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Fornost-Erain, Summer, 1972 TA

And so, the seasons give way to Summer.

It was a long fight. The winter- which, like all recent winters, has been growing longer and colder, especially in these Northern lands- held its grip for long past its natural life. The Spring has been cold too, and brought nought but ill news. But nature is not to be denied, and eventually, Summer did come.

And such a glorious one! The sun streams through with day after day of perfect weather. The green fields, rolling hills and beautiful cities of Arthedain are basking in the radiant glory of creation.

This is a time of joy, to celebrate civilisation. In the next few days will be held the mighty tournament of the House of Numenor, a royal celebration of an unbroken line of Kings stretching back beyond known history, back past the Civil Wars, back to the days of Isildur, slayer of Sauron, and back past that to the boundaries of time, and the ancient days of Numenor itself.

In these days there will be parties, feasts, celebrations- and games. Jousts, archery matches, mock field battles, duels and tests of every weapon and martial skill, in the long knightly tradition of Man. It is, without a doubt, the highlight of the year.

Travel to Arthedain is still difficult; the Great Road is hostile, the Last Bridge normally blocked, since Rivendell declined to hold it. Yet it is still possible, for those willing to brave the risks of the journey. Famed King Arvedui of Arthedain has opened his borders to all the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth., and many have come- to see the North Kingdom, to join the festivities, to pledge their respect to the great King of Man... and to answer his call to take up arms against evil.

For evil there is, in the nearby lands of Rhudaur and, worse, Angmar, where the infamous 'Witch-King' makes his plots. To most, a rumour- but the court of Fornost takes his existence very seriously.

It is known that the war has not gone to plan. During diplomatic efforts with neigbouring Cardolan- barely a Kingdom at all- a sneak attack by the Witch-King's forces has destroyred the nearly completed fortress of Embylosse, centrepiece of the Arthedanian strategy. Some feared the sudden and total collapse of the Kingdom. This was exaggerated- yet their plans lay in ruins. Many are uncertain about what measures can be taken, come the next threat effort of the Witch-King.

There are disagreements and arguments at all quarters. Should the current strategy be shored up? Should it change, totally, and Arthedain go on the offensive? Is all this talk of diplomacy and alliances hogwash, or the only viable path for survival? In the midst of the festivities, these dark questions haunt the minds of he nobles- and at the very highest level, few know the truth- that Embylosses' destruction was only made possible by treachery, inside the King's Council itself.

Is it not unthinkable that a Dunadan, of all people, would throw in his lot with the Witch-King? But sadly not... for that was how Rhudaur fell, centuries ago.

But of courde, few of you know anything of this. Some of you are old hands in Arthedain, and have met the King. Some of you have come from the recent expedition from Rivendell, and have been here but a short time. And some of you are new entirely, having arrived in Arthedain, and Fornost, for your own reasons.

Fornost may be the centre of an 'open' Kingdom- yet this is not the modern day, and travel is long and difficult even without the war. Therefore, strangers, whilst not unheard of, are still uncommon, and alll of you that do not belong here have almost certainly met and made association with all the others- please feel free to make yourselves acquainted in any way you like.

Let the celebrations begin!

---

This, then, is the new part of the epic LOTR storyline (minus a. the Lord and b. the Rings, so a rather technical association...).

This is a rather different story. Having just had the enormous field battle against an Orc army, now we are having no Orcs at all. This game is set entirely within Fornost, and is concerned with things investigative, political, and social. The style of LOTR in general is different to the rush-rush style of Star Wars and Matrix, and this part in particular is thoughtful and relatively- dare I say it- intellectual.

This game has several major objectives:

1. Induction. It serves as a starting point for new players. New players have a chance to learn of Arthedain, its neightbours, their history, its King, the King's plan and, therefore, the overall plot of the game, which is quite involved. That will also work as a good reminder to older players who may have forgotten a load of it.

2. Arthedain. An important part of the entire storyline is the player's relationship with Arthedain, especially its ruling Council, which is the main authority in the game, like the Jedi Council in Star Wars. Earlier parts saw rather undiplomatic players try and continuously insult the Council and still expected to be allowed to do whatever they want; we shall wipe the slate clean here and start again and remind people that a. these people rule here! and b. these people are all important, established Dunadan Lords, much as Boromir and Faramir are in LOTR, and indeed, two of the Council are sons of the King himself.

