Northwestern Middle-earth, Eriador, Bree-land, Bree, the Green.
The 2965th year of the Sun of the Third Age of Middle-earth (T.A. 2965).
Spring Equinox (March 20ish).

The heart of Bree, the Green, is a wide grassy field at the centre of the town on the western side of the East Road, across from The Prancing Pony.
This lush lawn is framed on one side by the administrative buildings of Bree: The Counting-house, the Armoury, and the Reeve’s Hall.
Normally little more than a playing field for local children, today the Green is filled with tents, stalls, and carts, as Bree-land traders sell their goods alongside rare visitors from the tiny communities of southern Eriador, and even the occasional Dwarf from the Blue Mountains.
The Spring Festival & Fair is in full swing!

The Spring Equinox Festival & Fair of Bree lasts a few days, and is really a big event.

Hobbits from all Farthings of the Shire have stalls to sell their goods.

All the merchants of Bree and its Bree-villages - Archet, Staddle, Combe - are present, of course, as well as farmers from all around.

Then there are some people from further afar-- Dwarven tinkers, Men from the South, down by Tharbad...

A big group, of several Dwarves and some Bardings, has arrived from Erebor and Dale, with many wondrous items crafted out East-- and a lot of goods ordered by various folk.
This is where one can finally find whatever one seeks-- and even more!
A fine liquor vendor is close to an apothecary.
Fireworks can be purchased, fur-coats from far North...

Of course it is not only a merchant's fair, though that is a powerful attraction.
The green grassy area is also filled with fun-- music is played, sweets & baked goods are on sale,

There is a dancing-bear, a menagerie of rare animals, various tournaments, some exotic people on display in tents...

So many people.
Such a crowd under the pale blue sky and the nice sun after the long winter days.

Such a crowd.
So many people.
So many things to do!

We shall soon start the first Adventuring Phase.
In Bree, Spring of T.A. 2965, taking part in the Spring Fest, where you all have come and will meet.
Though I will introduce NPCs, drop hints, and plant seeds of what might happen later, this will be a rather open session.
You can explore the Festival fair grounds, interact with the many events going (take part in a contest, sell your wares, purchase items, share drinks with someone).
The goal being to get used to The One Ring Second Edition mechanics (dice rolls, Hope, favoured rolls, advantages etc.), and for PCs to meet.
I will offer up some 'events' (ie. an archery contest) that you can choose to partake in or not-- but, also, please make up your own interactions if you wish (ie. if someone wants to use their Song skill, then just offer to get some ale-drinking people you met singing with you etc.).

Homnir relaxed when they got to Bree, and was walking around town without his armor and shield, but with his axe slung on his belt, just in case trouble brewed. But relaxed is a relative term, as the dour dwarf didn't join much in the festivities, and was mostly walking about greeting folks he knew from previous visits, and looking to hear news from the region.

He had made nothing of the double pack he carried on the journey, and when the merchants from Dale we're setting up, he had gone to one.  Some coin changed hands, and he handed over the toys in the second pack.  Then carefully packed the coins in it, rolled it up, and secured it inside his regular pack.  With a satisfied grunt, he moved on to see about that drink, and perhaps some pork and a place to stay.

[Private to GM: I'm thinking he carried toys here from Dale.  They were made by Kan and Rana, two humans he used to roam with and hunt when he was younger.  They are in their fifties now, with near grown children of their own.  they couldn't afford the opportunity of the caravan, so he took a large pack of toys for them.  All the money made will be given to them when the caravan returns to Dale.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

With the caravan and its company safely arrived in Bree, Áski concludes his business with the caravan-master for the time being. "Tell the others I can be found at my usual table by the fireside at the Prancing Pony, should they ask. There's a pipe of Southern Star and a pint of Barnabus's Best waiting for me, and the finest people-watching east or west of the Misty Mountains." His armour and traveling gear stowed at the Dwarf-house, Áski washed the grime of three months' travel from his hair, beard, and squat frame, also changing clothes as well before making the customary trek to Bree's finest establishment. News to be had as well, he thought to himself, if one keeps eye and ear open.

With the remnants of the long road scrubbed clean and fresh garments now worn, Kelda looked little different from other attendees, though her height and fair hair indicated she was not a local of Bree.  She walked the stalls, greeted Homnir with a smile as she passed but left the dwarf to his haggling.  The merchants from Dale seemed happy and had no need for assistance so she made her way onto the green itself.

Perhaps half a dozen couples danced in merriment to the musicians and here she halted to enjoy the revelry.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

Though the Fair officially opens only on the morrow, there are already many if not all the people here, and throngs of customers.

Having cleaned up, and left his gear in the Dwarf-house dormitory he is using, Homnir walks around town, to the Green, and does see some folk he knows-- greeting them, and exchanging news.

Kelda freshened up, settled in the room she is sharing - the Inn is packed to the roof! - and is out on the Green too.
She passes Homnnir, going to see the couples dancing, taking in this music that is a little different to what she is used to.
Maybe a bit more rustic, older too?
But, soon, her foot is tapping and... does she feel like joining the dance?

Vidar too had settled at the Dwarf-house, where he was staying, that is very full, and made his way to the Green. There he met the Men from Dale he had traveled with, and got money for these finely crafted toys, that would surely sell, for the pleasure of Bree or Shire children.
[Private to Vidar son of Flar: Very nice, re. the toys & the couple from Dale! Can you note that down somewhere in your background? I still have things to do getting this going, but will soon makes notes of your backgrond, to use things.]
Then Vidar looked around-- a drink and some pork here, out on the Green, or at that inn, the Prancing Pony?
Vidar saw his travel commpanion, Kelda, on the Green.
But also, over there, another travel companion, Áski, heading for the inn.

For Áski had settled down in the Dwarf-house too. So full that he had opted for being in what amounted to a small storage room! Well, at least he was alone.
[Private to Aski Adisson: Keeping some things secret!]
All cleaned up and dressed afresh, he was off to the inn.

I am ruling all have arrived on the evening before the official opening of the Fair.

Homnir mainly hears about the Fair and the Festival and the vendors at the Fair and... so on.

But, there is one rumour going round, which tells of the scandal of the Heathertons. As anyone, and therefore everyone, in Bree knows, Timeas Heatherton was a fine fellow. But he just died, missing this year's Spring Festival.
And, the wise-cracking ones add, he will also miss next year's!
The scandal is not that he died, but that Timeas’ youngest nephew Tomas missed his own uncle’s funeral. Have you ever heard a more shameful thing, for a nephew to miss his own uncle’s burial?

   Vidar walks to the inn of the Prancing Pony.  His armor she'd, and stored carefully in his room with his mattock, only his broad bladed short sword and hunting knife accompany his pouch, well made stone tankard, and fine metal plate on his belt.  He is in noood for the finer points of festivals tonight, too many ghosts hang in the shadows of his broad shoulders.

Vidar moves to the Prancing Pony, hoping to lighten the weight upon his shoulders.
Moving you to the other thread.

Homnir passes through the stalls, looking to see if he can find an interesting trinket to buy. It might well be that some dwarven-made object might have been brought here by some slick-fingered human, or found off the corpse of an orc.

He was looking for a clue, for while he had memories of the dwarven halls beneath the Grey Mountains, he could not remember a crucial piece of info, the location of the entrance.

The Breelander had stolen glances in her direction more times than Kelda cared to count yet seemed planted in place.  When the tune changed to The Old Thrush Calls, she laughed and ran and pulled him out among the dancers.  The Bree version of the song was a bit faster than she was used to but she soon found the rhythm. Then came Hot Summer Sun but when Cobbler, Cobbler began a portly Hobbit cut in.  In a merry jig she and the fellow circled one another, stepping smartly to the tune of the pipe and drum.  When the last note sounded he favored her with a generous bow and turned to another lass nearby.

After so many weeks of travel this was a welcome reward, and here only the first day of the celebration.  When the players finally  paused to rest, Kelda chatted with several of those she had met.

20:46, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 17: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 15 ((10 (Feat Die), 2, 5)).
- success

20:46, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 17: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 15 ((10 (Feat Die), 2, 5)). - success
Our first In Game roll(?)!-- is a success! Off to a good start.

When the portly Hobbit bowed deep before Kelda, he nearly cracked his skull on her knee-- not used to Mannish ladies being that tall, taller than most Bree-born ones!

That moment which made people laugh joyously, and the fine dancing Kelda demonstrated, has the people she chats with open up to her:
- "If you are a-looking for a companion, your fine dancing around the Maypole will surely attract many an admirer!"
- "Where are you from? I did not see you at a Fair before?"

With still much to do before the fair's start in the morn many of those gathered upon the Green began to return to their chores.   With no immediate tasks herself, Kelda returned to the Prancing Pony where she was to share a room with another of her Barding travel companions.

Off to that thread with everyone else :)

As Homnir passes through the stalls, that are still being set up as the Fair has not yet officially started, he thinks that now is a good time to do so, before most other customers have a time to see what is for sale... more chances of finding something good.

The Grey Mountains, the Ered Mithrin, under the shadow of which he had just recently traveled, after leaving Erebor and moving West, in between Mirkwood and the Mountains--
--Homnir's wandering mind was suddenly snapped away as his eye actually caught sight of what appears to be an old Dwarven-made object.
A young Man of Bree is setting old second-hand objects out, for sale. A cheap stall, an impoverished family, selling old tools and such... to poor folk.

Amongst the used goods, a small round piece of metal, with Dwarf-runes on it.

"Oh, you like it? It's an Elvish-coin!" says the young vendor.

But Homnir sees that it is of course not Elvish.
No, looking it over, he recognizes it: bearing the mark of King Thráin II, this is a royal messenger-chit, to indicate the bearer carries official royal orders.
And the year... TA2790-- that is... yes, that is some two centuries ago, when Thráin II lost his father, Thrór, slaughtered by Azog the Orc in Moria. That is when Thráin II sent Thráin sent messengers to all Dwarven Clans and Houses. Leading to the great War of the Dwarves and Orcs, and the Battle of Azanulbizar.
Could this be a messenger-chit that once belonged an envoy of King Thráin II? To one carrying news of the great call to arms?

The young vendor sees how interested Homnir is in the "coin":
"And a fine Elvish-coin it is! You can... err... buy nice Elvish-things in Elvish-lands with it! Yes, many Elvish-goods! I think..."

Homnir looks closely at the 'Elvish-coin', before looking up at the young man. "How much do you want for this trinket, young man?" He asks in his rough voice. "And may I ask, where did you find it? It's rare to find them looking this new."

OOC: Would love to get some information from him on where he'd gotten it, maybe there's more such treasure there.

"Oh, this is worth at least two... err... three. Four? Copper... Or silver? One... two silver? Three copper... A lot, it is worth a lot!"
The young Bree-lander is obviously quite flustered.
Trying to establish how much he can get out of a Dwarf, those mysterious people who live in a mountain of gold, for this old scrap of useless metal... he gives up and calls out:
"DAD! DAD!"

And so Homnir ends up in discussion with the lad's father. A tired man, trying to earn a living selling scrap and repaired discarded items.
Homnir soon sees how much the man dreams of selling it for, which is actually easy to pay for a Dwarf of Erebor.
However, the provenance is another matter.
"Hmm... yes, where, where did it come from?"

How does Homnir try to get the information (can you choose a fitting skill, then describe your interaction and roll for it?).

Homnir leans in to speak to the man, but still loud enough for his son to hear "Yes, I want to pay not just for this coin, but I want to pay for the information where it came from. After all, I wouldn't ask a trader to give that information for nothing, an honest trader needs to earn a good living, and one can tell that you're an honest one. I can double the price of the coin if you tell me where you got it." Homnir leans in a bit "You know, if I find things there that I can't make use of, I would be happy to share some of them with you, as extra payment, for your good service."

OOC: Using Persuade to convince him.

