The Song of Earth has been awoken.  Magic has returned to Middle Earth.  Now the journey begins to find the dwarves, to free Ceven from his prison, to seek the other fallen stars, and to root out the darkness in the world.

No pressure.

"Welcome back.  That did not take nearly as long as I expected.  Heard some good music inside.  Gave me some ideas for a new ballad I'd like to write."  What Eles does not say, but what is evident in his tone, is that this will likely be his last composing.  "What did you find inside?"

Toben smiles at the sight of Eles. "I'm relieved to see that you're still here. I wasn't sure how much time had passed while we were inside." He glances back to the cave entrance for a moment, and the turns to address Eles again.

"What we found inside was really quite amazing. I've seen my fair share of caves, but this was like nothing I have seen before. The interior was lined with crystals that lit up the whole place. Their very presence seemed to resonate the very melody of the earth's song." Toben takes a quick moment to catch his breath, "Then there was Ceven, whom I can only describe as a living manifestation of the earth. His very form shifted from the elemental earth to something more human-like right before our eyes. He said he was one of the seven Maiar sent here to help restore the world back to its former state of beauty and wonder. He said he needs our help though. He claims to be bound to the cavern by some dark force, and that we need to seek the help of dwarves to free him. There seemed to be a sense of urgency in his request, as if there wasn't much time to break his bonds."

"Eles, do you know under which mountain we would find the dwarves that could help us?"

"Maiar, eh?  That confirms my thoughts on that topic.  I wish I could have seen him."  He sighs wistfully, then shakes off the melancholy.  "Darkness?  Dwarves?  Hmm.  Legends give two locations for certain that we might find dwarves.  The first is not far north of here in a place called the Chasm of Doom.  It's only a month from here.  The second is beyond the great forest, the Lonely Mountain at the edge of the nation of Esgaroth on the Lake.  It's very far north, though.  Months of travel."

After the recounting is done and thnaks offered for the information, Klale says North then. Grandfather Eles, are you coming with us? With luck, you'll be able to ride.

"I will come, of course.  If this is to be my last tale, then I will be witness to its telling."  His countenance falls, then.  "I only wish we knew what happened to Aashara...and even Cace.  We simply haven't the time to search for them."  He smiles wanly at Klale and the others.  "So.  Which will we head for?  The Chasm of Doom or the Lonely Mountain?"

"I share your sentiments Eles. My thoughts reach out to Aashera as well. Perhaps we can have Amath and his followers keep an eye out for them, and at least let them know they are on our side."

Tobens tone changes to one of more urgency, "I fear we do not have the luxury of time on our side. Even a month seems too long, so my vote goes toward The Chasm of Doom... despite the name."

Phineas is clearly delighted to see Eles in good health, and after an initial enthusiastic embrace (and a grudging but respectful nod to Amath), stays close to him as the conversation continues.

"I would cast my vote for the Chasm of Doom as well, though I am slightly alarmed that all of the sightseeing we're doing thus far seems to feature 'Doom' prominently in the names of the landmarks. Even so, a month of travel sounds painfully long, though if it's our best option, we should pursue it."

"I wonder: would it be prudent to send a scouting party and see if we can find any trace of Aashera and Cace before we embark? Or would we do as well to leave messages for them with these guardians?"

Caven's being leached, dying. We go to the nearest; Caven didn't say which dwarves. No time for side trips, and it's more danger for each of us if we split up. Let's go. Eles, it gets hard, you let me carry you. Ano and Toben, if they will, can then carry hammer and sword.

The fresh air felt good in Ano's lungs as he left the cave, feeling renewed.  Like the others he was glad to see that Eles was still there waiting for them, and that he was able to provide some insights to the location of the dwarves.  Ano nodded in swift agreement with the others "The Chasm of Doom, then"

Before they get ready to leave Ano looks at Toben and asks "Perhaps we should ask if Amath knows anything about the rings we found."

"Great suggestion Ano. I completely forgot about that." Toben whispers quietly to Ferb, and he quickly disappears. His backpack appears to animate as the critter rummages around. Within moments, Ferb reappears with the black idol firmly clasped within his mouth and a single ring on the tip of his tail.

Toben pats him on the head and offers a treat for his trouble. He retrieves the idol and ring and walks over to Amath. "There was a small group of bandits that we defeated not too long ago. Many of them had these rings, and their leader carried this idol. We believe they are a part of the larger group we mentioned earlier." Toben hands the items over to Amath, "You seem to be far better versed in the ways of the old world, do these mean anything to you? They made mention of something or someone called the Valaraukar as well."

Amath looks almost...well, not frightened, but surprised and wary at the mention of the name 'Valaraukar'.  "Your people called them 'Balrogs'.  This one pictured here is Gawlûtharonoded, or simply Gawlûth.  His long name means 'charm of the void unending'.  They are demons, Maiar corrupted long ago by the darkness.  This one was known for his subtlety and craftiness."

And he doubtless has designs on the returning Maiar. Well, we know something; thanks, Amath.

As they start off, Klale remarks All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Amath guides you through the cauldron to its edge and bids you farewell with one final warning.  "Beware, not all Orchoth are Lim.  Many still hear and heed the call of the dark.  Those who look like us are called Uruk Hai.  Those who are smaller, weaker, are simply orcs."  He says the last word with great disdain.  "The orcs may not have come out of the deep places of the world, yet.  They fear the light of day and will only come out at night if they move on the surface at all."

He places his right arm across his chest and bows respectfully.  "May the light of Ilúvatar ever guide your way."

Klale repeats the gesture And may your guardianship continue to be successful.

He looks for the horses by the wagons when they arrive there.

"Thanks for all your help, Amath." Toben takes the ring and idol back and places them in his travel pack. "Aside from them just attacking outright, is the a way to identify the less enlightened Orchoth? Probably not like a secret handshake, but something we can look for?"

Toben bows deeply, and then extends his hand in friendship. "Until we meet again, honorable one."

As the group departs, Amath snorts.  "Yes.  They will be the ones trying to kill you."

Eles leaves a small stack of rocks and sticks at the lip of the bowl.  "It's for Aashara.  Unless they are members of my family, any one who comes across this pile won't understand the pattern."

The horses and wagons are were they were left, the horses more or less anyway.  Harnessed once again to the wagon, the group is off to the north.  Granting that Pauric's army went around Mt. Doom on the east side, Eles suggests going around on the west.  At the western most part of the mountain, just before the mountainside begins to curve east again, there is a road heading due west.  There is also a gap due north far in the distance, though it is likely Pauric's people will be in that general direction.

"Which way?  I need to leave Aashera directions."

Ano looks at both roads considering for a momnt before saying "West i think.  If we can avoid conflict with other groups then we will be able to keep moving quickly. "

Toben nods in agreement. "While I believe going north would be the shortest path, any conflict that generates would only slow us down... not to mention potential casualties. West it is!"

West then...but turn north soon. Longer but maybe not slower if we find easier county.

The wagons roll west along the old road.  Though grown up in places on the sides, the road is in solid condition and clearly set.  The stones used to make the road must run deep indeed, and are of some material that does not allow grass or the small bushes surrounding the road to gain a foothold.

Travel is swift and easy on the road.  The mountains to the west rise swiftly and the gap between them grows.  Overlooking the road standing sentinel to the pass is a single tower.  It looks desolate and lonely in the shadows of the mountain this evening.  There is a white-washed appearance to the tower as if centuries of rain and wind have kept it scoured clean, almost like a bone sticking up from the sands of the desert bleached by the sun and sand.

The pass itself switches back and forth and makes it nearly impossible to tell what is ahead.  There is...something, a building there, much larger than the tower, but difficult to make out beyond a sliver at the end of the pass.  From this vantage point it is not possible to determine if the pass ends at this second building, fortress, castle, or whatever, or if it only pauses to continue on through the mountains on the other side.

The wind gives voice to the pass, whispers in the growing dark of night.  It gives the eerie feeling of being not being alone.

Klale is for stopping where there is water and grass or horse-edible plants. His mood has been pensive...I could have smithyed better. Perhaps the dwarves will teach me even more. You too Toben; guess there's always more to learn.

Toben stops to gaze at the path before them. It seems like they have come so far in a very short time, but even that is dwarfed by how far they still have to go.

Toben smiles at Klale, "Given what we just experienced back at the cave, that couldn't be more of an understatement." He chuckles. "It's like a whole new world has opened up right before us."

"What do you suppose that could be up ahead?"

At one of the stops to water the horses, Phineas quietly drops off the wagon and runs ahead to see what intelligence he can discreetly gather about the structure ahead, any occupants it might have, and any obstacles along the way.

Klale smiles, looking almost as if he could be good-natured—at times. We shall see...I feel we're already being seen. Let's go easy, give Phineas time. Be a shame if we already learned what he has to tell us...and I hope he doesn't get into trouble.

Ano sits quietly as they wait for the return of Phineas.  He did not like the feeling they got from staying in a place such as this, but he took some comfort in the amount of stone and earth around them.  "I pray it will not be difficult to convince the dwarves to aid us, if we are able to find them".

Doubt it'll be easy. They're not aiding us, the world...themselves included. If old tales are true, the aim of evil is always the same, dominion...breaking others' wills...giving pain...tearing others down to make themselves seem superior by comparison. I"m hoping we have some things in common to talk about.

I've herd that once there was an alliance of elves and men against such a menace as we face. Klale shrugs his shoulders. Maybe there will be an alliance of dwarves and men to do the same.

The minutes pass slowly.  The horses and wagons are checked and rechecked.  Eles takes a brush out and brushes his horse.  That done, he pulls out a small stringed instrument and strums a few chords, hums a few notes, then puts it away.  It is obvious he is antsy about Phineas being gone so long.

"It's been over an hour.  Where is that boy?"

The time passes quickly for Toben, who appears to be doing nothing more than playing in the dirt. It's not until he hears Eles exclaim about Phineas, that his concentration is broken.

"It looks to be getting late, perhaps we should start preparing camp for the night."

Phineas slips back into camp, obviously making an effort to be stealthy.

"Well met, gentlemen. My apologies for having kept you for as long as I have. My reconnoiter has been met with some success: I got a look at the structure ahead, which appears to be a large stone castle. Its original color is lost to time, but it has evidently bleached to white over many long years. The main structure is surmounted by an impressively large tower that reaches almost to the top of the pass, and would make a very effective lookout point for any inclined to keep watch over the area."

"There does not appear to be anyone about, nor any obvious threat, though I must confess that the site makes me uneasy. It's quiet. Too quiet."

Thanks. Lets go on. Phineas, I think you should, when we're about in sight, get yourself hidden on foot. If we're surprised, maybe you can surprise the surprisers.

The wagons approach through the pass with little problem.  Soon it opens up to reveal the bone-white castle that Phineas described.  The walls of the castle move away from the walls of the pass at 45 degree angles.  As the approach the castle forming an implied X, they curve downward toward an inner circle of a wall that surrounds the castle proper.  Four more walls split the difference between those attached to the pass and form a smaller, thinner X.  They too curve down toward the central wall.

The castle inside is not exceptionally large, however all the wings, buildings, or whathaveyou surround a central tower that reaches almost to the top of the pass.

Moss covers everything.  In the moonlight, the place looks eerie and still.  Nothing moves and there is no sounds coming from the castle.  Not even the wind blows in the night.  The castle looks like nothing more than the long sun-bleached skeleton of a gargantuan monster.  A pair of gates nearly as tall as the wall hang open to the courtyard beyond.  There doesn't seem to be a way around the castle, only through.

The mountains have begun to diminish and on the other side of the castle are the foothills and open plains, or so Eles claims.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Thu 16 Oct 2014.

Toben tries to peer past the open gates to get a better view of the interior courtyard.

"In we go I suppose. At least we'll have cover from the night, right?", he says glancing at his companions. "Did you want to scout it out Phin?"

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 33):

"But of course!"

Dagger in hand, Phineas again quietly slips on ahead to see if any threats lie in wait.

In the meantime, Klale keeps his wagon horses plodding along, hoping the cart driver is following. Maybe we keep going until we're on a downslope. We've been careful with the horses so far.

Phineas approaches the gates.  The moment he steps inside, a large breeze kicks up through the pass and whistles through the gates.  Dust and detritus are kicked up into the air making it hard to see.  One of the gates swings a little in the wind, but remains where it is at.  It doesn't make a sound as it moves.

Ano feels uneasy as they move towards the castle,  the feeling ofthe unknown weighted heavy on his mind.  They could be walking into all kinds of danger, but they pressed forward towards the only option left open to them.  "We must be careful not to get to far separated from one another, we could easily become lost in a place such as this".  Ano looked up at the tower strwaching to the sky before them and said aloud "I do not understand the need for structures like this to be built.  Why would anyone need something so elaborate?"

Don't know about elaborate, but I guess one could see quite a way from the top. Make a signal, fire maybe, from the top...that could be seen a long way off.

"Well, I'd be lying if I said this place didn't creep me out. I'll have to admit though, it is impressive." Toben scans the immediate area. "I have to agree with Ano. Last thing we need is to get lost in this place. We should find a secure area to rest in, and move on in the morning."

Within the gates there is a large courtyard surrounding the courtyard proper.  It is immense.  The gates and the courtyard are wide and allow for the free flow of traffic, even potentially a large army, to pass from the ravine through the courtyard and out the other side.  The emptiness itself is a bit daunting, though there is nothing for ambushers to hide behind.  Only empty stone spans the courtyard.  No buildings, no remains, no gear, nothing to indicate anything ever lived here.

On the castle proper there is another, smaller set of doors that echo the gates in design.  In the moonlight they are stark white, like bone left to bleach for decades.  The doors to the castle are closed.

On the other side of the castle, the gates out are shut tight.  Careful testing indicates that they are definitely locked shut.  They do not appear to have a mechanism for unlocking or opening them from the courtyard.

Phineas carefully checks the doors to the castle for traps.

Klale considers the feasibility of using his hammer on the lock area, assuming there's a keyhole.

Toben walks up to the castle doors and places a hand upon one of them.

"Gentlemen.  I'm curious as to what you are doing?  If there is nothing out here bothering us, and we can camp out here safely, would it not be better to pass on through without disturbing whatever might be locked up inside?"

"Surely you know, Eles, that adventurers are curious to a fault! It's the thing that most often lands us in trouble!"

Laughing, Phineas falls away from the locked doors, though never quite takes his eyes off them.aughing, Phineas falls away from the locked doors, though never quite takes his eyes off them.

"You may call me crazy, but I prefer the safety of walls. I don't like the feeling of being exposure this courtyard lends us."

Toben shrugs, "Besides, it looks like there may not be a way to enter anyway..."

"I agree with Eles.  We should make camp out here where it is easy to keep watch and just keep moving in the morning"  Ano stares at the tower for a long time, the stark whiteness making him feel uneasy.

"Dark things have come back to this world, and i would not like to meet one of them on this night"

Eles grimaces.  "Trouble, my boy, is exactly what I'm wanting to avoid.  We have a mission.  Trouble, at best, will only slow us down.  If you go in there, you go in without me."

Tobe steps back from the doors, defeated. "This structure is quite impressive, and so different in nature." He frowns a bit, and walks back toward the wagon.

He helps set up camp for the evening. "I wouldn't mind taking the first watch."

Toben passes the time during his watch sketching out the tower, and scribbles what appears to be nonsense in his journal.

Then here it is, but I mislike stopping now. Unless somebody else wants it, I'll take first watch; I've been sitting all day. If there's anything in yon works, maybe it'll leave us alone if we leave it alone.

The night passes slowly with the tower standing silent sentinel over the group.  The wind whistles at times past the walls and through the windows high above, sounding like the moans of tortured souls.  Sleep is fitful at best for the group and the feeling that something is watching never leaves, even in dreams.

Those dreams are troubled, images of pale, emaciated faces in long black robes, the shadowy forms of once-kings.  Vulgar faces with hints of tusks and piercings in every conceivable place look ready to shed blood.  They cry out with the wind, but waking only reveals an empty courtyard.

In the morning, the sun reflects off the bone white tower into the courtyard, waking the group...those who managed to sleep.  It will be an hour before the sun rises high enough to shine directly into the yard over the wall.

The way forward is still shut.

Phineas takes a close look at the gates that exit the courtyard, searching for a lock, a mechanism that could be released, or some other clue as to how they might continue their journey.

Toben wakes in the morning from a restless sleep. Though groggy, he manages to get up without wasting too much time and helps break down the camp. Seeing that Phineas is already testing the groups exit strategy, he spends most of his effort packing up.

Ano awakes in the morning to perform his usual routine.   His daily practice feeling a bit out of place in the bleak and desolate environment.

As Phineas is examining the door that leads out of the courtyard Ano approaches him "How does it look, what keeps us from opening it?"

Klale has been seeing to the horses. Strange the road should be open to here but not beyond.

[It seems the road goes into the courtyard. Is the locked gate set in the courtyard wall, or does the road continue into the structure? Perhaps I'm a poor reader.]

GM:  It's not really a road so much as a natural path between the mountains.  The pass leads up to the walls, then the walls have a gateway that is much more narrow than the sides of the pass.  There really isn't a road.

The gate does not appear to have any lock, latch, or other device on this side that can account for the gates being shut.  They are certainly latched or locked that way.  There are ramparts on the walls and what might be short guard towers spaced all along the top.  They aren't quite towers, but they might be a small room that could protect from arrows coming from attack from the other side.  It's difficult to see from this vantage point.

Eles suggests looking all along the wall for doors into the wall and up to the ramparts.  After much searching and even some casting of the new spells on Toben's part, a secret door system is discovered.  It's is so finely crafted that it looks like part of the design of the wall.  Counterweights and bearings allow the door to swing easily into the wall, though opening it from the inside would be impossible if not for handles to pull on.

The area inside is s small room with a stone protrusion that looks like something was meant to hang from it.  Anything perishable has long since turned to dust.  From the small room, stairs rise into darkness in either direction along the wall.  There is a staleness to the air that threatens to overwhelm you.

Phineas succumbs to the stale air and passes out.  Toben staggers against the wall and barely maintains consciousness.  Eles, Ano, and Klale cover their mouths, but only feel a twinge upon inhaling the ancient air.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:50, Wed 22 Oct 2014.

Toben blinks away the tears welling up in his eyes. Before the dizziness over takes him, he attempts to stumble out into the open courtyard for fresh air.

Klale armored and armed, backs out leaving the door wide. After several deep breaths, he holds his breath and gets Phineas out into the open air. Rebreathing, he reenters and looks for where one might go next.

[Thanks]

Eles helps with Phineas by propping up his head and trying to wake him.  He tests for breathing and heartbeat and nods.  Then he trickles a bit of water from his water pouch into Phineas lips.

"Be careful, Klale.  There is no telling what is in there after all these centuries.  Don't go alone."

Once he finds out that Phineas is OK, Ano moves towards the door with Klale.  "I will go with Klale to check things out"

Ano moves into the room looking carefully, and steps forward to inspect the stone protrusion on the wall.

OCC: If it is too dark in the room to see properly, then Ano will pull out one of his sun rods

It takes Toben a moment to come to his senses. He grabs a fist sized rock from the ground and stands up. "Ano, here use this... save your sunrod for when absolutely necessary."

He brings the rock close to his lips and whispers the word, Illume. The rock takes on a dull glow at first, but then begins to burn bright. Almost as bright as a torch.

He hands the glowing stone to Ano. "This should last you a good 30 minutes or so." Toben smiles, "I need the practice."

Afterwards he walks back over to Phineas to see how he is doing.

Struggling back to consciousness, eyes still half-open, Phineas mumbles:

"Mommy? Where…am I? The last…thing I remember is the beautiful…horses, but with horns on their heads…running across a verdant, sunny field…and a stunning young redheaded woman with green eyes reaching out…reaching out to grab my…"

After a pregnant pause of several seconds, Phineas' eyes snap open all the way.

"Aww, just kidding. Phew, it *really* stinks in there! Worse than your feet, Klale. Thank you, by the way, for pulling me out -- I am sincerely grateful." He sketches a bow, though the effect is a bit lost because of his prone position.

Klale and Ano, who holds the light, pass up one flight of stairs.  It seems the choice between them is not much of a choice as both end up on the ramparts.  Along the way, rooms branch off of the stairs at landings.  Dim sunlight pours in through arrow slits on the rooms on the outer wall.  The arrow slits in the rooms on the inside of the castle wall are barely visible.  There is nothing but piles of dust and cobwebs anywhere.

On the top of the ramparts, the view outside is stunning.  A narrow causeway leads from the gates to a continuation of the pass.  On either side of the causeway there is a sheer drop into darkness and fog.  There is no visible bottom.  The causeway runs for a quarter mile, then the pass continues between the mountainsides which soon fall into hills and then out into open plains several miles ahead.

Below the open pass there are ruins of an ancient human city.

Exploration of the ramparts above the gates reveal another set of stairs down to either side of the gates.  These stairs lead into rooms on either side of the gate with no other visible way out.  Each room has a complex contraption that probably operates the gates.

Again, there is no sign of anything else but dust and cobwebs.  No furniture, no remains, nothing within the bare walls of note.

Toben assists Phineas to his feet. He waits a moment to make sure there are no screams of sounds of battle before he ushers him and Eles to the stairwell.

Upon reaching the top of the ramparts, he stops for a moment to take in the view. "It's amazing that with this view and the castle here that no one has taken up residency here."


"This place sure has been picked over, hasn't it?", Toben remarks as they make their way around the ramparts . From the top of the stairs, he peers down into one of the 'contraption' rooms. Leery about being assailed with noxious fumes again, he wraps his traveling cloak around his nose and mouth and heads down the stairs to investigate.

"I don't know that it has been picked over so much as time has caused all things but the stone itself to pass into dust.  Flesh, bone, metal, wood...there is no sign of any of it.  If it had been sacked, there would be remnants."  He pauses and looks around anxiously.  "I don't think anyone has ever come in here before us and I am not sure I want to find out the reason why."

Ano accepts the glowing stone from Toben with a distinct look of awe on his face "Truly you have been gifted my friend"

Ano takes some time to study the rooms that have the contraptions in them, to see if he can determine how they might work.

Klale opines Or everything has been evacuated. Metal out of moisture doesn't go away. In a "contraption room", he looks for levers or things to pull...or for evidence of missing parts such as chains or ropes. It may take simultaneous working to open the gates. Strange that nobody has passed this way in a long time. No people to the east; look slike none some way west. Had to be, sometime, lots of people to build this and the city we saw. What happened to them all? War? Disease? Famine?

Toben bows his head slightly. "Thank you Ano. Much like the fine art you practice, my new found enlightenment will need a lot of cultivation. I still don't know what I am fully capable of yet."

While in the contraption room with Klale, Toben slowly removes his traveling cloak from his face as he tests the air. Satisfied that he will not pass out, he responds to Klale. "I was thinking the same thing. I am guessing we may need a coordinated effort to open the gates with these devices."

He pokes around the room to further his investigation.

Both rooms are the same.

The gears look like the work on a series of levers and pulleys.  There are four pylons in the four corners of the room with stone reliefs carved into them.  They may have been painted at one time, but the paint has long since faded to nothing.  The pictures are of:

-a short, and a squat man full of muscle in metal armor with a long beard
-a slender man, or maybe woman with delicate features in fine clothing
-a muscular man with rough features and simple clothes
-a tree that looks vaguely human

The pylons look like they can rotate and maybe slide up and down as the levers turn.

There are four levers.  Everything is made of stone and is all the same color, the bone-white of the castle.

Klale looks to see if an oiling is indicated. Blacksmiths use oil occasionally.

Toben takes a step back. "Hmm, it's been so long since any of this stuff has been used... I wonder if it's still sound. Phin, does it look safe to you?"

The chains in the pulleys are the only major metal pieces.  They have somehow survived the passage of time or thieves or whatever else has removed all but stone from this place.  After a bit of testing, a bit of oil on the chains probably wouldn't hurt.  However, the whole system is as enduring as the mountains and looks perfectly functional.

Klale suggests each of the young men take a lever and that Eles gives the count so movements can be synchronized.

"That's a good idea. We should decide which levels to pull, and in which order."

After some initial frustration and then some historical context (mostly guessing) and trial and error, the gears whirl and a loud whoosh comes from outside.  A moment later, a sound begins from inside the castle, quiet at first, but grating on the nerves in timber.  It sends a chill up the spine.

The group wastes no time and heads back downstairs to find the gates opened inward.  By then, the sound is growing louder and more grating.  It sounds like the cross between a scream of pain and a howl of fury, though it has not relented once to take breath.  The horses are stamping in agitation and the wagons are in danger of being overturned.

Toben rushes over to the horse in an attempt to calm them down.

"I don't know what in the world that sound is, but we need to get out of here. Quickly."

With some luck, it looks like he may have calmed them down enough to exit the gates without losing their cargo.

22:05, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Handle animal.

Klale goes up to the lead right-horse hitched to the wagon. He takes hold of the bit collar and speaks soothingly while stroking its face above the nose. We're leaving, easy now he says over and over as he attempts to lead the team out of the courtyard and away west.

Given his previous failures with the animals, Phineas decides the best thing he can do is to scout ahead a bit, making sure the appalling noise hasn't alerted anything the party might not want to come across unawares.

Ano races to the wagons with the others and begins to load up any equipment or gear already not on the wagons as the others try to calm the horses.  He gets ready to move a soon as the others are ready.

The wagons begin to move toward the gates, which are slowly swinging shut.  The last wagon narrowly makes it through.  As the gates slam shut with a deep thud, the scream immediately cuts off.

The causeway leading away from the walls is narrow and winding for several hundred yards before widening out into the continuation of the pass.  The mountains begin to recede in earnest.  At one point, to the right, there is a small, barely visible set of natural stairs that disappear up into the mountainside.  Other than that, the mountains remain impassible for another mile before they are low enough hills to pass over.  The pass is straight now and heads down a gentle slope towards the plains below.

Only a few miles from the slopes of the mountains is a river running parallel to them.  The path runs directly to a set of ancient ruins straddling the river.  A bridge has recently been built across the water out of metal.  It isn't pretty, but it looks strong enough for even a herd of oliaphant to cross.

There is activity down in the ruins.  Sounds of normal life and the smells of cook fires.

A small group of well armed and armored humans has arrayed themselves outside the entrance to the ruins (there is no significant wall left) at the end of the path.  They obviously see you, but are content to wait and see if you approach.

There is a visible road north and south on this side of the river.  To the north, it passes between the mountains and a smaller shorter group of rocks aspiring to be a mountain range.

Once the horses are through and the noise subsides, Klale pets each wagon hore, and the cart horse if necessary and croons Well done...good work...brave horse...etc.

Klale, unless somebody else want to, drives the wagon team. Klale keeps going toward the humans at the horses' walking pace.

Glad to see the walls of the castle far behind them, Toben turns his attention to the path ahead. The faint smells of the cooking fires brings a slight sense of comfort, for that usually means civilization. Though lately, civilization is a relative term.

Seeing their bearing is headed straight towards them, he pipes up. "You think they're friendly, Klale?" Toben pulls his cloak a little closer to his body. "I certainly hope so. I could use a good nights sleep."

Toben doesn't say much else, but keeps a wary eye towards the heavily armed humans ahead.

Not much to do if they aren't. Maybe friendly; certainly curious.

Ano takes a hard look at the small group of people they are approaching.  After studying them for a while he turns to the others "They are armed, but there don't seem to be to many of them.  Perhaps they can provide us with some idea of what he may find between here and the mountains."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

"Perhaps my boyish mien would prove less threatening to our friends ahead than your strapping selves. Shall I go ahead and greet them? I shall, of course, be ready to slip away at a moment's notice, and my sleeves will not be void of arms of both kinds."

Sure. Go ahead. Assume they can tell that you're armed.

Phineas runs ahead, doing his best to project an air of boyish, enthusiastic innocence. As soon as he's in shouting distance, he stops advancing and addresses the group from a comfortable distance, keeping an eye peeled for hostility, especially when combined with ranged weapons:

"Well met indeed, my friends! My traveling companions and I have been on the road for long, weary miles and are in need of a place to lay our heads for a night. What can you tell me of the road ahead?"

None of the men are riding.  One takes a step forward.  His armor and arms look a bit more powerful than the rest.  He ignores Phineas's questions.  "A long road, then?  Through Cirith Ungol?"  His accent is thick and a bit more formal than what you are used to; the stilted dialect of the west.

He looks over Phineas to the rest of the group.  "Is that a mobile forge, then?  Where are you headed for?"

Sensing that this man might respond better to a respectful approach than his usual friendly insouciance, Phineas adjusts his tone:

I'm afraid, sir, I do not know the name of the fortress through which we passed, though it was certainly an unsettling place, and we are glad to leave it behind. We are bound for the Chasm of Doom. And your keen eyes do not deceive you: not only do we have a mobile forge, but two doughty smiths who would certainly provide what aid they can in return for a place to rest for the night. Only we have far to go, so daren't dally longer that needs be to resupply and have a restorative sleep.

