Club Eclair II: Into Moria

[Gladnagl]

[[OOC: The system has forgotten my password, albeit the Forum still knows it. If Twostep is a no-show today, it will be due to lack of access.]]

[Tiempko]

[[OOC: The system has forgotten my password, albeit the Forum still knows it. If Twostep is a no-show today, it will be due to lack of access.]]

You are not the only one . . . Roy and I are having the same issue.

[ertr]

[[OOC: The system has forgotten my password, albeit the Forum still knows it. If Twostep is a no-show today, it will be due to lack of access.]]

It is not only you. Everyone seems to have that problem - a couple of threads about it here on the forum.

[StinkyGreene]

The Watcher in the Water hacked the authentication server, obviously. Was afeared of our steel.

[Craiden]

Dear diary,

We've made it, we've chased away the Nazgûl, who had commanded the fortress of Dol Guldur. It was a great accomplishment, but also prteyy difficult. He was well defended, and he himself and his beast pushed us to the very limit. There were moments in all these hours of battling our way up the tower where I thought we wouldn't make it. But we always made a bit more progress, discussing and rethinking our strategies. And we all worked very well together.

We also got some help, an elf named Kuronwen joined our group. A mysterious female who covers her head with a large hood so you can hardly see her face. She knows some magic tricks with rocks and runes, just like Hroik does. I don't know how or why she decided to assault the tower with us. My guess is she was a member of the Golden Host of Lorien when they entered Mirkwood, made it all the way to Dol Guldur with them and then learned that we were looking for the Nazgûl. Maybe that seemed to be an appropriate and tempting challenge to her. I am happy to have her with us, she seems to be good company (for an elf) and another helping hand is always welcome.

And there was a second helper, a small hobbit named Chizguard, hiding behind a thick shield. How he ended up in Mirkwood and the tower is a total mystery to me. I should ask him one day. All he said was that he heard rumors that some dwarves and friends were about to take on a great evil. And there he proudly stood, in his shiny armor and with a grin on his face. Fancies himself some white knight, ha! But he obviously knew what he was doing and didn't require the constant attention that Hedge does, as we could immediately see once we got into our first fights.

But, by Durin, this tower! It seemed to never end, it must be higher than the Endless Stair itself. We spent hours after hours, only making slight progress. If there really was a Nazgûl here, he was extremely well protected. The hours actually turned into a day or two. The good thing is, once we made a bit of ground, squads of elves moved in to take over the parts we had cleared and hold them against any potential counterattack.

We faced the first problem as soon as we entered. There was a locked door guarded by two big and empty suits of armor, the likes of which we would later find a lot of. One was covered in flickering flames and wielded an axe, the other one had a purple shadow about it and wielded a mace. They both looked pretty intimidating and Hedge fretted that we might not even get past them, but they were actually not much of a problem. We found a key on them, opened the door and continued on to the basement floor which was full of orcs, wargs and goblins. We kind of made short work of them, but then heard a larger Uruk call for reinforcements.

We quickly ran up the flight of stairs to kill him as fast as possible, as we figured we had to prevent him from alerting all the troops that are stationed here to converge on us at the same time to not get overwhelmed. That commander wore particularly heavy armor and wielded two nasty-looking serrated blades. He also was well-guarded by wargs, orcs and even two more armored suits, but he fell and then there was a silence. We had made it through their first line of defense and could take a short rest to regain our breath.

Next we got to a large room at the side of the tower. Pale moonlight shone in and revealed near a dozen of those armored suits, if not more, neatly lined up. But they all stood still, as if they had been crafted, but waiting for a spirit to be put in and animate them. That was odd, and a bit unsettling... Were they just waiting for us to enter and then all spring to life? That could certainly spell doom for us. We knew how strong they are, even two or three were quite a struggle to handle and these were many more.

One of them was not sleeping though and started to talk. I don't remember exactly what it said, but its armor shone in a light blue and it had a gigantic sword in its hands.Thorcundo, Sagla and our new hobbit friend moved forward to challenge it, while Hroik and Kuronwen placed their rocks and Sagla a banner to give us strenght and courage. I also moved in, my axes ready, while I expected all the other statues in the room to wake up and attack. But that never happened. Some of them did, but not all, and those who did came one after the other. And then Sagla or Thor would grab their attention and prevent them from doing too much harm. We put them to rest and in the meantime also whittled away at the big one, until, after quite some time, it also fell.



It became quiet, most of the statues still standing in rank and file. And then a squad of Elves moved in and set up station. I believe they were involved in some fighting below, preventing any reinforcements from getting to the middle sections of the tower, covering our backs. One had even brought an anvil to repair our gear, ha!

After another rest, we got up another stair and arrived at another large room, one level above the one with all the statues. Here were statues too, not so many, but they moved around, patrolling the area. And here we met our first sorcerer, the most difficult foes we would face. He was standing in a small alcove to the right, reading a book. He was apparently so immersed in his studies that he seemed oblivious to our drawing away one statue after the other, as well as some bigger groups of lesser wights, to our position where we brought them down. These wights were fun, well armored, but very slow and they dropped easily under our blows.

The sorcerer however not so much. He turned out to be extremely dangerous, a master of the dark arts. He laid down puddles of fire and purple clouds that you'd definitely have to avoid stepping into. He also knew some other nasty spells and one of them hit me hard and unexpected and left me unconcious. What made it even worse was the pet warg he had with him, a ferocious, powerful beast that popped up out of nowhere and ripped right through us. Nasty doggy! The rest of my friends managed to defeat them though and then picked me up from where I had fallen. But this was not the end of the sorcerers and their invisible wargs, far from it. There were more, many more, some of them even guarded and protected by these armored suits.

We got back to the center of the tower, where some inconspicuous stairs led up to an inconspicuous landing.



And when we climbed them, all hell broke lose. One of the stealthed wargs must have sniffed us out and then several sorcerers, their pets and the suits came at us. In these close quarters it was nigh impossible to make a stand, for the whole area, the stairs, the landing, everything, quickly filled up with fiery puddles and purple clouds. It was total chaos and we quickly had to retreat to a safe place. We tried a second time and failed, and then a third time and failed aswell. The space was just too tight and we could not avoid stepping into their puddles.

The Elves were busy fighting further below, so they could not help. We tried to charge straight at a sorcerer and defeat him quickly and it didn't work. They threw us back again and again. The sorcerers never pursued us though when we retreated. I think they knew they could not get out and past the Elves below, while we could not get past them, their wargs and guards. It was a stalemate.

We discussed our options and everyone agreed that fighting them here is not a good idea. We needed more room and space to sidestep the puddles. We decided that we'd sent only one or two of us up to draw their attention and hopefully entice only one or two at time to follow them when they'd run back, while the rest of us waited in ambush. The job fell on Thorcundo and later also Twostep and Thalachon tried. I was quite worried for my dwarven brother, but a bit later he came running back, past me, two of the armored suits in pursuit. One of us would follow and aid him in case things got nasty.

We had a theory that we would just ignore Thor and his pursuers while he ran to the large room we had cleared before, and there just run around in circles with them. And that we did, we waited for the sorcerer to appear, our primary target. Then, a short time after, a sorcerer indeed showed up, and Liatri had laid out a trap for his warg, so now he was all alone, and Sagla shouted at him. He stopped in his tracks and turned around, and then we all sprang forward and cut him down with all we had. Guess he didn't see that coming, ha! Didn't even have much time for his puddle-laying, and those few he did lay, we could easily avoid, for we now had more room to walk around. Then we took care of the trapped warg and finally rushed back to help Thor with the two suits. He was a bit out of breath from all the running around, but Hedge was quite pleased with these tactics: "That worked! And excellent warg control, Liatri!".