10:55, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 12 (11 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((5 (Feat Die), 1, 6)).
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

Rules break!
10:55, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 12 (11 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((5 (Feat Die), 1, 6)).
So, normally your roll is done and it is over.
For all to get used to the rules I will let people change things as we learn the mechanics.
If you feel you really want to succeed, and that you are maybe a bit short, you can spend Hope.
I put info' on that in the new Rules section.
In this case, Homnir could have decided to spend 1 Hope to get an extra 1d (Skill die to roll), and if he called upon a Distinctive Feature and RPed how it applies in this case-- and I, the Loremaster, am okay with that, then he gets 2d.

So, I will let Homnir decide if he wanted to do that.
I will be very open with this and other things we come across, all through the first Adventure Phase in Bree at the Fair, to learn how things work.

Two IMPORTANT notes:
• in TOR (2E) you regain an amount of Hope points equal to your HEART score during each Fellowship Phase (specific rules override that, like Rangers only getting 50%). A Fellowship Phase being the downtime after an adventure.
And you recover ALL your Hope points during the Yule Fellowship Phase (that is normally the winter-break, where there are several months of downtime).
So, you can have a rough estimate of how much you'll get back, maybe about when, and thus choose to spend more or less.
• I will probably be rather open (lenient) as to invoking Distinctive Features if you RP a reason-- my feeling being that you are spending a resource of yours, so I'll try to let you make it work.

Am not sure any of the Distinctive Features apply here, but I will spend Hope on this.

11:55, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 17: a success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((12 (Feat Die), 5)).

I assume only the d6 applies here, so an extra 5, which should be enough.

Question: What do we do for Favored Skills for now? Persuade is a Favored Skill for Homnir.

10:55, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 12 ((5 (Feat Die), 1, 6))
+
11:55, Today: Homnir rolled ((12 (Feat Die), 5))
So, yes, the second Feat die does not count, you are 'just' rolling an extra d6 from having spent Hope.
So you get ((5 (Feat Die), 1, 6, 5)) = 17, w. a 6, so a Great Success.
+
Am not sure any of the Distinctive Features apply here
I would say Stern does not work for Persuade (that would be Awe, maybe?), but Lordly could (you impress and use fine words to show the merchant he would be helping an important person?). As I said, I am in general more open to people RPing something than trying to be restrictive.
For next time (now you have enough of a Success).

Also--
Question: What do we do for Favored Skills for now? Persuade is a Favored Skill for Homnir.
Favoured means you roll 2 x Feat Dice (2 x d12s) and choose the better of two.
You actually did this, so, back comes:
11:55, Today: Homnir rolled ((12 (Feat Die), 5))
Using your second roll, you got a 5 and 12, so you take the Gandalf (12).
Meaning you get ((12 (Feat Die), 1, 6, 5)) = 24, w. a 6, so a Great Success.
And the 12 would have been a success even if you did not hit your TN.
Gandalfs are auto-successes (so, if you have the 12 and a 6, still a Great Success even if under your TN).

Note that you spent 1 Hope.

And you can maybe give a little line of RP as to how you use the favoured Persuade, and the spending of the Hope (putting your heart into this?).
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:52, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

Orodil entered Bree from the West Gate, the signs of bustle from the fair apparent even before he entered the Green proper. He noticed a few of the Bree-wardens, looking even more nervous than usual, but also more unusual visitors, like dwarves. From the blue mountains, or the east? he thought distractedly. He had been wondering where to find Tarry-Mack but then he noticed the sign of The Prancing Pony past the carts and stalls of the Green and smiled to himself. Of course.

Homnir manages to find the correct amount to pay for this coin, and doubles it. This comes cheap to the Dwarf, but makes the man very happy - and his son is actually beaming, so proud that his dad just made a great deal with this poor Dwarf who does not he could have gotten all for much less.
Homnir sees that there are Men of Bree who are not well off, not at all. They seem to be as poor as most Dwarves were until Erebor was recaptured and gold started coming in again...
The man tells Homnir that he found this in some ruins, South of Bree, down the Greenway, just past the South Downs, and then East, along the South flank of the South Downs.
He takes time to explain in great detail.
Around where the first "S" of 'South Downs' is on the main game map.
"It was around some ancient tower. Careful though, there are many a ruin out in the Downs, and all around there."

As Homnir leans in and makes his offer of further payment, the man smiles:
"Oh?! That would be grand. But, be extra careful. Some ruins are filled with Evil-folk, brigands... and I am sure those ruins are haunted. Ghosts, ghosts...
Ah, and, come to think of it-- I actually did catch a glimpse of a short long-bearded fellow... thought it was a lepreuchan. Seeing you, makes me think it could've been a-- Dwarf?"

The guards at the West Gate, look at Orodil and Theorondil, eye-ing them up-- "Rangers..." says one.
The other shrugs--
" 'Tis called the Rangers' Gate, ain't it?"
--and bows his head to the two Rangers.

The guards have a small flat helmet perched on the top of their head.
Light leather vests, and are leaning on their spears, just gawking at all the people coming into Bree.

Entering the town, Orodil does notice all the bustle and unusual visitors.

Then, yes, of course... off to the Prancing Pony he goes, just a short ways into town, on the main square, it stands, close to the Green where the Fair is to be held.
Moving you there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:56, Sun 12 Dec 2021.

Homnir gives a slight smile, and a nod "Thanks for the heads up, good merchant, but I will not be going there alone, and we are pretty good with our weapons, that I am sure what brigands are there wouldn't want to mess with a few dwarves."

"Oh, no, no they would not. You are too scary. Err... I mean, well: in a kind way!"
The man is a bit flustered, and bows to Homnir, slipping away happily with his son, looking at the few coins they earned.
"Bless the Elves and their coins!"

And all retired for the night.
The Dwarves in the Dwarf-house, where a simple yet hearty meal was served before all went to their shared rooms - or small private corner for Áski.
Kelda in the communal room rented by the merchants from Dale, after her supper at the Pony.
A supper at the Pony was served also to Mip, and to Orodil and Theorondil.
The Hobbit found there was a small room on the ground floor of the inn that ensured Halfling-like comfort, that Mip and his entire party happily shared.
The Rangers were given clean blankets, and were not charged for the night, but allowed to sleep on the stone slab in front of the chimney. A bit hard, but totally dry and very warm. A bit of a treat, actually!
As for Galar... to home he went, eventually.

So, after a good night's sleep--
Which is our first, very short, Fellowship Phase - where you receive some Experience, and all of the few Hope points that were spent are restored.
--you wake up.
Today is the Spring Equinox. The entire city of Bree is bustling: the Fair has opened, the Festival has started, and you can hear it as the town is abuzz, as Aredhel sees upon his arrival to Bree.

Out on the Green, the big grassy area just South of the town square (the Pony look out onto the square), a whole crowd has gathered and is shopping, talking, having fun, eating... compelling you to join the festivities.

And so starts out first Adventuring Phase.

Amidst all the tents, stalls, carnival-circus wagons, there are open areas for partaking in challenges and such.
You all sadly missed the Reeve's opening speach on the main center stage. Some say it was so tedious the Reeve himself fell asleep!
Anyhow, the Feast & Festival are officially open.
And there is so much to do.
Where to go?

Throughout the few days, the main center stage will host special events.

There will be the Nobles' Court, where people go up and try to imitate the Kings of Old, sprucing up their speech as best they can, using over elaborate euphemisms.
Courtesy Skill

You have the Ancient Game, for whato fair or festival would be complete without a chance to play the old and venerated Riddle Game! The game is played on the main center stage and a presenter asks the riddles out loud, but the answers must be whispered.
Riddle Skill

Every day, at noon, on the main center stage one can take part in the
The Uplifting Lay. You go on stage and sing or play music or recite some poem-- and the one who cheers the crowd up the most, as Springtime is supposed to enliven folks after Winter... wins.
Enhearten Skill

Some events are held on the outskirts of the Green, in specially arranged places.

The Torch Race. Every evening, after nightfall, a curious race is held. Each runner is given a lit torch to carry as they run three laps around a series of obstacles. First they navigate a muddy causeway, next climb up a steep earthen berm and the finally they jump or duck a series of hurdles. lf the torch goes out (if an Eye is rolled) they immediately lose the race, otherwise the first to finish the third lap is the winner.
Athletics Skill

The Seeking Field. This contest is held shortly after dawn, every day, in a fallow field. The festival organizers have hidden many small prizes (copper coins and other baubles) throughout the field, but the most important prize are those without any value at all, small rocks engraved with 'SPRING' on their flat sides. Whoever finds the most of these, wins.
Scan Skill

Many things go on far from the official events.

Be careful to not lose your shirt, but you can always play a game of Thimblerig. This Hobbit game is played on a flat table, with a variety of different sized thimbles. ln each round, a dried pea is put underneath a thimble and then the thimbles are moved, stacked and other distractions are employed so that only the most careful observer will know where the pea ended its journey. Choosing wrong removes you from the competition and eventually only one winner is left.
Awareness Skill

Many things-- if you wish to come up with some event using another skill, please find whatever might be going on that suits you.

Each of these events will follow the same structure: three Skill rolls. You can of course use Hope, Distinctive Features-- but not aid one another (that would be cheating!). Each roll after the 1st will have a cumulative +2 to the TN as things get harder with less contestants remaining, but those are the best ones!

Finally, there are two other famous events going on, in the afternoon, that gather great crowds.
First there is the Shepherd's Pie.
Young rams are let out in a makeshift corral built for the occasion, with small minced-meat pies tied to their wool. People taking part must manage to collect as many pies, avoiding being rammed or trodden upon. Wrangling the sheep to the ground is the most efficient way of getting many pies!
Brawling Skill (more on this if people are interested)

Then you have the three day long Great Hunter.
This is an archery contest, with one event every day: the Wreath shoot, the Wand shoot, and the Ring shoot.
Bows Skill (more on this if people are interested)

Ah, so many things to do!

Please choose what you wish to start doing-- if anything.
Looking around for something, meeting people, and all types of ideas you have are of course welcome, on top of these activities, or instead of them.
Enjoy the Fair!

Homnir will join the Ancient Game of riddles, and will offer the merchant's son to work together on the Seeking Field. Even if you can't work together, he'd offer to give him any of the 'valuable' stuff he might find.

Mip is simply overwhelmed by all that is happening.
So many people from all over Middle-Earth.
The chatter about lands far away that he will probably never visit.
He stays close to his mother and other hobbits but carefully observing everything.

At last he decides take part in the game of Seeking in the Field.
It seems to be very hobbit-ish...


But then on second thought, a riddle game, a game full of riddles, riddles to be solved. Mip feels a light tickle in his feet. Yes, a game of riddle it is.
Excuse me, here I come.
"Mother, I'll be right back, off to solve some riddles!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:59, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Vidar starts his day early, going to the Seeking Field.  Then makes his way through Thimblerig, to Shepherd's Pie.  Finally, ending the day with the Torch Run.  In between, he stops for lunch, and a few drinks.

The daughter of Kolbeinn joined those gathered upon the Green where a cheerful spirit filled the air and she found herself infused with it.  She wished her Dwarf-friends luck in the Seeking Field and promised Homnir to cheer for him during the Ancient Game.  She had no head for riddles but found them entertaining.  And then the folk began to disperse and move to the events of the morn...and suddenly Kelda, who had little intent to join any activities, intending only to observe and enjoy the atmosphere, found herself moved to review the day's list and select one...no two...contests for herself.

She was well training in conduct befitting a court and knew bits of history of the kings of old which might appeal to an audience.  Noble's Court it would be then for her first contest.  Then she would watch the Ancient Game so that would mean a bit of a break...The Uplifting Lay then, perhaps the ditty Tommycock and his Mighty Flock for a bit of fun or Horns of the North for something more serious but stirring.

To the bottom of the notice she placed a finger and smiled to herself.  Words she was trained but at bit of sport would be welcome.  She considered herself no great hunter but in the Great Hunter she would compete.  Three events then for when should she ever find herself in Bree during festival time again?