My name, by the way, is Phineas. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Phineas bows, tugs a forelock, and looks expectantly at the man.

Once the wagons finally come to a distance to where Toben can converse in a tone lower than a shout, he hops of the back of the wagon. With no weapons in hand and his crossbow wagging at his side, he addresses the armored men.

OOC: Assuming it's still mid-morning since we just got up and left the castle.

"Good morning, gentlemen. My young friend here is correct, we have a fairly long journey ahead of us. Is this a welcome place for us to resupply? We can trade services for supplies if need be, but we don't have long to stay."

The speaker walks over to inspect the carts.  He touches nothing, but takes a good long look inside.  Apparently satisfied, he returns to the front of his group.  "The pass is Cirith Ungol, the 'Pass of the Spider'.  The fortress is Minas Morgul, the 'Tower of Dark Magic', though it once was called Minas Ithil, the 'Tower of the Moon'.  That was another age long ago."  He sweeps his hand behind him to include the city below and the plains beyond.  "This is the land of Gondor.  Below you is the Anduin River and the town of Osgiliath.  It was sacked during the Third Age.  The King has ordered it rebuilt now.  Your skills would be welcome there, and there is certainly room and board available in exchange."

With that, he and his men turn around and head back down into the ruins.

From this vantage, it is easier to see that the repair work has been progressing for some years now.  The far bank is more complete, though still needs work.  The near side is mostly devastated, but still has some work done.  Most of that is near the bridge and along the way to the outer gates that the greeting party is now passing through.

Klale guides the wagon to, he hopes, a place where there is a stable, a place to sleep, food, and space to set up shop. When he can, he says to a local Before I set up shop for a brief stay, I'd best talk to local blacksmiths...to ask permission.

[IC] Good job people.

As they make their way down to the old ruins Ano gazed out, amazed at what the people here had began to acomplish.  "We should not stay long, but this is a good chance to resupply and to find out what we may find on the road before us"

Toben assists Klale with the forge setup, and makes sure it's as stable as possible. "Klale, anything I could assist you with while we're here? Otherwise, I may help with the resupply effort."

Perhaps I can find out who is in charge here and find out exactly how we may help before we leave.

One of the blacksmiths in town points you to a good location, as good as any, to set up.  There is more than enough work to do and plenty of supplies.  The person in charge of the craftsmen is a large, bald mountain named Barct.  He will give you a list of things, mostly simple repetitive things, for construction of stone buildings.  The enterprise here is grand and long, but in a time of peace, this is what civilizations do.

The quartermaster is Nander Vane, a whipcord of a man.  He is a brisk, but quiet man, efficient in his work and seems to be well respected by all here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Sat 01 Nov 2014.

"I'll hang back with the forge and do what I can here. Ano, could the three of you handle the resupply? It seems like it would also be a good opportunity to find out more about this area."

Toben smiles, and turns his attention to the Barct's list.

Phineas mingles with the locals, keeping an ear open both for opportunities to acquire whatever the quartermaster might not stock, as well as for any other information that might be of help or interest.

Tidbits of information gathered (along with necessary provisions):

This is the Kingdom of Gondor-Arnor.

It is ruled by High King Hithanann Telcontar, 37th of his line.  He is an old man and some say fallen into the mind fog of his age.  His senility has led to the closing of borders even with allies and the building of fortresses both old and new.

Some say Telcontar has visions and is preparing for the end of days.

Osgiliath is a fortress city used to control the Long River (Anduin is an older name) at its only fordable spot between the Rauros Falls and the sea.

There is zero mention of fallen stars.

The men are frightened of creatures in the night, tales, and stories from long ago come back to life, but it seems these are nothing more than tales as no one has actually seen anything.   Some attribute it to the ravings of the old king.

There are patrols all over the kingdom these days as bandits have tried to make incursions from all along the eastern border.  Within the kingdom, though, bandits are rare.

After foraying through the town, Phineas returns to his compatriots:

My friends, as far as I can tell, this town has nothing that should divert us from our stated course. I suggest that after we resupply and offer whatever help seems fair in return, we resume our journey quickly.

Toben spends most of his waken hours during the first day there helping out with the Barct's work order. He spends the evening enjoying a civilized dinner and catches up with what the other group has learned.

After hearing all the gossip from Phineas, Toben joins in his sentiment. "I agree, we needn't spend any more time here than necessary." He continues slightly under his breath, "Also, it's probably best we not mention anything related to Ceven. No need to bring more panic to those already wrought with paranoia."

"I am thinking no more than a day or two, and we should be off. Unless, of course, any of you feel the need to stay longer." Toben finishes his meal, and retires for the evening.

The road through Mordun was long and there was little in the way of civilization.  From the entrance into the valley, to the great mountain, and on through the haunted tower to now has sapped supplies pretty well.  Each day of work will earn roughly two weeks of provender.  You have about three weeks left.

Klale sets to work, seeking out those jobs which require the greatest strength. As he works with others, if he shows any superior skill, he remarks I learned some things on the road. When officials come calling, he...with his friends...relates what has happened. He does take time out to make some nails, which have a square cross-section.

http://www.howtohistory.com/20...blacksmithing-video/

The horses should be rested by noon of the fourth day, which makes three days total we've been here. We may be in a great hurry should we be fortunate enough to come back.

He seeks out information or rumors of dwarves.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

The second morning after your stay in Osgiliath, a bedraggled and severely injured man collapses at the east gate.  He wears the markings of Gondor.  His comrades quickly move to provide care and soon the man is resting in the barracks.

Reports filter through the camp that the man had been scouting near Minas Morgul with a squad of scouts.  Something attacked them and only he managed to flee alive.  As the tale reaches your lodging and forge, so do the uncomfortable scowls and looks of blame.

Soon, an officer in the army arrives and asks to speak to the leader of your group.

Klale looks around. Don't know about "leader." We do different things sometimes. Guess Master Eles, the old gentleman there, could be called our leader.

Ano stand beside Klale looking serious "You may speak to all of us freely"

Years of getting out of uncomfortable scraps on the streets prompts Phineas to stand on the edge of the group, eyes downcast, looking abashed, while keeping ready to make a hasty retreat should such prove needful.

"Perhaps it would be best to consider me a spokesman for the group, captain, rather than leader.  What may I do for you?"

The captain looks between the group members, but settles on Eles.  "You came from Morgal.  What did you see there?"

Eles settles into a comfortable position on a broken part of a wall.  The group will recognize it as his story-telling position.  "We arrived at the tower as twilight settled upon the pass.  At first we pondered whether to enter.  The courtyard beyond the eastern gate was bare, a trace of naught but stone the color of bleached bone.  The western gate was locked shut.  Exhausted from our travels, and with nothing to fear but our own imaginations, we set camp within the walls.  The night passed slowly and fitfully, but nothing accosted us by dawn.  In the morning, we found the means to unlock the western gate.  A terrible screeching sound, whether artifice or monstrosity I cannot tell, emitted from the tower itself.  We dare not linger and as soon as we crossed the threshold beyond the gate, the sound stopped.  Our travel from there to here was uneventful."

The captain, spellbound by the story, blinked as the last blunt sentence broke the spell.  "So you saw nothing, disturbed nothing but the gate mechanism, and only heard a sound inside the tower?"

"It is as you have summarized, captain."

The captain then turns to the rest of the group.  His words do not carry a tone of accusation or doubt, only the methodical briskness of a lawman doing his duty.  "Do any of you have anything to add?  A detail that your speaker missed that might be important?  I'm sure you've heard by now that we've lost men inside the tower.  If you could provide information as to what might be in there, we could draw it out and dispose of it more easily without losing any more men."

Our journey requires haste, and we didn't like the feel of the tower. The horses were skittish. For as old and disused as the place seemed, the gate-opening mechanism worked well enough. Soon after the gates closed, seemingly of their own accord, the horses calmed down.

Me, I'd rather take the tower down stone by stone than go inside.

[What the officer is hearing jibes with what Klale has been telling others.]

I think, gents, we'd best leave a day sooner than planned. Officer, life and death, good and evil are balanced on a knife's edge. Whatever will help us to find dwarves who will listen and induce them to return with us will be most welcome. So would an escort as we head east. Two companions, a woman and a young man, left us days ago. It's possible they are alive and trying to reach us. Other than that, be wary of those coming from the east, especially in numbers.

The captain snorts at the mention of dwarves.  "You speak of myths and legends from out of the mists of the past, blacksmith.  Dwarves?  Might as well look for elves and halflings, balrogs and nazghul.  There's no such thing as dwarves."

He mulls over your thoughts for a second, then apparently comes to some decision.  "I agree.  Perhaps it is best that you pack up and move on.  You do good work, some of the best I've seen in fact.  But we don't need your tales of fantasy putting the men at ill ease.  If you truly want what's best for us and you, you'll keep your talk of dwarves and such like to yourselves."

He stares at Klale, waiting for confirmation of his...suggestion.

Toben nods in agreement with all that Eles reported. A little dismayed at the suggestion to leave early, he finally concedes with Klale's sense of urgency. "I would have liked to a few more provisions under our belt before leaving, in the off chance we run into adversity. However, we should have enough to make ends meet."

Toben smiles at the captain, "I thank you for your hospitality thus far. I doubt it will be no problem for us to pack our things, and be ready to head out first thing in the morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Wed 05 Nov 2014.

"My...recommendation was for immediate departure.  It would be best for all parties."

The harshness of the captain's request took Ano slightly by surprise but he nodded softly "He is right, we should get packing.  They have been kind so far and we should not over stay our welcome."

Before he leaves Ano turns to the captain with a hard look on his face "Do not disturb the tower, whatever might be there is best left alone, for all our safety. "

Toben doesn't hide the shocked look upon his face very well at the captains response. "I see. Well, I'm sure we can be out of here within the next hour or so." He can't help but feel a little burned, but the town is just looking out for itself.

He points at Ano, "My friend here is wise beyond his years. There is something not right about that place. It's best to leave it alone."

With that, Toben turns his attention to getting the wagon and supplies in order.

Klale gets to work. Probably, the wagon and cart are loeaded, and the quintet is on the way north up the west bank of the large river.

Phineas joins in the packing, chafing at the Captain's rudeness (and a bit at his failure to respond to Phin's assumed charm), but bowing to the better judgement of his traveling companions. He continues to keep eyes and ears open, hoping to discover more about what befell the Captain's men.

Contrary to the warnings your group has given them, the town organizes a large contingent of soldiers to explore the tower.  Your departure is actually delayed a bit as the column tromps across the bridge to face whatever is within the tower walls.

Once you are allowed to cross, the wagons make their way back to the main north-south road.  It's simply called the 'Long River Road' now.  Darkness approaches and the Morgul tower stands as an eery sentinel above the ruined city, a silent challenger defying the men to rebuild in its evening shadow.

Though the sun disappears below the Mountains of Shadow, light lingers for an hour more.  By the time it fades, the tower is no longer in view.

Camp is set up for the night.  Dinner cooks on the fire.  At the first tasty bites of Eles' cooking, a faint sound is heard from the south.  The tink of metal against stone, the roar of distant battle calls.  The mountains have taken up the sounds made within the tower and echoed them farther than they have any right to go.

Then the faints sounds are overwhelmed as that tortured screech blasts forth like a strangled trumpet call.  There is little doubt that it can be heard even in the city below.  Something has awakened in the tower...

As the sounds of battle and…something else…pass through the air, Phineas shudders.

"Ano, you warned the Captain off from that unsettling fortress through which we passed. All I had heard was uncanny sounds as we passed, but you indicated to him that there was something trapped there. Do you know more about that place than I do? I'd be glad for any insight you (or any other of our party) could offer. This world seems stranger by the day."

Phin settles into his accustomed place near Eles, looking between him and Ano hopefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

"I know no more then anyone else Phin.   But there are more things in the world now besides humans, and what we heard in the tower was something i would not want to meet. Ano took a long and concerned look back towards the town they had just come from.

"With them blaming us for the waking of what ever was in that tower, im glad they let us go at all.  Had they kept us and searched us they would have found the idol and rings.  he turns to Toben "Maybe we should get rid of them."

I'm fine with it either way. Maybe we should have melted them down if possible. We warned them against attacking if that's what they did. Regardless, we have to try to find dwarves, and I guess that means looking for mountains. If we find them, we'll have to convince them and get a move on back. Doubt we can go the way we came. That means going est of the mountain range from the north. Don't know how long we'll be able to keep the wagon and cart

Toben nods in agreement with Klale. "We can't control their fate. We need to press onward and find the dwarves."

He rummages briefly in his pack, "As for the rings and the idol. We can make sure they stay hidden. If and when we find the dwarves, we may need some sort of proof that darkness is coming. These might be the only proof of that... for now."

Agreement reached, the group settles down for the night.  About an hour after they began, the sounds of battle and screams of the dying that echo through the mountains cease.  An eerie silence takes its place.

In the morning, the wagons continue north along the road.  By nightfall of the third day out of Osigiliath, an island in the midst of the river reveals itself out of a low mist.  Ruins long forgotten cover the enormous island, once a great city in its own right.

"Cair Andros," Eles says quietly.

From here, the river veers west while the road continues north along the Mountains of Shadow.  Eles pulls out his map and by the light of the campfire studies the choices before you.  "We've come about forty miles from Osgiliath.  We can continue to follow the river and take this branch west toward the Misty Mountains," he points to the Anduin river that proceeds from the giant hole burned over Osgiliath, Cair Andros, and the surrounding areas.  "I don't know these lands well.  The river will provide fish and water the entire way."

He then follows the road north on the map.  "If I remember correctly, the road skirts the mountains and only leads to the break in the northern range where it meets the Mountains of Shadow.  There is some nasty swampland north of that, easy to get lost in.  We go around it, we loose a couple of weeks in lands I have no knowledge of."

Klale recalls Eles' words aloud:

"Maiar, eh?  That confirms my thoughts on that topic.  I wish I could have seen him."  He sighs wistfully, then shakes off the melancholy.  "Darkness?  Dwarves?  Hmm.  Legends give two locations for certain that we might find dwarves.  The first is not far north of here in a place called the Chasm of Doom.  It's only a month from here.  The second is beyond the great forest, the Lonely Mountain at the edge of the nation of Esgaroth on the Lake.  It's very far north, though.  Months of travel."

This Chasm of Doom, could it be around the north end of the mountains we've been following  to our right? If so, we don't cross the river.

