Chapter 5: Nameless Things

[ChubbyPixie]

Gilwennen will nod to Folco and assist with the doors. She is amazed by the wonder and beauty of this place, though it be evilly fallen from its former purpose. She sees in her mind, as if illuminated by faint starlight, a time when these halls will be restored to serene goodness. Perhaps not in her time. Perhaps not for an eon hence. Yet all things, she knows, are destined to return to Ilúvatar in the end. She smiles.

[Inferno]

The Lost Halls of the First ElvenKing, The Mountains of Mirkwood, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
March 23, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Five. Midday. Cloudy, damp, cold



In awe and wonder, the Company cautiously pass through the fire-runed dwarf-door of days long gone by!

Folco the hobbit cannot budge the monolithic stone doors, nor find handle or latch. But when Tinuwen says, "Darkness" in the tongue of elves, they slowly rumble closed behind them!

The secret, majestic corridor of the ancient world leads deep into a great treasure vault! The Company stand astonished at what they find!



From lost elder days of yore, many elf-swords of different lengths.

Elf-bows and arrows.

And the dwarves spy ax and pick amongst the weapons displayed!



It is as if the Company was meant to find this. And that is an encouraging thought.

Forged in the First Age of this world to battle the dragon-host of Morgoth, these are weapons with which the Host of Valinor smote Ancalagon the Black, greatest dragon of Middle-earth, and won the War of Wrath!

The Company also see a wooden case holding a dozen golden rings! And, upon a slender pedestal, a sphere of swirling black stone.



None of the Company recognize it. (except the Dunedain Rangers if they make an Ability Check vs Wisdom on 1d20+4)


Actions?!


Map Detail:

One square = 20 feet. Lighter areas are visible. All else is from memory.


Map:




PC Status:

Elbenarin: Male Dunedan Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/30
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/30
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 11/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 26/41, Torch
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 20/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 13/13, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 10, HP: 7/8, Spells: 0/4 1st lvl, Torch
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 11/12, Spells: 1/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 16/31, Torches
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 12/12, Spells: 1/3 1st lvl
Vindoboduoc: Male Man Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 19/19, Torch
Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 9/11, 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)

[ChubbyPixie]

Gilwennen looks over the blades and bows. Though she can't imagine replacing Naringë, she does closely examine them, especially the bows, having never seen their like in quality before.

Glancing up finally at the rings she turns to the rest of the party. "Does anyone have knowledge of what function these rings may serve?And what of the orb? May these things be of use to us?"

[Scott308]

Glasik Ironfoot

I don't know what they do, but these items must be what Gandalf sent us to retrieve. Looking at the rings, he grabs one, placing it on his finger before examining the axes. Now these are dwarven-forged steel if I am not mistaken. Selecting a fine two-handed blade, he gives it a few practice swings before deeming it sufficient and replacing his inferior weapon.

Which Ring does Glasik take?: [1d12] = 8

[Rex]

Rumil

Rumil will examine the blades and see if any seem to "call"to him. Seeing Glasik examining the rings, "Do the rings all appear the same Master Glasik?"

Would Rumil know anything of the rings pf power?

[Urson]

Therone
Therone examines the bows, selecting the one that 'feels right', and adds another quiver of arrows.

She borrows a torch and studies the sphere, staying arm's length from it and making a concious effort not to touch. I fear this stone- I suspect we would merely trade one Evil for another if we tried to use it.

[Starbeard]

Vindo steps forward, mesmerized by the scene. He walks along the weapons, quietly singing a treasure-song to a popular tune.

Elf-ash resting in dwarf-stone halls,
As torch and shadow play on the walls.
Hoarded iron-gold, stowed with care,
Arrows that touched worms in the air.
Down in the earth, below the light.

Orcs behind and wights ahead,
Treading along through darkness dread,
We follow the path of heroes old,
To find them waiting with gracious gold.
Down in the earth, below the light.

