Weardon scratches the dog behind the ear one more time, and then stands up.  Addressing Haldir, he says "Buren is very well trained.  He has good manners for a hound.  Your training speaks for itself."

He then turns to look at Balin, and nods in assent.  "I am honored that you sent for me, Balin.  Thank you.  I only arrived this evening after great effort, but it has bolstered my endurance and prepared me for our journey.  You seem to have a solid group here, and it is to our advantage that all of the free peoples are represented.  You show your wisdom yet again by choosing a well balanced group."

OOC Assuming Weardon doesn't get kicked to the curb, ready to go.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Wed 19 Feb 2020.

In reply to Weardon of Amon Lanc (msg # 63):

"Bah, Balin sent for ya? Ya could a led with that instead a beatin around the bush! The other two have ma 'Ya', and if you know ya can trust the bushy man, then I am fine wit that."

[OOC: Good for all three here.]

Haldir look inquisitively at Jody as he listens and responds,"Your people sound jolly indeed.  Perhaps Buren and I will visit this Shire someday."

Upon Weardon's sigh of "braggart" Haldir nods in agreement and says,"Indeed"

Haldir laughs when Buren barks at Weardon,"That is all I need to prove your quality Beorning.  If Buren accepts you than so do I."

Gumm falls silent, too astonished for words that anyone would question the martial prowess of Bilbo Baggins.  He wondered what sort of lunatics he’d gotten mixed up with.  But crazy could also make a huge difference in combat, so perhaps it was just as well.

[OOC: Yes, the three have done well.  All are fit, imho.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

And so, with three new companions added to their number, Balin bids the company goodbye until tomorrow.

The next day dawns bright and fair, with clear skies. Balin greets the company at the tall Gatehouse on the western side of Esgaroth. The Gatehouse serves as the sole point that foot traffic have of entry into and exit from Lake-town. Archers are stationed atop the Gatehouse, and a palisade extends to the left and right, offering more places for archers to rain down volleys on anyone wishing to attack the town.

"Good to see you all this morning," Balin says, grinning. With him are two younger Dwarves and three loaded mules. "Let me introduce you to my companions, Barrak and Torrun." Barrel-chested and well-muscled, Barrak has fiery red hair, a thick beard, and a stern, serious expression. Torrun has the same red hair, but he is younger, his face smoother, with large freckles splotched across his nose and cheeks. His beard is much shorter than Torrunthe other Dwarves, and he is not as well-built as either Balin or Barrak. All three Dwarves wear leather armor and have well-made axes at their belts.

"Well met," Barrak says gruffly, though he looks approvingly at the company's armor and weapons, particularly Mock Ironside's. Torrun nods his head in greeting and flashes a quick smile, but says nothing.

"Let's be off, then! We've already lost weeks due to our unfortunate adventure with the Mewlips," Balin says. "Lead on, Master Kodran!"

With this, the company sets out from Esgaroth, Navarre Kodran taking the lead on his horse, with Weardon, Eorik, and Gilmith ranging ahead to scout out the way, the Rider of Rohan on his beautiful Rohan steed, Snowbourne. The caravan of Men, Dwarves, Hobbit, Elf, horses, mules, and hound makes its way into the Long Marshes as the group follows the track of the Running River.

That afternoon when the company stops to make camp, Gwydian takes some time to fish, and Haldir goes out with his Mirkwood hound, Buren, to hunt. Gwydian returns with a brace of fish, and Haldir has been able to bring down a buck, which he skins and prepares for dinner. Meanwhile, the rest of the company set up camp for the night, take care of their animals.



Barrak



Torrun

OOC: Due to some good hunting and fishing rolls, you'll have enough food for this evening and the next day, saving 2 meals per traveler. I'm pausing here to give each person a chance to post if they want to. Otherwise, we'll continue on with the journey.

Mock did a bit of fishing alongside looking after the mules as well, enjoying the quiet trip so far.

Gilmith returns from her scouting for the evening to note the golden smell of venison searing over a bed of coals.  Despite the long day, she smiled warmly - this was starkly different after all then when Gilmith had first joined the group, when they were close to running out of food.  It seemed that now, they had enough skilled hunters that Gilmith didn't have to shoulder all the responsibility.

Still, it was no bear.  She thought to herself.

It was a good omen that things had been easy so far.  Still, there were much more dangerous areas of the Mirk to go...

Gumm stands guard and tries to pretend he can’t smell the delicious aroma of grilling meat.  He is less than successful.  He hears a growl, but knows it belongs to no fell beast, save for the one in his belly.

Weardon greets everyone in the morning, carrying his backpack and a staff.  His axe and knife are fastened to his backpack, along with 2 lengths of rope.  He seems to be traveling very light, since he has no horse or other method to carry his belongings.  As the rest of the group introduces themselves, Weardon is sure to shake hands with everyone who offers, including Barrak and Torrun.

