the way!

OOC:

happy with marching order matching initiative

edit: not sure that save worked? if not, I take 12 damage?

Last edited February 4, 2025 4:17 pm

Rolls

Dexterity save - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Feb 4, 2025 3:50 pm

OOC:

Ope, I see I didn't announce DC, sorry. DC13!

It's also now all of your turns, so go ahead and record your damage as appropriate and take your turn.

Feb 4, 2025 4:26 pm

"Dammit!"
Cirion stumbles under the sudden rain of rocks, several connecting painfully on his body and head!

He clenches his teeth and readies the short bow: he takes aim at the more visible of the hurling foes!
He lets an arrow fly, despite the distance, in the hope it acts as a deterrent to further projectiles.

OOC:

ouch that hurt - Cirion lost 50% of his HP in one hit!

Rolls

short bow to hit (disadvantage) - (2d20L1+2)

(42) + 2 = 4

Feb 4, 2025 5:54 pm

OOC:

I forget what experience you guys do or do not have with D&D, but be sure to remember your various class abilities, and if you have any questions as to how you might be able to leverage them, feel free to ask.

Feb 5, 2025 8:43 am

OOC:

I'm afraid Cirion is puppeteered by a total D&D beginner!

He has this ability:
Cunning Action
You can take a bonus [Dash, Disengage or Hide] action on each of your turns in combat.

so could he Dash, after the arrow he fired?

Feb 5, 2025 2:59 pm

OOC:

Yes he could! :)

And it will get him at least part way there.

Because we're "theatre of the mind" here, it would still require him a full round of movement to melee, BUT the Dash will allow him to make ranged attacks without Disadvantage next round if that's what he wants to do.

Feb 5, 2025 3:38 pm

OOC:

great thanks, Cirion Dashes, then!

Feb 5, 2025 8:05 pm

Eothain rushes in as close as he can to the nearest attacker. "Surrender or die!"

OOC:

Using his Action Surge to Dash a second time.

Tis half damage from the rocky start of this combat.

Last edited February 5, 2025 8:06 pm

Rolls

Dex save - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Feb 5, 2025 8:51 pm

Though the angle is bad and the figures are hiding, Duinhir fires an arrow at one of them. If for nothing else giving his friends a bit of covering fire in their dash towards the enemies.

Rolls

Dexterity check (disadvantage) - (2d20L1+2+2)

(74) + 4 = 8

Damage piercing - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Feb 6, 2025 3:13 pm

OOC:

Full damage to Cirion, half to Eothain from the rocks then.

With the rider from Rohan charging them, both men make ranged attacks upon him! The man with the sword produces a curved knife and throws it, and the man with the long spear throws a shorter spear from a hangar on his back.

OOC:

Looks like both attacks on Eothain missed miserably 😅

Eothain can melee either target freely this round.

If Cirion wants to attack the same target as Eothain, he will have Advantage to the attack as the target is threatened by his ally.

But he would also have essentially a -5 to the attack as Eothain constitutes 3/4 Cover for the target. And a Critical miss will hit Eothain.

Though he would apply his Sneak Attack damage bonus if he hits.

Duinhir I believe is still down below and will continue to have Disadvantage to ranged attacks, or must spend this round moving for better position or to be able to melee next round.

You all can go ahead and take your next turns!

Rolls

Ranged Thrown Dagger Attack - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Ranged Thrown Spear Attack - (1d20+4, 1d6+2)

1d20+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

1d6+2 : (6) + 2 = 8

Feb 6, 2025 7:27 pm

Cirion sees the Rider charging, and changes target to the other foe, not trusting his archery enough to risk it.

"You will pay for your treachery!" he bellows.

He readies the short bow and fires again at the other target, then rushes closer still to the hilltop, wary of further rockfall.

OOC:

see? Good job I didn't aim anywhere near Éothain! 😂

Last edited February 6, 2025 7:29 pm

Rolls

short bow to hit - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Feb 6, 2025 10:34 pm

Éothain silently answers the spear thrower with a thrust from his broadsword.

OOC:

Using the WeaponMaster feature to exchange his +2 damage bonus from Duelling to an additional +2 hit bonus.

@Dr_B I appreciate that.

Last edited February 6, 2025 10:56 pm

Rolls

Attack with broadsword - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (15) + 7 = 22

1d8+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Feb 8, 2025 9:31 pm

The position is too bad for another shot, Duinhir realizes, and Eothain is alone in close combat with the enemies, so Duinhir rushes to aid him.

OOC:

Trying to get to melee distance next round

Feb 11, 2025 7:38 pm

OOC:

Eothain hits!

Duinhir you may melee next round.

Cirion, of you continue to take attack, the same options still apply for you, as discussed above RE: advantage/Sneak Attack/Crit miss, but now will also apply to whomever Duinhir attacks if he goes into melee.

The mysterious travelers produce their melee weapons and attack Eothain, ganging up on him, and giving them both an advantage!

The speaker using a curved sword as well as a small buckler, and the other man with his long spear.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Rolls

Speaker w/ Scimitar - Advantage - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d6+2)

1d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

1d20+4 : (18) + 4 = 22

1d6+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Silent Man w/ Great Spear - Advantage - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d12+2)

1d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

1d20+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

1d12+2 : (10) + 2 = 12

Feb 11, 2025 7:42 pm

OOC:

Since he missed on his first attack, the spear-man will use his Action Surge.

EDIT: Wah wah, for them! Just 5 damage to Eothain this round.

You can all take your turns!

Rolls

Silent Man w/ Great Spear - Advantage - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d12+2)

1d20+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

1d20+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

1d12+2 : (5) + 2 = 7

Feb 11, 2025 10:15 pm

Éothain slashes up at the wounded spearman. The pain from his wound reinvigorates him to fight harder.

OOC:

Using the WeaponMaster feature again.

Rolls

Attack with broadsword - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (4) + 7 = 11

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Second Wind - (1d10+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Feb 11, 2025 11:28 pm

Cirion sees the battle has now shifted to a deadly melee, the flash of scimitars and sharp spears glinting through the dust of the skirmish!

He replaces the useless short bow with the broadsword and closes in, running up the hill.

