The village of Bree is alive with the preparations that happen during spring in this part of Eriador. The farms are awash in a flurry of activity and those inhabitants of the town that make a living by artisanal work are no less busy. The whole town is awash in activities of every sort. In the chief inn of Bree however at the place called the Prancing Pony there is an elderly looking gentleman whose chief color seems to be grey leans back at the table he is sitting at with a few others and says "My friends I trust your trip to meet me here was not too strenuous?"

Looking dubiously around the half-full common room, Narieth pulls her hood closer and gestures with her pipe towards her mud-spattered boots of soft leather.  "Nothing worse than the spring rains and a few puddles on the road," she replies in a low tone, "until we got here, that is.  I'd forgotten the way they look at outsiders around here."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Fri 15 Apr 2022.

Already seated at table with the elderly gentleman is another who could hardly be more opposite in appearance. He appears to be in the very flower of youth compared to the wizened man and where the colours of the elder are subdued, white hair, grey clothing, the younger has hair of coppery red and stormy grey eyes that shine brightly. His clothing is very well made, a finely stitched tunic and his brow adorned by a fine silver circlet that holds his hair back. In almost all ways he stands out from the patrons of the tavern as well, though he seems to pay this fact no mind, appearing quite comfortable despite the obvious difference. When he speaks his voice is high and clear.

"The roads and trails are easy to follow in the spring after a sequestered winter! My legs yearned to walk again, and I was surprised to hear from an envoy from Mithlond that you had asked for those with a will to aid to await you in Bree. It is not every year that Mithrandir gathers folks for business of some kind, and my curiousity could not be sated. I made my way here post haste -- and I wonder now, who else has this call reached?"

Celegnor folds his arms across his chest, gaze flitting across those within the tavern, searching for any others that might stand out from the crowd.

In reply to DanW (msg # 2):

Eradan took a seat across from his cousin, buying an ale for himself. "You're right, cousin. I forgot about that, but beyond that, the journey wasn't too difficult."

"Aye, weren't very difficult, 'cept me arse be saddle sore... Durned long ride it were.  Nuthin' an ale or two won't cure."

He said as he waved a Barmaid over to fetch him a couple of ales.  He stood as his posterior was not for want of a seat right now.

"I was expectin' ta meet me friend 'ere, a wee fella... a 'obbit... 'e's always wanderin' off that one... 'is names Gundolph Bolger... goes by Gunner to 'is friends... anyways, I'll keep me eye open fer 'im"

He quickly downed the first ale when it arrived and took his time on the second.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Wed 27 Apr 2022.

“ I am glad to know your journeys here were easy relatively speaking of course. As for our hobbit friend I half expected him to be late he probably went back for some pocket handkerchiefs. Though I assure you every hobbit I have had the pleasure of knowing is as fierce as a dragon in a pinch.” As he is saying this Gandalf produces a cloth map of Eriador and lays it on the table. “Now my friends let’s get down to the business before us I need some brave individuals to go to Mount Gram and spy on the orcs that make that place their home if it looks like they are preparing for war I need you to warn the rangers. Can I entrust this task to you?” As soon as he says the last part Gandalf sits back and lights his pipe and starts to blow smoke rings while he waits for an answer.

*Snap*

The sound emits from Celegnor's hands as he claps them together before his body and leans forward, a half grin curling up the right corner of his lips.

"Mithrandir, you can be assured that I will take up this task. Not only were my legs disquiet after the long winter, but also my sword arm. This will be a fine way to bring in the spring. Mount Gram is near enough to Imladris that I have had many meetings with the Rangers of those parts and they are a fine folk. Rest assured that I would happily warn them, and if in their councils they are moved to take up arms, that I would join them in battle as well. Not every Elf of Rivendell remains sequestered with no thoughts of glory and valour!"

Rubbing his hands together before setting them upon the table, he continues, asking of the others,

"And you have the look of folks who traveled and faced peril before. Well met, and if you will take up this task I would gladly venture beside you. I am Celegnor of Rivendell, friend of the Dunedain and champion of the lands north of the Bruinen."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

"Well met, Celegnor.  And you too, Master Dwarf," says Narieth, raising her cup of cider in greeting.

Looking to Eradan, she raises en eyebrow.  "What say you, cousin?  I know of Mount Gram, but only by rumour.  It is a long journey, and a dangerous one.  But I think my return to Sarn Ford can wait, if Gandalf believes the orcs are stirring."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:59, Wed 20 Apr 2022.

