MEE-S3F1: Eriador/A Year of Fellowship

June, 2964: After delivering Saruman’s letter to the Dunlanders, the group continued to Rivendell. Where they were finally allowed to enter.

Vogar (Bill) Dwarf Warrior… Shadow Weakness (Resentful)

Zim (Tony) Hobbit Treasure Hunter

Ricfried (Brian) Woodsman Warden

Lorig (Matt) Dwarf Scholar

Mud (Duane) Wood Elf Wanderer

Axel (Geoff) Rohanian Warrior

Lorig (goal is to lower his shadow points) spent most of the year in Rivendell learning how to heal wounds from the "weapons of the enemy".  He studied under the Master Healers that tended Ricfried’s morgul wound.  He felt inadequate when he was unable to help Ricfried, reminding him how he couldn't help his brother.  When able, he found time to relax and relieve himself of some of the enemies’ taint that had inhabited his soul.  Small journeys as a traveling doctor to help locals in need, aided his recovery from the taint of Shadow as well.  

Axel (goal is to lower his shadow points): The Rohirrim took off his helm and wiped his brow, after another practice round of combat with Lord Elrond’s son Elhohir, “This helm takes practice getting used to its horsetail crest. It keeps swishing in front of my eyes and momentarily blinds me. I need to steady my head, keep from swaying.”

[Horsetailed Helm - The most valiant warriors of the Rohirrim wear gleaming helms crested with great plumes made from horse-hair that make them stand out in the battlefield.] 

Zim (goal is to lower his shadow points) leaned forward from the rear of the saddle to ask, "Axel - Are you in for travelling around the kingdoms of men and hobbits to rally them for the coming troll invasion? If for no other reason than to show off your shiny new helm."

They traveled far and wide to sound warning, but most ears were deaf to the threat. They’d not seen any increased activities within their lands. And the Shire folk just saw another wayward hobbit, “Another Gamgee runaway offspring. Shirking your family responsibilities within the Shire.”

Mud (goal is to lower his shadow points): After the gruesome back-to-back travels, guiding a bunch of grumpy heroes (from Mud’s perspective since he had gained a lot of shadow points during this adventure), tracking Mormog, running away from an angry hoard of brainwashed trolls and seeking aid from an Istari, Saruman the White, being able to enter Imladris was a relief to his soul.

Mud stood in the stable stroking his mare Athel with his silver-toothed brush, “Easy girl, you’ve done well these long months in the wild. Rocks, gravel, mountains, crags, dwarf passenger, and snow along the RedHorn Gap. You’ve weathered it better than I.” Mud couldn’t wait to dress her in her finest saddle and blanket to parade her around the city. A chance to show off her fine lineage and tell of her great deeds.

A year’s respite within the beauty of Imladris would do his soul good; calming his nerves and easing his emotions, training under Glorfindel as apprentice.  He was a quick study, learning how to instinctively counterattack (level 7 Wanderer/Hunter-of-Shadows feature called Revenge) after being hit.  And when Lord Elrond’s sons (Elladan and Elrohir) were free, continued his potion brewing training.

Vogar: The dwarf spoke up, “You have Haleth and her rangers dealing with Mormog’s tunnels. If you’ll excuse me, I have a long-lost treasure to deliver to my king. This time Lord Elrond, I speak of King Dain II in the Iron Hills. Years and healing has taught me King Thorin died at the Battle of the Five Armies.” Elrond corrected the dwarf, “Your memory is partially correct. King Dain II now rules under the Lonely Mountain of Erebor, crowned upon Thorin’s throne. Your Iron Hills have become a fading memory.” Vogar departed, scratching his scar as if trying to restore such memories.

Vogar spent almost 2 months on the road, crossing the Misty Mountains thru the High-Pass, across the Anduin River at the Old Ford Bridge, then north toward the Carrocks. Otbert the Beorning couldn’t forget a face… as scarred as this dwarf’s. Otbert asked to journey with him to listen to stories of his old friends. (And to keep the dwarf out of trouble in the Mirkwoods.) They entered the western edge of the Mirkwoods at the Forest Gate, then stayed the path all the way to the Elven King’s Underground Hall. Where Otbert said hello to old elf friends before continuing with the dwarf to Erebor.

During the months of travel, Vogar spoke of his allies with resentment. But in truth, he began to miss his companions. Yes, even the annoying hobbit. His tone began to mellow which warmed Otbert’s heart. But those months also brought reflection upon Vogar’s own accomplishment. To actually complete his goal of finding Thorin’s lost blade Deathless.

When Vogar finally arrived at the home of the Longbeards, he’d lost 17 pounds. But not his thirst for ale. “Dwarven ale!! Oh, how I’ve missed you. If only Lorig would learn how to brew you. Beorning, be my guest within the halls and at the kegs.”

Vogar was not delayed audience with King Dain II, especially when word of Thorin’s blade reached important ears. Dain rewarded the dwarf with an endless source of ale whenever he visited Erebor. Vogar was well pleased with his patient search for the fabled blade. [Heal Corruption: just passed Insight check removing 2 points of Shadow]

Comforting thoughts as he sweated before the blacksmith anvil, pounding and working the steel for his tall-shield. Just like his father's of old. Just like the one he'd used in the war against the Orcs when he journeyed with King Dain from the Iron Hills.

Even Balin sought out the scarred dwarf, “I hear you journeyed around Khazad-dûm. Seen the eastern gate. But what can you tell me of the lost west gate? Perhaps, upon your return, you could see if the Glanduin is still flowing. That would be a good sign the western mines could still be accessible. As for the western gate itself, you would also need to counsel with the elves of Rivendell as both elf and dwarf shared a secret word to open the western gate. I can supply you with the dwarf half of the secret; you need to gain the confidence of Elrond himself to learn their half.”

As Vogar left, Balin silently mused, “If only we could enter Moria from the west. Surprise and vanquish the Orcs who hold the eastern gate. So that we may once again start the forges of Khazad-dûm.”