1.0 - The Marsh Bell

Business concluded, the four of you are escorted out of the home by Gloin's manservant and now stand upon the steps of his mansion in Lake-town.

Robin, being inexperienced in the ways of the adventurer, looks to Inar and Thovetar for how they should proceed. "Well?" He asks, curiously, with a quirked brow.

"Well, seems we have a quest!" Inar says with a slight spring in his step that has been missing for some time. Looking up at the sky he says to the others "Still quite early in the day, and seems good travelling weather....shall we grab some supplies and get on our way? Unless any of you have business you need to wrap up before we leave?"

"That seems a very sensible plan," Gilly agrees.

"Perhaps have a meal before we go," Robin suggests, despite having eaten just a moment ago. "Otherwise, yes, that sounds just fine." He smiles, smoothing his hands down his leather jerkin.

Inar rolls his eyes a bit, the appetite of Hobbit's never ceasing to surprise him "How about we get something extra we can eat on the boats laddie? Really wouldn't be doing to drag our feet if there's people that may need our help"

Robin looks hesitant, but relents, "I suppose we might as well."

Gathering supplies is straightforward. Between the two hobbits and Inar, there's plenty of wealth among you to ensure you're adequately stocked for a journey (even with two Hobbits!). With your supplies acquired, you head down to the docs with Gloin's documents in hand. There, someone is perfectly happy to provide you with a couple of smaller boats for your journey down the River Running -- as Gloin's letter, and his coin, are good in Lake-town.

The time has come to plan your journey so as to remove the most obvious obstacles from your chance of success. After all, people just don't wander into the Wild without a plan. Thovetar has said this countless times. And given he's a Ranger, you assume he knows something of what he speaks about this.

You chat amongst yourselves to determine who will be the Guide, leading the expedition and making the decisions about the route, rest and supplies. A good Guide is wise and has some skill at Survival. Someone should also consider the role of Scout. Scouts set up camp and open new trails, relying on their Stealth and Investigation skills. The Hunter helps ensure you are fed during your journey, using their skill at Survival. Lastly, the Look-out is in charge of keeping watch during the journey and assigning watches overnight. A good look out perceives things clearly.

After a bit of discussion, you settle into a structure that makes you all feel comfortable. Thovetar -- with his keen survival abilities, will lead the group and provide for the food. Robin can perform as the Scout and Inar and Gilly will double up on Look-out duty, since you'll be skirting the edge of Mirkwood and who knows what can happen. More lookouts just seems like a good idea.

The weather is glorious as you head out from Esgaroth, or Lake-town. So much so, that you're convinced that you will be successful in your journey. You will find Balin and Oin and you will ensure that they will get home with nary a scratch on their head or a hair pulled from a beard. The wind is a slight, warming breeze out of the southeast and the sky is bright and clear. The Lonely Mountain can be seen far to the north with a ring of clouds around its top like a hat -- or a scarf.

This first day the going is quite simple. It's a matter of scooting down the Long Lake towards the Stairs of Girion -- a portage towards the Running River's lower course. Little happens on this part of your journey -- there's the occasional raft being carefully steered by Elves plying their trade with Esgaroth.

Around midday you beach the boats upon the lakeshore to break out a lunch (or a much delayed elevenses as far as Robin and Gilly are concerned). Although you are not far from Lake-town, you nonetheless settle into your roles -- Guide, Look-out, Scout and whatnot. Lunch passes quietly and relatively quickly. Inar is eager to be on your way and begrudges the effort of a fire -- so it's with some grousing that a cold lunch of salted meats, honey cakes and warm beer is your fare. Robin is certain a nice hearty stew would have been wonderful -- but he's convinced to hold off on the stew until dinner and a fire.