Chapter 6: To Whatever End

[Old Duergar]

Naruthirdor

The silvery-eyed Elf listens to the words of his fellows, whilst taking a long, good look at the old watch-post above the Company. He finally offers quietly:"Standing out here in the open is dangerous; let us seek the watch-post of the Dwarfs nearby and make plans thither, sheltered from unwanted eyes of the dragon's own and his minions. Even if it is empty and holds little in the way of supplies or lore, we might be able to take a good look down at the Desolation. And that in itself can open our eyes to the adversities and the terrain ahead of us. Perhaps we might even stand in luck and the watch-post might contain keys on how to enter the Lonely Mountain in ways secret and paths unknown that could only be deciphered or seen by a keen Dwarf eye, as mistress Gilda mentioned."

Pausing for a moment, Naruthirdor continues: "Second, if the fiery wyrm was thwarted once, there is precious much to be learned by its previous missteps. We would do well to remember myth and words of lore alike regarding Smaug the Golden's defeat. I will try to remember as much as I can of that illustrious feat, but meanwhile, perhaps our Khazad friends could enlighten us on both matters? It might seem like time wasted, but collecting our thoughts on those matters could pay off greatly.", the Elf addressing Gilda and Glasik.

He then coughs slightly and points to the East with his slender right index: "Last and least indeed, the charred and sacked remains of the town of Men known as Dale could also contain knowledge on how to defeat the Dragon; or how to enter Erebor. It is highly unlikely anything might be salvaged intact of parchment and scroll; but the Dalesfolk were ingenious."

[Inferno]

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





In the shadow of the great Lonely Mountain, beneath the old dwarf watch-tower...




...the Company wonders how to gain access to lost Erebor.

Folco, Gilly and Naruthirdor counsel the tower and lead the way up the rugged slope to its ancient foundations.

On the way, Naruthirdor considers what all the Company know: Decades ago, a large party of dwarves came to avenge the dead and scattered of Erebor and were slaughtered by Smaug deep within the Lonely Mountain. Their leader, Thorin Oakenshield wounded the great wyrm and lo these many years, Smaug has slept, recovering from his grievous injuries. Until now.

After a grueling climb, the trio and any who follow them find the ruins of a dwarf fortress carved out of the living rock of the mountain and hidden from their lower vantage. The gravity of its fallen grandeur gives them pause.

Exposed to the elements and prying eyes, the watch-post is thinly shrouded in snow and mist and commands views in every direction. Scattering a flock of ravens into the cold pale sky, Gilly looks out over the edge at the grim desolation that surrounds them.



Rumil ominously observes that if Smaug were to find them here, out in the open, they would be done for.

The stone tower of the sundered dwarf-fortress looms over exposed tunnels and stairways below.


Actions?!


Map:

The Company is on Ravenhill.

Wilderland 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
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)

[OGRE MAGE]

Folco looks around nervously for any signs of secrets in the stone before studying a route to the stairways and tunnels below.

Watching the sky over his shoulder too often, exposed as they are, he comments softly. “We can’t stay out in the open like this for long. We better move on soon.”

[Urson]

Therone
Therone opted to follow when the 'scouting' of the watchtower became a general movement there. She crouches low in the shadow of the stones, watching toward the main gate.

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin will investigate the stairs and tunnels, seeking to find if any seem to be more used - and by what. Perhaps they lead down and into the heart of the mountain.

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen follows the others to the dwarf tower, bow ready, inspecting her surroundings carefully.

[Rex]

Rumil

Rumil follows along. Ready to draw his sword if need be.

[Starbeard]

Vindo prepares his sling and creeps along at the rearguard, watching for movement in the rocks to the sides and rear of the party.

[wolfpack]

Elbenwin studies the entrance to the stairways below looking to see if the way is open

[hedgeknight]

Gilda Ironfoot

Gilly is excited about exploring this watch post...one she has heard about in stories but never before having seen it. She moves along with the Dunedain rangers, sending Red on ahead to sniff out any trouble.
"Careful now, easy does it, friends," Gilly whispers gruffly. "Never know when ol' Smaug will be out an' about an' lookin' fer a snack."
With her new pick in hand, Gilly hopes she runs into something she can wallop.

[Inferno]

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




All is still in the sundered dwarf-fortress beneath the Lonely Mountain, and in the bleak desolation beyond.

The Dunedain rangers find no footprints in the thin snow. Discovering no immediate danger, the Company cautiously investigate the tower and the exposed shafts and stairway. These chambers are no orc tunnelings. Fashioned by dwarves at the height of their wealth and skill, they are straight as rulers, smooth-floored and smooth-sided.

The forlorn ruins of the watch-post are empty and long abandoned. No accessway into the heart of the mountain is evident until Gilly and Tinuwen detect a nigh-imperceptible keyhole in the center of one flawless underground wall. No seams betray a portal, nor fire-runes glow to life reflecting their torches.

From a safe distance, Tinuwen carefully peers into the keyhole...



...and sees only darkness within.


Actions?!



Map:

The Company is on Ravenhill.




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
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)

[hedgeknight]

Gilly runs her hands along the wall around the keyhole, searching for the least imperceptible outline for a doorway as Tinuwen peers inside. "Didn't we find a key in that treasure hold?"

[Old Duergar]

Naruthirdor coughs in the brisk mountain air, giving ample space to the rest of the Company's members to examine the impressive stonework and the nigh imperceptible keyhole. A slender arm is passed over a perfectly straight and expertly hewn stone wall. He sighs deeply.

"Great were the workings of the Dwarfs. A pity the creation has outlasted its creators.", he offers, to no-one in particular.

[Scott308]

Glasik Ironfoot

Great were the kingdoms of Elf and Dwarf in days of old. Now, both are but shadows of their former selves. Perhaps this quest can go some way to restoring both our people to their rightful place. Working together, maybe we can forge bonds of friendship such that never were in the past.

[Rex]

Rumil

"Well spoken Master Glasik. Perhaps Master Folco can open it?"

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen searches the wall for any additional information about the door that she is certain is there.

[wolfpack]

This must be our way in, do we have a key/

[Urson]

Therone
Therone does her duty as a warrior: she takes a position where she can watch for incoming danger. She admires the craftsmanship around her, but tries not to let it interfere with her vigilance.

[OGRE MAGE]

Folco looks up from his search when his name is spoken.

"Indeed," is all he says as he looks closely at the keyhole, first for dangers, then for a way to unlock the unseen opening.

[Starbeard]

Should Folco fail, Vindo will make his own attempt at unlocking the keyhole. Otherwise, he remains silent and watches for spies of Sauron or the dragon.