I have an idea which may draw the dwarves if we find a likely spot. They probably have a way to check on their outside surroundings. If so, they may be curious if we set up the forge...particularly if we look like we're looking for ore.

And the rings and such. It may be a good idea to show a couple and ask if they know anything about them.

Toben points to the swamplands, "I agree with Eles here, I'd like to avoid those marshes."

He stares at the map for a moment. "As long as it gets us closer to our goal, I like the idea of following the river as long as we can. We open ourselves to other critters and beings with the same idea, but at least we'll have a fresh supply of water and food."

Toben shrugs, "Seems pretty straight forward, unless there are other suggestions."

"The Chasm of Doom is supposed to be in the Misty Mountains.  I don't know where, though."

"Unfortunately our map doesn't indicate it's entrance... despite how beautifully drawn it is.", Toben says. "We'll just have to nose around once we get to the mountains. Perhaps the 'stars' will help guide us."

Toben buries himself in his journal while en route. When the party stops to make camp, he'll help setup.

We follow the river, then. What do you think? Should we set up a watch? And how about putting the horses nearer the river?

Yes, we should probably use our standard watch schedule. There is no telling what is out there.

Also, I'm sure the horses would appreciate having a close proximity to the water, though I would probably set camp a little further back from the waters edge.

With the decision to follow the river made, the group moves forward on the east bank.  The river begins its steady westward slant.  Eventually the foothills of the Mountains of Shadow come to an end, the last overlooking a large, flat area.  The late afternoon sunlight reflects off the land to the west as if it were covered in water, though from this vantage, there is clearly land ahead along side the river.

At the foot of the hills, there is a small community of huts built of mud and sticks.  One single building, probably an inn, is built of stronger material and set against the foot of the hills where they meet the flatlands.  Smoke curls up from chimneys and the clink and clatter of human activity comes from below.

Clopping right along....

[BTW, how do we deal with money matters? Or do we barter or exchange sevice for food, shelter, etc.?]

OOC: Good question. I was assuming we were exchanging services for food and shelter.

Before proceeding forward, Toben squints to see if he can make out what is going on in the community below.

Phineas slips out ahead, putting on his best guileless lad impression as he wanders among the small buildings, listening for sounds of occupation, snatches of conversation, or whatever else might be useful.

You get a pretty good look at the town.  Looks like its just a trading post for the meeting of several distinct hunter trades, mountains, plains, forests, swamps...they all converge at this point on the Anduin.  Any law is barely imposed by Gondor and likely by mutual consent of those who come into the town.  Won't be any police or soldiers.

The people are gruff and rugged, and a bit curious to have a lone kid wandering about.  There aren't any here that you can see.  These folks are all individuals, travelers.  This is just a seasonal stop.  If they have families, they'd be back home, not in this mud hole.

Everyone looks busy though, happy in their way.  No one bothers to bother you, Phin, and likely won't so long as you stay out of trouble.  You do catch the name of the town - Gobeloen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:05, Thu 13 Nov 2014.

"Perhaps we can ask around at the inn to see if the people here have any knowledge of dwarves.  The closer we get to the mountains the more likely people are to have at least some form of myth or whisperings of what we seek."

Klale guides the wagon team to the inn, by the stables if they exist. Along the way, he exchanges appraising looks with the sojourners.

The "inn" is mostly tavern with a few rooms in the back.  It's a sprawling one story building that is a bit more sturdy than the rest.  Off to one side, with its own entrance, is a trading shop with all manner of nick-knacks rare to find in other shops.  The hunters here are a closed-lipped lot.  They don't seem necessarily unfriendly, just busy loners.  It makes for a quiet town full of people, mostly men.

The few people you ask about dwarves give you a funny look.  They walk away, shaking their head and mumbling to themselves.

Klale stops, alights, and gives a mighty stretch. He enters the trading post and goes up to the counter. Greetings. I'm a blacksmith with a portable forge. Any need for such services here?

The barkeep eyes Klale up and down.  For his part, he looks impressed, which is no small thing given his own large size.  "If'n yer any good, you could stand to make some good money here, smith.  How long you plannin' to set up shop?"

Phineas wanders in behind Klale and gives the offerings a look-over.

One day. We're from way east of here, following a rumor that the mountains to the west have a dwarven stronghold in them. Guess my three friends and I have the wanderlust. Dwarves out of old tales...that'd be something to see. Anyway, you got stuff for us to do, here we are. We'll be wanting wood if you've no coal.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Sat 15 Nov 2014.

The shop offering 'rare' nick-knacks catches Toben's eye. Rather than follow Klale into the tavern, he walks toward the other shop looking for interesting things to add to his collection.

