March 23, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Five. Sunset. Cloudy, cool
Onward the Company flies on wings of gigantic eagles.
Folco the hobbit still cannot believe the quest he has been set upon. "So, if we are truly here to slay this ancient beast, perhaps you eagles would know something of its weaknesses?... I have always heard that such creatures can fall victim to their own arrogance. Is that true?"
The Lord of the Eagles replies, "Yes, a failing not limited to dragons."
"But all dragons have a vulnerability, little one: their soft underbelly. It is said that Morgoth, who created the race of dragons long ago, knew fear in his heart and was too cautious to create any creature that was completely invulnerable."
Elbenwin speaks, "Great eagle, are you going to see Gandalf after you bring us to the Desolation of Smaug? We have with us an orb that seems to be able to communicate with the Dark One with touched."
Gwaihir says gravely, "None know the movements of Gandalf, least of all now. But I would not willingly carry such an accursed thing, my friend."
Naruthirdor the elven sage asks, "What are we to expect in the Desolation? Has the terrible Smaug's awakening roused other dark beasts and fell things?"
The Wind-lord answers, "Like all wicked creatures, Smaug has been drawn under Sauron's sway. You may expect the dragon to be in league with the slaves of the Dark Lord."
Darkness overtakes the Company and all of Middle-earth. Stars slowly kindle to life in their infinitude.
Hours pass and their fearsome destination appears on the far horizon. A great mass of light blossoms before it.
The eagles plunge through the clouds and see in the distance, an organized encampment near a vast lake, lit by countless torches. The ruins of a village smolder on the water. The Dunedain, the dwarves and the elves of northern Mirkwood know it to be Laketown, now burned to the waterline. Elbenarin sees there will be no safe harbor there.
In daylight, the military camp would be unprotected from the sun without the shadow of Mirkwood or the fumes of Mordor to shield it. These would not be orcs. Perhaps they are Easterlings, wicked Men who serve Sauron.
Onward the Company soars and ahead, it looms. The Lonely Mountain.
The Desolation of Smaug is shrouded in darkness. The eagles spiral down in wide circles upon the great mountain's southeastern shoulder. The Company disembarks onto a flat section of rock beneath the forbidding cliffs. Above them looms an abandoned watchtower, a relic of the lost dwarven city of Erebor!
"Venture not far until sunrise. The Enemy's eyes see best at night," warns Gwaihir as the great eagles wheel overhead and soar away to the south. "Farewell," they cry, "Wherever you fare till your eyries receive you at the journey's end!"
It is late and the Company are weary from the day's incredible events. Exhaustion threatens to take them.
Actions?!
Wilderland Map:
Dotted red line marks the Company's journey.
PC Status:
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 29/34
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 2, HP: 11/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 26/41
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 20/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 13/13, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 9, HP: 7/8, Spells: 0/4 1st lvl
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 3, HP: 11/12, Spells: 1/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 16/31
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -2, HP: 12/12, Spells: 1/3 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: 9/11, AT: 1, D: 1-4, THAC0: 16
PC Magic:
Player Resources: