Book 3: Chapter 2 - Into the Cold North

It was in the beginning of the reign of Malvegil of Arthedain that evil came to Arnor. For at that time the realm of Angmar arose in the North beyond the Ettenmoors. Its lands lay on both sides of the Mountains, and there were gathered many evil men, and Orcs, and other fell creatures. The lord of that land was known as the Witch-king, but it was not known until later that he was indeed the chief of the Ringwraiths, who came north with the purpose of destroying the Dúnedain in Arnor, seeing hope in their disunion, while Gondor was strong.

Ruins of the North is a game set in the north of Eriador in the ruins of Arnor between the years of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Using the One Ring RPG system the game will explore the legacy of the Dunedain and the dangers returned to that part of Middle-earth.

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AndyDez
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Re: Book 3: Chapter 2 - Into the Cold North

Post by AndyDez » Tue Feb 18, 2020 12:00 am

Hugo remains alert for signs of approaching enemy while the big folk sort things out!

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 2 - Into the Cold North

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Tue Feb 18, 2020 4:22 pm

"Of course we must find Arphan. But if I have to make a final choice, it will be to save these women and children," Telurin says quietly to Halleth. "I will follow your lead. We cannot lead them all across Carn Dum looking for him, and yet the only other option I can think of is to bring them to a place near the exit where they can hide and wait, and hope we find Arphan and return, before their captors find them (or us) again. We have no time for further discussion however - you make the decision and we will follow you, and do our best to protect the prisoners."

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 2 - Into the Cold North

Post by Muskrat » Tue Feb 18, 2020 7:21 pm

"Oh blast it," mutters Halleth, as he runs a hand through his beard, his face showing frustration. "I didn't come here to rescue those who serve the Shadow. I was thinking we would simply part ways with the Hill Men here and let Hwalda lead them back. But, now that I think on it, they are not likely to make it far with only Freach to defend them--not that he is not an able fighter, but one warrior against whatever swarm of goblins they send forth is not good odds. Okay, you are right Telurin--we should go back and find them a place to hide, then we can return and look for Arphan. Blast it!"

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 2 - Into the Cold North

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Tue Feb 18, 2020 9:02 pm

Telurin raises his brow, only now thinking of Essylt, Hwalda, and Freach. "Would the three of you be able to lead the captives to somewhere near the exit, and to hide? If anything we can draw the goblins to us, and away from you, if we aren't able to lose them entirely. If you think that impossible, we will go with you - yet as you know we have one last task here before we can leave."
Sorry Muskrat - that hadn't even occurred to me - asking the Hill-men if it's seems reasonable to let them lead the prisoners. But we'll let V tell us if that's a foolhardy idea.

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Enough! Both of you are wrong!

Post by Vardaen » Wed Feb 19, 2020 9:23 pm

Hugo and Hartley are watching for trouble as Halleth and Telurin take a few critical moments to debate what to do. So many things are going wrong right now its hard to sort it out in the chaos. Telurin turns at one point to speak to Freach, Hwalda and Essylt but they have fled already -- in fact at the first sign of goblins. The two women and their guards are already a hundred paces or more down the tunnel, have turned the corner, and their torch light has faded from the twisting angles of the tunnel.

Those figures, forms and people spread about on the cots and straw mats have been rallied by the fleeing goblins and your bright silver lamp. Hartley, reaches out and tugs on Halleth's sleeve as he speaks of saving Arphan. He tries to interrupt Telruin as he debates saving slaves and children. Then he shouts, "You are both block heads! Shut up and look!" He points into the chamber.

Those figures, those slaves are not women and children of the hill men. They are orcs and goblins, evil men of Rhudaur who are servants and citizens of Carn Dum! Now you have squandered your advantage of pushing back the first wave, and a second is on you in moments. Only the narrow tunnel mouth prevents them from over taking you, for they must out number you 4 to 1 at this point!

Rocks from slings come flying at you in a volley as the first waves of enemies crash into your guard.
Yeah, so those were never the children and women you came to save. Sorry.

Enemy Volley:

Hartley takes a hit for 3 End

Initiative: Heroes First cause of Hugo's awareness roll

There are orc/evil men warriors, and goblin slingers
"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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Enough! Both of you are wrong!

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:05 pm

In a moment a light as bright as the noonday sun shines in the eyes of the orcs; it stuns and dazes them - creatures who have hardly ever seen the outside, being trapped in the dungeons.

"Back!" cries Telurin, gesturing that the companions should run. This was no time to fight it out; if they were to ever find the slaves and Arphan, there was no way to do it unless they simply disappeared into the depths of Carn Dum.
Blazing Elf-Lights: Your Elf-lights blaze with a magical flare of great intensity, almost as bright as the sun.This blaze quickly dies out, but while it burns, it is as though night turns to day: creatures who are harmed by the sun suffer accordingly.

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Post by Vardaen » Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:10 pm

The light of day never comes here, and never shall been seen in this accursed tunnels again until the world is unmade. The screams and cries from the orcs an goblins is bone chilling. They are struck with pain and some grab their eyes or heads and topple to the ground clutching at them in true suffering. The men shield their eyes and are driven back a step, but are not as harmed as the creatures of Shadow.

Telurin has bought you time, time enough to run, if you take the chance.
Okay they are all on their knees, etc, bought you a round or two.
"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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Post by Muskrat » Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:18 pm

"Blast and double blast!" shouts Halleth. "Let's run for it--I'll take point. Telurin, you take the rear since your light repels these maggot folk." He turns and head back down the tunnels, trying to balance going quickly with taking the time to follow the marks they made--the last thing need is to get lost. He also checks periodically to make sure that the others are behind him and that he is not moving too quickly for the hobbits.

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Post by AndyDez » Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:49 pm

Hugo turns and races after Halleth and maintains his vigilance!

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Post by Wbweather » Sun Feb 23, 2020 5:58 am

Even as he runs, Hartley's mind races, trying to think of something he can do to keep this mission from being a disastrous waste. With the whole of this evil place alerted to their presence, he cannot think of anything to do. If only he knew where the prisoners they sought were kept, he might try to hide and try to slip off and find them while the enemy was distracted, but even then he would never get them out undetected.

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