As they make the final preparations to leave, Weardon stops by to let the mule sniff him.  Once he has been accepted, he rub it's ears for a moment, and speaks a few soft words.  He introduces himself to all the horses in the group in this way, with the permission of the owners.

As the group leaves lake Weardon runs beside Balin until they are well out of sight of Laketown.  After a quick glance to make sure no one is around, he whispers something to Balin, before raising his voice: "Stop a moment!"

As the rest of the group pauses to see what is going on, Weardon jogs out in front of the group.  As he passes Gumm, he mutters "We can discuss a contest of strength this evening should you like."

Once Weardon is well out in front of the group, he stops, and turns to face the group.  With his arms through the loops of rope, and his staff tied to his backpack, he kneels on the ground and begins to......change.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

After a few seconds of growing and sprouting fur, the grizzly bear stands up on all 4 paws.  The backpack it carries is snugly attached to it's back.  With a nod, and a pointed look at Gumm, it nods.  Then the giant bear turns around and jogs up the path in front of them.

About the time dinner is finished, Weardon walks into camp wordlessly.  He sets down his pack and sighs, and pulls out his staff, then walks over to collect some dinner.  When he approaches the fire, he states "I prefer the fish, thank you for cooking."

He then sits down heavily to eat, hungrily.

OOC I did not want to presume the behavior of Balir or anyone else, so I took a bit of liberty to not give anyone a chance to discuss this until dinner.  In real life it would have been handled differently, more than likely.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Mon 23 Mar 2020.

Navarre was brimming with excitement and for many reasons.  Being a Dúnadan he was a sworn protector of the people though most were unaware of the self imposed oath.  Kodran had spent many of the last nights tucked warmly into a bed but his conscience was telling him he should be out scouting for signs of raiding squads of orcs and goblins.  Another nugget nibbled at him.  This was a large and formidable crew with a wide array of talents.  An elf of Mirkwood, a hobbit, a ranger, practically a herd of stout and well armed dwarves, a Rider of Rohan and several other men.  They would be passing not too far off from the Mewlips den.  Perhaps on the return trip Navarre could convince them to swing in for a visit to finish what they started.

There was another reason for Kodran's giddiness.  When he first met Gloin the ranger sensed something foul afoot.  He suspected that Gloin arranged to have his kin done in, likely for profit.  But finding Balin and Oin alive and seeing the prominent dwarves reaction to the safe return of his underlings convinced Navarre of his folly.  At that point he made up his mind to talk to the prestigious dwarf as much as he could.  After all he was part of the band of braver than brave dwarves who sought to take back their horde of wealth from the dragon.  And they succeeded!  Not only that but they had to defend it at the battle of the five armies.  How often does one get so close to history in action?  A living legend?


OOC:
Navarre will spend part of the first day attempting to cozy up to Balin.  I imagine on the way back to town I just let Balin be to regain his physical strength and mental wits.  But now I am interested, without being too pushy, to get stories of what we the PCs know as tales from The Hobbit, from the horses mouth as it were.

Also, so Weardon is a Lord of the Beornings?  From reading the game background it seems that only a rare few of the Beornings can actually transform into a bear?  Is that right?  How much would the PCs know of this kind of thing?

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 74):

Mock is suitably impressed by the transformation, and offers his cooked fish without reservation in the evening...except for the one he ate himself. Over the evening meal, he asks about that ability, how common it is and any other details. He lets the mules graze if there is grass around, otherwise feeding them from feedbags after setting up the tent.

Haldir replies to Weardon,"Aye I am also partial to fish. Mock may I also partake in your catch?"  he tosses a large choice piece of venison to Buren and sets aside a large leg bone for Buren later on.

Weardon takes a large bite of his fish, and it seems like he barely chews it before he swallows.  The man looks quite fatigued, and it seems like all he can concentrate on is the food in front of him.  He quickly takes a second bite, and gobbles that down just as quickly, mostly ignoring his friends as he does so.  It takes him several minutes of eating before the color starts to return to his face.

Finally, he looks up, and seems to relax a little bit.  He then turns his head to acknowledge Gumm, who had asked him some questions while he was eating.  His response comes out as civil, but perhaps a bit grouchy:  "I was very hungry.  That is a long way to run.  No offense intended.  And thank you for the fish."

Weardon then takes a swig of water from his water skin, followed by a second, before he continues to answer.

"I apologize for not sharing my ability to transform beforehand.  I arrived late, and we left early, so there was little time to speak with you.  We moved quickly this morning, I assume to prevent spies from reporting on our movements.  The shadow has them everywhere.  That put me in a bit of a predicament, because I wanted to make sure you all knew of my transformation.