Borin listened as Gandalf laid the job out to those assembled.  At the mention of Orc's his interest was peaked but only for a moment. "Ye want us ta spy on Orcs?  I be more fer splitin' Orc 'ead's with me axe not runnin' to no Ranger's." he huffed but added, "But if'n that's what ye wants us ta do then tha's wa we'll do.  Ye 'ave me axe Tharkûn!"

After Celegnor's self introduction he addresses the others and introduced himself, "I am Borin of Durin's Folk, a Warden of the Blue Mountains."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Wed 20 Apr 2022.

In reply to Narieth (msg # 8):


Eradan nods at his cousin, raising his ale in turn. "Aye, I cannot agree more, cousin. The journey is long and dangerous, but I think if orcs are stirring, there will be more danger if we do not act."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:18, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

Borin was not one for sitting around talking, he prefered action, and it felt like they's been sitting there for days already.

He addressed Gandalf, "So, tha's it?  Go ta Mount Gram... spy on 'em... an' report ta tha' Ranger's if'n it looks like they be preppin' fer war.  Ye got nothin' else fer us? Then what are we sittin' around fer?  Let's be on our way.  No need ta wait fer the Hobbit, 'e'll be here any minute I'm sure an' if'n 'e ain't well I'm sure as an Orc is ugly that 'e'll find an' catch up."

He looked to the other's as if to say, "well... let's be on with it!"

Gandalf smirks at the dwarfs enthusiasm and then says to the group “Well then if you are of a mind to be off right away. I counsel you to plan your route to Mount Gram.” With that Gandalf sits back and puffs on his pipe.

OOC: Alright guys it is time to plan the journey route I will put a map up later today for you guys to use.

Narieth offered a brief smile to Borin.  "I'm also keen to get on with the spying."

Leaning forward and pointing at Borin's map, she said to the Company: "Perhaps we could take the Road to Weathertop first, and then strike north-east?  That way we would avoid the Midgewater Marshes, and stay away from the Ettenmoors.  But who knows what creatures or other dangers we might find in that empty wilderness east of the Weather Hills?"

"Whatever we may encounter would be better served to give us a wide berth!" Leaning back in his chair, Celegnor offers a dip of the chin to Narieth respectfully.

"Though I have also learned it is wise to listen to the words of the Rangers when venturing in the wilds of Eriador. Set a course and I shall follow and my sword arm shall be ready for whatever we may encounter upon the way!"

Eradan nods again. "Aye, I'm also keen to get on with the spying. But I also think that going in with information is the best course of action, rather than going in blind."

Borin listened to Narieth's suggestion of what course they should take as he waved a barmaid over with another Ale.  He interjects, "Nah, I say's we take the Great East Road as far as the Last Bridge then follow the Hoarwell until it starts curvin' East an' jus keep on headin' North till's we reach Mount Gram.  Should allow us ta skirt around the Ettenmoors an' the Trolls that call's it home" He paused for a moment as he took a big swallow of his newly arrived ale then all of a sudden blew out hard, spraying the drink all over the table, "What is this swill ye be callin ale!" he was clearly getting quite mad and was bringing his mug down hard to smash it upon the table when he heard a familiar giggle coming from under the table.  He stopped the mugs momentum in time to not smash it to bits, he bellowed, "Gundolph Bolger, get yer arse out from under there and stop messin' with me drinks or so help me I'll smash yer skull in wit' the broadside o' me axe!"  Borin sat back in his chair and waved for another Ale, ready to kick at the impudent Hobbit if he didn't get out from under the table promptly.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

As Borin nearly exploded at finding apple cider in his mug instead of ale, Gundolph broke out in to near uncontrollable laughter.  It took a few minutes but the trickster-hobbit finally regained control enough to allow himself to move out from beneath the table he'd hidden under and greet his good friend.

"Come now, Uncle Borin. I were but a'lookin' out for yer health'n well-being don't ya know.  Too much o'that there ale nay be good for ya.

I could'na help but overhear you and yer friends discussing a journey, why...all the way to tha mythical Mount Gram nay-less?  Tell me you were nay planning to head out on such a grand adventure as this with-oot askin' yer favorite nephew to tag along?"

With that, Gundolph took a seat beside the moody dwarf, ignoring the fact that he was the one to have put him in a mood to begin with.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:47, Thu 28 Apr 2022.

"Pleased to meet you, Gundolph," said Narieth with a shy smile. "I've been known around here as Ratty, since Butterbur caught me fighting with one of his cats in his stables a few years ago.  It's as good a name for you to call me as any, for now."

