The Affairs of Wizards (Campaign Log)

[Otaku-sempai]

I'm glad to hear people are finding this enjoyable and or useful. I have another couple of sessions to get up, as the fellowship has gotten up to the folk moot (that will be our next session). Shenanigans, pipeweed, and the meddling of Wizards, along with several PCs' rocky roads to love.

One suggestion: it might aid in people's reading if paragraphs were separated by a space.

[Scrollreader]

Session 6: A Long and Lonely Road

As our brave heroes returned from their quest into the Long Marshes, the scouts return with word of a campsite ahead. Wary, but confident (Lorrie was busy naming her swords, while Grimfast the Healer was carving one of the massive troll tusks each night in camp), the party made their way to meet the other traveller. A lone old man, in a battered blue hat and wrapped in a road-worn grey cloak was drying his boots by a campfire, when they approached. Grimfast had met Gandalf before, and Aurel and Roderic the Bard recognized him. He greeted the party cordially, offering a smoke and a place by the fire. News was exchanged, and he mentioned the eminent arrival of a trade caravan from Dorwinion, and while he had a task to the South he was hurrying toward, he expressed his worries to the party.

After a surprisingly restful night (although Roderic has now determined, between Radagast and Gandalf, that snoring is the surest way to identify a Wizard), the party set out to meet the caravan, at the break of dawn. After a few days of travel, the lookouts spotted a trail of dust, but ahead of it a smaller one, as of outriders. Making their way towards the van, they noticed there were a handful of figures fleeing perhaps a dozen mounted riders, and even as they drew near, a shower of arrows dropped one of the fleeing targets.

Wasting no time, the companions drew up a battle line, and fired a warning shot towards the oncoming cavalry, as the two women and a man sought shelter behind their ranks. After a moment to wheel their horses around, and consider the group arrayed before them, the Easterling Cavalry charged. There was a mighty clash of arms, and after a few rounds of combat, (noted for Glabum the dwarf, and his epic duel with a horse), the party successfully drove off the leader and killed most of his men. The man took an arrow defending one of the women, and only quick work by Grimfast the Healer kept him alive.

While Grimfast and Lorrie took care of the wounded man, and Aurel gathered the horses of their fallen foes, the two women confered for a few moments, before one of them introduced herself, a handmaiden of the Princess Una. She demanded the party identify themselves, and then provide safe travel to the Dale-town. While matters began somewhat tense, and misunderstanding almost scuttled the discussion, the saving of Jamal, the wounded man, and Lonnie's few bits of the Eastern trade language, along with the courteous tongue of Grimfast managed to put the ladies at ease, and they agreed to accompany our heroes back to Dale.

Along the way, it was revealed that the lady had fled the caravan in secret, once it became clear the attacks were no coincidence, but was betrayed, and hence the cavalry chasing her. The party finds Jamal to be significantly less icy than the handmaiden (probably due to saving his life, and that of the Princess, who he has some sort of lifelong promise to protect), and learns a little about the situation in the East.

Upon arrival at Dale, they find that King Bard has gathered all of the Kingsmen, and is about to set off to relieve the caravan and rescue the Lady Una. Hearing this, she casts aside her veil, and declares herself to Dale. Immediately smitten, the King leaps from his horse to welcome her to his fair city 'new though it is rebuilt, but possessed of an ancient honor'. As the gathered crowd cheers, she takes his hand.

The Kingsmen find and recover the caravan, which the Eastern Horsemen had ceased harassing once the Princess fled, and all of Dale celebrates the arrival of the delegation from Dorwinion. In the midst of the feast, the King, with Una by his side, calls forth the trial requested by his nobles. Having driven away the Mewlips, and singlehandedly rescued the lady Una, the trial goes somewhat differently than the scheming nobles had planned, and great honor is done to the company.

