A1.1 At Your Service

A1.1 At Your Service

Theobard (Theo), 27yo Beorning Wanderer [Aaron]: Theo was a long way from home; sent by his Chieftain Grimbeorn to learn about threats south of their Carrock homeland. Treated as insignificant, the Beornings had to pry any news from civilized humans who expected others to tell all. At least the Beornings shared common threats with the neighboring elves in the Mirkwood forest, such as the recent sighting of orc activity to the north. Not that elves were all that talkative and sharers of information. Similar to the standoffish dwarfs who preferred to drink rather than talk.

Thranduil (Thran), 250yo Elf Scholar [Joey]: Thran spent most of his years in the underground library of the Halls of Thranduil. A bookworm you might say, with little actual worldly experience. Maybe that’s why his queen tasked him with a quest to replenish herbs needed for special elvish medicine. “There is more to knowledge than that which is written. Document your own findings to add more books for our library.”

Kyan, 97yo Dwarf Warrior [Mike]: A miner by trade, just like his father who specialized in extracting rare metamorphic minerals found within the Mountain of Erebor. Until Smaug drove out the dwarfs! The Iron Hills to the east proved lacking such minerals, just like the Blue Mountains far to the west. But dwarves laboring to rebuild the Gondor capital of Minas Tirith spoke of minerals within the White Mountains where they mined granite slabs. A year since his father passed away, Kyan now quests to honor his father’s trade.

Hugo, Hobbit Adventurer [NPC]: A few humans tell tales of hairy-footed “children” who aided in the defense of Minas Tirith some 65 years ago. But come now, such creatures are just fairy tales.

                                     

There are many debates about how The Lonesome Coach Inn came to be. The two most popular theories are that either a ‘Roc’ finally got tired of carrying such a heavy load, or a teleport spell went awry. Whatever the start of the story, it ends with a dwarven war wagon stranded in the upper boughs of a huge oak alongside the Erui River. The road mark soon became a campsite, which gradually turned into a rudimentary shelter, which gradually evolved into an inn and provisioning center. For many centuries, The Lonesome Coach has been an oasis for weary travelers pushing south and west of the White Mountains of Gondor. Or those heading to the open water port of Pelargir where winter ice rarely formed.

March: Thran could hear the boisterous dwarfs even before he entered The Lonesome Coach. Most patrons paused to look at the new arrival who shook the snow from his cloak and boots before lowering his hood to scrape off ice crystals from his nose-hairs. They sneered at his pointed ears before returning to their own conversations and drinks. Thran scanned the room comprised of mostly human and dwarfs. He puzzled at the beorning sitting alone before taking his own place at an empty table. Or so he thought empty: first a small hand appeared across the table to lift the mug below the tabletop. Then a waft of sweet-smelling smoke rose from the area. Thran craned his head to spot a hobbit casually puffing on his pipe, blowing smoke-rings into the air as he tilted his chair back as if to eavesdrop on the next table.

Kyan wiped the froth from his beard as he sneered at the elf with mistrust. Ages of hostile relations had been tempered by common enemies of late. But in these times of peace… Kyan couldn’t help but notice the elf sat alone from the other suspicious patron. He was still stewing about the beorning kind who controlled the Anduin crossing way up north with high tariffs. As if them owed for keeping the mountain passes clear of goblin and orc threat. Just wait for the days when the Mines of Moria are reclaimed, and he and his kind could freely pass under the mountain!

His thoughts returned to the task at hand as the barmaid Tina delivered another round of drinks to the dwarven table.

Theo had seen elves in Mirkwood near his home up north in Carrock. He was surprised to find one SOOO far from its home and forest hiding. As for the ‘child’ at the elf’s table: his family and ancestors told 70-year-old tall-tales about a hobbit accompanied by dwarves venturing into old king Beorn’s home. And now to actually see one! Theo sat back in his chair to better eavesdrop on the humans in hope they spoke of troubles within their lands.

And that’s when he overheard the bully at the corner table threatening an older couple (Tinneas & Alona), “No! YOU don’t understand. You’re gonna tell us AND pay us whatever we ask. Even if it means we have to take it out on your lovely little wife here!” One of his minions grabbed Alona’s sleeve to prove the point.

Apparently, Theo wasn’t the only one to hear the conversation as the hobbit soon stood behind the bully (Torg), who noticed. “Well, well, what have we here? This your kid?!” Hugo ignored the taunting as he spoke up, “Actually, I too heard the offer of treasure and have come to offer my services.” And that’s when Theo arrived to lay his axe upon the table (Intimidate), “Leave the woman alone. If it’s a sport you want, how about picking on someone your own size? Care to step outside?” Now the 2 minions gulped at the sight of the giant who loomed over them (his near 7-foot to their barely 5-ft 5-inch height). But Torg wasn’t impressed as he pulled back his cloak to reveal his own blade, “Lead the way.” A lot of bravado… “You first.” “No, you first.”

