Session 20: News And Travel.

Upon arriving at Bree, Halldor said, “Lady Anna, Lady Fay, I will patrol the borders of the town of Bree, until these matters are settled. I have vowed to keep you safe and I will not abandon my position.” He looked to Maethordan, Lodin, and Welton. “You should seek rooms in Bree before pressing on to Archet.”

“I am not sure I will be very welcomed,” Welton winced.

Halldor placed his hand on Lodin and Maethordan’s shoulders, “You travel with well known people whom Gandalf has called upon and calls friend. They will be able to clear any trouble you may encounter at the gates.”

Welton looked to Maethordan and Lodin. “If we’re going inside Bree, do you suppose I might be able to reach out to Fred and Harry Stoneacre. They’re a part of the now… defunct… organization. I want to warn them that the others are dead and the Cargûl may come for them. Have them get out of Bree and run far.”

Lodin shook his head, "I don't think that is such a good idea. For now the enemy will assume you are dead with the rest. In fact we should be trying to disguise you and use an alias. You will only expose yourself by speaking to Fred and Harry. We need to get you new clothes and you should probably shave and shorten your hair."

Welton nodded, "I agree that disguising myself is the way to go. But I would hate to abandon Fred and Harry," he said, "as crazy as Harry may be... the idea of being abandoned... it harkens back to what I was talking about at the camp. If I can't, perhaps I can tell you where to find them and one of you can try to convince them?"
"Perhaps he could stay away from the town and we bring them to him?" Maethordan suggested.

Lodin paused, "I was considering something similar, though I doubt they'd come willingly with you or me given what happened a few days ago.How certain are you that they will take your advice and get out?"

Maethordan turned to Welton, "Is there something that Welton could tell us, that would help to convince them to come and see him?"

Lodin nodded, “I’ve an idea - What was the name of the man executed by the Cargûl? Perhaps we can convince them to speak with us without needing to invoke your name. What message do you wish to convey? Just get out of town? They don't necessarily need to know you're alive to be warned?”

Welton nodded, "That's understandable. The ruffian we found..." he shudders, thinking back a few days, "his name was Torwald Farsong. Let them know that the ruffians have been undone and the Cargûl seeks those who failed... tell them to run... and run far."

“We will need a disguise for you when we enter Bree,” Lodin suggested. "I'll get you a change of clothes and a razor. Wait here out of sight. What alias should we go with for you?"

Welton looked between Lodin and Maethordan, "I've only ever gone by my name."

Lodin sighed. "Well, if you're going to be with the Rangers, it may be best for you to have a Ranger-like name, Maethordan? What is a common name among the Rangers? While you figure that out, I'll go get the clothes."

Maethordan looked over Welton. "Cirion will suffice then, you will be a ranger who recently came from the north, but try not doing any talking."

Despite the early morning, Lodin found the gates to Bree closed - unusual, he thought to himself. Harry Goatleaf, the gate keeper, called out to him. "Hail, who approaches the gates of Bree? What is your business?"

"Lodin, son of Brodin, returning from a task for Captain Skyhawk." Lodin responded with hardly a look at Harry Goatleaf. 

Harry Goatleaf seemed to look side to side, and he's speaking to someone who wasn't visible, then looked forward, "You're welcome to Bree, Lodin, son of Brodin!" and waved Lodin forward.

Noting the heightened security, questioning arrivals during the day, Lodin changed his mind and immediately sought out Captain Skyhawk. It did not take long to find Captain Percy Skyhawk. He sat in his office, a map of Bree laid out in front of him with three other guards present, as he discussed escorting merchants for some distance, to fight off brigand attacks - but went on to discuss their own diminished numbers, as you enter his office.

He saw Lodin and nodded, "Lodin, it is with joy that my eyes see you. I was concerned when one of your companions, the hermit, Hobart, had come back to Bree with a Ranger of the North - not the one you'd left with. I feared for you and the others."

Lodin stood and nodded to the Captain. "Your worries are not unfounded. There is much to report.  Some of which I'm afraid must remain private between us for the time being."

He looked between his other three guards. "Do you need me to excuse them?"

One of the guards shifted uncomfortably as he looked at Lodin. "I mean you no disrespect, Lodin, son of Brodin - but the news your companion brought has us all on high alert. Could not one of us remain? The Captain has spoken highly of you, but I know you not."

Lodin replied, "I do not ask that you dismiss them, I can give a report of things not confidential for the time being. And some things they should hear."

Captain Skyhawk nodded. "These three are some of my most trusted," he smiled. "What further news do you bring?"

