The Tale so far

[cleggster]

*take two*

So your intrepid adventurers were lured by the call of a dwarf of some renown. Gloin of fighting Smaug fame was looking for his cousin Balin and needed someone to find him. So after captivating an elf with their dunking singing, the merry band set off to look. After getting down river for a ways they finally entered the dark and fetid Long Marsh on Mirkwood. After annoying some elves they found themselves camped around the very site of Balin and company's last known settlement. There they were of course attack by a maddened troll.

Moving on south they progressed deeper into the dank morass, finding the remains of a long ago abandoned town. Also, lots of bones. While exploring the remains, a bell tolled deep under water. And for reasons nobody can attest over half the company decided to go for a swim.

Waking up in a wet basement, our "heroes" went looking for trouble. But instead they discovered a pile a lucre the likes of which few have ever seen. (except the dwarf of course. He lives on top of a pile of dragon gold after all) After-which trouble found them anyway. But above, the shorter side of the company discovered that a pair of dwarves did indeed enter the swamp. And, as a matter of fact, dove into the same basement as the others. Dum dum duuuum. So while the "brave" members got eaten by the Mewlips, the short-stacks hid from a bunch of dark birds.

After the company fled the basement and all ran clear of the area, they realized that they must return to recover their charges. So bearing again against the morbid swamp, they discovered (after some searching) an opening down into the basement that did not involve swimming. Much to the delight of some of the smaller companions. So after lowing the hobbit, one of the dwarves was stripped naked and dangled on the end of the rope as bait. He was partly eaten. But the elusive hobbit was able to find Balin and Oin (son of Gróin, older brother of Glóin, cousin of Dwalin and Balin, and uncle of Gimli)locked in an ancient wine cellar. Surviving on ancient wine. *dwarves* But the rest of the fellowship built a makeshift barricade and swam back in, after securing a less sapient form of meat as bait. So after fending off more Mewlips they were able to make safe the dwarves, with only a little drowning, and get back into the boat.

So now it remains to be see if they can survive getting out of the baleful bog and return to Laketown with all their sanity intact.




Side note.
As was brought up before in a discussion about Star Citizen. Theses are the other space sim's I have been keeping an eye on.
Rodina
Interstellar Rift
Limit Theory
No Mans Sky -- This last one particularly interests me.

[cleggster]

So, was sanity maintained? How many were eaten along the way by fish? Did they ever form a successful rock group. Sadly, or fortunately, the answer was no to all of the above. The company escaped from Mirkwood by staying up all night the charge out of the forest, even getting waterlogged in the process. But escape they did, with the august company of the heroic Dwarves of old. So after resting, fishing and making armor out of wood (?) they proceeded back up river, eventually returning to Lake Town.

Whereupon they were greeted by a heroes welcome. Party's, music and all manor of celebration were bestowed upon the heroic Dwaves. And their rescuers were given notice as well. In addition to a hefty sack of gold. But so tiring was their travails that they spent the rest of the year in Esgorath, weary beyond sanity. But as such they were they in time for Dragontide! The newly annual celebration famed for it's archery contest. With many participants, including some of the best archers in the land, for some reason the Hobbit beat them all. (Must have been a crosswind above 3 feet) Eventually leading to 2nd place for the diminutive archer.

But spring soon cast it's light and found our company on the shores of Long Lake, looking over the remains of old Lake Town. That was when a child ran out of the wood crying for help. As they are want to do. Finding his father being accosted by his guards, the heroes chased the miscreants off. They learned that the man was resettling with the Woodmen on the other side of Mirkwood. Turns out he was in need of new guards, so off our intrepid company went.

First stop was to the Elvenkings hall. One can't travel on the Elf Path without the permission of the Elf King. Just makes sense. So after negotiating with Thranduil's steward, they got some decent service and rest. And after a few days, set off. Led to the edge of The Enchanted Stream, the Elves sent our companions on their way. So off they head west, deep into the dark of Mirkwood. Where they finally created a successful rock band.

