Mirkwood Endgame RPG - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 02-04-2005, 03:05 AM

Thalionyulma's post - Rudchamion

The Dark Elf stirred slightly in the tree branch, hidden in the foliage of the leaves. The dawn was breaking in the horizon, streaks of gold and violet to red, splattered across the sky. From a distance, a faint sound of a bird's morning song started, then faded. These parts of the woods seemed darker and more somber. Not even a chirp could be heard for long.

The small group had been travelling for days. The two elves had come from Thranduil's Hall. One bidden by the Elvenking, the other because of a personal oath of vegeance. They had eventually stumbled upon the white wolf pup and a young human in their dangerous travel. They had reached the foot of Amon Lanc, now mostly known as Dol Guldur, a few days before. They had been unable to get closer as they avoided the orcs and patrolling parties of wargriders.

The Dark Elf took in his surroundings and sighed inwardly. He had never counted in doing the Elvenking's bidding, but it had served his purpose at that time. Because of mysterious raids and events in Mirkwood, Thranduil had had tightened his patrol in the Elven Realm. It had lead to the capture of the humans Rûdhchamion had been following, in hopes to finally get his revenge. Because of unexpected events, he had then met Anarya SilverBranch, who was biddened to follow the man upon his release. Of course Legolas, the Elvenking's son, knew the Dark Elf would follow the human. But he eventually left Anarya with Rûdhchamion to continue the quest. The human, Micanar, had lead them to the patrol of orcs, raising the suspicion something forboding was about.

He had unfortunately killed the man when they had fought. Which of course made things more complicated in reaching the rumored stronghold. Now a new enemy was making its presence known, haunting their human companion. Something ancient and dark that reeked of evil and decay.

Rûdhchamion stretched a bit, shaking himsel of the dark thoughts. He then lightly jumped to the ground soundlessly. His companions were still resting in the hidden alcove of the underbrush. He espied Taralphiel still sleeping soundly with an arm around Khelek's neck. The white wolf pup opened his eyes and lifted his head questioningly at the elf. Anarya was resting next to young human maiden, one hand still holding her bow.

Sleep lightly. I will scout a bit and forage. Keep alert. The Dark Elf silently communicated with the protective canine.

The pup whined softly.

I will not wander far and too long. He smiled assuringly, then walked towards the stream nearby.

piosenniel · 02-04-2005, 03:14 AM

GreatWarg's post

The forest was incredibly still, as was the air; his sensitive ears could not hear the low mutterings of the trees as they talked amongst themselves, nor could he hear the bated breath of the wind. Occasionally, he would discern some movement on the very edges of his sight, some unusual squirrel hoarding nuts for its winter store, or perhaps even a doe and her fawn passing by before they disappeared into the darkling woods. Or it could be something much nastier.

Sleep eluded him for the better part of an hour, though the pup was exhausted from the day’s march. Khelek thought Mirkwood smelt too musty, felt too stifling, and was in general a Very Bad Place to be in. This practical sentiment only grew as the small company traveled further south, and there were less wild beasts and more things that crept in the dark, out of sight but not out of mind. He found it hard to believe that Elves lived in any part of this murky and unwholesome place, though Khelek had never been very far north where the Wood Elves lived.

Speaking of Wood Elves… The wolf stirred as Rûdhchamion landed, his “puppish” curiosities subdued by lack of sleep, and could only offer the Elf a questioning look. If he was planning on leaving their makeshift campsite alone, Rûdhchamion had another thing coming—it seemed impractical and out of character of the Elf for him to leave Taralphiel and Anarya unprotected.

Sleep lightly. I will scout a bit and forage. Keep alert. Khelek would have liked to insist he come along, or at least persuade Rûdhchamion from leaving, but was simply too tired to argue. Rûdhchamion, after all, knew the ways of the wood better than anyone else. I will not wander far and too long, he promised.

Sighing, the pup yielded and settled down again. I should hope so. Rûdhchamion’s smile, though meant to be reassuring, seemed all too grim.

piosenniel · 03-31-2005, 06:03 PM

Taralphiel's post for Eriador and Taralphiel

Taralphiel slumbered restlessly in the branch of a tree, her cheek pressed against the soft fur of the wolf pup Khelek. She had lost count of the nights she had spent just this way, and the increasing disturbance of what she saw while she slept.

