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...
The road to Rhosgobel is well known to all. From the Easterly Inn to the lands of the Beornings is well know, and with Beleran among the group its even more friendly. From there to the Woodmen lands is coming home for Rathar. Borir, Varuthil, Finn and Pipkin have made this trip several times, and the chance of getting lost is low, the dangers are only those of the weather, and of enjoying the wide open spaces a bit too much. Pipkin has a change of heart and wanderlust takes him once more and the hobbit joins your company. You set your pace and make your trip. You stop and spend three days in the Beornings lands around Beorn's House. There you restock and talk about some news, but other than the need fore more honey cakes, and the danger of Pipkin getting fat on cream you encounter no troubles. A few more days pass on the road to Gelvira Pot-Stirrer's place near the Old Ford. Her hospitality is excellent, as always, and you learn news of a few more dwarf travelers making their way east to west with loads of trade goods from the Blue Mountains for Erebor and Dale. You head south to Stonyford where you are welcomed with cooler attitudes, but what you did for those people at the Gloomy Fold against the bandits will not soon be forgotten. You are able to rest and relax there and recover from a few blisters on your feet. Then you cut across country east till you reach the eves of Mirkwood and turn south onto the woodmen roads and make for Woodland Hall.
All the talk in Woodland Hall is of the Folk-moot, and you learn that Ignomer and many of his house have already left for Rhosgobel for the Folk-moot. Once more you take stock of your situation but being now in a hurry you only spend one night among Rathar's people, to Rathat's dismay. Still he can't argue you don't want to be late. South along the river and roads the Woodmen use until you come to Woodmen Town, another night there, and some dark rumors of trouble among hunting parties. It seems some sheep have gone missing, and some nameless hunter lurks about the woods. It has locals worried, but not in a panic, yet.
So you leave Woodmen Town and travel to Rhosgobel once more arriving at the town that's grown up around the Brown Wizard's dwelling. As luck would have it you arrive on May 30th, giving you just one full day before the Folk-moot begins.
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You've made this trip enough times, I'm not going to bother with Journey this time. You tarry along the way, make up for any fatigue etc at all the stops you make, and resupply and meet with friends. It takes you nearly 2 months to make the trip but all is well with you when you arrive.
Sorry silverfox that you miss out on the first Journey of your game.
"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
"Well Rathar," says Finn, "Tell us about this Folk-Moot. You perhaps do not know what they will discuss...but what have they discussed in the past? Who are the important leaders besides Ingomer, and do competing factions exist?"
Shipwreck, I imagine V can give you some of this info, or tell you it's OK to make it up. Let us know if it's official or not...
Borir walks fast even though his legs are short, they are stout and he is hardy. The dwarf shuffles over to Finn's side when the conversation about the Folk-Moot begins with questioning Rathar.
Varuthil tries to keep in check her impatience at the slow pace the company is setting as they make their way to Rhosbogel, especially as the time of the Folk Moot draws near. She tries to divert herself by studying the peoples and places they pass through, learning what she can about their customs, the fauna, the flora and the terrain. Her attempts to keep her impatience in check make her even more taciturn than usual, except when she is inquiring about something she is interested in.
For Pipkin this is a time of surprising enjoyment. For all of the troubles of the world, the hobbit seems able to brush them aside and enjoy the simple pleasures when presented. Food, drink, good companionship, a pleasant landscape to travel in. He throws himself headlong into any chance for experiencing what life has to offer, though it's clear from his talk at night, over a fine pipe full of pipeweed, that he hasn't forgotten the troubles they face. BUt so far as the hobbit is concerned, the trouble will come when it will. Best to enjoy life in the meanwhile.
Rathar has enjoyed the warm spring air, though often his eyes pass longingly towards the eaves of the forest. When the company finally passes into Woodmen-town and beyond, his heart eases.
He takes a moment to gather his thoughts after Finn poses the question. "The moot is merely a gathering," he says and strokes his chin thoughtfully. "It is, perhaps, the only thing my people have by way governance. All the houses join together to discuss pressing issues as concern all of the Woodmen. With all our folk gather, it is only fair that others come in hopes of profiting from the many peoples there. So traders come. Sometimes proxies from the other people of Wilderland. I have only ever attended once, but I remember it as a merry occasion." He smiles at the recollection. "While it was all talk and business by day, when night fell all gathered to the fires and the great hall for stories and songs. You will enjoy it, friends, and learn much."
That's pretty much all from the book with little embellishment
Beleran sets out with the others, keen to reach Beorn's house and reacquaint himself with his mentor. He greatly enjoys the time spent there, though three days seem to pass by all too quickly and he is a little crestfallen over the next few days as they journey further south from the house of Beorn.
He is quite withdrawn during their visits to Old Ford and Stonyford, refraining from taking ale or mead and carrying on his peculiar morning ritual of checking his body for signs of injury. He gives little away about himself during the journey, but offers aid to any that need it and does his share of hunting and cooking along the way.
As you head though the gates of Rhosogel Rathar fills you in on what he knows of the Woodmen Folk-moots, and it seems a simple enough a fair, a gathering of leaders to deal with the important matters of the year. You find Rhosgobel more full of men and women than you have yet to see in in your various travels. The place is brimming with Woodmen, but you see plenty of others among the folk, including a few dwarven merchants, some Leofring travelers, and as the hours will go on and you explore more even a few folks out of Lake-town.
Setting up a place to sleep for the venture, and to put your things is number one priority. Luckily you find Beren to have room for you at his small place, "Radagast said you would be coming so I saved you a spot. I didn't expect so many however, but we'll make due. With so many folk about there is no place else to stay." Beren introduces himself to Beleran and is pleased to make the Beorning's acquaintance.
Over the course of the first few hours you are in town, settling in, getting something to eat, and generally finding out who's present you learn the following folks, and their entourages are present for the Folk-moot but so far you haven't had time to speak with anyone.
Ingomer, of the House of Woodland Hall: Ingomer Axebreaker is the head of the council of elders of
Woodland Hall and well know to you, and you to him.
Hartfast, of the House of Mountain Hall: Old and quarrelsome, Hartfast son of Hartmut is the chieftain of Mountain Hall.
Fridwald the Runner, of the House of Woodmentown: Fridwald is a wiry old man who serves as chief messenger and runner between the three Woodmen settlements of Mirkwood since too many years to count.
Amaleoda, Shieldmaiden of the Black Tarn: in charge of her family since her father’s death, Amaleoda and her kin live on the western shore of the Black Tarn.
And of course Radagast of Rhosgobel, but there are others present too, a representative of the dwarven folk, and a guest they say is from the east. Before things begin tomorrow you'll have time to meet with old friends, or speak to Radagast or even do a bit of rumor gathering about those present if you should desire.
The place is full of folks, so we can run some small scenes of you speaking ot various folks or gathering rumors about guests you don't know etc. You will stay with Beren, Radagast's man, like in the past. The whole place as a festival feel, drinks and food, people talking and socializing all about town.
"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
"Well," says Finn, "I'd like to go and meet any of the important folk who will have a voice at the Moot. Well, and perhaps have a dance with a fine lady if I see one," he adds with a laugh. "I'd like to find someone interested in doing business with the Lake. And I've heard there are others from Esgaroth here... I should go see who they are and what their business is. Anyone with me?"
We'll see what everyone else wants to do, but Finn will first go meet the Lake Towners, then try to meet Fridwald, since he'll likely know more than most what people/interests will be represented at the Moot.
Varuthil says, "I will come with you. I am curious to meet the leaders of the Woodmen and learn what manner of people they are and hear what manner of counsel they might have in these dark times."
