The Forest of Green Leaves as it is now called, is the remains of a vast, largely coniferous forest that covered much of Northern Middle-earth in ancient times.  Dense with pine, oak and beech, the forest is over 400 miles long and 250 miles across at its widest point, where the Old Forest Road cuts west to east from the Anduin to the River Running (Celduin).  The woods provide shelter to man and beast, and stand as a natural barrier to incursions from the East.  The land rolls gently here, in the heart of the Greenwood, the hollows and wide valleys are lined with oaks standing almost trunk to trunk.  The great Taurduin (the Forest River) flows through the northern half of the forest.

The Mountains of Mirkwood (as they were once named) are vast range of hills in northern part of the Greenwood, now named the Emyn-nu-Fuin.  These mountains are a series of limestone hills with no peak over 2,000 feet high.  The range is bounded on the south by the Men-i-Naugrim (S."Dwarven Road"), to the East by the Fens of the Celduin River, to the North East by the territory of the Lake-men, and to the North West by the North-south running Enchanted River.

Three independent realms co-exist beneath the eaves of the Greenwood's trees. The Silvan Elves of King Thranduil wander the northernmost reaches of the forest (the Woodland Realm), while the rustic Woodmen occupy the regions bordering the Men-i-Naugrim. The southernmost portion of the Greenwood is ruled by Celeborn, who has renamed it East Lorien.

Although Queen Galadriel cleansed the Necromancer's Tower on Dol Guldur at the end of the War of the Ring, many evil things still make their homes in the primeval wood, hiding away in the darkest places to occasionally trouble the inhabitants of the Greenwood still.

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This message was last edited by the GM at 16:34, Mon 16 Nov 2020.

OOC: Link broken

Thrir led his mule along the way, Ascud was there just at his heels the faithful hound eager to resume their journey. It was nice not to have the ground squish everytime they moved and it was nicer not to be with the elves. Thrir didn't like the lands of the elves where everything seemed to watch them. Made him uncomfortable, and he was still feeling the hairs on his neck standing up as they left King Thranduil palace. He kept an eye and ear out to see if everything was still watching them.

Thank you Thrir, I appreciate you letting me know.  I've recreated the link and it is working, at least for me :)  Excellent post btw.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Mon 16 Nov 2020.

Kronin was not claustrophobic by nature, few Dwarves were after all, and yet the sheer scale of the Green Wood threatened to overwhelm him as they set out in earnest upon their quest.

A native of the Blue Mountains, he was far more accustomed to looking out over grand expanses, to dealing with severe changes in elevation, and in weather. But this seemingly unending walk beneath the shade of the canopy seemed almost oppressive in comparison. Not because the terrain itself was imposing, but because he knew that he could walk for days in any direction and see much of the same.

Their encounter with Lord Thranduil seemed to have had a profound effect upon him, and he barely spoke the first day he was so deep in thought. But as the miles passed beneath their tread and they pressed steadily onward into the interior he seemed to regain some of his old demeanor.

Despite the belief of the Ancient King that their errand was for naught, the Son of Krolin still believed in the possibility that some Dwarves yet remained. He spoke a little cryptically of Dwarves surviving hidden for generations, and with surprising confidence, and he moved with a purpose, as if somewhere, someplace, they might soon bring those lost back into the fold of their people.

Bofri does as Bofri is; and his singing and humming danced through the mighty trees as he happily strode along.
His pack on his back, and his battle mattock sleeping on his shoulder.

He enjoyed the great forest about him, but would prefer if the land rose and they were making their way over forested mountains instead of these lowlands.  He couldn’t quite square is soul with being so low in the world, without being within it.

But his spirits were high as they moved on from the elven kingdom.   And maybe that was it.  Perhaps he had felt uncomfortable surrounded by the delicate little warriors ... like a mole hosted in a court of mantids.   Elves always seemed such an inefficient biological build ... yet so full of their own importance.

But still, each to their own ... and Bofri was again among his own, as they transversed these beautiful ways.

it was some time into their journey that Evia finally put away her journal and began to prepare her pipe and relight it. Once she had a solid ember and was streaming a trail of smoke did her mine travel back to the meeting they had just had. She had managed to document it she hoped without any bias on her part....

That was always a trial at the best of times, though the matter of the Kings opinion on whether any of their kin remained was somewhat troubling. Still hopefully they could get an answer one way or another.



-

Kronin looked over at Daughter of Dealing and then back along their small line of dogs, mules and Dwarves.

"Did you ever imagine you would see such a thing?" He asked her, but in such a way as to include the others as well. "I had read of Lord Thranduil of course, but only as this sort of distant figure. I had never in my wildest dreams thought that I might see him one day, much less speak to him or to be permitted into his private chambers." he shook his bearded head and looked forward once more.

"We have come a long way from that Tower on the Lonely Mountain, and much further yet we have to walk I'd wager.' he chuckled low to himself. "Oft times I fear that they may think me mad when I finally return home. Such wild tales and grand names scattered among them."


He glanced back to Evia. "Although it must not be quite so strange to you, given your famous Father."

Evia thought for a minute before replying, "Do you mean to return home ? My journey is now set to return the hallowed halls of Khazad-dûm to our kin and given the mountain we must literary climb to accomplish such a task I do not see myself returning." She let out a stream of smoke from her nose.

"As to my father he did in his own way delight in the celebrity, but all gifts sometimes have an edge we don't always see and that was that everyone looked to him as a shining example. Something he himself admitted he was not always able to achieve."

Another long stream of smoke enveloped Evia for a second.



-

Kronin barely had to consider the question. "But of course, I have most of my family and friends there on the Eastern slops of the Blue Mountains. If I may some day count a lofty mansion to my name I would invite many to live with me there, and I would see them safe during the journey. And besides, I would miss those who would not come, the those vistas that I have come to love so dearly." he explained "It sounds as if you are not so attached to your own home?" he asked in turn.

"My Father will not survive long enough for my return and when we arrived from the Blue mountains it did not feel like home. There was something missing, both I and my Father talked about it at length. Neither of us knew what it was, I hope to find it when we find my Grandfathers bones and put him to rest."


-

Bofri listened in on the chatter between Evil and Kronin.  His own father having shared wisdom, some similar to those spoken now, some very different.

Thrir kept his council to himself. What would he do? That was a good question. He could not return to Under the Mountain. No this was probably a one way journey for him. Perhaps after it was done he would settle in Khazad-dûm. He hoped there would be enough in his share to replace what his brother and the King had stolen from him. He might also settle among men. He was not sure yet.

Kronin nodded in reply to Evia's sentiment as they marched along in file.

The Dwarf was had never been considered particularly verbose, even if he did have a personal fondness for verse. But next to the dour and stolid members of their company he seemed to be downright sociable.

So he next turned to Nendiel, who perhaps understood most the strangeness of their recent tidings.

"It was a great boon to us that you were given leave to travel with us yet further.   I trust that our company is not what you are accustomed to? And yet I have known of no other of your people that can boast of such close confidence with the Dwarves. And with such a mixture of Dwarves as you currently see."

"I am comfortable in the company of your kind, Kronin.  Alas, it is my own kind who seem to misunderstand me, and whom I cannot long abide.  Yet verily there is truth in what you say, for the Silvan Elves have often been at odds with the Naugrim, fighting as much over trade as the rights to fell the trees of the forest.

"Of old there were many disagreements betwixt our peoples, though I do not think they understand that your folk are of many tribes, and they are not all alike in virtue.  The Dwarves of Durin's House, of whom my knowledge is greatest, have always seemed an honourable people to me.  I am as glad to be of service to you as I am to have a reason to leave once more.  My people become more reclusive by the day, and I foresee, with dread, a time when we shall close off our realm to everyone.  That is no life for one such as I."

Nendiel lead the dwarvish fellowship along a slender corridor protected by Thranduil's magic.  The Elf-path was narrow and wound between the trunks of the forest's trees. Scattered shafts of sunlight soon ceased and the passage became as dark as a tunnel. High above, dark webs entangled tree-branches on either side but none impeded the path.  At night, the sounds of many strange creatures can be heard, and eyes gleam out of the pitch darkness, but the Raft-elf assures everyone that, so long as they stay on the path they will be as safe as it is possible to be in the Greenwood.  Oli, in particular, does not seem reassured by this and fashions many runes along the way.

One week later, and roughly halfway through the forest, the Elf-path was crossed by the Gulduin (Enchanted River). This was 12 yards wide but a boat was permanently tied there to act as a ferry.  Here, however, Nendiel strays from the path, which continues westward beyond the Gulduin.  The Elf follows the bend in the river, which continues south before meandering slightly eastwards.

It was here, where the Enchanted River began to turn eastwards, that the Dwarves made camp, on the eve of their eighth day into the Greenwood.  They no longer had a clear path, save to follow along the banks of the Gulduin itself.  Still, they are all very aware that they have left the protection of the Wood-elf King behind...
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:49, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

"Tis perilous here, for we head into the heart of the old forest.  I would suggest that we set a watch for the rest of the journey.  I am willing to take a turn, but my suggestion is to have pairs for sentries."

"Aye, that sounds reasonable, I'll take a watch," Thrir said, "Ascud will help me." He reached down and scratched Ascud's head behind the ears.

As the path they had been following more or less dwindled to nothing before them, Kronin found himself considering the sheer density of the vegetation all about them, as well as the creatures that would call such an ancient forest home.

This was not their element, clearly, and yet it lent some credence to the notion that if their extended kin did indeed dwell somewhere within or beneath the great wood, they would be that much more hesitant to leave whatever fastness they had made safe.

If it would have been an easy journey, if they had dates to stir forth, they surely would have made themselves known at some point. Or so he assumed.

"Watches it will be then. Although I'll take whoever will stand the vigil with me. Kuush is of a noble breed but is not much for conversation."

It was assumed that Dwor would stand the watch with him, as his lessons in Sindarin continued, but there was obviously room for any to volunteer.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

"We'll all stand our share of watch, I think", Bofri said confidently, as he gazed around at the inhospitable landscape before them.  He didn't mean it as a threat or order, he simply voiced a truth he expected.
Each of the company piping up to confirm they would didn't seem relevant to him.

Then asked, suspiciously, "How many of these trees are ..."  he wasn't sure of the next word to use.  Alive?  Awake? Angry? Likely to walk?   They all seemed appropriate.

"I be for taking the last watch unless the be any objection to it", Ymir said.

Hunginn let out a few caws.

"Oh no, ye be watchin with me - dont think ye be nappin the entire time."

The son of Dar eyes the forest suspiciously, then replies:

"I'll be glad to take a turn myself, if I may stand watch with  you, Nendiel, it might be productive rather than simply obligatory."

The elf-maid nods approvingly as she watches the fire they have built.  She takes a sip from her flask and seems lost in her own thoughts once again.

"So be it, I'd guess its for the best.  Even with the Enemy gone, this place is far from safe." says Dwór, pulling out his axe and reaching for a whet stone.

Evia was still busy with her book, but she put her hand up to take a space on the watch. She was not going to use a candle so once the light had faded she closed her work and helped with any tasks around the camp.


-

OOC: Watches are set as follows:

Nendiel and Dwór, first watch
Kronin and Evia, second watch
Bofri and Thrir (and Ascûd the valiant) third watch
Ymir and Hunginn and Óli, final watch.

Having agreed upon the watch schedule, the fellowship settled for the night.  They moved themselves a good ways from the Gulduin's shore, far enough to keep themselves away from whatever might dwell in the enchanted river (even Nendiel could not answer queries about possible inhabitants, though she believed there were some)but not so far that the river was beyond the Raft-elf's keen sight.

It was in a bowl shaped valley, where the oaks and birches grew close together, almost trunk to trunk.  They made themselves a small fire (though Nendiel thought this unwise) and, after a satisfactory supper, were soon fast asleep, save for Dwór and Nendiel, who were taking the first watch.

The night passed peacefully, though the sounds of nocturnal life were somewhat unsettling, the dwarves were exhausted enough not to let such noises keep them from much needed slumber.  Yet there came a moment, on Evia and Kronin's watch when the background noise suddenly stopped!

Neither the scholar nor the warrior knew exactly when the woodland's natural din ceased, but eventually they noticed it; an eerie silence that seemed ominous, as if the Greenwood was holding its breath...

OOC: Evia and Kronin, please roll me a d10 for surprise :) On a one to four you will be caught unawares.

Today: Kronin son of Krolin rolled 5 using 1d10.  Surprise.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 7 using 1d10.  Surprise.

Both Kronin and Evia notice the sudden stillness, and while neither one is certain as to the reason, both realizes that something seems amiss.  Thus both are on alert when the silence is dramatically shattered!

From the shadows of the trees FIVE hulking shapes emerge and swiftly charge your camp!  The creatures are perhaps nine or so so feet in height, with a rough, bark-like hide and eyes like the dark misshapen knots in an old tree.  Their mouths are like gaping cracks in their bark-skin, filled with jagged spiked teeth!  Numerous branches and twigs jut from their skin at odd angles, like the craggy limbs of long dead trees, and their huge hands are like gnarled wooden clubs.  These are NOT Ents, however, or at least not like any you may have heard described.  They seem far more monstrous!

INITATIVE for EVIA and KRONIN

Everyone else roll me d100 please.  You have a 40% chance to awaken this round!

09:46, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 8 using 1d10.  Tawartereg initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

07:58, Today: Kronin son of Krolin rolled 9 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Evia scrambles from her sitting position as the trees around them crack and giveaway to these misshapen beasts. Once risen with her hammer in hand  she tries to roust her companions with a yell to those around her.


Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 3 using 1d10.  Initiative.



-

Ymir - 11:57, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 27 using 1d100.

Hunginn - 12:00, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 41 using 1d100 ((41)).

Thrir continues to snore loudly.

21:31, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 93 using 1d100.  waking up?

The five enormous tree monsters come lumbering into the camp, but immediately meet the vigilant watch dwarves, Evia and Kronin.  Evia sees them first, but Kronin is not far behind, Cambeleg unsheathed in the blink of an eye.

Ymir stirs from slumber, his Raven still asleep in a nearby tree.

Thrir sleeps deeply and is not immediately aware of the danger!

Nendiel awakens and fumbles for her staff.

Ôli, usually quite paranoid, is under the influence of several cups of potent dwarf ale and still lays abed.

Dwór sits bolt upright and rubs his eyes, then pulls his sword from under his bedroll.

Bofri still sleeps on, perhaps content to dream of his beloved Nós, unaware of his imminent peril.

P.S: I did roll for Bofri and Dwor to speed things along.  Apologies if I overstepped in doing so.

OOC: Evia you may roll me your ANIMAL LORE of RHOVANION NWP to ascertain what these creatures are.

Evia, you may attack before your opponents.

Kronin, you will attack immediately after them.  Please both of you declare your actions and roll any attacks please.  These creatures are AC 3!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

Evia could see her calls were falling on deaf ears as she ran the short distance through the undergrowth and bracken fern to bring her into striking range of these "trees". She would have to delay until her companions were ready to defend themselves she thought, as the last two steps were a sort of skip and then her leg found a broken stump that gave her a little height.

