Brownie will work, the Owl has no name in any human language and can understand the sounds of Brownie, though he cannot say them.
Moose, “Moose happy to guard Dwarf backs, Moose only quiet in woods, never in open or rock. No one can sneak up on Moose, not even Elves”
Brin: I’m used to being in the advance party. I will go up ahead.
I’m happy to be in the middle of the advance party
If we value stealth at all, I should probably not be in the advance party. In chain mail, and with my horse in chain mail, I probably sound like a troll dragging a bag of coins.
No horse where you are going. Only mountain ponies, goats or Moose.
Thoroncir, slightly offended by the suggestion that he’s noisy, will be glad to be in the rearguard, if that seems best.
What should I do with my light warhorse, Seafoam?
Theogrim quietly pines for the seas of grass and wide open spaces of Rohan.
The company of men is camping near the road where the party heads up into the hills. They are guarding and caring for any horses that need guarding. The company is 30 strong and will have relief on a regular basis until you report back. If you don’t report back, expect a rescue party eventually. If plans change radically, send a note back with your trained hawk.
Thoroncir gives Seafoam a carrot or its Middle-earth equivalent, strokes her nose affectionately, and leaves her for the nonce with the well-armed Men in the encampment.
Gwaelur will gladly take point position of the rear party. It is more dangerous, and that is just how he likes it.
I’m quite on the edge about this; I’m not an especially sneaky person and I’ll be little help in covering a retreat if we need to. I’ll come if everyone else thinks it’s a good idea.
More dangerous than the front? Still, Brin is probably best suited to lead the advance party (highest HPs, best attacks).
I think the advance should be Ghân, Starshine*, and Brin. I don’t know enough about Caramir, but maybe he should join.
I would gladly join the advance party if you don’t think I will slow you down and give away your position. You may need a fighter up there with you. But I wouldn’t want to hinder the main mission of the advance party.
Some one please complain if they don’t like this.
The party is fully armored of course. Brin, do you have a weapon out, are you carrying that cast off orc shield or preparing for two-weapon combat?
I need to know if someone wants a different position and what weapon(s) you have ready.
Let me know if five ponies are too much. I could see only taking a few instead or you could go up to eight with the back three dwarves each leading two instead.
Merry has to have at least one spare; therefore two is the absolute minimum.
Brin (Tracking)
Caramir (bow ready & checking for side tracks)
Gil-Gandel (bow ready)
Ghân (Owl on shoulder)
Deor (nervous)
Mulligan
Nanthor (bow ready)
A ¼ mile back (44”)
Gwaelur
Merry (On *pony * and Bow ready)
Gimli
Jari
Thoroncir
Theogrim
Pony
Brúni
Pony
Víli
Pony
Náli
Pony
Moose
Apart from having a sling at the ready, seems fine by me.
I will not flick stones around
I will not flick stones around
I should probably have my x bow ready and my war axe and shield nearby. I should be able to see an attack and fire a bolt or 2 before we get to melee, at which point I will switch to axe and shield.
(this seems like it is going to be a running theme until we get to some bigger foes who will need the use of my 2 hander)
Given group composition and ready armament, I’ll be the last stand between the spellcasters (& scout) and any foes. I’ll go sword and shield - I will want the extra protection if I’m must stand fast.
Flick stones around. I’d love the opportunity to say “Fool of a Took!”
I’d say give me a hundred yards start - I will back my chances of spotting any Orc in this country over his of spotting me, especially in daylight which they are not over-fond of, and I am far quieter than anyone here except Mulligan. I’ll pause periodically to check with the trackers that we are still on course, and make sure said trackers don’t get bounced while they’re tracking. (That said, Rangers are not easily taken unawares.) I’m willing to listen to opinions, though.
But I’m not a Ranger of Ithilien…
You are quite right to be cautious!
Ghân thinks it’s OK for Deor to be in the advance group because: