Elendor
Dwarves Talk About Killing When Not Killing
Gimli and Ranol discuss the dangers of Mirkwood and what might be done about it.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Iach Celduin
Description:
Iach Celduin
Iach Celduin is an old trading town built on the border of Mirkwood, where the Old Forest Road emerges and meets the Running River come down from the Long Lake to the northeast.
The town is on the east side of the river, in a bend as it turns to flow to the southeast, built next to a wide bridge heavy enough for large burdened wagons to safely cross. The town is fairly large, with several livery stables, stores and inns to help support the increase in traffic across the road since the death of Smaug and re-population of Erebor years before. The town also has a large contigent of soldiers from the Dale-Lands, to help guard against the predidations of orcs and other fell beasts from the woods.
Several docks stick out into the river, and barges laden with logs felled in the forest make regular runs up-river to the sawmills powered by the water fall at the base of the distant Long Lake.
It's late in the evening and most dwarves are still in the town, drinking in bars or sleeping in an inn. Ranol didn't feel like spending money on a bed for the night and opted to stay with the camp and relax in the quieter setting. He has a piece of wood that he's slowly carving with a thin knife while he sits against a pile of gear near a small fire.
[Gimli(#30149)] A group of dwarves comes from the shadows, attired in gear of war. At the fore strides Gimli, his bright helm glinting coldly with the moonlight. As they near the small fire by which the Huskarl sits, most of the troop goes straight towards the camp, while the Champion starys towards Ranol. "A good eve, Huskarl", he calls, as he nears.
Ranol notices the dwarves approaching and sets the wood aside, standing as the Narag approaches. He bows, "To you as well, Lord Gimli." The huskarl glances over to watch the rest of the group move away before returning his attention to the champion. "How does your evening fare?" He asks, politely.
[Gimli(#30149)] "It goes well... we were patrolling the area, but naught moves near Iach Celduin", Gimli replies, as he takes a seat beside the fire and motions for Ranol to sit also. "The bardings also patrol these lands, and their watch is close, as we're still near the border of the lands of the Men of the South", he adds. "How about yourself, Huskarl?"
"Always good to hear that things are quiet." Ranol comments as he sits again, idly brushing some of the wood shavings from his beard. "It's a shame that the same can't be said of the road through Mirkwood." He considers at the talk of the Barding patrols. "My evening is going well enough. I haven't been troubled with anything and none of the wagons are on fire. Though, with most off drinking in the taverns, I wonder what the morning may bring." He's grinning as he speaks, obviously not taking his own foretelling too seriously.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Headaches and raw throats, probably", the Narag replies, but he is also smiliing, clearly taking all this in jest. "And ayre... I also wish that the road of Mirkwood was as peaceful as this one. perhaps... I was thinking of asking the King for leave to try to scout the area, and see if the timing is right to dislodge the orcs from their dark fortress in the wood", he adds.
"Do you think the timing would ever get better, as opposed to worse? The longer they remain unharried in the forest, the more they grow in numbers and strength, aye?" Ranol's expression darkens, "And that one known as Grishnakh still lives." The huskarl has a score to settle with that orc.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Aye, he does live... and we shall see if the road is still held by them", Gimli replies. "I hope that Thanduil's folk have done something about them, or that the brave Beornings have found a way to open the Old Forest Road again", he adds, although there's doubt in his eyes.
"The Beornings did not seem overly concerned beyond their own borders, at least among the ones that I spoke with. Though, Mobeorn did accompany us with a few others through the forest. Hopefully they have done something." Ranol's gaze grows wary, "That dark rider.. what do you think can be done with the likes of something as foul as that?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I know not", Gimli replies, "but Mobeorn, I think, does see things in the right light. The Beornings fear attack from East and West, and have no access to supplies and help, for the orcs hold the Mountains and the Old Forest Road. If they, or us, do not find a way to open the road, they will be annihiliated by the dark hordes cast at them, no matter how valiantly they fight".