This part of the storyline features heavily in this part, and is the time to try and see how Arthedain actually WORKS.

3. The Tournament., The specific focus of this game, the Tournament is a bit of fun- it allows me to make a fighting tutorial for new (and old!) players, it gives action to a game without hostiles to fight- and, simply put, doing well in it gets you experience points, which should get people motivated!

4. The Traitor. The central plotline of the game, the previous two parts being dominated by the Enemy knowing your every move, from the attacks on the camp and the Princess' convoy in the first part, to the blowing of the expedition to Baranar and the fatal misdirection that caused the destruction of Embylosse in the second. The unthinkable is true, a Council member is the Traitor, and that hole must be plugged. The King has turned to outsiders to help for his ionternal efforts are by definition hampered. At first asking Vardalain, time between then and now has led to all the veteran players being cleared to help out- more on that later. New players are not in the King's confidence and so will not be interacting with this plot yet- we shall see how things go!

---

As the game starts, everyone is present at the Palace for the 'opening ceremony'. The King will turn up to start events off sooner or later, right now, there are vast crowds in the palace, on the streets, on the rooftops... there are streamers and confetti and people are selling things all over the place...

It is a good time to meet people and each other, and ask me or them questions.

Later on, we shall get onto what Tournament events there are, people's equipment (that's going to be kept simpler than last time, which took months), and how the investigation into the Traitor can start. For now... people should just interact and have fun.

(YEEY, simpler equipment is a good thing, and Argentis will be a bit more diplomatic this time )

Argentis was moving his horse, Emoras, trough the city streets look for things to do.

....Vardalain strolls along..admiring the pretty ladies

(ahh crap, Ok I guess I have to go figure out the Magic rules and such...)

Palidan Strolls along side Argentis and Vardalain, his Staff making the long strides with him.
"Quite a celebration they've got here."

Andromir nods, looking at the masses.

"Yea they seem really happy about something, weird tho"

"A spring celebration, does not, in my mind, seem so odd."

'A kingdom at war should spent its time and resources more wisely."

"It is as if they are not aware of being at war, how odd.."

Geez, Andromir, you COME from here.

Damn right you are holding the Tournament! Absolute last thing you want to do is let the Witch-King defeat you in spirit. This is an affirmation that life goes on, and he will not overcome you.

And so yes, you practice your martial skills, as a demonstration of strength, and celebrate, as a demonstration of spirit, and the whole of it is a great way to bring others here to see how Arthedain still stands!

It's also traditional, and that means a lot to the Dunadain.

Your borders are secure. The enemy is not at the gates. The destruction of Embylosse aside, there has not actually been any open warfare in decades. So yeah, people want this tournament.

And that's fine talk coming from an Eotheod, who will happily blow vast resources on a booze up...

Well atleast we get drunk

en high elf shall not diry himself with lowlife customs ...such as getting drunk ,.....infidels!!

Bloody Elves...

Obviously a distinct lack of new arrivals in the city so far, I see!

Well now, over the course of the day, there is business to attend to, as well as fun.

Andromir, the King has asked to see you shortly...

... after which he's going to talk to Vardalain.

Marakith will have a word with Argentis, and a message has arrived for Palidan, by Eagle.

vardalain will be waiting for the king's call

I'll report for duty A.S.A.P.

Ohh fancy,
I Get an Eagle-gram.
I'll thank the Eagle, (Are these the cool talking eagles?)
and Read the note.

It's not a Great Eagle, no! But it is intelligent, and can understand you.

It bears a message wrapped arouind its foot from your homeland (which I THINK was Lorien but I cannot 100% be certain; if it is, it is from Celeborn)

The message- in Sindarin, not Quenyan; they must be feeling open-minded today in the Golden Wood- acknowledged that you have decided to stay in Arthedain, which is not exactly the reason you travelled to Rivendell in the first place, which they also note.

That being the case, the Lady Galadriel wishes you to perform a service for her. Certain rumours have reached her ears about the sorcerous activities of the so-called 'Witch-King', especially something to do with a curse of the old burial mounds of the Cardolani nobility. She does not trust the opinion of amateurs on this matter, however. You, being an Elf of developing power, are far more qualified to make an assessment. Galadriel wishes you, as you make your endeavours to help out the Arthedani (which she notes as a valid and laudable expression of your own conscience, so long as you don't give the impression that it constitutes any form of official response- the affairs of Men are not our own), to investigate and report on any similar occurences of displays power from forces of Rhudaur or Angmar.

