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

Thunder_Lungz Inactive forever!

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 forever!

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

OOC:

Is the black speech totally unknown to us or can we do a roll to try to pass of as speaker of it?

Jun 18, 2025 4:05 pm

OOC:

If anyone has the Shadow Lore proficiency, they can make a check to speak/understand small bits of it each time it needs to be used. But otherwise basically totally unknown.

You could do things that don't require a skill, like try to repeat things you hear (although you may not know what they mean), or try to read it phonetically from writing (but that carries a risk of mispronunciation).

Jun 19, 2025 6:37 pm

Duinhir feels a pang of panick when the man adresses them in the Black Tongue. Is it expected of us that we are able to speak it? Duinhir wonders. This could turn out to be very dangerous.
Kramp lat flasz? A question. What could it mean? How to reply? Duinhir's mind scrambles for something to reply.

OOC:

Trying Shadow Lore. Duinhir is proficient.

Rolls

Shadow Lore - (1d20+3)

(14) + 3 = 17

Jun 19, 2025 11:43 pm

He thinks the question is something like, "Do you speak?"

Jun 22, 2025 9:05 pm

"Flasz!" Duinhir replies confirmingly hoping he picked the right word meaning speak. It takes an effort to of him to say a word in that foul language. The word leaves his mouth feeling sour.

It would be impossible for him to pass off as a fluent speaker of the black tongue, but perhaps he can show off some basic knowledge to satisfy the man.

Jun 23, 2025 7:37 am

Éothain says to the man, "I wish I were more fluent in the languages outside Rohan. I heard whispers of a great leader assembling warriors in this area. Some of us back home are tired of fighting for the king, only to be rewarded with scraps."

Jun 23, 2025 8:29 am

Best to keep playing the green-around-the-ears newcomer role...

Cirion shakes his head at the villager's question on language. Pointing at the scroll, he says "I wish someone could help me fully understand this text, so I can be more worthy of encountering Bangdu Caun."

Jun 29, 2025 3:06 pm

OOC:

So there are only slight lies in there. But lies none the less, and also using the Black Speech, even if just to ultimately fight the Shadow.

And drawing closer to the Shadow even as we fight it is a theme of Tolkien. So please record 1 Shadow Point each.

The man nods at the replies and a thin smile creases his face as Duinhir understands and speaks the Black Speech.

He says in Westron, "It is not uncommon for only the leader of a sect to speak the Black Speech... And there are a few here who do not share in the Black Speech yet. You can find them over there..."

He points to a tent on the right.

"A woman in the tent will supply you with some thick broth and breads if you are hungry.

Go recuperate your energies, for at dusk Bangdu Caun is to conduct the first of his miracles tonight..."

Jun 29, 2025 9:10 pm

Duinhir is happy to get away from the situation. They kept their cover but at a hard price. They were as close to being in the service of the Shadow right now.
Duinhir could use something to eat and drink after the long climb. He nodded to the man and got up to leave for the indicated tent.

Jun 30, 2025 4:38 pm

Also relieved to get out of the spotlight for a while, Cirion nods to the villager and stands up, following Stefron to the indicated tent.
"That was... very uncomfortable... You did well..."

As they confabulate, they enter the tent, lifting the flap to take a look inside.

Jul 1, 2025 7:05 am

"I prefer my battles with my sword on the plains, instead of with words. I will be ready to go as soon as we find out what their plans are."

OOC:

I have 3 shadow points on Éothain’s sheet. Do I add the one point to those or did they go away over time?

Last edited July 1, 2025 7:22 am

Jul 1, 2025 2:31 pm

OOC:

Good question, so Shadow points only go away if you devote a Fellowship Phase to getting rid of them (and even then, only if you succeed on a save). And I think we've only had one or two Fellowship Phases. So probably still have them.

But you can also accumulate up to your WIS score in Shadow points before anything happens so no real worries.

In game terms, this is an opportunity to Short Rest, if you need it, and all also to conduct any further investigation, questioning, or preparations that you might want to before dusk or whenever you guys make your next move.

At the least Cirion has mentioned getting help understanding the text.

Eothain mentioned finding out their plans.

If these are things that you'd like to pursue before dusk, put together a narrative and one or more Skill Checks regarding how your do it.

Remember your Exhaustion and that Helping each other can negate that Disadvantage.

I'll do a little ground laying/scene setting...

The tent you've been directed to has two women inside of it, as promised there is a broth simmering rich with the clean, buttery smell of rabbit fat and root vegetables. Waxed cloth bags and baskets of provisions - mostly grains - and dried or drying meats on hangers line the walls.

The women converse idly in the language of the Dunlendings but when they meet you they switch to a passable Westron, and when you walked by it, the fire pit outside circled by four men were all also conversing in Westron.

The two children playing outside the tent giggle and chide each other in Dunlending.

From idle conversation you learn that there are pack horses down by the stream, "Bangdu Caun and his priests" up in the fortress ruin, and only apparently "the Southron warriors" expected yet to arrive.

There is plenty of space for you three to have private conversations if you wish.

OOC:

What do you do?

Jul 2, 2025 7:07 pm

"That broth smells wonderful" Duinhir compliments the two women. "I would love to have some to strengthen me on"

As he sits and eats he tries to pick up some more from the various conversation.

OOC:

Rolling perception but it is the same bonus as Insight if that is more fitting

Rolls

Perception (disadvantage) - (2d20L1+3)

(93) + 3 = 6

Jul 3, 2025 12:36 pm

Cirion listens to locate a Westron speaker who could help with the scroll text. Once he finds one, he will politely approach and ask to help him with the scroll, showing it to the other.

"...To my shame, I am not good with this language... It is new to me. I thought somebody here could help me read the whole text? You see, it will not do, to be found unprepared by Bangdu Caun! That would be disrespectful... "

Jul 7, 2025 3:10 pm

Duinhir finds that many, but not all, of the Westron speakers will shift in and out of the language of Dunlendings. But he doesn't pick up much more or new upon casual observance.

Cirion finds a sympathetic person eager to share their knowledge of the Black Speech. They read the paper out to him, and it is basically a recruitment pamphlet. It reads rather like something the Gondorian army might say when they send out officers into small towns or poor neighborhoods to recruit young men into service, but also has tones of religiosity, touting the glory of Morgoth - the name of an old god that Cirion is only familiar with as a part of the creation myth of elves and men, an evil force - and also a God-King sorcerer, whom it professes as the King of Men.

This Bangdu Caun says in the paper that they are a general in the growing army of this god-king sorcerer, and he is tasked with raising an army here in Andrast. He speaks of how he has been given the ability to speak with the dead, control lightning, and even raise the dead, by the god-king sorcerer.

And says that he will demonstrate these powers to willing folk who will follow him and gather here at Cuilen Marnhir...

Jul 8, 2025 7:11 am

OOC:

Do the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim have a mutual hatred at this time? I assume Éothain is recognizable by many as being from Rohan.

Éothain avoids the Dunlending speakers and wanders to the area where the pack animals are kept. Are there any horses nearby?

When he has a private moment with his companions, he says, "I believe that we should stay for the demonstration. We need a better idea of what powers this Bangdu Caun has."

"Before that, I think we should walk around the camp together to look for trails or other escape routes in case we need to flee suddenly. It will also signal we are not ‘lone wolves’ who can be harassed easily."

Rolls

Check for escape routes (Survival) - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Jul 8, 2025 2:28 pm

OOC:

It's a complex relationship between Rohan and Dunland. It's been nearly 200 years since the two nations last fought in open war. But there is a long history of enmity over land resources and border disputes before that. By now though Rohan has such military superiority that there hasn't even been a lesser kind of warring in at least a generation.

At the same time, the Dunlendings have fought side by side with Rohan against orc and goblin raids from the Misty Mountains to the north and the White Mountains to the south. And they are neighbors of many 100s of years and there is intermingling of blood.

So the actual hatred is usually on the Dunland side (they've always ended up with the short stick), and at this time that hatred may be dulled to a "deep bitterness" due to the weariness of time.

And yes, Rohan does have a bit of a distinctive look to it's armor and clothing, so it's reasonable for Eothain to assume he's recognizable as such.

Jul 9, 2025 6:45 am

Éothain searches for draft horses and their handlers.

Jul 9, 2025 7:28 am

He thanks his translator, pretending enthusiasm at the upcoming meeting. He partakes in some of the food on offer.

Once regrouped with the others, and out of earshot of the villagers, he shares what he learned.
"This magician... He is planning to impress these folks with demonstrations of his power, to get new recruits. I wonder... We will see him in action, but we are outnumbered to attack him. Could there be a way to sabotage his magic, or interfere with it?... If it misfires, his claim will be weak. I wish there was something we could do. Maybe he requires some ingredients, and we could tamper with them? "

Jul 9, 2025 2:19 pm

Eothain finds two pack horses and two mules tied up by a stream off to the east of the camp, down the mountain a short ways.

There is no one attending them at the moment.

Jul 9, 2025 3:01 pm

OOC:

And since it's been awhile since we've talked or thought about them, as players, but only a couple days for your your characters...

Do remember that you've each received a mystic ability, when you passed through the Ordeal of the Druedain.

Jul 9, 2025 9:38 pm

OOC:

I remembered. Hence the search for horses.

Éothain walks slowly toward the animals, stopping about six feet away. He tests his gift with horses that are not Skunktail. "Greeting, fair horses. I am the rare human that can talk with you. I hope your travels here were pleasant and uneventful. Where are you from?"

Jul 10, 2025 2:24 pm

OOC:

😁

The horses rear back at first, stamping and snorting in surprise, while the mules mostly just stumble away as far as their leads will let them as the man from Rohan begins to speak to them.

But then, intensely intrigued and interested they gather close.

Whinnying and neighing, one says, "Not since the time of the Mearas have I heard of such a thing...

Well met Stranger, we lost one in our journey... But all is well now."

The horses indicate that they are from Dunland, the mules from the East - a land called Rhun.

Jul 11, 2025 1:51 pm

Éothain looks around to see if the noise attracts any attention, then says, "I am sorry for your loss."

"In my country, Rohan, I’ve worked with many fine animals such as yourselves. Ate your traveling companions warriors like me?"

Jul 11, 2025 11:20 pm

The horses whinny and stamp, "Nay... we bear loads for the Manfolk."

Jul 12, 2025 5:53 am

"Horses work so hard. They are really Manfolk’s best friends, not dogs."

"So, what did you carry here? And where did your Manfolk go?"

Jul 13, 2025 1:34 am

"Their shelter and their food, mostly. They are nearby, they come to see us every morning, and every evening."

Jul 15, 2025 3:47 am

"Thank you for your time. What are your names, that I may greet you properly when we meeet again?"

Jul 15, 2025 8:22 am

Cirion goes in a quiet spot and starts thinking of ways he could sabotage, unnoticed, the enemy recruiters' magic.

He starts toying with the Idea of using water magic to give the impression that a speaker wet himself at a crucial point in their speech.That should undermine their intended purpose...

He inquiries around to learn where the meeting with Bangdu Caun will take place, and scouts the ground there to see if there are puddles - or if he can create one by stealthily pouring some water on the ground in proximity of where the speaker might be.

OOC:

intent is to have a small source of water to try and control near the speakers.

Jul 15, 2025 2:38 pm

The pack animals tell Eothain their names, and as he's about to depart one asks, "Stranger! There have been some bad storms up on this peak, and they leave us with no shelter. If it storms again, would you come and untie us, so that we may find shelter?"

...

After some inquiry, Cirion learns that no specific location has been given for the demonstration of the miracles. But people will say that Bangdu Caun rarely comes down to the camp sites, and when he has spoken to everyone as a group in the past, he summons them up into the ruins of the stronghold above.

OOC:

I like the train of thought @Dr_B , but unfortunately, the ability is communicating, or sensing, through water. Not controlling it. Still if you're looking for potential ways that water might interact negatively with his magic, I'd encourage you to review the things he says in the paper that he could do...

Jul 15, 2025 7:52 pm

Éothain responds, "I don’t know where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing the next few days, but I will help if I can."

Pondering what to do next, he checks the sky for storm clouds.

Last edited July 15, 2025 7:55 pm

Rolls

Weather check (Survival?) - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

Jul 15, 2025 9:50 pm

Duinhir finishes the broth. There was disappointingly little to learn by observing the people of the camp, even though he spends quire some time on it.
Cirion and Eothain seems to be off to their own little adventures, so Duinhir just sits in the tent waiting for them to return.
He is curious to see what this Bangdu Caun really is.

OOC:

Still here, though I've been a bit inactive. Duinhir doesn't have much to do right now. As I see it we have two options, waiting for the demonstration to learn more about what is going on or actively sabotage whatever magic trick Bangdu Caun is up to in order to foil his recruitment plans. The latter probably requires us to visit the upstairs part of the camp.

Jul 16, 2025 9:47 am

Cirion looks at the cliff atop which the foreboding ruins are. There is water in those rocks.

He walks to the base of the rocky cliff, still remembering the hard climb they had to endure to get to the camp (and not wanting to repeat the risky, hair-raising experience).
He extends one hand to touch the ancient rock. It is cold and rough to the touch. He closes his eyes, senses poised to commune with any water in the hidden lodes within the cliff.

Mighty waters that dwell within this giant... you that cannot be stopped by stone or rock... finders of the smallest crevices and cracks... can you hear this humble mortal?

Jul 16, 2025 2:10 pm

OOC:

Sorry, probably doesn't rise to the level of "body of water" like I think we discussed originally.

Looks like Stefron's well ready to move forward.

Shall we move things along til the evening? Or is there anything else you guys had in mind?

Jul 17, 2025 6:44 am

OOC:

According to Bangdu Caun, the god-king sorcerer gave him the ability to speak with the dead, control lightning, and raise the dead.