"Perhaps the men of Dale may assist as well? If there was a joined effort from everyone it would improve trade for all involved, and seem less one-sided from any given party." Ranol too often has idealistic ways of looking at situations. "Everyone speaks of the evil growing stronger.. perhaps it is time we all do something about it."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Aye, that is what I think also", Gimli says, nodding vehemently. "Yet, even if the Men of Dale come in our aid... we need to know how the Elvenking and his people stand. An effort without them might prove disastrous, as was our lst campaign against Sarn Goriwing".
"Could an envoy be sent to meet with the elves? Though, I suppose it might need to be younger dwarves that do not bear the animosity of past transgressions by Thranduil against our people.. " Ranol ventures to suggest.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Perhaps... yet, I deem the King might want this to be otherwise... we shall see", Gimli replies, and he then sighs. "I've never understood the Elvenking and his people. Can't they see that the dark fortress is a thron at their side? Clearly, it's a danger for them as it is for us... even more so", he adds, shaking his head a little.
"We do not have the numbers to tackle the threat on our own, aye?" Maybe Ranol isn't the greatest of history scholars, but then, he did originally intend to go into woodcarving, not professional soldiering. "How many would it take?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "Many more than we have, as you so truly said", Gimli replies, his dark eyes on the fire. "That is why we need the barding, and the beornings... and yes, even troops from the Elvenking, if he decides to aid us this time". The Champion picks up a small branch, and casts it in the fire, watching as it withers. "The orcs are too deeply entrenched... and we know not how many of them there are".
Ranol takes a slow breath, considering the dark tidings. "Soon they may start venturing forth, and it will be the humans that suffer first. They have the weakest defense. As you say, the Beornings would be crushed. They number too few." He watches the fire as well, "Having the road safely open would greatly improve trade. Do you think the king would oppose the idea?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I think he will actually embrace it", Gimli replies, his eyes going from the crackling fire to Ranol. "And yes, the orcs will probably attack the beornings first, so that no enemy remains on their back, and then turn to the bardings, Thranduil's folk, and us... it's a matter of time until we fall for fall we will, if we don't unite to stem the dark tide that is rising".
"If we could move a large group to Beorning, and had a large group near Erebor, we could assault from both sides, divide their forces and then retreat back on either side if it grew too dangerous." Ranol says, thinking aloud. "Even if Thranduil doesn't immediately agree, he might change his mind when he sees the effort begin."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Perhaps", is all that Gimli says, as he stomps his feet to get them warm. "We shall see if all this happens... but first we must talk to Dain when we reach Erebor. I must confess", he adds, looking again at Ranol, "that one my reasons for coming on this trip was to check how things stood on the southern borders of the Bardings. With no threat coming from the South, I guess they can concentrate on the West, on the dark wood".
Ranol chuckles, looking at Gimli curiously. "I would not have thought to check on such a thing, but it seems very wise now that you tell me." The huskarl has much to learn in the way of war. "Though, Lord Gimli.. I do wonder why you bring such a conversation to me? I am not a thane or a warden, even."
[Gimli(#30149)] "You are a Huskarl of Bundaznaul, and close to Thane Braldor, if I am not mistaken", the Champion replies. "And if this proposal was backed by the major clans of Erebor, then I think the King himself might get his hands into this, and try to get an alliance done", he adds.
"Ah.. I see." Ranol says with slow nod of understanding. "I suspect that Lord Braldor would support anything that serves to increase good trade and profit." He adds after a moment of thought. "What about the Iron Hills? Can we get further support from our cousins to the east?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I think the King wil se to that", Gimli says, nodding, "for none of Durin's Folk will deny Durin's Heir... at least, none that wouold last long enough", he adds with a chuckle. "So... will you take this to your Thane, and ask for his support?"
"Aye, Lord Gimli. I will speak to him of it when next I see him." The huskarl agrees in a solemn tone. "Too many of our kin have been hurt upon that road."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Good", Gimli replies, getting up. "Well, a good eve to you, Huskarl. I must go make sure the narag are ready, for soon we will march back home. A good eve to you!", he says with a slight bow, and then he goes towards the tents of the camp that belong to the Baruk Narag.