Hr dreams lead her through another dark passage, her fingers could feel the moist dank of the rough walls. And in the corner, shown only with a sliver of the moons’ light, a figure sat slumped in the corner. Her hair dangled off his brow in dregs, down over his eyes. He looked in rags, though her skilled eyes could make out those rags had once been regal garments of a soldier, a warrior. His breastplate still shone, though dully. But all other sign of his place were gone, not a sword, nor a shield.

Taralphiel did not need any more detail to discern who this man was. She called out to him, her voice becoming hoarse, though those slumbering beside her could only hear whimpers. She cried out his name, and pleaded with him.

“Eriador, please! I am here! Listen to me!”

The figure looked up, his eyes still veiled, his head moving about, his shoulders stretching back. Even in the muck of his prison, Eriador looked as though he held some hope, though his body would not recognize it. She could hear his laboured breathing as he whispered to himself.

“This dreams…they are so vivid. I wonder what it is she is doing now…”

Eriador lifted his head to the small gap in the tall cell, so the moonlight could light up his face, and Taralphiel could see his familiar, yet now care-worn face.

“I will work my way out of this cell, and back to her, so I am not haunted so….”

Taralphiel jerked her head up from its rest against Khelek, and sighed. She sat up and pressed her palms to her face, shrugging her sore shoulders with effort. Khelek turned a curious glance up at her, and she threw him a weary smile.

“These dreams grow longer, that is all. I shall manage…”

piosenniel · 03-31-2005, 06:05 PM

Tevildo's post

“Ma’am, I have come swiftly as you requested.” Turon respectfully bowed to Lady Galadriel and her consort while silently wondering why they had summoned him here. On a number of occasions, he had carried messages for Galadriel outside the vail of Lórien. He had returned from such an assignment a few days earlier and had hoped to be able to spend time with family and friends.

He always found such long journeys difficult. Every time he stepped out of the forest, he felt as if he was entering a different world, one where he truly did not belong. It was not easy to be pulled away from the timeless veil of the forest and pressed into service in other lands where even the passage of the days felt different. He found this sensation particularly disconcerting when dealing with other Elves whose ways of doing and thinking were so different. One day he had questioned Galadriel about that strange sensation of slipping from one time to another, and she had laughed with a pure silver voice tinged with sadness, “Yes, Turon. Someday when you journey to the West, it is you who will feel comfortable and they who will feel odd. We cling to old times and old ways but most of Arda, even enclaves like Rivendell and the northern forests, already have one foot in the world of Men.”

Turon’s musings were interrupted by Galadriel’s words, “I am sorry to ask this, but we must learn more. I have seen strange things in my mirror. You must journey to the forests of the north, that which is now called Mirkwood, and bring me a report. We have heard of the spread of evil, terrible evil, within the forests of the north. You must leave tomorrow. First, travel to the court of Thranduil. Perhaps he will know something of what has occurred or will have sent out a party himself. If so, you may need to join them. Whatever happens, you must stay in touch with me by Osanwe, that we may learn what is happening and whether these events pose a threat to our own lands. ”

Then they sat down to discuss the details of Turon’s journey. An hour later, the younger Elf stood up to take his leave. Bowing respectfully to Galadriel and Celeborn, Turon repeated his promise that he would report back information and, if needed, do everything in his power to take a stand against the doom that now seemed to be spreading over Mirkwood. He left the meeting with a heavy heart as he considered the long and uncertain road ahead. For as long as anyone could remember, Thranduil and Galadriel had not been friendly, apparently the result of an ancient coldness that had arisen between the Sindarin Elves and the Noldor. They were not enemies, but neither were they friends. He was the first envoy to be sent to the court of Thranduil in a very long time. He wondered whether he would find kindness and courtesy there or something very different. And the thought of joining a scouting party of Elves from Mirkwood did not please him…..

piosenniel · 03-31-2005, 06:16 PM

Eiz' post for Muru

A dark figure flew silently over the treetops. The morning sun was blighted, appearing as if dusk instead of dawn, and so the shape seemed as a dark batlike shape, skimming overhead. An icy breeze followed it, and the leaves rustled dryly, as if afraid to make a sound.

