Ghân is running low on spells, but still can cast a Cure.
“I’m ready when you are, Doc. Just let me know.”
He turns and faces Gil-Gandel. "I have one more Web left for the day. Shall I hold it in reserve for our escape, or would you rather I use it to block a passage if it seems necessary?
If Thoroncir were awake, he’d be very impressed by Gilraen’s surgical skills. Instead, he’s just resting and recovering.
"My Lady, my meager skills are at your service whenever you need them.
In the meantime, since we are going to be staying here for a while and Sting indicates that enemies are near, let us fortify our position as best we can. I don’t think the door we busted in is going to close again, but Gwaelur has been helpfully chopping lumber for us, so perhaps we can use some of those pieces to block the door."
Gilraen, thank you for taking care of Elfstan.
Ok all, we have this chamber, the two passageways up above, the barred gate at the far end and passage back to the main area. We need to hold the far door and the two staircases. Two scouts up above in each small passageway to give advance warning. Remember it is only to give warning. Everyone else here to guard the staircases and outside corridor. A set of the dwarves we came with should set up a wall a bit further down the corridor and before the barred gate to hold it.
Personally, I think I shall look for the gas release mechanism that could be set off in this passageway, we don’t want it set off accidently.
Bitur, once Gwaelur has finished, can I suggest making stretchers for Elfstan and Thoroncir.
We need to hold this place for an hour at least, so let’s make sure Gilraen has all the time she needs.
Hold it for now - the last thing we need is for it to expire before it has done anything, and it won’t take you long to cast it should we need it.
kneels beside the Fairbairn
Soothing the healer and skilful her hands,
Soothing the gentle face;
Dream of the fair blissful Undying Lands;
Dream of the Valar’s grace!
Pain is not pain that in honour was taken,
Pain for a moment endure:
Sleep now, so soon in new health to awaken,
Sleep, in a trust that is sure.
Let’s not leave the passage back to the main area completely unguarded, either; you never know how many secret doors might be in those passages, though I’d suspect our worthy Dwarves would have spotted them. My uncle Fengel always used to advise me to act on what my enemy could do, not what he was likely to do.
The surgery goes well and Elfstan is carried on a small litter back to the main chamber. Elfstan has a small bandage and is missing a lot of his hair.
By this point Thoroncir is back on his feet though could still use some rest.
Mulligan never locates the gas release.
The Dwarves are more than willing to leave a large number here to hold this point if the party wishes to rest for a while. The spellcasters, Elfstan and even Thoroncir should.
By all means. Should we go all the way back outdoors, or just far enough that the Dwarves can secure the perimeter safely overnight? What time of day is it by now, anyway?
I’d feel best sleeping above ground.
Yes, and I would consider it safer - I much prefer to be able to see goblins coming.
Ghân votes for spell recovery and above ground.
He is (as always) full of admiration for Gil-Gandel’s poetry.
He comments that although the party is talented and brave, we nearly lost two members.
He really wants the party to stick together (apart from Scouting ahead of course) and to only tackle one thing at a time.
It is 3:00 pm on September 3rd and should be about 78° outside.
The Dwarves are disappointed that the party is ready pull back. They will send some Dwarves to escort you but they plan to hold this position and do a bit more raiding.
Rüdan asks, “Are any party members willing to stay and help us the rest of the day? We could especially use the archers and treasure finders.”
Gilraen very much wants to get Elfstan outside. She also feels that she and Ghân at least can still do much good outside helping the injured before going to sleep.
Mulligan will leave Elfstan in Gilraen’s care and asks if he will recover? She leaves Sting with Elfstan and tells him to get better, even though he cannot hear her.
She will then go to assist the dwarves in raiding through a few other areas.
I am still in excellent condition. Once we have the wounded safely evacuated, I will gladly bear a hand.
(Game mechanics note: Just to let the players know, I will gloss over the actions of the divided party in a summary, We won’t have half the players sitting on their thumbs for a week or three.)
Gilraen to Mulligan, “Elfstan will be fine. The surgery was successful and Hobbits are renown at least among the House of Healers for the remarkable recovery times.” Despite the positive words, Mulligan picks up a hint of nervousness and worry. She can tell Gilraen is just trying to reassure Mulligan. She looks wan and tired in fact.
Mulligan nods allowing Gilraen her deception.
Thank you for that Gilrean, now get some rest as well. It will do us no good if you fall over".
I have a crossbow that I would be more than happy to lend to your aid. I am not near ready to be finished.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Great poem, Malacandra! Beautiful and evocative as ever.