I’m ready to move forward and see which of these powers he displays.

Jul 17, 2025 10:12 am

OOC:

sure, let's move forward

Jul 28, 2025 4:18 pm

OOC:

Hey gang, I've been trying to get a new game off the ground, and in putting so much energy into that one, I'm afraid I let this one become neglected.

Apologies, but here we go!

That evening, just a bit before sunset, the people of the camp begin to migrate up the stairs into the ruined fortress grounds above.

At first, before everyone has moved up into the ruin itself, there is an air of excitement and curiosity about them. As they whisper about the contents of the paper. Some expressing doubt - this cannot be real can it?, but more expressing a kind of grotesque hope - if this God-king Sorcerer's power is real... it will change the world! And they all will surely be His most favored...

But once everyone is within the walls, a feeling of uncertain fear settles in. Bangdu Caun is professing to manipulate - and violate - primal forces of the world, that mortals are not meant to mettle with. And whether they are excited or not, it would be a terrifying thing to know is even possible - much less witness.

The ruined fortress shows signs of both centuries of weathering, sitting so exposed atop a mountain, but also fire damage from long ago. Scorched and soot-blackened walls have ghostly impressions upon them where walls and timbers once stood. Stone that lost it's supports toppled into ruinous piles.

A rather make-shift, but sturdy wooden platform has been constructed in the central yard. And it is there, with this platform as the focal point, where the camp-folk are gathered.

And atop the platform stands a man in heavy, ornate robes of a Southron-cut whom you all recognize, from the description given by Lady Blackridge and her Agents in Dol Amroth, as Astalor...

The man has candles lit about him, and he chants in the black speech, moving about the platform from place to place where he periodically performs various ritualistic movements.

It's hard to tell if this is just some sort of bizarre performance, or if he's actually on about something.

But if you didn't know better, it does seem like perhaps the clouds are beginning to gather above the ruin...

Jul 29, 2025 9:48 am

Hmm... the villagers sound skepticals, but possibly gullible...

Cirion looks around the crowd and performer on the simple stage, observing the attire of each of the present to discern if they are villagers, or part of Bangdu Caun's retinue.

OOC:

assuming our characters are the red ones, Bangdu Caun is pink and the villagers in yellow, in the map

Jul 29, 2025 2:25 pm

OOC:

You are not the red ones. I haven't put dots for you guys on the map. You can tell me where you want to be.

Most of the people gathered are the very same people you've seen down in the camp.

There are 4 whom you haven't seen before, Astalor atop the wooden platform and three men who stand about the perimeter of the bottom of the platform, beyond which none of the people from the encampment pass. Whether by direction or just lack of will, it's not clear.

These men are dressed quite like Astalor - ornate robes of Southron cut - and they are currently standing with arms raised toward the sky, and periodically intone ceremonial words, perhaps in unison or in answer to Astalor.

OOC:

Yellow dots are ppl from the encampment.

Red appear to be Astalor's more personal retinue.

Purple/pink is Astalor.

Jul 29, 2025 8:44 pm

Let's see where this is going. Duinhir thinks while noting the positions of Astalor's retinue.

Jul 30, 2025 10:33 pm

OOC:

Did the crowd (including us) arrive via the stairs at near the bottom of the image?

Éothain walks over to the enclosure to the right of the stairs and peers inside. Was this a stable?

OOC:

He's looking for farm implements and tools (a.k.a. possible weapons) and useful items such as lanterns.

Rolls

Checking out the enclosure (Perception) - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Jul 31, 2025 3:35 pm

Eothain finds the building empty of anything of value. It no doubt served some function long ago, but now it is just burnt rubble and ruin inside. The building would certainly provide a serviceable place to get out of sight if you all needed to though.

But as he exits, and looks back upon it a final time he notices something kind of odd at one corner on top of the structure... a skull with three long bones - perhaps femurs and humerus - forming a three sided pyramid over it.

Meanwhile, the ritual Astalor is performing increases in intensity. He begins intoning a dischordant kind of song. With long droning chants in a deep baritone voice.

And you're certain now that clouds are gathering and darkening rather unnaturally overhead. You even hear a distant rumble, seemingly threatening a storm.

Aug 4, 2025 6:54 am

The Gondorian's hair stands on end as he looks at the gathering storm above. Could their enemy's sorcery be so powerful as to control the skies?

Maybe it's a trick... Got to keep my eyes open...

He observes the proceedings, and the effect they are having on the villagers, trying to steady himself for anything.
Suspecting suggestion, he tries to cover his ears from the chanting.

OOC:

leaving a roll, he is trying to ascertain if there is suggestion or illusion at play, by observing the performer, his aids and the audience.

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Aug 4, 2025 3:47 pm

OOC:

Oh no! 😅

The people are definitely uneasy, but they are also enwrapped by the man, most of their attention is focused on Astalor and the performance of his ritual. Whether by sorcery or not, Cirion cannot say.

Aug 4, 2025 9:13 pm

Duinhir sees the darkening sky. Perhaps this man is not a charlatan after all, maybe he is a real servant of the Enemy wielding real powers.
Duinhir tries to guess what the ritual does. I might be necessary for the company to intervene.

Rolls

Shadow Lore - (1d20+3)

(15) + 3 = 18

Aug 5, 2025 2:22 pm

Duinhir hasn't heard of such things since the legends of the First and Second Age, however there was a faction of Men called the Black Numenoreans, who's fear of death and love of power drove them to worship the Dark Lords of the Valar.

Legend has it that there were figures among them that were taught - or gifted, it's not clear - dark magicks by their dark lords.

He hasn't heard of anything like this specifically, but his knowledge of Shadow Lore does tell him that their powers were far removed from those of the Valar, and so their rituals required much preparation and artifice: symbols and song, implements, and objects of focus, as well as potentially even sacrifice...

Aug 6, 2025 4:01 am

Nonchalantly, Éothain makes his way to the small bone pyramid. He notes mentally where the nearest exit is.

OOC:

He wants to be close enough to break it apart if it moves, catches fire, or otherwise acts suspiciously.

Aug 6, 2025 1:44 pm

The ritual seems to be nearing a crescendo as the discordant chanting of Astalor rises. And suddenly he thrusts his left arm up into the air, which previously has been covered by his long robe sleeves. But as he holds it aloft and it is illuminated by the candle lights around him, and a flash of lightning in the distance, you see that his hand and forearm down to his elbow is blackened and burnt, or perhaps withered and rotted.

And seemingly in response or mimicry, the 3 robed figures about the perimeter of his platform also hold their left arms aloft. They are not blackened or withered, but then they produce curved daggers, and slice open their forearms, and blood begins to spill down!

There are gasps and exclamations from the people of the encampment uttered in black speech!

The wind picks up and the dark clouds overhead rumble with thunder and illuminate with lightning from within...

Aug 6, 2025 1:46 pm

OOC:

As you witness the dark devotion of the followers and their morbid willingness to harm themselves for the will of their dark lord, roll me a Shadow (WIS) Save, DC 15.

Aug 6, 2025 2:13 pm

Cirion witnesses wide-eyed to the fanatics slashing their own arms. Who are these people? What are we facing?

Rolls

Wisdom save - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Aug 6, 2025 3:36 pm

OOC:

1 Shadow for failure of the save.

But also please do provide any narrative if your character does anything before/as the ritual progresses.

Aug 6, 2025 9:22 pm

Duinhir is torn between wanting to intervene and stop the ritual on the one hand and cautiously await the outcome and know more about their enemy.
To intervene now would put them in a dangerous position by the number of followers who would probably be upset if the ritual was interrupted.
Duonhir looks to his companions for guidance.

Then the vile scene unfolds on stage. Duinhir feels repulsion in an unprecedented way.

Last edited August 6, 2025 9:23 pm

Rolls

Wisdom save - (1d20+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Aug 7, 2025 8:28 pm

Why hurt yourself? Aren't their enough enemies willing to do that? As a warrior, Éothain is no stranger to pain, yet he can't fathom what's happening at this ceremony.

Rolls

Wisdom save - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Aug 11, 2025 2:56 pm

OOC:

So Cirion and Duinhir 1 Shadow, Eothain saved.

At this point I would encourage you all to roleplay/talk ic,, about your thoughts on what you've seen and what's going on and what to do.

The vibe seems to be to just see where this goes, but I'm not sure if that's intentional or if that's just what's happening because no one's talking to each other.

So, just opening up the narrative to be a little more intentional/so I can know what you guys are thinking as players and characters.

Aug 14, 2025 2:57 pm

Astalor bellows a final deep, droning chant - sustaining the discordant note for several seconds - and a cold wind rises around him and the platform, billowing his robes out like dark wings threatening to bear him aloft!

He shouts out in the Black Speech, and while you may not be able to understand all of it, you do catch the ancient evil name "...Morgoth! ..."

And then he thrusts his blackened left hand out like an open palmed punch, and there's a deafening crash of thunder, and blinding flash of light as lightning strikes a rocky outcropping to the south and west! Sending shrapnel raining out from the spot above people's heads in wild arcs...

OOC:

Denoted on the map, by a little white lightning bolt symbol.

A couple people from the encampment fall to their knees, and raise their hands aloft, "Bangdu Caun!!", they shout!

Others are just so stunned that they have little reaction at all other than just staring in wonderment.

Astalor then turns to the north and east, and again begins the deep, droning bellow, while cycling his arms, seemingly working up the energy for another strike..

Aug 14, 2025 9:15 pm

Duinhir is startled by the lightning strike so close by. But shakes it off. He tries to move as close to the scene as possible. He focuses on the three robed figures who have just committed the vile act of self harm.
He suspects they are dying, and if the information they have is true, Astalor will try to resurrect them. Duinhir wants to see if they are indeed dying. So he watches close.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Aug 15, 2025 5:50 am

The young Gondorian looks startled at the spot where lightning struck, then at Astalor.

Seeing that he prepares to strike the opposite side of the rockface, he looks at his possible target, to see if the astute enemy has rigged the explosion somehow...

OOC:

looking for alterations in the rock area Astalor is targeting. A marking or ritual element left there.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Aug 15, 2025 1:37 pm

Duinhir sees that the robed figure beneath Astalor, roughly in line with where the lightning struck, seems to be in pain as he grips his forearm, and the blood that was once flowing wet upon it is now sizzling dry.

As Cirion peers across the ruined courtyard, rain begins to fall lightly and lightning flashes in the clouds overhead (nothing striking the ground, this time), but it illuminates something atop the rocky outcropping across the way. Perhaps a... skull he thinks - such a ghastly silhouette is impossible to mistake. But it also has other things piled around it, rocks, or sticks, or more bones?

Aug 15, 2025 8:27 pm

OOC:

How secure does the roof of the enclosure look? Éothain would like to break up the bony pyramid from below where his sabatoge is not obvious.

Aug 15, 2025 10:09 pm

OOC:

is there a spot from where Cirion could fire an arrow from full cover towards the skull and bones on the rocky outcrop?
Thinking to step away while everyone's focus is on the spellcaster and minions, find suitable cover, then spend time aiming.

Aug 18, 2025 3:48 pm

rpgventurer says:

OOC:

How secure does the roof of the enclosure look? Éothain would like to break up the bony pyramid from below where his sabatoge is not obvious.

OOC:

It's a rotted ruin of a building, so not very secure.

Could still make a racket, but at least your movements would be concealed.

Dr_B says:

OOC:

is there a spot from where Cirion could fire an arrow from full cover towards the skull and bones on the rocky outcrop?
Thinking to step away while everyone's focus is on the spellcaster and minions, find suitable cover, then spend time aiming.

OOC:

I think I'd prefer that, if you want to do it, you just tell me where Cirion goes (on the map?) and make a stealth check.

If you don't want to take the risk of being seen, then don't do it.

The sun has set, it's raining, people are distracted though, so...

Also @Stefron / Duinhir can take some action if he wants?

Aug 18, 2025 4:46 pm

Cirion tries to sneak unobserved, now that all attention is focused on Bangdu Caun.

OOC:

the white dot is where he'd like to go, and from there take aim at the skull and bones on the cliff northeast

Rolls

Stealth (Doubled) - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Aug 18, 2025 6:42 pm

Éothain uses his shield to break up the roof under the pyramid, hoping the noises from the rain and the event itself cover his actions.

Rolls

Hit enclosure's ceiling with shield edge - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

Aug 18, 2025 9:12 pm

Duinhir notices what the other two are trying to do. Standing in the middle of the crowd close by the stage, he gives the man in front of him a push. "You are blocking my view. Get away." he shouts as he tries to create a distraction.

Aug 19, 2025 3:58 pm

OOC:

Sorry for the long post that follows but there's a lot to convey.

Cirion I would give you Advantage on your Stealth check for Duinhir's distraction, but you've already beaten all the Passive Perceptions so no need to roll the extra die.

Eothain smashes his shield into the roof of the ruined building, and the force of the blow - and to a lesser extent, the clattering of the bones as they tumble apart, a femur falling through a crack Eothain created, the skull rolling onto it's side - makes a noise that cannot be concealed...

However... there is A LOT going on in the derelict courtyard. People's eyes are drawn to either the performance of the ritial, or the burgeoning physical confrontation between two men. And between the wind and rain and rumbling thunder, and the discordant chanting? Aother scary noise - like the apparent sound of a collapsing building - both doesn't seem that out of place, and is also really just another thing that most of the observers would prefer to pretend like it wasn't happening... or that it's ALRIGHT if it is indeed happening.

All a part of "the show"., the observers must tell themselves.

Such is the power of the Dark Lord! ... And it won't harm US! We are on IT'S side..., they must be hoping.

As the world seems to be coming apart at the seams around them.