[cleggster]

The singing soon waned as they proceeded further into Mirkwood. But as the darkness threatened to overwhelm them, our company came upon a open glade to rest for the night. So, keeping in mind the danger of straying from the path, they kept a careful watch on the kid so that he didn't do something stupid. Like kids do. But the father was the one who drank from the suddenly enchanted stream and lost his memory. Thinking himself kidnapped during a dragon attack, he ran when the big guy tried to grab him. Sighing at the seeming inevitability of it, they pursued him into the deep of the forest.

Soon our company discovers an old collapsed castle, currently inhabited by large spiders! Their charge was suspended up, ready for juicing. Upon cutting him down, of course the spiders attacked. After driving them off they ran and got back on the path.

After about a weeks travel, a truly horrendous storm whipped up. They discovered shelter in the stump of an old, but massive tree. Like any good stump, it was already inhabited. The old, insane and awful smelling man was not to keen to have guests. Especially those damn Elves. And damn Dwarves. Not to mention the damn woodman who should have KNOWN BETTER! Nothing against Hobbits. But through careful negotiation, they convinced him to let them spend the night. After-which they set out again west. But not before having a shard of an ancient axe thrust into the woodman's hands, who should have known better!

So with another week in the gloom their hearts began to sag. It seemed like the trees themselves were against them. And it was at this low that they were taken advantage of by an old abandoned well. With some of the company falling for it's dark tricks, including the kid who ran off the path of course, they rest were attack by some sort of dark tentacle monster. With half the party engaged with giant vines and the other half trying to dive into the same vines, things were a might chaotic. But with some thorough beatings upon the creature of the 'pit' and with a final stab with the Beorning's spear, the vines retreated back into the well. Giving the company leave to continue.

But emerge they did from the oppressive dank of Mirkwood. Coming into the light of the East Middle Vales, there were released from their duty's as hirelings. Deciding between checking out the new inn located in the area or heading south with Baldor and family, south they went. Spending some time with the Woodmen, who were delighted to regain the lost shard of an heirloom axe welcomed the group to stay among them. So smiles all around, even for those who should have known better.

[cleggster]

So that fall the company decided to go back north and check out that inn people have been talking about. The one supposedly run by children. After not getting stung by bees, our adventures arrive at the Easterly Inn. Whereupon they are warmly greeted by the hobbit's who run the inn. Basically packed with a good mix of Anduin folks, they pick up on the local news of the day while getting service from the Brandybuck owners.

After liquoring up the party, the hobbits inquire into whether they would be interested in looking for Dody's lost brother, Dindy. If they wouldn't mind. Turns out the company likes to look for trouble, so off to the Misty Mountains they go. While heading south they stop by the house of Beorn where they hope to gather further information regarding the wayward hobbit. Relying on the native Beorning to convince him to meet with them was probably not full of wisdom. But at least they got some good honey for the delectable Twice Backed Honey Cakes.

Further south to the Old Ford, they discover that a hobbit and company went west months ago. But had not come back that way since. Just some grumpy Dwarves. So heading up into the foothills they traversed what remained of the old road they came upon the remains of Elendil's Camp. Not that our august company had any idea where they were. They were busy having some of the group drowned in mud by a Night-Wraith.

After fighting off the Wraith they continue into the mountains. And after ignoring a noxious reprobate who parked himself at their fire for a while, they came upon the remains of an old ring fort. Nestled among'st the ruins they discovered a caravan stoking a bonfire and barricading the two entryways. Hiding under a box was the Hobbit they were looking for, Dindy. After apologizing for not offering them tea he climbed back under his box to hide. And that was when the Goblin army attacked. With the breelanders Ingar Longleg, Andy Blackthorn, Bill the Bowman and Tom Lumpyface guarding one entrance and the party guarding the other.

Soon a big ork (known as the Dread Ubhurz) challenged the defenders to surrender, whereupon Andy threw his sword away after a truly awe inspiring attempt to raise morale from the Beorning. Under a rain of arrows, the defenders first dealt with some attacking goblins. They were effortless to dispatch so who cares. But then the beginning of the big orks ran up, only to immediately be cut down by archers. So more goblins, arrows and another ork or two attack. All driven back or defeated. But then tragedy stuck. With the slaying of Tom Lumpyface (noooo) as the orcs made a rush up the easternmost entryway!