"Anyway, you've arrived in the nick of time.  We were just about to bid farewell to Gandalf and take to the road."

The ranger finished her drink, nodded to Gandalf, and moved swiftly to the front porch where she retrieved her mighty bow and quiver of arrows from the rack.

"It be a mighty nice pleasure ta make your acquaintance as well 'Ratty'."  Gundolph went with Ratty as the woman hadn't provided her true name, not to him, nor to the others.  He knew this for he had been present and eavesdropping on the conversation being had with Gandalf from the start, right up until he'd made his presence known by way of the prank he'd played on his old friend, Borin.

"Yer welcome ta call me Gunny or Gunner, whichever you prefer as I answer ta both just as readily."

Seeing as Ratty was eager to get going, Gundolph prepared to leave as well...but not before tossing a wave and a smile to Gandalf as they made their way to the front porch.

Borin shook his head at Gundolph's "childish" antics... Too much alcohol... What did that even mean, he'd drank nothing but alcohol since he was weaned off his mother's teat.

He got up from the table and pounded back the rest of his ale then followed Rattie out of the tavern, more than ready to get out on the open road and get on with their mission.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

  Borin and Gandalf spend the rest of the day purchasing and assembling supplies for the journey. After two days of pleasant journeying through the farmlands on the outskirts of Bree that is mostly uneventful, just as the party skirts the edge of the Midgewater Marshes and begins the final three days of journeying to Weathertop the party's lookouts spot something...



OOC: I need an awareness test from the comapany's lookout.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Sun 08 May 2022.

As the company passes a bend in the road Celegnor spots a small elf path in this place through the country to the right of the path that he points out to the company utilizing this path allows the company to more speedily come to the Ancient Site of the watch tower of Amon Sul though not without tiring some members of the company slightly. As the company returns to the Eastern Road you all spot a lone man standing off to the left side of the road...




OOC: I need the guide to give me a final travel roll for this stage of the journey.

OOC: 17:40, Today: Borin rolled a total of 26: an extraordinary success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 16 with rolls of 9 (Feat Die), 6, 5, 6.  Guide check.

Roll = 26 (advantage roll was lower)
TN = 16
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Sun 08 May 2022.

Keeping somewhat ahead of the company as the lookout, Celegnor is the first to spot the lone stranger upon the road. Seeming to fear no danger, whether because of the nearness to Bree or perhaps simply innate bravado, he lifts a hand to the stranger once within ear shot, calling,

"Hail and we'll met! It is rare enough to find fellow travelers upon the East road. What news sir from further East?"

Narieth is, as usual, bringing up the rear of the party.  She has been dropping back from time to time, checking the back-trail, and scanning the surroundings for game and wild plants to forage.

As soon as Celegnor hails the stranger, Narieth steps quietly off the road and tries to find somewhere to remain concealed but still within easy reach of the rest of the company.

  The Stranger on being hailed by the elf said " News is the same as ever master elf but pray my travelling companions have had an accident and lie injured just off the road. Pray will you come and help heal my companions I have heard much about the fabled abilities of the fair folk." Other than this lone soul upon the road the area seems strangely deserted for this time of year and day.

Gundolph had spent much of their journey thus far riding on his pony-steed, Moonshadow.  All the while he had enjoyed just looking out at the beauty that is the world around them.  That which had been untouched by the hand of man, or elf, or dwarf...or even by hobbit...and any of the more sundry goblinoid races.  The trees, the hills, the wind...all of it.

He was brought out of his sightseeing euphoria when stranger approached.  Gundolph was not naturally a suspicious fellow, but the man's story about injured companions lieing just off the road seemed weak at best?  To him at least.  As the man spoke, Gunny paid close attention to his spoken word, listening for any sort of tell that would give away his true intentions...as well as his body language, for the body usually spoke truth more often than the tongue.

---

OOC: 21:26, Today: Gundolph Bolger rolled a total of 22: a great success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 14.  Insight vs TN 14 (Stranger - ambush?).

Narieth tries to move stealthily away from the road, to look for any sign of the injured fellows - or a possible ambush.

In reply to Narieth (msg # 28):

10:29, Today: Narieth rolled a total of 27: an extraordinary success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 15.  Moving stealthily around the stranger (favoured).