"Dwarves?"  The barkeep raises an eyebrow, but says nothing to that.  Instead, he points out where the best spot to set up would be, who might have some coal, and room rates if you don't want to spend the night in your wagons.

~~~~

Items of interest at the store:

A tray of small bells
A jar of silver shavings
A jar of copper shavings
Various small gems
Some bits of glass and obsidian for crafting
Glass and obsidian figurines
Chips of various stone types: marble, granite, mica, limestone
Several walking staves with various levels of carving
Feathers
Furs
Totems
Wood blocks
Woodcarving Tools
Stonecarving Tools
A number of carved wooden figurines and toys, some with movable parts
Swamp moss
Various preserved animal organs and skins
Roots, tubers, grasses, dried fruits
Teeth/Fangs from various creatures

Ano not terribly interested in the wares in the shop makes his way over to the bar keep with Klale to try and gather some information. Talking about Dwarves seemed to get them no where with anyone.  "We are looking to make our way into the mountains" Ano says to the bar keep "Where might we find passage over or under them.  What roads exist that we may travel?"

Klale, probably with help, set up the forge and waits for business. When and if he has customers, he asks about the country hereabouts...and beyond. As for payment, he's willing to barter.

Phineas is fascinated by the small wooden toys, as well as the woodworking supplies on display in the shop. "Good sir," he enquires of the shopkeeper, "Where have these toys come from? Is there someone in town who makes them who might be willing to show me how they're done? I'd be happy to buy the basic tools and supplies from you if you can direct me to someone who might teach me."

After much conversation and good work at the forge, the town begins to open up to the newcomers.  One man is always pointed to when the Misty Mountains are asked about.  Gandamir Saberhorn of the Rangers.  He comes into town once or twice a year, but spends the rest of his time scouring the mountains for this and that.

The forge is soon as busy as it can handle and will bring in a good 50 gold by day's end.  Lots of work is weapon and armor work and the trappers are reporting odd sightings and creatures in the night.

Phineas is directed to several craftsman who make the toys.  One of them is a jolly old man who is more than willing to supply the boy with tools and teach him a thing or two about toy-making.  [Craft: Wooden Toys - 1 Rank]

Klale is a busy—and sweaty—man. He does take a bath (or swim) after work. The next day, after about twenty-four hours, he's ready to go northwest. During the time in the settlement, he learns what he can of this Gandamir Saberhorn and these Rangers. If he or any of them are around, Klale will investigate whether he or a ranger is willing to guide.

The 50 GP goes into the party fund, which can be used to buy locally.

Toben spends an exorbitant amount of time sifting through all the wares at a particular shop. Several times you see him dig around in his pockets, count a few coins, put them back, and continue browsing the shop.

After spending some time learning from the local craftsmen, Phineas finds a convenient log near the forge and carves out several attempts at toys. (Being the age he is, a few of these are a trifle…off-color.) He tucks the best couple away among his things.

Ano spends some time on the edge of town practising and running through his training routines.  What time is not spent in training he is helping Klale with the forge.  He is ready to move on with the rest when the time comes.

As you finish packing up the forge to head out, a gruff young man comes up to you, taking your measure.  "Heard you was lookin' for Gandamir to guide you into the Mountains.  Heard you was lookin' for dwarves.  Is this about them stars that fell?"

It is. Best as we can tell, dwarves are needed to help prevent evil from overcoming good. You want to help us, now's the time.

Toben finally comes fumbling out of the 'curios' shop, arms loaded with interesting nick-knacks of all sorts. "Look at all the cool stuff they had here.", he says with a child-like smile on his face. The most notable item among his new acquisitions is a relatively fancy looking walking staff.

Seeing the forge already packed up for moving, Toben remarks "Oh... is it time to move on already?" He turns to look at the young hunter,  "I haven't really heard of many people giving much attention to the 'fallen stars' at all. What do you make of them?"

The young man ignores Toben and his talk of cold items.  He reaches down and picks up a pack at his feet.  "I can lead you to Gandamir's most likely camp this time of year, though we may have to wait their a few days if he's hunting."

He turns from the group and heads toward the north west part of town along the river.  "The river is our best bet for a while.  There is a solid road that follows it on the eastern bank until we get to the Roaring Falls.  A bridge crosses over just before the lake at the bottom of the falls.  It is meant to let travelers use the north stair to climb to the top of the falls, but your wagons won't go up.  We'll use the long road around Emyn's Mule into the horselands then connect back up to Anduin on the north side of the Mule.  Gandamir camps in the old elf forest along the river."

His head turns back as he walks with a look of dour warning.  "Do not, by any reason, enter the forest to the west.  It is haunted."  He turns back around.  "Your wagons won't go in there anyway."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:12, Thu 20 Nov 2014.

Good, and thank you...but we don't have a few days. Could leave a message at the campsite. Anyway, guess we'll see.

Friends, do we take the wagon and cart as far as we can go, or do we leave them here...store the smithy items and let people here use the horses, wagon, and cart in exchange for taking care of them?

The young man stops and turns to wait for you to decide what to do with the wagons.  "If you leave them behind, I can't promise what will happen to them, but we can cut our travel time in half, maybe even shorter.  There are also no settlements between here and where we are going so no reason for the forge and horses anyway."

Toben nods. "If we are going to be forced to leave this stuff at some point, I would rather it be here than somewhere unattended in the wilderness."

It sounds as though we've little to lose by leaving the wagons behind, and much to gain in terms of travel time. I'd vote for leaving them behind.

The wagons and horses are left with in the innkeepers care with a deal to watch over and care for them for limited local renting in which the innkeeper keeps all the proceeds.

The journey up the Long River is a bit more tedious without the horses, but there is no way they could have made the trip through the swamp lands, even on the poor excuse for a road.  A huge delta called the End Wash spills into the Long River on the far side.  The young man, whose name is Xar, is obviously not used to social interaction.  He does not engage in small talk, is easily frustrated with things that he believes should be common sense in the wild, and snappish.

At times, Xar hurries the group along.  Other times he seems to be taking longer than necessary, stopping before the sun is down or taking his time to break camp in the morning.  Though he claims to be a skilled hunter, his youth and his success on the trip indicate that he may have exaggerated his skills in that area some.  Eles remarks on it quietly and hopes that he did not exaggerate his ability to find this Gandamir fellow.

After days of travel, Xar leads the group to a bridge right where he said it would be.  A couple of miles beyond there is a huge lake at the bottom of a towering water fall.  Xar, true to nature, does not give a tour, but Eles does his best according to his maps.

"I believe this is called the Roaring Falls, an apt name."  The roar is faint but heard even from this distance.

A couple of hours before sunset, Xar leads the group to a campsite that must be used by his kind often.  There are large boulders all around to provide security, fresh water, and in the center of a ring of those boulders, an oft used ring of rocks for a campfire.  The camp is far enough from the water to keep the spray from dampening the fire.

"We will camp here tonight.  I will take third watch."  There is nothing but travel rations to eat and Xar makes no mention of hunting in the waning hours of day.

In reply to Eru (msg # 158):

Phineas, not fully trusting Xar, makes plans to keep an eye open during third watch as well. In the meantime, he helps set up camp, scavenges around the fringes for any edibles to contribute to the meager meal, and asks Ano if he would be willing to demonstrate the basics of his martial arts drills.

Klale has a couple of questions:

Are these boulders here for show, or is there a chance there's something dangerous around?

The lake and river...any fish in it?

And an observation:

Strange, one would think there'd be people around. Wonder if disease or such has kept the population down.

For the first few days of their trip after leaving town, Toben is seen fiddling with a strange bluish-white pelt. It appears as though he is trying to fashion something from it, and any scraps and hairs that are shed from the pelt are quickly scooped up and deposited in a small pouch hanging from his hip.

The erratic starts and stops to the day throws Toben off a little, but he is quick to adjust. Part way through the trip, he mutters under his breath "I recall things running much smoother when Aashera was around."

As the team finally approach the circle of stones by the waterfall, you can see Toben relax a little. "This waterfall is nice... it's quite calming." He smiles briefly, "It reminds me of home."

"Xar, any critters in this area we should keep an eye out for? I think it's safe to say most of us are out of our comfort zone."

Xar looks uncomfortable talking and his answers are short and functional.  He definitely does not want to be chummy.

"The boulders have always been like this.  It's easy to defend against predators because it creates channels and they can't surround you, like a wolf pack might.  That's why we use it so often as a camp site."

"The water is filled with fish."

"We aren't near any cities or even villages, so there aren't any people.  Just hunters and trappers like me.  This land is wild.  It borders the horse lords province and the primary province of Gondor.  With the swamp and the End Wash, you can't really build a house here, can you?"

"The only thing dangerous around here are wolves, bears, and the occasional big cat.  Since they don't like each other, we are likely to encounter only one and that not likely at all."

"Eat.  Sleep.  The journey gets harder tomorrow."

He doesn't quite seem angry, just...anti-social.  His last words are a clear dismissal and it is likely that's the most talking he's done in one go since he was a kid, if ever.

After setting up camp Ano spends some time meditating by the side of the lake.  It was peaceful and the sound of falling water put him at ease.  When Phineas came to him looking to learn he says"You may follow along as i practice if you wish.  Try to keep your mind focused and body tight as you move."

With that he spends the next hour practicing.  By the time he is done he feels refreshed and centered.  When night rolls around Ano will take the first watch.

Klale gets out line and hooks and utility spade. Presently he has an improvised rod and reluctant worms. He sits by the river bank and invites the fish...too late...to learn the folly of free lunches.

Fish caught, supper eaten, the campfire burns low.  The watch is set and those who need to turn in for the night.  Xar warns of a steep road tomorrow and slow going if people are tired.  Then he curls up and goes to sleep before anyone else.

Plenty fish, heap fish. No woman for cleaning; bachelor life hard. Fish cleaned; river gifted with guts. Fish fry. Some fish smoked. Sting good. Scent carries on wind. Klale takes middle watch.

Toben helps where he can and takes up the first watch to ensure he gets a solid chunk of time to rest.

Just before setting up his watch he paces off a perimeter around the camp. When finished, he whispers a few words and waves a tiny bell in the air.


He spends his time during the watch dabbling in his journal and muttering relatively unintelligible patterns of words while others aren't paying too close attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Sun 07 Dec 2014.

The group is woken not long after Klale drifts off to sleep after his watch by the clanging of a bell.

GM: I need Willpower checks followed by initiative rolls.  If you are taking 10, please state so followed by the total for each check.

19:56, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Willpower roll.
19:57, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Initiative.


Tobens eyes snap open, and he springs into action.

Klale, perhaps taking some time, wakes groggily and grumpingly. However, he grasps hammer and sword, rises and stretches with them...and is ready for action.

Took 10 to awaken.

00:26, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 19 using 1d20. Initiative. Perhaps add 1.

When the bells go off in the middle of the night Ano awakens quickly and comes to his feet staying close to the fire and looking around.

Ano takes 10 on the will save for a total of 16
21:15, Today: Ano rolled 21 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

Phineas struggles to consciousness, having fallen asleep in spite of his best efforts.

10:15, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 10 using 1d20. Willpower.
10:16, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Initiative.

The camp is under attack.  Five men have surrounded the camp and set off some alarm, possibly a magical something or other that Toben did the night before.  Not only has it warned the camp, but confused the attackers enough that Toben, Ano, and Klale are able to act before the men have time to refocus.

Phineas is a bit slow and bleary and will not act till next round.

Xar looks confuses, but has his short sword out and is in full leather hunting gear

The five men are as follows:

1 - a burly man in a leather vest with a cutlass
2 - a man in studded leather with a short sword and bracers
3 - a man in dark clothes that cover him head to toe.  he wears a mask over his eyes and mouth so only his nose shows, but it is also dark complected.  He doesn't have a weapon in hand at the moment
4 - a man in leather armor with a bow hangs back behind the burly man (1)
5 - a man in dark clothes like 3 except with some kind of narrow bladed, slightly curved sword with no crossguard in each hand

[See the map "Roaring Falls Camp" on the wiki - http://5thagedivergent.wikia.c...amp?venotify=created]

DIE, FOOLS! Klale yells as her rushes toward the hanger-back. As he comes closest to the burly man (1), he pushes with his right foot and steps with his left pointed toward the burly man. His sword in the left hand (This assumes the man is right-handed.) is at guard. When/if Klale is close enough, he swings the hammer.

17:58, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 22 using 1d20+12. Spellcraft check.

With the full view of the battle field in front of him, Toben decides to try and sway the fight in their favor. He extends an open hand out into thin air, palm facing upward in a claw-like manner. In a calm, monotone voice he says "Take hold of our enemies, and make them as immovable as the ground"

He thrusts his hand up above his head and clenches his fist as if grabbing something. Thick metal wires erupt from the ground near assailant #2 and #5, and they try to wrap themselves around the attackers legs.

Seeing most of the assailants ahead of him engaged with the others in one way or another Ano turns to the solitary unarmed man wearing the mask and charges towards him.  When he closes the distance he pivots and aims two quick kicks one at the man's ribs and one at his head.

01:36, Tue 09 Dec 2014: Ano rolled 19 using 1d20+2 ((17)).  Flurry of blows attack 1
01:37, Today: Ano rolled 8 using 1d6+3. attack 1 damage.(If it hits)

01:39, Today: Ano rolled 10 using 1d20+2. flurry of blows attack 2.

The man in studded leather cries out in surprise as the wires wrap around his hands and legs, completely immobilizing him.

Quick as a cat, the other man within the writhing field leaps forward out of the field next to Xar.  Instead of attacking, though he nods.  Xar nods back and they both turn to attack Ano.  The man in black throws two bladed stars, one misses, but the other hits...and plinks off as if it had hit stone.

Xar swings, but Ano is no longer where the blade is as it passes him by.

Ano's first kick against the other man in black staggers him back so hard, Ano actually misses with the second kick.  However, the man in black looks severely winded, and possibly has a cracked rib or two.  He is down on his knees and does not attack.

Klale blocks the burly man's sword attack with his own sword, then manages a glancing blow against his shoulder.  The bowman behind breaks an arrow against Klale's armor, bruising, but not doing any real damage.

Phineas wipes the bleariness from his eyes.  Eles seems to still be asleep.

Using the momentum of his swing and pivoting off his right foot, the leading one; Klale spins, swinging his sword round in a sideways cutting blow aimed at the knees if possible.

14:29, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 1d20. To Hit: Sword. +4 = 12

"Eles!!", Toben shouts.

Seeing Ano quickly outnumbered, Toben quickly focuses on the man staggered by Ano's initial kick.

Toben makes a motion as if he is grabbing something from his belt, "Dagger of earth, meet my enemy...", and a metallic dagger-like object flies toward the downed attacker.

22:45, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Shard Missile attack.

A little anxious at this new method of attack, it sails wide missing his target.

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 179):

As he comes to his senses, Phineas is torn between a desire to defend the still-sleeping form of Eles and to take down the bowman. After a moment, he decides to slip around his ally, close with the bowman, and engage him with a dagger, hoping that the bowman will be slow to switch from his ranged weapon to something more appropriate for up-close fighting.

06:30, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 20 using 1d20+1. to hit.
06:31, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 4 using 1d6. damage.

Ano found himself becoming quickly surrounded, and had narrowly avoided Xar's attack.  He felt a bit foolish for trusting the man so easily, but they could do nothing now but stay alive.  Ano turns from the man he had struck to face his new assailants.  Moving quickly Ano aimed a punch meant to catch Xar on the chin and then quickly turned and drove his elbow towards the other attackers chest.


09:58, Today: Ano rolled 12 using 1d20+2. flurry of blows attack 1 on Xar.
09:59, Today: Ano rolled 4 using 1d20+2. flurry of blows attack 2 on assailant #5.

The man in leather armor is still wrestling with the wires that entrap him.

As Phineas approaches the bowman, he chooses not to switch to a melee, but instead fire off another arrow at Klale.  The arrow imbeds itself in Klale's right shoulder (4 dmg).  Phineas follows up with a stab under the man's upraised arm.  The dagger drives deep (8 dmg) and the man drops his bow in anguish.

The burly man that Klale has engaged adjusts his stance but not enough to avoid Klale's swing.  Klale's sword catches him across the back of the leg making him howl.  Nevertheless, the man brings his cutlass around in a weak swing, catching Klale in the ribs (2 dmg).

The man in black clothes before Ano, who was winded and knocked to his knees rolls out of the way of Ano's attack and back to his feet.  The second man closes and strikes and Ano twice.  Ano blocks the first punch, but the second, quick strike slams into his chest, an open palm...and does nothing.  Xar, on the other hand, manages to connect solidly with his own blade cutting a light gash in Ano's hip.  He looks surprised, though, as if he thought the attack should have done more damage than it did (2 dmg).

Focused on the attackers, the group does not have the available attention to pay to see whether Eles has awoken.  He does not act, so there is no evidence he is even awake yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Sat 13 Dec 2014.

Continuing to gather his wits, Phineas switches to a more nuanced attack, while at the same time doing his best to look as crazed as possible in an attempt to make the bowman think better of his assault.