OOC:

double Dash action? using Cunning Action

Feb 12, 2025 4:28 pm

OOC:

Cirion can move and then melee this round.

If he attacks a target that one of his allies is already attacking, he can use his Sneak Attack.

Feb 12, 2025 9:52 pm

Duinhir charges up the remaining way to the hidden foes, drawing his long sword on the way. Reaching the enemies he engage other one and slashes with the sword.

Rolls

Longsword - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

Damage - slashing - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Feb 13, 2025 12:29 am

OOC:

gotcha

Cirion negotiates the hill gradient in long strides, then sees an opportunity, noticing the man with the spear engaged and distracted.

Silently, he charges him and swings the broadsword at his foe!

Rolls

broadsword (P) to hit - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

broadsword (P) damage - (1d8+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Sneak Attack extra damage - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Feb 13, 2025 3:26 pm

Cirion lands a well placed blow as the other two attacks of his allies miss!

The two travelers exchange glances with each other, their eyes wild with the heat of combat as you all press in upon them.

The man with sword shouts into Duinhir's face as he attacks, "You have unlawfully engaged a member of the Royal Family of Umbar! You have initiated an act of WAR!!"

Meanwhile the man with the long spear just presses his attack with the grim focus and determination of a master with his weapon.

OOC:

The man with the sword is using a demoralizing special ability. Duinhir, you must apply the value of the d6 roll below as a penalty to your next attack.

The man with the spear is using a Great Weapon Mastery ability, which gives him advantage against foes of the same size or smaller.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

OOC:

Duinhir looks like you're missed - though you have a -2 to your next attack. Eothain I think that hits!

You all can go ahead and take all of your turns!

Rolls

Demoralizing Rhetoric - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Man with Sword v. Duinhir - (1d20+4, 1d6+2)

1d20+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

1d6+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Man with Spear v. Eothain - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d12+2)

1d20+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d12+2 : (7) + 2 = 9

Feb 13, 2025 7:22 pm

Is this wrong? Will this have consequences beyond just this encounter? Duinhir thinks as the stranges word impacts him. He hesitates for just a crucial moment then attacks again.

Rolls

Long sword against the Royalty - (1d20+3-2)

(2) + 1 = 3

Damage - slashing - (1d8)

(8) = 8

Feb 13, 2025 7:41 pm

"Initiated? That's rich, from those who started hurtling rocks after inviting us to share their fire? Some cowardly royalty you are! Is this your sense of honor??" he bellows.

OOC:

is there a skill for taunting, for the purpose of distracting the target?

Feb 18, 2025 7:55 am

OOC:

Current HP: 13/25

"You're spies!" Éothain grimaces as the spear pierces his leg. He counters with a flurry of slashing feints, before aiming a thrust at his opponent's jugular.

Rolls

Attack with broadsword (using Weapon Master) - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (13) + 7 = 20

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Feb 18, 2025 2:59 pm

Dr_B says:

"Initiated? That's rich, from those who started hurtling rocks after inviting us to share their fire? Some cowardly royalty you are! Is this your sense of honor??" he bellows.

OOC:

is there a skill for taunting, for the purpose of distracting the target?

OOC:

Yes, I think you could use Intimidation for that, but for it to have a mechanical impact you would have to use it as an Action (i.e. you couldn't also attack).

Feb 18, 2025 3:00 pm

OOC:

OK going for intimidate action!

Rolls

Intimidation - (1d20+0)

(20) = 20

Feb 18, 2025 3:14 pm

OOC:

lol well rolled!

Which one were you wanting to distract? The swordsman or the spearman?

Feb 18, 2025 3:18 pm

OOC:

Lucky!
I guess the swordsman, as he is the one who spoke those words? it is a repost in response to that man's statement.

Feb 18, 2025 3:39 pm

The swordsman's eyes flare with rage as Cirion calls him a coward - he's apparently touched a sore spot, and the man just drops his sword as he goes at Cirion's neck with his bare hands!

OOC:

So your critical success at taunting him has caused him to do 2 beneficial things for you guys: 1 dropped his sword and 2 uses a sub-oprimal action/attack (Grapple).

@Dr_B please roll a Strength (Athletics) check to oppose his grapple.

Eothain's blows are mounting up, and he sees a panic set in behind the spearman's eyes that he recognizes as the panic a man feels when he has been hurt badly and knows he's losing the fight! But like a true warrior and one trained in hard combat, he continues to fight back recognizing there is no other option.

OOC:

Oof! That's a hard hit on Eothain!

Your turns, go ahead and go everyone! (Cirion, still need the Strength check from you, but that is made on his turn, you still get yours.)

If you do get Grappled (if you roll lower than 18) that means you cannot move - you can still take an Action/attack - and he will have advantage to attack you on his turn.

Rolls

Grapple v Cirion - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Spearman v. Eothain - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d12+2)

1d20+4 : (9) + 4 = 13

1d20+4 : (18) + 4 = 22

1d12+2 : (9) + 2 = 11

Feb 18, 2025 3:47 pm

OOC:

trying to wriggle out of the grapple

Rolls

Strength save - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Feb 18, 2025 3:51 pm

OOC:

Alright you're grappled, but you can still attack either target. Just can't move away.

Feb 20, 2025 7:01 am

"Aaaah!" Éotha groans involuntarily as the spear pierces through his armor. The warrior took a chance with his maneuvers; he dealt a decisive blow but provided his opponent with too big of an opportunity.

A change in tactics was in order. Éothain spins to move himself closer to the spearman, then slashes across his back.

OOC:

And so it goes. HP: 4/25.

Last edited February 20, 2025 7:03 am

Rolls

Attack with broadsword (using Weapon Master) - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (2) + 7 = 9

1d8+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Feb 20, 2025 10:47 pm

Seeing Eothain is hurt, Duinhir rushes to his aid and slashes the spearman.

Rolls

Longsword - (1d20+3)

(20) + 3 = 23

Damage - (1d8)

(8) = 8

Feb 22, 2025 3:53 pm

Feeling the man's grip on his throat, Cirion reacts instinctively. The broadsword he had readied is hard to manoeuver in the close proximity, but he uses it all the same to cut into the side of his opponent, exposed by the grappling arms!