Gundolph draws upon stories of distant places and events relayed by the Mad Baggins and realizes this is indeed an ambush, at the same time he does that Narieth slips unseen off the road and spies a few other folks of ill intent hiding just off the road. These brigands spot her as she moves through the underbrush and with a cry of " Drop the ruse Bill our cover has been blown!" the brigands who have lain in wait emerge from the brush.



OOC: Everyone gets one opening volley and with the description fo your opening volley can I get a description of which stance you want to use this round. Since Narieth is seperated from the party she cannot assume the rearward stance this round.

A flash of anger lights up Celegnor's eyes as the treachery is revealed. Being the furthest ahead of the company and the closest to the man called out to as Bill, he readies his bow and puts an arrow to the string. Seeing these brigands are full of ill intent he calls out in his high, clear voice,

"Woe betide you and yours that you seek to harm travelers in the wild where so much already stands against the movement of fair meaning folk. You will have your just rewards for your deeds by my hand!"

The last words are followed by a held breath as he sights down the shaft and looses at the man upon the road.

OOC: 11:39, Today: Celegnor rolled a total of 23: a great success with the Gandalf Rune using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 12 (Feat Die), 5, 6.  Opening Volley against brigand 'Bill'.

A piercing blow from the Gandalf rune. If the target succeeds protection roll I'll spend the success die on a heavy blow for an extra 5 (4 strength +1 for 2-handed weapon) endurance loss for a total of 8 endurance loss. If the piercing blow succeeds may I spend the success to 'Make Haste' from the special success table such that I completed the first shot so quickly that I may take a second?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Wed 11 May 2022.

Cursing her luck at being spotted, Narieth let fly with her great bow.  However, she rushed the shot and it flew wide.  Retreating rapidly towards her companions, Narieth drew her shortsword and prepared to fend off these brigands.

[Narieth rolled a total of 6 (3 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 3 (Feat Die), 2, 1.  Opening volley with Great Bow.]

Narieth will take the Defensive Stance this round.

  As the arrow flies through the air it strikes Bill right in the middle of the chest punching straight through the crude leather armor of the man. As a patch of red seeps up around the run Bill collapses to the ground and then falls face down.


OOC: Celegnor you may take your second shot now if you wish.  I am going to wait to see if any Brigands are left after Gundolph and Eradan get their opening shots in.

Even as his first arrow clears the string Celegnor is turning to survey the scene of the impending battle. The muffled thump of impact and gurgled cry of surprise justifies his confidence in his shot even as an arrow is set to the string once more. Spotting Narieth separated from the company he moves the tip of his arrow to follow any brigand making his way towards her. The distance is greater and the target is moving and his shot misses ahead of the brigand, but perhaps the shot was enough to draw attention and make the man think twice about running headlong towards Narieth. Drawing his sword and girding his left arm with his shield, Celegnor sprints to a forward position, aiming to come into the fray with the brigands as quickly as may be and to angle off any that would seek to surround Narieth.

OOC: 21:02, Today: Celegnor rolled a total of 9 (6 if weary): a failure using the The One Ring with a target of 15 with rolls of 2 (Feat Die), 4, 3.  Second Volley Against Brigands.

When Eradan sees the bandits, he takes a shot at one, nailing the man in the chest.


I had rolled with the wrong TN (15 vs 14), so if you'd like me to reroll I can - honest mistake.

20:23, Today: Eradan 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 9 (Feat Die), 6, 4.  Opening Volley, Bow.

The brigand that Eradan shot falls to the ground the arrow sticking out of the dead center of the man’s chest, as the man falls onto the ground his shirt looks wet around where the arrow struck. The man hits the ground and doesn’t move from his spot. Seeing two of their band on the ground has a noticeable effect on the other brigands.


OOC: Just waiting for Mr. Bolger to either shoot or abstain from shooting before we move on.

  The Hobbit nocks an arrow and lets it fly but in his haste he shoots too high for the shot to hit either brigand. Both the brigands shoot back at the company missing their shots with a cry of “ Fall back these travelers are to well armed.” from the bandit chief the two remaining brigands slink off into the woodland. Borin surveying the dead brigands says “ I reckon one of us to stay behind to bury them as I have the tools and knowledge that lot should fall to me. I will tell you how to get to Weathertop and if I have time before you set out for Mount Gram I will join you. But delay not our errand on my account.” With that the dwarf shares what route he would have taken the company by to the hill where the watchtower of Amon Sul once stood.


OOC: The brigands will escape if you let them but at this point they are not a threat to most travelers.