Her hammer, clasp in both hands comes down on the nearest tree with a crack that seems to moves the leaves of the more stationary brush around them. Her right leg then finds the damp earth of the forest floor as she again brings the duel head of her hammer into the leg of the next tree in a wide sweep to her left.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 18 using 1d20.  Animal Lore/Rhovanion.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Attack 1.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 10 using 1d10+5.  Damage 1.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Attack 2.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 9 using 1d10+5.  Damage 2.



-

OOC: Remember, as we begin the surprise round that it has been over a week since your last combat.  You are ALL at full health presently!

SURPRISE ROUND

Evia rushes to meet the tree-like monsters!  As she gets closer, she tries to place them in the lore of living creatures that she memorized by rote

"Now learn the lore of living creatures:
Eldest of all, the Elf children;
Dwarf the delver, dark his houses;
Ent the earth born, old as mountains;
Man the mortal, master of horses..,"

but nowhere do they seem to fit.  They are somewhat like the tales of Ents, but seem far more malevolent than tales of the Tree Shepherds suggest.  It bothers the scholar that she cannot quite place them, but her guess is they are some sort of Troll!  Still their intentions are clear and the daughter of Dwalin replies decisively with her hammer, smiting twice and damaging two of the five.  Bark flies at each solid blow.

Two of the huge tree monsters reply to Evia's attack.  One swings his massive knurled fists at her, trying to smash her flat!  The spry she-dwarf is far faster than it, however and it roars in frustration, shaking the trees (and absolutely waking up the remaining sleepers for next round).

06:14, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 11 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

06:14, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 13 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

The next Tawartereg meets the oncoming Kronin with its large wooden club, crashing just in front of the dwarf with a resounding boom!

06:20, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 9 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

Now Kronin and those awake had their chance to act.  They needed to do so quickly as the rest of the creatures were close behind.

OOC: Kronin may now attack and then Dwór, Nendiel, and Ymir may do likewise.  Those who have just awakened may make only a single attack or action in the surprise round, however.  Remember you have a natural +1 to hit trolls due to Dwarf hatred of these beasts.

After this we will begin Round 1 with everyone awake!
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:34, Mon 15 Feb 2021.

With unfocused, but practiced ease, Bofri snatched up his mattock;  and with a roar, joined the fray.

In the darkness, all he knew was that violence was all about them, and his allies attacked some moving vegetation ... but for Bofri, that was enough.

The noise of battle stirs Thrir from his slumber finally. He fumbled in the darkness to pick up Dunstan's Short Sword, it had served him well to date, so he felt it best. He wished time allowed perhaps for more tactics.


16:22, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 36 using 1d100.  waking up?
Pick up Short Sword.

Seeing her hits might just be having an effect Evia again stretches her hammer over her shoulder and lets loose with another blow. It seems she has hit a soft patch as the impact looked to have been deflected.


Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 10 using 1d10.  initiative.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Attack.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 6 using 1d10+5.  Damage.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

ROUND 1

(EVERYONE IS NOW AWAKE and may take whatever action they wish.  I will assume you have a weapon close at hand and not be mean and make you draw or ready them first.  Readying your weapon is incorporated into your SPEED FACTOR, so long as you keep the weapon 'at the ready' for a fight.  Now let the battle truly commence!)

NOTE: These are LARGE creatures and take LARGE damage from weapon attacks!

Initiatives Please Everyone!

15:35, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 8 using 1d10.  FIVE Tawartereg initiative.

OOC: Let's do this :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:37, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

Thrir rose and readied his sword and shield. "Bah, Can a dwarf not sleep in peace!"

He then moved and engaged the nearest enemy troll.

Ascud was barking at the trolls. They looked big to him so he needed to make himself bigger. He didn't attack yet barking and looking over at Thrir to make sure he was up and about and waiting for any command.

OOC:

17:24, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 10 using 1d10+2.  Initiative (counts Dawi Drengi's speed factor).

17:27, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 17,10 using d20,d8+4 with rolls of 17,6.  to hit, damage.  (Hit AC -2 for 6 hp of damage....gonna be a long fight)

"Ha haa", Bofri screamed in laughter at Thrir's comment, "We are sleeping, friend.
This is the best dream I've had since the one with that Pork Belly Pie  ..."
             as he charged the nearest gnarly-man with enthusiasm.

- rolled 10 using 1d10.  Initiative
I don't remember if there is any mod's to that

Initiative: 08:46, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 6 using 1d10 ((6)).

Ymir saw what they were facing now that he was fully awake. In the air he heard Hunginn cawing.

"Thanks fer the warnin, ye sleepy rooster! Fat lot o'good it does now...Stay in the air and keep a black eye out fer any other beasties comin at us - we have work to do on the ground", he yelled at his Raven-Friend.

Ymir saw the size of the creatures and aimed his arm at one, above the heads of his companions, getting close enough to be within 30 feet and activated his Bracelet that stored his Chromatic Orb spell, calling upon its Ruby Red power on the creature attacking Evia.

Attack Roll: 09:07, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 20 using 1d20+4 [+3 spell, +1 racial bonus to hit trolls] ((16)).

Damage Roll: 09:08, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 5 using 1d6 ((5)).

Effect: Heat: The target loses one point of Strength and one point of Dexterity (or takes a -1 penalty to attacks and AC) for one round. The orb is also hot enough to melt 1 cubic yard of ice.

ROUND 1

(Okay, so far my initiatives are as follows:

Initiative 6 is Ymir
Initiative 7 is Oli, Nendiel, Dwór
Initiative 8 is my five TAWARTEREG
Initiative 10 is Bofri, Evia, and Thrir

So I need initiative from Kronin still?)

Ymir holds up his arm, revealing his gleaming bracelet.  With a word he unleashes a glimmering sphere of crimson at the closest Forest Troll.  The glowing orb explodes in the bizarre creatures face and it roars in anger, its face now blackened and smoking.  The Artificer had clearly done some damage!

Óli charges in to attack, brandishing his scimitar.  He slashes at the same Troll's branchlike arm, hacking off bits of bark as his blade bites deeply

Nendiel picks up a leaf from the forest litter and breathes upon it, whispering "Olā naur!" and the leaf lights on fire and grows to become a flaming blade in her hands.  Then she rushes towards her foes.

Dwór draws his trusty short sword and rushes into combat, but his initial swings seem to do little against the rough bark skin of the Tawartorog before him.

The First Troll with his scorched face is angered and seems to attack blindly.  He swings his two knurled fists at Oli, and manages to hit him with one.  The Rune-caster is knocked back ten feet and lands hard on the forest floor, dazed and gasping for breath!

Second Troll attacks Evia, who is already deep in the fray, but the Dwarven warrior easily evades its clumbsy attempts.

10:58, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 7,10 using 2d20.  Second Troll attacks.

Third Troll rips up a large stump and throws it at Thrir!  The Huge log manages to catch Thrir solidly in spite of his efforts to evade it.

11:04, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 9 using 2d6+6.  Third Troll damage.

11:03, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 18 using 1d20.  Third Troll attacks (+3 for Strength)

Thrir takes 9 hit points damage :(.

Strength check please Thrir or you are knocked backwards and lose your action this round :)

Fourth Troll and Fifth Troll move to the west and east, trying to find a way through the trees to get at the Dwarves.


OOC: I need Evia, Bofri and Kronin's attack rolls please.
       A strength check from Thrir to keep his attack action this round.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:15, Sat 24 Apr 2021.

Her side step is off and she slips as he first attack goes wide. Sensing her near fall the troll moves in and Evia brings the top of her hammer in a straight arc straight up into the beast chin with a resounding crack.


Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 9 using 1d10+5.  Damage 2. Double damage = 13...

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Attack 2. Natural 20.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Attack 1.