With that the other palisade was overrun. With orcs and goblins attacking from the front and rear, things are looking quite dire for our heros. Who will live to sing the ballad of Tom Lumpyface?

[cleggster]

Our intrepid Hobbit awoke to fire.

At least he hoped it was fire. If not, this hangover was more problematic then usual. But the clanging in his head got worse and he started to sweat. The wagon he was lying in was definitely on fire, and the sounds of battle finally got him up. The ring fort was surrounded by Orcs, Goblins and Wargs. All howling for the blood of the free men inside. After the death of Tom, the Breelanders rallied enough to hold their positions long enough to prevent the whole fort from being overrun. So sneaking to the edge he found his other companions already engaged with numerous folk of Orc kind.

Throwing themselves at our heroes, the Goblins and Orcs did a great job of getting themselves impaled on spears, poked with arrows and chopped into nice chunks. While they did a little better against the Breelanders, headway was not forthcoming for the forces of the Misty Mountains. But when all seemed lost for the Orcs, the great Orc Mercenary leading the attack clambered over the edge of the fort and rushed the rear. Leading for the weak spot in the defense. But the big human who was playing goblin shish-ka-bob ran over and drove his spear into the great orcs chest. Thus ending the brief ho-rah of the mountain goblins thrust.

Unfortunately for the company, some goblins took this opportunity to kidnap Dindy and dragged him into their tunnels. Giving pursuit, they dove into the blackness and tracked them throughout the day. Finding the goblin caves, their first problem was overcoming the drunken guards. Just walking by was not completely successful. So after killing them, Dindy was discovered cooking for his captors.

The Orcs were having a massive feast, using the supply's from the hobbits caravan. But it was the singing that was the true crime here. Was a wonder why the rock band didn't start a battle of the bands. Problem was that Dindy was chained to the wall with an old Mannish chain. Thus requiring the key to get him loose.

But after overloading the orcs on fat, drowsiness set in. So while the rest of the company continued to fatten the drowsy goblins, their Hobbit stole into the caves and snuk around. Soon the Goblin king (really just a big orc, but who's counting) went off to sleep. Following to the bedroom, after setting of an explosion that didn't seem to be as noticed as it should be, the small Hobbit found the king passed out in his bed. After stealing the key, he set the bed on fire. Thus proving that all Hobbits are pyromaniacs. But that got the attention of the guards finally and out he ran.

Gathering up their Hobbits, the party fled the caves. Finding the caravan put back together they all rode back to the Easterly Inn. Thereupon they were treated to feasts and quarters. And the company retired at the inn, making of it a second home. To eat, drink and not get impaled.

[cleggster]

So while the company was out hunting, for food, a man stumbles out of the edge of the wild. This man is a known agent of Radagast the Brown known as Baren the Watchfull and he was in bad shape. After passing a note he faints, revealing many spider bites. The note mentions frightening news of Orcs inhabiting the outlying fortress of Dul Guldur, Fenbridge Castle. Soon after a group of Woodmen come out of the woods and their leader, a woman known as Dagmar, approaches and demands Baren. Claiming him as a thief and their prisoner. Things stay tense for a bit with the company undecided how to deal with the situation. But it is agreed to get Baren to Rhosgobel to either meet with Radagast or take him on to the Tyrants Hill.

For these unadorned Woodmen serve under the new gathering of Men who have taken the old tower. Whom they served and what their long term goals are, nobody knows. But for now everyone traveled south with the poisoned lookout. It was mostly uneventful journey until their charge awoke. As he started to talk to the party, Dagmar and her company attacked. With Dagmar herself taking special interest in The Witch-doctor, probably since he had hit on her earlier. The battle was close fought with The Witch-doctor going down. But after defeating a majority of the Woodmen, the servants of Tyrants hill fled. Leaving our company to drag another individual south.

In Rhosgobel they met with the brown wizard. He was visible perturbed by the news of Fenbridge and immediately set out for more information. The rest of the group settled into Rhosgobel for the winter. Which was a mild one.

