Dale News - 2013-03
| Date | Location | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 05 | EDGE OF MIRKWOOD | A flaming finale |
| 06 | IACH CELDUIN | Better out than in.. |
| 06 | IACH CELDUIN | Anything but a song! |
| 07 | ESGAROTH | Market Values |
| 12 | BY THE LONG LAKE | Use the Reamer, Dorn |
| 12 | ESGAROTH | How Big Can You Get? |
| 12 | ESGAROTH | Taking Shelter in the Armor Shop |
| 14 | ESGAROTH | Private research? |
| 18 | ESGAROTH | Heroes in song! |
| 19 | DALE-LANDS | Recruitment Posters |
| 21 | ESGAROTH | King of the Hill |
| 21 | ESGAROTH | Not drowning but fishing |
| 23 | ESGAROTH | An Unexpected Encounter |
| 27 | ESGAROTH | Like father, like son |
| 30 | ESGAROTH | A question of loyalty |
| Post Title: | A flaming finale |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 05 March 2013 |
| In the dead of night, the orcish camp was rudely disturbed by a most untoward sight: a horse at full gallop dragging their War-Drummer SHAVYAK behind it, his foot still caught in the stirrup. The scout RUHKET was quick to take control of the horse and release her unhappy comrade, but the damage had been done, for following hot on Shavyak's heels were the Bardings (both cavalry and footsoldiers) and their Dwarven allies. The orcs leapt into action under Zonk the Foul's direction and battle was joined!
The cavalry split in attempt to encircle the orcish camp, but Isengard's wargs and their riders (long kept hidden) leapt forth to engage them with tooth and claw. Meanwhile a contingent on foot led by Dale-lands' Lieutenant HRODWYN pressed forward despite the hail of arrows loosed by the goblin scout VRUTHA and other archers. Yet within the trees lurked an unknown menace: the Mordain troll GROX stepped forth and roared a challenge into the night. None seemed overkeen to answer, but Dale-lander BREV chose to gamble his fleetness of foot against the beast's hulking strength: indeed, he managed to keep it distracted at only minor cost to himself until with the arrival of a contingent of Dwarves the creature lost interest and disappeared whence it had come. The Blue Mountains Dwarf NELETH was thwarted in his attempt to find and slay the orcish archer who had taunted him in a previous engagement, for not one but two of Rukhet's barbs sank deep into tough Khazad flesh. Hrodwyn, meanwhile, had engaged Shavyak in what became a battle of shields as much as swords. Then Zonk the foul unleashed his masterpiece - a fiery barrier in the shape of a flaming cross, lit by the arrows of Vrutha and his fellows. Confusion ensued, and in the end the bulk of the orcish forces were able to slip away. One of them (Rukhet), was last seen tracking ... a horse? Will her ambitions to become a rider succeed? Only time and RP will tell. | |
| Post Title: | Better out than in.. |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 06 March 2013 |
| The aftermath of a battle is always messy. Persistent rain damped down the smouldering fires on the marges of Mirkwood, while in Iach Celduin the hurts of war were tended in the healers' tents. Not least among the wounds were those of the dwarf NELETH, whose loud curses as two younger assistants tried to get his mail off drew the attention of that foreign sawbones BREV. A wiser man would have let Dwarf tend to Dwarf - but no, he had to interfere, extracting one of the embedded arrows in typically barbaric manner. I'm telling you, he's lucky he didn't receive a strangling for his handiwork! I saw Neleth's two Dwarven companions hanging on for dear life to stop the injured Ambassador landing a punch. I hope there's not a diplomatic incident a-brewing ...