Lodin took in a deep breath and explained, "You no doubt received Hobart's report of our encounter with bandits and the orc that was allied with them?  Well, after Hobart was dispatched to you, we tracked one of the escaped bandits to a tower not far from Weathertop.  It was an entrenched camp of bandits holding Anna Wintermoss.  They were trying to coerce her to create a poison that would be delivered through the town well.  During the ensuing infiltration and then outright fighting, we were aided by three eagles, sent by Gandalf and Strider, and a dwarf sent by Balin to investigate the incidents along the road.  Due to their aid, we were able to overcome them without loss and rescue Anna.  She is on her way here with the rest of our group as I have come ahead.  Anna and Fay, along with 3 rangers and a dwarf.  I will soon need to get some supplies and return to them.  In any case, we've learned some troubling news, first and foremost is that the bandits, orcs, and a fell enemy have taken root in Felyadur.  Furthermore, this cave system is much more extensive than you probably know.  We have learned that the bandits have been using the caves to infiltrate Bree through the town well which is connected to these caverns.  So too there are likely openings in the surrounding forests, especially near Archet where we've heard of recent events there.  This William who is on the run has been bewitched by an evil blade.  Gandalf has advised against helping or interacting with him until he can discover a way to destroy the blade.  Unfortunately it seems there is no way to help William. As to the confidential information, whether now or later, I would like to tell you in private and you can either share that information with your men or not."

Captain Skyhawk, a warden, who had seen much - seemed to pale as Lodin spoke of the orcs and more so about Felyadûr. The three seasoned guards also exchanged nervous glances at the mention of Felyadûr. There was a sense of relief, however, knowing that Anna Wintermoss had been found and rescued.

"This is much to take in," the Captain admitted, his hands still resting on the map of Bree. "The cave system of Felyadûr has an ill reputation that is well deserved. We've sent scouts to the entrance who speak of ill and queer feelings standing even near the entrance. Exploring into the depths, they encountered wolves as well as spiders larger than any should be. They've claimed to hear the haunting sounds of the undead which have frozen them with great terror and forced them to turn and flee, almost beyond their own body's control - an impulse or survival instinct that overrides the mind. To know it runs so deep and so long... that they could use it to poison the waters... and this William you speak of, bewitched by an evil blade... tell me it is not William Stanwick... For what purpose would someone bewitch William?"

"Then you haven't heard,” Lodin said, “Yes, William Stanwick, the former Mayor of Archet.  He has murdered a Ranger sent to investigate the area around Archet.  He is very dangerous and should be avoided, according to Gandalf.  For what purpose we do not know.  Nor do we know if he was specifically targeted or the unwitting victim of evil magic.  He is now a fugitive."

Captain Skyhawk shook his head. "These are ill omens indeed." He paused, unsure what to say or think for a moment, before his eyes locked with Lodin's, and in a moment of pleading and seriousness, he asked, "Are you, by chance, going to Archet? If so, you must speak with Captain Brackenbrook in Archet. He's a retired sell-sword who now lives in Archet. If William is indeed bewitched, it is he who should resume control of Archet and keep the people calm." He then took a deep breath, "If you are not headed for Archet, I would completely understand, and I apologize, in my desperation, if I have asked too much. I can see if I can spare some men - but with the news Hobart had brought with these brigands who had been amassing weapons - one of which he brought with him and was magical in nature - he'd mentioned there was others that the rest of you possess - I have been strained with duress that perhaps the brigands have acquired such weapons for themselves and preparing some form of attack against us here in Bree."

"We do intend to go to Archet after equipping ourselves.  However, winter is upon us and we will need to be brief.  I can relay whatever message you wish to Captain Brackenbrook.  For now I think securing Bree should be your priority.  In fact, after we return from Archet, I was planning on offering my time to the Bree Wardens during the winter.  Not that it would be impossible, but the brigands would face the same dangers of winter as we would venturing out and so attacking would only be a desperate move.  The fact that they were attempting to poison the population is evidence they would prefer not to attack directly at this time.  We can't know what other plans they have at this time, but we'll be trying to discover as much as we can." Lodin then added, "In any case, I think a permanent guard at the well is warranted."

Lodin turned, “There is more to discuss, but I see you are busy. I will travel to Archet with my companions and speak to the Captain there.” Lodin then walked to The Greenway, where he was immediately greeted by Ellwin Greenland. “Lodin, it is good to see you!” He approached Lodin and slapped him on the arm. “And still alive. You’re quite brave, if I had not already told you that already, standing up to those ruffians that night outside the Prancing Pony. What can I do for you?”