(and if you don't understand any of that, blame her, not me- and this is a good time to find these things out)

The Eagle is staring at you in a 'You'll send a reply if you know what's good for you' fashion.

-

Marakith has a man with him, Argentis, dressed not dissimilarly to you. Marakith introduces him as Garulf, and he is a personal courier of the Chieftian of the Eotheod.

(and if Storm is playing, she is with Garulf too)

-

Well, we can do the King's bits simultaneously. The King has invited you up to his private chambers, Vardalain. In fact, he leads you up a high tower, very high indeed, where you are isolated. In a chamber atop that tower lays a pedestal, and on that pedestal a small glass ball.

"I am never disturbed in here," says Arvedui, closing and locking the door behind him.

"the palantir.." says Vardalain glaring at the glass ball.
"what is it you wished to see me for, your highness?"

It shifts, mistily, as you stare at it.

"A Palantir, anyway," says Arvedui. "I am the custodian of two personally, and a third lies within my borders, though the third is not of much use. They show me many things, but they cannot show me the darkness at the heart of my Kingdom. Not that it is ever safe to peer into Darkness. No, I must rely on the minds of people.

"You know of what I speak, Vardalain. Have you any ideas?"

"you wish to find the traitor within the council." answers vardalain

(He meant if you had any ideas about the traitor)

perhaps i should be remined of the council members first

Darvan wandered through the streets, marvelling at the concentration of houses and people turned out to line the streets. He is sticking close to Corlindel.

"Marakith *gives him a small nod* It's been a while since we last spoke, I hope your days have been Well." *walks over to the two new people, I extend my hand to give Garulf and "Storm" the firm wrist-handshake* "Garulf, I believe and excuse me miss but I didn't quite catch your name?"

*Stretches out her hand* "Kallan..."

Ellothiel walks through the streets, watching the people celebrate, feeling slightly out of place here.

"Thank you, my name is Argentis, now Marakith what business do we have here?"

(Yup Lorian)
Uhh, do I just write back?
If so I'll agree, and tell her I will go take a look, and assure that they know I am not on an official mission.

Hmm, who's open and wants to come with me,.

So noted, Palidan! Easily done. Did you want to do anything in particular?

-

"Garulf here has orders for me," says Marakith. "I am to return home. The situation caused my the destruction of Amon Los has led the Chiefitan to want to hear a personal report on the situation. My counterpart in Gondor is also being recalled, ironically to report on the improvements in their land. I shall eturn, but I may be many months."

"The Chiefitan," says Garulf, "has asked that you, Argentis, represent our people in Marakith's absence."

-

That's probably a no, then, Vardalain!

"Well," says Arvedui, "now is the time to make our move. Preparations are being made for our new strategy, during the Tournament itself. The final plan absolutely must not fall into the hands of the enemy. I am starting an official... but very quiet... investigation into identifying the traitor. As I told you before, I want you to head it."

-

Anywhere or anyone or anything in particular either Darvan or Ellothiel wanted to do?

Ask around about the Curse maybe, Oh and find out where the hell that is....

"i am honoured by this task and will do everything in my power to fulfill it"

"I'm very honoured and ofcourse I will except I just hope I can do it as good as Marakith did it."

"You aren't what the people here call an 'Ambassador', Argentis," says Garulf. "It is not intended for you to replace Marakith. It is simply that you are the most visible representative of our people here, and what you say and do reflects on us all. Whatever the situation, our people desire good relations with what remains of Arnor; remember that.

"Kallan here is a Shieldmaiden from my escort. She will remain here, to aid our cause in whatever way she can."

-

You know, odd thing, Palidan... this is exactly the sort of thing that Arvedui said you would be doing... hmmm...

Anyway, it doesn't take you long to find out that the burial mounds of the Cardolani nobility, just next to the Old Forest, and to the south of Bree, have been rendered out of bounds by royal proclamation. A member of the royal household (what in modern times would be called a Civil Servant) says you should talk to your Elfy friend from Rivendell about it- he was there at the time.