HRODWYN, meanwhile, had been cleaned up in rather more gentle fashion by one of Esgaroth's apprentice healers. Almost, the Lieutenant escaped the sawbones' ministrations, but then he overheard the girl mentioning stitches and took over that job. At least he was quick ... what's it they say, no pain no gain? | |
| Post Title: | Anything but a song! |
| Author: | Bardur |
| Date posted: | 06 March 2013 |
| Another of those damp, dismal days was drawing to a close and BARDUR was sitting under a tarpaulin, bemoaning that it was impossible to tune his instrument in this weather, when BALDRUIN's wagon rolled in. The old Blue Mountains Dwarven ale-merchant didn't seem to know much about recent orcish encounters but did break out a couple of mugs of his famed ale in exchange for news. Bardur, perhaps emboldened by his first sips of the heady brew, chose to deliver this in verse. One verse and Baldruin had heard enough! Talk swiftly turned to other matters such as Baldruin's business prospects (after all, all those Men need to drink /something/, right?) His first mug downed, Bardur was seen wandering toward the bushes at the edge of camp looking decidedly fuddled. Must be good stuff, that ale! Wonder if I could wangle some? | |
| Post Title: | Market Values |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 07 March 2013 |
| These are troubled times we live in. We all knew there was some brouhaha down south, but did you know that a roving band of goblins made it most of the way to Laketown and burned down a farm? The garrison at Thrush Hill made short work of them, but what if there are more? We might all be murdered in our beds! No wonder folk are going round town with faces like a wet weekend.
It's led to a gap in the market where fresh foodstuffs are concerned, what with farmers decamping into town and being too scared to go back to their fields. Long-term effects too, I shouldn't wonder. Lord CAURE Arathmor certainly seemed to think so, he was in the Market Square the other day questioning all the produce sellers and making notes on a bit of parchment. Young LOUSE was hanging around pretending to keep an eye on things - you know those Greenshirts! - and she challenged him about it, heard him say something about 'selling trends'. Then Lady ISOBEL Taurdain arrived on the scene (looking somewhat worried, I must say) and Caure turned his attention to her instead. He was wanting something from the archives, I heard ... something old, from what I could make out, but he was leery of saying more. Caure gave Louse a silver before he left. Yes, you heard right, an Arathmor giving away coin! Isobel looked truly shocked - or perhaps that was due to the nature of Caure's request to her. Don't know exactly what he was after, but he definitely said something about 'closed doors'. Sounds fishy to me! Something else fishy was the fact that Louse handed that silver coin straight to Isobel. Just what sort of hold does the Lady of Taurdain have on the girl? Maybe it's time someone found out. | |
| Post Title: | Use the Reamer, Dorn |
| Author: | Dorn |
| Date posted: | 12 March 2013 |
| On our way back to Laketown, I saw the odd fellow BREV - he's not from around here, is he? What with how he speaks and how he wields those silly tiny butterknives - trying to shave by the lake in the cover of the soon arriving night. But he was hurt, stabbed in the back or something, and so the dwarven Warder Scout DORN asked him if he would like him to watch his back while he's doing that painful-looking ritual. I thought it was kind of nice of him to offer, seeing as dwarves don't really know the meaning of 'shaving' themselves. Maybe he does and that's why the two got along so well? There was talk of the dwarven ambassador - not sure who that is -, the daggers and working the wood. Another thing dwarves are not very known for! Well, the man told Dorn to use something called the reamer and that some time he'd show the dwarf what he meant by it. I didn't catch what the Warder was trying to carve but it couldn't have been pretty. A wooden shaving knife, perhaps?! Ha ha ha. Geddit? Hahahaha. Oh, nevermind, you're hopeless! | |
| Post Title: | How Big Can You Get? |
| Author: | Riordan |
| Date posted: | 12 March 2013 |
| The residents and servants of the Girion Place report an odd occurrence among their ranks - a completely peaceful and happy pregnant woman! While we investigated the rumours, we interro--- conversed with one of the maids who said that even though Missus AILITH(Cer) has been working in the Infirmary at the Underdecks a lot, even she can't keep up with that place what with being so far along and all. Even her husband, ALGER, said so and told her in no uncertain terms that her days there were numbered if not over for the time being. Brave words for someone who has to sleep next to that woman... *shudder* Anyway, we continued our enquiries with the chef who told us that ever the dutiful husband Alger had fetched her a nice platter of meat and cheese in the middle of the night! They reportedly sat at the visitor area, chatting. About the fighting in the south, Alger's time off the army - see, even the King wouldn't dare keep him from the healer! - and finding someone to step up and tend to the Infirmary until the carpenter Brev would return and see to it again. It better be soon or the Girion lady's going to have her child right there! Well, it would be fitting, I suppose. And she wouldn't mind...
