Depending on how many archers are left, I’ll likely fire a Magic Missile, each orb directed to optimally finish them off.
If Felareth is in range of a Hunter/Killer when he acts, he will fire a sling to take down the HK, else he will use his sling (or, if in range, a Magic Missile spell) to take out an active archer.
Round 5: June 7 Hejren Portent: 16
Thoroncir follows the Uruk Hai trail ignoring the archers this time and leaving them to Gwaelur most likely. The group goes 150’ so only 110’ from the Hunter Killers.
Hejren again transforms into a Black Heron and flies 120’ towards the Hunter Killers. 150’ away.
Ceol is losing ground but still has the Hunter Killers in range. Advances about 60’ before firing off 2 arrows. He somehow hits twice with disadvantage, just that amazing. 13 Damage.
Gwaelur just reaches the arches and chops them up swiftly.
Ghân & Gilraen move about 86’ closer. Gilraen uses Healing Word for 11 on Gwaelur.
Mysteria runs 50’ closer to the Hunter killers and uses Fighting Spirit & Sharpshooter again. She hits & crits! She drops the injured one and does 31 to the other.
Bitur hits once for 9 points. The last Hunter Killer is bloody looking.
Felareth uses Cure Wounds from the Mandolin on Baygir. Fully healing him!
Hunter Killer 4 looks dejected and turns to fire and gets a look of hopelessness and hides very well. As he didn’t shoot, he probably healed a bit.
Thoroncir is -5hp; Gwaelur -16; Ceol -5
Thoroncir, Bitur & Felareth . 110’ from the hunter killers. (HKs)
Hejren 140’ from the hunter killers.
Ceol 260’ from the hunter killers.
Gwaelur 200’ from the hunter killers.
Ghan & Gilraen 230’ from the hunter killers
Mystery archer 738’ from the HKs.
It takes 2 more rounds but Hejren & Aithorn locate the hiding hunter Killer. In that time she uses the Pearl of Power to regain a 3rd level.
Hejren fires a Ray of Frost at the final Hunter Killer, she hits 10. This draw the fire of Ceol, Bitur & The Archer. The Hunter Killer ends up very dead. Gwaelur lands and puts an axe into its head anyway.
All hunter Killers are dead and the battle is ended.
Gilraen calls for Thoroncir, Gwaelur & Ceol to gather up for healing.
Thanks Gilraen. I did get a few scratches, but take care of Ceol and Thoroncir first. I can be healed when they are fixed.
Ceol rides back towards Gilraen, upon Leofwin. He says, to his nearby companions, “We appear to have a new ally…or at least a fellow opponent of the orcs. Shall we invite him or her to come speak with us?”
Felareth relaxed a little whn the violent movement stopped. He patted the flank of his mount and leant forward. “That was a wild ride, Baygir. Thanks for not throwing me.”
Climbing down carefully, he stretched to ease sore muscles and turned to Ceol. “You know, I’d like to meet our sharpshooting ally too.”
When in range, Ghan will drop his Wolf Pack + Call Lightning and use Healing Spirit and a Bear Totem to heal injured party members and our animals
They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend. This archer did help us out of, well, a somewhat uncomfortable, if not exactly tight, spot. I could have gotten to the HKs myself eventually. But, this was faster. Let’s meet them.
The figure is far away and would be difficult to see if it were not in motion. The archer moves swiftly down the slope with the grace of a deer towards the party. When finally close, you can make out a tall slender female figure in elven gear and light armor. She pulls back her hood and appears to be an elf with warm-brunette hair pulled back in a braid reaching down to her hips.
From about 50’ she begins to call out to the party and closes the gap, “Greetings, you must be Gilrean, Healer of Estë, and you are Hejren, who flies on black wings. I am Ninthel of Lothlorien. I have been contacted by Mirëgol to escort you to the Sea of Rhûn. She knows that I am no friend of fallen Maiar, so I would gladly join you further if you would have me.”