Distinctive Features which might apply to these:
- Noble's Court - DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore
- Uplifting Lay - DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

I am very open and flexible with the days, just trying to organize a bit, but am not holding people to a real timeline.

On the first day of the Festival, just after it had opened, and before the Reeve's speech, people came to the Seeking Field.
Here, in the fallow field contestants must seek out small prizes (copper coins and baubles) but especially small rocks engraved with 'Spring', to win.
Scan Skill
Excited people come to sign up and scour the field, while others drink warm wine laced with spices from the Eastern-lands, and watch.

A young Hobbit wants to take part-- but decides his mum would be unhappy if he got his foot-hair all dirty and muddy on purpose! So Mip gives up (correct?) and goes to do some other contest.

Homnir sees the Hobbit leave--
--and then spots the young son of the merchant who sold him the "Elvish-Coin".
When the Dwarf offers to donate anything he finds to the young man, this makes the merchant's son very happy:
"Why, thank you, milord! Mayhaps you'll find more rare coins?!"

Vidar arrives, and comes up beside Homnir: "May the best Dwarf win."
He too joins the search.

Vidar starts his day early, going to the Seeking Field.

Meanwhile, Mip has headed off to the riddle game. A light tickle in his feet is better than muck and grime-- especially for his mum.

Present, Kelda smiles at this, and wishes her Dwarf-friends luck in the Seeking Field.

Will wait to see who wishes to do what, to try and organize a bunch of you competing and rolling at the same time
• Seeking Field (Scan) - Homnir ; Vidar
• Ancient Game (Riddle) - Homnir (cheered by Kelda) ; Mip (sees Homnir again) ;
• Noble's Court (Courtesy) - Kelda (DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore)
• Thimblerig (Awareness) - Vidar
• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - Kelda  (DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore)
• Torch Run (Athletics) - Vidar
• Great Hunter (Bows) - Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - Vidar

Mip is carefully listening to the first riddle, then takes his time to do some thinking before he gives his answer.


17:10, Today: Mip Tanglefoot rolled a total of 12 (10 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 5 (Feat Die), 1, 1, 5.  riddle contest.

Vidar combs the field, diligently search for items.

12:27, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 15 (13 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 3 (Feat Die), 6, 2, 4.  Scan.

Aredhel had never been the best at finding things - even with the eyes of an elf, he had always been more of a singer than anything. And so he would stay back from this competition, looking to join the Thimblerig and the Torch run.

Orodil walks around the Green, feeling a little uneasy despite spending the night in safety beside the warm hearth. He tries to shrug it off while searching for Tarry-Mack. He isn't here to amuse himself and keeps away from the games when he notices someone running Thimblerig. He smiles, remembering his father playing something similar with him when he was little and decides to try it.

After a while he realises there is no way he can beat the sly hobbit and walks away, continuing to search for Tarry-Mack.

19:36, Today: Orodil rolled 2 using 1d12 with rolls of 2.  Favoured roll for Awareness.
19:36, Today: Orodil rolled a total of 6 (5 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 12 with rolls of 1 (Feat Die), 1, 4.  Awareness.

Áski remained his habitually-circumspect self, eshewing the games and general festivities in favour of a vantage well-suited to smoking and watching the crowds. He sat preferentially with the local gaffers, purchasing a keg of Barnabas's Best to share along with his pouch of Old Toby. None would spy suspicious behaviour or odd goings-on as avidly as the town's elder gawkers and gossips. Their insights might prove well worth the coin spent, as an advance warning against potential trouble. Part of a messenger's duties, keeping a weather eye for trouble, and to that end Áski despatched Old Mág to seek her own vantage from which to observe, with orders to report any activity seemingly out of the ordinary.

The First Day

Out in the Seeking Field (Scan)--
--Vidar combs the field, but only collects stones and rock chips. Before realizing that that is not what is required... thus he does not collect enough items to continue with the game!
--Homnir can roll.
You all see an Elf - not many around! -, Aerdhel, who checks things out before moving on.

At the Ancient Game (Riddle)--
--Mip tries to answer, but is a bit lost with all these tall people, and does not answer correctly. Thus he is out of the game for the day... but there are other things for Hobbits to do!
Mips sees the Dwarf, Homnir, who, cheered on by Kelda--can roll.

As Orodil sees a game that interests him, Theorondil says that he: "will go seek the Ranger we want. Play your game, you can join me later."
Then Theorondil gets lost for a while, in the crowd.

The game Orodil likes is the game of Thimblerig (Awareness).
He likes it-- but is no good at it!
Ah, even his keen Ranger eye is no match to the fast Hobbit's hands.
So, he fails and just leave. How to find this other Ranger?
As Orodil leaves--
--Vidar arrives... you can roll
--as does the Elf, Aredhel... you can roll

Kelda arraives at the--
Noble's Court (Courtesy)
--and Kelda you can RP and roll away

• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - Kelda  (DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore)
• Torch Run (Athletics) - Vidar ; Aredhel
• Great Hunter (Bows) - Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - Vidar
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:40, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Meanwhile, Áski spends some time talking, with his raven out to keep an eye on things.
Can you roll Awareness, please?

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 42):

QUICK ASIDE: IF YOU MANUALLY ENTER 0D6 WHILST USING THE ONE RING SYSTEM DICE, THE DIE ROLLER WILL ROLL JUST THE FEAT DIE FOR YOU. (YES, WE THOUGHT OF THAT WHEN FIRST EDITION CAME OUT.)

17:41, Today: Aski Adisson rolled a total of 19 (11 if weary): a success (failure if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 6 (Feat Die), 5, 2, 3, 3.  Hope spent to get +2d Inspiration from Wary, +1d from Old Mág.

17:43, Today: Aski Adisson rolled a total of 1: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 01 with rolls of 1 (Feat Die).  Favoured Awareness Feat die (not that I need it).

Homnir scans the Green, but focuses his attention on finding the stones, and less on picking up every trinket that he finds, but he does pick up some of them, so he can give the merchant's son, as he promised he would.

01:00, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 15: a great success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((1 (Feat Die), 4, 6, 4)).
01:01, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 12: an automatic success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((12 (Feat Die))).



At the Ancient Game, he tries to take the time to figure out the riddles, and not blurt out the first answer that comes to mind.

01:03, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 21: an extraordinary success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 ((9 (Feat Die), 6, 6)).

Mip frowns. He is really quite good at solving riddles.
How did this go wrong?
The young hobbit just takes a little stroll around, not paying any attention.
Hm, maybe it was because of the distraction, lots of people and everything.
He shrugs.
Better luck next time, for sure.
He starts looking for something to eat, preferably something sweet, maybe a pie.

Waiting her turn Kelda laughed and clapped to the antics of those before her in the Noble Court competition.  She gauged the crowd as they responded to the contestants before her and noted a clear preference for one king.  She then focused upon the stories of his penchant for issuing proclamations while drunk during feasts and soon had the audience in an uproar.

18:44, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 26: a great success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 12 (Feat Die), 6, 4, 4.  Courtesy, Favored, DF: Folk-lore (populate nobles of old), TN 14.
- nice

Heartened after a quick lunch, and a few beers, Vidar enters Shepherds pie.  His luck, or skills seems much better.

20:35, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 13 (11 if weary): a success (failure if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 12 with rolls of 7 (Feat Die), 1, 1, 4.  Athletics w/gloves.  Shepherd's Pie.

Galar helped at the Greenway's stall hawking their goods and dutifully observed and recorded the trades his father negotiated throughout the day but he couldn't help his growing distraction as he watched passing Festival goers enjoying the day's activities.  Patience at an end, the young Bree-lander managed to foist his recorder duties on his brother, Gareth, while the old man was distracted negotiating some iron trade with an particular long-winded and elder dwarf.  Before his elder brother could object to the younger's particularly lame excuse, Galar was away and cloaked by the crowd.

Free, the young man scanned the stalls for anything new but wended his way towards the center of the day's festivities.  He smiled at the laughter in response to a particularly witty response to the master's riddle in the Ancient Game.  The merchant's son loved riddles and it was not too late to throw his hat into the ring as he stepped out of the crowd of on-lookers.

OOC
22:32, Today: Galar rolled a total of 19: a success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 12 (Feat Die), 5, 2.  Riddle (favored).

Don't need to roll d12 again since have Gandalf on first roll;-)

The young man puts in a showing but what he was most looking forward to this year was the Noble's Court.  Living in the shadow of the bones of King's of old he loved those tales and stories of the lost time.  His chance visit as a child to the Mathom-house in Michel Delving inspired him to assemble a collection of his own in a small well worn journal he managed to wrangle out of his father.

As the Ancient Game played out he waited with growing trepidation for the Noble's Court to begin.  While some of his nervousness stemmed from his prolonged absence from the family stand, more if came from the effort he had put in to prepare for this year's Court.  What if the crowd didn't like it or he got some detail wrong?  He snapped his vade mecum shut as he heard the presenter announce the start of the Noble's Court.

Galar practically leapt towards the center to be first both to put an end to his fear that his father would show up to drag him away by his ear like some errant child, or worse, before he could lose his nerve.

The Bree-lander started slow, his voice cracking at first in nervousness as he set the stage of the tragic speech of Arvedui, the last King of Arthedain, which in Bree and the Shire was called Norbury, before the assembly of Fornost.  His tempo grew as he found his voice as he started into the forlorn oration of the last heir to Arnor.  Finally reaching a crescendo he lays into it as Arvedui demands that they take action, the crowd disappearing as he lost himself in the moment...

"It is this doom, I gravely assure you,
that I dread for you, when the time comes that
you make your reckoning, and understand
that there is no longer anything that
may appease the Evil Will.  May you nev'r
find yourselves, men of Arnor, at such a
pass!  Yet in any case, it is better
to die a thousand deaths, than to act out
of servility towards the Enemy
or to sacrifice any of those who speak
for your good.  A grand recompense did the
people of Rhudaur receive, for entrustin'
themselves to the usurper Rhugga, and
thrusting Calimendil aside!  And
equally extravagant reward
did the people in Cardolan reap, for
jealous were they to keep their powers and
privileges that their words of unity
were as empty as the wind that whistles
through the hollow ruins of Amon Sûl where
they failed to be the Anvil for our brave
Arthadan garrison.  They are slaves, scourg'd
and butchered.  A merciful clemency
did the Witchking show to Annúminas,
whose nobles banished Arveleg's young heir
and elect'd a traitor to 'treat with Shadow!
They found their peace at the blackened tips of
Angmarean wolf-rider lances as the
Tower of the West burned from orc torches.
It is folly, and it is cowardice,
to hold hopes like these, to give way to ev'l
counsels, to refuse to do anything
that faith and reason demands, to listen
to the advocates of the Enemy's
cause, and to delude yourselves that you shelt'r
in such a redoubt that, whatever happ'ns,
you will not suffer awful fate!"

Galar finishes Arvedui's last speech and bows to the hill where the barrows of the old kings lie, "If my words stirred you, I pray return to your rest and leave us to our happy green."

OOC
Partially cribbed from Demosthenes' Third Philippic speech (which some professor or other would crib & abridge as well for a certain speech at the end of the Third Age;-)

Spending 1 hope, Fair-spoken distinctive feature.

00:50, Today: Galar rolled a total of 19 (14 if weary): a great success (failure if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 8 (Feat Die), 6, 2, 1, 1, 1.  Courtesy 1 hope +2 due to distinctive.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

The First Day

Out in the Seeking Field (Scan)--
--Vidar combs the field, but does not collect enough items to continue with the game.
--Homnir glances out across the Green, but, with so many people, in all color of clothes and such, it is too distracting. So, he focuses his attention on finding the stones-- and starts looking around the field, picking some up. At the same time, he collects some nice trinkets - oh, there, a small copper whistle! Fresh from Erebor. Probably came over in the caravan that brought Homnir to Bree! That is collected to give to the merchant's son.

