MEE-S2E1: Eriador/Nightmares of Angmar (part 1)

Now TA2964, 12 years had passed since the group last gathered in Bree. With the rebuilding of Dale, Bard was crowned King. Rohan saw a new King coronated with the death of Fengel, replaced by his son King Thengel. That same year, the Stewardship of Gondor passed from Turgon to his son Ecthelion II. Mount Doom erupted causing the people of Ithilien to flee west across the Anduin. And the shadow of Dol Guldur crept across the lands. And fear began to once again creep into the hearts of man.

Otbert (retired) – the Beorning traveled east across the mountains back to the Carrock to make his report about Hobbits. And when Beorn passed away, Otbert was called upon to assist with Beorn’s son Grimbeorn becoming chief.

Axel (Geoff) Warrior – concerned about wraiths, the Rohanian searched for magical weapons to fight the shadowy threat. Fortune to be in Rohan for the coronation of his new King Thengel. Which meant years of marshalling and patrols in his homelands. Still there last year to cheer the birth of his King’s daughter, Théodwyn.

Zim (Tony) Treasure Hunter – wherever the Rohan rode, the Hobbit followed tucked in the saddle behind the man. Excited as they searched for weapons (and treasure). Practiced during the years in Rohan with his bow… and excuses when called upon the courts for his petty thefts. Affording Axel opportunities to become a spokesman.

Ricfried (Brian) Warden – the Woodsman sensed enough of the growing darkness to seek out information. Lore Masters for their knowledge of the past (as history tends to repeat itself) and fortune-tellers who peer into their stones to interpret the shifting dance of the future images to direct his path.

Lorig (Matt) Scholar – with new herbs in hand, the Dwarf returned to the Misty Mountains and his brother’s bedside. Indeed, the poison was removed! Lorig stayed to nurse his brother back to health and strength. Time for Lorig to practice his craft, swinging his hammer upon the anvil creating tools for war always is on the horizon.

Mud (Duane) Wanderer – the Wood Elf maintained his course as bounty hunter throughout the lands. The daily grind of cooking and training his horse, while ever alert to the unending dangers of nature and man.

Vogar (Bill) Warrior – The dwarf completed the caravan trip to Erid Luin with his brother and nephews. And many more trips across Eriador to pay off the debt. And thru the years, Vogar began to remember as the healing continued after those early treatments. Such that Vogar remembered King Thorin’s original sword ‘Deathless’ lost somewhere on his trek with the hobbit before the ‘Battle of Five Armies’. Vogar now quests in search of that mighty blade to return it to his king.

Sept 8, 2964: Summoned by ‘Radagast the Brown’, the fellowship gathered once more to trek to Rhosgobel on the western edge of the Mirkwoods. Ricfried led the way to one of his mentors, but even he became light-headed upon enter the forests. “Trust me, it will pass. One of the wizard’s spells to disorient all who enter his land.” Sure enough, their vision soon cleared revealing a wonderful glade and a fine shack. Animals skittered about. A rabbit approached, twitched its ears as if beckoning them forward, then hopped into the house. Where they found the wizard tending to injured birds and beasts.

Radagast

Vogar

Radagast turned to welcome his guests, “So, YOU are the ones Mithrandir spoke highly of. Compassion for the men trapped underground by the Badgermen. Yes, yes, you will do nicely. Come, sit, feast from the bowls of fruits and nuts.” Lorig looked across the table and asked, “Any ale to quench our thirst?” And that’s when another dwarf entered thru a back door, “Ale? You’re lucky he even offers Honey-mead. Or that IPA crap.” Radagast chuckled, “Must I introduce Vogar? Gandalf said you’d met long ago as caravan guards?” Pauses till they remembered the scar-faced dwarf and exchanged greetings. Except for Zim, who sat ON the table munching on the spread of food.

It was evening before Radagast got to the point, “My little friends have been keeping an eye on the growing threat around Dol Guldur. But I am blind to the rumored threats to the north. I ask you to journey north to make an alliance with the men on the mountains so they can keep a watch on Mount Gundabad. The ‘War of the Five Armies’ did not eradicate the Orcs or goblins of this world. I fear they once more gather in strength. Especially considering goblins breed like rabbits. I’d suggest you seek the Mountain-men at Framsburg to the north where the two rivers join to begin the Great River Anduin.”

Radagast offered them sleep before their long journey and a casual warning, “Do not go outside after sundown.” Indeed. Between the outside sounds of large beasts prowling and the inside animals skittering in and over the bedding, and thru the beards, you’d think nary one of the members could sleep. Yet when they awoke, they all were well rested. And surprised by the medicinal pouch set out for each: a healing potion.

Sept 9: While Radagast was nowhere to be found, their backpacks had already been filled with rations for their long trek north following the Anduin. Minus a few morsels as squirrels jumped out of the packs with their cheeks full of nuts. At least 10 days on foot slowed by the dwarves as Zim sat behind Axel upon the stallion Stedrick. But soon, they came upon well-maintained roads that intersected another road west to the ‘Old Ford’ bridge. Another 40 miles to the Carrock and Beorn’s (now Grimbeorn’s) house.

Sept 19: Wind swept the tall grain as Beornings harvested their wheat. A scowl on their faces at the sight of dwarves. Till a familiar face ran toward them, “Lorig?! My friends! Welcome to our lands. Don’t mind the workers; word will spread that you are my guests.” Indeed, Otbert was a welcomed sight as they explained their quest while introducing their newest member. Vogar paused as he scratched his scar, “I remember you! Another caravan guard. Can’t forget a shadow that long.” Axel interrupted, “Do you happen to still have that sickle Gandalf gave us?”

Otbert led then to his hut and introduced them to his wife Brita. Vogar was the first to comment, “Are all Beornings large?” And that’s when the storm blew thru the hut… two kids on a tear chasing each other. Till they ran smack into the guests. And paused to stare at Zim. Who they thought another child. So, it was natural for them to tackle the Hobbit in glee as they prompted him to give chase and join in their playtime. Feet running like the wind… and going nowhere…as Otbert held them high by their collars. “These are our cubs. I’ve a family now. So, yes Axel, you can have the sickle and quest on my behalf. I’ve enough adventure here with these two.”

The evening drew long as they caught up on past times. Except Vogar who was not part of that life. So, he busied himself with the cubs, “They are hairy as bears, do they have claws too? Ouch, they bite! Why you little rascals, I’ll tear you limb from limb.” Hopefully Otbert didn’t mind the broken furniture as the trio tumbled thru the house and out into the yard. Leaving peace within the house and quiet enough to hear, “So, what can you tell us about the north? Should we boat up the river?” Otbert pointed out that folly, “Snow is still melting high in the mountains so the Anduin current is high and swift. I’d say stick to the paths.” And that’s when Vogar entered, “Doesn’t ANYONE this side of the mountains serve ale?!”

Sept 20: Morning found the fellowship ready to travel. Vogar combed his non-existent hair with his fine comb… till one of the kids snatched it. Which required the dwarf to trade a dwarven toy for his prized possession. “I was going to give it to them anyway. Where are we going? Hopefully to join with Thorin.” The fellowship was slowly learning their newest member sometimes suffered ‘short-term memory loss’. And was stuck in time on the aspect Thorin was still alive. Vogar on the battlefield of the ‘Battle of Five Armies’ where he received his cleaved scalp; unaware Thorin was slain in combat against the Orc-leader Bolg.

Mud led the group north on horseback as Guide, while Ricfried and Zim served as Scout, Lorig and Axel as Hunters, leaving Vogar clanking along in his noisy armor as Lookout. [Embarkation] With their packs filled once more, they were well-fed on their travels (Feast Fit for a King). It took 3 days to journey beyond Beorning lands as the ground slowly rose toward the distant mountains. Ricfried scouted their campsite: more than hoped for with plentiful fish at a riverbank and soft beds of moss. Another 3 days till they came upon the relic of the past: a headless statue dedicated to a long-ago man. Some members interpreted the ring of flowers around the separated head as the crown of a king. Lorig recognized him, “That is King Isildur from the age of Arnor, and the fall of Sauron. He is said to have picked up the ‘Ruling Ring’ from the fallen enemy.”

By the 8^th day, they began their slow climb up the hills and mountains into the low-lying clouds. Till the clouds parted just enough to display a spectacular vista. Half of the party was invigorated by the sight while others (Axel, Zim, Vogar) only saw Mt Gundabad in the distance and viewed it as ever-onward (exhaustion). And a river still to cross.

Sept 30: Another 10-day journey [Arrival] till the ruins of Framsburg lay before them. Makeshift dwellings interspersed among the ruins constituted a mountain-men village. As they rode/walked along the lightly wooded hill, Mud was first to spot the barren ground in an imperfect circle. “Looks to be from an intense fire long ago.” As the members looked to the ground, they do not see the fog slowly rolling in. Such that: Axel was the first to hear the growls and lookup to see a half-dozen large wolfhounds charge out of the fog, then stop and growl louder for all to hear.

Axel remained in his saddle trying to calm the beasts [Animal Handle-fail] only to make them more aggressive. Mud tried his animal handling by throwing a pebble to distract them; but they stood their ground. Till a shrill whistle pierced the air. And 13 shadows stepped from the mist. Mountain-men, “How do you come to our lands?!” To which Mud replied, “Uh, we followed the trail.” Which earned him raised spears and taunts, “Foul long ear! Your kind are not welcomed here.” Lorig spoke up, “We came at the request of Radagast the Brown.” The elder man gritted his teeth as he spat, “What are you doing near our memorial circle? Cynbal, come forward son. See how these men travel with a long-ear?!” But the son challenged his father, “Chief Forgall, you cannot blame them for the actions of their ancestors. At least hear them out.”

And so it was, Ricfried [Audience] spoke up. He recognized their distain for flowery speech; so, he got straight to the point, “We are tasked by our elders to seek the source of evil flowing south from your lands. We hope to make alliance with you in that cause.” But Forgall spat back, “What indications do YOU know of evil? We’ve seen none. We have learned to stand alone, abandoned by your kind. And thus have formed an understanding with the Orc and goblins. The only foul thing we’ve seen is you.”

Forgall continued his taunts as he planted his sword into the ground at their feet, “Who is man enough for a challenge?” Vogar stepped forward but was thwarted by the chief, “Not your kind runt. I look for a worthy opponent such as your pretty-boy horse rider.” Thus, Axel dismounted and accepted. Not an actual fight but rather a ‘dance-off’. Performance of combat moves. Forgall began only to hear all laugh at the Rohan’s awkward attempt to repeat the moves. But when Axel flourished in his moves, Forgall was the one to faulter worse. Which brought Cynbal forward, “You seem a worthy man to represent your group in our games. Follow me if you dare. You do own a helm right?”

And so it was, Axel entered the mud-ring with 3 other mountain-men. “This is the ritual of the Black-Helm. In days of old the task was to remove the helm from your opponent. Which usually meant beheading. Today’s rules are less deadly: unarmed, you will grapple your opponent. First to remove his foe’s helm battles against the other winner. First place is the hand of the fair maiden Essylt (Forgall’s niece), 2^nd place a fur-cape, 3^rd is a roast of cow. The rest of you may participate by throwing mud at the combatants to blind them if you can.” Anyone who looked, would have seen the disgust on the face of the offered maiden Essylt.

Mountain-men quickly rushed to ring a 40ft diameter circle filled with mud and lined with buckets. Axel’s companions also took up buckets as the combatants entered the ring. Axel matched against Fraech while 2 other men squared off. The men had an advantage, practiced in mud-fighting while Axel tried to learn his balance and reach. Fortune his allies scored with their mud, blinding Fraech. Advantage, but Axel was thwarted by the mud sucking on his booted leg denying his advance toward his opponent. A temporary stalemate as both were blinded by mud.

And that’s when Zim stealthfully circled the ring tipping over buckets, dumping mud on someone’s boots, sowing discord. Mountain men turned on each other, “Hey, watch what you’re doing fool.” Unable to hit the moving combatants, Vogar turned his aim to the men outside the ring. Which became a jolly mud-slinging as all were distracted from those in the center ring. By now, a blinded Axel managed to grab Fraech’s leather sleeve and pull him closer in a neck-hold. But the man slipped free denying the Rohan chance to remove his helm. Round and round they grappled till finally, Axel ripped off Fraech’s helm. His pause to wipe mud from his eyes was short-lived as the winner Tarodd of the other match tackled him. Both in the mud grappling till Axel broke free and gained footing. And finally removed another helm making him the winner.

Forgall actually was pleased and called his niece forward, “Bring drinks.” Vogar had seen the look in her eyes and was about to whisper warnings (beware poison) to his new companion, when an unnatural fog rolled into the camp. Surprise to all, and fear among the men who exclaimed, “The work of sorcery!” But their cries were silenced when they all heard a woman somewhere in the fog scream. Forgall’s mood quickly changed as he accused the group, “You brought a curse to our lands.” And that’s when the fog took on the smell of smoke and carried forth the sounds of whimpering puppies!