In other news, the one-legged fisherman Jaibir does not have the plague! Phew! He does have a bad case of itching red rash but that could have come from any of the ladies at the Fishtale. | |
| Post Title: | Taking Shelter in the Armor Shop |
| Author: | Hrodwyn |
| Date posted: | 12 March 2013 |
| Sometimes, it is surprising how events turn out.
During a nasty thunderstorm, the dwarf BARDUR and the Dale-Landers RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL), ISOBEL, and HRODWYN all found themselves taking shelter inside the Esgaroth's Armour Shoppe. Hrodwyn, who after carrying out some business in the shop, was unable to leave due to the storm began the interactions among this motley crew by telling Riolan to stop playing with his sword's scabbard, informing the browsing Bardur that Dale armor was liable to be inferior to dwarven armor, and telling the inquiring Isobel that the armor Master Halgan was out with illness that day. Perhaps her mood was influenced by the fact that the Lieutenant of the King's Men was wearing a forest green dress rather than military attire? Despite this inauspicious start, things took a turn for the better. Riolan and Bardur began to discuss dwarven-made arms as gift for Riolan's father while Isobel and Hrodwyn exchanged introductions. But once the words "Hrodwyn of Karath" had been pronounced, attention was drawn to that soldier's recent exploits, and despite demurring on her part, Bardur, a skald, began to compose lines to tell of her deeds: "Wrathful Hrodwyn, bright blade wielding Faced the foul-spawned filth unyielding ... Turned back troll, and goblin foe Sent them shrieking, scattered woe." And so, what started out sourly, turned out just fine. | |
| Post Title: | Private research? |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 14 March 2013 |
| There I was in the library the other afternoon, minding my own business (well, all right, I might have dozed off, but you try making copies mouldering old title deeds and see where it gets you!) when in came Lord CAURE of Arathmor. Lady ISOBEL Taurdain stepped forward to deal with him, and I must say he was delighted to see her. So gratifying when someone takes an interest in scholars ... anyway, where was I? He wasted no time in asking for records of battles fought in and around Esgaroth. Funny, the things that some folk take into their heads. Master BREV thought it was strange too, almost as soon as he stepped in the door he and Caure were at odds - though maybe that's not so strange? Arathmor aren't known for their love of commoners and Brev's never been one for the formalities.
Isobel produced some old documents for Caure to read and then she and Brev went off behind the bookcases at the other side of the room to discuss something in whispers (I'm pretty sure I heard the word 'Karath', plus something about armour?). They took a good long time about it, too, I must say ... | |
| Post Title: | Heroes in song! |
| Author: | Bernar |
| Date posted: | 18 March 2013 |
| A new work by Dwarven Skald BARDUR son of Mardur received its inaugural performance in the Fiery Flagon last night. A rainy evening ensured that the tavern was filled to the brim and likely to stay that way however painful the singer's voice (well, within certain limits of course!). After an initial dispute on the manner of the performance (Bardur refused to mount a table, claiming it beneath his dignity!) space was cleared for the Dwarf and his viol and the music began: deep-throated singing of the Dwarves to a slow, steady drum-beat, interspersed with showy variations from the viol. Its subject matter? Why, that would be 'living legends'.