07:44, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 10 using 1d20+3. attack w/weapon finesse.
07:45, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 6 using 1d6. damage (if needed).
07:46, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 17 using 1d20+3. intimidate/demoralize opponent.

Toben takes a step back towards Eles.

A little frustrated with his new abilities, Toben hefts up his crossbow and attempts a shot at his previous target. He puts the man in black within his crosshairs.

'plink'

08:53, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 8 using 1d20+3. crossbow attack on #3.

Again, the bolt flies wide.

Toben quickly glances to his left to check on Eles.

Trying to ignore the stinging of his leg Ano stays focused on the man in front of him, who had attempted the open handed strike.  With a flourish of his arms, Ano knocked the man's palm way from his chest and jabbed at the man's chest.

11:51, Today: Ano rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Attack on man fighting unarmed.  # 5 .
11:52, Today: Ano rolled 4 using 1d6+3. damage roll.

Klale pivots again, bringing the hammer to bear, swinging down and across so his pectoral comes into play. His sword is, if possible, held to parry. The hammer slams into the for's shoulder, perhaps the one holding the scimitar.

11:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 19 using 1d20. To Hit: Hammer. +4 = 23

11:18, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 5 using 1d8. Damage: Hammer. +4 = 9

The wires release the man in leather and disappear into the ground as if they had never been.  The man charges over to Klale to help his burly companion, but doesn't get a good angle this round.

Fearing for his life, the bowman - now weaponless - stumbles back from the demon-kid that did so much damage.  Phineas's attack slices less than an inch from the man's gut.

Whether they don't realize Toben was the source of the wires, or think him only a one-shot danger, he is completely ignored by his target.  Ano's skill and durability draw both men in black against him with a fury.  After wincing at the blow to his chest, the one sweeps at the monk's feet, which Ano jumps, but then is kicked in the hips by the man wielding the thin swords (1 dmg), knocking him back in the air.  Ano barely retains his upright position and lands on his feet.  They've obviously worked together before and will be more than a match for Ano if not isolated quickly, even doing minimal damage with bare fists and feet.

Klale smashes the burly man in the chest and staggers him back into the man in leather now free from Toben's trick.  There is a sickening crunch and the man is grabbing his chest as he falls into the man in leather's arms.  Instead of trying to catch him, the man twists away and lets the burly man fall, ready with his own sword.

Xar, who knows the group better, sees the men in black have Ano engaged fully.  He changes direction and thrusts his short sword toward Toben.  The blade misses his chest, but slices open a nasty wound in Toben's left arm (5 dmg).  His smile is grim and his eyes are intense, filled with cold, calculating murder.

Klale catches his balance and brings his sword to bear, but his thrust is short.

16:46, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d20. To Hit: Sword. + 4 = 7

The blow to Toben's arm sends him reeling a bit, and drops his crossbow. He takes a 5 foot step back to regain his composure, and beams a hateful glare at Xar. Angered by his deception, Toben calls upon the very earth to strike back. Arms outstretched, Toben shouts "Arda, grant me your aid and strike back at our betrayers!"

Pebbles, stones, and other bits of debris begin to rise off the ground, and as Toben brings his hands to bare, he unleashes a barrage of earth upon Xar.

19:23, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 4 using 2d6. Spattering damage.

Ano regains his footing after being knocked back and stares down the two attackers.  They were starting to wear him down and he needed to act quickly.  Ano makes a quick roll to one side attempting to put the man wielding the two blades between himself and the other attacker.  As he rises up, he drives the heel of his hand up towards the chin of the man in front of him.

Ano takes 10 on a tumble check to move safely out of flanking. 10+8=18 for the check 
00:02, Today: Ano rolled 21 using 1d20+4. stunning fist attack on the man wielding two swords.
00:03, Today: Ano rolled 6 using 1d6+3. damage roll.
Fortitude save, DC 14 to avoid being stunned for 1 round.
I would also like to declare the other unarmed assailant as the recipient of my dodge bonus. So +1 AC against him

In reply to Ano (msg # 190):

Seeing the bowman disarmed and ineffective, Phineas hurls the dagger he's been using at the nearest attacker who is harassing his allies. He then rearms himself with the punch dagger, still secreted in his clothes, as quickly as possible.

08:01, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 13 using 1d20+3. thrown dagger, to hit.
08:02, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 6 using 1d6. damage for thrown dagger.

Ano's punch stuns his attacker.  As his nerves lock up, the man freezes in place like a statue.  His partner attempts to move around the obstacle, but is unable to connect with Ano.

Xar's eyes go wide in shock at Toben's spell.  He drops his sword and flings his hands up to ward off the barrage.  Tiny scratches and a couple of deeper abrasions appear all up and down his arms, but the protected parts of his body are unscathed.  He turns to flee, leaving Toben with an opening to strike should he choose it.

Phineas dagger bounces off the leather armor of the man attacking Klale, but seeing his comrades down or fleeing, he holds up his sword and an open palm in a gesture of peace and begins to slowly back away.

Only the two men in black remain, one stunned and one seemingly unaware or uncaring that he has no allies left as he dances with Ano.
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:48, Tue 16 Dec 2014.

Peace, huh? Beats getting killed or trying to run away. Klale says. Not so good for you...one man alone out here. You put that sword away, we can talk. Beats guessing you can elude us chasing you.

In reply to Eru (msg # 192):

Phineas, torn between concern for Eles and Ano, decides after a moment that it's best to deal with the clear and obvious threat first. He races over to back up Ano.

With the immediate threat of Xar fleeing and Phineas moving to assit Ano, Toben take a moment to step to the side and check on Eles' condition.

OOC: I assume that would be a heal check to see if he is sleeping, breathing, etc...

Ano is so focused on the men in front of him that he does not notice the others leaving the fight and help coming.  He steps forward towards the unarmed man aiming to plant his foot dead center of his chest, like one would kick open a door.

21:27, Today: Ano rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Attack on man fighting unarmed.  # 5 .
21:28, Today: Ano rolled 8 using 1d6+3. damage roll.

The man Ano kicks goes flying back into a boulder and slumps down.  However, the kick leaves Ano open for attack from the man with swords...who pauses, then fades back into the dark of night behind a boulder.

The man in leather armor does the same, leaving his injured companions behind.

Eles starts at Toben's touch and sits up, bleary eyed.  "Wha?  What did I miss?"

In reply to Ambushers End Combat (msg # 197):

Phineas quickly binds the remaining injured foes hand and foot and begins to interrogate them:

"Who are you, you night crawling ne'er do wells? And why did you bring your baleful attentions to bear on us?"


07:16, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 9 using 1d20+3 to intimidate.


And as an afterthought:

"And Toben, what manner of legerdemain with wires and flying earth was that?"

Toben exhales a sigh of relief as Eles finally starts to come around. "Nothing really...", he smiles, "we just had to run off our guide. Turns out his intentions were less than honorable." He stands up, attempting to conceal the laceration on his arm and scans the area to see if Xar was still within range to capture. "We need to capture as many of them as we can. We don't need them reporting back to whoever sent them about what happened here."

Toben helps Eles up, "I was afraid that maybe Xar had knocked you out, poisoned you, or worse... nonetheless, it's probably time for us to get out of here. A couple of his buddies managed to escape, and I don't want to be here if they come looking for us."

Toben grins mischievously at Phineas, "I'm not quite sure what you mean, Phin. Wires and flying earth all sound a bit far fetched. With all the underbrush around here, I'm sure those men just got tangled up in it." Toben shrugs, "I guess you could call kicking a little dirt in Xar's eyes 'flying earth', but I really didn't have many options once I lost my grip on my crossbow."

Klale grunts as the remaining attackers retreat into darkness. He bends over to check on the one he bashed while telling Phineas. Don't bother. Just kill 'em...unless they can help carry stuff.

Breathing heavily Ano rejoins his companions, as the dull pain in his leg subsides a bit as he is able to take some of the pressure off of it.  "I belive we should question the man, but maybe not here.  We should seek out a better place to rest and tend to ourselves.  We can decide what to do with him then.

Ano begins gathering things up and takes a quick look around.  "Phin, can you check to see if he has any weapons on him.  I did not see him with any during the fight but he may have something hidden away."

The burly man is not in a state where he can talk.  He does not look like he will live much longer.  The man in black, who has been swiftly tied, sits silent and still.

Weapons are recovered from both men, a cutlass from the big man, two of the crossbar-less swords and ten throwing stars from the black clothed man.  One other star, thrown at Ano earlier, is found, but the other is likely in the water.  They also have 5 gp and 15 silver each on them.  The symbol on the pouch is some kind of complex glyph (http://5thagedivergent.wikia.c...File:Pouch_Glyph.jpg).

Eles takes a few minutes to assess the situation.  He waves off Toben and Phineas.  "I was just sleeping.  I'm alright.  No poison, not injuries.  Guess I'm just a bit worn out from pressing forward so fast."

When Eles sees the symbol on the pouches, he scratches his chin in thought, then shrugs his shoulders.  "I've never seen it before.  I have no idea what it means."

In reply to Eru (msg # 202):

Phineas isn't convinced that Toben is being honest with him about what happened in the combat. He gives Toben a suspicious look, but doesn't follow up further.

He recovers his previously thrown dagger and begins to do what he can for the health and comfort of the trussed burly man. Still shaken up by the combat, however, he botches the job pretty badly, and fears he may have actually made things worse as the man winces.

07:17, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 3 using 1d20+2. heal burly man.

"Klale, how can you possibly have no curiosity about what motivates people to try to kill you? Of course I've had people try to put a dagger in my gizzard more than once, but it's only been on the rare occasion that I had more than they did, and they wanted it. This seems like a long way to go for someone to relieve us of our meager traveling possessions. Speaking of which, does anybody mind if I take these?" He pockets 5 of the throwing stars, looking interestedly at them as he does so.

Good fight Klale says as he sets his hammer down and, if needed, closes the injured man's eyes. Rest now. He stands, moves back a bit, goes to one knee, and brings his bastard sword down across the dying man's eyes as deep as the man's ears.

He stands. I've the curiosity; but, I guess, not the time. This one looks like he's fit enough to help carry stuff. Later we can have a chat with him. I'm against torture, but he's got to know that his staying alive depends on him being useful.

Upon seeing Klale kill the burly man, the remaining captive in black -- who is wearing a mask over his mouth and nose -- begins to struggle against his bonds, his eyes determined.

Klale goes over to the captive after cleaning off his sword with the dead man's clothes. Calm down. He was going to die anyway. And remember that you attacked us. Now, here's the deal, says the big man.  I'm not killing you outright. Here are your choices if my friends agree.

First: I kill you. My friends are tender-hearted, so they probably won't agree to that. Don't expect you like that either.

Second: You behave yourself and help tote things. You'll get questioned when there's time, and you can explain to me why I shouldn't have killed that man. You'll get food and water same as us. Sometime, my friends probably will think it safe to let you go. Warn you about after that. You come after any of us, or help others to do so, there's no mercy for you. Same if yo try to trick us or try to escape.

Third: You get untied, get your blade back, and get to try to kill me. You succeed, you get to go as far as I'm no longer concerned. You try to run, my friends help kill you.

You think it over while we get ready to go and hash out what I've I've said. After that, maybe with some new ideas, you get to nod once for choice one, twice for two, and thrice for three

The man eyes you over for a moment then nods three times in quick succession.

Toben glances at the man with a bewildered look on his face. "Do you have a death wish?" He sighs heavily and shakes his head in disapproval.

Toben leans over to place his travel pack on the ground. He places a hand on Klale's shoulder, and says "May Arda's blessing guide you."

Somebody (I'll write) unties the prisoner and somebody retrieves the man's sword and places it near him. All are alert against an attempted escape.

When the man has his sword at guard, Klale attacks.He fake lunges with his sword and starts a pass with the hammer, but holds. The prisoner is out of reach.

12:48, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 9 using 1d20. To Hit: Hammer +3.

Quick as a blink, the man snakes out his sword toward Klale's right thigh and scores a hit.  It's not deep, but it stings.  He completes the move by whirling out and away clockwise.

16:15, Today: Man in Black, rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Attack vs. Klale.
16:18, Today: Man in Black, rolled 2 using 1d6. Damage vs. Klale.

Klale stumbles and is ineffective.

13:36, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d20. To Hit +3.  = 6

I once had a ranger who lost an eight round fight with kobold; never rolled anything that could be a hit.

The swordsman dances behind Klale and catches him across the back of the right thigh, a near miss for a hamstring.  He is eerily silent the entire time.  After the strike he keeps moving around toward Klale's left side, still behind the big fighter.

17:50, Today: Man in Black, rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Attack vs. Klale.
17:51, Today: Man in Black, rolled 3 using 1d6. Damage vs. Klale.

Toben cringes as he watches the fight unfold. "Alright Klale, you've toyed with him enough. Get on with it so he can surrender, and we can get moving.", he says hoping to diminish his opponents current success.

OOC: Don't forget about the +1 to attacks, every little bit counts :)

...moves left right into a triceps and shoulder powered hammer swing.

16:02, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d8. Damage: Hammer. +4 =7

16:00, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 1d20. To Hit. +4 +2 +1 = 21

Klale, having been overconfident perhaps, remembers that he's strong.

As his hammer swings back, Klale's right shoulder and elbow jerk back, but it's his left foot he pivots on.

"You know," Phineas says slowly and distinctly from the sidelines, "Klale said you get to go if you win. *I* made no such promise. You could still, however, reconsider your poor life choices."

22:09, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 16 using 1d20+3. intimidate.

Toben nods in agreement with Phineas, "That's true, very true... I saw what you did to that last guy. You hit him so hard he forgot why he was here, and then ran in fear." He sneers at the man in black, "I doubt this one will fare any better..."

07:52, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Intimidation check on the man in black.

The hammer slams into the bandit, whirling him through the air like a practice dummy off its post.  He slams down hard...right next to the collected weapons.  He grabs the second sword and rolls to his feet, his left sword hanging a little lower than the right.  He couches down and watches Klale's weapons intently.

Klale pivots to find his opponent out of range; and, by the time Klale closes, double-armed and ready. Fair enough Klale comments. Phineas, it would be impolite to detain our silent acquaintance if he kills me. But I don't think he will. He scratches, and it mars. I smite, and leaves a lasting impression. Well, what to do, what to do.... As Klale is doing all this spouting, his bastard sword's point is making little tentaive movements" Up, down, side, lines, arcs. little stabs.* At the same time, his hammer is partly raised to strike.

Klale's hammer muscles tense, and his arm jerks back so any stroke will gain momentum. But...at the same time the bastard sword meandering becomes a lunge, and the silent one, perhaps too late, gets the point.

11:45, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 17 using 1d20. To Hit. +7 = 24

11:46, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 5 using 1d10. Damage. +4 = 9

*Klale is tracing out the alphabet, movements that seem as if they should be predictable, but are not so...just distracting, maybe.

The man falls for the feint with the hammer and the bastard sword protrudes from his back, portions of his heart attached.  His eyes go wide with surprise.  He nods sharply once in salute, then dies.

As the man in black falls to the ground Ano approaches slowly as he lays on the ground.  He looks over his face and removes the mask and studies his face a bit.  Disappointed that they had lost a chance to find out who had sent them Ano stands again turning to the others "We best not linger any longer, we need a safer place."

Such a man...evil, yes...but brave and respectful. Has he been searched thoroughly? If so, I'll clean my sword. Klale pauses. I think he wanted to avenge or die; perhaps they loved each other. I'll be okay until we stop next. Then I'll need sleep, and I'll be stiff maybe.

Do we take time to give their bodies to the river? What we don't take, we surely should. He looks the loot over. When his hammer and sword are clean and put away. he picks up each slightly curves sword in turn. With each, he runs his hand along it. He tests each ones flexibility. Finally (Though the whole process takes a minute.), he judges fineness of edge.

"He went out on his own terms, I'll give him that much. It's a shame we won't know more from him..."

Toben grabs his pack from the ground. "Give me a few moments, and I'll try to cover our trail as we leave. With any luck, that will deter any pursuers."

He places a hand upon  the ground and whispers "Conceal our path from our enemies...". He stands and places a hand upon each person and repeats the same phrase.

OOC: Toben will cast Trackless Stride of each of the party members before leaving the area. 20 minute duration for each person.

It is soon decided that the bodies would best be concealed in the water.  They are dragged out and tossed into the current and swept away.

Camp is soon broken, and the journey continues North.  Along the way, Eles pauses often to rest.  During one of these breaks, with the Misty Mountains now looming in the distance, he calls everyone close.  After he catches his breath, in a voice weaker than usual, he lays out the problem.  "We don't have a guide any more.  Maybe we never did.  Who knows what this Xar was leading us to.  We can try to go back to town, but that's a long way back.  We can try to press forward and try to find the dwarves on our own, or maybe this trapper they talked about who might know of them.  What do you think?"

It is unclear whether Eles is stalling for more time to catch his breath, or with the sun only a few hours from sundown, thinking this might be a good place for a late lunch and discuss these questions now instead of putting them off further.
This message was last updated by the player at 18:29, Mon 22 Dec 2014.