-

Bofri swung his big-assed mattock with swift and powerful strikes, aiming to shatter as much from the trolls as he could.
- rolled 16 using 1d20.  Attack.
- rolled   9 using 1d10.  Damage.

Thrir stands his ground easily though the stump strikes him quiet hard. He growls at the Trolls.

"I would of thought you all died with the Dark Lord!" he exclaimed as he charged forth with his longsword to strike at the troll who had hit him with the stump.


OOC:

16:15, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 9 using 1d20.  Strength Check, STR 16.

Just from past post my attack:

17:27, Mon 15 Mar: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 17,10 using d20,d8+4 with rolls of 17,6.  to hit, damage.

ROUND 1 (Continued)

Evia swings her mighty hammer twice at the slower Tawar-torog, missing with her first attempt, but making up for it on her second strike.  She does indeed soundly smite the Wood troll upon its chin, the loud crack and resounding bellow of the monster proof of the damage inflicted.

Bofri likewise steps forward without hesitation, coming to Óli's defense.  With a powerful swing of his two handed war mattock, the former Stoneguard crashes against the Wood troll's chest, bark shards flying everywhere.  The nearby trees shake at the force of the troll's enraged roar!

Thrir grunts as the stump slams into him, but with a herculean effort the son of Thrur keeps his feet, and replies with amazing swiftness, closing the gap and brandishing Dawi Drengi and plunging it into the third troll's side.  Black ichor gushes around the wound as Thrir yanks his blade free and pulls back into a defensive stance.  There were few things more terrible than a wounded troll.

Kronin (NPCed) rushes to the aid of his companion Dwór, the elvish axe Cambeleg glowing brightly in his hands...

END OF ROUND 1

INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS FOR ROUND 2 please

Perhaps it was the force of the stump still throwing him off a bit with the ache in his shoulder as he brought his shortsword back and stabbed again at the troll but his blade could not find another soft spot being blunted by the thickness of the troll's hides.

Thrir cursed as his blade failed to draw blood this time.


OOC:



21:25, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 5 using 1d10+2.  Inititiative.
21:26, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 4,6 using d20,d8+4.  Dawi Drengi's attack.
       I hit AC 11 :), maybe it's a troll not wearing armor and has a Dex penalty to his AC :)...yeah not likely....

With her hammer brought down in an arc Evia again had problems with her footing and the loose leaves of the forest. "To use to stone." were the words of her father in her ear.


Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 14 using 1d10+9.  Initiative.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Attack 1.


-

- rolled 5 using 1d10.  Initiative

- rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack with War Mattock.
- rolled 5 using 1d10.  Damage.

ROUND 2

(Okay, so far my initiatives are as follows:

Initiative 5 is Thrir
Initiative 8 is Óli, Nendiel, Dwór
Initiative 11 is my five TAWARTEREG
Initiative 12 is Bofri (5+ Speed Factor 7 for War Mattock)
Initiative 14 is Evia

So I need initiative from Ymir and Kronin still?)

Thrir slashes furiously lunging for what he hoped was a weak spot in their bark armour, but his enchanted blade fails to bite this time.  Cursing he steps back and brings his short sword around for another stab

Óli gets to his feet, the gash in his forehead bleeding profusely.  Dazed as he still was by the Forest Troll's mighty blow, the rune-caster bellows: “Ai-rusê!” (upon the filth!) and charges at the troll who brought him down.

Nendiel with her Flame-blade ready, advances on Troll 1.  She brings the weapon above her head and straight down in a blazing arc!  The Tawartorog roars as the magical sword not only cuts him, but sets his arm on fire!

Dwór, heartened by Nendiel's success and seeing his ally Kronin approach, swings with all his strength at the thick leg of Troll 1 and manages to cut through its tough hide.  Black ichor pours from the wound, making Dwór smile grimly.  They weren't impervious to his blade after all!

TROLL 1 Now badly wounded, and blind with rage attacks the opponent he most fears: the Elf with the flaming blade!  He swings his huge club and she tries to dodge out of harm's way, even the lithe Nendiel isn't fast enough this time.  She is smashed violently to the ground, crying out in pain and her flaming blade is extinguished, turning into a withered leaf in her hand!

TROLL 2 Continues to pummel Evia, and one of its wooden fists manages to find the agile Dwarf scholar!

13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 16,9 using 2d20.  Second Troll attacks.

13:57, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Tawartereg fist damage.

Evia takes 11 hit points damage :(

OOC: I need a Strength check from Evia to keep her feet please :/

TROLL 3 Swings both fists at Thrir, but the creature's blows are clumsy and Thrir evades the beasts attacks this time.  This of course, makes the creature even more enraged!

TROLL 4 & TROLL 5 are still circling around and will likely be in position the next round.

Bofri Continues to pound on TROLL 3 with Thrir hearing an audible crack as his mattock crashes into the Wood troll and bark flies!


Evia daughter of Dwalin, brings her maul around for a great blow, but this time her mighty hammer seems to bounce off the Troll's bark hide!

OOC: Okay, I from those who have taken an action in this round I need init and attacks/actions for ROUND 3.  Also please don't forget to update your current HIT POINT status in your bio please.  It helps us keep track so I don't have to backtrack to figure it out.

Kronin, I need an init and attack my friend, Ymir I need the same please.

Evia, I need a Strength check for your character to keep your feet after you were smashed by its natural attack.  Otherwise it will take one of your actions next round to stand up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Sat 15 May 2021.

Her foot finally bit into the earth just as a mighty fist struck Evia broadside. She did not move, her foot stayed and she brings her hammer around to connect with the beasts hip. She again drags the head back in an arc and hits the same spot again with a louder crack.

"I will fell you demon tree." she spot at the beast as a mixture of blood, bile and spit left her mouth.



Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 18 using 1d20.  Str check.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 15 using 1d10+9.  Initiative.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Attack 1.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Attack 2.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 9 using 1d10+5.  Damage 1.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 11 using 1d10+5.  Damage 2.



-

Thrir hears the wood chipping off the Troll and smiles as he looks for another opening quickly stabbing in and our a couple of times when the opportunity presented itself hoping to at least end this troll before the next appeared.



OOC: I only attacked once last round my 2 attacks is this round :)

08:22, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 9 using 1d10+2.  Initiative.

08:23, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 13,12 using d20,d8+4.  1st attack with short sword.  (AC 2)

08:23, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 18,12 using d20,d8+4.  2nd attack with Short Sword. (AC -3)

HP 25/34 (updated my bio to be right)

Heartened by the sound of limbs snapping under his assault, Bofri pressed his advantage.


I also, I believe, get a second attack in round two ...
- rolled 20 using 1d20.   Attack        Oh nice, a Natural 20; does that do anything for me?
- rolled 5 using 1d10+1.  Damage

Okay, so far the current battle looks as follows:

TROLL 1 is SCORCHED, WOUNDED and REALLY upset! He is facing down Kronin and Dwór and Nendiel (who is currently prone).

TROLL 2 is BADLY WOUNDED as Evia continues to pummel him into submission and is also really upset.  Ymir is facing Troll 2 as well.

TROLL 3 is taking a beating from Thrir and Bofri (who rolled a natural twenty and so received DOUBLE DAMAGE for a critical hit! WOOOOooo go Bofri!)  I shall apply your CRIT attack to last round since you DO get a second attack on your second round due to specialization.  Just roll me damage please :)
The Troll is thoroughly annoyed and looking for some revenge.  Óli is coming to help with this wicked Troll as quickly as he can.

TROLL 4 and 5 were circling around.  They'll join the fight THIS ROUND!

Also thank you Thrir for updating your status to reflect your current hit points.  Evia you still need to update your status for the 11 hit points you took in ROUND 2.

