The Song of Our First Adventure

[thegiffman]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum, to The One Ring, and really to sustained roleplaying in general. But I'm really excited to get into this game, as a deep lover of Tolkien and a true believer in the value of the imagination. I'm starting a game with my wife, my two oldest sons (8 and 10), and a couple that are friends of the family. We'll see how it goes.

We're starting with the Marsh Bell, and I thought I'd share the song of our tale so far. To begin with, it's just the back story of how our characters came together in Lake-town. I'll update as the adventure progresses, unless it turns out to be unworthy of song. I hope y'all enjoy it!

When Samfast Took let fall his hoe
A sharp clank he did feel
And saw beside his hobbit toe
A hilt of ancient steel

Though rust of years had stained its art
This sword of kings remained
And deep within his Tookish heart
A tiny ember flamed

I’ll not stay here, my rent to pay,
Enthralled ‘til I grow old
I’ll follow Mr. Bilbo’s way
And bring back chests of gold

One day three dwarves passed by with ore
From their Blue Mountains mined
So Samfast joined as number four
No longer home confined

They travelled on the Great East Road
O’er Misty Mountains high
When at the Old Ford Samfast slowed
And there he said goodbye

For the three dwarves now southward turned
A route both long and slow
But Samfast’s heart within him burned
In Bilbo’s steps to go

A woodman happened by that day
as Samfast walked alone
His own true name he would not say
By “Eagle” was he known

In forest lore and leechcraft wise
A warden bold and true
And woe betide the shadow’s spies
When shepherd’s bow he drew

A foolish knave young Samfast seemed
To enter Mirkwood’s eves
But eager eyes up to him gleamed
Below the gloomy leaves

I’ll not allow this Halfling here
To perish in the wood
I’ll see him through to Lake-town’s pier
My word is always good

And so the hobbit and his guide
Into dark Mirkwood came
Where fearsome fiends in shadows hide
And trees all look the same

But to the elf path they stayed true
And turned not left nor right
So unscathed those companions two
Escaped that dreadful fright

When all at once they saw ahead
An elven maiden fair
Arrayed in emerald and in red
And amber was her hair

She knelt and listened to a stone
with lore ethereal
And to her was its story shown
Her name was Míriel

And when young Samfast saw her face
His heart with wonder stilled
At first glimpse of the Eldar race
With grace and glory filled

And now wise Míriel in turn
Looked down at Samfast small
For she desired from him to learn
Of Hobbit nature all

By chance it seems, or mingled fates
This Halfling comes my way
I’ll walk with him to Lake-Town’s gates
And hear all he will say

That night round campfire Samfast sung
Of crows and Gallows-weed
A ghoulish tale to scare the young
Of Mewlips and their greed

A few days later they arrived
At Lake-Town, near to Dale
And let their spirits be revived
With Laceless Boot’s fine ale

Within a friendly couple sat
A Barding and his wife
He called the three to rest and chat
And told them of his life

His name was Thorfast, Dragon-Eyed
A master of the sword
For long he’d wandered far and wide
Until Dale was restored

And even now, the town rebuilt
His restless soul still longed
To seek adventure to the hilt
In wild lands he belonged

But though unsettled, I have found
A home I’ll never leave
In Lady Runa, love profound
Always to her I’ll cleave

The lady who sat by his side
With braids of golden hair
Many a man sought for his bride
Her beauty pure and rare

From noble blood, of means and wealth
And grace she had no lack
But Thorfast she married by stealth
Her kin taken aback

In ancient Dale long years ago
Her house was founded by
A man who found gold coin below
A ruined castle nigh

I’m not content to spend my days
With hand in father’s purse
I’ll seek out treasure hideaways
Where no man dare traverse

[Glorelendil]

Love it.

[Eluadin]

That's fantastic, and a most wondrous beginning to your family and friends' Tale of Years!

[Andrew]

Brilliant stuff! Pray tell, do you plan on telling all of their adventures in song?

[Glorelendil]

Brilliant stuff! Pray tell, do you plan on telling all of their adventures in song?

...and when can we expect the musical notation?

[Dedicemancometh]

Nice. Lyrical!

[Woodclaw]

Fantastic!

[thegiffman]

Brilliant stuff! Pray tell, do you plan on telling all of their adventures in song?

Heh - I don't know. It's quite a lot of work. But it is a fun way to solidify the story in our minds and have something beyond just the memory of it. We'll see what happens.

Hopefully y'all should be able to have a pretty good idea about the traits and backgrounds of the characters from the song.

As far as tunes go - anyone know any good resources for some simple minstrel tunes, especially with an 8-6-8-6 rhythm?

[Rich H]

Genius.

[Majestic]

I know I'm way late on responding to this (just caught up on everything on the forum). Just wanted to add that this was absolutely brilliant! Great job, thegiffman!