That was not the end of our labors though. There were more sorcerers, and more wargs and guards, as we soon found out the hard way. But we had a working strategy now. We would send one up to bring them down, maybe Liatri would go with them to track and trap the warg, while the rest of us waited in ambush for the next sorcerer. Sometimes we managed to draw only one suit or even a warg without a sorcerer, but it happened once that two sorcerers and a warg and a suit came down, and that got a bit hairy. But after some time we had cleared this section of the tower aswell and could move on.

Then we got to another big room. It was completely empty, but with a locked door at the other side. At each side of the room were what looked like prison cells, or maybe just living quarters. We could see two more sorcerers behind the doors, looking even stronger that the ones below, if that was even possible. Maybe their teachers. Had they fallen out of favor and were locked up, waiting to redeem themselves against us? Or were they just waiting for us? Anyways, we thought they might have the key, so we opened the doors to release them.

I had hoped they'd be thankful and just leave, but that wasn't so. Since we had a lot of space to maneuver around their puddles, and were not surprised by any invisible wargs, and they had no armored guards to protect them, they were not too hard to bring down.

After we defeated them, we climbed through the upper levels of the tower, until we got onto the roof outside and to the very top. This last part was not as difficult as the sorcerers below, but was a slog nonetheless. We faced a new type of enemy, glowing lights that caused fear in our hearts and made us turn around and run until we hit a wall. I swear, I was not afraid of them, it must have been some evil magics! There were also a few more of those armored suits walking around, these crackled and flashed with lightning and seemed to hold a special grudge for our very own users of lightning, Hroik and particularly the elven lass Kuronwen. And when they knew they were about to be destroyed, they kind of exploded, maybe with hidden black powder inside, and we had to quickly get out of range.



In the last room before a hallway leading up and outside was a big altar to the Dark Lord, adorned with skulls on sticks, lit candles sitting on the top of the skulls. Very odd. And we could hear the flapping of great wings, and occasional screams from the beast. As we stepped outside, we could see it circling the tower, but we still had to get around and pull two levers top open a gate further up.

I believe we had grown tired and a bit careless as we neared the end. We had been constantly advancing and fighting, only taking short rests, for many hours and through several setbacks and we were eager to finally find and face the Master of this tower. We accidentally alarmed a patrol of suits and were nearly defeated. Then again Liatri showed how good of a fighter she is, when she was the last of us standing and took down the last remaining armor all by herself. I was wondering about Liatri, how brave and adventurous she is. Does she have folks back in the Shire? Do they know where she is about, what she is doing? She would be considered the most daring of all hobbit lasses, if they knew. But they probably don't. She won't tell anyone, because she is too modest and doesn't like to draw attention to her.

Then we finally climbed the last set of stairs outside and got to the very top of the tower. It was dark and raining, and lightning flashed at times. Seeing us there, the beast and its rider, the Nazgûl, swept down and landed right in the middle of the platform, which was about 250 feet wide. The gauntlet was thrown and he seemed willing to pick it up.

Now why he did so, I can only speculate. I am sure he had been watching us for a while now, how we defeated the army stationed in Gathburz, how we breached his fortress and how we had killed the sorcerer Gorothul. I think that now he wanted to get involved himself, to take it on himself to kill us, or at least to test our strength, and his own, in battle. I also believe that he knew that, even if he loses, he cannot be truly defeated, at least not by us. He will just be revived again in some other place. So, he really had nothing to lose. He also seemed to enjoy this confrontation, calling us "puny mortals", and that we will now "face our doom" and so on.



Well, we were ready for it. We had been in this tower far too long, and in all of Mirkwood in fact, and this was, together with the rescue of Bori, the culmination of all our efforts, the end of the road. If we win, great, if not, fine, we will die in honor and in the company of our friends.

The beast started to chase us, but we did hurt it. After a while, the rider jumped down and also started to fight us. Sagla took him on and stood her ground, with the help of Hedge and Hroik, while the rest of us chased the beast around... or were chased rather. Sometimes it would stretch out its long neck and bite one of us, which seemed to invigorate it. Whoever the beast chose as its favorite food had to run, run, run, the beast hot in pursuit, until it lost interest and picked another target, or simply took off and flew a few rounds through the air. And while the beast was chasing, we peppered it with arrows or took a swing with our swords and axes whenever it was in range.

Then the beast fell, only the rider left! We rushed over to help Sagla, at least all the running was over. He was angry, and had some powerful spells and tricks, but I think we could at least sometimes disturb his concentration. And now he was alone against ten of us! It took almost forever, but slowly and surely we beat him down, until he finally fell too.

He swore at us before he vanished, saying that we should fear the shadows, for this is where he would wait to exact his revenge. Well, at least for the moment I don't care, he can swear and be a sore loser as much as he wants. We all cheered and Burnheart said this was almost worth walking up all those stairs. Very true! And I believe it was the new elf, Kuronwen, who dealt the killing blow, I saw a flash of lightning from one of her rocks just before. So she got her sweet revenge from being so pummeled by the armored suits before.

We had won!

[Craiden]

I even have a video of our successful fight, which took some tries and effort



And here are (some of) the heroes of Barad Guldur, unfortunately some that also helped are missing in the picture:

[Kuronwen]

To Oltanwë Elestirnion
Street of the Jewelcrafters
Mithlond

Oltanwë ionnín,

I hope that this letter finds you, traveling as it must over the long leagues of Eriador from Taur-e-Ndaedelos to those peaceful havens in the west. If it does find you, I trust it will find you happy and well, enjoying these blissful years of newly-wedded life. Gwaeleth is a treasure and you are beyond fortunate that she loves you so! Often and often I dream of your joining ceremony, at dawn on the shores of Harlond-- one of the most joyful moments of my life, as it must ever be of yours as well.

Your advice to me, difficult as it was for me to accept, has proven wise. I arrived in Imladris last fall and offered my services to Elrond, as atonement. He, while forgiving, sent me to Lórien, to meet with Celeborn and Galadriel. How many courses of the sun have passed since I saw them last, in Doriath! And yet the old emotions welled up in my heart, as vivid and painful as new. They heard me out, and Celeborn directed me to help his people in the forest of Mirkwood (as it is called in the common tongue). In his graciousness he did not assign me to the army, but left me the freedom to find my own way to serve.

This brings me to my current situation. In exploring Mirkwood I found a band of adventurers-- a few of our kind, Galdhron, Thorfaniel, and Thalachon-- two of the Atani, the maidens Sagla and Twostep-- but mainly hadhodrim and a folk strange to me, periannath. Although we have braved some dark places, their high spirits have made me feel hopeful and-- if you are able to believe this-- young! (Or at least, I forget sometimes the long ages of my life.) The hadhod Erikin is a bold and skilled fighter, with a big heart. Hroik, Fraori, and Burnheart wield runestones as I do, and I watch them closely to learn what I might from them. (You remember my fondness for the dwarven folk from of old.) Thorcundo is our stoutest fighter, the direct target of most enemies' ire.

