Chapter 3: In the Deep Places of the World

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen says to the group, I do not trust our position here. Perhaps we should head directly to the King's Hall, lest any monstrous denizens learn our location.

The elf keeps scanning the other caves, looking for any signs of movement.

[Rex]

Rumil of Mirkwood

"Either here or the King's Hall, but decide quickly."

[ChubbyPixie]

“I say we enter here first, to learn something of the nature of our adversaries directly, rather than be beset and taken by surprise on the way to the hall,” says Gilwennen.

[wolfpack]

I say we enter here

[Rex]

Rumil of Mirkwood

"Then we bust the door, best to attempt to bust it quickly, Myself and Master Glasik should try together."

We both have open doors 1-4 on d6

[hedgeknight]

Gilly calls Red to her side, hefts her pick, and waits for her brother and Rumil to kick in the door.

[rredmond]

"Times are certainly hard for you my winged friend," Naruthirdor agrees, "please partake of some of the food I have been able to find." He crumbles up some of the elven waybread into his palm, as well as some of his iron rations, separating the large crumbs into different parts of his hand to see what the raven does. He will refill whatever the bird eats, "of those left, are there orcs? Trolls? Other types? Any that use magic or wield glowing weapons? Or set traps to catch others of my type?" Naruthirdor asks the questions slowly, ensuring the bird understands and giving him time to answer, and nods in agreement and understanding as the bird talks. If there's time left he'll follow up by asking the bird, "do those who live here fight amongst themselves or work together? Where do they eat, wash and worship?" To hopefully get as much info as he can.

[Urson]

Therone
Therone actually smiles when the others decide to break in the door. Much better to know what is there than to assume it is empty.

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin listens to the group come to a grudging majority on how to proceed. He sighs deeply. He moves to the nearest underbrush and watches the dark and quiet canyon for any signs of movement as they group works the door free.

[Rex]

Rumil of Mirkwood

Open Doors [1d6] = 4

[Inferno]

The Lost Halls of the First ElvenKing, Mountains of Mirkwood, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
Night. March 22, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Four. Damp, cold




Naruthirdor the elf whispers to the carrion bird as it eagerly gobbles up his rations. "Of those left, are there orcs? Trolls? Other types?"

"Yes!" caws the raven between beakfuls. "Yes there are!"

"Any that use magic or wield glowing weapons?"

"I know not!"

"Or set traps to catch others of my type?"

"Yes! They delight in catching your type! Such good sport they give!"

"Do those who live here fight amongst themselves..."

"Of course! Orcs hate each other! And everything else!"

Suddenly...
CRASH!

Rumil breaks down the orc door, scattering the ravens from the canyon floor!



Cold air and a fell stench emanates from the cave mouth! The shattered timbers unveil a natural cavern that extends into absolute darkness. The reflected moonlight reveals to Rumil's sharp elf eyes that it soon branches into three tunnels.


Actions?! (And please confirm marching order and light sources!)



Map:




PC Status:

• Elbenarin: Male Dunedain Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 30/30
  Elbenwin: Male Dunedain Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 30/30
  Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 21/21
  Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 2: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 28/28
  Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 2: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 24/24
  Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 1/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 8/8, Spells: 1/1 1st lvl
  Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 10, HP: 8/8, Spells: 3/4 1st lvl
  Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 1/1: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 7/7, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
  Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 2: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 22/22
  Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 1/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 7/7, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl
  Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 11/11, AT: 1, D: 2-8, THAC0: 16

PC Magic:

• Speak With Animals (Naruthirdor) Duration: 1 round.

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)

[Rex]

Rumil of Mirkwood

Rumil will move into the intersection, arming himself with his shield and long sword. He will then look down each tunnel. If he doesn't see anything of note he will then hold his position as the others fall in (hopeful with a light source).

[Urson]

Therone
As the group sorts themselves into the tunnel, Therone takes a spot to the right of the opening (as you face it), keeping a careful eye on the brambles and brush outside. She falls into her normal place in the marching order.

[hedgeknight]

Gilly sends Red on in with Rumil and then hefts her pick and follows.
Red sniffs around, tail wagging in excitement to be back in some form of tunnel system; he was born deep in the mines of the Grey Mountains.

Gilly steps in beside of Therone, letting her eyes adjust to the dark of the tunnels.
"Why way, Rumil?"


I thought we had some type of marching order somewhere...right?

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen takes her usual place at the back of the group, lighting a torch as she does so. She keeps the torch in one hand, bow in the other. If there is trouble, she will drop the torch and go for an arrow.

[wolfpack]

Elbenwin will move in at the front of the group

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin asks for a moment of quiet so as to listen for any sounds that may signal someone - or something - approaching...

[ChubbyPixie]

Gilwennen will await the others’ entry into the opening and then take her place at the rear guard, bow in hand.

[OGRE MAGE]

Folco waves away the conversation and holds up his hand, hoping the others will be quiet enough for him to hear any noise that might be emanating from the tunnel.

Hear Noise attempt

[Rex]

Rumil of Mirkwood

Rumil will remain ready and quite well Elbenarin and Folco listen.