Toben ponders Eles' words for a moment. "I don't think turning back is really an option. Time is against us and Ceven is counting on us, so we need to push forward." He rubs the tender spot on his arm where Xar had stabbed him, "I don't think we can put any weight into what Xar told us. Trying to find this trapper may just lead us in circles since we have no idea where he could be. My vote is to keep pushing north. To me, it seems we'd have just as much luck finding the dwarves as a trapper skilled at covering his tracks."

Taking note to the shortness of breath Eles is demonstrating, he moves in to check on him. "Are you feeling alright, Eles? This journey is certainly taking a toll on us all."

During their various stops after leaving Xar's ambush, Toben takes the time to reflect upon the fight and notes the reaction Xar and the others had to their more extraordinary abilities.

"It probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. For the most part, I think we all know that we possess some rather unique new abilities since our visit with Ceven. Unless absolutely necessary, it's probably best to keep a low profile on them. Based on Xar's reaction, I have a feeling many will not understand the things we can do and may even condemn us for it." Toben winks at Phineas, "I wasn't just being coy with you, merely trying to contain the situation."

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 226):

Phineas considers Toben's words for a long moment.

"I understand your concerns, Toben, and share them. However, if there's to be trust among us who are, if not friends, then at least allies, I think we must speak openly and truthfully among ourselves. As for me, since our time with Cevan, I have merely developed an affinity for earth and stone. I can't do anything I couldn't do before, but feel more…in my element, if you will, when I'm in those environs.

"As far as our travels go, I agree with Toben. We should press onward, as there's little to be gained by doing otherwise."

Having said his piece, he goes to sit by Eles, making sure he has what food and water are available and doing his best to help the winded man.

"I agree. I did not mean to suggest to keep secrets from each other, it was meant mainly for people we are not familiar with. I don't know everything we are all capable of, but I know we have been blessed. It will be quite interesting to see all the things that develop."

Klale has been looking at Eles more frequently as the trek was wearing on.

---

Don't know as I feel any different. Did notice I could tell where I could have done a better job smithing. Impressed by you guys. Including you, Grandfather Eles. Think it's time, though for you to take a ride, ride piggyback on me...keep me in shape, and you can look around better. Ano, Phineas, Toben...means you'd have to carry some of my stuff.

Only thing I can think of us to try is get close to mountains and go along yelling for dwarves to come out and talk to us. I'll feel like a fool doing that, but I've been a fool before and no harm done.

"You boys are making too much of a fuss over me.  I'm just an old man.  That's the whole of it.  I don't have the endurance I used to, and now we are on foot and in a hurry."  The old bard runs his hands through his white locks.  "Klale, I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather be left behind than to ride you like some horse.  The way I see this, I was not allowed to go into Ceven's demesne because he knew I would not be a significant part of this.  My time is passed for these adventures.  It's time for your generation."  He grimaces a bit then continues.  "Now don't look at me like that.  I'm not saying I'm going to die or anything.  Just that I'm slowing you down.  I should take a few things and head for the nearest civilized spot on the map.  I can survive on my own, especially if I'm not being hunted because I'm looking for fallen maiar."

"Here," he holds out the map.  "Take this.  I'm going to head west.  There's an old tower that way that they say used to belong to a wizard.  Might be an interesting place to rest for a while."

An old man traveling with us indicates we aren't looking for trouble. But I don' fancy carrying anybody piggyback when my rider might beat me about the head and shoulders...no to mention digging into my ribs. So do as you think best, Master not-just-an-old-man, but say everything you want to say to us before you go...if that's your decision.

Ano approaches  Eles quietly looking him hard in the eyes before  bowing  low.  I understand  your feelings and I thank you for your wisdom and guidance.  You are the one who set us all on this path, and for that you have my respect.  We shall not forget you.

In reply to Ano (msg # 232):

Phineas, obviously struggling with his feelings, stands toward the outside of the group, mute, facing away.

"I wish there was something we could do to change your mind...", Toben says trying to judge Eles' resolve.

Seeing no weakness is in his armor, Toben sighs heavily. "It'll be a shame to see you leave. You have been welcome company on this journey. Your wisdom will be notably missed." He extends a health hand in friendship. "I hope our paths cross, sooner rather than later."

Eles shakes Toben's hand and any others proffered.  He divests himself of any equipment pertinent to the hunt for the Maiar, then sits back.  "It's been a pleasure, gentlemen.  I'm sure our paths will cross again.  Meantime, I mean to look for my granddaughter.  I'll make camp here for a bit, but there are still a few hours of daylight if you want to get on.  Ilúvatar guide you, young ones."

Klale stands, goes over to Eles, and shakes his hand. He turns away. All right, then. We're burning daylight. He stats off toward the heights(whatever he can see).

For a week, the group heads north along the eastern edge of the Misty Mountains.  The terrain transitions abruptly from sloping foothills to flat forested lands.  There is no sign of civilization here.  Inside the woodlands, the trees are elegant and very old.  They soar into the sky like majestic living monoliths of silvery white wood.  What little bird song comes from the trees is haunting, like owl song and dove coos.  There is none of the twittering babble of the smaller song birds, or the raucous cry of the carrion eaters.

There is plenty of game: land, air, and water.  You do not lack for supplies, only time.

If Ano does exercises, Klale participates as best he can. He does so, when and if feasible, with the two captured swords in hand.

Well, somebody want to climb a tree. May give us some idea of where to head. I'm guessing dwarves need water, so following a stream up into mountains might work. Follow a stream and no luck, then work around to follow another.

Ano looks for some high point to climb to see if he can get a better lay of the land.  Maybe a high cliff face or a plateau that might be higher up the the path they have been travelling on.

While Ano takes to the trees, Toben finds a clear patch of earth and starts drawing designs and symbols in the dirt.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Fri 02 Jan 2015.

Toben begins to mutter unintelligible words and his eyes roll back into his head. For a brief moment, it seems like he has entered into some sort of trance and then it stops abruptly. A still like the dead comes over him. Only the gentle disturbing his hair dispels the notion he is merely a statue.

A moment later, he flinches back to life. Toben blinks several times to regain he focus and stands up. "Woah... stood up too fast." He staggers to the left and falls to one knee. "Sorry, how long was I out? Felt like hours..." Shaking the dizziness from his head, he tries to regain his balance. He uses his staff to prop himself up.

"Northwest of us there is a dry rock gully that leads up to the face of a cliff. It dead ends there, but there is something more... something beyond. I couldn't see too much farther beyond, but it felt like there is something within the mountain. Tunnels, bridges, structures, all below the surface."

Toben squints and places his hand up to his head to shield his eyes from the sun. "If we choose that route, we must be on our guard. The dwarves may be in there somewhere, but I also get a distinct feeling of danger too."

The sun has barely budged. Here, have some water. We go up a gully, bad stuff can come down. Guess we could periodically call out, "We have a message for dwarves."

The other two young men quickly agree and the assent is made.  The sky above is cloudy, but not likely to shed rain.  Soon the sun sets with the group sitting outside a blank cliff wall indicated by Toben as the place to be.  There is a tiny rivulet of mountain fresh water about a hundred yards from you to the south.

In reply to Eru (msg # 243):

Phineas, who never seems to let an opportunity to talk pass him by, begins to speak loudly to the dwarves he presumes are in the area somewhere:

"Good dwarves, we are friends, and come with peaceful motives. We have spoken with one of the Maiar, who has sent us to find the dwarves. Of course, as far as my experience and common sense would tell me, you don't actually exist, so this may be something of a fool's errand, but my fellows seem to know more than I do on this score, so here we are, gamely chasing an undomesticated gander, a rouge ichthian."

"If you are creatures not only of myth, but of reality, then please show yourselves so that we may be about the Maiar's work! (And if you don't exist, it would be great if you'd tell us so we can go home.)"

Phineas begins to search the area in hopes of finding an entrance or some kind of clue as to where dwarven foot traffic might have passed.

18:34, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 13 using 1d20+3. search.

Toben attempts to help Phineas in the search for clues. He'll start by examining the cliff face for any sort of secret levers or knobs that may expose an entrance. Afterwards, if that fails, he will check for clues around the water source.

18:56, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Search check.

Klale readies the camp and gathers any wood.

Night comes with nothing to show for the searching.  Camp is quiet, with only the fire crackling and the breeze coming off the mountain to sing you to sleep.

About an hour in, there is the clicking of rocks below the camp's position.  There are two shadows moving in the dark.

Toben scrambles for his crossbow and holds it at the ready. "That fool Xar couldn't possibly have followed us this far!"

He squints to try and make out some detail with in the shadows.

Klale rouses, sits up, and starts putting on his armor. Welcome to the camp! he calls out. But if you're looking for trouble, please come back in the morning. Man's got to get his rest.

"Not looking for trouble, blacksmith.  Just heard you were looking for me."

If you're Gandamir Saberhorn of the Rangers, we've heard of you and could use your help. If you're a dwarf, we've been looking for you. And even if you're neither, here's a campfire and a place to sit.

"I am Saberhorn.  This is my friend, Candys.  We are coming up."

The two step out of the shadows.  They are older, but not old.  Both are somewhere in their late forties, possibly older.  Both have fair skin, but tanned and weathered by the elements.  These two move with the fluid and silence of those used to stalking prey in the wild.  Likely the clatter of rocks below was intentional to alert the camp to their presence.

Candys stays behind and obscured by Gandamir.  Her feminine curves are all by hidden by the cloak and gear she wears under it.

Gandamir takes the measure of each of you, then promptly squats by the fire.  He opens a pouch and takes out a small cup, some tiny objects, and some kind of metal thing that extends and attaches to the cup.  The tiny objects tink into the cup like small rocks or seeds.  Gandamir extends the cup over the fire and waits.

"You want to find dwarves?  Why?"

Klale removes his armor and puts enough wood on the fire.

After Gandamir takes his seat by the fire, Toben relaxes his crossbow and places it beside his bedroll. "By what means did you hear we were looking for you?" He eyes the ranger suspiciously, "You happen to know a tracker by the name of Xar?"

OOC: Toben will make a sense motive check on the rangers response.
18:33, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Sense Motive check .

"Xar's a two-bit wolf-pup.  He's got natural talent, but he's too focused on himself at the expense of others to make anything useful.  Out here, its man against the world.  If you can't watch out for each other, if there ain't trust, the forests or mountains or swamps 'll swallow you up."  He pulls out his cup and spits into the fire.  Dissatisfied, he puts the cup back into the flame.  "If you bested him, I wouldn't worry much about him."

He looks over at Candys to see if she needs anything.  She pats his hand and nods.

"We learned about you a couple of days after you left town.  I came in to trade what I'd hunted.  The owner of the place where you bought that fancy cloak told me about some crazy young men askin' about dwarves."  He pulls the cup back out, blows on it for a moment, then takes one of the small things out and pops it into his mouth.  After some intense gnawing, he finally cracks whatever it is, and chews before swallowing the whole thing.

"You still haven't answered my question.  Why do you want to find dwarves?"

Ano looked long at Gandamir before speeking "Forgive us if we do not answer to quickly.  The last time we reviled that information, it brought all kinds of trouble  down on us.  We seek the dwarves so that we might make the world something better then what it is now, to restore balance and peace."

Gandamir eats another piece from the cup.  He looks over at his companion then down at the lowlands all around.  "Balance.  Peace.  Seems like we've had hundreds of years of that.  Hasn't been a real war since the end of the third age.  Only the silly cage rattlin' of the petty despots in the east.  Even all of them ain't bad's what I hear."  He spits out a part of his food.  "Balance?  Peace?  What do these things mean that you would hunt for myths?  Sounds to me like you're 'bout to stir things up...not bring any peace."

Toben stands up and walks to the opposite side of the camp. "I'm afraid that pot has already been stirred." He turns his gaze out toward the south. "The sooner we can get a jump on things, the better..."

Toben takes a moment to collect his thoughts, and turns back inward to the camp. "Given how much time you've spent out here, have you ever seen and entrance inside the mountain?"

Candys stirs at Toben's words, but says nothing.

Gandamir shakes his cup a little bit and selects another bit.  "What makes you think there is anything to enter?  The Misty Mountains are solid rock for the most part, minus a few shallow caves here and there.  Least ways from where I sit."

In reply to Gandamir Saberhorn (msg # 257):

"If I may, sir: I was as skeptical as you, both as to the reality of things like dwarves, which we have long believed to be myth, and as to the wisdom of 'stirring things up,' as you aptly put it. But since embarking with these gentlemen, whose motives I have come to trust over time, I have seen things that have changed my mind. We have encountered creatures which, had my own dear mother told me of, would have caused me to call her a liar to her own face. And we have firsthand nearly been victim to some of the forces that are working to disturb what peace we have enjoyed, seizing the power that these creatures of myth and legend bring into the world for their own fell ends."

"I don't ask you to trust us -- not yet. But I do ask you to entertain the notion that what we are saying might well have the ring of truth to it. I give you my word that what we say is true, and that our motives are good. I assure you, I'd far rather be back in the comfortable environs of the city I grew up in than tramping about in the god and man-forsaken wildernesses of these mountains, and would be if I weren't convinced that our quest is necessary."

08:36, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 26 using 1d20+6. diplomacy.

Toben chuckles slightly, and walks back to his bedroll. "Exactly, it's all a matter of perspective. Perhaps it's because you're sitting all the way up here."

He turns back to face the camp fire and leans in, "What if the dwarves are not myths, but quite real? What if the reason why no one has seen the dwarves is because they don't live on the surface with us, but beneath it?" Toben taps his staff on the ground, "What if this mountain isn't as solid as you think, and really conceals a massive network of tunnels that lead to an underground city fashioned by the dwarves themselves?"

Toben waits for the eyerolls and other gestures of disbelief to fade away. "As Phin said, my friends and I have seen and done many things in the past few months that question much about how we thought of the world. I have come to learn that things aren't always what they seem, but to answer your question 'Why do I think there is something to enter?'. I beleive it to be true." He smiles briefly, "Call it a scholar's insight."

Something in Phineas's or Toben's words stirs Gandamir.  He leans back from the fire and looks at Candys.

She nods, almost imperceptibly.

Gandamir nods back.  "Alright.  I can show you the way in.  But don't get your hopes up.  There is nothing in the old halls that I could see.  You can't get to them anyway, only see them from afar."

He pops the rest of the contents of his cup into his mouth and crunches down.

"Best get some rest tonight.  Once inside the mountain, there is no night and day.  If you stay too long, the lack of sunlight will throw off your sleep so's you don't get enough and you'll end up exhausted."

True to his own words, he unrolls a bedroll for himself just within the glow of the fire.  His companion does the same.  In a few moments, they are both snoring softly.

Ano moved back to his bed roll , ready for sleep again.  "We should keep a watch tonight, but just among us four.   We can't rely on others to watch out for us any more."

"Good idea, I need to recover a bit from that last... scouting expedition. I'll take the first watch." As the others drift off to sleep, Toben paces off the perimeter again muttering softly to himself.

OOC: Casts alarm around the camp site.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Wed 07 Jan 2015.

The night passes uneventful.  Those on watch will notice that only one of the two rangers snores at any given time, though both appear to remain asleep.

In the morning, Gandamir and Candys lead the group about a mile north to a crease in the cliff wall.  It would have been almost impossible to find without supernatural aid if you didn't know it was there.  The crease leads you inside the mountain through a switchback formation made to channel the flow of invaders into two directions.  As you come around the thick barrier on which ever side you choose, the causeway opens to reveal a vast underground chamber.  The insides are definitely artificial as far as torchlight will carry.

The first noticeable thing is a deep, seemingly bottomless chasm.  A narrow stoe bridge extends roughly half-way across.  There are no hand holds, nothing to prevent the clumsy traveler from plunging to their death on either side.  At the halfway point, the bridge abruptly ends, sheared off and hanging out over the chasm, held up by nothing but its connection to the wall behind.

"Welcome...to the Chasm of Doom."

Bit far to jump Klale observes. Just asking....ever checked out the crevase on this side for any stairs, handholds or such?

He puts hands to his his mouth to form a tube. HELLO! ANY DWARVES HERE? WE BRING NEWS AND AN APPEAL! (Perhaps echoes) He looks around and shrugs. One never knows....

The echo continues on after Klale finishes speaking for a lot longer than one might think is natural.

There is no answer.

"I've never been in here before.  You are welcome to look for yourself."  He looks at Candys as if to leave, but she subtly shakes her head 'no'.  He frowns and some kind of silent argument flashes between them.  Then Gandamir sighs and leans back against the wall, waiting.

Taking a torch, Klale goes rightward along the the chasm, checking if there's anything to note. He'll go until he spots something or the chasm is cut off by rock. Perhaps somebody will go to the left.

Toben walks out to the edge of the bridge and tries to take everything in. He scans the area looking for possible ways across.

08:41, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Search check.

In reply to Klale Tsolo (msg # 270):

Phineas wanders a bit off to the left, mirroring Klale's search.

10:41, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Search.

The ledge you are on ends in chasm or solid rock.  There is nothing else of note here.