The periannath, or "hobbits" as they call themselves, are a delightful revelation to me. We know of their land in the west, of course, but I had never spoken with any before, nor thought about them. Hedgerow, Jaytull, Chizgard, Alphred, Boermmy-- they are surprisingly effective in our physical battles, and boost us in the spiritual fights, as well. There is also a hobbit lass with us, brave Liatri. I have never seen such skill with bow and trap: it rivals that of the Galadhrim!

We have not had time to hear each other's stories, but already I feel a closeness to these companions. That is what happens in battles, a consolation. You will be glad to learn that my dreams trouble me only rarely, thank Aulë.

Embrace Gwaeleth for me, dearest son, and write to me, please, in care of Narbes of Caras Galadhon.

[P.S. Thank you, Craiden, for posting the movie, and for your wonderful accounts! And thank you to Hedgerow, as well!]

[Tiempko]

To: Daffodilia Wildfeet
Chief, Bounders of the Shire - Addernotch Station


Sir!

We are about ready to tackle the Watcher in the basement of Moria, and this time I think we can defeat it. Of course, I thought we could do so last time . . . and look where that got us.

Half of our group has been remaining back at the 21st Hall waiting for an opportunity to slay the second of the Riders at Barad Guldur. While they have been waiting, they have been studying and practicing Watcher strategies in a swimming pool that is just off the 21st Hall. Or, its a cistern for drinking water. Actually, it's a bit of both. Or a bathtub. Or . . . whatever it is, they have been reading and working on strategies and they have sent us some notes that we hope to put to use tomorrow.

In the mean time, I am happy to report that they did get their shot at the Second Rider. They also got a whole lot of help and the whole flock of them went off with their elf escort into the tower. Gad, it was one of the largest Eclairian armies assembed in a long time. Thalachon, Bohimli, Liatri, ... some hobbit lass near fresh from the Shire named Welli (I think) . . . Roy, Jaytull, Galdhron, Korowhen . . . she's kinda new, I am certain I've mentioned her . . . Fraori, Burnheart. Did I miss anybody? I'll ask Alphred when next I see him.

I near have to laugh. Alphred, what thinks himself a great warrior, ended up flat on his back shortly after the battle started and, from what I hear, spent the whole adventure on his back sound asleep. Well, unconscious. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew defeated the rider without him. He scarce ever talks to me. He doesn't even send these notes that he and the others are creating on The Watcher to me directly. The postdwarf tells me that he hands them over and says, "Give them to the group at the Vile Maw."

Well, when they got back to the 21st Hall they sent us some more notes on Watcher strategies. Though they are of limited use. They tell us to keep our distance from The Watcher. But Thorcundo, Thalachon, Twostep . . . they all need to be up close. They aren't bowhobbits or staff or rock wizards what can stand off at a distance and hurl spells and arrows. So, we have to modify their instructions for our little group. But, I think we have made the appropriate modifications and when next we enter the puddle the Watcher will be toast. Or, at least warm bread. I prefer warm bread to toast anyways - toast is too crunchy.

Anyways, then it will be on to the last and worst of the Moria villainy . . . whatever malevolence lurks in the deepest darks of Dar Narbugud. Alphred wrote to say that he is heading off to Dar Narbugud and is trusting that we will be able to successfully use his notes to deal the The Watcher . . . and that he will meet us there when we are done.

From what I understand, this last and worst of the villainy will be a difficult if not near impossible foe to beat. I have been fearing that we would have to leave the dwarfs of Moria with their worst enemies - the two Lieutenants of Dol Guldur, the Watcher of the Vile Maw, and the villainy of Dar Narbugud all intact as they are beyond our resources. We have defeated the Two Lieutenants, a defeat of The Watcher looks promising, but none of this gives reason for any greater confidence against the villainy of Dar Narbugud.

We will see what we see when we see it.

Bounder Hedgerow Shrewburrow

[Tiempko]

Here are (some of) the heroes of Barad Guldur, unfortunately some that also helped are missing in the picture:

For Lurkers . . . . from left to right . . .

Hroik (aka Roy) - Rune Keeper who has travelled with Club Eclair from its very first days in The Shire.

Burnheart - Rune Keeper that joined us recently in Moria.

Erikin - Champion who is the fine sketch artist who illustrates his stories of adventures with fine drawings such as this.

Sagla - The Captain and this group's main front-line battler much of the time.

Kuronwen - Very newly joined, another Rune Keeper who has provided much needed support when we need it most and delivered the killing blow.

Hedgerow (sitting) - A clerk from the Shire that got caught up in the adventure.

Liatri - a Bowhobbit that has also travelled with the group from the very first days.

Twostep - A burgler (we prefer the name Scout) who comes and goes depending on whether the local folk have a bounty on her head.

Jaytull - A minstrel who prefers battling music to music that boosts morale.

[Swanee]

https://discord.gg/neEUb4P8

(Just updating the Discord link)

[Tiempko]

To: Daffodilia Wildfeet
Chief, Bounders of the Shire - Addernotch Station


Sir!

The Watcher of Moria is no more.

Following the instructions that Alphred sent to us, we were finally able to end this beast and the threat that it brought to the dwarfs of Moria. This was the same beast that brought Oin into a dark submerged chamber with the Dwarf axe Zigulburk where he died, and near did the same to Broin.

We did have to modify Alphred's instructions some. Instead of standing on the far shore, we were able to find a place just inside the tentacles that were called "sharks" that circled the battlefield. But it was far enough away to avoid the worst of the harms yet near enough to do some good for those what were battling up close and personal against The Watcher. And that is how we fought. Half of us went up close to the beast to do battle against it. And half of us, including me, who were no good in hand-to-tentacle combat, stayed off and offered what help we could at a range that avoided much of its wrath.

It still was not an easy battle. And the first time we charged into the room we could sense the beast gaining the upper hand and we retreated to regain our strength, reorganize, and then try again. And while we were resting, Kuronwen the rock wizard and Bohunc the archer came in as reinforcements. With the aided numbers, and the wisdom we gained from the previous attempt, we went once more to challenge the beast.

As we battled, I heard Roy beside me scream about how Erikin was suffering some severe blows and yet he was too far from us for us to be able to help him. But then we saw Erikin using a tactic where, upon being badly hurt, he would retreat to the fight and come to us for aid rather than waiting for us to come to him. That near to certainly kept him in the battle longer. Them who were in hand-to-tentacle combat were slowly able to wear the creature down until it could no longer resist our blows, and it succumbed. It sunk down into the depths of the water where we could see it lay . . . lifeless.

I wished I could swim down and give it one last jab for good measure.

But we then harvested what treasures we thought were worth harvesting. We then packed up our gear and left that dark and wet corner of Moria.

Now we head to the other, even darker, and mold-infested corner of Moria known as Dar Narbugud.

I started my journey near to immediately. I took a path through the Waterworks to the Rotted Celler, took a shortcut through the Deep Way to Dolven View, walked along the Great Hall of Durin, and up into the 21st Hall. There, I replenished my provisions and, still feeling the excitement of our victory and pride at my service to the dwarfs . . . who, after all, were most essential in protecting the Shire from the Witch King of Angmar . . . in helping them rid their home of another of its most menacing menaces.

Anyways, I headed out right off. But my energies were failing after a while and I opted to stop off at the Shadowed Refuge for a meal and some rest before the final leg of my journey. And that is where I sit now, writing this letter while I let myself settle in for a good night's sleep. There's a camp set up near to where we will be entering this last and darkest lair, but this is a safer and less dreary place to have a sleep. It is dreary, mind you, filled with rot and mold, but it is less dreary.