The shape took a more solid form as it reached the ground near the entrance of the fortress. It was a tall female figure, that cast her cold gaze about. She frowned as she noted the encampent at the foothill of Dol Guldor.

"He sends more dogs instead of using stealth," she muttered disapprovingly. "Pity the girl is cautious. It would have been interesting to ensnare one so young with so much talent."

A human maiden had been part of the group the Orc was trying to capture. Wargarz would not have known the group's presence if it had not been for her. But since finding out about the human female, the vampire's interest had gone up. Now Muru had an agenda of her own.

If she could capture and bend the human, it would be a pleasing addition for her Master to use as a tool. It would be better than those weak-willed prisoners the orc had been sending her.

It was always a challenge to corrupt elves. Humans were easier to bend. But sometimes there were those who were exceptional. Far back, she could only recall the tale of Hurin among the few who had been such an exception. It was a great pleasure to finally see them bent in misery.

Yes, she thought silently as she entered the fortress, it would be quite a catch to not only get the elves, but the human as well.

piosenniel · 03-31-2005, 06:17 PM

Vitto's post

The orc sat contemplating the reports before him. He was heavily armored in chainmail and armor plating. A heavy broadsword laid on the table in front of the heavyset figure. Several groups of orcs were coming in from the woods as another group headed out, but the orc captain take no notice.

Warzgarz grunted and leaned back in his seat. He looked up, gazing about the encampment. His sharp eyes missing nothing. He noted the warg-riders about to move out. These would be meeting up with another group further south and eventually would be replaced by another group to be honed.

Reports had been coming in about a small group being spotted, but it was inconsistent. He was unsure at this point where the reported group was now.

No matter, he thought, what could a small group do? They would be captured. Muru, the vampire, would have her pets continue to scout and would eventually find them. And they would be dealt with accordingly.

A small grin formed at thje corner of his lips. It had been some time since they'd tasted fresh meat.

"Gorbagzh! Get word to the Warg-riders on patrol to add their number to each group. I want them to sweep their area thoroughly!"

A lanky orc in leather armor acknowledge his command and headed towards the group getting ready for their patrol.

02-04-2005, 03:05 AM	#1
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Mirkwood Endgame RPG Thalionyulma's post - Rudchamion The Dark Elf stirred slightly in the tree branch, hidden in the foliage of the leaves. The dawn was breaking in the horizon, streaks of gold and violet to red, splattered across the sky. From a distance, a faint sound of a bird's morning song started, then faded. These parts of the woods seemed darker and more somber. Not even a chirp could be heard for long. The small group had been travelling for days. The two elves had come from Thranduil's Hall. One bidden by the Elvenking, the other because of a personal oath of vegeance. They had eventually stumbled upon the white wolf pup and a young human in their dangerous travel. They had reached the foot of Amon Lanc, now mostly known as Dol Guldur, a few days before. They had been unable to get closer as they avoided the orcs and patrolling parties of wargriders. The Dark Elf took in his surroundings and sighed inwardly. He had never counted in doing the Elvenking's bidding, but it had served his purpose at that time. Because of mysterious raids and events in Mirkwood, Thranduil had had tightened his patrol in the Elven Realm. It had lead to the capture of the humans Rûdhchamion had been following, in hopes to finally get his revenge. Because of unexpected events, he had then met Anarya SilverBranch, who was biddened to follow the man upon his release. Of course Legolas, the Elvenking's son, knew the Dark Elf would follow the human. But he eventually left Anarya with Rûdhchamion to continue the quest. The human, Micanar, had lead them to the patrol of orcs, raising the suspicion something forboding was about. He had unfortunately killed the man when they had fought. Which of course made things more complicated in reaching the rumored stronghold. Now a new enemy was making its presence known, haunting their human companion. Something ancient and dark that reeked of evil and decay. Rûdhchamion stretched a bit, shaking himsel of the dark thoughts. He then lightly jumped to the ground soundlessly. His companions were still resting in the hidden alcove of the underbrush. He espied Taralphiel still sleeping soundly with an arm around Khelek's neck. The white wolf pup opened his eyes and lifted his head questioningly at the elf. Anarya was resting next to young human maiden, one hand still holding her bow. Sleep lightly. I will scout a bit and forage. Keep alert. The Dark Elf silently communicated with the protective canine. The pup whined softly. I will not wander far and too long. He smiled assuringly, then walked towards the stream nearby.