-

Ahh, I kinda needed Rusky to introduce the new characters... ah well. Darvan, why don't you team up with Palidan to go backstory exploring? And I'll try and think of how to get Storm and Lana into that as well.

"I will not fail my people."

elfy friend from rivendell???

errr..me

Ah, okay.

Darvan seeks out Palidan and asks him,
"Do we have any intentions during our stay here?"

Basically he'll help him!

Ohh, I didn't know you were from rivendell Dexx...
My bad..

Fine we shall confer, and you will tell me everything I need to know about burial ground curses...

Seems Vardalain is not very chatty in that department right now! Any other ideas, Palidan?

-

Ok, Vardalain, here is the deal. Arvedui is assigning you to find the Traitor, before he can give away the new strategy, that is being worked out during the time of the Tournament.

Here is the catch- obviously, no-one can know you are looking for a traitor, or that buggers the whole thing. In which case, you are entirely dpeendant on your charm and courtesy to get answers or info out of anyone.

Uh-oh...

Maybe you want to round up some of your trusted friends? That's any of the Part 1 players who return, and we'll deal with the Part 2 players on a case by case basis.

Argentis can probably be relied upon, but there are some questions over his delicacy...

True, he might have changed

He's certainly welcome to give it a go.

Can I still join the tournament (I got the idea that is part of the game) if I help out the others

Everyone gets to do the Tournament!

Vardalain, Possibly an I help you, you help me thingy?
I help with your investigation, you help me with mine?

Then sure if vardalain asks I'll accept

Ah, well, I am hoping you will be hooking up with the new players (even if just Storm and Lana), Palidan, so you'd have to stay out the investigation for now.

O,
well then...
Hmm, I still could use info about the graveyard thingy, but Vardalain doesn;t wanna spill

You could look up some details about the Burial Mounds- this game is a lot about setting, and the historical resources at Fornost are many and detailed!

Um, Darvan wants to participate too!

tpt..i would spill what i know..i just don't remember much
And yeah, i'd like argentis to help..also....do we have any characters from the first game? only if rex returns.
and i have to do my character these days, if i'm to fight in the torunament.

ok didn't know dexx....

Fine I geuss I do research

not necessarily..the character controller doesn't need to remember EVERYTHING ......but i can have vardalain tell you what was with the graves......which is where the game master comes in and fill you in on my behalf

Vardalain's busy anyway! He has to get into sleuth mode. And also come together with a plan!

Darvan- help Palidan all you like!

first of all...i need to talk with all the council members....also, can you pinpoint where that important characterp refference you once had is. maybe i can figure some of the personalities.....
i was thinking of some casual talks with them....but i'm not sure i can approach them all...they don't exactly know me.....

Um, I meant he wants to particpate in the Tourney.
Until then, he will aid Palidan in research, doing whatever it is that needs to be done.

Well... that's not much good! I need details. And everyone is welcome to enter the Tourney!

Okidokey, Vardalain- I shall get you a fresh list of Council members soon. Indeed, some don't know you- but you are known in general as the obsevrer from Rivendell, so it's not as if you are some peasant to them. But great care must be taken.

Well, all I know is Palidan is looking for the graves of elves, or somesuch thing. Darvan will research legends/stories of such things in the area of the castle.

Is there a Magic tourny? Possibly requiring the use of a completed magic chart...
(Bug that Brother!!)

First I want the history of the grave thing.. just too see if anything fishy went on there.
Then maybe the nature of the curse...
(Don't really have much personal experience on where to start with Graveyard curses...)

sounds good ush

-still waiting for some action-

Ok, if people need to research I'll need details of what they want to know about what; nothing to do with Elf graves, Darvan.

There isn't any action, Argentis. What do you want to do?

Dunno I guess if there is nothing more for me to do with Marakith and Kallan I will go out and see the city again.

Fine, I'll do the graveyard curses Tpt asked for...

Or, if not, I'll give him a day to reply, then Darvan'll get bored and find someting else to do.

City is still there Argentis. Phew!

Ok, what do you want to look up about them, Darvan, and where?

Hehe, anything exciting to do? perferably somewhere to get some food

in Dwarven accent: Red Meat of the Bone!

Okidokey, looks like we have our basic player pick, in which case this Sunday (hopefully) i'll start the dreaded process of equipping that I have been wanting to avoid, and I'll get that list for Vardalain too.