As I sit here among the dwarfs, they are filled with advice on how to deal with the creatures in that dark way. Mar is insistant that I pick up several of his elixers having the ability to ward off fears. Of course, I have picked up several pages of Wrennsong's words of wisdom, a case of Li'l Meadowlark's token to light our way when the path is darkest, what I hope is sufficient healthy and wholesome Shire foods sent by Meadowlarke Sweetweed, and other elixers and potions that may be of use. I will be off come morning.

I am guardedly optimistic of our success. If we can retain our numbers, and with some luck and skill, we may actually be able to finish off this last and final threat to the dwarfs of Moria. Well, last and final with the exception of the tens of thousands of orcs, goblins, and trolls still occupying portions of Moria that the Dwarfs have not yet ventured into, but which they are confident they can keep contained. But this is the last of the mystical monsters . . . and the one that is responsible for all of the disease that has been seeping into these lower depths. They call her the Mistress of Pestilence. She may be beyond us. She may not. We will be testing ourselves against her as soon as the Eclairians assemble.

I will let you know.

Bounder Hedgerow Shrewburrow

[Gaming_Gal]

Dear Chief,

I have recently learned that there is a troublesome sort in the Grand Stair of Moria named Dragh. I have been tasked to see to this trouble, and the Dwarf folk have offered to teach me their trapping secrets in exchange for my aid.

Unfortunately, I sought out this place and it is most dangerous. So it is unlikely that I can do this alone. I request a muster to complete this task I have been given. I have been told by Miss Eniel who has a campsite near the Gate of Ruin that there is a Mark of Victory to be had to those that would aid this effort, which the Sage of Moria will gladly trade for when offered. I have asked around, and I believe the Sage is known as Rúnar and he is most easily found trading in the Twenty-First Hall.

Please advise me on the best way to go about organizing this muster.

Kindest Regards,
Bounder Wellientha Dampdale

[Tiempko]

Dear Wellie . . .

According to reports we receive here at Addernotch Station from Bounder Hedgerow - the Eclairians set aside a time each week for tying up loose ends and helping folks complete whatever chores may have been individually assigned that still needed to be completed.

The mustering is on Sunday at 10:00 AM. In recent musterings, according to the reports, they have helped some lass named Twostep from Bree complete chores in a place called The Forges and Fil Gashan - assaulting orcs that have taken over those regions. In other adventures, they have freed prisoners in the dungeons of Dol Guldur, hunted special leaders in skirmishes at the Necromancer's Gate and in the Deep Way, and gone on siege trainings for those who pass the tests that the Rangers set up for them in siege warfare.

They even, recently, took a Ranger's "survival" test. According to Hedgerow's report, which I have right here, they survived for near to 30 minutes in an unending mock battle, even though there was only five of them, only to discover that the Ranger measuring their progress fell asleep after 10 minutes and they did not get credit. There was apparently some rule about only being permitted to take one test per day or some such - the report does not go into details.

Anyways, I am certain they would be pleased to offer you protection while you pursue this task.

Iffen the time is inconvenient . . . or even if somebody would want to set up an alternative . . . I am certain from what I know of the Eclairians that they would be agreeable to mustering at another time if one would be suggested to them. Indeed, a second gathering for those who have other duties to perform at the gathering time may be welcome.

Anyways, you take care of yourself out there. From these reports, it is a frightening and dangerous place.


Meadowlarke Sweetweed

[Tiempko]

Father,

So it begins.

That seems a popular phrase around here whenever something of importance starts. Somebody looks solemnly and says, "So it begins."

Anyways, our invasion of Dar Narbugud has begin. We have ventured in, and we have gained a foothold. At the very entrance, a pair of monstrous trolls are on patrol. These are the meanest, most viciousness, awful and foul trolls ever to guard a lair. And there's two of them. They seemed joined in some way, as if some wizard has cast a spell on them that links them in such a way as to double the strength and to double the difficulty in battling them.

But we did battle them.

We originally thought that Thalachon and I would split the trolls between us - him taking one of the twins and me the other. The rock wizards Roy and Fraori were to provide morale support. Bohregard, Galdhron, Wellie, Burnheart, Thorfaniel, and Jaytull were in charge of pounding the troll.

Gad, they were mean. We charged after them and they would pound the ground and raise a stink and toss us about. One of them picked up Roy and threw him high up a wall where he actually landed on a ledge. He said he would have liked to stay up there and look down on the fight but that he was too far away to be of any use to us, so he jumped on down. We would, after a while, get the impression that things were not going well for us and, as per always, retreated before the battle turned out too poorly against us. It is on account of our motto to always have a way out and to retreat while we had a chance that has kept us alive so long. Some may think that it is cowardly, but I simply think it is smart for us to retreat rather than die. We are no good to the world dead.

Each time we retreated we compared what we knew. For example, when the trolls pounded the ground it would cause oozes of acid to seep up through holes in the foor and we had to watch while we step. It was Jaytull who noticed how, once the trolls got sufficiently wounded, one of them would get outraged and start hitting harder and harder. He recommended that when the two are sufficiently harmed that this one be brought down quickly. Jaytull was put in charge of directing the battlers with respect to which troll to battle, as Thalachon and I were busy trying to keep the trolls' attention.

So we tried again, and this time it went better. Indeed, we were almost starting to think that we would win, but the trolls got the upper hand on us again at the end and we fled once more and considered our strategies. One tactic I mentioned was to keep moving. Particularly when one of the trolls started pounding the ground, it was useful to start moving so that, iffen a puddle shows up under one's feet, one is already moving off of it and is off before suffering any great harm. I adopted the tactic of dancing during a battle. I would move around . . . right and left and back . . . never standing still and hopefully making it harder for the trolls to cause me any real harm.

We charged and were forced back twice more, but we were getting oh so close to winning the battle. So it was declared that we will have one last chance. I recall telling others as we positioned ourselves for battle that I thought we would win this time, because we always win on the last attempt. Owing to the fact, of course, that once we win there are no more attempts. Thalachon offered a different strategy this time. He asked me iffen I wanted to take on both trolls myself, and he would join the battling crew in helping to cut the legs out from under the trolls. We were getting so close to defeating them that it seemed a reasonable suggestion, so I agreed.

We charged in and, this time, I had two trolls facing me. Both as monstrous as the tallest oak in Little Delving. All the while I kept dancing . . . right and left and back . . . trying to keep from the puddles of ooze growing out of the floor and keeping away from the sweeps of their clubs. It was of a sudden and a completely unexpected surprise to me when one of the trolls toppled and fell . . . and did not rise. I was shocked. I was so shocked I forgot what I was doing for just a moment . . . which was all it took for the remaining troll to toss me across the cave and into a wall. I recall nothing after that until Roy was standing over me with his smelling salts bringing me back into the world. What I saw right away was that we were still standing in the trolls' cavern and neither troll was moving any more.

We had won! We had crossed the threshold into Dar Narbugud.

We scouted a bit down the tunnels and hallways. We're not going to be able to get too far until another pair of trolls standing guard a little further in from the entrance are slayed. We were tired. We decided to leave the other troll to Sagla and Thorcundo and their crew. We can't steal all of the fun. As we ended, Thalachon said that he was starting to feel confident that we could win this. I am slightly less confident. I think there's hope, but there are a lot of guards between us and the Mistress of Pestilence, what is responsible for all of the ooze and slime infesting the lower portions of Moria and threatening to work its way to the very top.

