As mentioned the Goodberries are used up as there were over 180 injuries of man, orc, moose and horse. We can say that a small handful are kept in reserve, does 16 sound OK?
You are limited to one spell per level for multi-casting unless you used two slots for the spell. I am assuming that you used your cure lights with Renee helping to make them work better. Let’s also assume that at this point you are all short of herbal cures and clean bandages. Finally, I am going to go with the idea that you need to use a plant growth to grow plenty of new herbs and then set to work with the Rangers and Renee in careful harvesting. You don’t have the plant growth memorized, so it will need to wait for tomorrow for this activity.
Have you casted your Goodberry spells today? I don’t think you did, but maybe I missed it.
OK, Ghân has crossed off 202 Goodberries and Deor, Renee, Mulligan and Gil-Gandel have used up their 80.
Ghân has crossed off 38 herbal cures (2hp cure each) and used three 2nd level Cure Light Wounds, plus another from dropping Tree.
He didn’t have any spare 2nd level slots, so couldn’t cast Goodberry today.
At present Ghân has memorised four 1st level spells (Detect Magic, Faerie Fire, Locate Animals and Speak to Animals), plus one 3rd (Neutralise Poison).
Captain Helton looks abash, “I did not mean we had the forces currently to take the caves, I meant that with help we could. I thought more along the lines of remaining here to harass the remaining orcs or any reinforcements that show up.”
After a short pause, he continues, “I even had some hopes that a small group or perhaps a single swift rider could return with messages. We could honestly use a few more of Gwaelur’s people and many more men if we wished to take on such a large cave system.”
Captain Helton, "Yes, if you could ride the distance at least back to the gates as a messenger relay, I should set in motion reinforcements or at least get us new orders. "
Caramir, “We have much to decide now and we must rest for at least the day. It would still be the height of folly to enter the caverns with but one dwarf and nearly no magical support. I regret we don’t have the resources to take advantage of this great victory, but we have already accomplished more than we set out to do.”
He continues, "At the same time, we still have no better idea if this Shaman was behind the attacks in the Stonewaith Valley or if he reports to a greater evil. I am leaning towards staying here and harassing the orcs while waiting for additional support or instructions. How does everyone feel, I understand that some of you might wish to return to the city or go on to whatever else you need to do. I thank you for your service to Gondor that you have freely given.”
Gil-Gandel estimates it is roughly 225 miles back to the guards near Morannon (Where the gates of Mordor were). Cúran could cover that ground in 3 days or less.
Captain Helton would send 3 additional riders after Gil-Gandel after another day. They would likely take 4 days instead.
Thoroncir will defer to Prince Caramir, of course. He’s ready for anything, and is willing either to remain with the party, or to be among those who ride after Gil-Gandel, as needed. He feels no need to return to Minas Tirith at present (unless Renee specifically asks him to).
Folca could carry a written message much more swiftly than even Curan could gallop.
Out of morbid curiosity, what do we know about the area around where Barad-dur toppled? Is it aswarm with orcs, quiet as a tomb, or something in-between?
Caramir, “I am not sure is we have achieved our goal and on the other hand, I think we exceeded all expectations as far as removing orcs as a serious threat in this area. This was but a scouting in strength mission and instead we cleared the main problem.”
Thinking about Thoroncir’s question, “Barad-dûr is uninhabited by any living creatures. The men that patrol it do not like to be near it in the dark or in stormy weather. Someday, we might yet mount a mission to recover the Ithil-Stone. I have mentioned this idea to both Legolas and Prince Eldarion.”
Captain Helton, “That would be great if Folca could carry the message that far!”
Riglo, “Would Deor wish to be seperated that long from him? We are not talking about a carrier pidgeon here.”
Moose to Ghân, “But when do we killed these orcs?”
Gwaelur is a bit worn from the battle and is unsure what exactly he wants to do, other than wash all the drying blood and gore off of him. It’s fun to get messy in battle, but once blood dries in your beard getting it out can be hard (and painfull).
He is willing to attack the caves now, but understands that it might be best to get reinforcements. Perhaps if Gilmli is still near by he would be interested in sending some more Dwarves to help us, or possilby join us himself?
Not just yet. We’d better attend to the caves here first. It’s just that a question occurred to me, and I asked it. Someday Thoroncir would like to see and explore the ruins of the Dark Lord’s once-proud tower, though.
It sounds like Gil-Gandel will be our fast messenger.
Mulligan offers to ride with you if you want some added protection and a second pair of eyes for when you rest.
The camp will move away from the battle to safer ground and partially fortify is no one objects. Perhaps Deor can go into ID mode starting tomorrow and Ghân grows an instant herb garden.
Patrols will go out in force and Folca and Brownie will both be asked to fly high guard as much as possible.
The orcs will depart at dusk.
This is all open for comments, fine-tuning and objections.