And boy, there is food being sold EVERYWHERE, Argentis. Let it not be said that the Kingdom of the North does not understand capitalism on a day like this.

In fact, everyone looks happier than you might have imagined, Argentis. You guess being at Baranar dented your spirits somewhat, but even so, you expected there to be more consternation than this.

Elothiel, you actually have received an invite to attend to a room at the Palace in order to receive your due hospitality.

Um, Darvan will go and ask the librarian about them, I guess.

And specifically if any were used for elves. But only if he gets a lot of information. If he gets none, or very little, he just lokos through whatever he is given.

Ok, well, if you are referring to the Downs, you are told, then the story is this.

This is to do with the great battle of Amon Sul (Weathertop), the final battle of the Witch-King's first invasion of Arnor, several centuries ago. This had taken a long time, and, through a variety of events, Rhudaur had been eaten away from the inside and taken over by Dunlendings. Cardolan was under invasion- this was back when Cardolan was a strong Kingdom like Arthedan.

Amon Sul was a natural fortress in a commanding position, and was also a home to one of the Palantirs. Each of the three human kingdoms of the North- the remnants of the Rhudaur, and the grand armies of Cardolan and Arthedain, drew up to fight the threat.

Ostensibly, anyway. In fact, the Arthedain army arrived early, stole the palantir, and buggered off before the fighting started. The Arthedanians say the battle was a lost cause and keeping the Palantir safe was the most important thing, but others never forgave them. The battle was lost and Amon Sul destroyed.

After the war, the remaining Cardolani nobility went and hid in the Downs to the west by the old forest- there, they buried their dead.

Now, in the end, the Elves intervened before Cardolan was totally wiped out. However, it never really recovered, and eventually the Great Plague killed the last of the true Dunadan nobility in Cardolan.

However, between the end of the battle at Weathertop and their final death by plague, by tradition the Cardolani buried all their noble dead in those Mounds.

Recently, however, it seems all transit to the Burial Mounds has been forbidden.

Hmm these people are acting happy for some reason I don't comprehend don't they know they lost one of their greatest defence capablities in these last few months????
"Aah well no worries about that for now"

I start looking for a food stand or something where I can buy a big piece of meat on a bone

Who banned it?

And are there any rumous of elves being buried with the nobility?

None- nothing to do with Elves.

It's banned on order of the King.


Well, you found one, Argentis!

woow

"Well hello there my good man -assuming it's a guy- can I buy one those pieces of meat?"

Hmm...
OK,
The king has ordered that there be no transportation to toe buiral mounds. I say we go ask him.

Well, only if he knows you. Darvan will accompany you - but if he thinks he's the only person working, he'll give it up

The King is a tiny tad busy with a. the celebrations and tournament and b. the Traitor plotline (and also with being a King!), so you may have to make enquiries at a lower down level instead.

-

Good meat at a good price, Argentis. Not a sign of a collapsing Kingdom.

EQUIPMENT

Ok, here we go on this.

This was such a pain last time that I am not bothering with the full version this time- instead, I am using a massively cut-down version.

First of all, it is assumed that everyone has enough resources for the following:

Appropriate clothes
Food and other supplies to last a journey.
The means of making fire
The means of making camp
Any non-metallic armour, and a shield if you want it.

And then...

Any one basic (i.e. non-superior) weapon
And in any one scenario, if you have a weapon that needs them, sixty arrows and/or bolts, with a quiver that holds 20, or enough throwing weapons for 10 throws.

---

For better and more expensive equipment, you must save. For every background point you put into a money option, you get 20 gp. For every previous story you completed, you get another 20 gp.

Fornost is a sophisticated city with the great crafts of the Dunadan available, so you can buy lots here.