Rolls

broadsword (P) to hit - (1d20+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

broadsword (P) damage (if he hits) - (1d8+1)

(8) + 1 = 9

Feb 25, 2025 3:35 pm

OOC:

Note: on a critical hit you get to roll the damage die twice, but Duinhir's damage is enough to put the spearman down without it.

As Eothain and Cirion both struggle with their foes, Duinhir takes advantage of an opening and lands a blow that lays the spearman low!

The swordsman is perhaps too fixated on Cirion to notice and he begins to try to choke the lad from Pelargir!

OOC:

Oh jeez, unarmed attacks do a flat 1 damage (plus attribute bonus), so with the critical, Cirion takes 4 damage.

Back to you guys!

Swordsman is only one left

Rolls

Swordsman - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (20) + 2 = 22

1d20+2 : (11) + 2 = 13

Feb 26, 2025 8:21 am

Éothain moves immediately to the swordsman. He brings the flat of his blade on the top of his enemy’s head. "Surrender! Now!"

OOC:

Going for non-lethal damage.

Rolls

Attack with broadsword (using Weapon Master) - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (13) + 7 = 20

1d8+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

Feb 26, 2025 8:21 am

Cirion starts choking. Feeling panic starting to grip his mind, and in pain for the foe's strangling hands, Cirion drops his broadsword and tries to break his grip.

He tries a combined move, hitting the man's groin with his knee while parting the cruel hold on his throat.

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Feb 26, 2025 7:20 pm

Duinhir follows up with a good kick to get the man off Cirion, while pointing his sword at him with the sword. Hopefully this will inspire him to follow Eothain's command to surrender.

OOC:

Unsure about how to roll for a kick so I'll just leave a strength roll.

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Feb 26, 2025 11:11 pm

Eothain lands a jarring blow, quickly gaining the swordsman's attention. And when the Southron man realizes the odds, he willingly releases the hold he has on Cirion.

Seeing his ally motionless on the ground, holding his hands out to the sides, he shouts and moans, "Hashim!? HASHIIIM!! Aaagh!!", then hangs his head and falls silent, his body shuddering slightly from soundless weeping.

Rolls

Break Grapple Attempt - (1d20+2)

(18) + 2 = 20

Feb 27, 2025 8:03 pm

"Watch him." Éothain utters a request to his companions and, ignoring his own wounds, checks the fallen adversary for signs of life. His thoughts jump to the mystery hanging over their heads. I assume Hashim is this man's name. If I can help him, maybe this swordsman will help us.

OOC:

Adding a Medicine check if needed.

Last edited February 27, 2025 8:22 pm

Rolls

Wisdom (Medicine) - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Feb 27, 2025 9:58 pm

Duinhir hold the tip of his sword to the man's neck. "You have some answering to do. First of all, why did you attack us?!?" he demands

Feb 27, 2025 11:13 pm

Cirion stumbles back away from the strangler, wheezing for air. I need to be more careful... try to attack from the distance, weaken the enemy...

He pauses for a moment to calm himself down and get his breathing back to normal.

Feb 28, 2025 6:15 pm

Quote:

OOC:

Adding a Medicine check if needed.

OOC:

NPCs die upon reaching zero hit points unless the felling blow was declared to be a "Non lethal attack"in advance, like Stefron declared before attacking the swordsman last round incase his hit took the swordsman to zero.

Eothain finds the spearman lifeless, but he knows if it wasn't the Southron man lying there it likely would have been him.

The swordsman swipes at Duinhir's blade with his empty hand, cutting his knuckles open in the process, and falls to his knees gripping the pant leg of his traveling companion. Pressing his face down upon the fallen warriors foot, he rambles words in the Southron tongue, heedless of Duinhir's demand or the threat of his blade.

Mar 5, 2025 7:00 am

Anger flares in Cirion's chest. He points at the dead man, addressing the weeping companion.

"Fool! You've brought this down upon yourself! We were approaching in peace. Blame no-one but yourself, you treacherous idiot! "

Mar 6, 2025 4:09 pm

The swordsman continues to be unresponsive to words or physical threat. Any attempt to get a response or information from him would appear to require a more extreme means to produce results...

However, both of their packs sit to the side of the path, discarded before the fight to free up their bodies for the violent movements they had known were to come.

Mar 6, 2025 9:14 pm

"This is useless. He is not talking. Check their bag while I keep an eye on him." Duinhir says not moving his sword away from the man

Mar 7, 2025 7:17 am

Éothain checks the bag.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Mar 11, 2025 1:43 pm

Cirion focuses on the other bag.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Mar 12, 2025 10:13 pm

Most of the contents are pretty standard travel and survival gear.

Some components in that regard are puzzling. Clearly stuff made for different environs than you're currently in. But little of it is remarkable, except...

One of the packs contains a book, and a scroll case with two documents in it.

Upon inspection one of the documents in the scrollcase is a detailed map, with directions to a location that appears to be... not all that far off from your current location. Perhaps a bit less than a day's hike.

The other document in the scroll case, you've all seen before. Or at least one very much like it. You can't read it though as it's written in the script of Black Speech. You can recall it's look though from the boarded up carriage house in Dol Amroth.

The book appears to be written in the language of the Haradrim, or perhaps some other Southron tongue. And it's subject matter isn't immediately apparent.

Mar 12, 2025 10:33 pm

"Black Script!" he hisses, lifting the document for the others to see. "And a map... Also, a book in Haradrim, can any of you read this?"

OOC:

not one of Cirion's languages, I'm afraid.
I think we found some enemy agents

Mar 13, 2025 6:09 am

"Not me." Éothain is uneasy leaving any weapons unattended, so he picks up the spear, sword, and any bows or other ranged weapons. He faces the swordsman, not sure if he is heard. "For your bravery, we will let you live. For your deceit, you can face the rest of your journey with only whatever small weapons you were smart enough to bring."

OOC:

I am assuming we don't want to murder the swardsman in cold blood. Should we keep him prisoner?

Mar 13, 2025 2:21 pm

OOC:

I will say up front that executing him now that he is defeated and disarmed would constitute a "Murder" with regards to Shadow.

