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).