During the following winter, while the Woodsmen head down to the East Bight, to winter there and take stock of that folk, prior to the folk moot, all of Dale is abuzz with rumors of Una's 'ensorcelment' of the King. As Lonnie investigates, she has an amusing misunderstanding with Jamal, who, after making sure honor will not demand he duel Grimfast, who saved his life, for her hand; declares his intention to woo her. Farmann basks in the approval of his king, attempts to help Lonnie investigate, and somehow manages to miss the betrothal entirely, thinking only of helping his king court the foreign maiden. In the end, the rumors are laid to rest, and the fellowship disbands temporarily for the winter, agreeing to meet in the spring at Woodland Hall for the folk moot of all the Woodsmen.

[Scrollreader]

Session 7: Of Leaves and Stewed Hobbits

Aurel, while wintering in Mirkwood, discharges a message given to her by Aiwendel (Radagast) for Irime, her patron. He begs her to remember the 'little brown birds', and tells her that if she will, he requests the repayment of her debt, 'as a descendant of Feanor'. She seems greatly troubled by this news, but other than telling Aurel the debt will be repaid, will not speak further of it. When Irime makes an unusual appearance in Thranduil's court to request he build her a forge, Aurel becomes worried, and begins to ask around, trying to riddle out an answer in the songs and lore she knows of Irime.

Eventually, though she can find no word on the favor Irime owes to Radagast, she does solve the mystery of the little brown birds. After the kinslaying of the Teleri, and the burning of the ships, Irime took place in the bitter march across the ice at the roof of the world, disregarding the warning of the Valar and returning to Middle Earth. When all hope seemed lost to the Eldar on their journey, a massive flock of little brown birds appeared, wheeling overhead, and gave hope to them that though they left Valinor behind, they were not alone.

After wintering with the folk of Sunstead, in the East Bight, the two Woodsmen have decided to support their petition before the folk moot. Along the way to meet the rest of the companions in Woodland Hall, Grimfast, called Blackshirt now, for the strange but impressive jet black corselet of incredibly flexible plates he wears (The Woodsman formerly known as the Healer) stops off in the growing settlement at the Black Tarn. Impressed by the growing settlement there, he also takes the time to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart, Amaleoda, and agrees to help her press her case as well.

Roderic the Bard is trailing behind with Ceawin's party, and Lorrie tarries awhile with Jamal, who continues to court her, in his curious but endearing manner (Due to real life issues, the two of them were meeting family, and unable to attend).

Glabum the dwarf, Farmann the Barding, Grimfast Blackshirt and Aurel of Mirkwood gather together a few weeks before the folk moot is to begin, when Radagast approaches them. He seems oddly distracted, and reveals that he is out of pipeweed entirely, waving an empty pipe and pouch at them. Wanting to humor the wizard (mostly, Aurel is somewhat suspicious of his intentions for Irime), and with little to do until the others arrive and the folk moot begins, they agree to seek out "The Easterly Inn" (which is, apparently to the west of Mirkwood) and see about his order of pipeweed.

The journey into the lands of the Beornings goes uneventfully (even Grimfast passes all his travel checks), and they find themselves at a truly curious little outpost of civilization, here in the Wild. The inn and tavern is built into the side of a large green hill, and has a !Round! Red door set prominently in front. There are also curious children running about. After a brief misunderstanding with the matron of the establishment (she seems resigned to the situation, but is not taking any guff from 'big people'), the party settles in, somewhat bemused by the little folk (and napkins and silverware) and becomes acquainted with the merits of Hobbit beer.

The mood is somewhat grim, as visiting dwarves and Beornings discuss increasing goblin problems, as the orcs recover their numbers after the Battle of the Five Armies. The group asks about the pipeweed, and is referred to 'Master Dody'. After dinner, the obviously worried Hobbit, dressed in his finest yellow waistcoat, approaches the party, begging them not to turn him into a toad, or a stoat. Or worse, a Coney. He explains that the caravan, with his brother (and the inestimable wizard's Longbottom Leaf 'long may his trousers be brown') is late, quite late indeed. He is, in fact, worried nearly out of his wits, which is why, begging their wizardly pardon, his manners are so shot.

