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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Prison Hall

Post by Vardaen » Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:47 pm

The children and prisoners are in 'barred alcoves' basically prison/dungeon cells, locked behind bars. Just FYI. You would have a hard time to shooting the children even on purpose. The prisoners are Hill Men, the Children you are here to save, and some unruly goblins. The guards are all Orcs and Goblins, there are no Men Guards.
You pause at the door, you have only a few moments to decide on a course of action as you risk being seen, your light at the door, and your number of people. Keen eyes pick out the orcs and goblins that are guards, noting that there are no Men among them. In the dungeon cells, behind the bars, are the children, some openly weeping, others there are too Men and Goblin prisoners also.
"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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Prison Hall

Post by Muskrat » Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:21 pm

Halleth gestures to Freach. "Your voice is the most likely to fool them--you speak with a Hill Man's accent normally. Call out saying you need a few hands to help with intruders. Then we will ambush them as they step in."

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Prison Hall

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:43 pm

Telurin nods at this and begins to lead the others toward a side passage, giving them more perhaps a few more moments to discuss the plan before being spotted.

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Prison Hall

Post by Wbweather » Fri Nov 20, 2020 6:37 pm

Hartley like the plan and draws his bow ready to take out the guards or anyone who ties to sound an alarm.

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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Vardaen » Tue Dec 15, 2020 5:00 pm

The group backs up to a cross roads of passages, so to better ambush, and Freach steps forward. "Ho! Goblins! Master Heddwyn has called for slaves be brought to his chamber! Bring me Hill Men of some strength and low will! Make it snappy!" He shouts waving his weapon about.

The guards, orcish, turn and see Freach. They don't know him, but they don't know all the men who are here, and they all look the same to the goblins and orcs. "Eh what is it?" One of them calls back, "Slaves? Fine fine." A few minutes and a half dozen goblins release half dozen of the Hill Men (none of the children) and slap chains on their wrists. "Come on you filthy bas'ards! The master needs you!" There the crack of a whip, and the will of the men is cowed away.

Freach nods, "Come on I don't have all day!" He turns and hurries back down the passage set just beyond your ambush point. You see the orcs coming with men prisoners, and they march, with no hint of suspicion right into your trap!!!
First a X and they march right between you, split on either side. Its a good trap, you can just RP slaughtering half a dozen orcs/goblin guards
"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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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Tue Dec 15, 2020 5:36 pm

Telurin sees Halleth holding up his hand, telling the company to hold as long as possible, until the very last Orc has rounded the bend so as to not let one escape. His hand closes into a fist and without losing a moment the Elf has thrown his small spear into the back of a goblin.

Moments later his Great Runed Spear is in his hands, and he is charging in to make a quick end to the orc guards. Though he knows there will be a clamour, he does not raise his voice, hoping that only the voices of Orcs and Hill-men (and no Elves) won't rouse great suspicion in these halls.

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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Muskrat » Tue Dec 15, 2020 6:08 pm

Halleth grins as the goblins march past them, oblivious to the trap. Once the noose has closed, he gives the others the signal with his hand, then springs from his hiding spot, laying into the goblins with sword. They fight back, but surprised and panicked, they are ineffective and soon they are all dead.

Halleth moves quietly to the mouth of the passage, trying to see the response of the orcs who remained there--and how many of them there were.
Use Burglary trait to spy on them.

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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Wbweather » Wed Dec 16, 2020 6:13 am

Hartley makes use of his short sword to dispatch several of the goblins. They must mistake him for a child of men, because they do not suspect any danger for him until it is too late. He teaches them their error as the focus on the men and elf, rather than him. He then watches as Halleth makes his way to spy out the remaining enemies. To Telurin he whispers, "We must get to the children and free them before any more of these vile creatures discover us."

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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:17 pm

Telurin nods to Hartley, "I'll join you, but just a moment," He turns to Freach.
"Freach, set these Hill-men prisoners free if you can, we are going to see to the children."

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Prisoners: Ambush

Post by Vardaen » Mon Dec 21, 2020 5:36 pm

The goblins are dispatched with ease, and the two orcs take a blow or two and manage a swing here and there before being put down. Freach nods to Telurin, and speaks to his people, "We are here to free the children, and you are welcome to such kindness, but you will not give us away, or you shall meet the same fate. The Hill-men's alliance with this dark place is over, do you understand?"

The men nod and agree, there is one among them, black haired, and sallow faced that does not answer right away. You do not notice this, as you press back to the chamber, and its only Eysslt that catches the man's look. Still they are freed, and given simple goblin weapons. "Where are we to go?"

Freach, coming into his own as a leader now, "You are free to go where you will, or stay with us, we will save the children and then be rid of this place. Do any of you know the way out from here?" One raises his hand, "I do." Eysslt nods, "Good, you will lead us out when the others return with our children."

The heroes move to the chamber mouth, and watch, the guard numbers are lower now, you took out many, but there are still more. You culled a third of the guards with that move. You also witnessed the main jailor, who has the keys, and can see him milling about, a large snaggle tooth orc that throws his authority around against the smaller goblins.
"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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