Ghan introduces himself to Ninthel.
(And corrects his Totem to the Unicorn - as the battle is over.)
Bitur introduces himself and Grávund. Grávund bows low.
After introductions, Bitur says to Thoroncir:
“You know, if you ever wanted to be mounted on a horse who’s hanging upside down from the ceiling or at a 90 degree angle to the ground, now’s your chance. Otherwise, I can probably drop the Spider Climb spell at this point. And don’t worry, if you slip out the saddle, I can always cast Feather Fall on you…”
Ceol dismounts from Leofin. He is a typical Rohirrim – tall, with blonde hair and pale blue eyes.
He bows to the new arrival. “Well met, Ninthel of Lothlorien. The timing of your arrival was most fortuitous, and I take it as a good portent for our mission. I am Ceol, Knight of the Mark, and servant of Oromë, the lord of the hunt.”
“Hello. I’m Gwaelur son of Gwaelin. I see you are handy with a bow. I suppose that’s useful for when I am already busy with my axe.”
"Greetings Ninthel. I am glad to make yor acquaintance, especially since you are evidently skilled with your bow.
"It is some few years since I trod the paths of Lorien where still the Mallorn trees grow. I do not recall seeing you in my sojourn there, but perhaps you were then absent.
"Welcome to our quest to prevent the terror Saruman would doubtless inflict were he not stopped.
Hejren exclaims in surprise. “Aunt Ninthel! I thought you had taken one of the last ships to Valinor! Don’t get me wrong, yours is a blessed sight, and we sure could use your help. Pardon my surprise.” She bows in deference.
Thoroncir tries to not to cry out as Gilraen extracts the darkly-fletched Orc-arrows which had pierced him, and is otherwise more than happy to submit to her healing touch.
He then says to the new arrival, with a bow, “Well met indeed, Ninthel of Lothlorien. I am Thoroncir, a knight-errant of Gondor, at your service. Your arrival was most opportune, although unlooked-for, and we are grateful for your help in defeating those who sought to ambush us. Impressively done, and many thanks!"
You see that he is a tall, solid-looking young man. You would not call him handsome, as such, but he has a friendly, open face, brown eyes and a warm smile, with brownish-black hair and beard, both worn short. He is armored in the distinctive silvery-gray chainmail, breastplate, greaves, gauntlets and helm of a captain of the Sea-knights of Linhir. He also wears a clasp bearing what you know at once must be a leaf of the fabled White Tree of Gondor. At his side hangs a longsword of ancient design, in a worn but apparently still serviceable scabbard; a small white silken cloth is tied around it, near his belt.
It is not long before you notice his attentiveness to the beautiful Princess Gilraen, whose favor the cloth is (and who seems equally drawn to him, although they strive to be discreet).
To Bitur he later laughs and says, “I am a traditionalist at heart, my friend, and whenever possible much prefer to have my head toward the sky and my horse’s hooves pointed down, but I thank you for your offer.”
Ghan continues Healing Spirit and, when all are well, suggests a quick search of the bodies and then set off to find Saruman.
Thoroncir concurs.
June 7 Hejren Portent: 16
The healing is done swiftly. Ritual spells can be renewed while healing and searching is accomplished.
There are 7 longbows and a Strong bow . This requires a 15 str but d10 damage & optional Str for Damage, still dex to hit. Ceol is a very good candidate for this and Thoroncir is the other that could use it. They carry orcish rations, rashers of bacon and hard tack; nothing too appealing.
No treasures to speak of. There are 38 long swords but probably not worth taking. The armor is far too bulky to bother with.
The pack of Uruks appear to be of the Isengard type primarily. Ninthel had in fact been tracking them and slowly gaining on them for a few days. Thankfully is takes little skill to track 38 orcs not expecting pursuit.
Hopefully you can learn more of Ninthel as you travel and hopefully no more ambushes are in store today as the party is low on spells and abilities.