Middle Earth [TA 2997]: The Phantom of the Northern Marches

[Inez Hull]

"Yes, time is of the essence if all the stories I hear from Nothva Rhaglaw are indeed true. But the day is also late, and unless you wish to be investigating the Wyd after dark there is little to be gained by travelling west today. If you would hear of Gerse and receive his blessings, I can offer you all simple lodgings for the night.

"Tell me though, what is known of the phantom? I heard yesterday that two young shephards had disappeared. Also, why is it that you seek out the sleeping king's hall?"

 

[Manzanita]

Valandil

"We are open to suggestion, my friend. Your first suggestion is a good one, I think. We will rest here for the night, if you will have us, and hear the story of Gerse. As for the Sleeping Kings Hall, I wanted to see it. I wonder if it is not in some way related to these foul happenings. What do you know of this hall?"

 

[Inez Hull]

"The hall of the great King Gotshelm, the Tateshalla, does lie within the Witbeamwyd, but I suspect that you will find little there. It is the spirit of Gerse that protects the region from the darkness out of Angmar, 'The Sleeping King' is little but a legend, albeit one that sustains the local folk through hard times. The story is that the King and his knights will return at the time of greatest need. However, Gerse has protected Nothva Rhaglaw for many generations and still does today. That said, these strange happenings are yet to be explained, and Gerse's influence usually drives away orcs, trolls and the like.

Witbert waves you to seats in the shrine and then sits down himself with an expansive gesture to the carvings on the screens and books and scrolls against the walls, "Let me tell you all a little about the great hero Gerse, his deeds and his legacy..."

...He then goes on to speak animatedly for as long as you let him about Gerse's life and times, his heroics and gallantry and ongoing protection of his folk. When he reaches the stage in his tale of Gerse's slaying of a mighty Cold Drake he takes you through the wooden partitions to the inner shrine, which contains a simple stone sarcophagus and an altar bearing a great two handed sword with a great amber lump attached to its end - the heart of the slain drake. Witbert happily regales you with all manner of anecdotes and stories of Gerse and then answers any other particular questions you have.

He then offers you all simple lodgings for the night in his house and stable, requesting only that you be present for his morning prayers to Gerse.

[OODM: Please post any questions or converstaion you wish to make and when ready I will move on to the next morning.]

 

[Mirth]

"The hall of the great King Gotshelm, the Tateshalla, does lie within the Witbeamwyd, but I suspect that you will find little there. It is the spirit of Gerse that protects the region from the darkness out of Angmar, 'The Sleeping King' is little but a legend, albeit one that sustains the local folk through hard times. The story is that the King and his knights will return at the time of greatest need. However, Gerse has protected Nothva Rhaglaw for many generations and still does today. That said, these strange happenings are yet to be explained, and Gerse's influence usually drives away orcs, trolls and the like...

"With all due respect, we wouldn't be here if Gerse was doing his job," Artos says sternly. Seeing the man's face tense up, the barbarian adds, "Or perhaps we are sent here by some will of Gerse, if you want to look at it that way. Nevertheless, we have one request and that is to be shown where the Sleeping King lies. Will you tell us or not?"

 

[Inez Hull]

"Gerse's spirit has always protected the folk of these parts, and I am still able to commune with his spirit and pass on his blessings. As far as I am aware his influence is undisturbed, but yes these reports of a 'phantom' and the missing folk must have some explanation. What though I am unsure."

"The Tateshalla should not be too difficult to find, it lies in a vale in the north of the Witbeamwyd. If you are going to visit it to investigate I only ask that you treat it with respect. King Gotshelm holds no sway in death, but he was a great king and his legend is powerful. The tale of his promise to return gives hope to many of the folk of the region and I would not see it shown false."

 

[Festy_Dog]

Antroine nods respectfully.

"Not many things more hurtful than crushing someone's hopes. No need to worry about it Witbert, causing that kind of heartache is definitely not in our agenda," he says, shaking his head.

 

[Manzanita]

Valandil

"Yes, thanks for the tales of Gerse. It has warmed my heart. I still feel, the Tateshalla is a good place to start. We must head into the forest anyway."

 

[rangerjohn]

Arathron nods in agreement to all that has been said. "So it is said, so shall it be. Now I suggest a meal and some sleep before we press on."

 

[Inez Hull]

Witbert tells a few more of the histories of Gerse before it gets late enough to begin preparing a meal for the evening. Witbert has a housekeeper, but six more mouths than usual to feed means they are appreciative of help. Over dinner you discuss the stories of the 'phantom' and Witbert asks about each of you and your reasons for being here. You retire after a relaxed evening to an assortment of sleeping quarters in a spare room in the house and space in the stables.

Come morning you all awake early and refreshed, enjoy a simple breakfast together and join Witbert in the shrine for his morning prayers to Gerse. As his prayers come to a close he makes an invocation, requesting the blessings of Gerse's spirit over your company as you seek to aid the folk of Nothva Rhaglaw.

You ready yourselves to leave and Witbert expresses his gratitude and best wishes on your task. "The Tateshalla is perhaps two miles southwest from the edge of the Witbeamwyd. You'll have to travel a few miles south to pass the break in the woods and then head west from the road. If there is aught else I can do to help please come and see me."

 

[Mirth]

"Thanks for your hospitality," Artos says as he lays his huge hand on Witbert's shoulder. "Gerse should be proud to have you in his service. Once we have gotten rid of this 'Phantom,' we will return." He waits for the others to say their farewells so that they can get back on the road.