And Astalor and his cultist priests are apparently too involved in the ritual to notice the noise, or perhaps just cannot stop...

...

From his position up on the rampart, crouched low and far away from the guttering torches near the platform, Cirion let's his arrow fly and it lodges in the skull! Shattering the cheek bone, and the force of the impact knocking it loose from the long-bone pyramid it was resting beneath.

No one else is watching over there. No one else knows there even IS anything to be watched, over there... except Astalor.

The sorcerer has his arms raised aloft, his face turned up toward the dark clouds, as he beseeches the sky for it's power... and he brings them all down with a powerful bellow, thrusting his blackened hand out like an open palmed punch toward the toppled pile of bones...

There was no time for him to see that it had been disturbed! No longer in it's proper ritual alignment....

He grabs his blackened forearm, and screams in pain, from a source that you can't see... until... You can tell that the energy he summoned has nowhere to go! Yet a lightning bolt still comes down from the clouds!!

It arcs down, striking him on his outstretched hand!

CRACKOW!!

Astalor's pained scream is cut short as he's thrown to the ground by the fury of nature...

Many of the observers scream as well, and for a moment things go eerily silent. The cultist priests do not immediately realize what's happened, as they're focused on their own roles in the ritual - the one to the east is hissing in pain, gripping his forearm as the blood flowing from his self-inflicted wound sizzles dry.

Astalor lies still for a moment but then starts to stir. The man has forgotten his scuffle with Duinhir, and the people from the encampment are chattering amongst themselves, and creeping closer to the platform, trying to figure out in their figurehead is alive.

Was that supposed to happen? Is he alright? There's blood coming from his nose and mouth!

Some even laugh nervously, Ha ha, Bangdu Caun, that was a good joke!, they hope...

It is only then the cultist priests notice, and then they look back and forth to each other, unsure of what to do. So they keep their parts of the ritual going...

Astalor groans and coughs blood and shakily, begins to try to rise...

Rolls

Lightning Strike - (6d6)

Aug 19, 2025 9:14 pm

"Don't just stand there. He has been hit by lightening. He needs help. Help him." Duinhir shouts to the robed cultist priest. If they rush to help him the ritual could be twarted, Duinhir hopes.
Then he encourages the crowd. "Bangdu Caun is down. We must help him. He needs our help."

Take that! The great and powerful sorcerer needs saving. How pitiful is that? he thinks to himself

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Aug 20, 2025 7:28 am

Yes! It is working! he thinks.

I the confusion that follows, he puts his bow and arrow away and mingles back into the crowd.

He observes the villagers' reactions around him to see signs of skepticism, or even ridicule towards the misfiring spellcaster.

Aug 20, 2025 8:12 am

Shaking the debris off his shield and cloak, Éothain is startled by the thunderclap, yet smiles as he hears the commotion outside the enclosure. That's not going well.

He exits at its southwest corner, moves to the top of the stairs, then over to the closest person in the back row. He mutters, "I hope he isn't hurt, but I've seen better performances at my village's jester fair."

Aug 20, 2025 5:01 pm

The crowd seems like they could go either way right now.

"Was this a display of power? Did he call the lightening down upon himself, to show that he could live through it!? He has done so!"

Others are skeptical, " Why would he do that? Such power without control is dangerous! What if that had been ME! Or my children!?"

...

A woman next to Eothain stifles a chortle at his quip, and two men begin to step forward with Duinhir, "He's right! He needs help!" Two of the cult priests, tighten up their formation, placing themselves in the path to Astalor.

They say something in the Black Speech, and then in their heavily accented Westron, "Stahnd bock!", though they also continue their ritualistic motions.

And seemingly in answer, or as an additional threat, the sky cracks and rumbles with thunder, and lightning arcs across the low clouds.

The storm does not seem to be finished. And indeed the hairs on the head and arms of anyone close to the platform begins to rise and stand on end, with electric energy searching for a place to be released...

You can see Astalor's eyes go wide, as they search the ruined building's rooftop, behind the crowd.

He rises on his knees hurriedly and with difficulty, and begins a discordant droning chant, thrusting his blackened hand to the sky - which as his sleeve falls away, you can see his arm is now blackened all the way to nearly his shoulder!

Aug 21, 2025 4:54 am

I can’t just stand here. Noticing Astalor’s obvious injury, Éothain yells as he pushes forward through the crowd, "He’s hurt! Why won’t you priests help him?"

OOC:

Éothain is moving toward where the middle red dot is.

Aug 21, 2025 8:34 pm

"The lightening! It's going to strike again. Move away." Duinhir warns the people closest to the stage. He feels the energy building up. "It is out of control!"

Aug 25, 2025 1:49 pm

Cirion follows Astalor's panicked glances towards the top of the roof.
did he place another bone pile there? Is he worried it has been sabotaged?

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Aug 25, 2025 2:20 pm

Dr_B says:

Cirion follows Astalor's panicked glances towards the top of the roof.
did he place another bone pile there? Is he worried it has been sabotaged?

OOC:

So, I'm not sure if you're just role-playing as if Cirion doesn't know, or of you as a player genuinely don't know, but that is where the bone pile was that Eothain knocked down, as you were shooting the other one.

Cirion would know this, because he was right next to it, because that is just a few feet away from where he shot his arrow from.

Would you like to do something else with your turn?

Aug 25, 2025 2:30 pm

As Eothain approaches the cult priest in the middle, the robed man steps in front of him - the two standing face to face - and with wild eyes he raises his forearm and his curved dagger and slices his arm open, spilling blood.

Meanwhile, as Duinhir raises the alarm, those closest to the platform can feel it too, and they know the truth of his words. Several scream instinctively with panic as they run away, running into those behind them, who are both enrapt by the spectacle and unaware of the impending lightning strike, as they are apparently beyond the radius where they can feel it's energy...

Aug 25, 2025 6:18 pm

Duinhir himself tries to get a good distance from the failing sorcerer. That lightning could strike any moment now, he guesses

Aug 25, 2025 6:40 pm

"Out of my way! I want to help!" Éothain tries to push the cult priest backwards by shoving both shoulders, then backs up a few feet.This might break up whatever sorcery is going on.

OOC:

He doesn't want to be near someone who might be hit by lightning.

Rolls

Shove action - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Aug 25, 2025 7:53 pm

OOC:

ah OK - I wasn't sure if he had seen that, I thought the roof was above him. All good. He will spend the round seeding more skepticism with his words, instead

Cirion works the crowd's back rows, the furthest away from Astalor. He walks around scoffing as if offended, derision in his voice.
"What is all this? Some joke? A man calling lightning to himself to burn? This isn't what was promised in the scrolls! Look!! He cannot control lightning at all!"

Rolls

Persuasion (Doubled) - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Aug 26, 2025 3:41 pm

As Cirion gives voice to the doubts and ill will that lurks in the minds of others, those others join him in agreement! Open derision and displeasure can be heard, as Astalor struggles to channel nature's fury...

It is many of these people who are in the back row when those nearest the platform begin to flee and crash into them.

OOC:

@rpgventurer please give me a Dex save for Eothain. DC14 scratch that! He unbelievably got shoved with a 3 (which would be higher than that due to Eothain's STR bonus)! lol

As Eothain shoves the cultist, Astalor thrusts his blackened hand and arm forward like an open palmed punch - he shrieks with the effort as charred flesh cracks and falls away around his elbow - and a lightning bolt arcs down from the sky!

The lightning strikes the cultist JUST after Eothain shoves him away, and the man convulses bodily, and falls to the ground, lifelessly!

Those who were fleeing didn't necessarily see the strike, but they scream no less, as they can FEEL the energy released behind them, and those who weren't fleeing, and instead were looking on with open derision and getting crashed into by those fleeing, many of them scream and stagger away!

Astalor let's out a ragged breath and collapses to his belly on the platform.

The other two cultists rush to the side of their fallen comrade.

Rolls

Cultist, Resist Shove - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Damage - (6d6)

Aug 26, 2025 7:22 pm

Éothain stays where he is and calls to the crowd, "Away! Away! They can’t control the lightning! Save yourselves!"

Aug 26, 2025 8:08 pm

Duinhir halts his retreat when the lightning strikes. Astalor is down again. This must mean a small break from lightning strikes. Duinhir means to take advantage of it.
He rushes to the spot where Astalor is lying to try and prevent him from calling further lightning.

OOC:

I'm unsure how far it is and whether or not Duinhir can move AND do an action. Leaving an athletics roll if applicable to jump and hold Astalor

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Aug 26, 2025 9:49 pm

Cirion sees Duinhir rushing towards the fallen Astalor.
He stays poised for action, in case Astalor's allied priests react to Duinhir 's approach.

OOC:

just observing for now, ready to attack if things go south

Aug 27, 2025 3:08 pm

With Eothain raising further alarm, some people go so far as to flee the entire courtyard, many though just go to the fringes near the stairs back down to the encampment. At which point they pause, morbidly concerned or curious what will happen.

What happened to the priest?! Is Bangdu Caun even still alive??

...

Duinhir is able to get to the platform surface, where he can see Astalor huffing with heavy exertion. He lifts his head at the sound of Duinhir's boots, and tries to look stern and composed, rising to his knees to brush himself off. But the ritual appears to be over, there is no continued chanting or movement from the sorcerer or the cult priests.

One of whom now notices Duinhir up by Astalor, and shouts in the Black Speech, motioning him down. He also begins to move toward Duinhir.

The rain begins to tail off and there is no more rubbing of thunder or flashes of lightning overhead.

Someone amongst the watchers says, "He is rising..."

Aug 27, 2025 8:40 pm

OOC:

So, decision time, gang. Do we seize the moment to physically deal with Astalor, or do we assume he is done for now and play it cool, seeing how he has humiliated himself? Duinhir could attack or stand down. I won't attack unless you agree on this course of action.

Aug 27, 2025 10:55 pm

OOC:

This is not an attempt to dissuade you from doing it. But rather I'm just employing the mechanics that are meant to make morality mean something in this game. But killing him now - unarmed, etc. - would be 4 automatic Shadow for each of you.

Aug 28, 2025 9:48 am

OOC:

there is a chance that the three priests also know magic, which would put us at great disadvantage. My take is, we successfully sabotaged their recruitment attempt. Maybe it is time to report to someone knowledgeable in magic matters, to try build up some defences against the enemy (now alerted that we are an opposed faction!)

Aug 28, 2025 1:24 pm

OOC:

If you guys need a refresher, here is the conversation that ultimately sent you here:

https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/31929/?p=1555578#p1555578

EDIT: The teal-deer is that...

1. Lady Blackridge offered you 10 gold coins a piece to bring Astalor to her. One way or another. Your legal authority to apprehend or kill him is... basically non-existent (you're no official agents or authority of Gondor), UNLESS you have proof of crimes.

And while that still wouldn't actually give you any sort of authority (unless it's an act in self defense), it would seem to be an ameliorating circumstance to... whatever happens afterward.

2. No authority of Gondor - or any other nation - knows you're out here looking for him/have found him/nor may ever know you have found him nor what you do with him. All the witnesses here are... people of dubious alliances at best, and, if they don't act against you and whatever you do? Are they gonna go run and tell anyone with any authority over you? Are they gonna go run and tell Gondor?

3. You have a letter that he's printed in the black speech. You have proof of dark magic rituals being practiced on his boat (where you witnessed he had imprisoned a tormented spirit). There was an empty, filthy coffin in his garage. You've witnessed him practicing sorcery invoking the Black Speech. You just witnessed him kill a man.

Other things you know of Astalor is that he has kidnapped the children of an official of Gondor, in an attempt to coerce that person... whom also, you know, happens to be looking for a Palantir (purportedly in service to The Free Peoples of Middle Earth). You also now know Astalor is an agent of The Enemy - invoking Morgoth, which Lady B said she's waging her war against.

So...

These are the things I would be thinking about and the questions I'd be asking myself as a character.

Just wanted to bring up all of this for you to consider, before deciding on your next action, as I figure a lot of this has maybe been lost over IRL time.

Which, btw, I am totally good with you all deliberating at length ooc. As your characters have had ample time to discuss this in the past. (And probably would have.) It just didn't absolutely need to happen till now. So we can say that you've already had the discussion you should have now.

And lastly, perhaps, just because something invokes Shadow doesn't mean it's Evil, or that your character is Evil, it just means that in this world where there is a very real battle between Good and Evil being waged in the hearts and minds of Men, that killing him now with no legal authority and while he is unarmed absolutely blurs the lines between what is Good and what is Evil and that makes it harder to fight the War and/or that doing what it takes to win that War might destroy you.

What is Good?

What is Evil?

What is RIGHT?

And what burden is your character willing to shoulder, so that others may not have to suffer?

Aug 29, 2025 9:01 pm

Duinhir sees the priest wave him off. He hesitates for a brief moment, while he quickly looks around and to get eye contact with his companions.

OOC:

Unless we attack, I don't think we haven't done anything that prooves we work against them. So, we could possibly stand down and regroup/replan. That seems to be Dr_B's preferred course of action. What do you think, rpgventurer?

Aug 30, 2025 1:41 am

OOC:

I think they are defeated and agree we should regroup.

Last edited August 30, 2025 1:41 am

Aug 30, 2025 7:53 am

OOC:

I mean, if the aim is to capture Astalor (thanks for the reminder!) on the other hand, we might not have a better opportunity to catch him unprepared... Now I'm thinking it might be worth taking the risk.
It would be defeating 3 priests, which in itself might not be trivial.
But then, how do you escort a wizard so he doesn't use magic against his captors? Bound and gagged?

Last edited August 30, 2025 1:14 pm

Sep 1, 2025 8:46 pm

OOC:

I also think this may be our best chance. If we regroup they get a chance to regroup as well. And he'll probably never be alone anyways.