I could not think of a better way to do things given the situation.  If the animals were to become spooked, we could have lost half a day or more trying to untie them, and that's assuming there were no injuries.  And I could not leave early either, lest the sudden appearance of a bear cause you to take arms at my appearance.

In the end, I decided that Balin was the key.  Given his stature and wisdom, I expected him to be quite selective in the people he chose to bring along.  And this was not a secret that could be kept as we pass through Mirkwood.  We will see far too many dangers along the way.  Sooner or later you would be exposed to my alternate form.  I would rather it be now, so you don't bear the shock of seeing me change when we see our first party of orcs."

OOC I know Gumm asked other questions, pausing in case others want to join in.  Also, Weardon has quite a strong musky smell to him.  It's consistent with a bear, but rather hard on the nose.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

Gwydian, who has been even more quiet than unusual since the newcomers came, is visibly shocked by Weardon's transformation. He had heard tales of such magic but never witnessed it. Content with having been productive in providing some food stock, he keeps a distance from Haldir and Weardon, keeping a suspicious eye on the latter.

In reply to Haldir (msg # 76):

Mock has no problem sharing his catch. It was good to be able to add something when out of combat.

"That skill to take another form...where does it come from? I have heard of Lycanthropy, but I heard it was a disease, not something you wanted near you."

Weardon shrugs in response to Mock's question, and sighs before he responds.  It's hard to know if he is tired, or sad, but there is a note of something in his voice.  "I do not know where the ability comes from.  We believe that it runs in our family, but it has always been very rare."

For a moment Weardon runs his hand through his hair, and gathers his beard together, as he considers what to say.  Then he adds, in more of a sad and quiet voice: "The ones who do have it can be judged harshly by townsfolk, so we tend to keep to ourselves."

During the trip, Balin had responded to Navarre's overtures with favor, regaling the Ranger with tales of his expedition back to his ancestral home in the Lonely Mountain. He speaks of his former king, Thorin Oakenshield; of Gandalf the Wizard; of the peerless Hobbit burglar, Bilbo Baggins; of the Dragon Smaug and the terrible destruction the wyrm had wrought. At the tender age of seven, Balin had been there at the coming of Smaug, and he had lived long enough to see the Dragon finally slain by Bard the Bowman, now King Bard of Dale.

Weardon's strange transformation strikes each member of the company differently. Jody reacts with shock and excitement, and when Weardon returns at the end of the day, the Hobbit talks the Beorning's ear off, questions tumbling out of the halfling's mouth. "How'd you do that, Weardon? Are you really a bear, or really a man? Does your fur ever get sticky? Do you prefer bear-like food like honey and fish or Man-like food?"

Balin chuckles at the Hobbit's plethora of questions, and neither Barrak nor Torrun seem surprised at the transformation. Evidently the older Dwarf had informed his two comrades about Weardon's true nature. "You've no doubt heard of the famous Beorn," he says. "I had hoped to visit him during this trip, but he hasn't always taken too kindly to Dwarves. Hopefully Weardon here will make the meeting go more smoothly."

OOC: Yes, the power to change into a bear is one shared by the Beorning Lords, Beorn and his kin, though this is not common knowledge. Beorn is known, being one of the more established lords of Wilderland.

Feel free to post more if you wish. After this, we'll move on to continue the trip.

Haldir looks in astonishment at Weardon,"Oi! You're a skin changer like the lord Beorn! We are truly fortunate to have one if such renown in our company." He graciously nods at Mock for sharing his catch and partakes in a fish.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:16, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

Gumm grunts with as much affability as he can, but he obviously isn’t feeling very talkative.  Perhaps he enjoys being the strongest and doesn’t like having to cede that honor to another, or maybe this place is getting to him.  Either way, getting so much as a word out of him seems unlikely.

Weardon politely nods to Haldir as he answers Jody's questions.  There isn't a gap where he can actually respond to the man due to the halfling's enthusiasm.  As time goes on, the undertone of frustration in Weardon's voice turns to anger.  Finally, he stands up abruptly and asks the halfling "Do you ever stop talking?"  Then he turns sharply and approaches Balin, telling him "I don't sleep as a man in the wild.  Too dangerous.  I'll be on the edge of camp over there if you need me.  In the morning, I'll stand guard while you break camp, unless there is any objection."

OOC  Weardon can stand guard if if the group needs one.  Just let him know which slot he will be asked to take.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:12, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

Even though he feels like being taciturn, Gumm repeats his offer to serve in any capacity the party may require.

In reply to Gumm (msg # 85):

Mock starts to warm to the bear/man after his frustration at the endless talk of some of his companions, but he does understand the halflings excitement too. Balin knows his strengths, so he just wait to be directed when to stand his turn.

Eorik smiles at the group, gripping his spear tightly. He, like Balin, knows his strengths and so he will wait with Balin.