IC Story Thread: Ch.1, Ad.3 - Black Hand

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Jan 17, 2025 5:38 am
Éothain dismounts, trying to put the strangers at ease. "You have my word as a Rider of Rohan that we mean no harm to simple travelers such as yourselves. I have travelled far to guard against the darkness that threatens our world."
OOC:
My attempt at a Help action for the next time the strangers are asked for information.
Last edited January 28, 2025 7:10 am
Jan 21, 2025 4:31 pm
OOC:
Going to go ahead and roll the Persuasion for you guys.

Will edit post to add the narrative to both checks.

Rolls

Cirion Persuasion w/Eothain Help - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

1d20+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

Jan 21, 2025 5:02 pm
It's difficult to see much beyond their cloaks, but Cirion can tell that their manner of dress is not much like that of Westron Men.

It looks like a more loose, linen based cloth and furs and no fasteners - instead ties are used to close and secure openings, as opposed to the more prevalent wools and finished-hides/leathers of the Men of Gondor and the other more northern lands, which more often use hooks and buckles.

"We are just travelers bound for the western coast of Andrast, and ultimately Lond Daer!

And we are no longer in Gondor, so, you will have to forgive me but... you have no authority here!

We do not know of any statues or Sisters, we have no interest in them.

And so we ask that you leave us in peace!
"
Jan 21, 2025 9:07 pm
Duinhir listens to the reply with his full attention trying to discern if the strangers is telling the truth and reply in earnest.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Jan 22, 2025 11:32 pm
"We impose no authority upon you. I mentioned our title to reassure you of our honour, and as a token of our peaceful intention," he replies, measuring his words.

He sees Duinhir focusing on the strangers as if to read their demeanour.
OOC:
quick check @emsquared - did we see these two near one of the Sisters statues? I might have imagined we did. Or did we just spot them away from the statue?
Jan 23, 2025 9:24 pm
OOC:
@Dr_B You guys and the Sister were at the top of a ridge when you spied them maybe a couple hundred meters away, in the valley below the ridge.

So they were definitely in the general area, but not super close when you saw them. And they were/have been moving away from it.
Duinhir senses an un-ease in his voice when speaking about Lond Daer that contrasts sharply with his statement on the Sisters.

And it gives him the impression that they're telling the truth about the Sisters, but not their destination.
Jan 24, 2025 6:53 am
He considers their equipment, in relation to their declared destination.

could they be running away from someone? Or scouts from a better equipped larger group

"The western coast... That is a long way. Yet you seem to be travelling light, for such a long journey."
Last edited January 24, 2025 7:24 am
Jan 25, 2025 7:11 pm
"Indeed a long way" Duinhir adds "I would be faster to go by ship. What's in Lond Daer, that you need to travel there?" The harbour city is known to the ranger of the North.
Jan 28, 2025 7:45 am
"A fellow traveler, Astalor, might have come this way. Have you seen him? Tall, slim, gray hair, probably bearded, about 60, give or take ten years. Possibly wearing the robes of a learned man, which he is. Don’t get into an argument with him. He’s a sore loser." Éothain watches the two men for their reaction to Astalor’s name and his insult.
Last edited January 28, 2025 7:45 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Jan 29, 2025 5:18 pm
Eothain gauges no particular reaction at the mention or characterization of Astalor, and the speaker replies...

"You claim no authority, yet you question like an authority...

Come. It seems we have much to discuss.

Let us build a fire, we share food, and discuss.
"

The speaker gestures behind him and says a few words to the man with the spear. The companion's shoulders sag, he lays down the spear, removes his backpack and moves away from the ledge. It looks like he kneels down to rummage in the bag, perhaps for food or fire-making supplies? But you can only see his head and shoulders so it's hard to tell.
Jan 29, 2025 9:16 pm
"Cautious." Duinhir warns his companions in a low voice "This could be a trap"
He watches the half hidden figure closely

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(20) + 3 = 23

Jan 29, 2025 10:27 pm
He nods at Duinhir, responding in the same low voice. "We keep an eye on the food and drink, lest they try to poison us. Or we watch out for any hidden weapon... Come quick, now."

He starts walking forward, leading his horse towards the duo, and not losing sight of the spearman's preparations. "That is kind of you. I am glad you can see we present no threat to you."
OOC:
he thinks that the quicker he approaches, the harder it will be for those two to prepare a possible trap, be it a hidden weapon, or poison in their food...
Jan 29, 2025 11:31 pm
Trying to avoid startling the duo, Éothain closes in silently and slowly.
Jan 30, 2025 3:22 pm
The only way up to them, without going 100s of meters out of the way (which would give them an opportunity to try to flee if they are so inclined) is by the same dog-legged route that you watched them take up to their current position at the top of the out-cropping after they first spotted you.

And because of their significant height above your path - nearly 10 meters - you cannot possibly maintain visual contact while also ascending to their position.

But Duinhir's watchfulness prevents you all from being surprised, as pebbles begin to cascade over the edge above you, and both travelers come to the edge with large rocks held aloft over their heads to cast them down upon you.
OOC:
So they're up on a cliff and because of the steep incline you have to zig zag your way up. Which means you must pass below the cliff once to wind your way up to their position, and really there's no possibility to see what they're doing once you're much closer to the cliff.

But to reward Stefron's good roll, and all of your general suspicion: there would normally be a surprise check for each of you, but because of the crit success, none of you will have a chance of surprise.

Initiative!

Rolls

Traveler's Initiative - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Jan 30, 2025 3:36 pm
OOC:
oh boy

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Jan 30, 2025 7:15 pm
I knew it the seasoned ranger thinks to himself

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+0)

(8) = 8

Jan 30, 2025 9:18 pm
Éothain raises his shield and continues up.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+3)

(14) + 3 = 17

Feb 4, 2025 3:16 pm
OOC:
Sorry for the delay. Been busy at work in the first part of the year here and it's where I usually do most of my posting đŸ˜…

We didn't establish a marching order, so if it's alright with you guys I'll just assume it's by your initiative?
The two travelers send the large stones raining down of the first two of you to come up the path...
OOC:
Eothain and Cirion please roll me a Dex save, for half damage!

Rolls

Falling Stones! - (3d4+2)

(334) + 2 = 12

Feb 4, 2025 3:18 pm
OOC:
I should add it will require a full round of movement this round as you must move up the dog-legged path, if you wish to get within melee range of them next round. And missile attacks made now/from below must be rolled at Disadvantage.
Feb 4, 2025 3:48 pm
Cirion sees the raining stones and tries to swerve out of the way!
OOC:
happy with marching order matching initiative

edit: not sure that save worked? if not, I take 12 damage?
Last edited February 4, 2025 4:17 pm

Rolls

Dexterity save - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

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