Sep 2, 2025 2:59 pm

OOC:

So it sounds like maybe Cirion and Duinhir are now for taking action in this moment, after perhaps the reminder that Lady Blackridge has sent you all here to bring Astalor to her?

@rpgventurer unless you're vehemently opposed to that, everyone plz go ahead and roll initiative, as we will enter structured action economy rules.

Sep 3, 2025 3:12 am

The air crackles with anticipation as well as electricity. Éothain senses the desire to do something now and not let Astalor escape.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

Sep 3, 2025 6:39 am

Cirion exchanges glances with his companions, and readies himself for whatever comes next.
It's now or never... We owe this to Lady Blackridge...

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Sep 3, 2025 6:07 pm

OOC:

Enemy initiative.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Sep 3, 2025 6:45 pm

OOC:

rolling

Duinhir ignores the priest's warning and jumps up to sieze Astalor.

OOC:

for once the dice are on my side

Last edited September 3, 2025 6:48 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+0)

(20) = 20

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Sep 3, 2025 9:57 pm

OOC:

Yea with a nat 20 Duinhir goes first.

Astalor yelps, mostly out of surprise at the physical aggression, but he was also recently struck by lightning and the sound is rather inglorious, for a man who is trying to inspire loyalty, and then he tries to resist the grasp but fails!

OOC:

He has a -1 STR so even on a nat 20 he couldn't resist the Grapple.

He can still act, still take a move action (like, draw a weapon), but he is Grappled - his movement rate = 0.

@rpgventurer,@Dr_B go ahead and take your actions!

Sep 3, 2025 11:42 pm

OOC:

if he can reach this round, Cirion runs to the immobilised Astalor and puts his sword blade right against his throat, to dissuade both him and his priests from fighting back

Last edited September 3, 2025 11:42 pm

Sep 4, 2025 3:59 am

"What did you priests do? We must protect this man!" Éothain moves between Astalor and the nearest priest, gripping his shield with both hands.

OOC:

Éothain is ready to whack anyone who comes near with his shield (using non-lethal damage).

Sep 4, 2025 2:11 pm

OOC:

Cirion can get there in one round (but cannot take an action) IF he passes a successful DC 14 Athletics check. As I believe he began this round still near his hiding place, correct? And there are a couple elevation changes for him to navigate.

If he fails the check he ends the round at the foot of the platform.

Eothain is already at the foot of the platform, so if he passes a DC 12 Athletics check he can get up there AND still have his action (to Ready for defense, as stated. But if he fails the check it will consume his action to have climbed up.

Sep 4, 2025 2:40 pm

OOC:

Last time Cirion moved he was leaving the hiding place to mingle with the crowd (then he was seeding skepticism in the back rows)

Dr_B says:

Yes! It is working! he thinks.
In the confusion that follows, he puts his bow and arrow away and mingles back into the crowd.

Leaving an Athletics roll

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Sep 4, 2025 2:42 pm

Cirion tries to rush to the 'stage' area and help Duinhir, but the villagers' crowd gets in the way, and he has to zig zag among them to advance, which hinders his progress.
Blast these meddling folks!!

Sep 4, 2025 2:43 pm

OOC:

Ah thank you my bad!

So then Cirion would be basically in the same situation as Eothain - DC 12 Athletics to get there AND have your action.

So failing the check, you're up there but have no action.

Sorry, but thanks for helping me sort that.

Sep 4, 2025 5:40 pm

Éothain searches for something to grab to pull himself up on the platform. His hands feel only gravel, so he uses his feet to find indents in the plateau and propel onto the platform.

Last edited September 4, 2025 6:06 pm

Rolls

Strength (Athletics) check - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Sep 4, 2025 5:57 pm

The cult-priest who is still down below the platform exclaims in Southron and climbs up onto the platform.

Astalor rises to his feet, simultaneously unsheathing a wicked looking, curved dagger from a belt within his robes, then he looks at Duinhir and utters a single word, "Grovel!"

But the word as he utters it is no ordinary word. It reverberates with POWER and it has an unnatural pitch to it that raises the hair on the necks of all around him, and within his minds eye Duinhir see the flash of an image of... a great fire! A giant burning orb!? Atop a mountain... No, it wasn't a mountain... It was a terrible black fortress, jagged and towering, surrounded by a black and barren land...

OOC:

Stefron roll me a WIS save! DC 13

Meanwhile, the cult-priest who is already atop the platform tries to Shove Cirion off of the platform!

OOC:

This will be an opposed Athletics - or you can use Acrobatics to try to avoid it - and failure will mean you're pushed off the platform and take fall damage.

Rolls

Cultist Shove action, Athletics - (1d20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Sep 4, 2025 7:33 pm

Tries to keep his balance!

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Sep 5, 2025 7:27 pm

A burning light! It must be the workings of the Enemy! I must resist it Duinhir thinks, tightening his grip on Astalor.

OOC:

If it is my turn to act again, I'll do the follow. If not please ignore

Seeing how Astalor tries to use magic against, Duinhir decides to pacify him. He gives him a good shake with a hard landing on the ground.

OOC:

Rolling Strength which has the same bonus as Athletics if that more appropriate.

Last edited September 5, 2025 7:34 pm

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Sep 8, 2025 3:38 pm

Cirion avoid the man's attempt to shove him from the platform! And just as the oppressive presence of the great burning orb within his minds eye threatens to over power him, Duinhir plumbs a depth of his will and extinguishes it's influence!

OOC:

So @Stefron unarmed attacks do 1 damage, plus STR modifier.

Or, the way non-lethal attacks work in 5E is, you roll your normal weapon damage, and is you reduce the target to 0 hit points, you can choose to just knock them out (instead of kill ) at that time/after the attack.

Which would you like to do?

Sep 8, 2025 3:38 pm

OOC:

@rpgventurer,@Dr_B you can both take your actions for this new round!

Sep 8, 2025 8:36 pm

OOC:

The idea is to just shake and thump him, hoping this would make it difficult for him to cast spells.
I don't intent to kill him but knocking him down to 0 hitpoint in one go seems unrealistic as Duinhir only deals 2 points of damage in unarmed attacks. So I'll just deal him the 2 points of damage.

Sep 8, 2025 9:01 pm

OOC:

Cirion would want to go behind Alastar and put his blade against his throat , threatening to kill him if the priests don't surrender - how do I go about doing that?

Sep 8, 2025 9:53 pm

Dr_B says:

OOC:

Cirion would want to go behind Alastar and put his blade against his throat , threatening to kill him if the priests don't surrender - how do I go about doing that?

OOC:

Right, well, basically since he's already Grappled you would just have to move into position - which would invoke an attack of opportunity from the cultist who is engaged with you in melee.

But aside from that you're just taking the "Ready Action" action, with the condition of "I attack if they don't surrender."

I will say that, since we're in structured combat, it wouldn't just be an auto-kill thing, you'd have to make an attack and roll damage as per normal. Granted since you have an ally engaged in melee with him, your attack would be made at Advantage, and you could apply your Sneak Attack bonus damage.

It's that what you want to do?

Sep 8, 2025 10:19 pm

Keeping up the pretense of helping Astalor, Éothain swings the flat of his blade at the nearest priest. "Don"t hurt him!"

OOC:

Non-lethal damage.

Rolls

Sword attack (non-lethal) - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d8+5 : (7) + 5 = 12

Sep 8, 2025 10:28 pm

OOC:

These guys aren't wearing much for armor so you hit. And... Oof! Nice damage roll...

Between the wound he had already inflicted upon himself, and the battering he receives from Eothain, the cult-priest falls to the ground unconscious!

Sep 9, 2025 5:32 am

OOC:

Yes, he'll go with Ready Action for now. Mostly it is a bluff, as they want to take Astalor alive for the Lady.

Cirion decides to risk exposing himself to an attack, and sprints to the probe figure of Astalor, grappled by Duinhir.
He pulls the sorcerer 's head back from the hair, and places the blade of his short sword under his throat.

"Enough! Stop attacking us, or your precious prophet dies here!!!" he bellows.

Sep 9, 2025 2:54 pm

OOC:

If it is indeed a bluff/if you will not actually use your readied action to attack him, please give me a Deception roll.

The cultist takes a passing swipe at Cirion as he pivots to holding the life of their Bangdu Caun hostage and shouts in heavily accented Westron, " You have no right! Release Bangdu Caun!!". And his eyes search the young man's heart for the courage of his convictions...

...

Meanwhile, as Duinhir beats Astalor about, the sorcerer cries out to his would-be-followers even as you all do, "Usurpers! Assassains! Stop them!!"

And the Ranger's violence apparently does little to dissuade the sorcerer from further aggression as he tries to grip Duinhir's wrist with his blackened hand and speaks some words in the Black Speech, Duinhir can feel an unnatural coldness in the damaged or corrupted flesh as it searches for purchase!

A few cries of distress rise from the people who remained after the third lightning strike. Three men step forward and begin to cautiously approach, they look amongst themselves trying to figure out what they should do in the confusion.

OOC:

The dice are not favoring these guys, I'm imagining both of those miss...

@Dr_B I will need your Description before their actions can fully resolve this turn.

But then we will be back to the top!

Rolls

Astalor, Chill Touch - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Damage to Duinhir (if it hits) - (1d10)

(6) = 6

Attack of Opportunity v Cirion - (1d20+5, 1d4+2)

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Sep 9, 2025 3:00 pm

He meets the eye of the priest who spoke, "my right is my sword, you groveling fool!!" he says, making a show of grabbing the sorcerer's head by his hair, and placing the blade with vicious determination.

Last edited September 9, 2025 3:08 pm

Rolls

Deception - (1d20+0)

(13) = 13

Sep 9, 2025 3:03 pm

OOC:

Rolling Insight.

Rolls

Cultist, Insight - (1d20+1)

(13) + 1 = 14

Sep 9, 2025 3:06 pm

The man's eyes flare with wild rage as he senses hesitation in Cirion, and he lunges forward to attack!

OOC:

Just realized I gave him the wrong bonus for his opportunity attack last post.

17AC on Cirion, 6 damage if that hits.

All 3 of you can go!

Rolls

Attack v Cirion - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

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

Sep 9, 2025 3:11 pm

OOC:

AC 16 here, alas - subtracting damage

Sep 9, 2025 7:38 pm

"Bangdu Caun is lashing out. Everyone stay back for your safety! I’ve seen confusion like this before. We’ll get him away from here."

Éothain stares at the priest.* "You there! Back! Back! Before you confuse him further. You’re not listening!" He moves between Astalor and the priest and whacks him with his blade.**

OOC:

*I think there’s only one standing.
** Assuming the priest is within reach.

Rolls

Non-lethal attack with sword - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (17) + 5 = 22

1d8+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

Sep 9, 2025 8:00 pm

OOC:

Yes there is just Astalor and 1 cultist up here remaining.

Eothain batters the cultist priest, but the man just grimaces and fights on!

OOC:

Cirion and Duinhir can both act!

Sep 9, 2025 9:14 pm

"Gag him" Duinhir says to Cirion while giving Astalor another shake.

OOC:

It is not the most efficient action but Duinhir don't want to let go of him.

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Sep 10, 2025 8:06 am

Cirion sees what the ranger is suggesting. The sorcerer needs to speak words in that cursed blackspeech, to work his magic! We need to shut him up, somehow!

He unfastens his leather belt and attacks Astalor, trying to force the belt into his mouth to gag him!

OOC:

trying to make a tight loop fastened behind his head, keeping his mouth immobilized

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Sep 10, 2025 2:14 pm

Astalor shrieks as Cirion tightens a cloth in his mouth, but once it is secured he tilts his head and slides his blade between the cloth and his jaw, and slices it off!

Then he turns on Cirion and utters another word of power, spitting it like bile, and Cirion's feels his vision begin to fade and close off, like he's falling into a tunnel!

OOC:

CON save @Dr_B plz! EDIT: DC14, sorry forgot to say at first

The cultist priest turns his head to the observers - desperation in his eyes - and shouts, " Help us!", and then focuses on Eothain and attacks back!

...

The men on the ground are still confused, but are spurred to some kind of action and they move up to the same level as the platform where the scuffle is taking place.

They urge all of you, cultists included, "Stop! Stop this!"

Rolls

Priest vs Eothain - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

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

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Sep 10, 2025 2:49 pm

Cirion gasps at the demonstration of the man's magic... but is overwhelmed and dizzied by its terrific power!

OOC:

my belt was leather! 🤣

OOC:

DM EDIT: no save was required, Cirion can still see.

Last edited September 10, 2025 2:50 pm

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Sep 10, 2025 3:02 pm

Dr_B says:

Cirion gasps at the demonstration of the man's magic... but is overwhelmed and dizzied by its terrific power!

OOC:

my belt was leather! 🤣

OOC:

I honestly (obviously) glossed over that you said you were using your belt!

Does having it require a check sound fair?

Using the "Objects" guidance: https://www.5esrd.com/gamemastering/objects

Seems like a leather belt could be placed between a rope and wood/bone - AC 13? And I think I'd call it a "Resilient" but Tiny object - 5 hp?

Astalor fails to cut through the belt and drops his dagger!!

Rolls

Astalor saws at the belt! - (1d20+4, 1d6+2)

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

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

Sep 10, 2025 3:33 pm

OOC:

sounds good, thanks for adjusting! not sure Gondor would be proud of Cirion's unpolished methods...

Sep 10, 2025 3:39 pm

OOC:

That brings us back around to you guys.

There are 3 of the "followers" up there with you all now, and they look ready to start physically intervening on their turns. You don't know what that will look like of course, but it seems like at a minimum they want the fighting to stop.

Things are threatening to spiral out of your control!

What do you do?