After calming him down, and getting some information from him, the four heroes decide to go looking for the caravan, as they have become quite fond of their new Hobbit friends. They set out towards the High Pass, along the route on Master Dody's maps, and after a few more uneventful days (and still more fatigue checks passed by everyone), they come across a ragged-looking man. He is surly, but not directly insulting, and they offer him the hospitality of their fire. 'Shanker' as he calls himself has a sort of shabby nobility to him, like a run down old house, rotting on the inside, but once great. When questioned on what is happening, he grows defensive, particularly of the elf, Aurel, but the party manages to discover he has met the caravan, and also seen a number of orcs roving in the foothills. He excuses himself from action, and takes his leave before 'you get yourselves killed being heroes', and the company, now quite worried, makes haste to meet up with the Caravan.

They arrive as the sun is dying behind the Misty Mountains, and as the hoots and howls of a band of orcs echoes off the hills. Quickly climbing to the top of a ruined, half-walled ring atop a hill, they find the embattled caravan, or what if left of it. Igwar Longlegs, their leader, looks unsteady on his feet, the victim of a vile orcish poison, and the other guards, though unhurt look very nervous. Almost overlooked, the hobbit with them quakes with fright, obviously unsuited to anything more stressful than tea with his aunt. Quickly springing into action, Grimfast uses his knowledge of Healing Herbs (and a hope point) to cure Igwar, while the other help repair the walls and position their forces. As the last bloody rays of the late summer sun fade away, and Dindy lights the bonfire atop the hillfort, answering torches flare in the gloom, as a score or more or orcs arrive at the base of the hill. Gathering just out of bowshot, their leader a strongly-built Uruk, steps forward arrogantly:

" I am Ugluk! Slayer of men! Bane of Dwarves! And I have you trapped! Ha! Thrown down your weapons and BEG Ugluk for mercy, and Ugluk MIGHT let some of you live!"

As the nervous guards look conflicted, there is a brief flash, as if a falling star, and Ugluk staggers backwards, an arrow sprouting from his throat. As he dies, Aurel lowers her bow, the uncanny skill or magic of the elves having gifted her arrow speed and distance. No one throws down their weapons.

After the goblins regroup, they begin up the hill, the smaller ones yammering as the large ones drive them up the hill and into the teeth of the defenders. Aided by the defenses of the ruined fort (Farmann: We should fight in forts more often! Glabum: That is the policy of my people.), The company manages to drive off or kill the band of attacking orcs, and while Igwar takes a wound, no one dies but the goblins. Farmann's natural wariness even sees off a small sortie over the rear walls, and the caravan and the hobbit Dindy are saved!

As Grimfast tends to Igwar (again), this time warning him that only time can heal his wounds; Dindy falls all over the company in thanks. And then remembers his nephew, Mungo Bracegirdle, who was stolen away during the raid the previous night. As he babbles his thanks for preventing a similar fate from befalling him, the company decides to attempt to rescue the poor lad. With only a few moments rest, and after Igwar's assurances; they set off into the darkness, racing after the goblins who fled.

Farmann's gift at tracking man and beast worked quite well with Orcs too, particularly as the fleeing foes were making no effort to hide their trail. There were signs of a struggle along the way, and a couple dead orcs, and the trail turned from a rout into a march, as Farmann and Aurel guessed some new leader had established himself among their quarry. Soon the trail lead into a low, crooked cave, headed deep under the ground, and the party left even the pale light of the moon behind, plunging into darkness.

While the horrid croaking song of the goblins rang in their ears, the company pursued them through the dark places under the Misty Mountains, falling a bit behind but never losing the trail. Eventually, they came upon a long, rickety bridge and could hear the carousing of dozens of goblins on the far side. They had reached the goblin's warren.