02-04-2005, 03:14 AM	#2
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	GreatWarg's post The forest was incredibly still, as was the air; his sensitive ears could not hear the low mutterings of the trees as they talked amongst themselves, nor could he hear the bated breath of the wind. Occasionally, he would discern some movement on the very edges of his sight, some unusual squirrel hoarding nuts for its winter store, or perhaps even a doe and her fawn passing by before they disappeared into the darkling woods. Or it could be something much nastier. Sleep eluded him for the better part of an hour, though the pup was exhausted from the day’s march. Khelek thought Mirkwood smelt too musty, felt too stifling, and was in general a Very Bad Place to be in. This practical sentiment only grew as the small company traveled further south, and there were less wild beasts and more things that crept in the dark, out of sight but not out of mind. He found it hard to believe that Elves lived in any part of this murky and unwholesome place, though Khelek had never been very far north where the Wood Elves lived. Speaking of Wood Elves… The wolf stirred as Rûdhchamion landed, his “puppish” curiosities subdued by lack of sleep, and could only offer the Elf a questioning look. If he was planning on leaving their makeshift campsite alone, Rûdhchamion had another thing coming—it seemed impractical and out of character of the Elf for him to leave Taralphiel and Anarya unprotected. Sleep lightly. I will scout a bit and forage. Keep alert. Khelek would have liked to insist he come along, or at least persuade Rûdhchamion from leaving, but was simply too tired to argue. Rûdhchamion, after all, knew the ways of the wood better than anyone else. I will not wander far and too long, he promised. Sighing, the pup yielded and settled down again. I should hope so. Rûdhchamion’s smile, though meant to be reassuring, seemed all too grim. Last edited by piosenniel; 03-31-2005 at 06:01 PM.

03-31-2005, 06:03 PM	#3
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Taralphiel's post for Eriador and Taralphiel Taralphiel slumbered restlessly in the branch of a tree, her cheek pressed against the soft fur of the wolf pup Khelek. She had lost count of the nights she had spent just this way, and the increasing disturbance of what she saw while she slept. Hr dreams lead her through another dark passage, her fingers could feel the moist dank of the rough walls. And in the corner, shown only with a sliver of the moons’ light, a figure sat slumped in the corner. Her hair dangled off his brow in dregs, down over his eyes. He looked in rags, though her skilled eyes could make out those rags had once been regal garments of a soldier, a warrior. His breastplate still shone, though dully. But all other sign of his place were gone, not a sword, nor a shield. Taralphiel did not need any more detail to discern who this man was. She called out to him, her voice becoming hoarse, though those slumbering beside her could only hear whimpers. She cried out his name, and pleaded with him. “Eriador, please! I am here! Listen to me!” The figure looked up, his eyes still veiled, his head moving about, his shoulders stretching back. Even in the muck of his prison, Eriador looked as though he held some hope, though his body would not recognize it. She could hear his laboured breathing as he whispered to himself. “This dreams…they are so vivid. I wonder what it is she is doing now…” Eriador lifted his head to the small gap in the tall cell, so the moonlight could light up his face, and Taralphiel could see his familiar, yet now care-worn face. “I will work my way out of this cell, and back to her, so I am not haunted so….” Taralphiel jerked her head up from its rest against Khelek, and sighed. She sat up and pressed her palms to her face, shrugging her sore shoulders with effort. Khelek turned a curious glance up at her, and she threw him a weary smile. “These dreams grow longer, that is all. I shall manage…”