Sep 10, 2025 7:03 pm

OOC:

Discussion time. Since we don’t want to hurt innocent people, we have to figure out how to take Astalor with us without the priest. I think trying to convince the crowd that Astalor is under a spell from the priest is the best way to go.

Sep 10, 2025 8:05 pm

OOC:

Good idea. Are any of you good at persuasion?

Sep 10, 2025 8:43 pm

OOC:

+2 here, but is says 'doubled' (not quite sure what I have to double, though! 😅)

Will it look odd that we attacked Astalor? We need to keep him gagged and restrained, probably tie him up. Maybe we can say that the priest will force him to kill himself, if we don't immobolize him?

Classic "no plan" moment 🤣🤣🤣

Sep 10, 2025 8:53 pm

OOC:

Dr_B, You likely chose Persuasion for your "Expertise" ability, which doubles your Proficiency Bonus for the chosen skill(s).

As a bit of DM guidance, because I believe one or more of you don't have much experience with 5E...

Please review your character sheets.

You guys all have lots of abilities that you basically never use.

Sep 10, 2025 8:59 pm

OOC:

ok, I think he has Persuasion at +4, then

Sep 12, 2025 7:22 am

OOC:

No bonuses for anything Charisma-related here. Éothain's Lore ability, however, is at +4. If someone can persuade the crowd that we are trying to help Bangdu Caun, who, to follow up on Dr_B's suggestion, "is wounded and appears to be bewitched by the priest's magical lightning," Éothain will try to recall stories of past similar leaders and what led to their downfall. He will also assume a defensive posture against the priest, ready to attack only if attacked.

I wish now that Éothain would have spent time before the demonstration talking to more horses in camp about their masters. It would help to know more about the people in the crowd.

Last edited September 12, 2025 7:23 am

Sep 12, 2025 1:43 pm

OOC:

What you guys do know about these people is:

They're from places that are known strongholds of the Enemy - Dunland, the East, the Harad.

That they... somehow... whether by seeking it out/participating in some group or activity or conceivably but unlikely by accident/if it was just handed to them - gained possession of Astalor's propaganda pamphlet that lead them here.

It's no small undertaking to travel to this place, particularly with children as some have, so it's unlikely they had just a casual interest in what Astalor was "selling" (which is, "Help me spread the power and influence of Morgoth."

They're not really warriors by training/profession.

There may have been some other things, but I'm not sure what other kinda of information you're looking for that would be helpful.

Sep 15, 2025 3:26 pm

OOC:

OK, giving it a go, since I have Persuasion as the Expertise ability...

The tide is quickly turning...
Cirion tightens the belt that keeps Astalor's mouth immobilized, and addresses the crowd with an urgent tone.

"Listen!! This man is under the spell of those priests! With their black sorcery they are forcing him to kill himself, if we let it happen!! You have seen how he was forced to attract deadly lighting to himself, burning for it: who would do such a thing? The priests are sorcerous spies, who came here to eliminate Astalor !! We need to carry Astalor away from them! I ask your help to stop the last priest standing, so we can take Astalor away from here, to be healed by his allies! Good folk gathered here, stop that priest, for this man's sake!"

He looks at Éothain and Duinhir for support.

OOC:

edit: whoa...

Last edited September 15, 2025 3:42 pm

Rolls

Persuasion (Doubled) - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Sep 16, 2025 12:07 am

OOC:

Heh, nice roll! But unfortunately good social checks are not mind control and what you're telling them is a bit of a stretch...

They were about to try to take Astalor from you guys and generally just try to break up the fight.

So as a result of your persuasiveness, two of them will Grapple the cultist, and the third - while allowing you to retain control of Astalor - is still trying to convince you to let him go.

The men are mostly further confused by Cirion's words - not everything they have witnessed matches up to what he has said, but nonetheless two of the would-be followers seize the remaining priest and separate him from you all.

The third stands before Cirion and Duinhir with his hands held palm out - placatingly, as if to say, "Take it easy..."

" Come now... let him go. We have all been through a lot tonight... it's alright."

OOC:

@rpgventurer,@Stefron you can act if you would like!

Sep 16, 2025 8:52 pm

Duinhir decides it might be best to hold back on the body slamming for now. "He was shaking and inflicting damage on himself". Duonhir eases his grip a bit to seem less aggressive, but does not let go of Astalor. He stays alert in case Astalor tries anything.

Sep 17, 2025 11:27 am

Éothain, his sword lowered, stays between Astalor and the priest. "I was afraid this would happen. Sorcery promises a way to solve problems but always comes back to hurt those who use it. It can’t really be controlled and affects everyone close with it. Look how quickly we started fighting each other. Only sorcery is that powerful. We have to protect Bangdu Caun from further harm from the priests."

Last edited September 19, 2025 9:16 am

Sep 17, 2025 3:14 pm

The cultist shouts as he is gripped by the two men, "They have come and seized and gagged Bangdu Caun! Our leader needs help! They assault him!"

The man standing before you three nods his head, "Let's let him go, he is unarmed, he is injured. Let's stop the fighting. We are all allies here..."

Someone from amongst the onlookers who still stand by the stairs down to the encampment shouts out, "Let him go!"

Meanwhile Astalor struggles against Duinhir's grapple trying to free himself.

OOC:

It's an opposed Athletics to continue your grapple. @Stefron please roll your opposed check.

We'll remain in Initiative, so after Stefron's opposed grapple check, it is your three turns.

Rolls

Astalor, attempt to break grapple - (1d20-1)

(13) - 1 = 12

Sep 17, 2025 8:48 pm

Duinhir senses Astalor squirming in his grip and attempts to tightens it to restain him.

Last edited September 17, 2025 8:49 pm

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Sep 17, 2025 8:54 pm

Astalor escapes his grasp, but Duinhir quickly tries to catch him again.
"There, there. It is safe now. Calm down the bad priest can't hurt you anymore."

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Sep 17, 2025 10:19 pm

OOC:

Can Cirion help Duinhir to restrain the man? Seems like we are 2 vs 1, he's on the floor, gagged...

Sep 18, 2025 3:10 pm

OOC:

Yes, absolutely! That would be taking the Help action. Which gives @Stefron Advantage on the Grapple check. Prior to that it sounded like you were focusing on keeping him gagged.

Astalor rends himself free of Duinhir for a moment and begins to claw at the belt with his fingers, but the two of you fight to maintain control of the man.

Rolls

Astalor, Grapple opposed - (1d20-1)

(13) - 1 = 12

Sep 19, 2025 9:23 am

Éothain moves closer to the priest."You all saw the lightning and what the priest did to him! Keep that man away!"

OOC:

Éothain is hoping the priest reacts violently to prove his point.

Last edited September 19, 2025 9:27 am

Sep 23, 2025 2:30 pm

rpgventurer says:

OOC:

Éothain is hoping the priest reacts violently to prove his point.

OOC:

I probably need a Deception check for this to adjudicate the effectiveness of this fairly.

Sep 23, 2025 9:16 pm

OOC:

I was afraid you’d say that. 🙂

"Hurry. Before he can cast another spell."

OOC:

Mistyped the first roll. Sorry.

Last edited September 23, 2025 9:19 pm

Rolls

Charisma (Deception) - (1s20)

() + 21 = 21

Charisma (Decrption) - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Sep 23, 2025 10:15 pm

OOC:

Not a bad roll...

Opposed Insight.

The cultist struggles against the two men from the camp grappling him, trying to break free, and shouts, "I would NEVER harm Bangdu Caun! You worm!"

OOC:

Oh jeez lol...

The cult priest manages to wriggle free and lunges at Eothain, mostly just clawing at his armor with bare fingers before the two men try to regain control.

OOC:

EDIT: Another opposed Athletics, but at least it eats up everyone's action, except for the last bystander...

Scrappy cultist, he remains free!

What would the last guy do now, lol... what a mess.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Cultist, Athletics - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Opposed Athletics w Advantage - (2d20)

(163) = 19

Two Men, Grapple Athletics - (2d20)

(86) = 14

Cultist, Opposed Athletics - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Sep 23, 2025 10:29 pm

OOC:

I mean, the three guys came up here with the goal of kind of settling everything down[, and stopping the fighting.

I think he would ALSO try to grapple the cultist lol

Bunch of rolls against myself here, sorry guys.

EDIT: lol ok, the cultist is fighting like a mad man! And it is back to the top.

Eothain this guy is free, and about to do violence to you.

What do you all do?

Rolls

Grapple, Athletics - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Cultist, Opposed Athletics - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Sep 25, 2025 11:37 am

The main danger still being Astalor's blackspeech powers, Cirion tightens the belt once again on the sorcerer's mouth.
"You stay down!"

OOC:

rolling at advantage, as Astalor is outnumbered/in difficult position?

Rolls

Strength check (advantage) - (2d20H1+1)

(106) + 1 = 11

Sep 25, 2025 2:27 pm

OOC:

You only really need to make a check if Astalor tries to break out at this time. i.e. You don't need to make a check to maintain it.

And Astalor kind of send to recognize at this time that he is physically outmatched and isnt actively trying to break free at this time.

Sep 26, 2025 6:03 pm

OOC:

Duinhir is busy holding Astalor down, so I hope Eothain can handle the priest alone

Sep 29, 2025 7:34 pm

"Stop! Stop! I don't want to hurt you!" Éothain bonks the cultist on the head with his sword pommel.

Rolls

Non-lethal sword attack - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d8+5 : (2) + 5 = 7

Sep 30, 2025 2:14 pm

With a well timed *Bonk!* the cultist collapses in a heap upon Eothain's toes.

The man who approached from the crowd, standing before you three , just sighs and shakes his head at the cult priest as his vehement struggle ends. But then he turns his attention to you.

"Very good... if His men were the danger, then surely the danger has passed.

Now, release Bangdu Caun. There is a mid-wife in the camp. She can see to his injuries?"

The man steps close to Astalor and Cirion and Duinhir and places his hands gently on their hands where they grip the sorcerer.

The other two men step close, hovering nearby, waiting to see if their would-be-leader is released.

Sep 30, 2025 2:58 pm

"It is good someone is close to help with his physical injuries. But is she familiar with sorcerous enchantments? He still sees enemies where there are none."

Last edited September 30, 2025 6:00 pm

Sep 30, 2025 4:14 pm

Cirion thinks fast, to try create an escape route for them and their prisoner.

"No! The sorcery has nested deep within Bangdu Caun's heart... It is only a matter of time before the black spell ruins him forever. Only the wisdom of the [Seeer of the Druedain]* can break this foul magic: it is far, but we must take him to her, if we want to save this man!! "

OOC:

*Cirion will invent a name and choose a faction that he would know to be likely friendly or neutral to these folks. In reality, the goal is to bring him to the Lady Blackbridge (back in Minas Tirith? or where they agreed to regroup?) - I will retcon if this sounds wrong for the lore

Rolls

Persuasion (Doubled) - (1d20+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

Oct 1, 2025 8:55 pm

OOC:

I think it would require a Knowledge check to pick a strategic party like that. These are people's who are of nations that Gondor is usually enemies with, and so you may not really know their allies.

Unless you do just want to go with the Druedain based on your own understanding as a player-character.

But I think you have also kind of "tipped your hand" in other ways...

The man places his hand on a hunting knife in a sheath at his belt and says, "Of course it is nested within him... His sorcery is his Power. It is to be Our Power. Bangdu Caun will FREE us with this Power!

Yet you call it foul, or ruinous??

It is everything we have been WAITING for...

He has summoned The Storm and lived! He has shown us his mastery over nature!

Now... if he can prove to us, his mastery over death? He will have proven he is beyond any doubt, The Black Hand! The Instrument of the Discordant One, that sought to grant Mankind their freedom in the Ages Long Ago before our making...

Release him. Do not stand in his path! Our path!"

The other two men, their cultist charge unconscious, step up to the three of you as well. One with a hatchet on his hip, the other a butcher's cleaver

And the other two or three folk - women and a young man, who linger still by the top of the stairs, are stirred by this man's words and they too begin to shuffle forward toward the platform.

"Release him! Let him speak!"

Oct 1, 2025 9:37 pm

OOC:

sure, let's keep it as the Druedain

Oct 6, 2025 8:45 pm

OOC:

Seems like we can't gaslight them anymore without releasing him. So it is either that or fight. Thoughts?

I'm leaning towards releasing him though that would send us back to scratch, and it could also end in a fight anyway

Oct 7, 2025 4:10 pm

OOC:

Yea, so by disrupting the ritual casting, and speaking out against him during the ritual, you guys convinced 2/3rds of the people gathered that... basically he's dangerous, and they're either scared or doubting him enough that, at the very least, they've left the courtyard here.

Maybe they will leave this place all together, you don't know. But at least they're not here now.

But there's still a portion - the 6 or so people remaining in this scene - whom were scared and confused at first but ... well, the dangerous magicks stopped, and they've traveled a long ways, and they would still really like for this guy to be who he said he was.

And they're trying to figure out a way to "see it through".

Oct 8, 2025 7:15 am

OOC:

I think releasing him is the best thing to do right now. We can apologize for our enthusiasm in "over-protecting" him and offer to help the crowd to show our sincerity.

For example, Éothain can use his Animal Handling skill to assist animal owners with any problems and secretly find information from the horses (especially any that belong to Bangdu Caun or the priests).

Oct 8, 2025 7:23 am

OOC:

OK we release him, and see how we can prevent him from rallying the villagers against us. Hopefully he is weakened. Best to release him in steps to see his intention.

"Very well. But I'll release his mouth gag first," he says. "Keep holding him, Duinhir."

He loosens the leather strap around his mouth, to allow him to speak.

OOC:

will tighten the strap again, if he starts casting spells in the black tongue!