For now I'll need to NPC Kronin until he hopefully joins us again.

So now, let's continue:

ROUND 3

(Okay, so far my initiatives are as follows:

Initiative 6 is Óli, Nendiel, Dwór, Kronin
Initiative 9 is Thrir
Initiative 13 is my five TAWARTEREG
Initiative 12 is Bofri
Initiative 15 is Evia

Ymir I need an initiative and action please my friend).

Óli the Rune-caster charges at Tawartorog 3 with complete abandon, gripping his scimitar with both hands and swinging it wildly.  He actually manages to hit, the blade tearing off layers of bark and forcing a roar from the Wood Troll.

Nendiel quickly stands up, taking a defensive stance with her staff her mind works to come up with another dweomer to hurt these monsters!

Kronin (NPCed) hefts Cambeleg and swings the mighty axe twice, both times biting into the fearsome Troll.  The creatures knot like eyes blaze with a baleful green light, now centered on the son of Krolin!

Dwór thrusts with his short sword, but this time he cannot find a weak spot in the wooden hide of the creature.  He curses in Khuzdul and brings his sword smartly around for another try.

Thrir slashes twice with Dawi Drengi, carving deep into his Troll.  The monster gushes steaming black ichor from his wounds and bellows in pain and fury.  The enchanted blade glows and pulses in answer, as if it enjoys the carnage it has caused.

The first Troll swings its huge club at Kronin, smashing into him and nearly knocking the stolid Dwarf from his feet.  Kronin swiftly regains his composure, gritting his teeth from the pain, and battles on!

The second Troll once again tries to hurt Evia again with his horny fists, and hits once, his fist crashing against her and threatening to knock her to the ground!

12:46, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 9 using 1d8+6.  Tawartereg fist damage.</Red>

12:44, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 10 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

<Red>12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 19 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

Evia takes another 9 hit points of damage :(

The Third Troll attacks Bofri for hurting him so much.  Swinging both knurled fists at the son of Brogur.  His first attack crashes into the former Stone-guard hard enough to topple him.  His second attack cracks into a nearby tree, cutting in in half and probably hurting the clumsy Troll!

12:48, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 8 using 1d8+6.  Tawartereg fist damage.

12:47, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 14 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

12:47, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 1 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

TAWARTEREG 4 & 5 charge through the trees, splitting ancient trees into splinters as they come roaring through.  One Wood Troll decides to assist the first Troll who has four opponents.  The second Wood Troll rushes to help the second Troll, who is staggering now.  Both get a single attack.  Perhaps due to their haste, both miss:

13:08, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 8 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

13:08, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 11 using 1d20.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

Bofri lunges forward and smites the Wood Troll (if he isn't knocked down that is) though a bit rattled from the blow he suffered a moment he doesn't manage to hit the beast as hard as before.  Still it clearly does hurt it!

And then Evia takes her turn, hammering into the Troll with mighty swings of her maul.  She sees the creature go down to one knee, then the Dwarf maid is forced to quickly dodge the blow from a SECOND Troll who joins the fray!

OOC: So I need a Strength check from Evia and Bofri
     I need an attack from Ymir
     I need damage for the Critical Hit from Bofri.
     I need those who were hit to subtract the damage from their status please

And that will End ROUND 3.

As usual I'll need initiatives and actions for ROUND 4

Things are getting ugly now.

Thrir smiled a bit as the Troll began to stagger a bit, still it was impressive four of them on one. They needed to finish this one off though so that they could attack the others.

He moved swiftly looking for an opening and jabbing in with Dawi Drengi hoping to fell a troll with it.


OOC:

Keep attacking Troll, if this one falls attack the other one that moved in.


13:57, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 18,9 using d20,d8+4.  Dawi Drengi's attack.

13:57, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 4 using 1d10+2.  Initiative.

- rolled 12 using 1d20.  Strength Roll, as requested.   I am sorry, I don't remember the system rules: does this roll give you what you need?
- rolled 3 using 1d10+1.  Damage roll, as requested.

- rolled 9 using 1d10+7.  Initiative for Round 4.

If I read this correctly, Bofri took 8HP damage?
I'll subtract than now, regardless.

Evia aims to finish off the first troll as she swing her hammer over her head and brings it down onto the monstrosity. Her hammer sinks deep into the creatures head as she wretches it free from bone and flesh. Then she readies a guard position to take on the second troll.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 14 using 1d10+9.  Initiative.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 12 using 1d20.  Str check.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Attack.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 12 using 1d10+5.  Damage.

OOC: Sorry I did my post before updating my HP's. It should be correct now....

Iniative roll - 21:18, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 2 using 1d10 ((2))

Ymir continues to focus on the opponent he hurt & pointed his arm with his right gauntlet. The dart-shaped jewel embedded on it flares to life and a green bolt of Acid shoots forth.

Attack roll - 21:19, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 2 using 1d20 ((2)).

Damage roll - 21:21, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 2 using 2d4 ((1,1)).

(OOC: Im pretty sure Ymir missed - Triple 2s...Yahtzee!)

Ymir, with surprising speed, raises one gauntlet clad hand towards TROLL 2 and a shimmering emerald bolt blazes from it.  The acid splashes against the Troll's bark, sizzling and leaving a scorch mark, but it does not seem to even be enough to gain the creature's attention, so far as Ymir can see.

Both Bofri and Evia steadfastly stand their ground, resisting the impressive blows from their Trollish opponents.

Bofri's mattock swings around and crashes against the monster, forcing a fierce bellow from the Wood Troll (extra attack damage applied :)

END OF ROUND 3


ROUND 4

(Okay, so my initiatives are as follows:

Initiative 2 is Ymir
Initiative 4 is Thrir
Initiative 7 is Óli, Nendiel, Dwór, Kronin
Initiative 9 is Bofri
Initiative 10 is my five TAWARTEREG
Initiative 14 is Evia

Ymir's action for THIS round.

Thrir swiftly lunges with his enchanted sword, biting deep into the Troll's horny hide.  A fountain of black blood spouts from the wounded leg, befouling the ground around the beast.  The canny dwarf notes the Troll (#3) stumbles as it shifts its weight.  Clearly they are wearing it down.

Dwór battles alongside Kronin, slashing with his short sword and savagely cutting across his Troll's right arm.

Kronin swings his magical axe with a single mighty blow and takes the left hand off of his Troll (#1)

Nendiel speaks in rapid Bethteur "Naur dan i Tergteur!" and in her fair hand she conjures a small globe of glowing green fire, which she hurls at the astonished Troll!  The creature's left arm erupts in green flames and it howls terribly and falls to one knee!

Óli shouts a Dwarvish curse and brings his scimitar to bear, but somehow misses the huge beast and embeds his blade in a nearby tree!

Bofri's action.

TAWARTOROG 1 The severely wounded creature refuses to die, this time bludgeoning Dwór with the remains of his knobby club.  The Dwarf flies backwards, hitting a stump hard, the falls to the ground and lies still.

TAWARTOROG 2 Again turns his attention to Evia, attempting to pummel her with his sledge like fists.  He smashes her once, determined to kill the Dwarf maid before he himself perishes at her hands.

14:28, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

14:28, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

14:30, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  Tawartereg fist damage.

Evia takes 13 points of damage :(

TAWARTOROG 3 is panicking and attacks wildly.  Since he cannot decide who is the greater threat to him, he attacks Bofri with one fist and Thrir with the other, but misses them both.

14:42, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Tawartereg attack Bofri: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

14:42, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Tawartereg attack Thrir: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).