Lodin explained how he’d needed some clothing, and Ellwin Greenland smiled. “Let me get that for you - and please, take these for free. Keep yourself safe. Perhaps one day you can repay me in some other day! These are strange times and having friends such as yourself, who have the courage to do what’s right is a nice thing to have. I can not thank you enough.” With that Ellwin measures Lodin and makes the adjustments that Lodin asked for and quickly had traveling clothes ready.

Arriving outside of Bree again, he met with Welton, Frerin and Maethordan. “How did it go?” asked Maethordan.

Lodin pulled out the clothing and handed it to Welton. “And take this to shave,” he added, pulling out a razor. He looked to Maethordan as Welton stepped into the brush to change. "They have definitely heightened security.  They're being careful about who enters, even during the day.  I gave Captain Skyhawk the report.  I left Welton out of it for the time being.  I told him there was something confidential to inform him of, but his lieutenants didn't want to be left out, so I couldn't give him full disclosure yet.” As Welton emerged from the brush in his new clothes, not only had he shaved, but cut some of the length from his hair, Lodin was quite surprised how different Welton looked. “What name did you go with?"

"Cirion," Welton shrugged. "He says the story is I come from the North." He nodded to Maethordan.

"Welcome to Bree Cirion.  It’s about wintertime, we'll need to make ourselves useful over the winter.  I'll be helping the Bree wardens.  Already you've been helpful in informing us that the well is connected to the caverns.  I have informed Captain Skyhawk.  What you do to make yourself useful will be up to you.  If you need help in figuring that out, perhaps ask Maethordan what a Ranger might do in this situation. I'll be making a trip to Archet soon just to inform Captain Brackenbook of what we know, and perhaps learn more from him before settling down for winter."

"I think we should come with you to Archet, it may be risky and it will be useful to look around, I think I will be doing some research for the rangers," Maethordan replied.

“I am willing to go to Archet and see this through as well,” Frerin injected. “This business with the ruffians has unsettled the business between Bree and the Dwarves and I won’t go back until I see this done.” The dwarf stomped his foot on the ground defiantly. “Besides, the lot of you,” he looked at Welton, “with the exception of this one here, have been a good bunch. You,” his eyes remained on Welton, “got a lot to make up for.”

Lodin smiled, pleasantly surprised to see Frerin also wanting to see this through. "I agree, though we should keep the trip to Archet brief. Winter is upon us. Everyone keep your ears open while we're here for any useful information."

As the four traveled, the rain which was much colder than normal, reminded them that Winter in Bree had arrived. While, it so rarely snowed in these Bree-lands, the rain, normally warm, was frigid and cold during the winter, making travel a miserable experience. The wet clothes wrapped in the cold winds that came with the rain, sent shivers down the spine that seemingly could not be warmed, campfires struggled to remain lit against the rain that seemed determined to drown the light and the warmth as quickly as it could.

Upon arriving in Combe, it was a village in Bree-land located northeast of the village Bree north of the East Road in a deep valley a little further eastward from Staddle, which was on the gentler south-eastern slopes of Bree-hill. Here, they were able to find shelter at a small Inn that charged 2 silver for the night. Inside the tavern they heard locals speaking about the wolves and how they were larger than any they’d ever seen before and far more brazen. Livestock was vanishing every night, undoubtedly claimed by these larger wolves. Upon listening, it does not take long for Frerin, Welton, Maethordan and Lodin, to realize it is not wolves that are doing these things - but Wargs. The four exchange glances as they hear these farmers speak of thei woes.

The following morning, the relentless winter rains have turned the roads to mud, and the winds are colder than the night before. Fog has diminished visibility as the four pack up and move miserably through the day, whose sun is hidden somewhere beyond the thick, black storm clouds. There is no warmth to be found and few travel the road, making the journey to Archet a quiet one, broken up only by the rumbling thunder and the sound of rain splashing into the pools of water. Dolly also neighs and makes it known, as tough as she is, she is not enjoying this weather in the least.

Upon arriving at Archet Dale, the grove just before Archet, the ponds where many fish are flooded. The mountains that surround Archet seem to capture the rainfall and dump them directly into the rivers and ponds here. Further ahead, a large wooden gate is sealed and a man, quite miserable, stands at the top of the post, near a guard tower, and barely audible through the wind and thunder, calls out, “Who goes there?”

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Because Combe is probably a days travel from Bree, and Archet a days travel from Combe, I didn’t worry about making travel rolls.

Fellowship Points:

2 (1 per player) + 2 (Gandalf) = 4

Fellowship Bonus: Gandalf

You can spend a Fellowship point to roll an additional d20 after a saving throw (but before the outcome is determined) and choose which of the d20s is used.