Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Smaug has been defeated, the Battle of Five Armies has been won, and Bilbo has returned to the Shire. But much danger still remains, and from the Orc-holds of the mountains to the dark and corrupt depths of Mirkwood a darkness waits, recovering its strength, laying its plans, and slowly extending its shadow…

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gandalfDK
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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by gandalfDK » Tue Aug 13, 2019 1:00 pm

"My name is Grimbold, Lindar, Master of Cellars. We have come here along Baldor to see to it that he would arrive safely. I hope our presence will cause you no hinder."
I will use Awe, since I have 0 Courtesy. However, I am not trying to intimidate but rather just impressed by my being/aura or however you say such. Awe 3.
"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." - Haldir, Lothlórien, Fellowship of the Ring

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Vardaen
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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by Vardaen » Wed Aug 14, 2019 3:07 pm

Euric steps foot on the dry land and smiles, "Euric, of the Beorning people. Your shipment has arrived from baldor thanks to protection of me and my friends. We found your merchant beset by thugs and ruffians in the middle of the forest and came to his aid." He looks about, "The King's Cellar? Baldor didn't tell us he was such an valued trader that he dealt directly with the Master of the King's Cellar. Impressive."

He stretches and helps with disembarking the ponies for a few moments then turns back to the greetings and introductions.
Awe for me as well, based on the fact that we are traveling Beornings, rarely seen about these parts.
"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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TalesftCards
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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by TalesftCards » Mon Aug 19, 2019 4:33 am

Lindar remains impassive during the introductions, although his eyebrows seem to twitch subtly as the two Beornings step forward to announce themselves. Whether this is a sign of curiosity, interest, or disapproval is difficult to tell.

"Baldor is indeed a friend in trade, yes, though to call him ours is not quite the truth," Lindar says with a gracious smile. "He has though earned the trust of these halls. While your deeds to keep him safe sound both valiant and...vigorous, sadly in these dark times, trust cannot be so freely given as it once was."

"It would be most wise if you stayed here and kept watch over the goods and beasts you have brought. You may have the freedom of these caves, but we would ask you not to stray beyond the confines. We will bring you food and refreshment as you desire."
Grimbold rolled a 15 and Euric rolled a 14. Either of you are free to spend Hope to turn these rolls into successes. You'd probably need both to have a chance of swaying Lindar. Otherwise, you'll spend the next couple of days lodging down in the caves. Not the worst fate for hardy Beornings, but it's up to you!

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gandalfDK
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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by gandalfDK » Mon Aug 19, 2019 1:17 pm

"Thank you for your kind words and hospitality, Lindar. Times have changed, yes, and not for the better it seems. I will remain with our goods here." Grimbold acknowledges Lindars instructions. He continues unloading and ordering the goods.
"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." - Haldir, Lothlórien, Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by carlosm88 » Mon Aug 19, 2019 1:27 pm

Gulden remains quiet. He has been here before when he was much younger. He wonders if they recognize him and if they remember his sorrow. Maybe they don't even know, they have allowed the darkness to creep more and more into Mirkwood and have done nothing about it. Yet, he is here for a job, and he would cause no trouble. He will just keep to himself all this time.

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Vardaen
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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by Vardaen » Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:27 pm

Euric nods to the elf, "Promises of food and drink are excellent. We'll stay with Baldor and the goods until the task is done. " He smiles, "Now then how about a bigger fire, our little friend here looks cold and in need of food and drink." He puts his ham hand on Belgo's shoulder with a smile.
"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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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by TalesftCards » Mon Aug 26, 2019 4:20 am

"Excellent," says Lindar. "While you look after the wares, Baldor and I have matters of business to discuss within the hall. And the young one is free to enjoy the comforts of our beds as well."

Belgo looks up at his father with pleading eyes.

"Father, I would like to stay with our new companions...and...and...keep an eye on the ponies as well."

Baldor looks surprised for a moment, then smiles and nods.

"Of course, my boy. But if you change your mind, let one of our friends here know and they'll bring you right up," he says, gesturing to the Elves standing nearby.

With that, Baldor and Lindar disappear up the stairs, and the companions are left to their own devices, along with Belgo, who looks up at them expectantly.
Let me know if there are any actions you'd like to take, any conversations you'd like to have, or anything you'd like to do. Otherwise, several days will pass waiting in the Elven cellars.

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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by TalesftCards » Fri Aug 30, 2019 6:41 am

After two days, during which Baldor stops in a few times to check in on his son, Lindar returns with Baldor and an escort of Elves.

"The time has come to bid you farewell. We've provided you with fresh supplies to continue your journey through the forest. Come, we will lead you to the beginning of our path."

Lindar leads the company through the caves. At first, it seems as if he is leading further into their depths, but then he turns suddenly right as if headed into the rock face. As the company follows, they see that there is actually a hidden path out of the caves. After a few minutes of travel, the caves are left behind and the company emerges into the forest.

This area of Mirkwood is not as dark and oppressive as the rest of the forest. The Elf-path is lined with beeches, and sunlight filters through the trees, dappling everything with green-gold light. It is almost as if this region is a glimpse into how the forest appeared in its years of light before the darkness came. Finally, Lindar brings everyone to a halt.

"Here, we must leave you. Soon, you will enter the more perilous regions of the forest. May you find your way safely to the other side. Heed me well though - don't leave the path! Whatever need compels you, whatever temptation pulls you, whatever madness drives you, do not leave the path!"

With that, the Elves take their leave, and the company heads into the depths of Mirkwood.
This would be a good time to declare roles for the journey, as well as detail anything else you want to do before the journey proper begins.

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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by gandalfDK » Wed Sep 04, 2019 1:08 pm

As he sees the Elves walking away, back into the dense forest, he sighs. He feels relieved the Elves treated them with respect and everything went smoothly, but he also feels relieve from their constant gazes, watching his every move.

Not really sure where they are heading next, he asks Baldor. "Where to, my friend? Let's not linger too long here, for this forest feels unwelcome."
I will be Hunter
"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." - Haldir, Lothlórien, Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: Don't Leave the Path, 2947

Post by Vardaen » Thu Sep 05, 2019 7:12 pm

Euric spends the time chatting with Belgo, and exploring the elf cave as much as they allow. He is curious about the elves, but is no fool and does not press their hospitality. "These caves are nothing like those of orcs. Those are dark foul things, these are far more comfortable and filled with light and song. I could get used to these sort of caves if I had to."

He takes his leave with the others, happy for the supplies and food, and looks at Baldor when Grimbold asks about where to next. He assumes the trip will take them all the way out of Mirkwood to the west, and that sits fine with him.

I'll stay the Look-out man
"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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