Iach Celduin
Iach Celduin is an old trading town built on the border of Mirkwood, where the Old Forest Road emerges and meets the Running River come down from the Long Lake to the northeast.
The town is on the east side of the river, in a bend as it turns to flow to the southeast, built next to a wide bridge heavy enough for large burdened wagons to safely cross. The town is fairly large, with several livery stables, stores and inns to help support the increase in traffic across the road since the death of Smaug and re-population of Erebor years before. The town also has a large contigent of soldiers from the Dale-Lands, to help guard against the predidations of orcs and other fell beasts from the woods.
Several docks stick out into the river, and barges laden with logs felled in the forest make regular runs up-river to the sawmills powered by the water fall at the base of the distant Long Lake.
It's late in the evening and most dwarves are still in the town, drinking in bars or sleeping in an inn. Ranol didn't feel like spending money on a bed for the night and opted to stay with the camp and relax in the quieter setting. He has a piece of wood that he's slowly carving with a thin knife while he sits against a pile of gear near a small fire.
[Gimli(#30149)] A group of dwarves comes from the shadows, attired in gear of war. At the fore strides Gimli, his bright helm glinting coldly with the moonlight. As they near the small fire by which the Huskarl sits, most of the troop goes straight towards the camp, while the Champion starys towards Ranol. "A good eve, Huskarl", he calls, as he nears.
Ranol notices the dwarves approaching and sets the wood aside, standing as the Narag approaches. He bows, "To you as well, Lord Gimli." The huskarl glances over to watch the rest of the group move away before returning his attention to the champion. "How does your evening fare?" He asks, politely.
[Gimli(#30149)] "It goes well... we were patrolling the area, but naught moves near Iach Celduin", Gimli replies, as he takes a seat beside the fire and motions for Ranol to sit also. "The bardings also patrol these lands, and their watch is close, as we're still near the border of the lands of the Men of the South", he adds. "How about yourself, Huskarl?"
"Always good to hear that things are quiet." Ranol comments as he sits again, idly brushing some of the wood shavings from his beard. "It's a shame that the same can't be said of the road through Mirkwood." He considers at the talk of the Barding patrols. "My evening is going well enough. I haven't been troubled with anything and none of the wagons are on fire. Though, with most off drinking in the taverns, I wonder what the morning may bring." He's grinning as he speaks, obviously not taking his own foretelling too seriously.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Headaches and raw throats, probably", the Narag replies, but he is also smiliing, clearly taking all this in jest. "And ayre... I also wish that the road of Mirkwood was as peaceful as this one. perhaps... I was thinking of asking the King for leave to try to scout the area, and see if the timing is right to dislodge the orcs from their dark fortress in the wood", he adds.
"Do you think the timing would ever get better, as opposed to worse? The longer they remain unharried in the forest, the more they grow in numbers and strength, aye?" Ranol's expression darkens, "And that one known as Grishnakh still lives." The huskarl has a score to settle with that orc.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Aye, he does live... and we shall see if the road is still held by them", Gimli replies. "I hope that Thanduil's folk have done something about them, or that the brave Beornings have found a way to open the Old Forest Road again", he adds, although there's doubt in his eyes.
"The Beornings did not seem overly concerned beyond their own borders, at least among the ones that I spoke with. Though, Mobeorn did accompany us with a few others through the forest. Hopefully they have done something." Ranol's gaze grows wary, "That dark rider.. what do you think can be done with the likes of something as foul as that?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I know not", Gimli replies, "but Mobeorn, I think, does see things in the right light. The Beornings fear attack from East and West, and have no access to supplies and help, for the orcs hold the Mountains and the Old Forest Road. If they, or us, do not find a way to open the road, they will be annihiliated by the dark hordes cast at them, no matter how valiantly they fight".
"Perhaps the men of Dale may assist as well? If there was a joined effort from everyone it would improve trade for all involved, and seem less one-sided from any given party." Ranol too often has idealistic ways of looking at situations. "Everyone speaks of the evil growing stronger.. perhaps it is time we all do something about it."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Aye, that is what I think also", Gimli says, nodding vehemently. "Yet, even if the Men of Dale come in our aid... we need to know how the Elvenking and his people stand. An effort without them might prove disastrous, as was our lst campaign against Sarn Goriwing".