Homnir's favoured choice of 1 or 12 on the Feat die means a 12. That is a Gandalf, and thus an automatic success.
Adding 4, 6, 4 from the Skill dice gives a total of 26 which would be a success even if no automatic success (this does not add to the success).
Since there is one 6 rolled, the Success becomes a Great Success.
Because Homnir succeeds, he can continue in the game.
Can Homnir please make another Scan roll. This time the TN is increased by +2.
Homnir succeeds again. Can you please make another Scan roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4).
As people give up, including Vidar, not finding enough things, getting too dirty, Homnir plods on, among those who remain, looking around, lifting clods of dirt...
<Blue>re. the Great Success: I tallied that (along w. the Success) giving Homnir the equivalent of 2 successes so far.


At the Ancient Game (Riddle)--
--Mip now sees people clapping a-- Dwarf? Is that a Dwarf?! How can a Dwarf be better at riddles than a Hobbit.
Mip frowns: Bree riddles are different than real riddles.
He will-- what is that smell? Minced-meat pie?
Mip scurries off and is soon tasting these little meat pies. Very good! With pieces of sausage in them.
Homnir just stands there, thinking hard, and waiting before answering... at the very last moment. At first, people pay the Dwarf no attention, then they think he is struggling to understand but a bit lucky... then they admire the calm Homnir, who answers every single riddle!
((9 (Feat Die), 6, 6)) = 21, which is a Success vs. TN14. The two 6s gives the Extraordinary Success!
People flock around Homnir, excited to see how far the Dwarf will go!
Because Homnir succeeds, he can continue in the game.
Can Homnir please make another Riddle roll. This time the TN is increased by +2.
Homnir succeeds again. Can you please make another Riddle roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4).
<Blue>re. the Extraordinay Success: I tallied that giving Homnir the equivalent of 3 successes.

Galar leaves his brother, Gareth, to do the work, and went over to throw his hat into the ring for the riddle game. And the hat landed well, for Galar gave good answers.
Success with the Gandalf Rune.
Because Galar succeeds, he can continue in the game. [EDIT: THIS IS DONE]
Can Galar please make another Riddle roll. This time the TN is increased by +2.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Galar stutters as he searches for a witty return in the Ancient game.

OOC
01:47, Today: Galar rolled a total of 14 (11 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 17 with rolls of 6 (Feat Die), 5, 3.  Riddle (favored).

01:48, Today: Galar rolled a total of 6 (3 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 17 with rolls of 3 (Feat Die), 3.  favored roll (ignore d6).

At the game of Thimblerig (Awareness)--
--Orodil has left.
--Vidar arrives... you can roll but does not manage to outwit the Halfling and leaves the game.
--as does the Elf, Aredhel... you can roll


At the Noble's Court (Courtesy) --
--Kelda laughed and claps as she waits her turn. Having gauged which King is preferred, she focuses on drunk proclamations... and does great imitations!
A great success with the Gandalf Rune (it is an Automatic Success with the Gandalf, and the 6 rolled makes is a Great Success).
It is Favoured-- but no need to roll the Feat die again, since it came out a Gandalf (the best roll) on the first roll.

NOTE: DF: Folk-lore (populate nobles of old)-- that is 'only' used if you spend a point of Hope to get a 1d (1 extra Skill die) Hope Bonus. In that case, invoking a Distinctive Focus,  that fits, makes you Inspired: the Hope Bonus becomes 2d.

Because Kelda succeeds, she can continue in the game.
Can Helda please make another Courtesy roll. This time the TN is increased by +2.
Because Kelda succeeds once more, she can continue in the end of the game.
Can Kelda please make another Courtesy roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4 total).



With his love for King's of old - that is stronger than his father's wrath for not manning the stand! - Galar Galar lept to center stage, and, though starting slow, he truly found his voice-- and, when he reached the end, the crowd applauded as Galar bows to the old barrows.

Galar spends 1 Hope (for a Hope Bonus of 1d) and uses his Fair-spoken Distinctive Feature (with an incredible piece of RP to back it!) to be Inspired, and get a bonus of 2d.
His result of 19 is abouve his TN of 15, so a Success-- and the 6 he rolled makes it a Great Success.

Because Galar succeeds, he can continue in the game.
Can Galar please make another Courtesy roll. This time the TN is increased by +2.
Because Galar succeeds once more, he can continue in the end of the game.
Can Galar please make another Courtesy roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4 total).</Blue>

Galar is pleased to see he did not get any detail wrong-- and his heart is lifted when he sees that crowd not only did not dislike his speech, they seem to have loved it!
Then, as he bows and smiles-- he catches a glimpse of a figure, out there in the crowd.
His heart is at first filled with fear-- because, yes, it is his father! His father come to drag him off-stage, yelling at him for... what? Wait?!
Time stops as Galar sees his father-- wipe a tear of emotion from his eye. His father, moved?
Then Galar's father looks Galar in the eye, from out amongst all the onlookers-- and gives a very short and brief bow, but a bow nonetheless, to his son.

Then the man is gone.
It is as if he was never there-- but Galar knows he was.
He saw his father being moved, he saw his father show respect to him!
Galar's self-esteem is bolstered. His heart is uplifted!
Galar regains 1 point of Hope (thanks for the great RP post!).
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Back at the Ancient game, Galar does stutter and maybe is overshadowed by that Dwarf who is doing so well... and thus he does not give good enough answers to the harder riddles. He abandons the game.
I Edited the big post above, crossing out the need to roll again.

As you are out in the Green, enjoying the first day of the Festival, looking for someone, or doing what are you doing, you hear people talk of a beautiful text read during the first session of the Noble's Court.

Orodil, hears some words that spark his interest.
"It is folly, and it is cowardice,
to hold hopes like these, to give way to ev'l
counsels, to refuse to do anything
that faith and reason demands, to listen
to the advocates of the Enemy's
cause, and to delude yourselves that you shelt'r
in such a redoubt that, whatever happ'ns,
you will not suffer awful fate!"
As a Warden, one who seeks to stop the Shadow, who speaks these words? Who is this Galar? He must be one fighting the same fight a you.


When Aredhel hears repeated:
"it is better to die a thousand deaths, than to act out
of servility towards the Enemy
or to sacrifice any of those who speak
for your good."
He wonders what fair tongue spoke this. As a Warden, the Elf is moved by this, also wondering if the poet is one involved in countering the Enemy, the Shadow.


As for Vidar, he frowns when someone talks of:
They found their peace at the blackened tips of
Angmarean wolf-riders lances as the
Tower of the West burned from orc torches.
Is this Galar, this speeker, an enemy of the Orcs like Vidar is?

Just putting up some hooks for PCs to maybe meet (Galar in this case, or all or somne of you congregating) if you wish.

A wary Áski smokes and watches the crowds, while talking to folk.
Old Mág flits about. Up high, even landing on top of the maypole for a bit-- but also coming down to the ground to nibble pieces of dropped food.
This is too hard to resist!

However, the raven spots something, and caws to direct Áski's attention.
Interrupting his discussion with a local gaffer, Áski looks over and spots--
--a Dwarf and a Bree-lander Man talking.
They are off to the North of the Green, at the mouth of a alleyway-passage between two houses.
And it does seem somehow fishy-- maybe how they glance around nervously.

The Dwarf is sullen-faced, his face hidden in the shadows of his cowl and the curls of his beard.
The Man seems to be some sort of brute.
The Dwarf is the one leading the conversation, maybe giving some orders?

_________________________
• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - Kelda  (DF: Fair and/or Folk-Lore)
• Torch Run (Athletics) - Vidar ; Aredhel
• Great Hunter (Bows) - Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - Vidar
- Heartened after a quick lunch, and a few beers, Vidar enters Shepherds pie.  His luck, or skills seems much better.
Vidar: success (Athletics w/gloves) BUT RE-ROLL? Brawling
- Mip? (He starts looking for something to eat, preferably something sweet, maybe a pie.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:26, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Vidar plays at Thimblerig, but finds the Halflings movements a might to quick for him.  So moves on, to prepare for the next event.

03:27, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 8 (5 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 5 (Feat Die), 3.  Awareness.  Difficulty should have been 12, but it was a failure either way.
*L*

Vidar is another one to find the nimble-fingered too fast for his eyes... and so he too shrugs and leaves the game.
(I also updated the main post I made above)

Vidar wanders around, waiting for the next event.
(I will wait a bit to get to Shepherd's Pie & other events)

Vidar applauds the young man (Galar) with the others.  The speech was well done, and the tale of ravaging orcs and enemy deeds stirring.  Passing a coin to a nearby vendor, he send the young man a cider.  Keldas' tale too was good, causing him to chuckle.  Another coin he spends, and send her a nut brown ale.  Vidar himself buys a few meat pies, and a Porter.  Stopping by Aski, "Well met again Aski.  Heard anything of worth?"  he hands the dwarf a few pies, as he accepts some pipeweed and joins him for a smoke with the meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:58, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Galar couldn't keep the smile off his face, his dad's acknowledgement worth more than any prize.  Still, he likely still had to prepare for the next round of the Lord's Court.  The others' orations faded into the background as he perused his vade mecum again, looking through his notes of random collected snippets.  Something fun though heroic.  Hrm...defiant maybe.  There were dwarves from the East here...maybe something to show the Men of Bree honored and appreciated them?  Paging through his notes he had just the thing... perhaps a bit vulgar but it always gave him heart given the sheer bravado.

As the first round passed (and he drank a cider that was passed to him in appreciation) and the next round announced, Galar wished he could have listened to the other presentations.  He put most of his effort in the first one but had a sketch for others in the off chance he passed that round.  The young man took a deep breath as he stepped into the circle once more to make his delivery...

"Early in the dark days of Smaug's interregnum when that worm crept from the Withered Heath and crawled under the Lonely mountain, burning and consuming the Men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor alike, did the exiled dwarven King Thrór search for a new home for his people with but a lone companion, his friend and sworn-shield, Nár.  The pair eventually found their way to Gates of Khazad-dûm, the lost dwarven manses of his people from a bygone era under three of the mightiest peaks of the Misty Mountains."

Galar scanned the crowd as he searched for the right tone for the next bit.  Dwarves could be prickly at times and imagined doubly so for an outsider getting one of their stories wrong.  "Now named Moria, the Black Pit, for good reason, Nár bade his friend and king to beware and to seek another place for his folk.  Driven and perhaps desperate to restore a true home for his people, King Thrór walked to his doom and passed through Moria's gates, determined to reclaim his inheritance...alone."

"Nár hid nearby and watched the gates awaiting the return of his friend, but his fear was realized on the third day with the blast of a great horn and the body of King Under the Mountain was flung past onto the steps in front of the gate.  In the darkness a voice declared that he, Azog, had killed Thrór and now ruled Moria as king.  Nár was kept from retrieving the body of his friend so he could honorably join his ancestors and was further mocked when the orc chief threw a purse of copper coins and tin bits with the demand that he serve to deliver a message to King Thrór's exiles that they would suffer the same if they challenged him."

"The orcs despoiled his lord's body and fed it to crebain, large black crows of a evil aspect.  Nár returned to King Thrór's son, Thráin, in Dunland with the news.  Thrain called his kindred to war as such outrages could not be left unanswered.  For six long years Durin's Folk battled orcs under and around the Misty Mountains, taking the blood price for Azog's affront in what is now known as the War of the Dwarves and Orcs.  The War drew to a conclusion when the orc chief finally took to the field in the Battle of Azanulbizar outside the eastern gates of Moria."

"The dwarves paid a terrible price to claim their revenge with the lives of so many of their kindred including Frerin, the younger brother Thorin "Oakenshield" (and second son of Thráin) and Náin father of the current fifth King under the Mountain, Dáin Ironfoot.  So great were the casualties among the dwarves that there were not enough left to bury the dead after the battle .  But as terrible as the cost was in blood for the dwarves it was a lake of foul orc blood spilled in return."