Mar 15, 2025 12:19 pm

OOC:

no, we cannot execute him!

where would the closest outpost of Gondor or the closest Diplomat's agents, if we wanted to escort this prisoner there and leave him to their care? Ultimately, a living enemy could be a precious asset for our Lady's struggle against the Mastermind.

But carrying a prisoner in our quest would be slow and cumbersome...

Mar 15, 2025 9:24 pm

OOC:

I agree. Killing him is not in line with our characters. So prisoner, release him or waste time delivering him to the authorities.
Perhaps releasing him wouldn't be too bad. Thank him for the information and give him some coin for his assistance and he would dare to return to his superiors who will see him as a traitor.

Mar 16, 2025 3:34 am

OOC:

Releasing him as a failed spy is my preference. We don’t need a prisoner slowing us down.

Mar 17, 2025 2:48 pm

OOC:

OK let's release him and have his Master punish him for his incompetence!

Mar 17, 2025 9:32 pm

Pity stayed Duinhir's hand. He removed the sword from the weeping foe's neck. "Go." he said "Be gone and pray our paths shall not meet again."

Mar 18, 2025 3:36 am

"There are many songs for mourning those we lost. I will translate a short verse from one:
Think not of what you lost
Remember what you had
Memories of treasures
Store them near your heart."

Last edited March 18, 2025 3:37 am

Mar 18, 2025 2:51 pm

The swordsman still doesn't move, even as you tell him he is free to go. It isn't until Eothain sings the song for the death of the spearman - a man who was your enemy, but his ally - that he reacts.

Still kneeling on the ground, his gaze passes over the three of you as he turns his body and faces the sun sinking toward the horizon, his eyes still wet. He turns his palms upward in a motion that looks like some manner of genuflection, and he is silent and motionless for the duration of the song.

Afterwards he hangs his head as his body sags with the weight of sadness and he says quietly, " Have you a tool? Anything that you can leave me with? So that I might bury Hashim. The earth is turning to ice. Do not make me leave him, here, so far from our home... for the buzzards and dogs..."

Mar 18, 2025 4:34 pm

Cirion feels pity for the man, and rage at the futility of his treason. He covers the short distance to his horse and equipment. He still has some tools for ropemaking, from what now seems like a past life. He selects a small implement to split threads - enough to help with digging, not usable as a weapon - and throws it at the feet of the traitor.

"Here. Think about how betraying your invite to share your bonfire cost your friend's life, as you dig his grave."

He turns his back to the man, and beckons to his companions.

OOC:

maybe the items we found could be translated, if brought to the right scholar?

Mar 18, 2025 4:42 pm

The ground is already compact and riddled with broken mountain stone, and the top few inches at least are already icy with the cold of the coming fall.

The swordsman silently takes up the implement and begins chipping away at the ground, next to his ally, dislodging maybe a spoonful's-worth of soil at a time.

Mar 19, 2025 9:35 pm

Éothain drops his crowbar on the ground next to his feet. He takes pity as the man digs. "This is the only tool I have. Pick it up after we are out of sight. Promise me you will return to your home without delay after burying him."

Last edited March 19, 2025 9:36 pm

Mar 20, 2025 2:29 pm

The man pauses as the crowbar clunks down next to him, but says nothing. However he also doesn't touch the implement, as commanded, and just continues to chip away at the hard and rocky soil with the rope-splitter.

The paper of Black Speech is as inscrutable as ever, and the tome is indecipherable for all (however the contents of both could likely be understood by scholars in Gondor), the only thing at this point which is understandable to your group is the map these travelers carried...

Mar 20, 2025 10:17 pm

"Let's leave him and be on our way." Duinhir suggests

Apr 8, 2025 3:55 pm

OOC:

Sorry gang, came back to a bunch of catch up work, which between that and jetlag didn't leave me much energy for posting

But I'm ready now, let's get back into it!

The map is well drawn and easy to follow, you estimate the destination to be just six hours hike or so away. The sun is ready to set though, and so it will be well after dark by the time of your arrival.

The location is called "Cuilen Marnhir" on the map. Translating roughly to "Clouded Spire" in Westron. And indeed as you turn ever-more upslope as you follow the map, you see that you are pointed toward one of the tallest prominences around - the peak of which is surrounded in gathering clouds.

The path marked on the map takes you across and up increasingly rocky slopes and scree fields, but thankfully no actual climbing is required. However traversing this terrain in the dark is still treacherous, presenting poor footing and no protection from the cold night winds.

After getting about halfway there, you have traveled what might be considered the duration of a normal days travel. You can push on the final few hours to Cuilen Marnhir, or you can make camp for the night?

OOC:

Or something in between ofc :)

Point is: let me know how and when you want to approach the destination on the traveller's map.

Apr 9, 2025 7:16 am

The day had drained much from Éothain -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. "I believe we should break for camp while we still have some light. We need to be at our best when we reach Cullen Marnhir."

Apr 9, 2025 4:05 pm

"I agree, Éothain. Ouch... I could do with dressing these wounds, too..." he says with a wince. The confrontation with the treacherous enemy agents has taken a toll in blood and fatigue on him.

OOC:

anyone with healing powers/gear? Cirion is down to 8HP

Last edited April 9, 2025 4:06 pm

Apr 9, 2025 8:57 pm

OOC:

I wish. Éothain is down to 4 HP.

Apr 9, 2025 9:07 pm

OOC:

I don't think Duinhir has anything in the healing department.
A rest might be a good idea. I'm unsure if we can do a short or long rest at this point?

Apr 10, 2025 2:03 pm

OOC:

You can do a Short, which allows you to roll up to your level (3) in your Hit Die value and heal that amount.

Apr 10, 2025 2:43 pm

Cirion starts looking for a sheltered feature of the land to set up camp, feeling the fatigue in his bones and muscles.

OOC:

leaving Survival if applicable

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Apr 15, 2025 3:12 pm

OOC:

No check necessary, please everyone take care of your Short Rest stuff and then let's move on.

You must go a bit out of your way to find even a semi-sheltered spot. Something to knock down the wind, and also to keep your resting spot and any activities out of easy sighting by anyone who might be looking.