The flush of battle is still hot upon Celegnor's cheeks as the bandits and their leader turn to attempt an escape into the woodlands. His eyes track their movements even as Borin speaks. When the dwarf is finished he calls out, voice passionate,

"Fairly spoken Borin, they are still Men, whatever deeds they turned to whether from evil or desperation. Yet I believe we should pursue these brigands, lest they prey upon those less capable than we. It will add but a day to our task, a day which we have likely already gained by the path which I lead us upon. What say you companions? Shall we root these bandits from their pair so they cannot regroup to trouble the roads once more? We shall not have such a good opportunity again if we allow them to disappear now!"

Narieth takes a breath and watches carefully to see which way the brigands have gone.

“Yes, Celegnor, I think we should at least track them to see if they are part of a larger group.  We should not kill needlessly, but perhaps a few words would encourage them to find a more suitable occupation.”

While the others debate over whether to follow the bandits or not, Gundolph moves Moonshadow close to where his errant arrow had ended up in the trunk of a tree.  Fortunately it was low enough that he could reach it while still perched upon his mount for he wasn't a very good climber and would have had to leave it there.

He placed the arrow back into his quiver and turned back to the others to see what they had decided.

In reply to Celegnor (msg # 38):

Eradan frowns as Celegnor says the group should rush after the bandits. "With all due respect, Celegnor, I disagree.  While following them should be our course of action, I feel like mindlessly killing them after they have already fled forces us to be the agressors."

Celegnor pulls up on the reigns of his palfrey, the horse tossing her head and whinnying as she paws the ground.

"Perhaps you are right, Eradan. I would not say pursue them to slay them but here, several days from Bree, what else could we do? Trust to their word that they will surrender themselves at Bree or ask them to go back to their old lives and be on our way? There would be no guarantee of reform and then it might be sword work. I shall abide by your wisdom in this, if Narieth and Gundolph agree. Truly the Dunedain are the best suited to dole out justice in Eriador and though it galls me to allow brigands to escape and perhaps work ill again your folk are seldom wrong in these decisions."

With the continued talking and the moment to reflect most of the flush has now faded from Celegnor's cheeks, and the furious light in his eyes is lessened, his overall posture more relaxed once again.

Gundolph listened to the positions as put forth by both Eradan and Celegnor. The hobbit then ponders his own position regarding the matter at hand:

"Ta be huntin'em down and murder'n'em, based solely upon our own perception of their intentions seems a decision for those possess'n more wisdom that we lot have at our disposal.

If'n they'd intended to but rob us, then kill'n them would be a punishment greater than they deserve. And if they'd intended to kill us, well then kill'in'em afore they kill'd us would only be fair.

But who among us can say with any degree of certainty what their hearts and minds intended so that we might lay proper judgement upon them?

I be say'in that we let'em run.  We've already killed two of their number...seems a fair price given we be the aggressors in this here encounter.  When chance permits we can notify those of some true authority to search them out and deal with them appropriately."

---

OOC:  We just killed two people without a single mention by the GM that any of them were carrying weapons of any kind.  Odds are they were, but we don't know that.  Perhaps they were merely going to rough us up and take any valuables that we possessed?

“Well, while we’ve been standing here talking, they have been running.  It would take some time now to catch them, and then we have the question of how to deal with prisoners out here in the wild.  Let’s let them go and make our way to Amon Sûl.”

  Due to the excellent path-finding skills of the dwarf the rest of the trip to Weathertop without further incidents along the road. As the party arrives at that great hill the wild seems quiet around the hill, the ruins of Amon Sul gloomily line the top of the hill.

Narieth leads the party to the sheltered dell she knows on the west side of Weathertop, where rangers often make camp.  She looks for signs left by any rangers who may have stayed here recently, and leaves a secret message of her own to say ‘Narieth goes East’.

Climbing to the top of the hill, she looked out to the east, just as the last rays of daylight emerged beneath the clouds behind her as the sun dropped to the horizon.

She saw the faint ribbon of road stretching ahead, and in the distance to the left of it the dark smudges of the Trollshaws.  Following the line of hills to the north, she knew they became the Ettenmoors, before finally dwindling to where she imagined the distant peak of Mount Gram must be.

“My companions speak sense, counselling that we should take the road as far as we can,” she thought to herself, “but my heart tells me we may encounter peril if we stray too close to the dreaded Ettenmoors.  Only the bravest of my people now go there, and even they only in dire need.  I must prepare well for this journey and be ready to face whatever danger awaits us.”

