USH'S LOTR RP Game part 2- The Fortress of Baranar

"That is well," says Baronar. "Around here people are learning the meaning of slavery."

"I am Anglomir, a warrior of Gondor," Anglomir says to Lord Baronar. He too looks troubled by Baronar's words. "How is that so?"

"That is a meaning no creature should have to learn"

"Not something any being ever learns by choice of course," says Baronar. "Anglomir... a Gondorian? This IS a wide party. Since when did Gondor take an interest in Northern affairs?

"As for your question., those refugees that did not flee into Arthedain fled into my lands. They bring terrible stories of the East of Cardolan."

"They have not taken interest, quite frankly. It must be said that I was simply to defend a Dunadan noble on his journey to Arthedain from Gondor. Since that Lord has not come with us to your fortress, I have taken it upon myself to defend the Cardolani, for we witnessed hands on a terrible raid by Orcs."

"Orcs we see rarely," says Baronar, "but the Dunlendings grow more bold each day. Still, my men have kept them out thes elands for the last year. I fear too many of my men are now infirm for me to keep up that practice."

"Then I guess that it is a happy chance that we have arrived in your lands, Lord Baronar. I would be much obliged to help you defend your fortress if need be."

Baronar smiles.

"Luckily there is little need of that," says Baronar, "for even with your help I could not defend this place. But I have been careful to let no-one know. The enemy has no idea we have been infected- no news of it has left this place. If he ever realises, by the time he does and could form an army to get here, it will, with fortune, have passed. And surely the arrival of a Healer from Rivendell can only speed things!"

"Let's hope for the best then. We do have quite a large group of soldiers with us anyway, as you can see..." William says, gesturing to the Arnorian soldiers behind him. "Also, you think seeing a Dwarf and Elves is strange? What about a Hobbit?"

He blinks.

"A Hobbit?" he says. "Hobbits leave their Shire?"

"I was one of two, but one went back to the Shire. I'm William Took. I went to Arthedain to confirm a trade route protection between the Shire and Talin's Dwarf colony." He offers his hand.

He tajes it, looking a little embarrassed as he has to stoop. "I have never met a Hobbit before..." he says.

"But where are my manners? We cannot stand out here all day. Come to the Great Hall, where it is warmer and the atmosphere is less... distressing..."

He leads you through large nearby doors to the Great HAll.

This is, basically, an enormous stone chamber with arches. it is very functional. This place does not have a ounce of Fornost's beauty and architecture- it is built for one purpose only; to hold out!

"Hmm a solid Keep, Good point"

(Actually, William, you have never met anyone other than Arvedui (and you always assumed he was adopting Kingly Grace) call you a Hobbit rather than a Halfling at first meeting before...)

"I sure hope the elf can cure your men, for we will need them before this war is over, and if we should be attacked here now, we will have much trouble holding out"

Well, as Baronar points out, there isn't going to be an attack on this place in the near future- you are way out of the way of the fighting.

"When, if ever, the Witch-King begins a military advance I shall worry more," says Baronar.

"He'll find thatr near impossivle once Embylosse is finished," says Gorlim.

"How long until that northern fortress is complete?" asks Baronar.

"Mere months," says Gorlim. "Work is going well."

"Good news for everyone," says Baronar. "The Witch-King won't make a move until the winter, if the past is any judge."

"We will see the smart opponent is the one that takes it's enemy of guard. The General and Civilized rules of war should be broken from time to time cause they are wrong"

"You think he's planning a suprise attack?"

"I do not know what the Witch King might be planning, for it is not my gift to look in to the minds of beings. But it is something I would think about, certainly if I were like the Witchking, emotionless about the lives of my men"

"The Witch-King is limited by the nature of his army," says Baronar. "He can attack in the summer if he wishes but it would be to his disadvantage. His forces operate better during the NIGHT."

"We'd know if he was to make an assault on Arthedain," says Gorlim. "You cannot prepare an invasion without an obvious sign of deployment and we have his lines under observation."

"It;s a long war," says Baronar. "Artherdain has been watching a long time. So did Cardolan, once, Maybe one day it will again."