The next spring they went out hunting again, for food. They teamed up with some other hunters to bring down some deer for the town. After splitting up the hunt was on. While most of the party tried sneaking up on some deer, the Elf ran after them. Taking down three with his sword while giving chase. As they were bringing down some tasty meat, the other hunting party blasted out with their horn. Trouble was a happening on the edge of Mirkwood.

[cleggster]

Charging deeper into the forest, they find the other hunting party being attack by Orks. Playing it safe they sneak up on the offending barbarians, but one of the other hunters goes down. But ambush them they did, and made short work of the ugly Orks. Not that there are any good looking ones out there...just saying.

Dragging the wounded back to Rhosgobel they return to a town under siege. Radaghast meets with them and gets to hear the story. After some time (part of which was the wizard woolgathering) he come to the conclusion that these are the remnants of the Battle of the Five Army's who are strangely organized. So he sends his friends on a mission to get help from an unlikely source. The Elfking.

So the journey is made as the company heads north to the Woodland Realm. Adventure along the way. Well, not so much. But upon arriving at the Forest Gate they meet with the elven watch..elves. They get led deeper into Mirkwood in order to meet with the kings emissary. Radaghast had already sent word forward. Arriving at the sanctuary, they meet with some elven attitude. But with characteristic(?) charm, they play it all very diplomatically. After some wait they finally meet with the emissary, who it turns out is the king himself!

Playing it very politely, they approach the king where it is learned that he has little trust of Wizards. At his beckoning, they proceed to tell their individual tales. He listens quietly and then allows them to ask questions. So after a relatively informal Q and A session with the Elfking, they finally get down to business. But after some excellent diplomacy from the Hobbit and company, Thranduil agrees to ride south with them and lend his direct aid to Radaghast and the woodmen.

Unfortunately on the trip south, something of Mirkwood took undo notice of the party. The entire trip was under a cloud of darkness, both figuratively and literally. Fortunately there were no adventures (again) and the trudged their sorry selves into Rhosgobel. But no time for the weary as the whole force marched back north to Woodman Town. There everybody prepared defenses for the forthcoming Ork attack. One that was spotted by the animals in league to Wizard and Dwarf. Leaving them once again in a town under siege.



And for those who I talked to already, I will be there Tue. No shoot then.

[cleggster]

Bit on the late side. I have been rather busy and this week is going to be busier. But...



And attack they did. With night fall the hoards attacked the town. Radaghast and the Elf King had our company stay in reserve, leaving the warriors of the woodmen the man the palisades. Joined by a man from Dale, patrol they did. Soon discovering a breach at one of the gates by the river. Charging into the fray they battled the Ork's back and eventually sealed the breach. Heading across town they approached the southern gate in time to notice it ablaze. Rushing in they again fought back the Ork tide, taking note of the white stage standing amidst the throng. Only to confront one of the Ork leaders with his troops.

After successfully skewering him, before they could take a break, a pack of Wargs charge threw the flaming gate. One was immediately set upon by butterfly's, leaving it open the a ranged attack. Battling the Wargs was a short affair, what with the Beorning's newly savage spear, but brutal. But with their defeat and a good breeze from the west, the sun arose. Thus driving back the Ork's and heralding the late(?) arrival of the brown wizard.

So our heroes repast and had told the tales of Men and Elves, with a note towards wee folk, against the foul Orks.

[cleggster]

Well, this time around the company got involved with politics. Oh, and the Barding who helped with the Siege of Woodman Town joined up. But there was a great Moot (is there any other kind) taking place at Rhosgobel. So invited to take part, they journeyed south to witness the events.

They day was spent meeting with representatives of all the various Woodmen peoples and certain wizards. But Moots need doing so start it did. The issues at hand were the request for resources to start a new long hall on the Black Tarn and a call for an alliance with the people of Ceawin the Generous. There was much debating, and the Hobbit led a impassioned speech about human unity back my song. But as a vote was being held rider burst from the woods and approached. It was Mogdred of Tyrant's Hill coming to claim tribute for his work defending the Woodmen people. He dosn't win any friends with his manners, but the strength of arms can't be denied.

Again with some prodding from our company, a vote was again taken. Ceawin and Amaleoda of the Black Tarn had both their proposals accepted, but Mogdred was denied and left to his own.