WEAPONS- Weapons with bonuses are of exceptional craftmanship

Battle Axe: 1.5 gp
+5: 13 gp
+10: 65 gp

Broadsword: 1 gp
+5: 10 gp
+10: 50 gp

Composite Bow: 1.5 gp
+5: 17 gp
+10: 85 gp

Crossbow: 2.5 gp
+5: 25 gp
+10: 125 gp

Dagger: .5 gp
+5 dagger: 3 gp
+10 dagger: 15 gp

Handaxe: as Broadsword

Longbow: 1 gp
+5: 10 gp
+10: 50 gp

Mace: As Broadsword

Lance: As Broadsword

Shortbow: As Broadsword

Shortsword: .5gp
+5: 3.5 gp
+10: 18 gp

Spear: As Broadsword

Two-handed sword: 2gp
+5: 20 gp
+10: 100 gp


ARMOUR- bonuses refer to well-designed armour that reduces the Manoeuvre encumbrance- it does not make them more protective! (THat's very rare)

Metallic greaves for arms and legs: 1 gp

Metal helmet: 1 gp

+5 soft leather: 3 gp
+10 soft leather: 15 gp

+5 rigid leather: 10 gp
+10 rigid leather: 50 gp

Chain: 4 gp
+5 Chain: 40 gp
+10 Chain: 200 gp

Plate: 5 gp
+5 plate: 50 gp
+10 plate: 250 gp


ANIMALS

Beast of burden (to carry equipment): 4 gp

Light Horse: 5 gp
Medium Horse: 6 gp
Heavy Horse: 8 gp

Lesser Warhorse: 20 gp
Greater Warhorse: 75gp

---

There we go!

we get 20 gp per background point (ain't that double the amount we used to?)

Yup- same as buting an background item gets you a +10 rather than a plus 5 now.

okie but this means I have a full 20 gp extra from my background, cause my horse was bloody expensive (first time around)

Spare money is very useful!

okie I have 60 gp and I buy the following:

-Lesser WarHorse: 20gp
-Chain Armour: 4gp
-Metal Helmet: 1gp (not necessairy wearing it all the time but handy to have one, should another major fight come up)
-Lance+5: 10gp
-Longsword (If that is still around -I'll assume a broadsword is the same)+5: 10gp
-Normal Bow (Free of charge, With 60 arrows also Free)
-Shield (Free of charge)
-All the other free stuff

Leaving me with 15gp left MUHAHA

BTW: I assume that penalties on leg/arm armour and helmets still apply?

Yup.

that normal bow is a shortbow

I have 20 gp...
So i do believe I'l get a medium horse for 6 gp
Leaving me with 14 gp...

Well, looks like this is certainly saving time!

hmm...i have to finish my character before i know how many GPs i have, right?

Err, I guess... can't you just do your background points now? You only get two!

idd and you atleast have 20gp

(Wow, where have I been for nearly a month?!)

(I'll get Talin off his ass when I return from Hawaii...)

Originally posted by Ushgarak
Okidokey, looks like we have our basic player pick, in which case this Sunday (hopefully) i'll start the dreaded process of equipping that I have been wanting to avoid, and I'll get that list for Vardalain too.

And boy, there is food being sold EVERYWHERE, Argentis. Let it not be said that the Kingdom of the North does not understand capitalism on a day like this.

In fact, everyone looks happier than you might have imagined, Argentis. You guess being at Baranar dented your spirits somewhat, but even so, you expected there to be more consternation than this.

Elothiel, you actually have received an invite to attend to a room at the Palace in order to receive your due hospitality.

Okay...Ellothiel will go to the Palace, then.

I'll do equipment in a little bit (prolly later tonight, once I get a chance to look at it).

Must remember to check this thread more often.....

Free Stuff

Camp Things and Clothing
Soft Leather + Shield
Composite Bow (60 arrows + quiver)

Then, Darvan's sword from his background (+10 I believe)

Other Stuff

Can we get throwing knives?

Now, to choose a horse and I'm done.
Medium Horse - 6gp.

Oh, do metal greaves for arms and legs affect manouvere?

14 left.

Throwing Knives no problem.

Arm Greaves gives you -5 to all weapon skills and leg greaves -5 to all manoeuvre scores. Everyone hates them until someone loses an arm.

I'll take leg greaves and arm greaves (they cancel out the benefit from the +5 weapons but so be it)

Now Argentis looks mighty FINE

Hmmm, I'm thinking of arm greaves, but I'm not sure... Don't want Darvan's arm to break again.

break is nothing, lose is far more serious

I know, but it just alerted me to the vulnerability of his arms.

Okay, here's my equipment so far...I may change it a bit though.

Shield (free)
Composite bow and 60 arrows (free)
Short sword +5 - 3.5gp
Soft leather armor +5 - 3gp
Light horse - 5gp
And all the other free resources (food, clothes, camp-making stuff, etc.)

8.5gp left.