"Seeing his army being slaughtered, Azog tried to flee back to the pits of Moria.  The orc chief had just felled Náin in his bid to escape.  But a stripling at the time, Dáin Ironfoot was in a wrath at seeing his father laid low by the orc's axe but was too far away to prevent the hated enemy's withdraw back into the mountain.  As he rushed to catch the coward, Dáin taunted the orc chief as he charged at him with his fateful axe."

Galar pauses a moment as he shakes his head sadly, "Forgive me for I cannot deliver what Dáin said in that decisive moment with the sheer invective and blistering burnished truth of a son who had just seen his father cut down and after long years of war.  And would not wish true knowledge of what Dáin felt at that moment on any good-folk.  But I will try to convey the unbowed Defiance of that moment given my limited capabilities so it may echo in your hearts like it did off the face of those mountains that day when you are faced with similar (and hopefully) lesser adversity.  His taunt is said to have gone thusly-"

"Oi bloated chief, orcish degenerate and damned demon's kith and kin, mealy-mouthed slave of the Base Lord of Treachery himself!  What kind of war chief are thou, your inbred and ill-considered blood so thin you quake and flee at the sight of true valor and abandon your misshapen warriors in the field?  So lame that canst not slay a hedgehog with your naked arse?  Trolls shit and your army eats.  Thou shalt not, thou afterbirth of a misshapen vagina, ever rule any home of Durin's People!  We have no fear of misbegotten orcs; above or below we will battle thee.  I'd enjoin thee to bury your bawsack in your mother but I see that you already have!"

"Thou midden-headed uruk thief, codswallop scribbler, paramour of goats, piss drinker, catamite of goblins, troll wallop licker, and fool of all the world and underworld.  And bampot before your betters, with a face like a slapped ass, you look like a dog licking piss off a nettle!  Frog eater, limp cur, slope brow!  Invertebrate worm, reveal thy chickenheart and run for all to remember!"

"So I Dáin son of Náin declare, you coward!"

Nearly out of wind from the continuous diatribe and red-faced from the loud prolonged projection, Galar returns to his normal tone and continues his enthusiastic delivery, "So shocked was Azog by Náin's castigation of his foul nature that he stopped his flight, frozen in uncertainty when faced with the truth and allowing the future fifth King under the Mountain to reach him and strike off his lumpy head in a single blow of his axe, thus avenging his father's death and that of King Thrór.  The orc war chief's head was left impaled on a spike with the same coin-filled purse he had flung at Nár stuffed in his mouth."

"With the honored dead assembled into a pyre and burned, the War of the Dwarves and Orcs concluded." the Bree-lander ends with a deep bow aimed at any of Durin's folk in the crowd.

OOC

06:46, Today: Galar rolled a total of 29: an extraordinary success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 17 with rolls of 7 (Feat Die), 5, 1, 6, 6, 4.  Courtesy 1 hope +2 due to distinctive.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Homnir counts his luck, and plods on in the Ancient Game. There was something for being a stoic dwarf, in that you learned to tune out some simple distractions, but there were some missed opportunities before, when other contestants have managed to snatch a stone from him, just because they got to it faster. This time around, he would have none of that, and his stern face challenged those who remain in the game to so much as look at where he was looking.

Spending 1 Hope, and calling on his Stern distinctive feature.
14:11, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 24: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 16 ((3 (Feat Die), 4, 2, 5, 5, 5)).
14:11, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 5 (5 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 16 ((5 (Feat Die))).

For a total of 26.



After the Ancient Game, and taking his time in the previous round to answer the riddles, and nearly missing some, answering at the last possible second, Homnir tries to hurry with his answers.

14:14, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 18: a success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 16 ((12 (Feat Die), 4, 2)).

Noble Court
Kelda applauded heartily as the next contestants performed at the Noble Court, no less so for the young Breelander who put on an amazing display.  Cheerfully she bit her lip, considering how best to approach the next round to compete with such talent.  Repeating one's self would do more harm than good she pondered and was able to work out a second act that, while not quite as good as the first, was still well received by the audience.

07:51, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 15 (15 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die), 6, 5.  Courtesy, Favored, TN 16.

07:51, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 8 (8 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 8 (Feat Die).  Favored Feat Die for Courtesy.

- Success 19 with a single 6

Ah re-read rules on DFs and Inspiration.  Spent a point of Hope for last round since said she used it. :)

Uplifting Lay
The Barding woman began with Tommycock and His Mighty Flock, a pleasant, silly tune featuring a heroic rooster and his hens defending their eggs from a farmer.  But she quickly recognized that she had gauged the contest wrong, a more serious and hopeful song was expected, and thus the audience was largely unimpressed.


08:10, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 7 (5 if weary): a failure with the Eye of Sauron (complications) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 11 (Feat Die), 2, 5.  Enhearten, Favored, TN 14.

08:09, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 4 (4 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die).  Enhearten, Favored, TN 14
- Eye of Sauron, big NOPE
Weeeell FINE.   Guess I'll use that Hope for the other competitions then ;)

Great Hunter
Though her arrows found the target their grouping was poor and scattered compared to other competitors.  She happily congratulated those who would shoot again upon the morrow.

08:38, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 10 (8 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die), 2, 4.  Bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

At the Noble's Court (Courtesy) --
--Galar launches on his tale of the diatribe Dáin made against Azog, and, when finished the crown applauds him loudly, as he bows any of Durin's folk in the crowd.
Once again the Bree-landers speech was very good, and everybody is in awe of the well-spoken man!
Galar succeeds (with another extraordinary success!), and can move to the last part of the contest.
Can Galar please make another Courtesy roll. This time the TN is increased by +2 once more (+4 total).
(I edited the above post)



Kelda succeeded in a fine second act and the audience likes her very much! Applause for her as well.
She is ready to go to the finish!
Great Success!
Can Kelda please make another Courtesy roll. This time the <b>TN is increased by +2 once more (+4 total).
(I edited the above post)
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Out in the Seeking Field (Scan)--
--Homnir plods on in the fied, stoic and unrelenting. He keeps on collecting baubles and stones.
Homnir succeeds again. Can you please make another Scan roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4).
Edited the above post



At the Ancient Game (Riddle)--
--Homnir
In the Ancient Game Homnir hurries his answers to the riddles... but manages to pull it off!
Homnir succeeds again with the Gandalf! Can you please make another Riddle roll. This time the TN is increased by another +2 (+4).
Edited the above post
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:45, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Seeking Field
By the third round, Homnir is getting too tired, and his throat is parched. And he misses several stones. The good news are, he can't wait to go to the Prancing Pony to slake his thirst with some ale.

20:40, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 13 (11 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 18 ((2 (Feat Die), 5, 2, 4)).
20:40, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 4 (4 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 18 ((4 (Feat Die))).

So total of 15.


Ancient Game
For the third round, Homnir intends to go back to taking the time to answer the riddles. they're becoming harder, and more human-centric, and he's not that familiar with their idiosyncrasies. But he's not ready to give up.

20:42, Today: Homnir rolled a total of 8 (3 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 18 ((3 (Feat Die), 2, 3)).

Lordly Homnir makes his way past the first group of contestants, remaining in the game, and then joins the few who make it to the end-- but, then, both out in the field seeking stones, or on stage trying to guess the answer to harder and harder riddles, he bows out at the very end.
Out for both games... (((

Who else is interested in joining:
• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - Kelda
• Torch Run (Athletics) - Vidar ; Aredhel
• Great Hunter (Bows) - Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - Vidar

I noted Kelda and Vidar's posts, and will bring them up in a bit.

Mip enjoys the rest of the day, having lots of fun especially by eating 3, excuse me, my bad, 4 minced pie, how delicate they are!
He is not willing to participate in any other game for he is easily disappointed.
Losing in the first round of a riddle game, that is a real shame.

What has to be broken before you can use it?
An egg.

I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle.


"You moron!"
He kicks away a little stone.

"This is the real world, the world of men and dwarves and elves.
No kindergarden, maybe I should go home soon."

He shrugs. Maybe another piece of pie would help....

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 51):

14:17, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 18: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 15 ((10 (Feat Die), 3, 5)). Awareness.


Aredhel will focus intently on the game at hand, hoping to win - or at least, to do well and make his father proud.

[Private to GM: Sorry I couldn't think of a longer post, not super familiar with how the game works.]

Homnir sits down close to the Hobbit. He hasn't seen many of his kind before, but he felt sorry for the little guy for failing the Ancient Game so early. "Don't worry about it young Hobbit, I feel that it only my long life that has given me the knowledge to answer some of those riddles." And he leans in to the Hobbit before adding, in what amounts to a whisper among dwarves, but was still probably quite loud "And most of those riddles are based on the lore of Man, which out kinds aren't fully learned in."

Mip gets terrified and answers quickly:"Yes, Master Dwarf, you are certainly right."

By all the Gods, a dwarf is talking to me, what does he want, what should I say?
Mip tries to hide his head as deeply between his shoulders as possible.
Maybe he will go away?
"I am Mip, by the way, a hobbit from the Shire."
Where did that come from? A hobbit? Oh, buhu, what news from the world? Three feet tall and a hobbit! I thought you are a big rabbit.
Mip blushes.

In reply to Vidar son of Flar (msg # 57):

Áski nodded amiably to his kinsman and shook his head. "Apart from numerous recitals of extemporaneous verse and prose, nothing of significance." He subtly directed Vidar's gaze toward the alleyway where occurred the oddly suspect meeting which Old Mág previously espied. "Do you see one of our folk in conference with a rather brutish local? Recognize the Dwarf?" Áski then described the Man to the assembled elders. "Do any of you fine gentlemen perchance know aught of this individual? A mere name would suffice, but I'd nay begrudge more."

Mip wonders: "What is 3, then 4, then 5, then nothing?"
As he eats his fifth pie... and has nothing but crumbs left, he smiles.


Aredhel plays the game of Thimblerig, not sure if his father would be proud of him fiddling around with cups facing a little Hobbit?!
But the Elf is swift, and knows his father will not be saddened for sure, since-- he won!
Nice... now, to focus more-- as the game goes on!
You can make another Awareness roll, but at +2TN

[Private to Aredhel: No problem about the length of the post.
It is fine. You are active, and I am sure you will get a feel for your character and what to post as we move along.]
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 07:33, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Vidar sees the two people talking, the Dwarf and the Bree-man. But cannot even see enough of a face to recognize the Dwarf.
Nothing in his clothes gives clues-- other than the fact that he seems a traveler.

Áski addresses the Bree-landers around him--  who are not sure they are fine gentlemen, but, well... and why is a Dwarf asking about their kind?
A roll, maybe, to coax the wary Festival-goers into opening up.

Disappointed in the results of the hobbits game but still smiling from the memory of his father Orodil positions himself in the shade of a wagon parked in the outskirts of the Green, crosses his arms and leans against the rough wood while scanning the crowd for his ranger friend.

Homnir offers a slight smile "It has been long since I was addressed as Master Dwarf, my name is Homnir, of the Grey Mountains. And what brings you to this Fair?"

The dwarf's clothing is sturdy, and rather dull brown, except for the braids in his hair and beard, and for the silver ring with an amethyst inset.

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 72):

23:18, Today: Aski Adisson rolled a total of 18: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 5 (Feat Die), 4, 1, 5, 1, 2.  Hope spent to get +2d Inspiration from Cunning, +1d from shared Old Toby.

Orodil looks around, and spots Theorondil, now and then, moving through the crowds, most probably looking for the Ranger you seek...


Áski's shares a smoke, and the old folk know that anyone sharing Old Toby just has to be reliable! And her cunning words manage to get information from the gaffers.
"- That man?
- No, THAT one!
- Oh, that's Granger.
- No! Granger passed away.
- I don't mean Granger, I mean Granger.
- Oh?! Granger! Why didn't you say so instead of saying t'was Granger?"
Áski finds out the brute is indeed a Bree-lander, called Ham Granger.
"- A local troublemaker, if you ask me.
- All the Grangers are troublemakers.
- Not Bill Granger.
- Well, no, because he's dead too."