The long term consequences of these decisions are not yet known.

[cleggster]

So Thranduil the Elf King made a decree whereupon mortals may partake in the hunt for the White Hind. Not a common occurrence, leaders from all the major gatherings of free folk were invited to send representatives for, er... hunt. For reasons never made entirely clear, out intrepid company was sent as representative in Rhosgobel.

So they undertook a long a daring journey hundreds of miles along the Anduin and across the depths of Mirkwood where, after stopping by the inn and drinking away some potential bandits, absolutely nothing happened.

So they arrive at the Elvenkings hall and are welcomed and actually allowed to sleep in real guest quarters. So they gather in the great hall for a feast and meet the other hunters. Including a company of Dwarves out of Erebor and some grumpy Men who serve Beorn. But the next morn all set out on the hunt, and the fellows make the acquaintance of Ruithel. The Warden, in charge of keeping the Elf Path clear. She charms the pants off them.

So the hunt is on. After some weeks of traipsing around in the woods with the party split in two, they both manage to find and down a hind. Unfortunately on the way back to camp, one group was attacked by an enormous wolf that seemed to have an interest in their deer. But after some trouble they defeat it and skin it.

On the way back in triumph, they stumble upon a recently relieved hole in the ground. At the bottom of which was the bow of the Warden. So identified as having a mithril draw string. A pair of dwarves emerge from a tree (?) and demand that the company depart. It is soon learned that they are hold Ruithel captive and that they are a little wrong in the head. Turns out that she stands accused of shaving off their leaders beard. BIG DEAL!

But with some amazing sagacity, the group convince the mad dwarves to release the she-elf and return the bow. Turns out it was the prior bow wielder that had committed the deed.

So everybody returns to honors. Prizes handed out and song sung in praise and all that. Ya get used to it. And it looks like the company will stay in the Woodland Realm for a little while to come.

[cleggster]

So, work took some time. So now after three prior attempts to write this down, lets play catch up shall we.


So our august company was wondering down the great river when they stumbled upon a boat loaded with dead. The big guy recognized them as Beorning hero's, Merovech the Mighty and Odo. A search of the area discovered clear signs of Ork attack, and investigations noticed that there was a 3rd party in the boat. A prisoner who had escaped in the battle. So deciding to do the right thing, the hero's were carried back to Beorn in their boat. Greeted solemnly by Beorn's people, the group presented themselves to Beorn the man/bear himself. After describing how they found the situation and relaying their discoveries, they earned the trust of the shape-changer enough for him to hire them to track down the prisoner.

Heading back to the battle site they tracked their quarry south to Stonyford, where the greetings are not of beautiful fellowship. But after some convincing, and disarming, they were permitted into town. Spending the day among the inhabitants they investigated the people, peeling the truth from fiction to figure out what happened. Turns out that their quarry was Oderic who, according to the tale, had murdered his foster brother-in-law after having been caught in bed with Rathfic's wife Brunhild. They interrogated Brunhild's father and Oderic's foster father, Helmgut. He was quite the drunk, but they heard enough to know that Oderic was standing over Rathfic body with a bloody knife. Realizing that a first hand account would be better, they eventually talked to Brunhild. She revealed that Oderic and Rathfic fought over Oderic leaving and in the stuggle Rathfic died. After which he surrendered to Helmgut and was taken away by wardens to stand trial at Beorns.

So with that info dump out of the way, our company tracked him again across the Anduin. Finding signs of another attack, but this time by men, Oderic was tracked south into the Wolfswood. Once there, a large camp was discovered filled with armed Men. Sending a spy into camp, they smallest among them obviously, the rest ambushed a patrol. Turns out that it was a bandit camp, with about 50 warriors and assorted civilians.

Unfortunately the shadow was upon them. After sneaking into camp and learning what he could, the spy's luck ran out and he was spotted. Forced to run and hide he spend a good part of the night under a pot. The rest of the party, after hunkering down for the night, was ambushed by a figure in brown who led a party of bandits right to them. But in the end both survived and met up again in the morn, after some decidedly uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Sneaking back, and this time with some observation, they got a bigger picture. Oderic was an honored guest of the Bandit leader. It Would seem comfortable if not for the guard who constantly followed him around. But after some more sneakiness and observation, they were able to ambush Oderic and his guard while walking outside of camp. They convinced Oderic come with them, for his honor if nothing else. It was almost inspiring. But the camp went on alert with missing people, dead bodies, and men, elves and a bush running around.

