Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game, the Game itself

Thread Games
341

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
So, the bodies are burned and breakfast was delicious (thanks to the cooks). These Orcs were ready for us, it was clearly an ambush. Should we continue on our present course or should we try to track the orcs path back to where they came from?
[/QUOTE]

Glad you enjoyed breakfast :slight_smile:

I would suggest that we deal with Gash and his Orcs first, tracking them back to their encampment and find out how strong they are, but not necessarily engage them. If we can find out how strong they are, we can then decide if we need to ask for reinforcements or to tackle it ourselves.

The question I have is: Did the two sets of Orcs come from the same place?

342

[QUOTE=NAF1138]
So, the bodies are burned and breakfast was delicious (thanks to the cooks). These Orcs were ready for us, it was clearly an ambush. Should we continue on our present course or should we try to track the orcs path back to where they came from?
[/QUOTE]

Ghân thinks that the goblins and orcs were due to meet the orcs who ambushed Anthor + family. When the rendezvous failed, they could simply have searched the woods and found us.

He suspects that the trail probably leads to the camp where Gash and his Uruk-Hai are, thus combining both our objectives.
We have good trackers, and 40 plus orc-kind should be easy to trace…

And well done the cooks! :smiley:

343

Rousing himself from a waking dream, Gil-Gandel volunteers: "I am no tracker, but I can manage well not to be seen even by day in this kind of country. We should select our lighter-armed and longer-legged men to follow the orcs’ back trail and aim to see the enemy before we are seen. If we encounter any likely ambush spots, I can recoinnotre them and ensure our trackers are not taken by surprise. Meanwhile, any assistance that Folca can give, as well as any birds or beasts of the wild on whose friendship Ghân can call, will be most welcome.

"Let our heavier-armed and slower comrades follow a short distance behind, moving from one place of concealment to another as we find them. Then if we must flee we know that assistance is not far behind, and if we are pursued we can turn the tables on our pursuers, while we do not expose our main force to sight more than we can help.

“Plainly we are up against no mere nuisance, if the enemy can muster two score at an hour or two’s notice, but we have routed all our foes to date with little harm taken; so let us be of good heart.”

So briefly, that’s: Gil-Gandel at point, checking out any possible ambush sites in the general direction we are following. All rangers and Pathfinders - those that can run fast! - a short way behind, or together with GG in open country, to read the trail and give directions. Everyone else maybe a quarter of a mile further back, waved on from time to time whenever the advance party can see it is clear for them to advance. Any friendly wildlife or familiars providing top cover or whatever else they can. If we find a large encampment or lair, call up the heavies, decide how to scout it, and let 'em have it if we find it promising enough.

344

Merry, ::yawn::, stretches after a large breakfast and says, “The Elf’s plan is sound, I have heard it said that if an elf gives plain advise, it is usually worth taking.” He smiles. “Of course, I have also heard that it pays to listen to your trackers on tracking.” Turning to Mulligan, “That was excellent, where did you ever find the mushrooms?”

At his point Caramir is out scout around, but **Brin ** is in camp.

Sgt. Linder says, “I would be honored to make haste and secure the device for the Owl. It sounds similar to a falconer’s gear.”

The four knights head off, planning to let the returning company know where the party is.

Gimli, “I count 59 dead Orc-Folk in all. 1 at the original ambush, 15 we overtook, 13 goblins and 30 orcs we burnt last night. We never attended to the dead from the first 15, hopefully the company coming up will deal with them.”

All told the 43 from last night carried only a little in treasure, giving some hope that if we find their lair, we will find their gold. There were however some good weapons and shields. 20 shields, 24 scimitars, 4 heavy crossbows, 6 short bows and 6 spears. There are roughly 67 SP & 156 CP. Then the Leather & Studded Leather of dubious value.

345

Brin will pick up a shield, just in case.Now that we’re fed, it is time to put an end to this. Hopefully we’ve hurt the band and can finish the job in short order. Let’s find their home, and set a trap so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a ferret.

346

[QUOTE=D_Odds]
Brin will pick up a shield, just in case.Now that we’re fed, it is time to put an end to this. Hopefully we’ve hurt the band and can finish the job in short order. Let’s find their home, and set a trap so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a ferret.
[/QUOTE]

A weasel. A trap so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a weasel.

Honestly Bal^h^h^h, Brin, - no wonder you went for the turnip stew first. :wink:

347

OOC: I’m a ferret owner, so I like to change it.

348

[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Rousing himself from a waking dream, Gil-Gandel volunteers: "I am no tracker, but I can manage well not to be seen even by day in this kind of country. We should select our lighter-armed and longer-legged men to follow the orcs’ back trail and aim to see the enemy before we are seen. If we encounter any likely ambush spots, I can recoinnotre them and ensure our trackers are not taken by surprise. Meanwhile, any assistance that Folca can give, as well as any birds or beasts of the wild on whose friendship Ghân can call, will be most welcome.