But the Troll guards, who were such a menace and whom we feared would never fall to our blows, have fallen. We have created a crack, and now all we need to do is to pound the wedge into it and force it further open until Dar Narbugud cracks.

I am feeling settled enough now that I think I may get some sleep. We'll have some rest while the other crew works on the villains for a bit. Then it will be our turn.

I am well, father. And if we get Mistress of Pestilence slayed, there will be naught more to keep me here. I can be heading back to the Shire and to home.

Be well and be safe.

Love,

Alphred Troute

[Craiden]

Dear diary,

We've finally gotten around to take on and defeat that giant squid-monster that had attacked us from the dark pool in front of the Hollin Gate. In our first encounter, we could barely harm it with our inferior weapons and it had taken Broín beneath the water and made off with him. Luckily, we found him later, and alive. And in our second encounter, just before we entered the great halls of Khazad-dûm, we had these new, ancient weapons we had found and we did hurt it. And the beast had retreated below the surface to some unknow place.

A while later, the dwarves of the Iron Garrison had discovered its lair. It was hiding in large hall, half filled with water, in the south-western corner of the Water-works. We had heard about it, even taken a quick look at it, but other, more pressing matters (like rescuing Bosi from the Dungeons of Dol Guldur of course), had prevented us from putting in more effort and figuring out if it can be defeated for good. It also didn't seem to pose a bigger threat, as it was wounded, and never left its hiding place. The dwarves had posted some guards at the entrance, who sometimes went in and monitored the beast's movements.

But now that we had returned to Moria, this was high on our list, so we went down to the Water-works again to see what can be done about it. When we got in, everything seemed quiet. But the water stung, as if it was filled with... the monster's acidic... excretions. By my mother's beard, I don't want to even think about what I may have been swimming in... and swallowed!

But then the monster raised it's massive head above the water.



It was clearly enraged that we dared to disturb it, maybe even scared as it knew we could hurt it. It made a big splash and spewed a surge of water at us and we had to quickly move out of its way. Then several tentacles appeared which we could fight near the edge where the water wasn't too deep yet.Other tentacles further away flung balls of slime and mud at us. When we had cut those two tentacles down, the monster roared again and pulled down a catwalk that had hung under the roof of the hall.

The head then disappeared beneath the water and more tentacles rose up. These were further away, so we had to swim out to fight them. We cut those down as well, only for more tentacles, albeit smaller ones, to appear. Some were circling rapidly around the center where the head would be, and you had to avoid getting caught by them as they would drag you down instantly.

Then the head showed again. Thorcundo challenged it, and it turned around, exposing its softer backside. Well, maybe not softer, but at least we wouldn't be staring into a huge mouth filled with sharp teeth. Only Thorcundo had to, ha! I could see Twostep jumping on top of the beast, stabbing her knives into it, and Bohunc shot bolt after bolt after bolt into it with his crossbow. I don't know what kind of bolts he used, but they glowed white and hot.

Mustering my courage, I also swam out towards the head. I positioned myself near the head and another enormous tentacle, but also in range for any shouts of encouragement an morale boosts from Hedge or Hroik. I mainly focused on the tentacle, but when it was down, did get a couple of nice, hard swings at the head itself, before the next tentacle appeared. I don't know how many of these tentacles the monster had, but I thought if we'd sever them all, the monster wouldn't be able to swim anymore and just sink to the bottom and drown. I don't think it could breathe under water.

Sagla stood right next to me, as we ever so slowly whittled it down. Sometimes the beast would shake and squirm, and flail wildly about, but it was doomed. It lost strenght and power. It may not be used to really fight, and so many people at the same time. It seems more of a lurker, a predator that watches its prey for some time and then swiftly strikes one deadly blow and drags it unfortunate victim down. Not this time though! After a while, it rose up one last time, screamed, and then slowly sank below the surface.

We had our victory, and sweet revenge for all the dwarves it has slain. I was thinking about the little graves near the Hollin Gate.



Now it's time to rest, before we head back to the Foundations of Stone. An elven scout by the order of the Lord Celeborn had found the way into another hidden cave, at the very bottom of Moria, where he believes the fungus that plagues the lower reaches originates from. That would be our final mission. And then? Who knows... I don't know what the plans of the others are, I think Hedge has been talking about returning home to the Shire. Well, I have no family or home to return to, so I may enlist with the Iron Garrison and help them rebuilt Khazad-dûm to its former glory. Baruk Khazâd!



Unfortunately, due to the intensity of the battle, I didn't get any good screenshots, lol.

My screen more often like not looked like this:


Or this:


But we stuck through it and I have a video of our successful battle again, enjoy!

[Tiempko]

To: Daffodilia Wildfeet
Chief, Bounders of the Shire - Addernotch Station


Sir!

Gad, are we involved in a fight! These villains are turning out to be as tough as villains can be! And is, with our numbers being less than what the dwarfs say would be needed in this fight, are struggling.

We have gained a foothold in the caverns. Our first chore was to slay the trolls that had been set up near the entrance to keep out folks such as ourselves. It took a great deal of work, but we slayed the trolls - and the orcs and other villainy that occupied this gateway into the caverns - and have claimed it for our own. This is now our base camp. It is quite roomy, though it is also quite moldy . . . filled with fungus and filth. It is enough to make a hobbit lose his appetite. I generally have to step outside iffen I want to have a meal and keep it in my stomach for long.

From here, we have worked our way into the cavern. A bit further in, there is a crossroads with passages going in three different directions. From what we have learned from the dwarfs, the orcs here have been wizarded or such. As long as they live, the master further in the lair shares their power. We expect that master will be difficult enough to slay without those powers so we have set to defeating the three orcs along these passageways in order to weaken the orc further in. We have been quite successful with one of them - the red orc down the left passage. The worm orc off to the right proved difficulty, but I am happy to report that we have defeated him as well. The problem with him was with all the worms that he summoned what which spewed their acidic insides all over us. Once we figured them out, we put folks to work slaying the worms before they could do their spewing and then bided our time slaying the orc what was their master.

But the third orc remains, and it has proved to be the most difficult of all. It is not such a dangerous orc in its own right. Iffen we can do the right things at the right times, it is not so dangerous. We have probed that. Only, doing the right thing at the right time is like preparing a five course dinner a dozen hobbits, each of which is to get their favorite dish, and having all of the meals finished and plated at the right moment. All while cleaning the house and making sure all of the baking dishes are cleaned and put away before the meal starts. And there is a near to a dozen of us . . . no one of which can make a mistake between the time the fight starts and the time the orc is slayed.

Needless to say, we have not accomplished this yet. We have gotten close, but there is always a misstep before the orc gets plated up and we have to retreat to the secure parts of the cavern and return after we have recovered. To start over.

I fear that the frustrations of the battle may undue us - that Eclairians turn on each other when one of us makes a misstep that frustrates the aims of all of us. I am seeking to use all of my minstrelling skills to make sure that everybody remains calm and patient and confident that, once we all learn the steps, we can go through the battle without a difficulty and make it to the end, and that the villains we meet further on will be weakened by our efforts. Watching the orc recover all of the damage we have suffered to inflict on him because of somebody's slay shot, or having a huge number of Eclairians fall when his eye of wizardry sets off a magical explosion in our midst because the victim did not run away fast enough, can cause tempers to rise. I do hope folks know to take a deep breath, have a pie, and we will try again.

