Hodwain, “None of these creatures are ones I communicate well with, more empathy you might say. As to carrying an orc, I suspect I will already be carrying valuables. I would rather not have a live nearly man-sized enemy over my shoulder.” He pauses, “Miron, I thank you, but I will be fine.”
Ghân would need a spell for these critters. It is up to him.
If Thoroncir writes up the message, Swift Wing should be able to deliver it with ease. (Elendil’s Heir, please post what the message will say)
Obviously Gwaelur will carry the magic war axe, (he can treat it like the Dwarven War Axe).
Let’s go now. Thoroncir will carry whatever he needs to. His draft message to Prince Caramir (anyone have any additions/corrections? Please post ASAP):
*My Lord:
We have done great damage to an orc-lair in Ered Lithui miles to the [direction] of your fort. We have slain its petty-king and many of his warriors, freed his captive animals, and have recovered some treasure. Given the imminent threat posed by a nearby vampire named Grilianch, however, we cannot tarry. We are leaving now, heading with all due speed in your direction. The enemy has sent up Crebain who may attract unwanted attention, or direct further attacks against us. Please sortie towards us, bringing our horses and provisions. We have some injuries but have lost no one; all of us are able for now to go afoot.
We have also met a Beorning named Hodwain who has been of assistance to us; he remains with us, and wishes eventually to meet the King and discuss the affairs of Rhun.
Send a reply message by this same bird, if you wish. I have the honour to remain, sir, your most humble &c &c,
Sounds good. Let’s press on, unless Ghan is ready to ask the animals for more information. Alternatively, could we take a couple of the smaller animals with us and ask them later? The wildcat in particular might be a valuable addition to our scouting and night watch-taking abilities, if Ghan has any more luck with Speak To Animals and Animal Friendship, and he’s already taken a shine to Mulligan.
Taking a few of the smaller animals or the wildcat with us sounds like a good alternative to spending more time here right now. The only other change I would make is to let Hodwain carry the armor instead of Brin. Brin looks like a strong breeze would blow him over after all!
Hmm, would anyone object if Miron carried the spear instead of Hodwain? He would never say so out loud, but he’s worried about letting the berserker carry one of the few weapons that we firmly know can hurt him if he turns against us.
Miron takes the spear and Hodwain the Chain* and Brin the Long Sword. The rest as listed above.
Ghân talks to the critters.
The Wild Cat, “Can I have a mouse or vole to eat. I’m starving.”
The Polecat says, “I enjoyed the beetles, but could make do with a little mouse or vole.
The cat, “I was caught as a kitten in a cage by a smaller orc.”
The polecat, “Me too.”
Cat “The same orc would come and feed us, sometimes he was long between”
Polecat, “Yes thank you for rescuing us.”
The Wild Cat, “I would be willing to travel with you, I rather like the little ones.”
Polecat, “I’ll go with the guy with the other polecat or you.” (To Ghân)
The smaller animals just want to get away. Most were born and raised in that room. *
The Party heads out the main gate, the Crebain are approaching rapidly. This might not be the best time or place to launch the Swift Wing with the message. He might make it up and away with his speed though. It is Miron’s call.
*RogueRacer, thank you for the image of Brin struggling with the chain mail. A good adjustment I believe. *
The Wildcat, “Mro may, mreat mmousey, tummy mrumblies.” He gives you the saddest, most pathetic look you have ever seen. It should be capable of melting a glacier.
(I am waiting for Miron to decide if Swiftwing launches)
Which direction did we come from? Because I vote for making not quite a beeline but roughly toward Caramir, avoiding our previous trail where possible. Let’s also consider pushing hard for several hours before stopping, then working to construct a relatively defensible position for the night.
Riglo, “This sounds like a good plan to me, we should get started very quickly I think. We will be shadowed the entire way.”
The Wildcat eats quickly and neatly. It them climbs up Mulligan to sit upon said shoulder and purrrrrr.
On the talking wildcat, so we can all understand its speech without the aid of Ghan’s spell? Out of curiousity, how big is this wildcat?
Elfstan briefly watches the wildcat with some amusement. Odd creatures, Hobbits, considering everything else that’s going on at the moment.
He then states, “I agree with the plan of heading towards Caramir and our mounts. I think we need to be very careful though. I’m not sure what the Crebain can do to us if it catches us, but I know I don’t want to find out. I also agree about considering defenses well before dark. What is our marching order?”
Whatever the marching order, Elfstan will be using cloak, boots, innate Hobbit ability, and his “treasure finding” skills to travel as unnoticeable as possible with frequent glances skyward.