Celegnor squats at ease upon the top of the hill within the worn ring of the former tower. Chewing idly upon a morsel of trail rations he comments,

"Our pace is good thus far and I hardly consider the encounter with the brigands a misfortune as ridding the road of a menace is a task I would have sought out myself! But now that Borin has departed us what now for our route? Shall we hold to the road as previously suggested? I am ready and keen to continue whatever is decided but in this I defer to the wisdom of the Dunedain -- no-one no knows these paths as well as you. Lead and I shall follow!"

Having arrived at the great hill, Gunner was surprised at the silence of wildlife and he wondered if that meant there was an absence of wildlife to match and if so...what could have caused such a thing?  He squinted a little and put a hand up to block the sun as he looked intently at all that was within his field of view to see if he could see anything that might be of interest or importance to them.

---

OOC:

22:57, Today: Gundolph Bolger rolled a total of 19 (16 if weary): a success (failure if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 18 with rolls of 7 (Feat Die), 4, 3, 5.  Awareness (the hill and the ruins of Amon Sul).

  The Hobbit was not use to staying in a place that most beasts seemed to avoid whether it was by instinct or training Mr. Bolger could not say. After a day of waiting he was happy when Narieth had the company pack once more to move out further down the Greenway to the Last Bridge from there they would leave the road and continue to Mount Gram. The next three days were yet more travel and like the first part of the trip from Bree uneventful.





OOC: I need an Explore roll from the Scout which in this instance is I believe Gundolph Bolger

Gundolph had been off scouting the area ahead of the main group.  He stopped in his tracks as he rounded a bend in the road; his eye's having spied something that warranted his caution as well as a swift retreat.  He did his best to be stealthy as he made his way back to the other's as quickly as his short little legs would take him.   Once he'd made it back to them he signaled for them to stop and then in hushed, yet laboured breaths:

"Four humans...Green-grey cloaks...skulking around in the woods up ahead...."

---

OOC: Stealth 21 vs TN 14

20:28, Today: Gundolph Bolger rolled a total of 21: an extraordinary success (same result if weary) using the The One Ring with a target of 14 with rolls of 7 (Feat Die), 6, 6, 2.  Stealth check.

"Four? Hmmm, it would seem like ill luck to be waylaid again upon the road, but whether they are simply fellow travelers or not I feel we should meet them. It could be they are of Rangers as we are not far from Weathertop which is one of their hold fasts."

Hearing no dissent from his companions Celegnor approaches the stand of trees boldly, showing forth openly upon the road. As he nears the copse he calls,

"Hail! The keen eyes of one of my party members spotted you in the woods. I am Celegnor of Rivendell, who might you be? We have already been waylaid once upon the road and I hope this meeting may be more friendly!

Gundolph was surprised when Celegnor abruptly made their presence known to the strangers he'd warned them of.  The man had done so, so quickly and so unexpectedly that he couldn't scoot off into hiding before Celegnor had acted.  Why couldn't the man give advanced warning when he' was about to do something like that? He offered a smile to the strangers as their attention was drawn in their direction, along with:

"And I am Gundolph the Great...not to be mistaken for Gandalf the Grey!!" He laughs at himself as he says this...in an attempt to let the strangers know that he was jesting...as regards the title (the great) and the inference that they might mistake him for the much taller (and less handsome) wizard.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Sun 29 May 2022.

In reply to Celegnor (msg # 52):

Eradan follows Celegnor's lead, making himself visible to show he isn't a threat should the traveler wish to speak. "And I am Eradan," he calls out.

Narieth is nervous, as usual, but hopeful from the description that these may be some of her kinsmen.  Nevertheless, she stands back behind the rest of the group, slightly to one side, and makes sure her bow and quiver are close to hand.

  Four Green-Grey clad figures emerge from the woods, one of them steps forward and says "Hail and wellmet kinsmen, elf, and master hobbit we are but four Rangers patrolling this section of the wild. What business brings you out to this part of Eriador? The four figures are armed with bows and spears but you can see a grim determination in their eyes.  As they stepped forward the forest path seemed to brighten just a tad bit more than it was a moment ago.

Approaching the group of rangers, Narieth introduces herself.  “I am Narieth, Forlong’s daughter of the company of Hallas at Sarn Ford.  I am travelling with my cousin, Eradan, and these worthy companions Gundolph and Celegnor, at the request of Gandalf.  We are going east, seeking more information on the reports of the orcs around Mount Gram.  We would be grateful for any assistance.”