Now at this point, everyone was abiding by Olaf’s (the innkeeper) rules: no blades or weapons to draw blood. Until Thran stood to notch an arrow at the commotion. And that’s when Olaf’s throwing-knife stuck in the edge of the elf’s table, “I said no weapons!” Thran tried to protest, “But they’ve drawn axe and blade.” He emphasized his protest by removing the knife and walking to the bar to spike it in the counter in front of Olaf, “I suppose this cannot draw blood?”

By now Kyan took interest in the commotion as an opportunity to earn free drinks. He stood and stretched and began to stroll toward the ruckus as he gripped the spike in his palm (impromptu brass-knuckles). He was close enough for the elf who questioned his motive, “What are you doing dwarf?!” Words to form an alliance…NOT!

Theo grabbed at the thug who held Alona’s sleeve and earned a punch instead. At Torg’s wink, another thug raised his sap (blackjack) to attack. But Theo was quicker and grappled the first attacker, using him as shield to the other thug. [fumble] The sap struck the thug’s head with a solid “Wack!” Theo now held an unconscious foe which he tossed at his other assailant. There were a lot of moving bodies which might explain Torg’s failed [fumbled] attempt to hit Theo with his empty mug. Torg raised a whistle to his lips and sounded a cord as Kyan closed upon him. Whether they made eye contact to coordinate the attack: Kyan grappled Torg and shoved him back just as the hobbit moved low behind the bully causing Torg to stumble and fall over the hobbit.

A few patrons took interest in the bar-fight, especially when the whistle sounded. Most resumed drinking. Thran noticed movement out of the corner of his eye but ignored it as he moved to join the ruckus. He failed to hear the “crash” or see the red glare behind him. Those in the fight saw the flare of fire from a distant table. They heard Tina’s screams as she rushed to put out the fire, only to catch her apron on fire.

So much for coming to the aid of a damsel in distress: Theo tried to help the older couple exit the inn, Thran busted out a window to provide an escape route, Kyan had his hands full of Torg’s collar as the two wrestled. Thus, it was Hugo who came to Tina’s rescue by first throwing a full mug of ale at the fire as he used his dagger to cut away her burning apron.

With the fight now at a standstill, Olaf stood over the combatants as he threatened with his spiked club, “Which one of you is paying for the damages?! Busted mugs, tables & chairs, broken window, and a burned table… that’s 50 gold pieces!” Kyan dug through the pockets of the unconscious thugs and offered the few copper and silver as payment, “You can ask their leader here to empty his pockets for the balance. He started it.”

Patrons who ran from the burning inn returned with Captain Axel (of the Bridge Guards). He listened to Olaf’s claim and to the various stories of the accused. [Persuade] Now the elf was out of his elements without social skills. While the beorning had made friends with the staff, he wasn’t in position to talk, considering most patrons described him as coming to the table and laying his axe as a threat. Kyan spoke up, “I think if you ask this couple, they can explain how they were accosted by these thugs. We just came to their rescue.” It took Tinneas & Alona time to compose themselves but soon they described the events. Capt Axel was able to calm the owner, “Come now Olaf, there seems to be fights almost nightly. How many times has that table been broken? I think the coins collected and what this leader has should cover the damage. Now if someone can help me take these men to jail…” At least the elf scholar healed the beorning’s wounds.

And that’s when Hugo showed up with a fresh mug of ale as he gnawed on chicken wings, “Now back to the offer of treasure.” Tinneas explained their situation, “About a week ago I was clearing a new field when the plow caught on a rock. Days of digging proved it to be a circular slab covering. When I hooked up my horse and began to slide it to the side, the horse suddenly died. Without a horse to till my land and a mysterious crypt reeking of mildew and stale air, my future is ruined. Please, whatever is inside is yours. I only ask you to rid my land of whatever evil lurks inside.” They used the rest of the evening to gather supplies for the 5-day journey west to Tinneas’ farm. At least Tinneas & Alona came by cart pulled by a mule.

THE JOURNEY

What a strange collection of adventurers. Come morning, they hit the road with Thran in the lead as Lookout, followed by Theo as Guide. Hugo as Scout perched atop the cart beside the couple. Which left the dwarf Kyan as their Hunter walking behind the cart avoiding mule droppings.