Yet as the fellowship rushed into the smoke toward the sounds, the men hung back. Apparently afraid of fire and a sorcery threat. Ricfried was guided by flames from a central structure with a sunken floor. To his surprise he found 2 dead women, their throats slit. Lorig stumbled around in the smoke-filled room till he kicked something that screamed back at him. Thus, he drug out a weeping woman. Zim too managed to find the dead – their throats cut and a goblin blade as evidence. Long minutes before Axel exited on his knees dragging a still-breathing woman to safety. It was Vogar the last to exit, seconds from his own death (40 down to 10HP at 5HP per round).

The two living women described the scene, “They took the children down the tunnels! Why? Why would the goblins turn on us now?!” For all their efforts, they were greeted by angry threats. As the elder chief walked away, Cynbal cried at the group, “What did you do to the goblins to make them betray us like this?! Go now before the others turn on you.” But Lorig stood his ground, “You cowards! Stood outside while the building burned only to watch US risk our lives. Until the woman spoke, you did not know the children were rescued from the flames by their captors.”

Lorig treated the surviving women before turning his aid toward Vogar. They gathered their gear and left the camp but soon stopped at the base of a hill as a murder-of-crow squawked overhead. Announcing the arrival of Forgall leading a pack of wolfhounds, “You’ve brought death and deceit.” And that’s when the dogs charged. Arrows, blades, claws and teeth. Vogar stood beside Axel to give shield protection as they fought. 3 dogs on Lorig, 2 on Axel, 1 on Vogar, and more dogs closing as the Alpha-dog stood in wait by his master’s side.

A well-coordinated battle considering the group outnumbered but not flanked. One by one the dogs fell as the group stood their ground. Till Forgall saw his force thinning and himself departed. Sending his Alpha-dog into the fray. Make no mistake, the fellowship was wounded, but stayed the fight till the last of the dogs ran when the Alpha fell. Heavy heartbeats drowned by the sounds of the crows squawking, “Carn Dûm, Carn Dûm.” Vogar scratched his scar as he pondered, “I remember that name. But I forget.” It was Axel who answered, “That was the capital of Angmar west of Mount Gundabad in the old times. Founded by the Witch-King. But it was destroyed and abandoned eons ago. Do the crows report to a new inhabitant of that realm?!” 

They stormed back into the village looking to find Forgall, only to see young Cynbal and others exiting the burned-out long hut, carrying their dead. Cynbal broken by his loss, “You’ve brought death on us. Why did the goblins turn on us? Where do we go now that we’ve lost our alliance?” Axel and Ricfried tried to comfort them. Vogar interrupted, “You brought death upon yourselves when you trusted the devil of those goblins. Have you no balls to attempt rescue of your children?!” Lorig quickly stepped in front of the other dwarf as he tried to find less-abrasive words, “While you may have lost one alliance with those unworthy things, we came offering alliance with the rest of the free world. Did we not rush into the flames trying to save your families? Perhaps we can find your children.” 

Axel waited for Cynbal to find his strength before he questioned, “Where is your father? Did you know he assaulted us with his dogs? Does he have anything to do with the crows overhead squawking, “Carn Dûm”? Cynbal was caught by surprise, “I know nothing of that old city to the west. It has been dead for eons. Father is stuck in the old ways of distrust. Please forgive him. Meanwhile, you are welcomed to stay the night. I will call council in the morning to discuss the matter with the others.” 

Vogar turned to Lorig and spoke in dwarven, “Why do you trust these men who blame us yet form alliance with our sworn enemy the goblins?!” Lorig tried to sooth his brethren, “You’ve gained your age thru patience. Be patient a little longer so we might hear what their council thinks.” Vogar struggled to see the wisdom of his younger kind, before he soon compared his situation with that of the conflict between Forgall and Cynbal. Vogar tried to sleep but dreams invaded his peace: a long white bridge, deep gorge, ice, children crying, and a piercing wail from something passing overhead blotting out the sun. Vogar sat up in his bed, “I think I know where they took the children! If only I can remember thru morning.”

If any of the others woke during the night, they would have heard the dwarf talking in his sleep, “Carn Dûm, Carn Dûm.”