But it is doable, and although it is not a comfortable night, you are able to get what rest that you can.

The morning light comes with a chill breeze, but the intensity of the sun helps.

Looking forward to the unknowns that are to come, it's hard to imagine that Clouded Spire is capable of being concealed much better. Looking up the slope to where the map is leading you, you would guess that... whatever it is that awaits there... it must be positioned at the top of one of these rocky escarpments that loom above.

You can estimate that it will be very hard if not impossible to approach it during the day unseen if there is any sort of watch.

OOC:

What do you do?

I'd love to see some interaction between you guys in character and or out, to discuss how you all think you should handle this.

Apr 16, 2025 4:49 pm

OOC:

rest roll - if I have done this right, Cirion tops up to his max HP of 24 (started from 8) and the excess is lost

OOC:

as for approaching the spire, it seems to me that it would be a much harder climb at night? So daytime climb sounds safer. Any camouflaging we could do during the day? Maybe leaving horses behind would make us less noticeable?

Also a thought: maybe if the enemy is above the cloud level near the top, they wouldn't see us through that, like we cannot see them.

Last edited April 16, 2025 4:51 pm

Rolls

Short Rest, 3x hit points +CON bonus - (3d8+2)

(854) + 2 = 19

Apr 17, 2025 8:46 pm

OOC:

Night might be easier but perhaps deadlier depending on what we'll encounter. I ok with us trying to sneak up daytime

Apr 18, 2025 6:08 am

OOC:

Daytime is OK by me.

Rolling 2 of the three available dice to see if I need the third.

Rolls

Short rest healing - (2d10+1)

(15) + 1 = 7

Apr 18, 2025 3:50 pm

OOC:

I need the last one

Rolls

Healing - (1d10)

(8) = 8

Apr 22, 2025 2:48 pm

OOC:

Ok so I'm not really clear on what the decided action is.

I think what I'm hearing is 2 to 1, sneak up during the day? That would be as opposed to sneaking at night, or climbing at night or day? Is that correct?

I'm reluctant to just push things forward without a clear understanding, as this is kind of what everything has been leading up to.

So can you guys please give me a little more collaboration here. I'm looking for a concrete narrative that I can build upon.

Apr 22, 2025 8:22 pm

OOC:

Sorry. It is probably my post that causes the confusion. Let us try to sneak up during the day at a higher risk of been seen.

"This mountain is too dangerous to climb at night. And who knows what creatures prowl here at night time. I say we climb in the light of day though it might give our presence away." Duinhir says

Apr 22, 2025 10:12 pm

"Agreed, Duinhir. We cannot let the mountain become our enemy too... Let's climb in daylight, and keep our eyes peeled for ambushes."

Apr 23, 2025 6:08 am

"Skulking in the night is dishonorable. If tales are told of our exploits, let the bards remark on our courage and skill."

Apr 23, 2025 7:21 pm

OOC:

Ok so, climbing during the day.

You'll basically be taking on a climb that may Exhaust you all, in exchange for likely getting there undetected.

Lacking climbing gear, it will be a very difficult, dangerous, and slow climb. It will require tremendous athleticism and great fortitude, from each of you, and it will require each of you helping the others the whole way.

Standing at the bottom of the cliff, which you figure must end at or near the grounds of Clouded Spire - particularly in armor and with weapons - it's a very daunting prospect. And needless to say, Skunktail will have to be left behind.

OOC:

In case you hadn't thought this aspect through, I will say.

If you follow the map to Clouded Spire, you will likely be seen, but won't be Exhausted.

If you're proceeding with the climb, please roll me a DC 17 CON save, and a DC 17 Athletics check. If you fail the CON save, the Athletics must be rolled at Disadvantage.

The Athletics check will be handled as a Group Check, so 2 of you must succeed, for the effort to succeed/to avoid +1 Level of Exhaustion.

Apr 23, 2025 8:56 pm

OOC:

I'll say climbing is the better option? Duinhir is bad at Athletics, though. Hope you guys are better and can carry the skill check

Apr 23, 2025 11:48 pm

OOC:

those are tough challenges... but hey, we are heroes , right? here we go...

edit: almost, but not quite!

Last edited April 23, 2025 11:49 pm

Rolls

Constitution check - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

Athletics - (1d20+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Apr 24, 2025 7:31 am

OOC:

Éothain is great at Acrobatics. Athletics, not so much.

Éothain feeds Skunktail a treat, rubs her nose, and says quietly, "I'll be back as soon as I can. You and the others can survive on the plants here."

Rolls

Constitution save (DC 17) - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Athletics (DC 17) - (2d20L1)

(1215) = 12

Apr 24, 2025 8:06 pm

It was a high and dangerous climb but Duinhir fells up for the task.
The climb however was more strenuous than he had expected. It was hard to keep focus.

In the end, he was spent and exhausted as they reached the peak.

OOC:

Close but falling short. I don't have any boosts to athletic as far as I know.

Last edited April 24, 2025 8:20 pm

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Athletics (disadvantage) - (2d20L1+1)

(1814) + 1 = 15

Apr 28, 2025 10:04 am

Many times Cirion regrets their choice, during the hair-raising climb. The steep gradient, shortage of easy hand- and foot-holds, and the sheer effort of the taxing endeavour make him despair. But his willpower and loyalty to the others pushes him forward, without looking down.

Until, when fatigue has dulled all his senses, he lifts himself up on a high plateau, blessing the end of that merciless vertical cliff, and disbelieving but elated that he could actually climb safely up here. He flops on his back, gasping for breath in the thinner high-altitude air.

"We... we... made it..." he croaks, spotting Duinhir next to him.

Apr 29, 2025 2:49 pm

OOC:

You guys are approaching from the direction of the 3 blue arrows.

You can hear the faint sound of intermittent, distant voices before you even reach the crest of the cliff-face you're climbing. And once you've gained your summit, you can hear them a bit more clearly, though it's still hard to pick out specifics.

The din of voices is that of an apparent active encampment, which you sit above on a rise.

From your concealment and higher ground, you can see 4 large and sturdy tents, crafted of some sort of animal hide, and there are 11 people that you can see milling about below you - which includes 2 children!