We are seriously getting better. We are lasting longer in each battle against him and doing more damage, and not allowing him to recover it all with his wizardry. I am confident we can pull it off, eventually. Though I hope it happens before I become an old and feeble hobbit.

I am going to send this out with the elfs. Given that elfs like to take their time with things, there is no telling how many years or ages will pass before you get this message. When you do get it, do note that, as of this writing, we are half way done with the hardest battle of our time here in Moria. I seek to get some rest, and then we try again.

Bounder Hedgerow Shrewburrow

[Tiempko]

Father,

I am writing to you from deep within the darkest tunnels of the very basement of Moria.

We are involved in a battle to take over what we are calling "the crossroads" in this maze of tunnels and caverns. We are sending troops out in all directions to deal with the orcs. When we are done here, we will only have one passage left unexplored - the passage that leads to the Blind One who is responsible for all of the disease and disgust in this part of Moria. That disease and disgust is slowly spreading. It infests nearly all of the Foundation of Stone, most of the Redhorn Lodes, and has reached as far as the Water Works.

I am wondering if, with all of my letters to you, those names have yet to come to mean anything to you.

Anyways, there is one last orc that is trapped within a tunnel down one last hallway. We have him cornered. Of course, a cornered orc is the most dangerous, and this one is dangerous anyways. We will be mustering here shortly in an attempt to do away with him.

We are good at learning how to work together. In our last battle, we fought an orc that could summon worms that would sacrifice themselfs and spray acid all about the room causing great harm. We were struggling. Then Thalachon decided that he would enter the battle with an intent to do harm, leaving me to attract the creature's attention so that others can battle him. At the same time, Jaytull came up with an effective strategy for dealing with the worms, keeping himself between the point where they entered and the rest of the group. He figured he could take the blow from a single worm and get himself cleaned up and ready in time for the next, weakening the foe.

For may part, I resolved never to leave the corner into which I had drawn the orc for battle. Chasing him about the room just confused others. Instead, when he raced away from me to attack one of the others, I tossed a javalin or six in his direction to draw him back to me. It is my hope that this gave others a bit of a consistency that would allow them to work out their own strategies.

Combined, our various efforts worked and this orc was defeated. And that is what leaves us with one last orc to defeat, which we will be heading out to confront in just a few minutes.

Do not worry about me, father. I am with a good and effective crew. I am not fully confident that we can defeat this creature before we get exhausted and retreat - this time. But, I am confident that he will eventually fall to us and the way will be clear to confront the worst of the villainy in these caverns.

Love,

Alphred Troute



Then we are going to need a rest of a short while before we continue on to the last of the battle.

[Tiempko]

NOTE: This is a draft of the introduction to Volume III, which I intend to post shortly, since we could literally finish Volume II any day now, officially. There will, of course, be opportunities for everybody to finish.



Club Eclair Vol.III - Off to See the Wizard

Club Eclair is a slow-levelling/roleplaying group that is going through the content of LOTRO like adventurers in a story.

Volume III will have Club Eclair mustering the Rangers of Eriador and leading them southward to join Aragorn - dealing with other challenges and mysteries along the way.

I am expecting that it will start in Rivendell at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 7, to begin the march around Eriador collecting Rangers. Those who find this too boring but would like to play in the actual adventure should prepare to join at Mirobel sometime in August (estimated). We will be on Volume III, Book 2, Chapter 9 and will likely visit the School and Library of Tham Mardain to find information about Enedwaith and Dunland while waiting for folks to gather.

We only have two hard-and-fast rules.

Rule 1: Respect the level cap. At the start, the level cap will be 62 - and will stay there through Enedwaith and Book 1 through 3 of the epic quest. The level cap will rise shortly after entering Dunland. The purpose of the level cap is to make adventures somewhat challenging, and to keep everybody on the same footing so that nobody lives in some higher level character's shadow.

Rule 2: Walk and talk roleplay. This is a story. We play in-character, walking and talkiing like adventurers of Middle Earth. The only reason to run is because one is being chased or is chasing somebody or has a deadline to meet.

Our group adventure times are Saturday at 9:00 AM (to accomodate European players) and Monday at 8:30 PM. These two groups follow the same course and generally represent two squads. Some players have a different character in each squad. Some players show up in whichever squad is easiest for them. Each group knows of the other and are, at least in-character, travelling together.

There is a makeup session on Sundays at 10:00 AM which is to help players either catch up or keep up if they miss regular sessions or there is some past instance they want help completing. People should feel free to (encouraged to) establish any other gathering times. We are free to setting up other groups if people would find some other day or time to be better.

Though it is not a rule, the group tends to aim at completing each quest, deed, and faction reputation objective in each region visited. To do this, we will sometimes go on hunting expeditions or scouting and mapping expeditions of our own design to finish slayer or explorer deeds, or invent some battle that we play out on one of the skirmish maps.

Club Eclair vocabulary:

Skirmishes = "skirmish trainings" - battle exercises that the Rangers set up for us to train at. There's no real death, but it gives us an opportunity to develop our skills.

Epic Battles = "Siege Trainings" - like "skirmish trainings" but involving siege warfare.

"Stories" = Past instances. Sometimes we sit about the fire and tell stories of previous battles, which in truth involves taking characters through earlier instances if they want to catch up on something. For example, we may tell the story of how we slayed the Lieutenant of Dol Guldur castle or the time we battled the big turtle at the Waterworks in Moria.


IN THEIR ABSENCE

When Club Eclair Volume III reaches Galtrev at Level 65, we will meet somebody who will tell us "stories" of what has happened in Eriador since the Rangers left. This person will tell us "stories" of happenings at Northcotton Farms, Stoneheight, the Lost Temple, and Sari Surma. (In other words, we will go through these instances as stories.) Then, we will march up to Ost Dunhoth to deal with the villainy responsible for these horrible events.

If somebody only wants to join us for In Their Absence, they can meet us in Galtrev with a Level 65 character to listen to the stories and join the march to Ost Dunhoth. This would be appreciated so that we can make sure to have the numbers to complete the raid.

I am predicting we will begin this adventure around November, but that is merely the most roughest estimate.

[Tiempko]

Father:

I am coming home!

We have defeated the last of the villainy that the dwarfs of Moria have asked for help with. This was the disgusting creature at the bottom of the Foundation of Stones that has been filling the caverns with decay, rot, and disease. She will not be doing that any more - we have just gotten rid of her. It may take a while yet for the fungii and disease to die off, but we have cut off its source and the dwarfs should be able to take care of the rest.

I have to admit that I have my doubts. My first fear is that we could not muster the numbers. Only Liatri, Galdhron, and Fraori answered the summons, and it was doubtful what the four of us could accomplish. We decided at the least to deal with some of the minor villainy along the passageways. Just as we were starting, Roy came bounding down the hall. That made us five. Still, the villainy - even the lesser creatures that wander the halls - nearly proved too much for us. They roughed up Galdhron and Fraori pretty bad, leaving Roy and Liatri and me to finish off the villainy.

We did do so. But, as we did, we discovered that Kuronwen and Thorfaniel had joined us. With those numbers, we pressed on. Things were much easier with the seven of us. Yet, I doubted that we had the numbers to defeat the major villain that stood before us. He was known as the Blind One.

And then Jaytull emerged from the hallway, and we were eight. Still, it would be rough, but I was beginning to get hopeful.