As the group snuck across the bridge, Glabum almost alerted the sentries, drunk as they were, but managed to catch himself in time (with Hope). The party made quick work of the guards, dispatching them before they could raise the alarm, and made their way deeper in, finding a vast storehouse of goods both new and rotting, and a kitchen, in which a young hobbit, in his mid thirties was chained to a stove. Upon seeing grim warriors, with weapons still wet with orc blood, poor Mungo fainted dead away, as the party schemed to free him.

The chain that held him was of dwarven make, and without Lorrie's knack for charming locks, the only option short of finding the key would be to lift the stove he was chained to. But that would be a task for a half a dozen men, even were it not blazing hot. As they debated the merits of various schemes to find the key, and the hobbit came back to his senses, they heard more guards coming, yelling for another course (and more ale!). The company hid themselves, as Mungo desperately tried to appease the drunken orcs, appearing only once they had departed.

Assuring him they would return, the four heroes crept deeper into the lair, planning on ambushing each pair of guards in turn, and thus reducing the number of their foes. Glabum once again proved that however fine one's armor, it is no substitute for soft shoes when sneaking, and this time there was no way to prevent making noise. (He rolled an eye at the worst/best possible time).

Quickly adapting their plan, the four instead stormed into the feast Hall, taking the dozen or so goblins there by surprise! There was a sudden, sharp battle there, in the midst of the scraps of their dinner, the first few orcs so surprised they were armed with naught but pilfered silverware. One in particular, with far more luck than sense, lasted nearly to the end of the fight, armed only with a spoon! (He gandalfed on three out of his four attack rolls. The party almost felt sorry for him). Finally even the erstwhile leader of the goblin camp fell, a large but cowardly brute who hung back until there were no bodies left between him and the heroes.

Having vanquished their foes, the group quickly found the key and rescued the hobbit, a malnourished and terrified pony, and a barrel of fine Shire pipeweed. Aurel also found a gem there, discarded deep in the depths of the cave, which glimmered with the light of the stars. Claiming it back for the elves who had crafted it, long ago, she took it in lieu of any other treasure. (A blessing of protection; treated as if it were a greater blessing for cost and finding it).

They had little difficulty making their way back to the Easterly Inn, where a grateful Dody and Dindy rewarded them with what coin they could spare, as well as letters of introduction from the famous Bilbo Baggins to some of the important figures of the Wild east of the mountains.

Worn down, but glad to have helped the free peoples of the north, whatever their height, the four heroes returned to Woodland Hall, with the wizard's pipeweed. They arrived to see Radagast happily smoking a pipe, and discussing matters with Roderic and Lorrie. He absently noted the barrel of pipeweed, saying it was always nice to have more, and then wandered off looking for his hat (which he was wearing).

[Scrollreader]

Session 8: The Great Moot

Our stalwart band of heroes has regathered at Woodland Hall, where all of the folk of the Woodmen have gathered for a Great Moot. Crowds of the free men of the forest have gathered from each of the major holdings of the Woodmen, from distant Mountain Hall to Woodmen Town to Rhosgobel, as well as a scattering of folk from smaller holds and concealed villages, and the herdsmen who walk the edge of the Forest. Also gathered are a variety of traders, visitors, and the simply curious, drawn to the massive crowd of folks.

Both Grimfast 'The Blackshirt' and Roderic 'The Bard' are folk of standing, free with their treasure, and respected among the Woodsmen. As such, they manage a place inside the great Hall for their company and themselves. Most of the visitors are drawn up outside the Hall, with successive loud-shouting young warriors to pass the debate along. The group as a whole, and the Woodsmen in particular have also spoken with some of the interested parties, and know that Amaleoda and Ceawin both intend to push for status for their people, as a Free Hold of the Woodsmen.

The moot is shouted to order by Ingomer Axebreaker, from Woodland Hall, and among the ceremonial call of the roll, the Broken Axe is displayed, and the company hailed for their service to the Woodsmen. At this point, the rest of the company is introduced, along with Ceawin the Generous, and Amaleoda the Fair, along with Bofri, son of Bombur a dwarf who is finely dressed, and who has been keeping company with the Wizard.