The people are mostly wearing heavy cloaks and cold weather coverings beneath that, so it's hard to tell if they're armored or not. But if they are, it's certainly not heavy armor. And from what you can tell most of them are not wearing real weapons. Many have sturdy functional hunting knives or hatchets, and there is a tall basket near the center of it all that holds several spears - but no swords or weapons of trained warriors.

There are several camp fires burning, one near each tent with some manner of cooking infrastructure set up over it - pots hanging, kettle sitting, or spit for turning, and also a larger one, again near the center of it all.

And lastly, to the north of your position is a set of ancient stairs that wind up to a higher position on the mountain. And you can see that up there, there is some manner of ruined fortress with crumbling walls and fallen towers...

OOC:

What do you do?

Apr 29, 2025 3:00 pm

Cirion rolls flat on his stomach, and slowly belly-crawls into better cover, to observe the villagers more closely. He lends an ear to hear what they say, and if he knows their language.

He also tries to scan the distant, higher ruins, for signs of sentinels.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Apr 29, 2025 7:01 pm

Duinhir too scans the place to get a better understanding of the camp and its function. Are these servants of the shadow?
The observation also provides for a much needed break after the long strenuous climb.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Apr 29, 2025 10:55 pm

OOC:

Just a reminder, first level of Exhaustion gives Disadvantage to ability checks (not attacks tho, and not saves).

So the optimal way to operate under Exhaustion is to identify a single actor for each action, and then to have a second character that is capable of doing so, Help that character. The Help action gives Advantage to ability checks.

But a check with both Disadvantage and Advantage is just back to a flat check/1d20.

But so you at least can make every check as a flat check if you approach challenges in this way.

If multiple people roll an ability check, everyone has Disadvantage. And it possibly becomes a Group Check of everyone is rolling - in which case at least half the Group must succeed for the overall effort to be a success.

So, bottom line, this time you'll both need to roll with Disadvantage.

And moving forward you guys can decide how to handle other situations, on the above "spectrum"?

Apr 30, 2025 7:54 am

OOC:

pretty sure I cannot roll lower than that 5, but here goes!

edit: first roll stands, it's a 9 for Cirion

Last edited April 30, 2025 7:55 am

Rolls

for disadvantage, Perception - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Apr 30, 2025 3:44 pm

OOC:

Right.

I guess main thing I wanted to point out is that "dog piling" on skill checks doesn't work that well in D&D5E.

The best thing to do in most circumstances is to Help the person who is best at the skill.

And, you guys can know in character who "has the best eyes" and "who is most persuasive" and "who is most athletic" etc. so I don't consider it metagaming to strategize in this way.

Apr 30, 2025 8:48 pm

OOC:

Right. Forgot about exhaust.

Rolls

Perception - disadvantage - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

May 1, 2025 5:14 am

Éothain removes his helmet as he lands on a flat section of the crest, which welcomed him with a puff of dirt. The dripping sweat pushed his blond hair over his eyes, and he risked a little safety for a better look at their enemies. Wait, they don't look much different from my townsfolk. He frowns at the thought.

The warrior whispers to his companions, "We need to catch our breath. And think. Who are these people? What language are they speaking?" He looks for clues in the settlement that will help him remember what people are known to live in this area.

OOC:

Using the "Old Songs and Children's Stories" feature for History. He has advantage, which the disadvantage cancels out.

FYI, Charisma is his worst trait, so he's not a good spokesperson.

Rolls

History - (1d20+2)

(18) + 2 = 20

May 1, 2025 3:21 pm

Duinhir notices that, whereas the camp below has 5 different curling wisps of smoke rising from the various fires, the ruins above only has one, albeit a larger one. And he spots no activity at the uncovered window openings dotting the ruined walls, and certainly no sentries patrolling what few ramparts remain.

If there are people up there, there aren't many. And they're not expecting any sort of attack.

Cirion can't pick out the specifics of any conversations, but he is certain that he hears words of Westron down there now and again barked out as a brief exclamation or in emphasis of some greater statement, but it is not the bulk of speech, most of what he can catch is in one or more languages that he does not know.

Eothain knows that no people live here (except the Druedain, the primitive people who housed you), and these are definitely not Druedain. His knowledge of the history of the area is that Andrast - the entire peninsula - is completely unsettled by "civilized" peoples. There is no nation that owns it, there are no villages towns or cities such as might be created by Men of the West - or South for that matter. It has however, at different times over the centuries - hosted military positions of various cultures, including those of Gondor, Dunlendings, and the Harad depending on who was in power and when. And this specific ruin seems unlikely to be one of the Harad, as they only took coastal positions (being a heavily seafaring people), and his understanding was that most permanent constructs of Gondor were on the western coast. This is likely an old Dunlending fortress, which Eothain knows that culture well as they are an old enemy of Rohan, as well as Gondor and other Men of the West.

The main clues that can be picked out from the things in the camp below is that these people are preparing for wintering here in the mountains. And that makes it hard to differentiate much, as their heavy winter cloaks cover what might be more distinguishing features. Same with the winter tents. The most that can be gleaned from those items is that they are of basic but sturdy craftsmanship and most of it looks fairly new - none of it has been through a winter season before - and it's fashioned of elk hide such as is common in the region of western Gondor which you all just traveled through to get here - and likely they did too.

May 2, 2025 8:00 pm

Still breathing heavily from the exhaustive climb, Éothain says, "These people look like settlers. Perhaps they are refugees from the Orcish invasions? I say we approach peacefully."

Last edited May 2, 2025 8:00 pm

May 2, 2025 9:12 pm

"I agreethat these people do not appear to be our enemy. Strange as their presence is. But we still haven't see who inhabis the old castle ruin. Here are definitely people up there. Why aren't they with the others? Are they different people? Their nobility or marsters." The ranger replies Eothain.
"I, for one, would like to know more about it before we reveal ourself."

May 3, 2025 7:11 am

"I am also a little weary, after our last friendly approach ended," he says recalling the two men who attacked them after inviting them to share their fire.

He looks at the single plume of smoke from the ruins. "But how can we approach the high ruins, without these settlers spotting us, is the problem..."