03-31-2005, 06:05 PM	#4
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Tevildo's post “Ma’am, I have come swiftly as you requested.” Turon respectfully bowed to Lady Galadriel and her consort while silently wondering why they had summoned him here. On a number of occasions, he had carried messages for Galadriel outside the vail of Lórien. He had returned from such an assignment a few days earlier and had hoped to be able to spend time with family and friends. He always found such long journeys difficult. Every time he stepped out of the forest, he felt as if he was entering a different world, one where he truly did not belong. It was not easy to be pulled away from the timeless veil of the forest and pressed into service in other lands where even the passage of the days felt different. He found this sensation particularly disconcerting when dealing with other Elves whose ways of doing and thinking were so different. One day he had questioned Galadriel about that strange sensation of slipping from one time to another, and she had laughed with a pure silver voice tinged with sadness, “Yes, Turon. Someday when you journey to the West, it is you who will feel comfortable and they who will feel odd. We cling to old times and old ways but most of Arda, even enclaves like Rivendell and the northern forests, already have one foot in the world of Men.” Turon’s musings were interrupted by Galadriel’s words, “I am sorry to ask this, but we must learn more. I have seen strange things in my mirror. You must journey to the forests of the north, that which is now called Mirkwood, and bring me a report. We have heard of the spread of evil, terrible evil, within the forests of the north. You must leave tomorrow. First, travel to the court of Thranduil. Perhaps he will know something of what has occurred or will have sent out a party himself. If so, you may need to join them. Whatever happens, you must stay in touch with me by Osanwe, that we may learn what is happening and whether these events pose a threat to our own lands. ” Then they sat down to discuss the details of Turon’s journey. An hour later, the younger Elf stood up to take his leave. Bowing respectfully to Galadriel and Celeborn, Turon repeated his promise that he would report back information and, if needed, do everything in his power to take a stand against the doom that now seemed to be spreading over Mirkwood. He left the meeting with a heavy heart as he considered the long and uncertain road ahead. For as long as anyone could remember, Thranduil and Galadriel had not been friendly, apparently the result of an ancient coldness that had arisen between the Sindarin Elves and the Noldor. They were not enemies, but neither were they friends. He was the first envoy to be sent to the court of Thranduil in a very long time. He wondered whether he would find kindness and courtesy there or something very different. And the thought of joining a scouting party of Elves from Mirkwood did not please him…..

03-31-2005, 06:16 PM	#5
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Eiz' post for Muru A dark figure flew silently over the treetops. The morning sun was blighted, appearing as if dusk instead of dawn, and so the shape seemed as a dark batlike shape, skimming overhead. An icy breeze followed it, and the leaves rustled dryly, as if afraid to make a sound. The shape took a more solid form as it reached the ground near the entrance of the fortress. It was a tall female figure, that cast her cold gaze about. She frowned as she noted the encampent at the foothill of Dol Guldor. "He sends more dogs instead of using stealth," she muttered disapprovingly. "Pity the girl is cautious. It would have been interesting to ensnare one so young with so much talent." A human maiden had been part of the group the Orc was trying to capture. Wargarz would not have known the group's presence if it had not been for her. But since finding out about the human female, the vampire's interest had gone up. Now Muru had an agenda of her own. If she could capture and bend the human, it would be a pleasing addition for her Master to use as a tool. It would be better than those weak-willed prisoners the orc had been sending her. It was always a challenge to corrupt elves. Humans were easier to bend. But sometimes there were those who were exceptional. Far back, she could only recall the tale of Hurin among the few who had been such an exception. It was a great pleasure to finally see them bent in misery. Yes, she thought silently as she entered the fortress, it would be quite a catch to not only get the elves, but the human as well.

03-31-2005, 06:17 PM	#6
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Vitto's post The orc sat contemplating the reports before him. He was heavily armored in chainmail and armor plating. A heavy broadsword laid on the table in front of the heavyset figure. Several groups of orcs were coming in from the woods as another group headed out, but the orc captain take no notice. Warzgarz grunted and leaned back in his seat. He looked up, gazing about the encampment. His sharp eyes missing nothing. He noted the warg-riders about to move out. These would be meeting up with another group further south and eventually would be replaced by another group to be honed. Reports had been coming in about a small group being spotted, but it was inconsistent. He was unsure at this point where the reported group was now. No matter, he thought, what could a small group do? They would be captured. Muru, the vampire, would have her pets continue to scout and would eventually find them. And they would be dealt with accordingly. A small grin formed at thje corner of his lips. It had been some time since they'd tasted fresh meat. "Gorbagzh! Get word to the Warg-riders on patrol to add their number to each group. I want them to sweep their area thoroughly!" A lanky orc in leather armor acknowledge his command and headed towards the group getting ready for their patrol.