There is a racous sort of order kept, with public shouting, and respect for the elders keeping a loose framework to prevent things from getting out of hand, but it is quite rough and tumble and a bit of an eye opener for the Bardings present. There is some discussion about trade, specifically for the iron from Mountain Hall, and the new trade route established by Baldor and the party. There is a shared, and largely ceremonial-seeming griping about the Beorning tolls, though they all end up agreeing the Old Ford and the High Pass are much safer now.

Then the real business of the folk moot begins. Ceawin steps forward, and introduces himself, and makes his case to add the people of the East Bight to the strength of the Woodsmen. His supporters, who are spread throughout the Hall, each at the center of a small knot of young men from one of the Woodsman Holds, have been letting wine flow freely, and as they cheer, so do their new friends.

Amaleoda's appeal is less calculated, but she is well known to many of the attendees. For those who don't know her, being a stunning warrior woman certainly doesn't hurt her case. And the growing number of people at the Black Tarn have friends and relatives here, as well.

Overall, the mood is bright. The forest is still dangerous, but the Wise have driven forth the Shadow that long hung over Mirkwood (There is a cheer for Radagast, but he seems not to notice, being more focused on his dancing hedgehog and the children surrounding him). While there is some concern about overextension, the folk are growing, he current Holds grow crowded, and even the weather seems more mild than usual the past few years. As the carousing picks up, Fridwald and Ingomer shout down the moot, so that people can vote officially "And then the party can really start!". Despite some good natured ribbing, the Woodmen quiet down a bit ... Just in time for the horns to sound.

First, the Alarm of Woodland Hall, followed by a slightly off, harsh and martial air. As the crowd turns, a dozen men on horseback push through the crowd, arrayed as if for war. On their shields; the sign of Tyrant's Hill, a black tower on a red circle. And at their head, a massive figure, with an ornate longsword across his back, and a great jeweled war-helm, in the likeness of a terrifying Dragon.

As the horsemen shove through the crowd to the great Hall, Ingomer and the other Elders push forward to meet them at the doorway. The party is conflicted, not quite putting hands to weapons, but taking up a position ready to act. Recognizing Dagmar among the company, and the sigil on the shields, Roderic and Grimfast push forward behind the Elders. Ingomer calls out, suddenly too loud for the hush that has fallen over the gathering. "Who comes here to interrupt our folk, and who dares ride as if to war?"

The leader laughs. "I am he who is called Mogdred. Is this moot not open to /all/ the free folk of the wood?" He raises a hand to unclasp his helm. "But if the free folk have grown so frightened, let it be known that I have a claim to be here.". He removes the helm, as people gasp, both at his familiar features, and the wicked scar across his face, from brow to cheek, apparently just barely sparing his eye. "Do you not recognize your own son, old man? Once, before I was abandoned as a prisoner to the Orcs, I was called Ingold.". Standing tall in the saddle, he turns, giving all around a good look at his face. The crowd begins to churn with voices raised and shouts to the folk in the back about events.

Ingomer reels as if struck, and it falls to the party to respond. Roderic steps forward to help Mogdred from his mount, and Grimfast speaks. "Welcome to the men of Tyrant's Hill. Why have you come?"

Mogdred smiles wolfishly. "I have come to speak with my brothers!". From his position atop his horse, his voice carries to the whole assembly, as he stands above the gathered crowd. He ignores Roderic, for the moment. Mogdred is grim, but as the whispers pick up, no wonder, if he was a prisoner of Dol Guldur. "I have been asked why I come garbed for War! Believe me, the war is closer than you think! Already my men fight and die, and if not for us," He wheels to point at Amaleoda "Your people would be Orc-slaves already. A fate I wish on no man.". He turns to face the crowd, and gestures towards Ceawin. "This man is not of our people. He gives you gold, and is called generous! I am afraid my gifts are of a more ... Practical nature!" He gestures, and a pair of his men release bags from the sides of their saddles, and dozens of orc heads roll out, sending the crowd gasping away from them. "Why have I come? I have come to join you. I ask little enough. I ask for your friendship! I ask that you recognize those who fight and die to keep your children safe! Wives and tribute for my men" He gestures towards Amaleoda. "From those we protect. It is not such a hard demand, is it?"