TAWARTOROG 4 tries to help his dying companion (Troll 1) and swings both fists at the Nendiel, whom he judges to be the greater threat after seeing her able to invoke fire!  He hits her with both fists (and rolls a natural twenty).  He picks her up and crushes her angrily in his fist, then drops her to the ground where she lays in a crumpled bleeding heap :(

14:55, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

14:55, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).


TAWARTOROG 5 looks down at Evia and Ymir, then decides to aim his blows at Ymir.  The Artificer deftly avoids the first blow, but is smote hard by the second one.

15:09, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

15:09, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Tawartereg attack: THACO 13 (-4 against dwarves).

15:12, Today: Secret Roll: Eru Illuvatar rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Tawartereg fist damage.

Ymir takes 11 hit points damage :(

Evia hammers the wounded Wood Troll in the chest, splintering his trunk with a loud crack.  It topples backwards (fortunately for her and Ymir) and does not rise again, much to the other Troll's dismay.

OOC: Okay, as I said, things are getting ugly now.  Two of the trolls are severely wounded and one is down, but so are Dwór and Nendiel :(

To complete this round I need the following actions, please:

An action from Bofri and Ymir.
A STRENGTH check from Ymir.
A STRENGTH check from Evia.

If Bofri or Ymir's action kills or defeats a Troll before its attack, I'll make any needed adjustments to this summary.

Also I need initatives and actions for ROUND 5.  I'm pretty sure we are coming near to the end of this encounter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Sat 17 July 2021.

Round 5

Thrir notes the limping Troll, he'll not let it get away. "Do not worry, I'll send you to the dark lord soon enough!" he called out to the troll.

He jabs Dawi Drengi in at the Troll trying to get a good hit on that leg again, the Troll rolls around in pain but unpredictable as a child throwing a tantrum which makes it hard to catch it with the blade.

OOC:

17:18, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 6 using 1d10+2.  Initiative.

17:20, Today: Thrir son of Thrur rolled 10,11,3,5 using

d20,d8+4,d20,d8+4 with rolls of 10,7,3,1.  Dawi Drengi's attack (oops forgot to change dice).

Maybe not this round....

1st Attack: hit AC 5 for 11 points of damage
2nd Attack: hit sadly AC 12 (hey maybe his limp gives him a penalty to AC?) for a measly 5 points.

Evia continues on, hammer swinging left and right as she targets the nearest troll to the one that they have just put down. He misses with her first blow but a quick reverse catches the troll as it tries to lunge forward.


Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 2 using 1d20.  Str check.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 15 using 1d10+9.  Initiative.

Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Attack 1.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Attack 2.
Evia daughter of Dwalin rolled 10 using 1d10+5.  Damage 2.

Bofri could smell the victory, and it almost sent him into a frenzy, as he swung is War Mattock with passion.
- rolled 18 using 1d20.  1st Attack.
     - rolled 11 using 1d10+1.  1st Damage.
- rolled 15 using 1d20.  2nd Attack.
     - rolled 10 using 1d10+1.  2nd Damage

Strength Check - 19:12, Today: Ymir son of Gunir rolled 1 using 1d20 ((1)).

Ymir seeing his enspelled gauntlet failed to do anything to the creature, reached into his pocket to use another focus but then the creature focused its attack on him. He avoided the first blow but the second hit true & the Artificer found himself off his feet and thrown back from the impact.

On his back, Hunginn landed on his chest & flapped his wings and let out a few short caws.

"Have ye ever heared of someone being hurt GOOD?!", he said wincing in pain.

Almost as swiftly as it began, the brutal brawl was finished.  Five Tawartereg lay dead, like old, rotted trees toppled to the clearing floor or broken amid the close growing oaks surrounding them.  The camp had, of course, been utterly destroyed and many innocent trees had likewise been felled or maimed during the battle.  The forest was again silent, not even the insects dared speak.  It was eerie and pitch dark.  Only a few wan beams of moonlight or starlight reached here.  Dwarves, however, manage to see well enough in darkness, and those still standing gazed around, taking stock in their own wounds, and the state of their companions.

Nendiel and Dwór lay bloodied and still upon the thick leaf litter, it was nigh impossible in the darkness to see whether or not they yet lived. As for the rest, none had escaped unscathed.  The Wood-trolls were fearsome opponents, and it went without saying that, in their current state, should they encounter another such wild band before dawn (about three hours away) they would not likely survive.  There also was the problem of their animals.  The hounds had remained, even assisted in the slaying of the monsters, and Ymir's raven Hunginn still perched on one of the fallen Trolls, pecking at it incessantly, as if to make sure it was truly dead.  The baggage animals, however, had been understandably terrified and had chewed through their hobbles and run off into the woods.

As the group begins to dress their wounds and tend to the fallen, a susurrus wind blows through the trees around them, whispering in the darkness and echoing through the otherwise silent wood, as if the trees themselves voiced their disapproval. A ways off, through the maples and alders, the Gûlduin river gleamed like a ribbon of shadow to the west, its enchanted (some would say cursed) waters offering no aid to the dwarves' plight.

OOC: Okay, except for Nendiel and Dwór, the rest of the group, namely Bofri, Evia, Kronin, Óli, Thrir and Ymir are at HALF Hit Points at the moment.  The Trolls were a VERY tough fight, but you were winning when last we played.  You may all take 1,000 XP from the battle.  I think you had at least three baggage animals, two mules and a pony, at least that's what I remember.  Their tracks should be easy enough to find, with a little light and someone with a NWP in tracking.  Kuush or Ascud could definitely help with the tracking, provided they have been trained for such work.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:20, Sun 21 Jan.

The old Rune-caster quickly carves a sigil into a branch he retrieves, then bites his lip and spits his blood onto the rune.  Suddenly the branch bursts into bright flame.  He thrusts the branch into the earth, creating a makeshift brazier.  He sits down hard on a newly made stump, then tears off a piece of his cloak.  He kneels down over Dwór's form and listens to his chest.

"Tis an ill place, this is!" He mutters, shadows dancing across his face in the nearby firelight.  "This Troll attack does not portend well for our journey.  Dwór, at least still lives.  I know not of the Elf-maid."

All around the bowl-shaped clearing, the murmuring winds grow louder...
This message was last edited by the player at 10:46, Sun 21 Jan.

Kronin stood amidst the freshly churned earth and the deep and moist leave litter of the wood where he breathed heavily, his armored form rising and and falling a little with every pained breath.

In his hand was the bloodied Cambeleg, and some how even in the dim recesses of the old wood the elegant sweep of the curved blade caught some faint sliver of light. At his feet lay a great gnarled hand still half clenched and severed at the wrist.

The smell of the rotting leaves, the disturbed soil and the spilled blood was thick in the air and unpleasant to him, and although his horned helmet left little by which his expression could be seen, it was clear that his wariness that the struggle was well and truly over vied with his concern for the fallen.

He pivoted at the waist, this way then that, his oval shield of that rich blue metal with the coiled serpent wrought upon the face pivoted with him, and slowly he forms of Dwór and Nendiel stood out from the detritus of the chaotic battle.

Seeing that the stalwart Dwór was being tended to by the son of Orm, Kronin picked his way across the cleaning towards the still form of Nendiel by the flickering light of Oli's blazing branch.

After Hunginn flew off his chest, Ymir got to his feet after that hard hit he took. Dusting himself off, he took a look about at the devastation the battle had done and shook his head. His body was very hurt and sore after the battle and he walked slowly toward the Tawartereg that his Raven-Friend was pecking at and sat himself on it not too far off.

"Im pretty sure the thing is dead - ye peckin at it wont make it deader", he said to Hunginn.

Hunginn stopped and flew to the Artificer, landing on his shoulder & let out a few caws.

"Well i feel like a wagon hit he but im breathing - just need a moment is all."