"Could an envoy be sent to meet with the elves? Though, I suppose it might need to be younger dwarves that do not bear the animosity of past transgressions by Thranduil against our people.. " Ranol ventures to suggest.
[Gimli(#30149)] "Perhaps... yet, I deem the King might want this to be otherwise... we shall see", Gimli replies, and he then sighs. "I've never understood the Elvenking and his people. Can't they see that the dark fortress is a thron at their side? Clearly, it's a danger for them as it is for us... even more so", he adds, shaking his head a little.
"We do not have the numbers to tackle the threat on our own, aye?" Maybe Ranol isn't the greatest of history scholars, but then, he did originally intend to go into woodcarving, not professional soldiering. "How many would it take?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "Many more than we have, as you so truly said", Gimli replies, his dark eyes on the fire. "That is why we need the barding, and the beornings... and yes, even troops from the Elvenking, if he decides to aid us this time". The Champion picks up a small branch, and casts it in the fire, watching as it withers. "The orcs are too deeply entrenched... and we know not how many of them there are".
Ranol takes a slow breath, considering the dark tidings. "Soon they may start venturing forth, and it will be the humans that suffer first. They have the weakest defense. As you say, the Beornings would be crushed. They number too few." He watches the fire as well, "Having the road safely open would greatly improve trade. Do you think the king would oppose the idea?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I think he will actually embrace it", Gimli replies, his eyes going from the crackling fire to Ranol. "And yes, the orcs will probably attack the beornings first, so that no enemy remains on their back, and then turn to the bardings, Thranduil's folk, and us... it's a matter of time until we fall for fall we will, if we don't unite to stem the dark tide that is rising".
"If we could move a large group to Beorning, and had a large group near Erebor, we could assault from both sides, divide their forces and then retreat back on either side if it grew too dangerous." Ranol says, thinking aloud. "Even if Thranduil doesn't immediately agree, he might change his mind when he sees the effort begin."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Perhaps", is all that Gimli says, as he stomps his feet to get them warm. "We shall see if all this happens... but first we must talk to Dain when we reach Erebor. I must confess", he adds, looking again at Ranol, "that one my reasons for coming on this trip was to check how things stood on the southern borders of the Bardings. With no threat coming from the South, I guess they can concentrate on the West, on the dark wood".
Ranol chuckles, looking at Gimli curiously. "I would not have thought to check on such a thing, but it seems very wise now that you tell me." The huskarl has much to learn in the way of war. "Though, Lord Gimli.. I do wonder why you bring such a conversation to me? I am not a thane or a warden, even."
[Gimli(#30149)] "You are a Huskarl of Bundaznaul, and close to Thane Braldor, if I am not mistaken", the Champion replies. "And if this proposal was backed by the major clans of Erebor, then I think the King himself might get his hands into this, and try to get an alliance done", he adds.
"Ah.. I see." Ranol says with slow nod of understanding. "I suspect that Lord Braldor would support anything that serves to increase good trade and profit." He adds after a moment of thought. "What about the Iron Hills? Can we get further support from our cousins to the east?"
[Gimli(#30149)] "I think the King wil se to that", Gimli says, nodding, "for none of Durin's Folk will deny Durin's Heir... at least, none that wouold last long enough", he adds with a chuckle. "So... will you take this to your Thane, and ask for his support?"
"Aye, Lord Gimli. I will speak to him of it when next I see him." The huskarl agrees in a solemn tone. "Too many of our kin have been hurt upon that road."
[Gimli(#30149)] "Good", Gimli replies, getting up. "Well, a good eve to you, Huskarl. I must go make sure the narag are ready, for soon we will march back home. A good eve to you!", he says with a slight bow, and then he goes towards the tents of the camp that belong to the Baruk Narag.
Players: Gimli, Ranol
Located in: Erebor