Among those there to listen were a Taurdain trio: Lady ISOBEL and Masters LOREN and BREV (the latter two uncouth fellows seemed disposed to banter and the Lady had to hush them as the song began) and various groups of Karath, one including young RIOLAN (did you hear about him in the Flagon the other day? No? Well, I'll not spoil the tale for you). Isobel revealed her sheltered upbringing as she expressed awed surprise at the mighty deeds of 'bear-strong Bernar'. A verse in Hrodwyn's favour brought a ragged cheer from the younger Karath contingent; praise of Dorn, Neleth and Ganon elicited quieter approval in the form of nods and wagging beards from those Dwarves present. One verse, however, appeared to cause consternation as the revelation that Brev had 'taunted troll' turned Isobel's gaze to ice and left the dun-skinned sawbones muttering red-faced about 'poetic licence'. Just as well there were more verses to follow to divert attention: praising Wray, Arzi and Gerik. Bardur's song ended with an exortation to "Hearken, hear now, hold them true: Heroes all - high praise is due!" Audience acclaim led to more than a few ales being sent the Skald's way, and vicious rumour has it he was to be seen outside the Dwarven embassy at the crack of dawn serenading his kin with an instrument cunningly constructed from a Flagon bar stool and played with a 'bow' formed by his own beard ... No wonder the Dwarven caravan didn't depart for Erebor until almost noon! | |
| Post Title: | Recruitment Posters |
| Author: | Riordan |
| Date posted: | 19 March 2013 |
| Neatly written posters bearing the seal of the Royal Wardens are posted all over the Kingdom, in every settlement big enough to have more than their share of strong armed capable fighters. It reads as follows:
"The Royal Wardens are recruiting! Are you a skilled fighter, capable negotiator and undaunted in the face of danger? Do you wish to defend your homeland against any and all threats? Does traveling all over the kingdom, seeing new unknown places and helping your King at the same time sound appealing to you? If so then the Royal Wardens may be just the faction for you! We are the proud defenders, hardy scouts and wily negotiators! With sufficient pay, good equipment and never a dull moment, this job is not for the seekers of fortunes though, unprepared for the evils of this world. Every applicant will be tested in the strength of his/her arm and skills and will also have to pass a trial period of one month during which comforts are few and danger constant. Upon acceptance, the Warden will enter the service to his/her King immediately. While folk with few family ties are preferred, the Royal Wardens will see to the families of their servicemen and -women should it become necessary during dark times. To apply, seek out High Warden Riordan Karath in Esgaroth or speak to any Royal Wardens outside Laketown for directions. Riordan Karath, Master of the Royal Wardens" | |
| Post Title: | King of the Hill |
| Author: | Isobel |
| Date posted: | 21 March 2013 |
| Cor, Master RIORDAN certainly kept busy yesterday! Maybe it's because he is trying to forget that his son's shenanigans in the Flagon ever happened (haven't you heard? Young Riolan and his friends ran wild in there, dancing on the bar and knocking each other over! And Riolan himself spilled ale all over his father!) or maybe he is a little sadistic and enjoys giving young men a beating - either way the recruits trying out for the Royal Wardens soon realised that there's only one King of the Hill and his name is Riordan Karath! He took on a few eager young bucks and two even passed muster; SIGURD (played by ISOBEL) and ROBB (played by RIORDAN) were so 'lucky' as to be sent to a month's camp with the Wardens... I'll wager that in a few days of that they'll be bawling their eyes out for home!
And the most eager recruit of them all was no buck at all but a doe! LOUSE (played by BREV), that crazy young sprat, she tried to get Master Riordan to fight her but he'd have none of it. For a while there I thought she might charge at him even though he was unarmed! Still, in the end the warden's will prevailed and Louse, looking mighty put out, took it out on the training dummy. Just be glad the poor chap is made out of straw or his balls would be-- oh, pardon Mistress Beate, didnae see you there. E-hrm... | |
| Post Title: | Not drowning but fishing |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 21 March 2013 |
| Day had faded into evening and the Market Pool should have been quiet when RIOLAN (looking for Master Harmon) and RHEDA (on her way to the Docks) disturbed a couple of Greenshirts poking around with a long pole, seemingly trying to fish something out. I reckon those sprats must have been up to no good, for Riolan's greeting startled them so much that LOUSE fell in! Despite Eirik's panicking (and his insistence that he hadn't /meant/ to drown his companion), neither adult seemed overinclined to help. Fortunately it appears that Louse has learned to swim during the past summer or two, for the girl made it to the edge unassisted, babbling all the while about some box she'd found. Against his better judgement Riolan was prevailed on to locate a bit of rope and then the two youngsters pulled it up.
