Chapter 6: To Whatever End

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin freezes as he hears what seems like a sword being drawn.... he whispers, "What is this new devilry?..."

[Inferno]

Erebor, The Lonely Mountain, The Desolation of Smaug, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
March 24, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Six. Midday. Misty, cold



At the secret threshold into lost Erebor, the Company hears the whisper of a sword unsheathed!

The warriors edge forward within their ranks, gripping hilts and ax shafts in anticipation of what is about to come. But none venture forward to show themselves. Neither does that which lurks beyond the door.

An impasse.

Suddenly from the shadows, a deep voice echoes forth in the common tongue of Men bearing an accent thick and ancient:

"My master, Sauron the Great, bids you welcome. Is there any among you brigands and exiles with authority to treat with me? Or indeed with wit to understand me?
"If so, harken to me now! You have foolishly wandered into deadly peril. Lay down your weapons and receive Sauron's mercy while you still can!"

The Company feels a strange compulsion to comply!


Actions?! (Everyone, Save vs Spells to resist! And please post your desired action regardless of your roll)


Map Detail:

Lighter areas are visible.

Map:





PC Status:

Elbenarin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 16/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 33/41
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 13/13, Spells: 1/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 9, HP: 8/8, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 3, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 20/31, Torches
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Vindoboduoc: Male Man Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 19/19
Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 11/11, AT: 1, D: 1-4, THAC0: 16

PC Magic:

None currently.

Player Resources:

In Darkness and In Doubt (the story so far)
Before The Fall (realms and maps of Middle Earth)
The Fear and The Shadow (the story so far in images)
History Became Legend. Legend Became Myth (clues and player notes)

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen pulls an arrow from her quiver, and readies to fire at the foul scion of Mordor. She remains as quiet as she can, waiting for her foe to reveal himself.

Save vs spell (12) [1d20+2] = 15+2 = 17

[Urson]

Therone
[1d20] = 7 +1
Save vs Spells: 18
IF the first rank moves forward, Therone will advance with them. If not, she'll wait. Her main intent is to provide support for the first-rank troops.

[OGRE MAGE]

At the back of their ranks, and pressed tightly against the cold stone wall, Folco doesn't like the sound of this new voice one bit.

Save vs. Spells (11) [1d20] = 19

"Deadly peril? Well that doesn't sound good at all. Now who is this unseen voice, and what is it doing in here? I thought we were here to find a dragon. Wait, did the voice just welcome us? As if......it knew we were coming? That cant be good."

Looking back down the hall, the frightened halfling continues. "We are sitting ducks all packed in a row like this. I hate to suggest this but........ we might want to charge, either in or out."

Unable to move in either direction, Folco tries to determine the height of the ceiling of this tunnel and its secret opening.

[hedgeknight]

Save vs. Spells (12): [1d20] = 19

Gilly hawks and spits and swings her pick with an angry grunt.
"Ye can have me pick, when ye pry it from me cold dead fingers!" she yells back. Turning to find Glasik, she says, "Come brother, let's reclaim these halls of lost Erebor!"

Without waiting, she advances, with Red by her side.

[Old Duergar]

Save vs. Spells (11): [1d20+2] = 16+2 = 18
+2 vs Magic Attack; 90% resistance to sleep/charm

Naruthirdor mutters softly a few words in Quenya, despite his face being drawn and grim and points straight ahead of the Company, in the large expanse of the hall. He then speaks in a strong voice: "It is most strange for the slave to instruct others, for the beggar to demand -anything-, for the minion to command. Speak thy name then, underling or move aside, for our path is set and your feeble attempts to obstruct us are futile."

Naruthirdor would cast Ventriloquism, pointed 2'' ahead of the Company (max range possible from our current position into the hall).

[Starbeard]

Vindoboduoc

Save vs spells (15): [1d20] = 12

Vindo glides into the room behind Gilly and Red, hugging the wall to the right and looking for a foe to slay in the back.

[wolfpack]

[1d20] = 2

Elbewin sword drawn moves forward to find the voice

[Scott308]

Glasik Ironfoot

Well, if you aren't a dwarf, you're nothing but a trespasser, and I intend to take back these dwarven halls! Gripping his axe, Glasik advances, looking for the source of the voice.

