*I agree, my instincts are saying there is something worthwhile finding beyond this pile of rocks. For good or bad I cannot say, just worthwhile.
Hmm, I guess we are allowed one misadventure while we are here, as long as no-one notices. The only problem will be scaling the rocks while not showing them as disturbed.
Alternatively, we scout the rest of this lair quickly following the passages and then come back to this door.
No, it’s no good, I need to know what is over that pile of rocks. Let’s close the door to and have a look shall we?
My choice, I’ll take the risk and go first. I’ll whisper you from the top of the pile*
And Mulligan’s curiousity and risk taking nature come into play again
“It’s dark now! Do you have any kind of light? If nothing else, I could draw Sting and scrape a little of the grease paint off. I’m sure it will be glowing in here!”
I did think of that… honest! I just had this image of a gang of orcs chasing a bobbing torch. Of course, Elfstan does have matches, so grabbing an unlit torch is an option.
“Why do you think I’m looking at you? It’s pitch black in here and I’m invisible. You are too for that matter.”
Elfstan grins, not that you can see it.
Still, you might have to explain this Burglar’s Lantern to me. If nothing else, let’s go back out and grab a few unlit torches. I have some matches. Hopefully we can get a torch lit in the dark."
How many torches do you grab? As far as lighting one, you have the lit torch on the opposite side of the passage. You both have matches I believe. Hobbits like matches.
Thoroncir will remain vigilant around the traveler, but continue to be friendly. He will keep himself between Hodwain and Renee, just in case the stranger poses any sudden threat.
Thoroncir says to Hodwain, “Come back into our encampment, friend, and tell us more of your travels, and of your particular abilities as kinsman to Beorn, if you will. We are awaiting the return of friends who are on scouting expeditions, three and one, separately. And the vampire may yet come tonight; we should all be rested and ready.”
Hodwain, “That you sir, you are as good man as I have heard of your people.”
As you stroll back to camp he relates, “I am good with both sword and lute. I am stronger than most I have run into and quick despite my size. I fear no orc and no company of orcs, but I will admit to a fear of these ancient evils. By Tulkas, I would even fear one of the walking dead vampire. I can speak to many animals and I have a special affinity to bears as you would expect.”
“If it is OK with you, I will spend the night with you fine folk and then head on to your main camp and work my way to your city. Could I leave some sealed notes for your King with you to deliver in case I don’t make it?”
Absent any conflicting signals from other party members, Miron will sweep the area for Pathur herbs before quietly returning to camp to see if he’s needed.
Thoroncir says, “I would be glad to hold any messages for the King, if you wish, and will deliver them as soon as I am able. And… if you will forgive my curiosity, can you transform yourself as Beorn so famously could? Have you often had occasion to do so? I am intrigued by all I’ve heard of your kinsman.”
glee, revealing that four more of our party will be returning sometime is actually helpful in keeping him on his best behavior, IMHO - if he means us ill, he will never know when reinforcements are arriving.
Hodwain replies to Ghân, “I speak bear, canine of all sorts, deer and most of the weasal family and a few others. As to my items, my sword cuts others very well.”
He pulls out his lute, “This is Athalian my lute. She is always in tune and helps me play and sing stories to entertain and occasionally perform a few simple tricks. Perhaps you will allow me to play for my supper tonight.”
“I know nothing about these vampires except what Renee just told me, the vampires I have heard about are the walking dead and make slaves of some of their victims and they like to drink blood and are often sorcerers. I have heard that you need to cut of their head and bury it in a crossroad and run 8 fine white virgin mares over it to ensure they no longer rise.”
Looking thoughful, “Though I see you have little trust in me, I will answer your question. I can indeed change into a large bear. It is best if you are not near me when I do as I am often not completely in control of my wits.”
After once again checking that the passage is empty, Elfstan collects two unlit torches. He then reconsiders and grabs a third before bringing them back to Mulligan in the pitch black room. He closes the door behind him as he enters to keep any light inside.
“Ok Mulligan, if we can get this torch lit, it will be time for a little more exploring.”
“Forgive us our caution, Hodwain,” says Thoroncir, “but we expected to find aught but evil out here, this close to Mordor, even so long after the Dark Lord’s fall. Your arrival surprised us, and we would not hazard our mission for Gondor by laxity in treating with travelers. Were you in our position, notwithstanding your size and strength, I suspect you would do likewise, is it not so? But by all means, if you are willing, please play for us. I, at least, would be interested in hearing a tune or three. The Lady Renee is a talented singer and perhaps, if she wishes, we could also hear a duet…”
Hodwain starts with an old song about the Last Alliance and the fall of Elendil. Renee does indeed know the song and adds to it. Hodwain is a fair singer and his lute playing is nearly magical. (Well actually it really is magical) He easily brings images of Elendil & Gil-Galad to the listener’s mine. Strangely or not, once Renee joins him the images of Elendil changes from a taller, older version of Thoroncir to someone that looks much like King Ellesar.
After this long ballad, he proceeds to a much more light hearted tale of cooking a good meal with honey, sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. It is a tale the Hobbits would have enjoyed very much. Speaking of the Hobbits…
Elfstan lights the first torch and hands it to Mulligan. Mulligan carefully finds the way over the rock fall and discovers the passage continues 30’ and then turns left to the North. The passage then runs 50’ and ends at a door.
Does Elfstan join you? Do you use just one torch or more than one?