He picks a bow and quiver, knife, and sword to his liking, then waits to see what the wise among them might glean from the rings and orb.

[Rex]

Rumil

Knowledge of the Rings of Power
Wisdom Check (15) [1d20+6] = 19+6 = 25
Nope.

[SocraticLawyer]

Tinuwen examines the blades, bows, and arrows. She deems it unlikely that any bow could be superior to Baudhrig, but she checks them all just in case. She refills her quiver with the arrows. She looks in particular for a shortsword that might compliment her fighting style.

I agree we should tread carefully, but I doubt that this orb can mean us any harm. Would Gandalf send us to retrieve weapons, only to include a trap with it? Let us take it with us, that me might learn its function.

The elf maiden is curious about the rings, but tries to recall the lessons of her younger days before trying one on herself.
Knowledge of the rings?
Wisdom check (16) [1d20+6] = 3+6 = 9

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin stands in awe at the history and power forged into steel. He peers at the rings - he seems to recall some of their history.....

Ability Check Wis (15) [1d20+4] = 12+4 = 16

[wolfpack]

[1d20+4] = 18+4 = 22

Elbenwin's eyes are drawn to the swords, looking t see if any appear finer than the one he wields now to aid in their quest.

[OGRE MAGE]

Folco looks over the blades like the others, taking any that look cool and might fit his small hand. He looks around for a sling, only slightly disappointed if there is none to be found.

He looks over the rings closely, noticing their number, before taking one of them for himself as well. "I don't think I've ever seen a dog wearing a ring, but there are exactly the same number here as our fellowship of twelve."

The thief looks over his random pick carefully, trying to remember anything he has heard about rings of old. (Wis:9) Random D20 [1d20] = 8 He doesn't comment on the sphere, but he isn't against taking a look if the others ask him to.

"These rings must be quite valuable. They seem almost........precious." He waits to see any results from the dwarf's experiment before trying his on.

[ChubbyPixie]

Ring Wisdom Check (9): [1d20+6] = 14+6 = 20

Gilwennen wonders why there is a bowl of napkin holders down here...

[hedgeknight]

Gilda Ironfoot

Gilly finds herself gawking yet again...which seems to be about average for this venture!...as the doors swing open and then when her eyes alight upon the treasures of the elfin hall. She hefts one of the picks, and then another, tests a hand axe for throwing purposes...and chooses such as feel the most comfortable in her hands to aid her in their quest.

When it comes to rings though..."Ain't never had a fancy fer such finery. Gets in the way of diggin' and fightin'." Still, she finds her eyes wavering over the shiny metal rings. "Wonder if one could be braided in me hair?" she murmurs rather loudly to herself.

[Inferno]

The Lost Halls of the First ElvenKing, The Mountains of Mirkwood, Rhovanion, Middle Earth
March 23, Year One of the Fourth Age
Day Five. Midday. Cloudy, damp, cold







Beyond the astonishing dwarf door, deep in the secret treasure vaults of the first ElvenKing, the Company find that which they seek at last. Forged in the ancient world, the artifacts that slew the first and greatest fire-breathing dragon of Middle-earth carry design motifs of Moon and Stars and Fire.

As if it had been preordained thousands of years ago, each of the Company finds their chosen weapon waiting:

Vindoboduoc claims a dagger and a shortsword as he sings a ballad to their incredible discovery.
Folco grips a sling, a glimmering shortsword, and a ring.
Gilwennen and Tinuwen each collect a sword, a bow and a slim quiver of eight arrows.
Therone seizes a peerless bow and quiver of eight arrows.
Naruthirdor inspects a shimmering dagger and the rings.
Glasik claims a double-bladed battle ax and a ring.
Elbenwin tests a fine longsword and finds it without equal.
Elbenarin looks upon the rings.
Gilly hefts a well-crafted military pick and an ax balanced for throwing.
Rumil unsheathes a glittering longsword that caught his eye.