Save vs. Spells (16): [1d20] = 15

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin listens to the mesmerizing voice from the darkness. The words of caution and peril should be heeded! "Brother, lower your sword - let us listen to what this newcomer has to say! "

Save vs Spell (16) [1d20] = 13

[Inferno]

Erebor, The Lonely Mountain, The Desolation of Smaug, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
March 24, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Six. Midday. Misty, cold



A ray of hope flickers in the darkness of Erebor.

With tremendous willpower, the Company resist the poisoned tongue of Mordor! Except Vindo and the Dunedain rangers, who lower their weapons as men spell-bound! (Please make an Ability Check vs Wisdom on 1d20, once per round, to regain free will!) Alas!

Naruthirdor the sage throws his defiant voice! "Speak thy name then, underling or move aside..."

"I am the Mouth of Sauron!" comes the prideful reply from the shadows! "Defy my commands at your peril!"

Suddenly the heroes burst forth from the secret passage, weapons unsheathed and shields held high! What they find waiting for them in the cavernous hall almost stops them in their tracks!

Emissaries of Mordor bearing a single black banner!




An elite company of orc soldiery lunge forward from both sides! (O1-8)





A gigantic war troll of Mordor is with them, clad in iron and gripping a great sword in its immense fist! (WT) Its roar is nigh unto deafening!





And behind them stands a tall and evil shape, robed all in black, and black is his lofty helm. (M)




This is no Ringwraith but a living man! He looks the company up and down and his heinous mouth laughs with malice as the battle erupts!


Actions?!


Map:



Map Detail:



Behind the DM screen:

Unbeknownst to the Company, as a defense against invaders using the secret tunnel, the dwarf door has vents (that "drank" the water and "blew" the smoke rings) to allow the echoing sounds in the miles-long shaft to be heard beyond it. None may approach Erebor unheard.

The Company gains +1 to their saves due to their magic rings. And...
Rumil and Therone save vs Charm: (1-90): [1d100] = 57, [1d100] = 74 Both save.
Elbenarin and Elbenwin save vs charm: (1-30): [1d100] = 79, [1d100] = 96 Both fail.
Gilwennen save vs charm: (1-90): [1d100] = 77 Saves.

PC Status:

Elbenarin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 16/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 33/41
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 13/13, Spells: 1/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 9, HP: 8/8, Spells: 3/4 1st lvl
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 3, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 20/31, Torches on ground
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Vindoboduoc: Male Man Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 19/19
Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 11/11, AT: 1, D: 1-4, THAC0: 16

PC Magic:

Ventriloquism (Naruthirdor): Duration: 3 rounds

Player Resources:

In Darkness and In Doubt (the story so far)
Before The Fall (realms and maps of Middle Earth)
The Fear and The Shadow (the story so far in images)
History Became Legend. Legend Became Myth (clues and player notes)

[Urson]

Therone
Therone smiles a cold, hungry smile and attacks (O3).

[1d20+2] = 2+2 = 4 sword

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen fires off two arrows at the troll.

To hit with bow [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19

To hit with bow [1d20+6] = 19+6 = 25

Damage from two arrows [2d6] = 9

[OGRE MAGE]

Trying out Seeker for the first time, Folco takes a few steps forward until he has an open shot at the laughing toothy bastard making all the threats, hoping to disrupt any more of his dangerous magic.

Seeker Sling Bullet [1d20+8] = 13+8 = 21 Damage s/m:[1d4+3] = 2+3 = 5 l:[1d6+3] = 4+3 = 7

[hedgeknight]

Gilda Ironfoot

Gilly grins and slaps her newly acquired pick in her hand...and then attacks!
Wielding Heart Seeker, Gilly steps up to the closest Orc (O7) and with a shout, "IRONFOOT!" she smacks the beast!
Footman's Pick: [1d20] = 16 Damage: [2d4+1] = 3+1 = 4 OOC: I don't know if there are extra bonuses; just used my macro for her footman's pick.

Red lunges at O8.
Red Attacks: [1d20] = 16 Bite Dmg: [1d4] = 1

[Starbeard]

Vindo attempts to steel his nerves and dash into the room unseen amidst the fury, but his feet fail him!

Free will check (Wis 8): [1d20] = 9

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin seems to shake his head clear and advances with his sword drawn. OOC: i don't think i'm near enough this round for an attack.

Wis (15) [1d20] = 9

[Inferno]

Erebor, The Lonely Mountain, The Desolation of Smaug, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
March 24, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Six. Midday. Misty, cold



Heinous, twisted lips issue a dreadful snarl, "Ragged, pathetic refugees, do you not know death when you see it?"
The ghastly servant of the Dark Lord glares at Glasik with especial malice. "Halt!" he commands in baleful words imbued with insidious power! The dwarf warrior cannot help but comply!

Then the wicked host of war orcs sweep out their scimitars and charge!



The Company beats back the ferocious assault, notching orc-blades with shields and armor! Only the dwarves suffer minor gashes! (1hp damage each)

Elbenwin and Vindoboduoc cannot break free of the Mouth of Sauron's vile enchantment! (Please make an Ability Check vs Wisdom on 1d20, once per round, to regain free will!)

But their friends' counterattack is fearless and swift! Elbenarin advances to battle as Folco the sharp-eyed hobbit hurls a sling stone into the dire face of the frightful sorcerer!

Arrows fly whistling from the elf-bows of Gilwennen and Tinuwen, feathering the gigantic war troll with shafts!

Therone leaps forward and hews at a war orc with all her might but her sword rings against its thick armor and almost falls from her shaking hand!

Red the dog nips at an orc's heels as Gilly and Rumil land mighty blows against the hateful enemies that surround the Company, unhelming two of the them, but none fall dead!


Actions?!


Map Detail:


Map:



Behind the DM screen:

Initiative: Good: [1d6] = 4, Evil: [1d6] = 5 Evil wins.
O3, O4 charge Therone: [1d20+2] = 11+2 = 13, [1d20+2] = 8+2 = 10, damage: [1d8] = 8, [1d8] = 3 Both miss.
O5, O6 charge Rumil and Glasik: [1d20+2] = 1+2 = 3, [1d20+2] = 18+2 = 20, damage: [1d8] = 5, [1d8] = 1 One hits Glasik for 1hp. No fumbles in this game.
WT charges Glasik: [1d20+2] = 5+2 = 7, damage: [1d10] = 2
O7, O8 charge Gilly: [1d20+2] = 1+2 = 3, [1d20+2] = 18+2 = 20, damage: [1d8] = 6, [1d8] = 1 One hits Gilly for 1hp. No fumbles in this game.

Gilwennen arrows at Troll: [1d20+6] = 9+6 = 15, [1d20+6] = 6+6 = 12, damage: [1d6] = 4, [1d6] = 5 One hits for 4hp damage.
Rumil attacks O5: [1d20+5] = 10+5 = 15, damage: [1d8+5] = 3+5 = 8 Hits for 8hp damage.

PC Status:

Elbenarin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 34/34
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 16/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 32/41
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 24/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 13/13, Spells: 1/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 9, HP: 8/8, Spells: 3/4 1st lvl
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 3, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 20/31, Torches on ground
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 12/12, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
Vindoboduoc: Male Man Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 19/19
Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 11/11, AT: 1, D: 1-4, THAC0: 16

PC Magic:

Ventriloquism (Naruthirdor): Duration: 2 rounds

Player Resources:

In Darkness and In Doubt (the story so far)
Before The Fall (realms and maps of Middle Earth)
The Fear and The Shadow (the story so far in images)
History Became Legend. Legend Became Myth (clues and player notes)

[hedgeknight]

Gilda Ironfoot

Gilly grins at the look on the Orc's face as she unhelms it...but her grin turns to a growl of frustration as she is able to follow up and put the beast down.
Footman's Pick: [1d20] = 8 Damage: [2d4+1] = 3+1 = 4

Instead, she just shakes her head, her grin returning. "It be a good day ta die, me friends!"

Sensing her mood, Red lunges and grabs hold of the Orc's thigh, gnawing out a hunk of flesh.
Red Attacks: [1d20] = 19 Bite Dmg: [1d4] = 4