If anyone has anything to suggest, I'd appreciate it

All looks good! Were there any other direct plans, before I push on?

I'm still debating the greaves.
I'll take some arm greaves, and the legs ones in Darvan's pack.

Oh, and I'd like to get +5 Soft Leather.

So that puts me down to 10gp, I think.

Oh, not that I am saying anyone has doine thus- not even checked- but no matter how well-made your armour is, it can't actually make you manoeuvre better than your No Armour manoeuvre rating.

I know, but if I get +5 Leather, it cancels out the greaves, yes?

Yes. Or they cancel the leather. However you want to see it.

I'll consult with Storm for her equipment toonight

Free Stuff

Camp Things and Clothing
Soft Leather + Shield
Composite Bow (60 arrows + quiver)

Then, Darvan's sword from his background (+10 I believe)

Other Stuff

Medium Horse - 6gp
Soft Leather + 5 - 4gp
Throwing Knives x ? +5(?) - ?gp
Dagger +5 - 3gp
Leg and Arm Greaves - 1gp
6gp left.

Can I get +5 throwing knives?

They would be prohibitively expensive, as you would need to buy each one.

Ah well, scrap that then!

Right then!

Vardalain, the King wants you to come with him to talk to Lord Gorlim- he'll be your official link with the court on the investigation, though Arvedui doesn't want him too directly involved as it might scare the traitor away.

Ellothiel, you are being shown into a comfortable room in the palace, along with other new visitors to the Kingdom, where you are led to understand a Prince of the Realm will address you! Oooh.

Darvan and Paldian, the official answer you get at first as to why no-one can go to the Burial mounds is because they are in Cardolan, and it is too dangerous in there.

Hmm. You're not sure about that. It is true that the only safe parts of Cardolan are far to the south, and the Burial mounds are in its north-west corner. Yet it is the east of Cardolan that is truly unsafe. The mounds are so much to the north-west that they border a. the Shire and b. Bree, the small town on the Arthedain/Cardolan border.

Heck, for that matter, Baranar is very close to the Mounds! If ever an area of Northern Cardolan is safe, its that area. Indeed, since Arthedain garrisoned Baranar that whole ares is reatlively secure.

(Bet you it's Gorlim )

Do we know who'd be there to stop us?

You're not sure if anyone would. It's a relatively large area to try and patrol.

I'll be hanging about for the moment I think

Would it be possible to visit the downs?

So we need to find out about curses placed on the downs by the Witch-King.

Darvan asks whoever gave them that information,
"Well, as I'm sure is obvious, we can handle ourselves. So we shall travel out there to see. Unless there is some valid objection to that."

Well, you are free travellers and are at liberty to go where you wish! But you are told that in as much the same way it would be pretty stupid to risk going to Rhudaur or Angmar, it's not a great idea to go to the Downs either.

It would be possible, yes.

Well, I'm relying somewhat on Palidan - I don't know what he wants really, and neither does he - but I'm not sure how to go about finding graveyard curses lore. Is the library available?

Oh, we already tried that.

Yes- some more specific ideas of what you want to look up would be nice.

yep....vardalain follows the king

Hmm
You said I couls ask you what my Character thinks of this...
I'm gonna do it.

Actually, what you think is roughly what I posted above. You don't think the King would have bothered with a specific proclomation to keep people out the Downs when, relatively, it is a safe area.

You might need to speak to someone important about this.

-

You meet Gorlim in a small stateroom in the Palance, Vardalain. He smiles, amiably, as ever.

"Ah, the esteemed Vardalain" Perhaps the perception of an Elf will help us with this little conondrum, yes? Maybe even find us another answer."

"Lord Gorlim doesn't believe my idea," explains Arvedui.

"Your Majesty, I have no doubt of the wisdom of your perceptions. I simply cannot bring myself to believe the totality of it. I think there must be some arcane explanation. We live in dark times, after all."

uhh someone important, like the King?

... who is very busy. You don't have a direct route to the King, you know! How many people get to see the President of the US?

"i find it difficult to believe that something that has a possibility of being explained as easily as the existance of a traitor, does not, in fovour of arcane explanations, lord Gorlim" says vardalain

"What could a traitor on the Council possibly have to gain?" asks Gorlim."There's no sense behind it."