We had fought this villain before and we learned its tricks - and had developed a few of our own. The villain sends slugs to trap us in some type of magical bubble. However, Liatri acquired the habit of setting traps around the room while the rest of us fought. Those traps would ensnare the bubble-making slugs and prevent them from ensnaring any of us. They seemed to find their way to me quite frequently, but the rest stayed up and active. It is true that Roy was running about like a mad dwarf with his rock wizardry trying to give people the strength to stay in the fight - running to Fraori and then Kuronwen and then Galdhron to give them hope and courage with his magics.

It was a long battle, but we wore him down. Soon, he felt the need to summon reinforcements. Jaytull volunteered to make himself hobbit bait and to get the reinforcements to chase him while the rest of us battled the Blind One. I focused almost exclusively on preventing him from summoning his magic. As soon as I saw his arms flopping in the air as if he were near to bringing forth some deadly wizardry I would kick him or slap him with my shield to break his concentration. It worked every time - except once. That one time he knocked me on my teakettle. I screamed in near panic as I pleaded to Roy for help before he hit me again. But, I got to my feet and was back in the fight.

When he fell, all that was left with the slug like creature that was responsible for the pestilence and disease in Moria.

We found it down a hole and down a short passage.

She had four attendees that were providing her with power and keeping her healthy. We knew that we needed to eliminate them first to have any hope against the Priestess. But they aided not only the priestess but each other. We needed to isolate one at a time and get it away from its friends to make it vulnerable. And so it became my job to round them all up and get them to chase me. Then Thorfaniel would use her staff magic to cut one of them from the galloping herd. Then everybody would pounce on that one and slay it while the remainder continued to chase me. Then a second. Then a third. Then the last one fell and the priestess was vulnerable.

It was not really a tough fight. She was slow and sluggish and, though powerful, Roy and Fraori were able to keep us up and battling while we wore her down.

Somehow, she got word out and a whole galloping herd of reinforcements entered. Wave after wave of them. But, they were weak little orcs, and they were dealt with.

The next helpers that came to her aid, though, were a problem. They had some sort of magic that caused one's mind to wander and one would stand there in a trance doing nothing even as they cut and battered you to ribbons. Twice, my mind got ensnared by these creatures. The first time I noticed Jaytull running up to take care of the beast. The second, Liatri's arrows flew past to slay the creature and my mind cleared. In order to aid the others, I would sometimes pause from battling the slug to throw a javalin or six against one of the beasts that had ensnared Roy or Thorfaniel or some such.

And we won.

I cannot say who delivered the fatal blow. The slug ceased moving, and then seeped into the ground and left us in her room with her eggs. Those eggs will almost certainly die without their mother to tend to them.

And then it was over.

All of a sudden, our adventures, beginning when we entered Moria oh so long ago, taking us through the halls and rooms of Moria, from the Water Works through the Redhorn and Silvertine Lodes to the hall of stone trees to the Foundations of Stone, was done. In that time, we visited the elfs of Lothlorien and helped them to capture Dol Guldur castle, even if only temporarily. And all of that was done.

I am still having a hard time believing that I can now leave.

I will return to the 21st Hall to say my final farewells to the dwarfs. But then I have no reason not to pack up and head back to the Shire. You should see me home in a month or two after you get this post from me.

It will be exciting to see what you have done to the place.

That is all of my news for now. I will see you when I see you.

Love, Alphred Troute

[Tiempko]

I have been thinking about a schedule for transitioning to Volume III.

Note that the first part of the epic story takes places in regions where we have already travelled - well below our level, and not much opportunity for adventure. We do not enter new territory until we reach Volume III, Book 2, Chapter 9.

Anyways, looking at the epic quest line, I am recommending the following for discussion.


INTERMISSION

March 26 & 28: Meet at the Chamber of Leadership at the 21st Hall to tell the dwarfs the story of our victory. ((We will battle the last two villains again for the sake of those who did not make it to the final session. Of course, we will need enough folks to get everybody through the instances. Let me know if you want the elf stones for the armour.))

April 2 & 4: Muster at the 21st Hall for a final party before saying our fond farewells. We will sit around the campfire telling "remember whens" ((again, helping folks complete things that they have left uncompleted)). Perhaps hunt one final turtle. After which, Hedgerow and Alphred will leave Moria.

April 9 & 11: Muster at Echad Dunann, just outside Moria. We can take advantage of the opportunity again to revisit some instances and help people with things they have left undone. Then, Hedgerow and Alphred will pack up and head to Gwingris.

April 16 & 18: Muster at Gwingris for story telling before hitting the trails again. This time, Hedgerow and Alphred are heading to Rivendell.
I am thinking of starting off Volume III as follows. Input is requested.


VOLUME III: BOOK 1

April 23 & 25: At this time, those participating in Book 1 of Volume III should has done the prologue quest. This is a solo instance. Those interested will muster at Rivendell and begin the mission to find and gather the Rangers. Head to Thangulhad and try to find Radanir.

April 30 and May 2: Muster at the Forsaken Inn, then go and find Candaith at Weathertop and find out what he needs so that he can join the expedition.

May 7 & 9: Muster at the Prancing Pony then go see what Saeradan wants from us.

May 14 & 16: Muster at the Plough and Stars Inn and see what Halros is going to do.

May 21 & 23: Muster at Esteldin to get Halbarad.

((NOTE: The next two Rangers involve solo instances, so likely assign homework to folks to get these done between sessions.))

May 28 & 30: Muster at Aughaire to get Coronir (involves a skirmish).


VOLUME III, BOOK 2

June 4 & 6: Muster at Rivendell to finish off Book 1 and start Book 2 - stopping at Chapter 4 sending the Rangers south.

June 11 & 13: Muster at Gwingris to advance the epic story.

June 18 & 20: Muster at Echad Eregion to advance the epic story. By the end of this day, all participants should be on Chapter 9

June 25 & 27: Muster at Mirobel. This will be the official mustering for the start of the new adventure. Those who have taken the opportunity for a break should join up here. It is the last stop before entering Enedwaith. We will decide at this time who is still preparing characters and when we will be ready to move on. If we are waiting here for people to catch up, we will visit the Library and School for information on what to expect on the trip further south.

[Vilan]

Congrats to Club Eclair! I don't have time to join you folks but I like to read your exploits from time to time. I admire your persistence and patience.

[Tiempko]

Congrats to Club Eclair! I don't have time to join you folks but I like to read your exploits from time to time. I admire your persistence and patience.

Thank you kindly.

It would be pleasing to have you adventure with us - and the ending of one volume and the starting of another would be a good time to join. But . . . home and family come first. That's a Bounders' Rule.

At the least, it is good to know that these stories are entertaining somebody.

I have started the thread for Club Eclair Volume III . . . but I will continue to report here at least until we get to Rivendell and the prologue for Volume III.

[Tiempko]

To: Daffodilia Wildfeet
Chief, Bounders of the Shire - Addernotch Station

Sir!

My Bounder duties have ended and I will be reporting, in person, at Addernotch Station in the not-to-far distant future.

I am outside now, at Echad Dunann - the western entrance to Moria. It was raining when I left Moria- early dawn in a new day. I turned my head up and caught the raindrops in my mouth. I have to admit, the western entrance to Moria is no grand and glorious place. It still holds the stagnant pond in which the Watcher lived, where underground passages filled with water connect this home to large cavernous rooms underneath where the monster stored its prey for future meals. Nearby, a line of graves holds the remains of a half-dozen dwarfs who came here to see and reclaim Khazad-Dum, who never got beyond the threshold.