The gathering dissolves into chaos, at his words. While arguments and angry voices rise into the air, the previous good feeling lost, and it is many minutes later that Fridwald, for Ingomer is still pale and speechless, manages to have the relays shout down the assembly. "Tomorrow! We have much to think on! Return tomorrow, and we shall vote then! As we always have decided!"

The folk moot dissolves into anarchy, though no violent actions mar the gathering, there are plenty of harsh words and angry arguments. Lorrie, the Barding trader and treasure hunter is among them, telling knots of Woodsmen that, while she is not one of them, she knows where Mogdred can shove his 'wives and tribute'. Aurel, on the other hand, scales the great hall for a better look at Mogdred, keeping an eye on how he and his men behave. Her keen eyes notice the sword across his broad shoulders is of Numenorean make, but something feels ... Off about it. She guesses it is the ancient work of the Black Numenoreans, loyal to Sauron since before the fall of that land. (An Exceptional Lore roll, for someone with Elven-Lore and Shadow-Lore). Roderic speaks with Dagmar, trying to ferret out Mogdred's intentions, while Grimfast goes to speak with Amaleoda, who is understandably upset by Mogdred's implied threats. (Also, the 'wives and tribute' line. She's not amused). Ceawin gathers his people together nervously, not sure if the bond of blood with Mogdred will mean his claim is rejected.

Grimfast arranges for the company to gather, and decide what they should do; while Roderic arranges a back-channel meeting between the Elders and Mogdred. Amaleoda is invited, but will not attend (so she doesn't axe Mogdred on the spot). She asks her childhood sweetheart Grimfast to remember her and her people, though she understands why he will be going.

The company is nearly as conflicted as the Woodsmen. Lorrie in particular, thinks Mogdred is an ass, and that the Woodsmen are better off without him. Roderic thinks Mogdred (and more importantly, Dagmar) are looking for a way back from the Shadow of their imprisonment. Farmann points out the strategic situation, and that while Mogdred may be a poisonous friend, he can certainly be a terrifying enemy to the Woodmen, positioned to cut off the Black Tarn and the East Bight. Aurel does not counsel one way or the other in the affairs of men, but does warn that Mogdred seems touched by darkness. Grimfast does not disagree, but considering the situation, thinks perhaps compromise can be afforded. All agree that tribute is not happening. But perhaps concessions can be made for Mogdred's warriors ...

Roderic has been in discussion with Dagmar, and believes that, if they can let Mogdred save face, some of his demands can be negotiated. He is a harsh man, but fair to his people, and brave. (In her telling). The company all agree that Ceawin and Amaleoda's pleas have merit, and while they will try to come to an accord with Tyrant's Hill, they will not do so at the cost of one of the other two. Even Lorrie, reluctantly, agrees with this, though she still takes Amaleoda's side, and mistrusts Mogdred.

At the gathering of the Elders, Ingomer is not present, but the others have gathered to meet with Mogdred's representative. A tall figure, clad in the great helm, and armed with the fearsome longsword strides in. (A few PCs notice that it is not Mogdred under the Helm, but Dagmar. No one mentions it, however). There is a great deal of debate, and a favorable trade balance is arranged, in order to keep the warriors of Tyrant's Hill fed and equipped. While they remind 'Mogdred' that they are free folk, and wives will come or not as they please, the Elders will not stand in the way, should their sons or daughters wish to marry into Tyrant's Hill, and will grant them all the rights (and responsibilities) of the other Holds. They remind 'Mogdred' that the folk of Black Tarn and Sunstead will be his equals, just as Mountain Hall, Rhosgobel, and all the rest. As 'Mogdred' considers (and the party puts social skills and hope to use), Roderic comes to a decision. Long has he been in discussion with Radagast, and while not ignoring the dangers present, he feels called to help the people of Tyrant's Hill. He steps forward, and offers his axe to 'Mogdred', to give to Dagmar as a betrothal gift.