But once again shadow fell upon them as the Beorning fell just outside the walls with half the party running in the other direction. Will this be the doom for some and a chance to run away for others? Only the Valar might know.

[cleggster]

Sorry it's so late. Been real distracted lately.



So Shadow did fall. In the form of some rather large and gruesome looking bears. Our intrepid heroes gathered their courage to run away! Meanwhile on the other side of camp the beorning got and and prepared to gather his courage. But an archer nailed him good and down again he went, knocked senseless. About this time a brave adventures made it to the bottom of the slope, pursued by the big black bears. Bravely deciding to not stop running, they all charged into the bandit camp. Caught unawares by the fleeing people, and a casual dwarf, the bandits had just enough wherewithal to rally...against the rampaging bears they barreled into camp.

This of course all happened while the Beorning was about to be executed. But something about oversized bears mauling the entire north end of camp drew their attention. So getting some decent rest on the ground, the Beorning finally regained the energy to run away, just like everybody else.

Eventually, and one at a a time, everybody found themselves back at camp. In the exact same situation they began in. So onto round 2.

Running again back to their lookout point, they watched as more troops arrived into the bandit camp. But also noticed that Oderic was still allowed to wonder around, and wonder he did. Right out of camp, letting the stalwart heroes to grab him once again.

Oderic reveals that the bandits are planning on taking his home town, so world must be rushed to Beorn about the situation. So the party once again split. With some running cross country to warn Beorn and others staying behind to waylay the bandits. Unfortunately shadow seams to follow them around, as the advance party got lost in a swamp and the other fell into an old well.

It's like the world is out to get them or something.

[cleggster]

Right, so onward and....onward.


The doom and gloom that had settled over our brave company get resolved with minimal fanfare. And they got back to work harassing the bandits. But they were pulling out at this time, the party split even more. Some running cross country to warn the Old Ford, others to follow and harass the bandits.

So in Stonyford some of the group arrived with Oderic to try and get everybody out of town. Impassioned pleas were heard and responded too, but it seamed that marching the entire town up north was out of the question. So an evacuation was planned and for the next few days the old, infirm and children were hustled out into the hills. While the young men stayed behind to delay any incursions, with defenses set up by a dwarf! Meanwhile the Beorning and Oderic ran north, somewhat in disgust, to warn the Beorn himself.

Meanwhile, meanwhile some of the party arrived at the Old Ford and helped prepare for the coming attack. Though the Hobbit mostly napped. While the Woodman ran to Beorn's house to warn him.

Also meanwhile an Elf and a Dwarf were shooting fire arrows nightly into the bandit army that was already marching north. It is unknown how effective a delaying tactic it was, but patrols were sent out with increasing frequency, so the small party decided to run around the host and make for Old Ford.

Around this time some of the party met up at Beorn's house in time to give him advanced notice, whereupon Beorn demanded full readiness prepared to leave on the morn. Meanwhile the Hobbit napped.

Getting wold that the forces of free men were gathering at the Old Ford, the Dwarf and men defending Stonyford decided to march north and join the fight. Finally leaving the town empty.

So at last everybody was together and ready for war. The Beorning's and out company joined by the young men of Stonyford against the mighty host of bandits over 150 strong. Led by Valtar the Bloody, heir of Dale.

And fight they did. With the Hobbit firing from a tower and the rest on the ground, bloody battle did ensue. The company made a good showing of themselves, though the Hobbit took another nap. The bandits were able to push forward some but the Beorning's help the line, for the most part. Unfortunately the company left flank completely collapsed and was utterly wiped out. So out party had to turn and face a fresh contingent anew, while the rest of the bandits rallied at the head of the collapsed bridge to strike forward and break the Beorning's line.