People move around the Fair grounds.
You hear them excitedly talking about the great orators they heard, about the upcoming games to be held, the Archer's competition.
Lots of things purchased - nice rare goods such as furs from the North, great toys, or just sweets and special pies! - and many things to see - the rare animals, the horsemanship display, the soothsayer who can tell the future!
"- She said I'd grow bald!
- Give me a coin and I can foresee you'll grow a gut too!"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 07:39, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

"My mother came here for trading. It is my first time being out of the Shire, everything is so different and new. It is fascinating but also a bit frightening. It is good to be with my mother."

There's a bit of a pause to Homnir's response, as he memories of his mom come to him, and his voice takes on a bit of sad tone "It is good to cherish such moments, there's plenty of time to be on your own in life." And he takes a swing frim his flagon of ale. "How did you fare in other games?"

Out in the Seeking Field, the game went on without any of the future Companions taking part any more, just as did the Ancient Game, even though Homnir went quite far in both competions.


As the little Hobbit's fleet hands move cups around, Aredhel remains in the race, trying to make his father proud by not giving up and winning!
You can make your second Awareness roll at +2 TN


On the stage where the oratory challenge continues, both Kelda and Galar remain among the final contestants of the Noble Court.
Who will be among those lauded and appointed as King or Queen of the Fair?!
You can both make your third Courtesy roll at a total of +4 TN


Orodil, having caught a glimpse of Theorondil still searching for the Ranger you seek, looks around-- also go looking for Mallor, also called Tarry-Mack by the folk of Bree?


Áski is with the older Bree-folk, watching a suspicious duo, learning names, and seeing if Vidar notices anything about the shady duo.


While Homnir is unwittingly scaring poor Mip, who seems to be calming down, and maybe even enjoying meeting a Dwarf. A real-life Dwarf?

If anyone else is interested in joining:
• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - with Kelda
• Torch Run (Athletics) - with Vidar ; Aredhel
• Great Hunter (Bows) - with Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - with Vidar
Or any of the other contests, just say so.
I will wait just a little bit before starting them.

As said, I noted Kelda and Vidar's posts, and will bring them up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:45, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Áski politely excused himself, claiming a need to visit the jakes, but instead sought out an unobtrusive place to call Old Mág back to him. He directed her to cautiously eavesdrop on the suspicious duo, following the strange Dwarf should they separate, and report anything overheard as well as their destination. Returning to his earlier vantage, he then resumed his socializing and people-watching.

Galar looked at his notes again a bit flustered.  He had a basic outline of what he wanted to do but he really didn't have anything solid for the last round having just focused on sharpening his first round presentation.  That and he had an idea to speak about some noteworthy event for each of the Free Peoples as a theme.  The problem was he didn't know much about Elves.

And regarding Hobbits...well...he knew a bit more about them but their historical events didn't lend themselves quite as well to the Noble Court.  Not to mention he was pretty sure he did hear a few snatches of a few suitable Hobbit stories used by other contestants already. There were more hobbits in attendance than elves, it had to either be about the little folk or he'd have to abandon the idea altogether.   Paging through his journal, he did have a few lines for what he called Ode to a Potato... no... the Noble's Court was supposed to be a Noble speech from a King of Old.  Galar rubbed his head as he stared at his journal, trying to will something to appear.

Biting his lip, a spark of an idea formed in the young Bree-landers head.  The words didn't have to be precise or even historically accurate.  Flourishes were almost required.  He could mash a few notes together and the sentiment would be true all the same.  Paging back and forth in his dog eared vade mecum he wrote out the key bits.

As the last round started, Galar stepped in front of the crowd again and spoke of the Fall of Fornost and then the arrival of Gondor.  The Gondorains were too late to save Arthedain, but with Elvish allies and even a detachment of hobbit archers managed to destroy the forces of Angmar at the Battle of Nenuial, finally breaking the evil realm.  Explaining that with Angmar destroyed and the fact Arthedain had ceased to exist, the Men of Gondor returned home.  Considering the wars, a number of horrible winters, and the Great Plague, Eriador was left with only a few remaining pockets of civilization and they now had to fend for themselves in the growing wilderness.

Galar then briefly spoke of Blanco and his brother Marcho founding the Shire after receiving permission by the Arthedain King Argeleb II at Norbury.  With Arthedain destroyed the Hobbit chieftains decided to call the first Shire-moot to settle what to do.  The Bree-lander described the first moot as a chaotic affair until finally Bucca of the Marish took his place on the mound to deliver his oration that would have him named the first Thane of the Shire.

"I am not one for long speeches, 'least not
on subjects you all should know.  But I think
We all should not forgot our gallant dead,
many of my own kin.  Many of you argued
that such matters be left to the big folk,
that it is a soldier's duty not
a Hobbit's to protect the King's subjects.
That dispute is past, now there is no King.
I ask you who should see to our defense
now?  The brothers Blanco and Marcho swore
to the Kings of Norbury, the Shire a
last portion of a lost Kingdom of Men.
I have heard these past days many quarrels
but few ideas.  It seems to me that there
is but one question before this great moot-
Are we Free People who can defend our
own Country?  Some have said we should find a new
Protector.  I ask, who would rule us but
leave us to our own affairs?  Others would
hope those outside our borders will ignore
us.  My reply is there would be no sur'r
way to see to the Shire's destruction with
our folk murder'd, enslaved, or driven to
exile, scattered and living in secret
as our ancestors did.  We do not copy
the Big Folk; we need no kings nor great lords
to gov'rn us.  If we look to our laws, they
afford equal justice to all in their
private differences; status and wealth of
no considerat'n to merit of a case.
We do not feel called upon to be angry
with our neighbor for doing what he
likes, nor engage in injurious acts as
usual with the Big Folk.  Hobbits are not
lawless by nature and our laws and
communities view the protection of
the injured as the foremost importance.
My own opinion is we should guard our
own boundaries.  That we should elect
a Thain of the Shire to oversee
our common defense.  Not to serve as some
King but answerable to the Shire-moot.
The Shire-thain should be one who sees what ought
to be done, to explain what he sees, and
one who loves the Shire beyond their own
personal comfort and safety to fight
for her hearths and homes."

OOC
04:57, Today: Galar rolled a total of 22: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 7 (Feat Die), 5, 1, 1, 4, 4.  Courtesy 1 hope +2 due to distinctive.

(TN 19)

This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Áski summons Old Mág back, and seems to direct the raven towards the suspicious duo, but, when Áski leaves, the raven just flies back towards the Dwarf.

As Galar now addresses the Bree- and Shire-hobbits hearts-- I will wait for Kelda to post.

Kelda took her place upon the stage and began.   She had decided to perform a duo, an old king and his clever wife.  Her king made his speech and his wife slyly corrected him, confused him and soon had him saying what she wished instead.  But her delivery was clumsy, trying to do too much at once.  In the end she smiled and bowed to the audience but she knew that she had lost.

20:24, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 19: a great success (same result if weary) with the Eye of Sauron (complications) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 11 (Feat Die), 5, 6, 5, 3.  Courtesy, Favored, DF: Folk-lore (populate nobles of old), TN 18, Spend Hope
- doh!

Forgot to indicate Hope spent....forgot to mark off character sheet too soooo got to get better at that.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

As Galar now addresses the Bree- and Shire-hobbits hearts, he makes them proud, but also strikes a chord in the hearts of Bree people who are proud to be self-sufficient and independent, and also the Dwarves of Durin who just reconquered their realm under the Mountain.
The crowd truly loves this uplifting speech, and Galar receives strong applause.

Then came Kelda's turn, and though this was a piece on subterfuge, everyone felt this in their hearts: tell the King what he wants, but get your own ideas across, and remain free!
Her piece was spoken with great success, and, though she thought she had lost, she realized that people's emotions ran strong, and loved what she had just told.
@Kelda: can you specify when you spend Hope, please? (I marked one spent here)
The 11 counts as 0, but is not an automatic failure, so 19 is above the higher TN of 18, and your 6 thus counts: Great Success
(I still have to re-read all the rules etc., but so far it seems that rolling an Eye of Sauron adds to the Eye Awareness optional rule - that I am using - and that it makes failures worse if you fail. But does not add negative effects if you succeed).

By applause, and the judges' rulings-- Kelda from far across the Mountains, and Galar from right here at home, are crowned as co-winners!
A nice surge of pride bolsters your egos--
Galar and Kelda, you each recover 1 Hope
--and your money-pouches are also bolstered, as you receive a big silver platter, onto which a smith rapidly stamps your name while the crowd cheers!
Galar receives a 7 Treasure worth platter (you gain 7 Treasure Points, that you add to your sheet and that increases your Load by 7), while Kelda's platter is worth 6 TPs (Treasure Points), adding 6 to your TPs and 6 to your Load.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:42, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Later on, Kelda, happy for having won such a prize, and quite uplifted herself, heads to take part in the Uplifting Lay constest.


While Vidar is off to take part in the Shepherd's Pie.
Though Mip wonders if getting pies is good in any old way...

If anyone else is interested in joining:
• Uplifting Lay (Enhearten) - with Kelda
• Torch Run (Athletics) - with Vidar ; Aredhel
• Great Hunter (Bows) - with Kelda
• Shepherd's Pie (Brawling) - with Vidar
noted Kelda and Vidar's posts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:38, Sat 18 Dec 2021.

As Kelda gave her heartelt narration of the wife slyly correcting the King and getting him to unwittingly do as she wished, Kelda suddenly felt goosebumps... as if some distant presence might take interest in her.
As presence that seemed to admire deceit and lies.


Meanwhile, in the fair, while people come and go, talking of the horseman who did such incredible acrobatics, on a real horse, a fair and fast steed, or laughing about how ugly that creature was that was on display--

--those that came from Erebor and Dale see the shipment of fine forge material leaving the town, carried away on tall sturdy mules, led and guarded by fierce Men clad in leather garb and covered in fur cloaks.
To the South they go, down the Greenway.

Galar returns to the family stand and places the platter on the counter with a smile.

"Ah, Homnir!", says the Dwarven merchant, as a small group of those with whom Homnir traveled from Erebor with comes up to him: "All went so well during this journey, and our sales went just fine. Here is for you, with our thanks!"
Homnir is handed a leather pouch filled with silver coins.
7 TP (Treasure Points) & 7 Load to be added to your sheet.


At home, Galar's father eyes the platter:
"What? You bring an empty dish back home? What good will that do? Should'be brought some pork shanks, or even fruit on it.
Oh, it's silver, heh? Well, when are we going to be needing to have a Prince over?
Have you finished today's work?! That would be useful."
But Galar does see his father is proud of his son. For once.

In the afternoon, a big crownd has gathered for the Shepherd's Pie competition.

Young rams are moving around the makeshift corral that wasbuilt for the occasion, with small minced-meat pies tied to their wool!

As Mip walks by, he wonders why he should not try to go out and grab those free pies?!

Well, it is true that one must manage to collect the pies without being rammed or trodden upon.
But, it is worth giving it a try.

Some say that wrangling the sheep to the ground is the most efficient way of getting many pies!

Heartened by his quick lunch, that came with some beers, Vidar enters the competition.
Can you roll for Brawling, please?
Brawling is used for hand to hand combat, and simple weapons such as daggers.
Your level in Brawling is your highest Combat Proficiency, minus one (ie. if you 2 in Swords, you have 1 in Brawling).
(I know you rolled before, but you did Athletics w. your gloves etc., which does not work for this)

While Vidar was having his beers and lunch, at noon, Kelda went back to the main center stage to take part in The Uplifting Lay.
There, the aim was cheer the crowd up the most, as Springtime is supposed to enliven folks after Winter... by means of poems or songs.