May 6, 2025 2:16 pm

OOC:

I'm hearing two thoughts, I think:

1. Approach the people in the encampment below peacefully.

2. Find out more about who is in the ruins above before approaching.

To help inform those choices, I'll provide some insight that your characters could deduce.

In your present position you do feel a little bit exposed, if anyone were to peer out from above.

The ruined walls of the upper structure rise up, flush from the edge of the mountain outcropping above. Climbing that safely, without purpose built gear, and in your exhausted state, would seem basically impossible. Such is at least part of the reason whoever built this fortress where they did. It would be easy to lay siege to such a stronghold, but nearly impossible to take it by force.

The steps are the only other obvious access point, and to use them during the day you would certainly be seen by the people below, if not above. At night, which is many hours away yet, it would just depend on what their night time watch or activities looked like.

To approach the encampment peacefully, would be easy enough, you could either just climb down from your current vantage point - though that might seem a little strange - or you could descend a little ways down back the way you had come, circle around a bit, and approach from the path which the map would have taken you in by.

May 6, 2025 2:21 pm

OOC:

As always, you're welcome to try to use any skills or abilities if there's anything they can be applied toward in the situation.

May 6, 2025 9:07 pm

"Hm, you're right, Cirion" the ranger says regretfully "It seems almost impossible to get closer to the ruin without being noticed. So, talking to these people is one pptoon. But what story should we give? We could also wait a while in hiding and see how things operate here."

May 10, 2025 1:07 pm

"Yes... Climbing to those ruins is out of the question. We can wait and observe some more, then best to approach from the path down there, the least threatening way."

OOC:

observing a little longer to see if we understand more about these people

May 12, 2025 11:14 pm

OOC:

Let me know if you have any specifics of what you're trying to discern, but racking my brain for what more I could give you and this was all that came to mind.

While you wait and watch a little longer, now and again you see a person produce the same press-printed parchment as you found on the Swordsman and as you found in the carriage house back in Dol Amroth. Individuals will seemingly occasionally take the document out, share it with another as if they're looking it over and converse over it, before putting it away safely again.

May 15, 2025 9:01 pm

"It appears these people are allies of Astalor -- they are carrying Shadow documents. Perhaps he is hiding in the ruins."

OOC:

Does Éothain see anyone wander away away from the settlement? He's looking for someone to ambush and question. Also, is anyone bringing food and water to the ruins?

Last edited May 15, 2025 9:02 pm

May 16, 2025 12:18 am

There's certainly no significant swathes of arable land for several thousand feet below in elevation, and any beast worth hunting is likely also migrated to lower heights by this time of year. Given that it looks like they have no intention of moving they must have food stores prepared.

But there is a nearby stream which they likely use for water, though it is beginning to freeze over. You haven't seen anyone go there yet. But if you had to guess, similar to what would happen in a village without a well in the Riddermark, they likely make one trip a day with a group to get all the water they need for that day. And if such a fortress ever persisted through a winter in its past, the structure above at least must have a source too.

Eothain's plan is plausible, but it could result in a struggle and risks creating a commotion, and of course would undermine any pretense of a peaceful approach.

OOC:

Not saying the last part to dissuade you, just communicating the risks so you can compare it to your other options.

May 16, 2025 6:30 pm

"Yes it looks like the same pamphlets, Eothain. However, we do still not know if these people are the servants if the Enemy or just being exposed to the Enemy's vile lies. Do we still have our copy of the pamphlet? Perhaps we can use it to gain their trust and disguise our true identity when we talk to them." Duinhir suggests

May 16, 2025 8:02 pm

OOC:

I went back and read, and the intent seemed to be that you guys left the swordsman with "only what small arms" he was smart enough to carry on himself. Then plus the crowbar which was ultimately given to him.

So I believe you guys have the document.

May 20, 2025 6:09 am

Éothain's breathing becomes more regular as observes the people below. "We could claim to be travelers from Gondor, seeking Astalor."

OOC:

Is the clothing of the people similar to that of the swordsman and the spearman?

May 20, 2025 7:39 am

Cirion turns their tricky predicament around in his head. There is no easy answer.

"Could we plead ignorance, and ask if they can read our pamphlet? If they are the Enemy's allies, they will seek new followers and might try to indoctrinate us. If they are not, we might be able to understand it and show that we are on their same side. Having their same document gives us an excuse to make contact, maybe."

May 20, 2025 2:55 pm

OOC:

Loving the deliberation.

rpgventurer says:

OOC:

Is the clothing of the people similar to that of the swordsman and the spearman?

OOC:

I mentioned this earlier, but you can't really tell the manner of dress of people as it is obscured by the heavy winter fur cloaks they wear, which themselves look new and of a style made in Western Gondor. Which you, and possibly they, had to travel through to get here.

May 27, 2025 4:33 pm

OOC:

So to reiterate some of your options:

1. It's been discussed that you could ambush someone from the encampment when they go to get water, and question them.

2. Approach the encampment peacefully to try to get more information.

3. Tho this isn't being actively discussed (I may have made it seem to unpalatable in my description of the situation which was not my intent), it is an option: You could remain in place and try to hide until sunset, at which point moving about would presumably be easier.

4. Also not being discussed, but since it seems like we've lost some energy around this game and there's maybe some (very reasonable) hesitancy to approach the encampment: you could try to create a distraction of some sort that would draw attention away from the stairs to try to create an opening to move up into the stronghold.

May 27, 2025 6:33 pm

OOC:

I think Cirion/Dr B's suggestion is good. I honestly thought I had posted a comment on it.
Otherwise creating a distraction and go straight for the keep is a good idea. Duinhir is good at stealth.

May 28, 2025 7:18 am

"Cirion, you are clever beyond your years. Your approach is simple and direct, and seems to me to be less dangerous than other options. There are many people here. The odds are against us if we need to take up arms to defend ourselves."

May 28, 2025 8:35 pm

Blushing at the compliment, Cirion starts crawling back away from sight, whispering "We'd best approach from the path they'd expect us to approach from..."

May 29, 2025 6:42 pm

"Indeed" Duinhir also makes his way back to the path

May 29, 2025 8:05 pm

As you come up the path, the group of three figures toward the front of the encampment stand from the fire pit that they sit around.