But the Beorning's responded with a cry of there own, as they all slammed spears into the ground and chanted in unison “Beorn, Beorn, Beorn!” And that was when a great mound arose out of the river and a massive bear leap up and charged right into the bandits flank. The roar alone made many of those men throw down their swords, while many just fell under the mighty onslaught. This resulted in Valtar running away and forcing the quick surrender of the Bandit army. Even those who were about to engage our company.

So the aftermath took many days. There were many dead to account for and morn. No small amount were from Stonyford. Also there wear practical matters to attend to pertaining to the surrendered bandits. But this ended with a moonlight trial at the Carrock, overlooking the silvery lit Anduin.

All interested parties from Stonyford were in attendance. As well as the party. All were invited to speak whom had information to share, while Beorn sat in final judgment. Ava rattled off all the known facts while being quite clear about Oderic's quilt. While Helmgut just muttered about what he saw and Brunhild kept quiet and said nothing. The company was invited to speak, and they spoke of Oderic honer in fighting the bandits and defending the land, while also appealing to Beorn's mercy. Beorn mostly mostly unmoved by these words. Deciding that Kin-slaying was too serious a crime to pardon, Oderic was banished forever with permission for any to hunt him on sight if should ever return.

And with that to company rested and healed at Beorn's place, while getting word from the raven that Radagast would like to see them sometime after the thaw. Leaving the question of wither the Hobbit will ever stop napping.

[cleggster]

So one fine evening, your friends were enjoying a night at the Easterly Inn. While making merry, the darkness suddenly got darker. About then the door burst open and a tall blackened fully cloaked figure strides in. A Ringwraith. All the other smart patrons dove out the windows and such to get the hell out of there. But not our br..stupid fellows.

So after overcoming the nauseous wave a fear that came upon them, the woodmen passed out. The others offered it some wine and cake. It partook of the cake, finding it... passable. But the elven wine was an affront, especially since it was served by a woodland elf. So attack it did. The Beornings mind was seized and made to cut out the elf's heart. The rest attacked, but to little avail. The dwarf's ax actually shattered and rendered him unconscious. The With King (yes, him) was attending to the newly revived woodman when the Elf lit off his lamp, which really pissed off the wraith. So after dispatching the human it attacked the elf with some semblance of fervor, ending with the elf’s finality. Then it killed it's thrall and departed, leaving a barely two star review.

But that was all a dream, for instead they were heading to Rhosgobel to meet with Radagast. But upon arriving, he was not to be seen. Apparently he had wondered out after meeting with Gandolf. So the party awaited his return. Later that month though an ork attack came. Rally to the town defenses the heroes sallied forth to keep the bulk away from the sole gate. It was a protracted battle with injury on both sides, but the party prevailed. Though tempered somewhat by the knowledge of such a well planned assault on a town of men. But shortly thereafter Radagast reappeared.

He had need of his friends services, for whom else could he trust. So they set out to the dusky river, there to meet a boat to lead them to the Black Tarn. Upon arriving at the southern shore, the wizard met with the eldest river maiden. Only to learn the worst. The danger came from the south. From Dol Guldur.

So Radagast and the rest set forth into the darkest of Mirkwood. The journey was long and truly fraught with peril. The gloom alone brought spirits down and the lack of food almost starved them. They were successful in avoiding the men of Tyrants Hill but at last came to the fens surrounding the dark fortress. The fastest way in would be the Fenbridge, but the castle at it's head was fully maned by ork's. So it was decided to sneak though the Dead Moat, whereupon the restless downed and buried there reached out a clasped the fellowship about the lower extremities. This was too much for the dwarf normally full of song and he went quite mad for a while.

But after recovering and making their way though they got into the inner courtyard and headed up to the High Keep. They braved the darkness and began to search within. It was a maze of black passages and the shadow weigh enormously upon them. They discovered the fresh remains of an Ork and eventual a door. Passing further with in the remains of a human were discovered. And shoved into a grate underneath were some blood spattered pages. With that Radagast exclaimed they they mush depart with great haste.

So once again they passed though death and gloom, spending another week to get out of Mirkwood until they finally emerged from the trees. After some arm stretching and cellar exploring they continued on their silent journey home. With the bloody papers in Radagast grasp, speaking of the traitor on Thranduil's halls.