"the witch king has great skill in decieving someone involving tales of great power for whoever helps his cause"

"The Council HAS great power," says Gorlim. "What more could any of them wish?"

"MORE power, for one. or perhaps they see the end coming...and that the world of man kingdoms can no longer oppose the witch king, case in which they'd rather be with the winning side..who knows..i only wish we'll find out."

"The Witch King wiped out the Dunadan in Rhudaur after the Dunlendings conquered it," says Gorlim. "I can't see anyone expecting any different now."

"All that as may be," says Arvedui, "the facts speak for themselves; information that was only ever discussed in Council has been used now in three seperate attacks; the attack on my daughter, Mallachiel, last year, the attack on the Fortress of Baranar, and the destruction of Amon Los. Whatveer the mysteriousness of motive, I would now require active proof that there is NOT a traitor before I look for other reasons. So either way, the matter bears investigation."

"indeed you highness, i was witness to all three of the events." says Vardalain "investigation for uncovering a traitor is the advisable thing to do.

Lord Gorlim then? Or Baranar, one of the two.

You weren't a witness to Amon Los, Vardalain! You were at Baranar at the time.

Baranar doesn't live here, Darvan; he lives far to the south. You can try and get an appointment with Gorlim if you wish; there are several important people you can try.

oh yes...confused that.

"In any case," sayd Arvedui, "Gorlim can provide you with some advice on the list of suspects on the Council. In case you are wondering, Gorlim himself is exempt because he couldn't have done it- he journeyed to Baranar with you people and had no knowledge of the issues that led to the destruction of Amon Los; nor would he have tried to ambush himself if he is a traitor. By the same token we can rule out Farael- as the leader of Mallachiel's escort who nearly died saving her, it is unlikely he would have organised the attack on her, and furthermore he would not have been in a position, again, to betray her position because he was busy being with her; the traitor would have to be at court. And, once more, he was leading an army to Baranar at the point of the issues that led to Amon Los being betrayed."

"Indeed," says Gorlim. "Unless it's both of us, ha ha!"

The King looks at him oddly.

"Well... I just meant... if it was both of us, we could always organise it that one of us had an alibi for everything and then it would never look like one of us was the common link... but it's not both of us. Of course. Ha... ha?"

vardalains smiles at his humorous remark, but retains a skeptical attitude at both gorlim and farael. they just have the smallest chances of being the traitors for the moment. also his knowledge on the GAME MASTER obliges him to keep his options open and not fall into any decieving tactics

(weird ass ppl)

Well, logic is logic, Vardalain. If you are discounting the Arcane you have to discount the impossible as well.

Anyway, is there any info you want at this point?

nope..only about gorlim's list of suspects

Gorlim doesn't suspect anyone. But the list is the Council Members, as give at the top of the page.

hurry up Dexx, so I can start doing something constructive

Originally posted by Ushgarak
"Gorlim can provide you with some advice on the list of suspects on the Council.

advice on the list then

fire..i'm not holding you back

Well, he really wants to answer specific questions.

Well it just seems that I have nothing to do, since Palidan wants to go investigate the downs (don't feel like going back there) and you are wiv the king (atleast sort of) so I'm kinda stuck in the middle until you are done

hmm Who should we talk to...

Ok, well, this game is never a super-quick pressure game so please feel free to put together a coherent plan. Next week- Tournament details!

Originally posted by Tptmanno1
hmm Who should we talk to...

I'm not sure. Wish the mission was a little more specific!

Ellothiel's just waiting with the others......

You do not necessarily get specific missions in this game. This part is an exercise in free movement. Find things to do.

Lana want to have an in-game talk?

I'm currently waiting in a room in the palace, I don't think that would work since we're not near each other, otherwise I'd say yeah.

Darvan's bored of Palidan's mission.
"Come find me if you need anything," he tells the elf, then leaves to descend into the city, hoping to find a game of some sort to play.

Barrelball, darts, cards, all that sort of thing. If he spots Fire's dwarf, he invites him down.

(euhm I'm not a dwarf , I'm an eotheod)

"hey there Darvan how's it going?"

"Going to find something to do. All this dancing around in the palace has got on my nerves. Want to find some inn with a chance at a gamble or two. Coming?"

Sorry... Well, I just want somebody who'd be up for a brawl if we get in one.

"Yea a good pint and a good wager are my kinda thing!"