(please add them to your character sheets and name the weapons!)

Two long swords and ten rings remain unclaimed. So too does the ominous and unrecognized black crystal ball. None dare touch it nor speak of it except in fearful, hushed tones.

Likewise, many examine the case of rings but only Glasik bravely places one upon his finger. It fits perfectly and the dwarf feels no effects for ill or good.

The elves Naruthirdor and Tinuwen know there are many magic rings in this world and none of them should be used lightly. They alone recall ancient lore of rings from the Second Age of Middle-earth:

“Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men, doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.”

Naruthirdor and Tinuwen know the Dark Lord is Sauron. His Ring Wraiths are the nine mortal men doomed to die. They know the three rings for the Elven-kings yet endure, unsullied by evil. And that the One Ring fell out of all knowledge thousands of years ago and remains lost to history.

Mercifully, these twelve rings are not those.


Actions?! (and new XP Award is here.)


Map Detail:

One square = 20 feet. Lighter areas are visible. All else is from memory.

Map:


Behind the DM Screen:

Naruthirdor knows of The Ring? Ability Check vs Wisdom: [1d20+6] = 8+6 = 14 Succeeds.

PC Status:

Elbenarin: Male Dunedan Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/30
Elbenwin: Male Dunedan Ranger 2: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 25/30
Folco Boffin: Male Hobbit Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 3, HP: 11/21
Gilda 'Gilly' Ironfoot: Female Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 26/41, Torch
Glasik Ironfoot: Male Dwarvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 20/34
Gilwennen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 13/13, Spells: 0/1 1st lvl
Naruthirdor Nowe: Male Elvish Magic-User 2: Move: 12", AC: 10, HP: 7/8, Spells: 0/4 1st lvl, Torch
Rumil: Male Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 11/12, Spells: 1/3 1st lvl
Therone: Female Elvish Fighter 3: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 16/31, Torches
Tinuwen: Female Elvish Fighter/Magic-User 2/1: Move: 9", AC: -1, HP: 12/12, Spells: 1/3 1st lvl
Vindoboduoc: Male Man Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 19/19, Torch
Red: Guard Dog: Move: 12", AC: 6, HD: 2+2, HP: 9/11, 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]

Gilda Ironfoot

Gilly looks at the ring on Glasik's finger and frowns. "How'd ye get it over yer big knuckles? Is it tinglin' or makin' ya feel funny?"
Bolstered by her brother, she tentatively reaches for one of the rings, preferably one of silver.
"Me thinks," she whispers to her brother, "to name me new pick Amoruk Seekrumm. What ye think? Maybe sommat else, eh?"

Amoruk Seekrumm > Heart Seeker

[Rex]

Rumil

Rumil removes his sword, setting it aside he belts on the new blade. Drawing it he declares "I name thee Gaelcrist!"

Glittering Sword

He then strides over to the pedestal and chooses a ring at random. "This one shall due." He then places it on his left ring finger.

Sheet updated

[ravenn4544]

Elbenarin will examine the rings and sword. While fascinated by the rings, the craft and skill of the blades fills him with awe. He takes his time feeling the weight and balance of each to see which may better suited for his sword-style.

[Starbeard]

Vindo twirls the shortsword in his hand, and hearing the satisfying sound it makes cutting through the air, he names it Birr, a mighty wind.

The dagger is hefty yet quick, and the blade remains razor sharp with a deep edge. He names it Leg-Stitcher, an old, now corrupted word for wound-maker in his tongue.

"Those rings do seem noble. They can't be terrible, if they were hoarded by such noble free folk. I shall take one and care for it." He chooses a ring and slips it onto his finger.

[wolfpack]

Elbenwin takes a torch and holds it to the perfectly weighted sword and whispers in Sindarin

lhûgcrist (Dragon Cleaver)

He then closes his eyes and takes one of the rings, then moves to look at the black orb.