# Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game. Fourth Adventure. Journey to Rivendell **URL:** \ **Category:** Thread Games\ **Tags:** middle-earth-game\ **Created:** [September 19, 2008, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375 "2008-09-19T22:48:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 28
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2008, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/541 "2008-10-21T23:20:45Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > How do the Hobbits and Gil-Gandel approach the low hill that he lives in? Did they take a keg of ale as suggested? If not I will offer up one of my very good kegs for them. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2008, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/542 "2008-10-21T23:23:34Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > Did they take a keg of ale as suggested? If not I will offer up one of my very good kegs for them. Yes: [They will use 10 gold in party funds to procure a few small Kegs of good Ale and much salted meat. Gilraen thinks to throw in a few tins of bread flour.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10341931&postcount=532) ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2008, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/543 "2008-10-21T23:36:07Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Yes: [They will use 10 gold in party funds to procure a few small Kegs of good Ale and much salted meat. Gilraen thinks to throw in a few tins of bread flour.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10341931&postcount=532) Oh, I just read that too. Sorry. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/544 "2008-10-22T02:16:27Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > How do the Hobbits and Gil-Gandel approach the low hill that he lives in? I would say load the supplies on one of the ponies and approach on foot leading the mounts. If we see a path, follow it. If not, head directly up the hill to make it obvious that we aren’t trying to sneak up on him. When we’re in ear shot, we call out to whatever dwelling is there. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/545 "2008-10-22T02:39:16Z")
Leading Flower loaded with the supplies Elfstan, Mulligan and Gil-Gandel approach the hill taking the rough path. I’ll assume that both Hawks are in the air, circling overhead. As they near, Elfstan’s youthful voice cries out, “Hail Gorbo Marshsweeper, we would like to talk to you and we mean no harm and have some Ale to share.” About 45 seconds later, Gil-Gandel determines the three are surrounded. He halts the small group. ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/546 "2008-10-22T06:59:32Z")
Elfstan makes no hostile moves and keeps his hands up and away from his weapons. All the same, he slips Gil-Gandel and Mulligan one of their warning hand signs to be prepared. He calls out again, “Hail Gorbo Marshsweeper! May we speak over some ale and maybe a pipe?” ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/547 "2008-10-22T14:58:42Z")
A short shrill whistle is heard and then seven medium sized dogs step out surrounding the trio. Finally a short lean and weather worn Hobbit steps out. He matches well the description given. “Ale you say? Who sent you?” ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/548 "2008-10-22T16:20:21Z")
Relieved that they were not surrounded by something worse, Elfstan replies, “We come on our own accord, but we were told of you by Lord Mayor Ianthír of Tharbad. We have a journey in front of us and could use a skilled guide. This keg of ale on my pony is yours if you will hear us out.” ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/549 "2008-10-22T16:28:55Z")
Can Gil-Gandel tell by whom or by what his small group is surrounded? What do the birds see? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/550 "2008-10-22T17:27:01Z")
Deor sees through Folca’s eyes that only the dogs and Hobbit are there. One larger dog waits a but further back. Gorbo Marshsweeper, “I 'ear yew out. Wutch choo wan? A guide? … Don mine da pups, dae won’ch hert choo lessen I tell dem. … Come enn bring yer friends up. I don mine Beards and Biguns.” The rest of his talk will be in straight English, that was just to get a feel. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/551 "2008-10-22T17:30:43Z")
Was that Cajun? If he’d referred to himself as “me” periodically, I’d have said we’d stumbled in Louisiana or the Florida Panhandle for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Omi\_no\_Kami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a88e4f/32.png) [@Omi\_no\_Kami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omi_no_Kami)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/552 "2008-10-22T18:33:12Z")
“If only I could justify concealing myself on someone else’s land,” Miron mutters very, \*very \*quietly, sticking close to the edge of the group. “For I fear that the only thing worse than an eccentric, potentially violent swamp hobbit is one who knows exactly where you are.” ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/553 "2008-10-22T19:58:50Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Gorbo Marshsweeper, “I 'ear yew out. Wutch choo wan? A guide? … Don mine da pups, dae won’ch hert choo lessen I tell dem. … Come enn bring yer friends up. I don mine Beards and Biguns.” Elfstan glances at Gil-Gandel for a nod of affirmation. If he gets it… He will signal for the rest to come on up. If they can’t see us, one of us will have to go get them. Leading Flower, Elfstan follows Gorbo, inquiring about his pups. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/554 "2008-10-22T20:34:56Z")
Gorbo is happy to speak of his pups, “They are like family to me. Good long lived work dogs and we help keep each other safe and fed in lean times. They are very smart, prob’ly smarter than me.” Assuming Gil-Gandel would give the signal the party moves up and ducks into Gorbo’s surprisingly large hole. The door is only 4’ high and the small front hall heads up before heading down again, but it leads to a very large room with plenty of stump stools and ceilings nearly 6’ high. The floors are dirt and gravel but not too messy. He is happy to crack open the first keg of ale and happy to share some jerky he has. ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/555 "2008-10-22T21:12:59Z")
Elfstan will take a cup of ale if offered and some jerky. In return, he will offer Gorbo some Longbottom leaf from his pouch. Elfstan is working now and will be much more careful of the number of cups he drinks than he was the other night. To Gorbo, “Sorry for not introducing myself outside. My name is Elfstan Fairbairn of Westmarch in The Shire. The other Hobbit in our party is Mulligan Took. The Elf you first met is the captain of our party, Gil-Gandel.” Elfstan proceeds to introduce the rest and will then pause to see if Gil-Gandel or anyone else wants to take over or has any small talk. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/556 "2008-10-22T21:17:55Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Assuming Gil-Gandel would give the signal the party moves up and ducks into Gorbo’s surprisingly large hole. Gwaelur thinks to bring some of the pipeweed and his pipe with him. “Do you smoke Gorbo? Would you like to partake of some of this fine pipeweed with me?” Gwaelur is trying to help to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/557 "2008-10-22T23:34:56Z")
Gorbo, “Smoke? I try not to smoke, I’m very carefull around my fires. What’s that yee got there?” To Elfstan, “Well greetings Elfstan, I’ve heard of the Shire. I hear all the Hobbits there are rich and well fed and live in vast fancy holes and even fancy bigguns homes. I’m glad you like the jerky. It was a good year for giant muskrat. Them very good eating fresh. So what else did yuo bring me and what do you need me to do?” ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/558 "2008-10-22T23:38:09Z")
When he arrives, Ghân will introduce Fang and Anca to Gorbo, and greet the swamp dogs too. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/559 "2008-10-22T23:41:03Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Gorbo, “Smoke? I try not to smoke, I’m very carefull around my fires. What’s that yee got there?” Gwaelur is a bit taken aback that Gorbo doesn’t know about pipeweed. He tries to contain his shock, but doesn’t do a very good job. He is about to explain smoking to Gorbo as he tries to think of an explination for the practice of smoking, the whole thing sounds…stupid. He looks to Elfstan for help. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375/560 "2008-10-22T23:43:02Z")
Gorbo is pleases to meet Ghân sensing a bit of a kindred spirit. The dogs greet Ghân with licks and sniffs. The dogs go through the nosing around, sniffing, barking, growling and finally submitting to Anca a bit. They play outside while the two legged go inside. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375.md?page=27) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fourth-adventure-journey-to-rivendell/464375.md?page=29)