"Let our heavier-armed and slower comrades follow a short distance behind, moving from one place of concealment to another as we find them. Then if we must flee we know that assistance is not far behind, and if we are pursued we can turn the tables on our pursuers, while we do not expose our main force to sight more than we can help.

“Plainly we are up against no mere nuisance, if the enemy can muster two score at an hour or two’s notice, but we have routed all our foes to date with little harm taken; so let us be of good heart.”

So briefly, that’s: Gil-Gandel at point, checking out any possible ambush sites in the general direction we are following. All rangers and Pathfinders - those that can run fast! - a short way behind, or together with GG in open country, to read the trail and give directions. Everyone else maybe a quarter of a mile further back, waved on from time to time whenever the advance party can see it is clear for them to advance. Any friendly wildlife or familiars providing top cover or whatever else they can. If we find a large encampment or lair, call up the heavies, decide how to scout it, and let 'em have it if we find it promising enough.
[/QUOTE]

Ghân agrees with all of this - a first class plan! :smiley:
He can Speak to Animals a couple of times today, so if Gil-Gandel would like to let Ghân know whenever we need to know about an area up ahead, Ghân will ask a nearby animal…

Deor will ask Folca if the hawk feels safe flying high and having a general look around. Of course the orcs may be under cover, but they may be in a clearing, or have lit cooking fires. If Folca agrees, ask her to scout (but return safely, taking no risks).

[QUOTE=what exit?]

Sgt. Linder says, “I would be honored to make haste and secure the device for the Owl. It sounds similar to a falconer’s gear.”

[/quote]

Ghân thanks Sergeant Linder.

If the party are waiting for the harness, Ghân will offer to do a forage, asking a Fighter or two to keep an eye on him.

[QUOTE=what exit?]

were however some good weapons and shields. 20 shields, 24 scimitars, 4 heavy crossbows, 6 short bows and 6 spears. There are roughly 67 SP & 156 CP

[/quote]

Ghân: Could the Knights arrange a sale for us? Obviously everyone present last night deserves a share. Even a few gold pieces would be welcome to me! :slight_smile:

[QUOTE=what exit?]

Ornan, “Maybe, maybe not. I might bow out.”

[/quote]

Ghân thanks Ornan on behalf of the party and makes sure he gets his share of treasure.

349

Thoroncir says, “Gil-Gandel speaks wisely, and I favor his plan. I believe we should press on and strike, as they say, while the iron is hot, if our scouts tell us we may do so with some chance of success. Friend Ghan, before we go, I would be glad to guard you while you forage for herbs.”

350

[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir]
Thoroncir says, “Gil-Gandel speaks wisely, and I favor his plan. I believe we should press on and strike, as they say, while the iron is hot, if our scouts tell us we may do so with some chance of success. Friend Ghan, before we go, I would be glad to guard you while you forage for herbs.”
[/QUOTE]

Ghân thanks Thoroncir and starts foraging.

351

Just a fast summary:

  1. It sounds like the party will wait until about 9am to start the serious tracking.
  2. Asking the knights to haul off the captured goods and arrange sale, minus one shield.
  3. The Sgt is retrieving a leather harness similar to Falconer’s gear for the Owl.
  4. Ghân is looking for herbs and whatnot under the watchful eye of Thoroncir.
  5. Caramir is doing some preliminary scouting, probably with Gil-Gandel & Brin. This is just to check where the goblins and the 30 orcs came from.
  6. We expect that a larger troop of knights, soldiers and dwarves will take up station on the road where we will head into the mountains to track.
  7. Ornan will head out with the knights from the night. (He wishes you all good luck, but he just doesn’t feel up to the job.)

Is this accurate? Did I miss anything?

352

[QUOTE=What Exit?]
Just a fast summary:

  1. It sounds like the party will wait until about 9am to start the serious tracking.
  2. Asking the knights to haul off the captured goods and arrange sale, minus one shield.
  3. The Sgt is retrieving a leather harness similar to Falconer’s gear for the Owl.
  4. Ghân is looking for herbs and whatnot under the watchful eye of Thoroncir.
  5. Caramir is doing some preliminary scouting, probably with Gil-Gandel & Brin. This is just to check where the goblins and the 30 orcs came from.
  6. We expect that a larger troop of knights, soldiers and dwarves will take up station on the road where we will head into the mountains to track.
  7. Ornan will head out with the knights from the night. (He wishes you all good luck, but he just doesn’t feel up to the job.)

Is this accurate? Did I miss anything?
[/QUOTE]

It’s spot on. I only have two minor points to add:

  • Folca will cautiously fly high and scout for an orc camp
  • both casters have reloaded spells

[channelling pupil players at my school roleplaying club]
Sir! Sir! Have we gone up a level yet?!
How much is the treasure share?!
[end channelling]

353

[QUOTE=glee]
Deor will ask Folca if the hawk feels safe flying high and having a general look around. Of course the orcs may be under cover, but they may be in a clearing, or have lit cooking fires. If Folca agrees, ask her to scout (but return safely, taking no risks).

[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. She’s a hawk- she ought to be able to spot enemies in all but the thickest cover. I’ll feel safest when she’s got an owl watching her back, though.

354

[QUOTE=appleciders]
Absolutely. She’s a hawk- she ought to be able to spot enemies in all but the thickest cover. I’ll feel safest when she’s got an owl watching her back, though.
[/QUOTE]

Makes sense to me, but can you be sure the owl and the hawk won’t try to fight/kill/eat each other?

355

Well, I’m happy with the plan as it stands. If we can find their camp during the day, we can set ourselves up nicely and work out what to do next.

356

[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir]
Makes sense to me, but can you be sure the owl and the hawk won’t try to fight/kill/eat each other?
[/QUOTE]

Neither is a natural prey for the other, nor a competitor since they’re not normally out and about at the same time of day, and I shouldn’t think raptors fight for fun - any unnecessary injury means it can’t hunt properly, which isn’t sustainable for a creature that’s about one meal away from starving all its life. In any case a wizard’s familiar and a druid’s Friend are much more amenable to training than most.

357

[QUOTE=appleciders]
Absolutely. She’s a hawk- she ought to be able to spot enemies in all but the thickest cover. I’ll feel safest when she’s got an owl watching her back, though.

[/QUOTE]

Sadly the Owl will be asleep!
Keep an eye out for another Animal Friend for Ghân who can operate in daylight…

[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir]

Makes sense to me, but can you be sure the owl and the hawk won’t try to fight/kill/eat each other?

[/QUOTE]

As Malacandra says, the birds are going to be active at completely different times.
Ghân is going to use a travelling harness so the Owl can rest during the day and be on guard at night. Folca will be active in the day, but sleep at night.

Also Ghân has spoken to both birds, so they understand their masters are friendly. Deor has clear communication woth Folca as well.

Ghân will be using Locate Animal and Goodberry to feed his Owl (and Folca if necessary), so both birds should be content with life. :slight_smile:

358

[QUOTE=CatInASuit]
Well, I’m happy with the plan as it stands. If we can find their camp during the day, we can set ourselves up nicely and work out what to do next.
[/QUOTE]

Moose: Kill orcs!

Ghân: Quite so, Moose, but we will probably start by scouting the camp and deciding how best to use our strong Fighters, our stealthy Scouts + Pathfinders and our Casters.
If Gash is present, then we need to allow for his spell powers. Also getting surprise is a huge advantage (as our hostage rescue showed).

359

Okay, so by 9am the Sergeant Linder returns with the gear for the Owl. He brought back extra small pieces of soft leather, heavy cloth, felt, thread and wire to modify the rig.

He rode up with a company that includes four of Gimli’s companions. They look well armored and have sturdy mountain ponies for the work on the trail.
The Dwarves are Jari, Brúni, Víli, & Náli. All four have crossbows and axes or hammers.

There is also one more scout/archer in the company that will go with you if desired. He is **Nanthor ** of Anfalas. He wears no armor, but has an excellent looking bow.

This should mean a party of the 8 characters, Moose, Gimli, Merry, Caramir, Nanthor and the 4 dwarves and up to 8 mountain ponies. Merry will be riding.

Caramir returns and reports, “The Goblins and Orcs both came by way of your prior battle, they followed along the trail I would have expected the orcs to take the wagons. It appears they were hoping to use the slow wood path to hide their trail at night in case the escaped rider brought back help. The trail into the mountains looks clear enough and at least in the beginning could handle the wagons. I went only a short distance.”

We will need a single file marching order. It sounds like we need an advance party and rear party. The Dwarves, Merry, Theogrim & Thoroncir would appear to be in the rear party by default of being noisy.

360

[QUOTE=What Exit?]
Okay, so by 9am the Sergeant Linder returns with the gear for the Owl. He brought back extra small pieces of soft leather, heavy cloth, felt, thread and wire to modify the rig.

[/quote]

Ghân thanks the Sergeant, dons the rig and checks that his Owl is happy to travel in it during the day.
(If the Owl doesn’t have a name, Ghân will call him ‘Brownie’ - in honour of Radagast.)

[QUOTE=What Exit?]

We will need a single file marching order. It sounds like we need an advance party and rear party. The Dwarves, Merry, Theogrim & Thoroncir would appear to be in the rear party by default of being noisy.
[/QUOTE]

Ghân suggest that he and Deor join the advance group:

  • Deor can use Folca to scout, Ghân can Speak to Animals
  • the casters can stick together (neither have noisy armour)

Both Ghân and Deor in the middle, please. Moose offers to take the rearguard.