Oct 8, 2025 3:47 pm

Éothain raises both arms and addresses the remainder of the crowd, trying to get their attention away from Cirion and Duinhir. "I apologize to all, especially Bangdu Caun, for my actions. I am a soldier, and I reacted as such when I thought he was under attack. I am unfamiliar with the ways of magic and misinterpreted what I saw."

Oct 8, 2025 9:42 pm

Duinhir still holds on to him as the gag is removed, ready for anything.

Oct 9, 2025 7:35 pm

Once the gag is loosened and he can speak, he growls indignantly, "You insolent swine! How DARE you lay your hands upon me in this way! Or even speak of me so!? WHERE ARE SAMIR AND HASHIM!!?", he screams at basically no one. Because the campers just look at each other unknowingly.

Then he tries to pull the belt off over his head so that he can't be muzzled so easily. He also violently thrashes trying to rend himself free of your grasp with some air of control.

OOC:

He's at least not going immediately to spellcasting and he's trying to free himself from your direct control.

If you don't let him go completely at this point, it will become apparent pretty quickly you're not really releasing him.

Oct 9, 2025 9:02 pm

Seeing how no words of spell is uttered from his mouth, Duinhir releases him.

Oct 10, 2025 3:38 pm

Cirion readies himself to fight the released man should he try anything.

Oct 14, 2025 3:38 pm

Once away from your control, Astalor goes to stand with the camp-folk between you and him (the other three of which - two women and a young man - have now joined you at the platform), and he turns and just stares at you three with an unconcealed, seething anger, his gritted teeth (and likely, his grievous wounds) the only thing holding him back from greater vitriol or possibly even action...

He growls, "What are your names!? Who are you?!", as he studies your clothes, armor, and weapons.

OOC:

If you want to lie, please roll a Deception.

Oct 15, 2025 3:43 am

Éothain bows with respect. "I am Éothain, a warrior seeking knowledge against the strangeness of the times. My curiosity brought me here. I traveled through many obstacles to find out more about a new mysterious leader."

"I thought you were in great danger, so I acted as a warrior to protect you. As I said, sorcery is unfamiliar to me."

OOC:

For Éothain, selective truth is the best route.

Last edited October 15, 2025 3:44 am

Oct 15, 2025 9:17 pm

"I'm Duinhir of the North." the Ranger says following Eothains lead. "Likewise, I came seeking knowledge and offer my service to a greater cause." What cause he had in mind was left to the audience's imagination.

Oct 15, 2025 9:50 pm

Omitting his name, he says, "we came here with the promise of a leader with great powers. One to control storms with great magic... but this is not what we have seen, tonight. Lightning came, and it almost killed you. And two of us were enough to render you powerless. Everyone is a witness! Are you a false prophet? Do you take us, and these good folks, for gullible fools?"

He turns to the villagers, "would you really follow a false prophet?"

Oct 16, 2025 2:50 pm

The eyes of the camp-folk go wide, some gasp quietly, as their gaze flicks back and forth between Cirion and their Bangdu Caun.

And Astalor's eyes flare with rage and his un-burnt hand shoots out to try to grab Cirion's cloak-rim!

Successful or not, his mouth works soundlessly for a few moments around his gritted teeth...

Then he growls dangerously, "I suggest... that YOU be GONE from here ... immediately! ... For you shall find NOTHING but torment, so long as you remain..."

OOC:

You can oppose the attempt to grab you with Athletics or Acrobatics if you want.

lol ok, so... DON'T ROLL A 1! 🤣

Rolls

Grapple attempt v Cirion - (1d20-1)

(2) - 1 = 1

Oct 16, 2025 3:09 pm

Cirion tries to dodge the attempt stepping out of reach.

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Oct 20, 2025 3:33 pm

OOC:

Ball is in your court team.

Oct 23, 2025 7:09 am

"We are going back home. I hope everyone else does the same."

Éothain grumbles loudly ask he walks through the crowd back to the party’s temporary site. "I have seen enough. He’ll hurt more allies than enemies."

Oct 23, 2025 1:54 pm

"I will follow no false prophet!" he says for everyone to hear, then turns his back to Bangdu and follows Éothain.

Oct 23, 2025 6:26 pm

Astalor just kind of growls and mumbles, "Blasphemers! I should have you EXECUTED!!

...

However... a good leader must know when to be merciful as well. And indeed, I bid you, return to your homes, never to return! For the Black Hand rejects you!!"

The campfolk pass awkward glances between each other and shift about uncomfortably, remaining silent.

Then Astalor starts issuing them commands, " You! And you! Help me with my Priests! You! Go fetch the healer-woman from below...

Bring them inside the bastion, I have comforts for them, and you! The Most Faithful! You will be remembered and rewarded, as our empire grows great!"

Oct 23, 2025 7:55 pm

Duinhir follows the others without a word but casting a detestable glance at Astalor.

Oct 24, 2025 2:54 pm

OOC:

Alright, sounds like you're all going back to the camp.

Astalor and the other 6 are remaining above (minus the one going to "fetch the healer").

What do you do once down there?

You find the camp very subdued, it is late in the night by now, everyone has gotten wet from the precipitation of the summoned storm and the air is cold. No one is out around the campfires which are mostly just embers now, and seemingly all of the folk have retired to their tents. You can hear some activity and quiet conversation within a couple of them, but that's about it.

Oct 26, 2025 11:43 am

OOC:

thinking time! we need a little more forward-thinking than what we had in this first improvised encounter

"It is time to carefully consider our next move," he says softly trying to stoke one of the campfires to see if he can revive its flame. "We have made contact with the enemy, and even sabotaged their ritual. But we are now known to them, and our next encounter will surely be different. We have lost the surprise element..."

He looks at his companions. "You are wiser than I, my friends. How can we arrange for the capture of that Astalor wizard? Have we compromised our chances?"

Oct 26, 2025 6:04 pm

"You are right. We can no longer blend in with the crowd and our welcome may be spent. If we stay we may expect violence at any moment, though not from everyone here.
If we leave we'll have to find a way to sneak back in undetected or wait in ambush forr Astalor to move to another location. How long do you think he'll stay in this place?" Duinhir says

Oct 28, 2025 2:26 pm

Seasonal snows will be here soon. Anyone who doesn't leave in the next couple weeks will be up here for months, as all regular trails will become impassable.

It no doubt took a lot of effort to move the supplies and what little infrastructure there is here, up here. Your guess is that the intent was to stay the winter if not longer.

Based on what you could see from the courtyard above, there is an interior portion of the ruined fortress.

Oct 28, 2025 9:50 pm

"Who knows... Maybe he will take residence in that fortress, spend the winter there. The longer he stays, the more followers he'll get. In a way, he is now at his weakest..."

Oct 28, 2025 10:18 pm

"Maybe we could go after his supplies before winter hits? His followers might leave him."

Last edited October 28, 2025 10:19 pm

Oct 30, 2025 9:35 pm

But if we sabotage the supplies and they'd find out it was us, we'll be pushing them to him.
He gives the situation some thought. "I think we should strike sooner rather than later. We'll need to find a way to get into the keep unnoticed."

Nov 3, 2025 3:01 pm

OOC:

Sounds like there's a couple ideas out there. Let's work on a consensus for the path forward.

Nov 3, 2025 9:51 pm

OOC:

I'm open to most ideas. My suggestion would be to pretend to leave then sneak back in, perhaps making some arrangements before leaving to provide for easier access.
But I can go with other ideas.

Nov 4, 2025 8:15 am

OOC:

It would be good to know if there is anyone who remains in the camp who seems uncertain of Astalor’s goals or leadership.

Nov 5, 2025 6:15 pm

OOC:

Maybe an easier question:

Do you guys want to leave tonight?

Or are you spending the night here?

Whether the intent is to sabotage or leave and sneak back in or strike sooner rather than later etc.

Nov 6, 2025 5:58 am

OOC:

I am under the impression the PCs were "asked" to leave camp ASAP, so they’re spending the night elsewhere. Maybe a mile away for a quick return when we’re ready?

Nov 6, 2025 3:13 pm

OOC:

Certainly Cirion was. That doesn't mean you have to listen.

Last action he took besides talking was sitting down and stoking one of the camp fires, so... wasn't clear to me if you were gonna regroup here or farther away.

Nov 6, 2025 4:00 pm

OOC:

I'm all for trying to sneak inside the keep tonight, while Astalor is still weak and hasn't had the time to organize his defences.
Maybe we make a show of camping there at the village below the keep cliff, leave our horses there, etc. Then sneak back to the keep at nighttime.

Nov 6, 2025 9:56 pm

OOC:

Yes, set up a fake camp somewhere close by and sneak in.
Apart from the whole congregation of potential followers gathered here and the priest, does Astalor have a personal guard or henchmen? We might have seen that at the keep.

Duinhir looks back at the oathway to the keep. They need to get back in unnoticed, perhaps there is a better way to do it. At least remembering the way and the choke points could prove to be valuable knowledge.

OOC:

Leaving a Perception roll to help us get in later. If that is no the proper skill for what I'm trying to do then perhaps Investigation insted?
Ouch...

Last edited November 6, 2025 9:57 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Nov 10, 2025 4:54 pm

OOC:

Ok, so is that the path forward?

"set up a fake camp somewhere close by and sneak in"

Stefron says:

OOC:

Apart from the whole congregation of potential followers gathered here and the priest, does Astalor have a personal guard or henchmen? We might have seen that at the keep.

OOC:

You know what you've seen: the campers, and Astalor and the priests. That's all you've seen. Doesn't mean there's not henchmen you haven't seen. As you haven't seen inside the ruined stronghold.

But I will help you out a bit here to remind you that, at the end of things there, Astalor shouted out two names. Wondering where they were.

Also, are you taking a Short Rest/do any of you have any HD left that you could use to recuperate if you Short Rested?

Nov 11, 2025 1:44 pm

OOC:

I think the idea was to press on without resting, to maximize the advantage?

"We should go. The quicker we act, the least they will expect it."
Cirion sees Duinhir looking for a discreet way to the ruined keep, and joins in the search. "There must be another way to get close..."

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Nov 11, 2025 3:01 pm

OOC:

So now I'm hearing no pause to go find/ set up a different camp spot for yourselves, is that correct?

You looked for a discreet way in to the upper fortress when you initially approached the place by climbing up the cliff off to the side to spy on the camp, and the fortress appeared quite impenetrable then, short of an even more difficult climb.

In the darkness of night nothing further reveals itself.

It appears to be either up the stairs, a very difficult climb up sheer walls, or a greater search of other sides of the mountain peak.

Nov 11, 2025 9:44 pm

"Indeed. Lets go" Duinhir replies

OOC:

Yes, set up fake camp. Unless you want something else, rpgventure?

Nov 12, 2025 4:32 am

OOC:

I’m good with this plan. Will we need torches to safely search on the mountain at night?

"Let’s build some quick shelters and a fire circle with the rocks nearby, in case someone comes looking."

He pauses a few moments, then says "Sometimes fortresses have a tunnel and hidden exit to the outside. If we’re lucky, there’s one on a different part of the mountain."

Nov 12, 2025 3:11 pm

OOC:

You guys...

Quote:

Maybe we make a show of camping there at the village below the keep cliff, leave our horses there, etc. Then sneak back to the keep at nighttime.

Quote:

Yes, set up a fake camp somewhere close by and sneak in.

Quote:

Cirion sees Duinhir looking for a discreet way to the ruined keep, and joins in the search.

Quote:

Yes, set up fake camp.

Quote:

Sometimes fortresses have a tunnel and hidden exit to the outside. If we’re lucky, there’s one on a different part of the mountain.

OOC:

You're still giving me, like, 7 different narratives.

Sweet up a fake camp in the village.

Set up a fake camp nearby. (Is that the village?)

Sneak in.

Search for a way in (from where you are, in the camp/village). It failed. Or rather, you saw the same things you saw earlier when you looked for a way in.

Let's go. Act quickly.

Set up a fake camp. Ok. Where are you doing that. was my earlier question. Still haven't gotten a straight answer - in the village or "nearby" - which I have understood as outside of the village. Still seeing both or indefinite.

But also now search the mountaintop for a back entrance (not a quick thing).

I don't know where to push the narrative or what checks to ask for, because you guys are talking past each other, and/or not giving direct positive confirmation, and/or giving too short of narrative descriptions.

Nov 12, 2025 3:24 pm

Please select the option you wish to pursue: Multi

Take a little bit of time to set up a fake camp within the village area.

Take a larger amount of time to find a spot and set up a fake camp nearby, but outside of the village area.

Do not take any time to set up a fake camp. Go to the next step quickly.

Nov 12, 2025 3:28 pm

Please select the option you wish to pursue (AFTER setting up a camp, or not), given that you have searched the village and keep area where you are currently, and found no viable other entrance from here: Multi

Sneak into the Ruined Keep through the way you know - up the stairs, and through the lit opening you saw in the courtyard above. This will be quick.

Try to find a new way into the Ruined Keep by searching the mountaintop outside of the village and keep area. This will take possibly a large amount of time.

Nov 13, 2025 10:39 pm

OOC:

I changed my vote in the latter poll. Let's search that mountain.

Last edited November 13, 2025 10:39 pm

Nov 14, 2025 9:37 pm

After walking a not very far distance from the village, Duinhir finds a suitable place for them to set up their mock camp.
"So, let's find another way to get to that keep, shall we?" he asks as they ready themselves to go searching the mountains for a more discreet way into the keep.

Nov 15, 2025 9:21 am

Cirion helps with setting up the camp, nodding at the ranger.
"Let's take our time, once the villagers believe we have camped here. It is dark, but between the three of us we can try find a way in."