Kronin carefully kneels down, beside the Wood-elf.  He is no healer, but he can tell at least that she still breathes, if shallowly.  Her left leg is bent at an unusual angle, indicating it might be broken.  Her fair face is discoloured, and she has a cut across her forehead where blood has run freely and covered the right side of her face with stains.  She still clutches her staff tightly in her right hand.  The leaf litter may well have cushioned her fall, but its clear the impact and sheer force of the Troll's blow has hurt her sorely.

Óli goes and cuts a branch from a nearby larch, then returns and kneels down by fallen Dwór.  He carves an odd-looking rune into the wooden branch, then chants as he smears it with the sap that leaks from the wood.  The Rune-caster then presses it to the Dwarf valet's chest.  Dwór suddenly gasps and moans loudly.

"Easy lad," says Óli brusquely.  "You're still alive, and considering you fought hand to hand against a wild Wood Troll, that's a feat in itself.  Lie still and let my rune do its work."

When Huginn lands of Ymir's shoulder and caws, the Artificer notes he drops something from his beak that practically lands in the dwarf's hand.  It appears to be some sort of leather bag, tied with a thick thong.  the Raven preens his wing feathers, seeming very proud of himself, but quickly turns his ebon head and stares at the surrounding trees, instantly alert.

Around the clearing, the wind through the trees increases to a wail, their branches swaying, even though there is no discernable wind...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:40, Sat 03 Feb.

"Well, one of us should go and retrieve our mules and pony.  We'll not get far in this gloomy forest without them.  Right, I'll be back shortly then.  I probably shouldn't go alone though; the Greenwood is clearly still a perilous place.  Thrir, Evia Flamecloak?  Are you well enough to help me find our lost beasts?"

Evia and Thrir (NPCed as is Bofri) nod their assent and the three prepare to leave the clearing.  Bofri lights a torch from the burning brand near Óli and heads west.  The trio find, however, that the tree branches, trunks, and roots prevent them every time they attempt to depart.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:34, Sat 03 Feb.

Evia also volunteered for a shift in the dead of night so that others might get a more uninterrupted rest. Once the order of the watch had been created she would look for some wood within the forest as long as it was safe according to their guide. You found the forest with its close dark feeling as strangely familiar... or perhaps comforting.


-

Ymir inspects the pouch Hunginn dropped in his hand.

"Where'd ye pilfer this, ye black-winged cutpurse", Ymir said as he opened and looked within the pouch.

It is now clear to all of the dwarves in camp, no one is leaving or getting any rest, so long as the trees are physically barring the way!  Everywhere they turn, there are dark trees: larches, pines, oaks, elms, and walnuts, and others they cannot discern in the firelight, encircling the bowl-shaped clearing where the Troll battle took place.  The trees' branches are frenzied now, as if shaken in a violent wind, though not so much as a breeze stirs in camp.  They cast a deep shadow over everyone and everything beneath them, and their windy voices are now clearly heard; angry whispers, dark mumblings, low moaning and furious shrieking and other sounds that could not be understood.  The menace from these trees is palpable, and the entire of the woods beyond camp seems to blur and melt into some sort of dark mist, giving way to deep impenetrable shadow.



A deep shadow falls across Kronin and Nendiel as he examines her broken form by torchlight.  Cambeleg was still unsheathed, the Troll ichor staining the otherwise beautiful blade gleaming in the fire's glow.  The noble dwarf warrior can feel the anger radiating from the larch looming over him, and it almost seems as if the shadows, playing on its rough bark make a strange sort of face out of the knots and weathered wood...



As Evia moves to gather wood, she is quickly confronted by the enraged trees besieging their encampment!  Their irate voices, like a storm wind now, fills her ears and sends a shiver down her spine.  As a warrior, Evia knows she is already hurt from her battle with the Tawartereg, and she has no idea what these animated trees want or how strong they may be.  The only thing she can be sure of is they are defintely threatening. She's wise enough to know that, if these creatures DO attack, the odds are not at all in her fellowship's favour!



Looking inside the mouldering old pouch, the dwarf is astounded.  It appears to contain a fingerbone, a red gem of some sort, a bunch of dried toadstools, and a long oddly shaped stick of dark wood.  Definitely far more than its size should be able to contain.  He has very little time to ponder the marvelous old pouch or its curious contents, however, as Hunginn squawks raucously, alerting the Artificer to the looming danger of the animated trees!
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:50, Sat 09 Mar.

The former Stone-guard swiftly pulls out his mattock and takes a defensive stance beside Evia.  The fear shows in his usually stoic face, even in the dim light.  He shifts from foot to foot, looking to his companions for their reactions as he grips his weapon tighter.  The son of Brogur would not go down without a fight, if it came to that, although his own injuries quickly reminded him he'd not likely survive another battle so soon...

Thrir (NPCed) drew his own short sword and prepared to fight if it came down to it.  The torch light wasn't much, but they created many shadows that a dwarf like Thrir could make use of in a pinch.  He had to admit, however, that he'd never faced a tree before, and had no idea if they'd be fooled by the darkness.  Still they hadn't attacked yet...he waited, the tension in the air giving him goosebumps, as he watched to see what the trees would do.

Hearing the hate in the trees whispering wind, the Rune caster retrieves a torch from his satchel and lights it from the main burning branch he'd made earlier.

"Ye've no love for fire, that's certain!  Come on then, I've got something for you right here, if you're brave enough to wrestle with me!  I may be old, but I've lit many a merry blaze in my day.  Gainsay me and I'll stuff this strait down your wooden gullet!"

Evia backs up to the fire, both for a sense of comfort and perhaps as a guard against the trees. She makes no threatening gestures as she waits to see what is going on and if any of her companions may have a way of communicating with the trees....


-

Ymir looked up at his Raven Friend as he began to caw excitedly and then shot to the gathering forest seemingly surrounding them with its branches.

He shoved what Hunginn had given him into one of his many pouches on his person and pulled out his smithing hammer and joined the others in a defensive formation.

"If'n it isnt one thing is another - we kill three troll trees & the whole forest be against us...Now i know why our kin choose our mountain holes as homes."

Each of the Dwarves takes a defensive stance against the Animated Trees.  The Trees loom ominously over the much shorter Khazad, muttering darkly in their strange whispering speech. Although still grievously wounded from their brutal battle with the Wood Trolls, those still on their feet watch and prepare to fight once more, if it should come to it.

Suddenly there is, of all things, the sound of many birds singing.  Nightingales, Whippoorwills, Nightjars, and Owls, to name but a few.  Their voices seem to blend in a loud music that drowns out the shrieking wind of the trees.  Soon the trees begin to sway, as if seduced by the merry birdsong.  Slowly the avian melodies quieten, and as they do the trees likewise grow still, and step back to fade into the forest many shadows.  The torches in the camp flicker and go out for the space of a few heartbeats, then flare to life once again, though dimmer than before.

When the Dwarves can see once again the trees around the clearing have thinned, and those that remain stay still.  There is no wind, only a pale sliver of moonlight that makes its way through the canopy and into the clearing to aid the wan torchlight.  There, standing in the pale splash of moonlight, is an old man, leaning upon a twisted staff.

Evia let out a long breath as she lowered her weapon and look at those behind here. "Everyone still in one piece?" she asked. Assuming everything is as it was before the trees she would return to the fire.


-

"Well, he most certainly is", Ymir said using his Smithing Hammer to point at the old man. The Artificer remained on guard should this man be a Wizard of some sort..

Hunginn cocks his head at the old man in curiosity but remains silent.

The old man regards each of the dwarves one by one.   His demeanour is calm, eerily at ease, considering the violence and tension mere moments ago.  His wizened face is round and ruddy in the torchlight, and from his chin sprouts a thick wiry reddish brown beard .  Two bright brown eyes peek from under his bushy brows.  In spite of the awkward silence, he smiles warmly and doffs his battered brown hat.

