Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

It is the year 2946 of the Third Age, and the lands east of the Misty Mountains are astir. From the cloud-shrouded peaks above the High Pass to the spider-infested gloom of the forest of Mirkwood, paths long-deserted are trodden once again. Busy merchants carry their wares to new markets, messengers bring tidings from foreign realms, and kings send forth armed men to extend their influence and the rule of law. Some say that a new age of freedom has begun, a time for adventure and great deeds to reclaim glories lost in long centuries of oppression and decline.

But adventures are not really things that people go out and look for. They are dangerous and rarely end well. While it is true that a handful of valiant individuals set out to make their mark on the world, for others it seems that adventure chooses them, as though it is the path they are fated to tread. They are restless warriors, curious scholars and wanderers, always eager to seek what was lost or explore what was forgotten. Ordinary people call them adventurers, and when they return successful, they call them heroes. But if they fail, no one will even remember their names...

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Trogdor
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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Trogdor » Tue Dec 29, 2015 3:33 pm

"Orcs," Pipkin says in a whisper. "And this close." He shakes his head. "I'll rouse the others," he adds, snapping to action. "I'll tell everyone to arm themselves and be on alert. We'll have to get the animals penned and those who can't fight inside as well."

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Vardaen » Tue Dec 29, 2015 5:50 pm

Pipkin moves into action. First things first, the kids need to come inside. He tells Dindy at once, and the whole place is quickly mobilizing. Freir goes to the workship and collects his hammer and shield, and puts a simple helm on his head. He isn't a great warrior like Borir, but he's a dwarf and can stand and fight well enough. The Brandybucks quickly work to secure their kids, and the animals, only Shadrack the dog remains outside and you hope he will bark at any sign of Orcs.

For the moment things seem safe enough, no Orcs attack, and you wonder after an hour if they did follow the men or if they gave up the chase.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by TetNak » Tue Dec 29, 2015 7:09 pm

Aerth takes a deep breath. This wasn't actually surprising, unfortunately. The orcs had come out of the mountains when they stole away the hobbit and that was sure to loose hell upon the surface. It wasn't that far away. "I will go and scout out nearby and see if I can spot any signs of them." Aerth scoops up his bow and axe and prepares to make his exit.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Shurijo » Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:10 pm

Borir sighs as he takes a moment to let the thought slip into his head. "Orcs," he says sounding if it's a curse.

"Aye," he replies to Aerth as he watches Freir, Pipkin, and Dindy begins to prepare for a possible assault. He then quickly moves to gather his own armor, shield, and weapon.

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Trogdor » Tue Dec 29, 2015 9:16 pm

Pipkin stands ready with his bow and his lucky armor as the time passes. "That's probably a good idea," he says to Aerth. Do you want company, or should I stay and guard the inn?"

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Vardaen » Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:18 pm

Dindy looks worried as the Inn is made ready. "Why don't you three go see what you can see. We can handle things here, right Frier?"

The dwarf nods, and adds, "Plus these two fine men, who may have lead orcs to our door will aid in the defense of their new haven. Woncha lads?!"

They gulp down but nod, "Give me a spear and I'll do what I can."

"Good!" says the dwarf.

So Pipkin, Borir and Aerth make ready to backtrack the way the men came looking for the orcs and for trouble.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Trogdor » Wed Dec 30, 2015 5:36 pm

Pipkin gathers a small pack, and a few snacks for the road, and stands ready to follow where Aerth leads.

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by TetNak » Wed Dec 30, 2015 5:40 pm

"Try to stay quiet." Aerth gives a look at Borir in particular. Aerth pushes open the inn's door in a crouch, hoping the orcs aren't smart enough to prepare an ambush outside. He doubts it, figuring they would have just rushed forward and tried to kill them all if they were upon them already. He looks around, trying to find the direction described to them by the man that had burst into the inn. When that is settled, Aerth heads in that direction, keeping low as he does so.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Trogdor » Wed Dec 30, 2015 6:09 pm

Pipkin follows, alert and as silent as a hobbit can be - which is very quiet indeed.

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Book 5: Act 1 - The Borders of the Forest

Post by Shurijo » Wed Dec 30, 2015 6:24 pm

Borir looks at Aerth when the man mentions being quiet and stares at the dwarf. "Quiet? Well," The dwarf begins to refute Aerth's remarks leaving his mouth agape. Pipkin and Aerth then two move out leaving him standing at the door unable to quickly think of a clever comeback.

Hitting his helm with the flat side of his axe to make sure both are well adjusted, he then picks up his feet and quickly shuffles after the others.

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