Nov 19, 2025 5:57 pm

You venture a ways down the trail that first lead you up to the encampment, and then off to a side with jutting rocks that would protect you from at least some of the wind and weather to set up your camp. There didn't appear to be anyone outside of their own tents in the makeshift village as you departed, though there were still people awake within some of the tents shuffling about.

This way, if anyone does come looking for you, they will at least find an appearance that you have left, but also bedded down for the night, so long as they don't look too close.

As you go off to find an alternate entrance to the fortress above, you find that the going isn't easy, particularly in the dark.

The stronghold was no doubt constructed where it was for a reason - it is basically unapproachable from all but one direction. You must contend with irregular rocky terrain, sudden elevation changes, and fields of loose scree that threatens to take you with it any time it begins to slide.

But it is possible to make your way around the backside of the peak to look for - what Eothain pointed out is - a pretty standard design feature for fortresses such as this; an emergency escape route or secret entrance in the case of a siege.

And while the going is slow and difficult, at about an hour before sunrise you find a cleft in the cliffs with the fortress looming high overhead, in which there is an ironbound, heavily rotted wooden door worked into the shadowed rock.

OOC:

As you're going the night without rest, please give me a Constitution DC11 save to resist taking a level of Exhaustion.

Also - fun fact - in the intervening years since we started this campaign - new rules have come out for Exhaustion. And we will switch to those (tho at 2 levels, it won't be any less punishing than the earlier ones).

Nov 19, 2025 9:35 pm

The long search makes Duinhir regret their plan but once he saw the door his spirit lifted. Eothain had been right in his guess.

Last edited November 20, 2025 10:37 pm

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Nov 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Finally! he feels great relief at the sight of the rotting door. He heaves in exhaustion.

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

Nov 19, 2025 10:19 pm

OOC:

oops, it posted twice somehow. I must have pressed twice. Anyway, both rolls are fails!

Can I use 'Over Dangerous Leagues' ability of the Men of Minas Tirith, to ignore the first level of Exhaustion?

Nov 19, 2025 10:42 pm

OOC:

No problem, I deleted the dual post, and meeting a DC is a successful save. So at 11, you pass.

Also, upon finding the door, and representing the first turn around in fortunes for awhile, everybody gains Inspiration.

Nov 20, 2025 2:56 pm

His confidence boosted by the successful team effort, Cirion forces himself to exert caution.
"Careful now... Sometimes these concealed entrances are protected by cunning traps," he whispers to the others.

He squints his eyes and examines the door and surrounding stonework for signs of triggers.

OOC:

he has a Night Vision ability that might be handy, here

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Nov 20, 2025 10:40 pm

After Cirion's inspection of the door, Duinhir sneaks up to the door to hear if anything can be heard from the other side.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Nov 21, 2025 2:50 am

Aside from it's general advanced state of decay, the door seems rather unremarkable now (though 100s of years ago, it was no doubt very formidable looking), and Duinhir hears nothing on the other side.

Nov 21, 2025 7:02 pm

"Nothing to hear." Duinhir reports. "Let us break it down. It should be easy enough given its state."

He puts his shoulder to the door and gives it a good, hard push.

He looks surprised and puzzled when the door didn't budge.

Last edited November 21, 2025 7:03 pm

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Nov 21, 2025 8:23 pm

Éothain stops to sit on a rock.

OOC:

Unanimous!

Last edited November 21, 2025 8:46 pm

Rolls

Constitution save DC11 - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Nov 21, 2025 8:29 pm

Cirion helps Duinhir with the door, adding his strength and effort to the ranger's.

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Nov 21, 2025 8:53 pm

"Whew. We sure did a lot of walking today."

Éothain stands up and moves to the door. He uses his sword point to clean the dirt and debris around the edges, then tries to open it. "It seems nobody has uses this in a long time."

OOC:

Using inspiration for advantage.

Last edited November 21, 2025 8:58 pm

Rolls

Strength - (2d20h1)

(1013) = 13

Dec 2, 2025 6:09 pm

OOC:

Keep your Inspiration, @rpgventurer

No check really necessary. Success is mostly just a matter of time-thing.

The door is no longer able to serve it's purpose of keeping anyone out. The heavy wood paneling is brittle and mostly hollowed by insects and rot and time. And the metal bindings of the door are corroded and the nails which once held it all together have nothing substantial to hold on to any more.

So although you are all tired, it's really just a matter of knocking things completely loose and prying an opening apart. For the door itself is unopenable - the metal of it's bindings corroded and become one with the metal and stone frame that was installed to make it impenetrable in it's time - but a hole can relatively easily enough be made through the door itself.

On the other side of it, there is a narrow hallway that cuts perhaps 10 meters into the stone before ending in a small circular room with only enough room for maybe 9 men to stand in it (and only then if they were packed shoulder-to-shoulder-to-shoulder). There is also a steep spiraling staircase, only wide enough for 1 man to move up or down at a time, that goes up into darkness.

The steps are covered in a thick layer of dust that demonstrates that no one has walked up or down them in a very, very long time. The air is stale, and the walls have water-marks and accumulating whitish-yellow sediment running in rivulets down the walls from centuries of drainage from the veins of the earth here.

They spiral up for... it's hard to say how long... each stair is nearly a full foot tall, and you figure you must have taken nearly a hundred of them by the time it stops it's upward climb. Which, in fairness, is probably not as far as you figure you had to descend the mountain to find the bottom of the peak-cliff and the hidden door.

So, you estimate you're somewhere in the heart of the mountain peak, but likely still below the stronghold itself. You arrive at a landing that is very similar to the one at the bottom.

The room is barren and appears to have... no normal door or exit. The only indication of anything is a small, square-shaped seam in the stone wihich has a rather uncorroded steel ring mounted in the center of it.

You can hear nothing on the other side.

Dec 3, 2025 2:25 pm

He allows some time for them to catch their breath. The nighttime search and the work on the door took their toll on their already tired bodies.

After a while, he whispers to the others, "Get ready...".
Then Cirion tries to pull the ring.

Dec 3, 2025 5:32 pm

OOC:

Will hold for another 24 hrs incase anyone else has any actions or preparations they want to make.

Dec 3, 2025 7:18 pm

Duinhir enjoys the short respite after the climb. Then gives a nod to Cirion to indicate he is ready to move on.
Hr grabs hold of the ring too. Making sure not to get in Cirion's way but rather help pull as he expects the strange door to he heavy to open.

Dec 4, 2025 6:33 am

"Seems too obvious …" Éothain checks the walls and floor for indications of a hidden entrance.

If he finds nothing, then he’ll stand ready with his sword when they pull on the ring.

Rolls

INT (Investigation) - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Dec 4, 2025 5:49 pm

Upon investigation, the main thing that jumps out to Eothain is that while the stone of the small square "door" is cut from the same stone as the walls and steps around them, there is definitely no attempt to conceal it from this side. The workmanship is excellent, the seam couldn't fit a piece of parchment if you tried to slide one in, they certainly could have concealed it if they wanted to.

But they apparently didn't want to. This perhaps indicates that you are all coming at this from the reverse direction from which it was most likely anticipated to be used.

There is nothing further concealed around the room.

Pulling on the ring, the stone block doesn't seem to want to move at first, but once an adequate threshold of force is exerted upon it, something gives and you're able to pull it fully within the circular vestibule landing.

The room on the other side is dark, and soundless, and initially nearly completely obscured, by the flat backside of... some additional stone ... something?

Only incrementally smaller than the opening - just enough for fingers to squeeze through - is another flat, standing stone panel. Gentle experimentation reveals that this obstruction is more easily moved than the great block you just pulled out of the wall. It can either be pushed aside within the room, or tipped backward and pulled into your circular vestibule.

Doing either reveals the obstruction was a statue, an artistic depiction of... perhaps some hero or other glorious figure, and the stone panel was the back of it's mounting.

As you emerge into the silent, black room on the other side, you quickly realize it appears to be some sort of crypt.

The statue sat on a ledge at the head of a stone sarcophagus, and it is onto the narrow ledge upon which you initially emerge.

As your torchlight fills the room, out of 5 apparent burial places, you see one has been disturbed. The wooden panels that once sealed the corpse into the long, flat nook of stone have been broken and pried out. Exposing the body, which is now nothing but brittle rags and bones.

Dec 4, 2025 9:06 pm

Duinhir feels awed by the room. An old burial place. He studies the statue and sarcophagi for a bit. When he sees the open tomb he focuses his attention on that one and its inhabitant. It is a mixture of respect and curiosity that drives him in this small distraction that probably has no relation to their current quest.

Rolls

History - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Dec 5, 2025 6:46 am

Bones. Éothain is reminded of the ceremony. He whispers to the others, "Didn’t Astalor draw power from bones at the ceremony? Maybe this is where he got them. If we take all the bones away, he might lose his magic and his followers will abandon him."

Last edited December 5, 2025 8:23 pm

Dec 5, 2025 8:47 am

He shivers at the thought of the sacrilegious grave-robbing.

"In that case, the poor soul who rested in this disturbed sarcophagus should be missing some bones... " he says, checking the exposed body more closely for missing parts, and looking for clues pointing to recent tampering.
He examines the dead body with respect, trying to touch only the rotting clothes.

OOC:

leaving a roll

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Dec 9, 2025 1:01 am

As you all move fully into the catacomb chamber, the light of your torches shows that there is another room beyond this one - it's floor littered with debris, and there is a stair ascending beyond that.

As Duinhir and Cirion move up to inspect the disturbed grave, you see lacquered writing fading on the broken boards indicating that this is the resting place of a soldier who died defending this stronghold from orks. If the date is to be believed, they died well more than 1,000 years ago.

The other tombs in this room bare similar writing.

As you get a full view of the interior of the opened grave, you find that its occupant is missing a skull, and the body has been disturbed. It's bones and dry-rotted tunic all collapsed and jumbled.

Dec 10, 2025 12:51 am

"These brave warriors died fighting orks, an enemy most foul. Their sacrifice and their remains deserves respect. However, I fear their remains are now being used to power sorcery, and the missing skull and bones suggest it’s true. That is more disrespectful than moving them out of the catacombs for a hidden burial outside."

Dec 10, 2025 8:41 am

The sacrilegious disrespect for this fallen brave burdens the young Gondorian's heart.
"Astalor's foul magic be damned... We should at least close this hero's grave for respect... Come, help me with the stone lid."
With the aid of his companions, he will try to close the sarcophagus.

Dec 10, 2025 5:28 pm

Giving the issue of sacrilege some thought, he suggests a way to transport and rebury them with proper respect by recalling an old tale with a somewhat related situation.

OOC:

I'm going for some way to toss the bones in a bag and dump them somewhere quick while feeling good about doing it.

Rolls

Tradition - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Dec 10, 2025 6:39 pm

Given the circumstances, Duinhir reckons that it would be acceptable to take and transport the remains by whatever means available - as ignominious as piling them into a simple bag might seem; getting them away from use in dark magic is more important, but to do them proper honor the remains should be kept separate (so that they can be re-interred whole, and they should be re-interred at a marked grave (wouldn't have to be a fancy marking, given the circumstances, but something so that they could be found), and preferably in their homeland (Gondor), if it cannot be done here at the outpost where they were stationed.

So, doable, but not super convenient if you're trying to take them with you as you complete the rest of your business here...

As you close the opened tomb, and ponder what to do with the remains, you get a better understanding of the other room as well.

It is also a catacomb, there are three graves dug into the walls of the second room, and all three of these have been disturbed. All three have skulls and major bones of the arms and legs missing.

And indeed, these patterns match up to the bone pyramids you witnessed and disrupted in the courtyard above, during Astalor's ritual.

These graves are marked with inscriptions indicating that these were workers who died in a collapse during the construction of this stronghold. And that it happened over 2,000 years ago.

Also in the other room is a small iron-bound chest sitting on the floor. Looking at it, you cannot imagine that it is nearly as old as anything else in these catacombs.

Dec 11, 2025 10:10 pm

Duinhir cautiously approaches the chest. It feels so out of place in this ancient tomb. He checks the surface of the chest and then (if nothing seems suspicious) he carefully tries to open the lit.

Dec 12, 2025 9:22 am

Cirion steps closer to Duinhir, also curious about the box. It looks so out of place, here.

He squints his eyes, knowing that some such containers are sometimes armed with traps against intruders.

OOC:

tries to see signs of a trigger-trap on the box lid and sides...

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Dec 16, 2025 4:31 pm

As you get down around it, you realize it's really more of a sturdy traveling case or a trunk than a chest. It is rectangular, low wide and deep with leather strap handles at the ends, it's a good dark wood, with iron bindings at the corners and the edges of the trunk covered in leather.

Whomever it belongs to must have considered the location safe because it is not locked, despite having a key hole. And you see no sign of danger or trapping.

Upon opening it, you're hit with a not-unpleasant smell of... some sort of herb or incense. The smell takes your brain back to the small sailing ship in the bay with ghost... and so do the rest of it's contents. There are white, red, and black candles. A couple of small trays and bowls made of brass. A folded-up velveteen cloth with strange symbols on it, and that's just what you can see on this layer. The height of the trunk would imply there's more below it.

And on top of it all is a skull, and a corroded sword.

Dec 16, 2025 7:18 pm

"It's the same smell as on the ship. The chest must belong to Astalor" Duinhir concludes before examining the content closer. Especially the strange symbols.
He tries to guess what they are or if he has seen them before.

OOC:

Rolling shadow Lore but it is the same bonus as regular Lore if that is more fitting

Last edited December 16, 2025 7:18 pm

Rolls

Shadow Lore - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Dec 17, 2025 5:59 am

Éothain shares his knowledge of lore and symbolism as they discuss what they found so far.

OOC:

Help action. Éothain is proficient in Lore. Rolling the advantage die with Duinhir’s bonus.