Mistress Rheda didn't stay around to see what it was - maybe she knew something the rest of them didn't. How I laughed when they dragged that crate out! On its lid, plain as day, was stamped 'D R I E D F I S H'. Eirik cut his losses at that point but Louse braved Riolan's scorn to lever up the lid. Wish she hadn't ... that stench was enough to turn even a tanner's stomach. Seemed she was searching for money; she started muttering something ungrateful-sounding about folk who have a 'Igh-Up Pa' to buy them a fancy sword. I'm surprised Riolan didn't deck her one, given we all know who /his/ father is, but then I suppose it's beneath a good upstanding Karath like him to hit a girl. He sauntered off and Louse left soon after ... but that stink's hanging around. If I were you, I'd be /very/ careful what crates you shift. | |
| Post Title: | An Unexpected Encounter |
| Author: | Hrodwyn |
| Date posted: | 23 March 2013 |
| In the gossip mill:
"I saw that Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath speaking with what's his name...y'know, that "son" of Leona of Karath. Yeah, that's it -- HROLF. Well, they're both Karath, now that I think about it. So they're cousins. Strange, that thought, the one a success and the other...well, you know the story. In any case, /they/ were talking in the Market Square. I saw 'em myself! Heard something about that Hrolf wanting to join the Royal Wardens. Wouldcha believe that? Maybe they'll take anyone now that they're desperate. Not only that, but it seemed that Hrodwyn...well, Lieutenant Hrodwyn you know, was trying to tell him to consider it carefully. He'd have none of that -- no, I heard he was going to go do it, said something about being alone anyways. /That/ much I can believe." | |
| Post Title: | Like father, like son |
| Author: | Riordan |
| Date posted: | 27 March 2013 |
| Riordan looks up from his cup of ale and shrugs. "I was just going to check the yard for new Warden recruits. There were none there, just Riolan and he assured me he had no such ambitions. But he was standing there with his sword staring at the training dummy so I assumed..."
The young man cuts in there:"He assumed I wanted to do that fighting thing! Well, I don't! I don't need another reason to mope about because everyone say I should grasp things from thin air like da does since I'm his son. But I don't! And I don't wanna!" Covering his eyes with his palm for a moment, Riordan suppresses an exasperated sigh and glances at the gossiper with a small smirk:"Look, I don't know where you all get that he should be immediately great at fighting or even want to fight everything in sight. Just because the boy's Karath and my son, doesn't mean he has to be the rolemodel of Karath House. He's only been with me for a little while now!" Riolan looks like he wants to say something but he decides to mope instead, giving everyone around him a haunted emotional wreck stare. "He's a boat builder! A good one at that, too. And I'm proud of him for that and whatever else he does," Riordan says then and takes another sip of his ale - looks like he needs it badly! "In time, if he so wishes, he can train how to fight. He hasn't gone through the House Karath's 'Practice from early age till you die of feebleness' program yet. Give him a break." Now the son pipes up again, maybe forgetting just a tiny bit that indeed he was moping at everyone - but especially dad. "I hit the dummy later! Several times! It was a wreck later! Da says I could get good at anything if I train." Riordan merely nods and the evening moves on without an incident. Now tell me, dear reader, am I the only one who is expecting to find out any day now that the High Warden Riordan Karath kicked a puppy while drunk and disorderly, picked a fight and told a well-respected lady that she was a <female dog in heat>? Because no one can be this nice, clean, patient and wonderful! It's impossible. I just hope Riolan takes after him, inherits the old man's money and marries my daughter. | |
| Post Title: | A question of loyalty |
| Author: | Brev |
| Date posted: | 30 March 2013 |
| It was the hour past midnight and youngsters should long since have found their beds, but I heard young LOUSE talking to Lord LORTHRAIN on the edge of the Market Square last night as the Flagon was emptying. Once they'd established that, no, the Girion Lord was not in need of assistance and not 'gonner puke' and that Louse was no kin of Tristan's (bet Lord Jamis is mighty glad about that!), talk turned to matters of loyalty, more specifically loyalty to the King. Lorthrain seemed keen to divine the motives behind Louse's glibly professed allegiance - whether the lass's explanation that "yer gotter be loyal ter th'King ter be a sodjer" pleased him, who can say? At least it brought a smile to his lips and an offer to answer any questions about the head of House Girion. Sadly we never got to hear "'ow long 'is sword is", for Louse made mention of Lady Isobel and promptly received a lecture on gossip instead. At that point the young Greenshirt disappeared as swiftly as she'd arrived. | |