Well, thank you for showing us this...must be quite a sotry behind it. I guess it eitgher try north in disparate hope...or, perhaps you know of other places we could look. I'm beginning to fear that we're going to be too late regardless.

Gandamir shakes his head.  "I didn't know of this place until about a year ago.  I don't know of any other way in.  Candys is the one who showed me and as far as I know, she knows no other way in."  He scratches his nose and shrugs.  "You want dwarves, this is the only place I know of that has any connection to them in the legends.  The battle that took out the other half of that bridge..." he points.  "That happened right before the war that ended the third age.  Powerful magic was used.  Nasty stuff, magic.  Glad its gone, personally."

Toben walks back to the safety of the ledge. "I'm afraid we've come to far to give up here Klale. Ceven is counting on us." He looks back over his shoulder. "We aren't going to let a measly several hundred foot chasm stop us, are we?"

"If this place has the answers we need, then we'll need to find a way across. Magic or not." Toben chuckles, and then lets out a playful sigh. "Magic... if only, right? You don't happen to have any on you, do you Gandamir?"

Seeing Gandamir's readiness to leave, Toben nervously changes the subject. "Many thanks for showing us the way in, but I don't want to keep you if there are other places you need to be."

Gandamir looks back at Candys with a raised eyebrow.  She is more insistent in the shaking of her head 'no'.

He turns to Toben and shrugs.  "Not really.  I'm interested to see what you come up with.  We might even tag along to find these dwarves if you don't mind our skill and company.  A tale like this is worth being part of, don't you think?"

After having tought for a long time,  Ano picks up a rock the size of his fist and moves forward.  He enjoyed  the weight of it, it was of the earth.  He walks out to the very edge of the broken bridge  and says aloud "If there are dwarves  here then I ask for your aid now.  We share a kinship  with the earth, and we need you to help stop the growing tide of evil that is coming.

As Ano stares into the blackness he begins to hum softly. The tune is similar  to the song they heard in Ceven's cave but missing all of the complexity and power of the real thing.  He continues for a short time before falling silent, listening intently to the silence.

The song echoes for longer than it has a right to in the cavern, but there is no other response.

Toben stares intently at the bridge hanging over the chasm, as if it would at some point speak to him and tell him how to get across. "I think I might have an idea, but it's a bit of a ... non-traditional approach." He glance briefly at Gandamir.

"Does anyone happen to have any iron on them?"

My armor and weapons....

"Perhaps I should rephrase. Iron they don't mind parting with. Assuming we can find enough, it'll be consumed by the process."

Ano rummages in his pack and pulls out the chain shirt that he uses for training "Will this work Toben?"

Toben inspects the chain shirt once Ano hands it to him. "Hmm, let me take a look..."

"This is a most gracious offer, Ano" Toben takes his time examining the individual chains and weight of the shirt. "I think this ought to work. Unfortunately, in order to pull this off though, I'll have to pulverize the metal into a powder. If you're ok with that, I promise to replace it with interest." He looks over at Klale, "Perhaps this is something you could help with as well?"

Toben stares at the gap in the bridge one more time. "Based on how much distance we need to cover, I'd say it'll take a couple of days." He turns to address the party. "I guess the big question is, do we want to sacrifice a couple of days to see what's on the other side of that bridge?"

There is one more thing to try though it seems crazy...and risky. Could it be that the bridge is complete but the further half is invisible. One never knows. Phineas, ou'r ethe lightest. Feel like getting to yonder end, maybe crawling, and feeling around?

Toben, it's your call. What do you want me to do?

Toben nods, "It's worth a try. If Phin is up for it, let's put a rope around him just to be safe."

GM: Granting that Phineas is willing to do such a thing (which would not be difficult), he will find that the bridge is, in truth, broken and does not continue on under some spell of invisibility.

Gandamir and Candys look on in some amusement at the thought.  "I told you.  Magic is long gone...and good riddance."

Disappointed, but not surprised, that the bridge isn't just some elaborate illusion, Toben grabs his smithing tools and begins disassembling the chain. "You seem to have a real distaste for something that no one has seen for ages. Certainly not in our life times anyway. I understand terrible things came from it, but also brought about great things. I am curious why you hate it so much"

He files down what seems like a suitable component to show Klale. "See here, the consistency? Something like that ought to do nicely. We'll need to break the whole thing down though. I am going to need a lot."

I can break the links, at least most of them it that's what you want.  But first...Gandamir and Candys, are there any streams flowing out of caves, openings, anywhere reasonably close?

"There is that stream you were using for your camp.  It sources from inside the mountain."  He turns to Toben.  "I don't hate magic, really.  Just...well, all the legends and stories around these parts from the third age speak of magic and the terrible wars fought using it.  There was a dark lord and a magic ring and wizards and lots of people died.  I don't know anything good that came of it.  We've had relative peace, no wars, nothing like that since the magic left.  I'd like for it to stay that way."

Toben nods, "Those terrible wars were also fought with swords and bows, much like the ones we carry now. Though we've lived in relative peace over the years, I don't attribute that to the disappearance of magic, but more to the defeat of the ones using it to do harm." He scrapes a small handful of the powered iron into a tiny container, and start to walk towards the fallen bridge. "I believe magic, like the weapons in our very hands, are tools that can be used to do a great many things. They can be used for good, or they can be used for evil. It all depends on the individual wielding it. That is what I choose to focus on, stopping those that wish to disrupt the peace and harmony we have come to enjoy in our lifetime."

As he approaches the edge of the bridge, he begins to sprinkle a tiny pinch of the powered iron. He stops and stares at the gap for several moments as if trying to settle a great debate within his mind as to what his next action will be. "Gandamir, Candys, you have placed your trust in us by showing us this place. Now it is our turn to place our trust in you."

Toben stretches out his arms. "Please, do not be alarmed." With those final words he begins to mutter under his breath. After a few seconds, a rumbling begins to echo throughout the cavern. Toben's voice begins to rise over a whisper as the rumbling gets louder. Finally, at the peak of his spell, the edge of the bridge begins to shudder as it grows. The bridge extends itself about a foot before it grinds to a halt and the rumbling stops.

Panting, Toben takes a knee and opens his eyes to see the results. He looks back a Klale. "This is going to take a while...", he says with a weak smile.

Gandamir gasps and takes an involuntary step back.  "In all my years..."  He mutters something, probably a folklore ward against evil.  He says nothing else but does not run.

Candys does not react.

Phineas, for once, is speechless.

Klale punds away after setting the mail where wall and floor meet. He makes broken links and then uses a smaller hammer to make little chunks, partly by piling links upon links.

Toben catches his breath for a second before standing back up and walking back from the bridge. He pulls a small container from his travel pack and hands it to Klale. "Between you and I, we should be able to make quick work of this chain. Once the whole thing broken down, we can use it all in one go."

Not quite sure how to address what just happened, Toben turns to face Gandamir and Candys."Your reaction, Gandamir, isn't too different from my first reaction as well. You get used to it over time, but as you can see... I am no monster. Certainly not something to be feared."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:40, Sun 11 Jan 2015.

Except those who would do harm to you, your friends, or the innocent harm Klale adds expansively.

Ano comes to stand beside Toben "Impressive.  Is there anything I can do to help out?"

Gandamir keeps his thoughts to himself as he watches.  Though he does not seem ecstatic at the revelation, neither does his face betray in hostility.  He just keeps his arms folded as he leans against the interior of the mountain.

A couple of minutes after the spell is cast, there is a grinding noise and Gandamir points at the end of the bridge.  "I think you have a problem."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Sun 11 Jan 2015.

Toben smiles at Ano, "Thank you. I think for now, we'll just need a couple to keep watch. Make sure no one disturbs us during this process. We've only got one shot at it."

At that moment, a rumbling begins to echo in the cavern, and Toben turns to look at what Gandamir is pointing to. He sighs heavily in disappointment. "I was a little afraid that might happen. Magic has the power to restore the bridge, but I do not wield the power to make it permanent."

He turns to the others. "We need to decide if crossing the bridge is really what we want to do. Because if it is, it'll be a one way trip." Toben begins to collect the powered metal that Klale has been making. "I can get us across, but I'll have to cast everything at once with all of you following behind as I go. Once we get on the far side and the effects wear off, I won't have enough components to get us back."

Klale looks after hearing the rumbling and sees....

...Toben's spell only lasted a couple of minutes before the bridge returned to its original state when you came in.

Klale yells DWARVES! LAST CHANCE! IF YOU REFUSE TO TALK WITH US, THE TIME WILL COME, A DAY OF EVOURING EVIL, AND YOU SHALL WEEP BEFORE YOU DIE!

Then he turns to Candys. You've been silent. If you know something to benefit our quest, please, please, tell us.

The woman shakes her head then her hands begin moving rapidly as she faces Gandamir.  The Ranger nods and turns back to the rest of you.  "Candys cannot speak.  However, she has indicated that there are tales handed down from her great grand father of a small, stout man who came from this mountain.  He was injured, nearly dead when he staggered into her village."

Candys hands continue to flash though a series of positions and it is evident that this is some sort of language.  Gandamir continues to translate.  "He spoke a strange language once the villagers had nursed him back to health.  One word he kept repeating, 'Balrog'.  Once the man was healed, he stayed for a year.  He was a smith, worked miracles with a forge.  He worked for a year, serving the people of the village with little thought but for room and board.  He loved children and would smile and laugh at their antics.  Yet he was melancholy and after a year of service, he left.  No one has seen him since."

Gandamir watches Candys for a few more moments then turns fully to Klale.  "There are dwarves here, or were in the days of Candys's ancestor.  They are no myth.  But she fears something terrible may have befallen them and that your quest is in vain."

"We should all be in agreement before  we press on.  I Trust Toben's  ability  to get us across the bridge and i think that this is still our best option  for finding the dwarves" Ano states looking  at each one of his companions in turn.

I have no experience in matters such as these. However, the fool's errand that is at our door seems a wiser choice than the fool's errand that's a month more distant. Let us press on to whatever futile doom awaits with alacrity!

If we do decide to cross a temporary bridge of dubious origin and unknown strength and tenacity, I suggest this: I am smallest, and least likely to strain Toben's construct. If we have rope enough, it might be prudent for me to race across first and tie off on the other side so that, should the bridge made of Ano's shirt somehow fail, we would have something to cling to rather than falling without recourse into a chasm of unknown depth with a bottom of uncertain softness.

Klale says If this is the place, there's something that killed lots of dwarves...if we cross, and I'm on the heavy side, assuming the patch hods up long enough...and it'l be dark...and there may or may not be a way out. Well...this village, where is is, and which way did the dwarf go? North, east, west, south...?

Candys through Gandamir signs: That was a long time ago.  The dwarf was old when he came out of the mountains.  He is surely dead by now.

"I agree with Phin. Better to confirm or deny this place before moving farther north. It was clear Ceven was very short on time, so I think it's better to exhaust our efforts here first."

Toben thinks for a moment.

"So, is it settled? Press onward?"

Ano nods "Onward.  While you and Klale work on grinding, Phin and I can get our supplies together, and make sure we have enough water"

Klale, his piece said, resumes his work under Toben's direction.

Toben nods. "Very well then, let us proceed."

Phineas offers to make himself useful if any of the rest would like help. Failing that, he starts to carve a wooden toy, imagining what a dwarf might look like in real life.

Toben give Klale some final direction on the consistency of the powder, and lets him run with it. They spend the better part of the next day and a half breaking down Ano's chain shirt while the others keep watch and collect rations for the upcoming journey into the mountain.

The hours passed seamlessly and uneventful for Toben. The toiling was actually enjoyed for him. When the work was finally done, Toben meticulously collected the powder as to not waste a grain. He walks to the ledge and stops just before the bridge and turns to face the group. "Ok, since we know the effects only last for a couple minutes, we're going to have to be quick. For those who are coming," Toben's glances flashes over to Gandamir and Candys, "make sure you've got all your things collected and are ready to move. Once I start casting, everyone will have to be pretty much on my heels. As I advance forward, so should you. When the bridge finally connects with the other side, be sure to hop off as soon as you can." He gives a moment for each person to confirm.

Toben turns to face the bridge and walks to the edge. He stops for a moment to make sure everyone who is coming is standing behind him and ready to move. "Here we go." He extends his arm, focuses his gaze on the gap, and begins to mutter the same incantation as before.

The familiar rumble starts to echo throughout the cavern again, and the bridge begins to extend. Without breaking his chant, Toben tosses out more of the powdered iron out in front of him. The bridge continues to extend. 5 feet. 10 feet. 15 feet. With every casting, Toben moves forward to keep pace with the bridge. Just seconds before reaching the two minute mark, the bridge reaches the other side and Toben steps across falling to both knees. "Everyone across, quickly.", he says weakly.

"That was more costly than I expected... give me a moment", he gasps.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Fri 16 Jan 2015.

After a couple of minutes, Toben's effect reaches and connects with the far side.  At that moment, though, the part connecting to the original bridge retracts.  Every 6 seconds or so another section recedes into the bridge before it.  Phineas is the last to step off.  One foot on the ledge and one foot on the bridge, Phineas begins to step forward just as the stone begins to recede.  Ano grabs the front of his shirt and pulls him the rest of the way.

Everyone safe, time is spent resting.  Here, the light of the day is faint and it is difficult to see much of anything.

Klale was right behind Toben; for, if there's any weakening, he wants no part of it. Well done. Toblen.

---

Let's go he says. Everything is limited; we should travel as much as we can while we can.

Ano nods to Toben "Indeed, well handled."  He hands him one of the water skins that had been recently filled "You should drink something"

Ano then goes to take a look at the surroundings on this side of the bridge for any possible way to proceed forward.

Toben smiles and takes the water skin from Ano. "Thank you. I didn't expect that to be so draining." He props himself up with his staff and takes in the surroundings. "The farther we go in, the darker it will get. We'll need some light to lead the way."

He walks over and picks up a stone a little smaller than his fist. He cups the stone in his hands, whispers Illume, and the stone begins to glow as bright as a torch. "That ought to help." He places the stone in the crook of his staff and uses it to help search for a path.

OOC:Did Gandamir and Candys cross with us?

From what you can see in the dim light, the ledge is not very far to the north or south before it drops into the Chasm.  There is a doorway in a wall about a fifty feet away from where the bridge used to connect straight ahead of it.  What lies behind is as dark as pitch.

Gandamir keeps looking back at the bridge, probably wondering why he crossed and how he is going to get back.  Candys is as silent as always.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:30, Sun 18 Jan 2015.

"Well, it's rather a good thing there was a door on this side," Phineas observes drily. (He's clearly shaken up by nearly falling into the chasm, but is doing his best to cover it.) "I'm coming to believe more in magic, but believing is not making me any more an enthusiast."

Ano moves towards  the doorway in front of them and studies it and the room beyond  briefly.  If slllooks save he will move through it.

Toben edges forward to cast light on their path forward. "As long as all appears well, I suggest we keep moving."

Klale goes along behind, armor on, hammer and sword in hands...willing to let people arrange themselves as they wish.

With the traveling order established, the two rangers in the back, the group enters into the next area.  It appears to be a vast hall with row upon row of columns, ten wide and uncountable into the darkness.  From here it is near impossible to see much of either wall to your right and left.  However, there is a small glow coming from the left.

The faint glow catches Tobens attention. "Perhaps we are not alone here." He raises his staff in an attempt to spread the lights coverage. "Seems worthy of investigation."

"Agreed, lets proceed carefully"  Ano begins to slowly make his way towards the light source.

For those who explore (presumably everyone), the light is coming from the only doorway to a smaller chamber off the main hall.  It is still larger than most houses in the Duchies.  Light pours in through a crafted window in the ceiling of the room, a hole that goes up through the mountain, or so it looks from this perspective.

The room itself is completely bare save for one raised table of stone in the center.  There are strange runes on the side, but nothing else to indicate its purpose here.  Perhaps Eles could have read it, but the rangers just shrug.

There is no other exit from this room and nothing else of note save a well off in one corner that has no wench, no bucket, and no bottom that can be seen from here.

Phineas takes a moment to copy down the most important-looking of the runes, hoping they'll eventually get to ask someone wise in such things about them.

He also examines the window speculatively, wondering if it might provide an alternative way out of the mountain now that they have, so to speak, burned their bridges.

Toben begins to examine the room, focusing on the perimeter of the room and leaving the stone table for last. He spends a great deal of time examining the runes to see if he can decipher anything.

Klale sits with back to a wall (after Toben checks around there), stretches his legs, and closes his eyes.

The ceiling is very high, more than fifty feet above.  There is nothing else of note in the room.

Toben copies down the runes, but doesn't seem to be able to make heads or tails of their meaning.

Toben scratches his head and shrugs. "I can't make heads or tails of these runes." He turns to Candys, "Do you recall anything from your great grandfather using writing like this?"

Candys shakes her head 'no'.