They don't hold any obvious weapons but they are clearly watching you all approach with intense scrutiny. They all meander towards you some in their clear curiosity, separating themselves from the encampment by a bit.

Once you and they are close enough to each other that more defining features can be distinguished the three men exchange just a few scant words with each other and one man steps forward, still no more than a couple meters from the others, but enough to make it clear that he will be engaging you all.

By the features of his face, you'd guess he's some manner of Western Manfolk (as opposed to an Easterling, or Southron). And once you're about 10 meters out, he raises his hand in an indefinite greeting, and speaks a word loudly in, you think, three different languages.

First is in the tongue of the Dunlendings which Eothain recognizes in general, but not the specific word. Second is, "Hail!" getting you in Westron. And third is a language none of you know, but you think you recognize from your time in Umbar as a Southron tongue.

May 30, 2025 9:01 pm

"Hail" Duinhir replies in Westron. There is no need to try to pass off as anything else if they don't speak the language.
"We have traveled long this day. May we sit a while at your fire for a bit of respite and warmth?" Dunhir asks politely but not begging. This should show the people that they mean no harm to the camp.

Jun 3, 2025 2:34 pm

"Certainly...", the speaker says, though he doesn't move or make way to the fire, you can see the eyes of the other two pouring over your weapons and armor.

"You have come to witness Bangdù Caun?", the last two words are unfamiliar to you.

"You have received the Summons?", he raises an eyebrow and searches Duinhir's face expectantly, as the hands of the other two drift toward the underside of their heavy winter cloaks.

Jun 3, 2025 9:40 pm

Duinhir keeps a straight face and tries to hide the fact that he has no idea what Bangdú Caun is. But a summons is required he guesses. They only have one card to play.

"Of course. Show them" he says to the companion who is carrying the pamphlet with words in the Black Tongue. Meaning for them to show the man the pamphlet.

Jun 3, 2025 10:01 pm

Cirion nods, reaching for the document and holding it up for the villagers to see. "We come in peace, as friends."
He waits for the villagers' reaction.

Is he asking for it as a proof that we are on their side? What is this thing that that document summons to witness? he wonders, trying to read the men.

Jun 4, 2025 2:01 pm

Upon seeing the letter pressed document, a wide grin splits his face showing a mouth missing a couple teeth, and he growls, "Ahhh, welcome!"

The potatoes postures (ooc: thanks autocorrect) of the other two men also visibly relax.

The speaker pulls a water skin from beneath his cloak, handing it to you, and sweeps his arm in a gesture toward their fire.

"Come! We have pudding and stew!"

As you all approach the fire he says, "This is good. Where are you all from? You look as though you know how to use those arms? We need more of your sort here..."

He gestures to wide stones clearly meant for seating placed about the fire pit. The fire is low right now, but it has been built to burn with hot embers at the bottom and it is ringed with smaller stones which radiate heat.

Jun 8, 2025 7:58 am

Cirion follows the villagers to their fire and sits on one of the wide stones. The weak fire is still a welcome blessing, after their hard climb exposed to the winds of these wild lands.

Deciding that he might garner information by playing the card of youthful inexperience (a role that his looks lend truth to), he accepts the villagers' food, and wait for the right moment of the conversation to reply.
"Pelargir on the Great River is my home. I am far from my homelands of Gondor."

"Say, kind folks... This is my very first Bangdù Caun... I confess I'm a little nervous... You wise men, can you tell a green one what to expect? How should I behave?"

Jun 9, 2025 4:17 pm

The man raises an eyebrow and nods at Cirion, "Pelargir, eh? The border region, yes? Interesting."

He and another man then sort of chuckle at, seemingly, Cirion's phrasing of his question. The third man, a Southron based on his complexion, seems to be having trouble following along with the conversation in Westron.

"Well, none of us have met Bangdu Caun before, at least nothing more than in passing. And I suspect he'll want to meet you three soon, as well. He always wants to meet new arrivals...

As for what to expect, or how to behave? ... I think most of us are expecting to witness exactly the kind of miracles and works of Power that Bangdu Caun has promised in his letter!

If he proves to be even half as powerful as he claims? Then... well... I think no one here has made this trek if they are not prepared to pledge their life to him, as he asks, aye?

If he proves his power, then we will all be witness to the birth of a glorious Legion! And first among it's ranks.", you can hear excitement growing in his voice.

The Southron man then butts in, perhaps a bit angry, to say something, and the other two begin speaking to him in a heavy, slurring tongue that you 3 don't recognize, giving you a moment to speak amongst yourselves while they're distracted, if you desire.

Jun 11, 2025 9:27 pm

"Seems like we just entered the legion. Do we meet this Bangdu Caun or aviod?" Duinhir says in a very low voice to his companions.

OOC:

As I understand we can talk freely for a moment. Duinhir only says this if he is certain it is private.

Jun 11, 2025 10:43 pm

OOC:

Yes, I'm giving you the opportunity to process in character what you're hearing. The three men are talking over each other in a shared language that they have different skill levels and dialects of, so they're distracted for a few moments.

Jun 12, 2025 6:37 am

"I feel we must meet him. Why else would we be here? We need to find out what their intentions are."

Jun 12, 2025 6:44 am

He whispers in return, "This might be dangerous... We stumbled on their recruiting campaign... But it will be a unique opportunity to learn about their faction... I don't know..."

Jun 13, 2025 1:41 pm

OOC:

Not clear to me if everyone has said all they want to say, but I'll give you guys the weekend if there's anything else you want to communicate, before carrying on with the interaction.

Jun 13, 2025 4:07 pm

"We'll meet him, then. Let's try to learn as much as we can before he gets here."

Jun 14, 2025 6:08 pm

"Guess we better play along now we got so far"

Jun 17, 2025 6:12 am

"People from all over are gathering here. They will somehow send information back to their home countries. That is something we should try to stop."

Jun 17, 2025 3:59 pm

The man turns from his two comrades and returns to his conversation with you all, "My friend here cannot follow along with our Westron tongue. The only shared tongue between many of us here is that of Barad-dur...

Kramp lat flasz?"

Jun 17, 2025 8:55 pm