The Barding woman began with Tommycock and His Mighty Flock, a pleasant, silly tune featuring a heroic rooster and his hens defending their eggs from a farmer.  But she quickly recognized that she had gauged the contest wrong, a more serious and hopeful song was expected, and thus the audience was largely unimpressed.

She thought of that dark feeling that made her shudder, again, but shook it off and kept on with her tune... but was not able to give it much power.
Favoured skill, thus avoiding the Eye (!), but a failure with your total of 11.

Giving up, Kelda left, thinking it would probably be a better idea to get some lunch, and maybe a beer, like that Dwarf over there!
Get some strength, before entering the archery contest.



For those in want of stronger drink, Del Thistlewool, from Combe, is known for selling good stuff, at his Del’s Dwarven Spirits stall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Sat 18 Dec 2021.

Stretching before he enters the pen, Vidar limbers up to grab as many rams and pies as possible.  He was strong, even by Dwarven standards, so felt he had a good chance here.  Nor was he disappointed in that conclusion.  Grabbing one just as they were released.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
03:07, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 14: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 12 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die), 5, 5.

---

  Brawling.

No problem.  I expected to have to reroll, because I accidentally rolled Athletics.  I was just waiting for you to make that call.

This message was last edited by the player at 08:13, Sat 18 Dec 2021.

Vidar stretched well, and he did grab a ram that came running, taking its pie.

And now he was moving around, the Champion ready for this new "foe", ready to grab some handful of wool... and remove hot pies!

Success-- you pursue and can roll Brawling at +2 TN (using Hope if you wish).

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 79):

Aredhel focused greatly once more, though found it harder to follow the correct cup.

13:17, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 13 (13 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 17 ((3 (Feat Die), 5, 5)).

Galar holds the silver platter in the light with a lopsided grin, "I suppose you're right father, not practical at all.  I figured I leave it here rather than lug it around.  Might attract some customers.  And mother might enjoy serving tea on it a few times."  The merchant's son helps with the business at hand the remainder of the day until evening.

[Private to GM: Not sure how much we'll have in treasure by the end of the season or how the campaign will work out but figured to I'll be spending treasure on Galar's retirement/replacement sooner rather than latter given lifespan at least.  Just mechanically haven't 'invested' it yet but story-wise (considering it will take at least 15 years for Galar to have a child of his own ready to take up the mantle) that he'll be improving the lot of the Greenway clan to inspire someone to follow in his footsteps.]

Aredhel realizes that nimble young Halflings have hands that are lightning fast... and thus he is soon at a loss... and gives up with a sigh.



Galar's father shrugs and mumbles about collecting useless household goods... but Galar catches the father checking the platter out, and finding the stamp. The father nods to himself, realizing this is true silver, and worth a fair amount.

Vidar moves quickly, tearing after the Ram.  His hands firm as they grab pies from the wool.  The big Ram try to charge through Vidar, only to meet the wall-like bulk of the strong Dwarf.

10:07, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 20: a success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 9 (Feat Die), 3, 3, 5.  Brawl + Hope.

The ram butts the Dwarf, but its head does not hit a Bree-man's kneecap, which would hurt the victim-- instead it bangs its own skull into a sturdy armoured Dwarven-torso!
The ram is the one with the pain...
And Vidar keeps on piling up those pies.

People are starting to gather around, and are delighted to see the Dwarven pie-gatherer at work.
A couple Bree-landers start mumbling about offering good wages for Vidar if he wishes to become a shepard.

The pen is nearly cleared of contestants... but new young rams are pushed in.

Success!
And, on to the last and 3rd roll: Brawling with a total TN of +4.

Vidar moves to get a better grip on the ram, but the ram darts forward unexpectedly, and breaks through.  He turns, as the ram circles to the opposite side of the pen, pawing the ground and facing Vidar.

12:32, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,6.

12:31, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 4 (4 if weary): a failure with the Eye of Sauron (complications) using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 11 (Feat Die), 4.  Brawl + Hope.


I rolled 2D6 sepperately because it only rolled 1D6 for the roll, which should have been 3D6.  I'll reroll, if so desired.

Duely edited with description.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

In reply to Vidar son of Flar (msg # 99):

Can you narrate something, at least add a line or two of RP as to what Vidar is doing? It is nicer to keep some story going, than just rolling dice.

No problem re. how you added the two dice, that is fine.
Your result is:
Feat 11 ; Skill 4,4,6
With 11 being an Eye (and raising Eye Awareness by 1) and worth 0, that gets you 14.
The TN should be 16, correct? (12+4)
Note: if you can add the TN, when possible, to your rolls it does help me out.
Thus, you have a failure.

Orodil chews on a strip of dried meat from some unknown origin, still leaning against the back of the wagon, all the while looking for Tarry-Mack but the view is obstructed by all the people bussling around. He frowns and wonders why the ranger hasn't left some way to contact him, then shrugs. Perhaps it is a test of some sort.

He swallows the last of the meat and takes a swig from his waterskin, then takes a good hold of the wagon and heaves himself up a bit to get a better vantage above the crowd, looking for the ranger.

OOC: I try to get up a bit above the crowd, moving around to different places if something is blocking the view. Trying to spot Tarry-Mack.

Looking at the rams and the free pieces of pie, Mip still has his shoulders down, diappointed.
Wrestling with some goats or whatever animals?
Nah!
They are nasty beasts, better not to argue with them, leave them alone.
But he enjoys watching the other competitors and after a while Mip forgets what was bothering him, in fact, he's getting hungry again, so, off to seek out some delicious meal!

The taste dried-salty meat in his mouth, Orodil climbs up on the wagon-- for which the passersby look up and mumble about uncouth Rangers, indeed!

Standing tall, and high above the crowd, Orodil scans the sea of people, trying to spot Tarry-Mack.
He does think that if the Ranger he seeks is not here, and did leave some way to contact him, it would be best to look for that way.

Orodil (and Theorondil, who is normally to join about now) will be undertaking a Skill Endeavour. This entails achieving a set number of successful rolls.
The task is not too hard, thus the Resistance (how many successful rolls must be made) is 3.
There is no set Time Limit, so you can roll as much as needed to achieve the goal-- the number of rolls made will indicate how long it takes.

Can you start with a Scan roll, please?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Mon 20 Dec 2021.

Kelda joins the well-known, locally, Great Hunter archery contest.
This is nothing in comparison with Laketown's Dragontide, or the competitions held in Dale by Bard's Black Company bodyguards, archers all.

It starts first with the wreath shoot, where one must put as many arrows out of six into a wreath made of Bree-land holly--
--but, maybe tired from all her orating, Kelda's grouping was poor and scattered compared to other competitors.

08:38, Today: Kelda rolled a total of 10 (8 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die), 2, 4.  Bow.

Thus, bowing out early, she happily congratulated those who would shoot again upon the morrow.

Mip sees how hard that ram hit the Dwarf, and now the Dwarf is leaving the game himself.
So, Mip feels there are easier ways to seek out one's meals, indeed.



Though Vidar was unable to tackle that last ram, which had smartly moved away to face-- having maybe seen that butting sturdy Dwarves does more harm than good... Vidar walked off with so many pies!
Too many to carry-- and, before he knew it, people were handing him silver pennies to purchase the "good-luck Dwarf-sheperd" pies!
Vidar gains 2 TP (Treasure Points) worth of silver pennies. That he can 'store' for now at the Dwarf-house.

In the evening, after nightfall, as the first night of Spring descends upon Bree, when lanterns are lit, and people abandon the maypole to congregate around the large bonfire that burns now in the center of the Green-- the Torch Race is held.

Aredhel, tall and slender amidst the onlookers, the only Elf, and thus the center of much attention--
"I didn't know Elveses took part in fun? Ain't they aloof an' all?"
--is ready to take part.
He then realizes he has some extra weight in a fold of his garments-- and discovers a rather large gold coin.
The young Hobbit! It must have been the young Hobbit who slipped that into his 'pocket', back when he was doing well with the game!
Aredhel gets 1 TP (nice gold coin) - that can remain 'stashed' in Bree for now (no need to add to your Load).

Wondering about the strange ways of these little-folk, Aredhel joins the Torch Race.

He is handed a lit torch, and told that he must carry it as the contestants run three laps around a series of obstacles.

As Aredhel launches off on the first lap, having to navigate a muddy causeway, he sees he is running alongside a Dwarf-- Vidar.

Can Aredhel and Vidar both make an Athletics check, please? (spend Hope if you wish, and, if you do so, call upon a Distinctive Feature if you can).

Orodil scans the crowd.


07:44, Today: Orodil rolled a total of 13 (6 if weary): a failure with the Eye of Sauron (complications) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 11 (Feat Die), 2, 3, 6, 2.  Scan. Hope + Distinctive Feature (Tall).

As Orodil scans the crowd-- a light Spring-white cloud passes before the sun, casting a brief and fleeting, but nonetheless dark, shadow over the gathered folk Orodil is looking at.
For a second, his heart flutters: a dark omen?
But the cloud has already moved on, and the light sun illuminates the Free Folk gathered here: all smiles and merriment.
No, surely it cannot mean ill-tidings.
The Eye carries no direct complications here. But does add 1 to the Eye Awareness count. And, of course, counts as 0.

Orodil keeps on scanning the crowd, moving around the wagon to cover all sides, really putting his heart to the job, standing up as tall as he can get, craning his neck--
Thus: 0 (for the Eye) + 2, 3, 6, 2 = 13 (vs. TN 16, correct?)
You put TN14 down, but, unless I am missing something - sorry if I am and it is obvious - your Wits TN is 16?
--but so far he does not see any trace of the Ranger he is seeking.
Only Theorondil who still walks around, looking from face to face.
The roll is thus a Failure.
But--
--I will introduce here the last major rule for Skill dice rolling (see Rules thread):
Orodil has just failed a standard risk Skill roll.
You can just to have a simple failure--
--OR: you can choose to have a "Success with Woe".
This means Orodil succeeds in scanning the crowd, but at the cost of an unexpected negative side effect.

I will let you choose!

Vidar grabs the torch, and is soon off at a run.  Despite being a Dwarf, and thus shirt, he uses the obstacles to his advantage.  His free hand grabbing the edges as he turns, and using the force to sling him further along.  His stout legs pumping furiously to gain a lead on the other contestants.

03:21, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 20: a great success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 12 with rolls of 9 (Feat Die), 6, 3, 2.  Athletics w/gloves.  Torch Run

Orodil abandons the wagon and moves on to some other spot with possible height advantage.

OOC: TN 16 is correct, I forgot to change it in the dice roller. What the heck, I'll take the success with woe, why not? Could be fun.

12:13, Today: Orodil rolled a total of 24: an extraordinary success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 5 (Feat Die), 6, 6, 5, 2.  Scan. Hope + Distinctive Feature (Tall).

Also I just realised I've been rolling 1 too many skill dice, it should be 3, not 4, sorry about that.

TN 16 is correct, I forgot to change it in the dice roller.
Okay, no problem.
The failure becomes a Great Success with Woe (using the 6, as I said, I find rules re. doing/not doing this I'll change this in the future if need be).
Using the Skill Special Success Table: you can use a 6 as follows: "if an action requires multiple successes to be achieved, you score 1 additional success."
Meaning you get 2 successes here (if I ever find specific rules re. not using that for Skill Endeavours I'll change this use, but seems to work).
So far: 2/3 successes in 1 roll



Orodil scans the crowd, craning his neck, climbing high on the wagon-- and is quite sure that Mallor is not present.
No, Orodil is certain: if the Ranger were there, he would have seen him. No way he is on the Green... but, then, Orodil feels a chill down his spine.
As if someone is watching him.
He looks around-- and the feeling of being observed is so strong, that he knows just where to look.
There, he only catches a glimpse of a shape - maybe dressed in a robe, or else a long cape or cloak - that has already turned away... and disappears amongst the throngs of people.
Orodil cannot spot who this was.
But he just knows that this someone spotted him, had a good look at who he is... and somehow has a dark interest in this knowledge.