"'Tis a dangerous thing to be walking about this old forest alone.  Would you mind if I share your fire?"

"No of course not, please take a seat." Eva went back to her job of minding the hearth even putting on a couple more logs just to make herself feel better with a bit more light and flames. Turning to the old man she asks "And what brings you walking the eves of Mirkwood at night traveller ?



-

Ymir stepped back to let the strange man come forth but stood with his Smithing Hammer in hand, not quite ready to trust him just yet.

"So are we just to ignore what we just seen a few moments ago before he made an appearance?", the Artificer said to the group. "Birds don't sing and trees don't sway like that from me experience."

"I thought he may have been the one who calmed the situation. In my experience it is not like trees and birds to react like that unless they are threatened..... But you a probably right Ymir."


-

The Old Man nods in polite response to Evia's invitation and approaches the fire slowly.  His heavy brown robes, worn, mud stained and patched in several places, would seem impractical for wandering around the woods, save that they almost seem to flow with his movements, not impeding him in any discernable way.  Before taking a seat on a flat-topped stone, he glances over to Hunginn and 'caws' at him, in an exact imitation of a deep raspy raven's call.  Hunginn spreads his wings, flutters them in an unusually vigorous display, then bobs his head as he croaks in reply.

Hearing the Dwarves speak quickly in Khuzdul, the Hermit seems unconcerned, and if he understands any word of their dialogue, he makes no outward sign.  Instead, he sets his staff to one side and removes his hat, then reaches into it and draws forth an ornate glass bottle that contains some sort of ruddy coloured liquid.  Taking a quick swig of its contents, he wipes his mouth on one sleeve and then turns to Evia to answer the Dwarf maid's question.

"I thank you, for the hospitality, Mistress Dwarf.  And, to answer your query, I am returning from seeing a very old friend.   I thought I might visit my former home in the southwest of the Greenwood. I've not seen it in quite some time, and I find I rather miss it these days.  Of late I've had a bittersweet longing for the old place, I suppose one might call it a sort of 'homesickness' perhaps.  But of course, I noticed the commotion in this clearing, and I thought I'd make sure that everything was alright.  Trolls are a nasty business I daresay, and not many survive to tell stories of their encounters with them," he frowned, seeing the unconscious Nendiel and Dwór.  "I do have some skill with herbs, I might be able to aid your friends, if you would allow me to help."

He glances over towards Óli, who still clings to the burning torch, and Bofri, who has yet to lower his mattock.  Then he eyes Kronin and Thrir, standing guard over their fallen comrades, then finally he regards Ymir directly.

"Ah yes, the trees... Your concern was well founded. They were angry at the hurt and death to their own; the result of your battle with the Wood-trolls.  Truthfully, they are not overly fond of Dwarves in their forest in general, for they've had cause to dislike your folk, in the past that is, and they have the longest memory of almost any living thing.  Also, they do not like large amounts of fire (he looks back towards the Rune-caster) or axes (he looks over to Kronin).  I suggest you douse the torches and sheath your axe; you will not need either of them for now."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Sun 14 Apr.

"Your help for out wounded with be appreciated my name is Evia and I will let the others introduce themselves." "Would you share a meal with us once you have finished with the wounded ?" she asked as she began to prepare some food.


-

Smiling to the dwarf maid, the old man replies: "I should like that very much.  I haven't eaten at all today, oddly enough, and I've heard dwarves make a fine stew.  I was told of your coming, of course, so I know your name, and those of your companions.  Still, I am honoured to formally meet you, Lady Evia, Dwalinsdottir.  You may call me  Radagast, if you like.  Your people had a name for me, as I recall...GÛHULKÛN if my old memory still serves.  In truth, I never was as quick to learn the overly clumsy tongues of most folk.  Now those of beast and bird I find much more to my liking."

The wizened hermit reaches for his staff and then rises and makes his way to where the injured lay.  Thrir gives him an appraising look, while Óli's regard is downright suspicious.  Kronin meets Radagast's gaze and then nods, stepping to one side to allow the man access to Dwór and Nendiel, watching him closely.  Bofri leans on his mattock, his brow furrowed and a frown marring his bearded face, but he makes no movement.  The hermit leans heavily on his hazelwood staff, kneels slowly and examines the wounded elf and dwarf, his bright eyes widen as his wrinkled brown fingers gently explore their hurts.  He shakes his head sadly, then reaches into the well worn satchel at his right side.

He draws forth a parcel of what appear to be dried blue flowers, then a packet of whitish brown mushrooms, cloth bandages, clean wash cloths, a small clay mortar and pestle, and finally a larger dark wooden bowl.  Almost reverently he lifts the flowers and blows softly upon them, speaking words in a tongue none have heard before (any character with Ancient History NWP or Linguistics, or Spellcraft may roll at a -3 penalty to the roll to discern what language he uses and/or what he might be doing).  He places the flowers in the bowl and then speaks in the odd language again, his tone one of authority.  In his hands the water steams and a refreshing fragrance, like a mountain meadow filled with wildflowers, wafts over all gathered there.  He then retrieves a washcloth and immerses it in the flower concoction, wringing it out then using the cloth to clean Nendiel's wounds.  The old man smiles softly as he bandages her wounds and nods, leaving the sweet-smelling bowl close by her side, its vapours drifting over the elf maid.

"Her wounds are grave, but she has a strong spirit.  I believe she will recover and heal with rest.  Now to see to the young dwarf that lies yon."

Moving with surprising fluidity for his apparent age, the wizard now looks to Dwór's wounds.  He places the mushrooms in his clay mortar, then crushes them carefully with the pestle.  Radagast glances over at Hunginn the raven, then croaks and caws to him in a quick staccato.  The raven flies off into the wood, returning five minutes later with a small branch bearing a cluster of dark berries.  Hunginn flies directly to the old man and drops the berries and branch into the mortar, bobs his head to him, then returns to Ymir's shoulder and begins preening himself.

"You've a rascal of a rook for a companion, Master Ymir, but he has a noble heart nonetheless."

Making a paste of the contents of the mortar, the wizard swiftly covers the dwarf's wounds with the dark paste, then again bandages them carefully.  Once complete, he washes out and returns his belongings to his satchel, then takes his staff and slowly stands up.

"Well, I have done what I can, for the moment.  Time and slumber must do their part now.  You should find a safe place to stay for a day or two while they recover.  I can provide that, in recompense for your hospitality.  Trust me, I bear you neither ill will, nor foul intent, I merely wish to help in some small way, if you will permit it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 15 Apr.

"Well, Wood Trolls wanting our heads will make us use what gives them hurt back...But i understand", Ymir said at Radagast's words of the trees being none too pleased at their presence & put his Smithing Hammer away.

Upon seeing Hunginn react to the Wizard's raven's call, he merely looks at his Raven-Friend.

"Look at ye making a good impression without a bit'o cheese being held out."

Ymir watched Radagast tend to their companions, merely observing his work and relieved that they would live and continue their journey. Upon the Wizard asking Hunginn to fetch herbs and him doing so, Ymir gave a slight scowl.

"Ye never are that enthusiastic when i ask ye to fetch something for me, ye black-feathered boobie."

Hunginn responded by pecking at his hat a few times.

"Stop that! I like this hat too much for ye to peck a hole through it."

At Radagast's kind words of Hunginn, Ymir replied, "Well that he is but hide the cheese if ye have any or ye'll be thinkin otherwise."

At his words of aiding them and asking for hospitality, the Artificer says "Well, ye healed our hurt companions and ye offer of shelter would be most welcome after what we been through."