With an agreement reached among the leaders of the Woodsmen, the meeting breaks up, and the companions (and the Elders) go forth to try to sway public opinion in favor of the compromise. Though not without debate, the full gathering of the Woodsmen eventually approves the compromise. No one is overjoyed with the result, but everyone is happy things were resolved, and the Woodsmen were strengthened by the new additions. Advisors are sent to help the people of the East Bight, more settlers and supplies go to Black Tarn, and a delegation of traders with food and iron heads to Tyrant's Hill.

On a personal note, a drunken discussion between Amaleoda and Lorrie leads to Amaleoda declaring her love for Grimfast, and Lorrie deciding to take Jamal's suit seriously. Roderic spends the night with Dagmar, and they come to an understanding. Grimfast proposes to Amaleoda, and a wedding date is set for a few weeks from the folk moot. Roderic considers, and then accepts a 'gesture of thanks' from Mogdred, as a Councillor of Tyrant's Hill (with a standing bump). It remains to be seen if Grimfast and Roderic, raised almost as close as brothers, will be divided by their marriages and complications.

[Scrollreader]

LM Notes: I'm getting closer to being caught back up, I swear! There are still two more adventuring phases to post, but I have about ten days until the next session. Let's see if I make it.

As for play, I continue to be impressed by my players, both for their ability to really /get/ the setting (they spent more hope and effort on the folk moot, for instance, than in a combat heavy session), as well as their ability to surprise me. (While Amaleoda is not really a surprise as a love interest, I am willing to bet I'm probably the only LM who ended the folk moot with a PC sleeping with Dagmar).

Of Leaves and Stewed Hobbits went really well. I had originally intended to have it happen earlier, but I spaced as a LM and just let them travel right past where the Inn was. As it turned out, it was ideal as a 'filler' adventure, when one of my Woodsmen was absent due to real life, and I didn't want to have the Folk Moot without Roderic (and Lorrie). And everyone loved meeting Hobbits.

Radagast is being really well received, but it's a fine line to walk as LM, keeping him mysterious. He can be supremely wise, and sometimes he is just a tired old man. The party is never entirely sure how much of what happens around him is a deeply clever plan, and how much is luck and crazy. I think on the whole, I've been successful in making him a source of knowledge and lore, without making 'go ask Radagast' the default suggestion when the party is confused or in doubt. For example, given his reticence to involve himself with the affairs of men, the party took the lead in the folk moot, and never looked back.

I will be very curious to see how things go, moving forward with Mogdred and Tyrant's Hill. The party correctly identified him as someone deeply touched by Darkness ... And then Roderic decided to 'reverse Wormtongue him'.

PC romance has also been amusing. Lorrie thought Grimfast was hitting on her (he wasn't), Jamal kept threatening to duel people for Lorrie's hand in marriage, Farmann was tasked by his King to learn about Dorwinion courting (for Una) and asked Lorrie (as she was on a date with Jamal) while completely failing to notice she was on a date, or that Jamal was even interested. Lorrie talked to Amaleoda, intending to meddle with Grimfast's courtship in revenge for him encouraging Jamal, and ended up getting Amaleoda to admit she had always loved Grimfast and Lorrie realizing she should take Jamal seriously. And then Roderic gave a betrothal gift to Dagmar, who was dressed as Mogdred, for Dagmar.

It's been a blast, and I'm incredibly grateful for awesome, interested players. We'll just have to see where it goes from here.

[Majestic]

It sounds like you've got a great group, and are doing an amazing job as LM, Scrollreader!