Shrugging this off for now, because there is not much he can do about it, Orodil abandons the wagon and moves to another spot.

Again he scans the crowd--
For Skill Endeavours, you can vary the types of rolls (this could have been different than Scan, some other way of seeking: asking questions etc.).
Extraordinary Success: the Success gives you 3/3 on your 2nd roll, so the Skill Endeavour is complete (bravo!) and you still have 2 extra 6s to spend!
(I will 'spend' them for you, giving you Go quietly, and Gain insight)
--and though he knows the one he seeks is not here, Orodil is actually looking around to figure out where he came to, where he went, how--
--of course: The Prancing Pony.
If Tarry-Mack made it to Bree, but then left, it is at the Prancing Pony that he would have left notice for Orodil and Theorondil.
Orodil slips down from his vantage point-- and then thinks back to that person who was intently observing him.
Not wishing to let whoever that was know what he was up to, Orodil slips in between a group of musicians and manages to move across the Green without being spotted.
He thus makes his way, unseen, to the Pony.
Puttimg the Special Success table up for people to make their own choices.


Also I just realised I've been rolling 1 too many skill dice, it should be 3, not 4, sorry about that.
That is fine. In general I do not retcon such mistakes unless it has a crucial impact.

"Oh, yes, of course I have a letter from Master Mack. To be handed to-- let me see: a Ranger who asks for it. I guess you are a Ranger yourself, being tall and a little foreboding lookin' and all, sir. So, here is the letter.
As you know, Barliman Butterbur is as good as the Shire's Fast Post.
Never forgot to give a letter out, have I, sir!"

Inside the Pony, Orodil, is handed a sealed letter, by the innkeeper, Butterbur.
Mallor left it here.
And, though Butterbur has nothing to say about why this was done, nor did Tarry-Mack - as Butterbur calls Mallor - leave any message with Butterbur, Orodil sees that Butterbur hands the letter over discreetly, and is looking around to make sure that no one notices the exchange.
Orodil feels that the innkeeper is doing so instinctively, off what he senses when he was given the letter: Mallor himself must have felt observed, or at least wished to make sure none saw he was leaving a message for his brethren.
Your Insight from the extra success.

Orodil checks the wax seal-- it is marked with Mallor's signet-mark.
He opens it--

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:27, Mon 20 Dec 2021.

With a whole half of a pint and a very delicious chicken leg Mip is tapping his foot in the rythm of the folkloric music.
It is quite a bit different to what he is used to listen to but new things always have a great attraction to the young hobbit.
As long as he is not forced to do any kind of conversation to strange folks he is just fine.

Orodil pales as he reads the note but quickly thanks Butterbur with a nod -perhaps a little too quickly to be properly courteous- and walks out from the inn with the note clutched in his hand. His thoughts races, what would be more pressing than trolls in the hills around Rivendell and the Bree-lands? Orodil himself hasn't travelled much this far south, perhaps they should find someone with better knowledge of these lands before setting out.

Aredhel launches off on the first lap, navigating the muddy causeway, alongside Vidar.
Elf and Dwarf competing side by side in a game at the Mannish town of Bree.
With Hobbits among those looking on... at least one of them, Mip, tapping his foot in the rythm of the folkloric music.
As Vidar grabs the torch runs off, he seems to use the obstacles to his advantage.  His stout legs do pump furiously and he is gain a good lead.
Aredhel sees that the Dwarf was astute: he has some thick leather gloves, and thus can grip the torch without fearing being burnt in any way!
Great Success!
Can Aredhel make an Athletics check, please? (spend Hope if you wish, and, if you do so, call upon a Distinctive Feature if you can).
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:16, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

As evening falls, Galar returns to haunt his favorite spot in the Prancing Pony to listen to a review of the day's events after ordering a cider.

A young Bree-lander, who you saw working the stables at the Dwarf-house when you arrived there with the forge-instruments bearing caravan, comes up to you, saying that you are wanted at the Dwarf-house, "for the big party and all".
As evening falls over the first night of the Spring Fair, you make your way to the Dwarf-house.

The young Bree-lander thus locates and comes to give his message to Áski Adisson, who thus is distracted and loses sight of those two ominous characters he was watching ; to Homnir ; to Vidar - waiting for the Torch Race to be over... the lad is quite excited to be talking to such a vigorous and fast Dwarf: "Those are good gloves, Master!" ; and to Kelda... who cheers up a bit at the idea of a party, seeing as she did not make Dale proud of her archery skills.

Can these four - Áski, Homnir, Vidar and Kelda - move to the The Star of the Mist thread(s)? This will be one Company.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:15, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

As evening falls, and Galar returns to haunt his favorite spot at Bree's famous inn, he is joined by--
--Mip, who returns to where he is lodging with his family and friends
--by Orodil and Theorondil, who wonder if that might not be the best place to find someone with better knowledge of these lands? Or just to have a bracing shot of plum brandy...
--by Aredhel, curious to see a Mannish inn, and what goes in such a place.
All arrive around the same time, after sunset at the Prancing Pony.


Can these four - Galar, Mip, Orodil, Theorondil and Aredhel - move to the Old Bones and Skin thread(s)? This will be the other Company.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

Meanwhile, the Torch Races continues!
With even an Elf competing... how will he do?
What with that Dwarf running like the Eastern-wind.

We can pursue and finish the Torch Race here, wrapping this up in parallel with starting the Company threads.

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 120):

Aredhel sprints ahead as quickly as he can.

10:39, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 18: a success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 15 ((12 (Feat Die), 4, 2)).

Vidar uses the obstacles to his advantage and moves along.

Aredhel sprints ahead as quickly as he can.

Both arrive, with some other contestants, in front of the steep earthen berm they need to climb, while not dropping the lit torch.

Elf and Dwarf start up the slippery muddy embankment...

Athletics Skill roll, at +2TN (you can spend Hope, call upon your Distinctive Feature-- and, if you fail, you can ask for Success with Woe).

Vidar hauls himself up the slope.  One hand holding the torch aloft, the other grabbing whatever sturdy objects are in the way to aid his powerful legs in the ascent.  Cresting the top, he powers on, determined to win this race.

12:01, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 19: a great success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 4 (Feat Die), 1, 5, 1, 2, 6.  Athletics w/gloves.  Torch Run.  Spending 1 Hope, using Distinctive Feature: Determined.

Can I spend that 6 to get the Special Result of Make Haste, and do the task in half the time?

This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 122):

[Private to GM: Aredhel will spend a hope, but I can't think of any particular Distinctive Features he has that work. Would spending a hope let me add 5 to the roll?]

13:32, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 6 (2 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 17 ((2 (Feat Die), 2, 2)).

Aredhel's pride gets ahead of himself as he easily slips behind.

Vidar hauls himself up the slope with the torch in one hand, grabbing onto--
"Ouch!"
--oops, that was sturdy, but it was a Bree-man's ankle!
Vidar switches to a root, and pulls himself over the top, with great speed, passing the Bree-man, leaving the Elf behind...

Can I spend that 6 to get the Special Result of Make Haste, and do the task in half the time?
In this case: yes & no. I am RPing it, but the specific rules here are that I add up all the successes (so this makes 2 more here for you) and the more you get the better. So, RP-wise you can say you do well because going fast, but it does not really make you finish earlier game-wise.


Aredhel pride makes him feel silly competing here like in the dirt-- but, as he slips behind his pride speaks up: now that he is in the dirt, should he not win?!
• Hope is to be spent before making the roll. But I said I'd remain open in the intro' to get people used to the rules, so you can spend it now for this roll
• spending one Hope adds 1 Skill die (a d6) to your roll (so you would roll 1 more die)
Note: spending Hope to add a set number (your Attribute score) after the roll, was in 1E
• if you have a Distinctive Feature that applies, then you add a 2nd Skill Die because you are Inspired (so you would roll 2 more dice).
In your case: Fair & Lordly: maybe we could say that Lordly works? You suddenly show your Lordly Elven self, and stand tall and a bit domineering, and have the other contestants slow down, fearfully? Thus adding the 2nd die to your Hope roll.
I am quite open to having things work, since you are spending a point of Hope-- so, if people RP some reason that makes some mechanical sense I generally am okay with it
• so: I would say, spend 1 Hope and roll 2 more d6 that we will add to: ((2 (Feat Die), 2, 2)) target of 17

• doing that will give you a slim chance of Success, so probably will not have Aredhel make it (but go for it!), so: if it does fail, you can still go for Succees with Woe-- you do succeed, but with a negative side-effect.

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 125):

Aredhel will stand up more domineering, and hoped that the others would be a bit fearful and slow down.

[Private to GM: Sounds good, thanks. Sorry about that.]

11:08, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 9 (8 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 17 ((3 (Feat Die), 1, 5)).

I'll go for success with woe.

Seeing the tall Elf tower above them, people move to the side and avoid Aredhel, out of awe and respect.
Thus Aredhel manages to go over the crest-- but hits his knee doing so, on a rock at the top... and kind of slips down the other side, grimacing in pain.
2 Endurance loss from the blow

((2 (Feat Die), 2, 2)) + 1 & 5 = 12, so a Failure-- but, with Woe (hurting yourself) you make it a Success.

Their torches still in hand, Vidar - ahead and going strong and steady - Aredhel - slightly limping due to an injured knee - start jumping over series of hurdles, ducking under barrels strung between posts, trying to go through this obstacle course-- and reach the finish line, where Bree-landers, Dwarves, Hobbits, all cheer.

A last Athletics Skill, with a TN of +4 (Hope can be spent).

In reply to The Loremaster (msg # 128):

Aredhel winces as he hits his knee, but will continue on.


I will spend hope.
17:24, Today: Aredhel rolled a total of 8 (3 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 19 ((3 (Feat Die), 1, 3, 1)).


[Private to GM: I'll succeed with Woe again if possible.]

Vidar charges ahead, his face set in stone.  He pushes past the other contestants, forging his way ahead.  His steady strides driving him ever forward, through obstacles, and anything else in his way.

18:55, Today: Vidar son of Flar rolled a total of 20: a great success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 1 (Feat Die), 3, 4, 1, 6, 5.  Athletics w/gloves.  Torch Run, Hope, Determined.

Aredhel winces as he hurts his knee, but continues, putting his Heart into this, not wishing to fail-- his father?
Thus, though it is hard for him to move under the swinging barrels, given his height-- and he casts a dark eye at the shorter Dwarf who can easily duck! - and though his hurt knee makes it more difficult to jump the hurdles, Aredhel moves on, determined, pushing himself to the limit!
Failure-->Success with Woe
He manages to reach the end, with his torch still held aloft!
Victory-- but, as he ends the race, his knee gives out, and he half-drops to the ground, only resting on one knee, his valid one.
Checking his other leg, Aredhel sees that pushing on with his battered knee made the condition worse: he is wounded!
[Private to Aredhel: Fine for Success with Woe. I went with a bit of a harsh 'woe', mainly to show the mechanics of Wounded. But it will not last or hinder you.]

Vidar's face is set in stone and his body seems made of granite. People wonder if this Dwarf is an acrobat, for his both powerful and lithe!
Vidar wins the race, and his torch is used to lit the first night's Spring Bonfire-- as the crowd cheers, and starts to dance...

Vidar is given a heavy gold-plated torch, as a reward for winning the race.
+6 TPs
Aredhel, for finishing and moving on despite his hurt and wound, receives a silver-plated torch.
+3 TPs

And so went the first day of the Spring Festival-Fair of TA 2965 in Bree, on the Green.
Where fine games of Thimblerig were played, scanning in the Seeking Field, or riddles of the Ancient Game.
Men of Bree and women from Dale shown bright on the Noble Court, and a Dwarf run the Torch Run-- with an Elf - an Elf! - showing how this Culture is not frail after all.
All that as fine Hobbits ate the best pies they ever had-- that day!