EMBARKATION: [1d12- Theo as Guide rolled 12 which translated to +2 to the Events roll] Tinneas mostly pointed the way back to his farm, but still the route had its uncertainties considering the winter snow covered most of the route. Thran found opportunities to question Tinneas about the lay of the land, “How long have you lived on your farm? I’ve read a little about the history of mankind in the area. You men of Gondor came from the west in the 2^nd age when your kind were known as Numenorians. I’ve heard the term Dunedain also used.” Tinneas was proud of his heritage, “I haven’t heard those terms used in a long time. Just know that we are loyal citizens to King Ellasar who rules the land. In fact, my only son left months ago to join his army.”  

EVENTS: [1d12- Guide rolled 3, plus the 2 from above = 5; Agents of the Enemy; A call upon their Lookout] They were 3 days into their trek, crossing rolling hills dotted with bare-branch trees, having already crossed one river. By now Kyan became accustomed to the apple core tossed from the cart, “Damn it hobbit, quit eating all our rations!” He ignored Hugo’s explanation of 5^th and 6^th “breakfasties.” Lucky for them, Kyan proved a worthy hunter bringing back a pair of rabbits for dinner most nights.

But on the 3^rd day, as the cart wheels settled into the well-worn ruts hidden under the snow, while passing under the canopy of trees, Thran (as Lookout) heard a loud “Crack!” He looked back where the sound came from and saw the clumps of snow falling from the bare branches overheard. But more important: he saw the rotten branch (that gave way to the weight of the wet snow) also falling! “JUMP!” No explanations; just instructions. [Insight- natural 20] Kyan as rear-guard realized the mule was under the falling branch. He thought about rushing forward to prod the mule into action but reasoned the branch might then hit the elder couple. Thus, he too yelled instructions, “Jump off the cart; move your arses!”

As predicted, the branch hit the mule now pinned under the weight of the heavy branch. The mule brayed in pain from a broken leg.  With Theo’s aid, Kyan lifted the branch off the mule. Yet as much as Thran wanted to heal the mule, its kicking and snapping of its teeth kept him at bay. “It’s just a pain in the ass.” [Animal Handling] And that’s when Theo came forward to calm the distressed mule. With Hands-of-a-Healer, Thran set its leg with a splint to the dismay of the dwarf who saw fresh meat almost available. But then who would pull the cart?

They lost half-a-day dealing with the accident and lame mule. On the 4^th day, they came to another river spanned by an old wooden bridge. Kyan (165 lbs) was first to cross to test its structural worthiness, almost slipping on the icy surface: it creaked and groaned under his weight but held sturdy. Theo (232 lbs) was next safely across. Thran (149 lbs) led the elder couple across to safety. As for the cart: Hugo sat atop ready with the reins as Kyan tried to tie a rope to the mule’s bridle: he almost got bitten! When Theo failed to offer animal handling help, Hugo took it upon himself to prod the stubborn beast as he climbed upon its back, “Like this; you have to squeeze its ears to distract him to get him moving.” [fumble] The mule clopped forward as it climbed the low-arching bridge, until it got to the apex where it began to lose footing on the icy surface. It brayed and bucked, sending the hobbit flying over the side of the bridge into the icy river below!

Theo and Thran rushed forward to save the cart: while Theo pushed, Thran threw a blanket over the mule’s face to blind him as he guided the beast forward across the bridge. Meanwhile, Kyan dashed along the riverbank trying to keep up with the hobbit being swept away in what little river that wasn’t frozen over. But just ahead: he saw the ledge of ice marking a completely frozen river! Mere seconds to rescue Hugo before he went under the ice! Kyan blindly threw his lasso rope trying to snare a stump as he drove for the icy bank of the river. The lasso missed but the ice held as Kyan slid closer to Hugo while extending his spear, “Grab hold!” [Acrobatics 4, Inspiration 18] Hugo’s first grab missed causing him to roll in the water. But on his next reach… Kyan pulled in the spear, lifting the wet hobbit up and over the lip of ice. Thankfully, Theo had a warm fire raging by the time Kyan returned with a near frozen catch. 

ARRIVAL: [1d8- Guide rolled 1: Weary to the Bones: all failed WISsave and thus took +2 Shadow points] They lost another half-day trying to stave off hyperthermia. Thus, it was Day 6 when they finally arrived at the farm with feelings of dread for whatever lay ahead. Alona pointed out their cold and forlorn farmhouse while Tinneas pointed out the hump of snow in the open field, “That’s where my horse dropped dead. The capstone is maybe 10-ft behind him.”

But the adventurers were more focused on the dark shadows that lined the bare branches of the trees that outlined the field. [6^th sense] Theo immediately felt a chill, especially when eyes appeared in the shapes and small heads swiveled towards them in unison to display their beaks. And in unison let out a “KaKaw.” All immediately recognized “Crebain! Once the eyes and ears of Saruman. Now who do they serve?” [Blighted Lands- WISsave failures: all took another point of Shadow]

Hugo dismissed the scene as he jumped off the cart, “Time’s a wasting as we’re already late for dinner. I’ll fire up the stove if someone will carry in the provisions.” Thran helped the couple off the cart and into the house before joining the others in the field. As Kyan and Theo brushed snow off the circular capstone, they noticed crow tracks that seemed to dance along the edge near a small opening underneath. Kyan immediately thought of the crebain as possibly emerging from the crypt! Theo caught sight of etchings on the side of the capstone but could not read the language. And this near the opening triggered his 6^th sense. Meanwhile, Kyan used his mirror to angle the setting sunlight into the opening to spot a stonework room below the capstone. [CONsave-failure] As he knelt to get a better view, the stench of mildew caused Kyan to gag. [Stonecraft] At least Kyan recognized the ancient structure as something from the 2^nd Age. “I think it best to wait till morning to open this crypt for further exploration. Leave whatever evil awaits inside.”

By now, Thran stood beside the dead horse and brushed off the snow to reason its death. In the process, he found a dart embedded in its right haunch. The area around the dart was black, just like the lips and nostrils of the horse. [Medicine] He immediately recognized the signs of poison yet said nothing to the others near the capstone.

At least the warm house washed away their feelings of dread. And thank goodness Alona rescued some of the stew from the voracious hobbit! As they sat around the fireplace smoking their pipes, they each revealed their discoveries. Kyan huffed with contempt when Thran spoke about the poisoned dart, “Why didn’t you warn us as we messed with the capstone! There could be more dart traps to trigger!” 

Come morning, Thran knelt beside the capstone and read the etching, “It’s in an old language spoken by the Dunedain. It reads, ‘It now rests upon the shoulders of man to stave off the darkness’.” With a rope tied to it, they braced the plow against the capstone as they stood on the backside to pull it further open. And as predicted, more darts sprung forth. Those with nightvision descended by rope first, followed by Theo who lit a torch once inside the crypt. Mural paintings on the walls had long ago faded, denying them records from the 2^nd Age. As they looked further down the dark corridor, they saw the outline of a crouching figure. Kyan immediately raised his shield and readied his spear and stepped forward. Too late did he realize he stepped on a pressure plate.

Time seemed to slow to a standstill: at first a puff of air rose from the stone floor gap. Then the “zing” of 2 bolts in rapid succession shot down the corridor towards them and impacted on the back wall. Then a baritone voice cried out a warning in common, “In..trud…er, Intruder.” [CONsave- Hugo failed] Hugo sprang into action with his bow as he fired arrow after arrow at the threats, “Careful, there are two ahead and another behind us!”

Theo waved the torch to the rear but only saw a blank wall. Thran loosed an arrow at the known assailant in front of them as he braced against the far wall when 2 more bolts shot forth along the centerline. Kyan was just about to charge when he saw the outline of another pressure-plate before him. He stepped over it and moved with caution as he warned the others. Thus, Thran also advanced with caution. As for Theo: he swatted the bow away when Hugo pointed an arrow in his direction as if the beorning was a threat. Obviously, the hobbit was hallucinating and reacting to imagined threats. He offered Hugo his flask to clear his thoughts.

By now Kyan and Thran found the archer to be a stone-guardian with a mechanical multi-shot crossbow being fed by a spring-loaded clip. Internal gears fed the bolts into the crossbow brace as another gear pulled back the string, readied to fire. The elf quickly removed the clip to disarm the stone-archer. With his head cleared from the hallucinating gas, Hugo offered his help at disarming the 2^nd pressure-plate. “Look at that ingenious trap… see the metal pole inserted along the wall? Step on the plate and the pole rises to push that stone out of the way, releasing the cave-in of rocks.” He spiked the trap to prevent accidentally triggering it when they exited.

Now relaxed, they inspected the area only to find a dagger with inset cheap stones, and a fingerpick (for stringed musical instruments) made from an abalone shell. Thran and Kyan looked at them as ancient treasures that suggested the 2^nd Age. Hugo looked at them, “That’s it?! All this setup for such cheap treasure?!” Yes, there had to be more, especially considering the hair on the back of Theo’s neck still irritated him.

Kyan looked closer at the stone worked guardian and realized its arms were separate pieces from the body. As he tried to manipulate them, they soon rose up with a “click.” A pin must have been lifted that allowed the guardian to be swiveled to the side, exposing a passage beneath it. “Who wants to go first?”

NEXT SESSION: https://lotrwjr.blogspot.com/2024/11/a12-ill-take-that.html