Durin's Folk impress (most of the) Breelanders

Post date: Jun 17, 2017 7:41:5 AM

--by Sturri Longtrail--

It was a rare sight last moon, when before the West Gate of Bree, a very large throng of dwarves gathered in full hauberk. For a moment the Bree guards panicked. Had these dwarves come to raid the town? Perhaps the town coffers were in peril? This reporter who was at the very site quickly sought to get the details. To everyone's relief the commander by the name of Thorlaen reassured all: "We have received reports of brigands attacking dwarrow merchants and raiding Longbeard caravans, we must protect what is ours... hence the kinship of Durin's Folk in the West is tasked to ensure our trade profits are safeguarded, as such we will march through Bree to give a clear signal to any whom dare to touch those of our kin or our trade allies".

Durin's Folk commences their drill in front of the West Gate of Bree

It was clear the message of the warlord was understood, as within minutes various shady characters disappeared from the otherwise murky streets of Bree, many of whom rushing to Beggar's Alley. When asked if this drill was not merely a symbolic gesture without much impact on long term trade Uzbad Kandral, Lord of the marching dwarrows had this to say: "It cannot be denied that we primarily aim to imprint fear in any who aim to oppose our trade and reduce our profits... looking around the square I believe we've succeeded in this aim. However, such efforts would indeed be fruitless if these would rest here. Hence, in accordance with the Mayor of Bree a permanent dwarrow guard will be established patrolling major areas of the town".

The Dwarves of Durin's Folk marching through the town of Bree

As the dwarves marched through Bree cheers could be heard by many a dwarf merchant on his way to the Prancing Pony, famed inn of the town. Many of the residents of Bree could not believe their eyes as they saw a seemingly endless row of dwarves marching disciplined over the cobbled stone of their hill land home. Yet, in between the cheers and gasps of amazement some rare disgruntled comments could be heard. One such Breelander, whose name we will not mention - at his own request - took the word: "Look at them, marching up and down the square like they own this town. Dwarves in Bree are good to sell their ale and pay to drink our ale in the Pony, that's it. With these dwarves here a thie... uhm, I mean an honest merchant will go out of business in no time. Dwarves go home!"

Durin's Folk impresses Breelanders with their military attire and marching skills

When at length the marching drill had concluded the dwarrow legion headed to the Prancing Pony for some well earned refreshments. Proprietor Barliman Butterbur could hardly keep up with the orders, yet did not complain (much). Trying to get the inside story of these strong dwarves this reporter felt obliged to dive into investigative reporting and joined the sampling of the local ale products. Fair warning to all who wish to do the same.... don't. While these strapping dwarves stood guard early next day and patrolled much of the Stone Quarter and even Beggar's Alley, this reporter was still hiding under the sheets.