<LOTR> The Fate of The North

[arador359]

Lanwi stirs. "I agree with the small sir. While fire may be as a beacon to some, it is a bane to many dark things, many of which can see in the dark quite well. I would rather have light to fight by than to fumble for my spear in the dark. By the light of day we can then make good time, when the dark things must go to ground."

The conversation continues as you approach the summit of the hill. As you get closer, you notice the massive foundations of what was the watchtower. Peering up you see that the tower appears to have been sheered off at about the level that a 1st floor ceiling would have been. Arador leads you through some rubble and into a small central court yard that may have once sheltered horses.

As everyone files into the area, he turns and says, "I believe a fire would be safe tonight. there is enough shelter here hide both flame and smoke if it is a small blaze. A watch would be a prudent precaution, however."

 

[arador359]

"As for leaving tonight instead of waiting until the dawn, this night at least we still need to discuss your path, and everyone could use some much needed rest. Though I deem you may find night travel a prudent course of action before your task is done."

He moves to a dais at one side of the open area and unrolls a parchment he removes from his pack. Those nearby can see that it is a map.

 

[garyh]

Belegon moved forward to peer at Arador's map.

-Presuming it's a map of where we are and where we're going-

"Tell me," Belegon began, "how many days journey to our destination? What do you believe we will encounter along the way?"

 

[arador359]

Belegon moved forward to peer at Arador's map.

-Presuming it's a map of where we are and where we're going-

"Tell me," Belegon began, "how many days journey to our destination? What do you believe we will encounter along the way?"

Arador points to the map and says, "You should stay off the road from this point on. Travel north of the road until you reach the Last Bridge - it is the only way to cross the river. Then turn north into the Trollshaws. You must take care from now on not to draw attention to yourselves so it will take you longer to reach the bridge - expect about 7 days. Once you are in the hills and forests of Rhudaur, you must be stealthy and take care less you find yourselves beset by foes before you know they are about. As for what you find, Orcs and Trolls certainly, though I do not council you to attack each group of these you encounter unless they see you. There is also an unsavory group of men lurking about Bree. Sometimes they are seen along the roads. Finally, there are indication that some other group is in the Trollshaws, or North in old Angmar. As I said, I found a boot print of a type only seen in the south but a fortnight ago in the woods of the Trollshaws."

 

[Inez Hull]

Eidar also peers at the map, eager to learn as much he can of their route through unknown lands.

“So Arador, our only specific directions are; travel east to the Hoarwell River, then north through the Trollshaws and on to the Ettenmoors, where we will seek out Mt. Gram. Beyond that we are to investigate any unusual activity which we deem warrants attention. Have I the right of it?”

Eidar then turns to Valangil. “You have travelled the north and will be our guide, but have you walked these very paths we will be travelling before?”

 

[rangerjohn]

Valangil replies "I have travelled this area extensively in the company of my uncle. I am most familiar with the area around Mount Gram. It is the orcs of that area who are, most likely responsible, for the death of my mother. So I would say I know the area as well as any, and better than most." You can almost see the hatred enter his eyes as he discusses the orcs of Mount Gram.

 

[Daiymo]

Strabo looks for a moment at the map, something difficult to do given his size.

As the other discuss things to come, the hobbit finds a place close to the fire, and stares into the darkness all around. Occasionally, he steals a glance at the elves.

 

[garyh]

"Aye," Belegon agreed, "your... hard-earned knowledge will prove of great use in the days ahead, Valangil. We are lucky indeed to count one such as yourself among our number."

 

[arador359]

Eidar also peers at the map, eager to learn as much he can of their route through unknown lands.

“So Arador, our only specific directions are; travel east to the Hoarwell River, then north through the Trollshaws and on to the Ettenmoors, where we will seek out Mt. Gram. Beyond that we are to investigate any unusual activity which we deem warrants attention. Have I the right of it?”

"There are 3 sets of ruins you should investigate as well. Two are old guard towers. They were destroyed in the wars between Angmar and Arthedain 15 centuries ago. The 3rd is the ancient capitol of Rhudaur. Each of these sites was built by the followers of Elendil soon after he arrived on these shores and hide ancient tombs. It must be known if they were disturbed as well."

He marks the locations on the map <by the way, I will find or make a better map>. One of the towers lies roughly in the middle of the hills of the Trollshaws about 75 miles from the Last Bridge while the other tower and the old capitol are both on the eastern bank of the Hoarwell. The tower is about 50 miles north of the road and the other site roughly 50 miles further up the river.

He then notices that Strabo is trying to see the map and looks around for a moment. Finding a chunk of rubble of the right size he places it next to the table and says with a smile, "my apologies, Mr. Underhill, I hope this will be acceptable as a step."

He turns back to the map and gazes at it again, then says, "depending on what you find in the ruins or near Mt. Gram, you may also need to enter the bounds of old Angmar. It is still a fell place even though the Witch King was defeated and fled a thousand years ago," he glances at Sirandir, "but strange rumors tell of a new presence there trying to rebuild parts of Carn Dum. I cannot council you to venture there or stay away. I leave it to your judgment based on what you find in your travels, but, if the servants of Sauron are rebuilding in Angmar, Elrond must be told without delay."

He stops and looks about, "Well, there is the quest put before you. What questions do you have of me? If you have none, we should set a watch and get what rest we may. We must be away at dawn. You on your quest and I on mine."

 

[arador359]

Game Mechanics Stuff Here

Now I need to know if you are setting a watch, if so, how does it work, and what your general behavior is around sleeping; i.e., do you sleep in your armor, etc. This is not just for the night at Amon Sul. I'm looking your standard procedures here.

Thanks!