Rolls

Second die of advantage - (1d20+3)

(12) + 3 = 15

Dec 17, 2025 4:00 pm

They certainly look like workings of sorcery. You both recognize the general patterning of the symbols: concentric circles with geometric shapes drawn across them, as being similar to those you saw on a table covering on the ship, where Astalor had the drowned-spirit bound. Only stopping it's attack upon you when you disturbed and destroyed the paraphernalia.

You think this cloth and these items must be used for a similar, spirit binding, purpose.

Dec 21, 2025 5:33 pm

"The box seems taller than this... Let's see..."

He tries to see if there is a hidden compartment, and a trigger to open it.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Dec 21, 2025 9:44 pm

"We must be cautious." Duinhir warns grimly "I fear Astalor have bound another soul in the bondage of his service. Like the one we met on the ship."

He looks around as if he fears the ghost would be here already.
"We must destroy this as best we can when you are done, Cirion."

Dec 22, 2025 7:39 pm

"He gets power from the dark arts of necromancy. He and his allies are dangerous. When we are done here, perhaps we should make a plan to remove his companions."

Dec 23, 2025 6:27 pm

There's no hidden compartment. You find the bottom layers of the trunk are primarily books.

Old books. Big and bound in wood and leather. Some have an iron binding with a ring braised onto the spine - such as is seen in the most valuable books found in great libraries. Where there would be a chain fastened to the ring, hopefully preventing it from being removed from such a respiratory of knowledge.

This development brings something back to mind, something you recall hearing... several weeks ago now, when you first met Lady Blackridge, after returning her children to her in Minas Tirith, after the meal she shared with you all in her home...

When Astalor first came to her, before he ever kidnapped her young, it was in an effort to try to procure from her a very old, very valuable book.

It was because she denied him the tome, and in an effort to extort it from her, that he kidnapped her young. Which was of course what set off all of your involvement in this.

Your journey into the Harad.

The warehouse in Umbar. The fire.

The search for Astalor in Dol Amroth.

The pursuit of him far out here to the West, where you encountered the Druedain.

And their Stone Sisters which which led you into these mountains.

And there where you encountered the Swordsman and the Spearman from the Harad.

Which led you ultimately here.

All of it started over... old books.

Dec 25, 2025 11:04 pm

"Should we destroy these sinister books? Or would it be more useful to the Lady Blackridge if we carried them back to her for study? Perhaps much can be learned about the enemy..." he whispers in the dark tomb.

Dec 28, 2025 7:23 pm

"Nothing good wilk come from this. It must be destroyed. Let's us burn it now, if we fail at least we'll have spoiled some of his sorcery." Duinhir says grimly.
Then adds "And when it is done we must press on."

OOC:

We talked about reinterring the bodies. Do we take the time to do it now or later?

Dec 29, 2025 9:08 pm

"I say burn the books. If we fail in our attempts to capture Astalor, we have destroyed a known evil."

"Let us leave this place with the appearance that no one was here. We can try stay hidden nearby and recover. A day or two probably won’t matter as they prepare for winter."

Last edited December 29, 2025 9:09 pm

Dec 30, 2025 4:24 pm

OOC:

Ok so there's lots of actions being speculated upon here/questions that need answers:

1. Do you re-inter the bones in this box here and now (which begs the question: which grave they belong to? - there's the open grave of the warrior missing a skill, and then there's three open graves of workers missing skulls and arm and leg bones)? Or are you re-interring them elsewhere so Astalor could not again find/use them?

2. Do you burn the books here and now (sounds like, yes), and if so where? It's been proposed to do so in the stairwell.

3. It has also now been proposed to leave this place as you found it(was that what Eothain meant? So that Astalor couldn't tell you were here of he comes down), while you all go somewhere nearby (outside the secret door?) and recover.

4. RE: trying again to recapture Astalor. You guys know/can assume that in the few hours while you put up your decoy encampment, and searched for this secret door/came here that Astalor and his cult-priests were resting. So you could be facing Astalor, the 2 priests that weren't killed, and 3 - 6 commoners.

Let's get these questions answered. Would another poll format help, with the options as I understand them?

Dec 30, 2025 9:46 pm

OOC:

While the best thing to do would be to bury the bones outside somewhere. But as this would spoil our element of surprise. I'll be content with us just placing the bones in the box back in the most likely place and burning the book in the staircase. I feel we need to do this to avoid having to deal with a ghost again.
Then go for Astalor.

Dec 31, 2025 5:25 pm

OOC:

I'm aligned with Stefron. Guess the best place for placing the bones, burn books in staircase, carry on to Astalor to keep some element of surprise

Jan 1, 2026 12:06 am

OOC:

l’m good with that plan. This way, we know he won’t be using these bones against us.

Jan 1, 2026 9:11 pm

"My guess is the bones of the workers were used in the show Astalor performed. The skull in this box must belong to the knight buried in the disturbed tomb. The sword must be his, and Astalor may have bound his spirit to serve him." Duinhir shares his thoughts.

"Let us put the skull and sword back in the tomb and recite a Gondorian poem suitable to a man of his stature."

Jan 5, 2026 10:08 pm

As the others didn't seem to object, Duinhir solemnly picks up the skull and takes it to the tomb of the knight.

"O, fallen knight.
O, fading light.
Thy passing not in vain, valor well observed.
May thy rest thenceforth be undisturbed"

he recites an old Dunedain lamentation as he places the skull in the tomb as best he can.

Jan 6, 2026 10:48 pm

Cirion lowers his gaze in respect for the dead, letting the ancient words recited by Duinhir honour the fallen hero.

He lets the ranger finish, to then reach for the blasphemous books.
"I'll start burning the books. We need to move fast."

He takes the books back into the stairwell that led them here. Once there he will look for a suitable spot where to start a small fire, so not to allow the fire to propagate, and hopefully a place where the produced smoke can find an outlet.
He scans the terrain like he has done many times before in the wild, looking for the best spot.

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Jan 8, 2026 5:23 am

Respecting the outdoor skills of Cirion, Éothain helps him gather wood and direct the smoke in the right direction.

OOC:

Help action for Advantage, so I’m adding a second die roll.

Rolls

Help - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Jan 8, 2026 7:25 pm

The catacomb and the stairwell that lead you up to it are all deep within the heart of the mountain peak. There is nowhere for the smoke to go but in these spaces. So you figure the best place to burn them is probably at the bottom of the spiraling stairwell, so as to give the smoke the most volume and best chance to dissipate in, so as to not alert anyone who might be beyond the chambers of the catacomb.

On the bright side, there are only four tomes, and although they are sizeable, they shouldn't produce tremendous volumes of smoke.

The catacomb has a ceiling a foot or so higher than the top of the doorway, and so that should help contain the smoke as well, or at least delay it's procession into the rest of the keep that lies beyond the catacomb, and give you time to proceed quicker than it does.

Or you figure you could seal the secret door behind you to keep basically all of the smoke within the stairwell. Which would guarantee that no one above you would detect it.

But that would also make escape from the inner stronghold impossible by that route, should it be needed.

Jan 8, 2026 11:44 pm

"Best to start the fire at the bottom of the steps. We want a way out if things go badly. Come on, let's be quick."

He carries the four tomes down the stairs, and starts setting up a fire in a spot that seems dry. He hopes the old paper will be enough to combust.

Jan 9, 2026 7:19 am

Éothain offers some lantern oil in case it will help.

Jan 9, 2026 4:07 pm

OOC:

Ok, so I'm hearing that you'll leave the secret door into the catacomb, from the stairwell open, so that you can leave by that route if you wish.

At the risk of the smoke being detected if you move too slowly.

Correct?

With bones interred and the tomes aflame, you look to move forward, the smoke filling the headspace of the catacomb and threatening to soon chase after you.

There is only one way out of the catacomb, and that is by a short hallway that dog-legs into a narrow stair heading up perhaps 7 meters of elevation. At the top of the stair you can see there are the remnants of a decayed and rotted door hanging from hinges, and beyond it a larger room or perhaps a very wide and tall hallway.

You don't hear anything immediately.

OOC:

How do you proceed? Stealthily (and slowly) or not? Please discuss amongst yourselves if necessary, and give me a narrative and any checks you might want to make.

Jan 9, 2026 7:00 pm

"Is it done?" Duinhir asks as his two companions return from the book burning. "Let us continue but be as decreet and quiet as possible."

OOC:

Leaving a Perception and stealth roll for going forward. Ignore if the rest of you refer to charge ahead

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Stealth - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Jan 10, 2026 8:12 pm

Cirion uses his cloak to try and disperse the smoke as best as he can.

When the remains of the four tomes are just charred ruins beyond recovery, he catches up with the others.
He nods in agreement at Duinhir.

OOC:

stealthy and slowly is best, agreed.

Rolls

Stealth (Doubled) - (1d20+4)

(16) + 4 = 20

Jan 11, 2026 7:00 am

Éothain offers to stay in the back, as he is the least stealthy of the group.

Rolls

DEX (Stealth) - (1d20+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Jan 12, 2026 9:08 pm

OOC:

Ok, waiting for the books to have completed burning will color the timeline a little differently.

And yea, we can handle stealth as a group check here, which just requires that at least half the party succeed. And two of you rolled well!

Moving slowly and quietly, you reach the top of the stair and find that you're all looking in on a large hallway with what-appear-to-be cells, like for imprisonment, lining one side of it.

Though the bars and doors are mostly long ago corroded and fallen to the ground.

At the far end of the wide hallway, you see a person peering into one of the cells, they're holding up a torch and literally-sniffing about - likely searching for the source of the faint smell of smoke.

There is another stairwell at the far end of the hall going up, beyond the person peering in the cell, and if they came from there; then there is one cell they've already searched behind them and three more ahead. And then your stair. They're likely moving your way...

They have a torch in one hand, and what looks like a hand-axe in the other. If they're wearing armor, it is just padded or perhaps leather. They haven't noticed you yet.

Jan 13, 2026 1:13 pm

Cirion gestures to the others to hide quickly. He turns off any lights source he might have and presses himself in a dark corner of the stairs, readying his sword.
He places himself so not to be immediately visible to someone stepping into the staircase, hoping to use the surprise element to their advantage.

He also quietly prepares a single arrow to drop down the staircase to decoy the guard with noises from downstairs, if needed.

He looks tensely at the others.

OOC:

the idea is to wait for the others to get in position, then to drop the arrow down the stairs to make some noise to lure the guard there, then ambush the guard.

Jan 13, 2026 7:00 pm

OOC:

The results of your group Stealth check are greater than the Passive Perception of this guy, so you have Surprise on him in the first round. He cannot move or take action, until after you.

Go ahead and take your first turns/actions of combat.

The man looks over and grunts when the arrow clatters upon the stairs, he comes over toward your position, the light of his torch only revealing your location too late...

A look of recognition passes over his face, and indeed you recognize him, as one of the young men from the courtyard who stayed and ultimately joined Astalor, after he struck himself and his cult-priest with lightening.

His look of recognition quickly turns into confusion, as you make your moves...

Jan 13, 2026 9:45 pm

Duinhir jumps the man and tries to grapple him, covering his mouth with a firm hand.

OOC:

using Inspiration to reroll that terrible roll

Last edited January 13, 2026 9:46 pm

Rolls

Strength check - (1d20+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Strength check - reroll - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Jan 13, 2026 10:45 pm

Cirion springs to action and aims a blow at the man's hand to disarm him, with the flat of the blade.

Rolls

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

(9) + 3 = 12

Jan 14, 2026 3:18 am

Éothain hits the man in the solar plexus with his sword pommel, trying to knock the wind of him so he is quiet.

Rolls

Hit/damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

1d8+5 : (2) + 5 = 7

Jan 14, 2026 7:02 pm

Between your coordinated actions, the young man goes down with no resistance and little sound, his hand axe and torch clattering to the ground.

OOC:

Do you do anything with him? Or press on?

Jan 14, 2026 7:57 pm

OOC:

I think we'd disarm, bind and gag him

Jan 14, 2026 8:35 pm

Éothain picks up the hand axe and torch. They use some of Éothain’s rope to bind the prisoner and tear off one of the prisoner’s shirt sleeves to gag him and cover his eyes. Without speaking, he offers the hand axe to whoever wants it.

Jan 14, 2026 9:51 pm

Duinhir checks if the knots are good and tight, and the gag working. Then he is ready to press on and moves a bit forward to scout ahead for more guards.

Jan 15, 2026 4:26 pm

with one last look at the bound villager, Cirion follows the others. He focuses his attention on being alert and avoid to make noises.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Jan 15, 2026 6:02 pm

The stairwell at the far end of the gaol-hall immediately dog legs, sending you upward again, but at a much lower grade than the stair from the catacomb to gaol.

As you near the top of the stair, Cirion can hear... something.

After a moments pause to take it in, it sounds like one or more people working at something. A rapid hollow clack of metal on wood, a dull grating sound like wood being rubbed against metal, and the soft sounds of movement of small cloth and wooden parcels.

The room beyond the top of the stair is flickering with fire light. So you know that once you emerge, if anyone's gaze is even casually falling upon the doorway to the stair, you will not be able to remain unnoticed.

Jan 15, 2026 9:44 pm

Cirion immediately gestures the others to halt. Then he lowers himself on the stairs, so to crawl slowly, one step at a time on his hands and knees. He tries to get a glance into the room with only his head up to his eyes visible by the time he reaches the last step.
He relies on the occupants of the toom to be focused on their work, and on the noises they make to cover his careful crawl noises. He peeks in the room trying to get a visual of it, its occupants and other exits.

If he succeeds to gather some more intelligence, he will slowly go back to his companions to report...

OOC:

are there grounds for Advantage on a Stealth roll?

Rolls

Stealth (Doubled) - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Jan 15, 2026 9:45 pm