But a short walk of near to a mile got me off of the mountain and onto the plains of Eregion, among some ruins called Echad Dunann. Many of the elfs and dwarfs that I had met when we entered Moria so long ago are still here, standing guard, and trying to build a community. Shipments of food and equipment entering Moria stop here first before making the final part of their journey. And the treasures of Moria come out through here. Those treasures are but a trickle. We have found some bits of wealth in places like the Forgotten Treasury and some ores being harvest from the Redhorn and Silvertine Lodes. Those who are here now are prob'ly dreaming of the world that will be once Moria is reclaimed and it because the dwarfen city it shows the promise of being.

I will have to admit, I was saddened upon leaving. I tried to find my friends so that I could bid them a farewell. This is the end of our journey together. For many, this would have been our last time together. I searched and searched - and sent out words - but many could not be found. Sagla, Thorfaniel, Jaytull, Fraori, Twostep, Galdhron, Thalachon, Thorcundo, Liatri, Bohregard . . . none of them. Of course, I hope to see some of them again soon in the Shire - Liatri and Bohregard to be certain. Twostep is from Bree, and I may visit. Alphred was still packing when I left and said he would be along in a few days. I should have guessed he would not travel with me.

The only two that I saw before I left was Erikin and Roy. Roy is from the Shire - and will likely be coming home as well - so ours was not so much as a "farewell" as a "see you later". But Erikin has decided to stay with the dwarfs of Moria. He is joining the Iron Garrison. There are still threats in Moria - orcs and goblins and trolls in great numbers that still occupy deeper and darker regions of the Mountain. Bosi says that the Iron Garrison can handle what is left - which is made all the more certain with Erikin among their numbers. But it will be no small task. Erikin is from the Blue Mountains in Erid Luin, and there is a chance he may well visit home and pass through the Shire along the way. I told him to ask for Hedgerow's Pony Farm, and that he is free to stop by any time. No need to knock.

I am thinking of settling in those lands north of Stock along the Brandywine river. It was unoccupied when last I saw, and the ground is suitable for grazing. I am calling this a pony farm, but it is not just ponies that I have collected. I have purchased 39 ponies, but also 7 riding goats, 3 riding boars, and 1 riding elk. I think that this will be a fine business, and they are excellent animals. There's another that has become special to me. His name is Pie. He carries all my stuff.

My arrival will be delayed by a bit. I intend to stop by Rivendell first. I want to say my farewells to Bilbo Baggins, who . . . I think I mentioned . . . has taken residence among the elfs.

I just realized . . . with a bit of luck . . . I can make it to Bree by the festival! It has been so long since I festivalled. So, I may get delayed at the Prancing Pony in Bree - but only for a week or so.

Even though I will be building myself a Pony Farm, I intend to be a Bounder still. Indeed, you can trust me to guard the eastern shores of the East Farthing - preventing Pie Rats from crossing the Brandywine and such. We'll discuss my future plans when I get there.

Until then

Bounder Hedgerow Shrewburrow

[Kuronwen]

To Oltanwë Elestirnion
Street of the Jewelcrafters
Mithlond

Oltanwë ionnín,

It was with great pleasure that I found your letter waiting for me here upon my return to Caras Galadhon. Thank you for your news of the Jewelcrafters and of the events taking place at the Havens-- I can so readily imagine myself there again through your words!

The band of adventurers that I joined has conquered a great evil in the depths of Moria, the source of the pestilence that infects all of the lower levels. The Iron Garrison will have an easier time now in their attempt to restore Khazad-dûm to something like its former glory. May Aulë guide and protect them! One of the hadhodrim of our band, Master Erikin, has chosen to remain there to help. His fierce shouts and deadly axe will be invaluable to them.

The hobbits are returning to their homes in the Shire. (I hope that their people recognize their truly legendary feats, although it is my understanding that adventurers are not held in particular esteem in that peaceful land. I wonder what Shirefolk will make of Mistress Liatri, in particular.) The two women in our band, Sagla and Twostep, will also be returning to Eriador, to Bree-town. Master Galdhron will return to Thranduil's court, but Thorfaniel and Thalachon had not decided their next steps.

And now something new: occasionally in our ventures, it astonished me to see that Master Hroik used runes not for invoking harm on our foes, but for strengthening us and restoring our spirits. The other hadhod, Fraori, was able to do this, as well. (Not so the other rune-master, Burnheart, whose skill with flames is matched only by his skill with cursing.) I closely observed Hroik's practice, and am determined to acquire somewhat of this skill myself. As you know, it is the custom of our people to devote ourselves to the practice of either war or healing, but we are so few now, and the world is changing so, that I feel it proper to abrogate this custom. Master Celeborn agrees with me. Hroik stated that he is returning to Eregion and I know not whether we shall meet again, but, Valar willing, I will find a teacher somewhere.

My love to you and to Gwaeleth,
Gwen


The elf stared out into the mallorn forest for a moment, pondering. The dreams had been troubling her again, dreams of dark frozen seascapes, of ice illuminated and pierced by sudden bolts of lightning from the impenetrable clouds. But no, there was no point in writing of this to her foster-son, so far away and happy. She folded the parchment and sealed it with a sigh, and left the study.

[Tiempko]

Father:

I was serious when I said I was coming home. I am in Gwingris now - on the northern boundary of Eregion. I intend to stop off at Rivendell in the next leg of my journey. After that, nothing stands between me and home but a long ribbon of road. I intend to post this letter the instant I reach Rivendell. I don't know how long it will take this to reach you, but I would say to expect me somewheres between a few days to a couple of weeks after you get this.

I am travelling alone. I think that Roy is behind me. I do not know where Twostep and Sagla are - but I think both of them are heading to Bree. But the road is safe. We tamed these lands some time back and now I can walk through it without a creature paying me the least mind. Nobody I meet in my troubles are complaining about brigands over here or goblins over there calling mischief. I just pass on through with a kind word.

Hedgerow is somewhere ahead of me as well. To be honest, I paused a couple of days in my travels to give him a good head start before I started for home. He may even be in Rivendell by now. I have nightmares thinking of sharing the journey with him. Mostly, it's the constant chatter! The hobbit never knows when to shut up. He chitters on about the most meaningless things from the first step to the last, then on through dinner, and through the evening. And one wakes up to the sound of him talking to somebody over a breakfast fire.

His new topic is the last battle that he was in against the last of them pestilence beasts. After we had slayed three or four of them and were packing for home, they found a last one hidden in some cave off of the main pathway. Thorcundo was able to muster a crew consisting of Hedgerow, Roy, Liatri, Galdhron, and Jaytull. Alphion, who had travelled with us for some time - particularly in the days before entering Moria - turned out to be nearby and volunteered for the mission. And, from what I hear, there was somebody else . . . tallfolk, by the description . . . I did not get the name . . . who was willing to help in the fight. It was a small crew - far smaller than any other group that went up against such villainy. Even then, Liatri had other commitments and had to leave early.

From what Hedgerow said, the battle barely got started and more than half of the squad was laying about battered and beaten and taken out of the fight. Against the Pestilence, one needs a fair number of helpers as the beast summons aids who can hypnotize a battler. There's four to six of them, I believe. With one each disabling a member of the party iffen there aren't enough members to break the others free, then all is lost. With four people on the ground and three people up doing the fighting, the arrival of the beasts would spell their certain doom.

This is Hedgerow's version of the story and I cannot tell how much is real and how much is embelishment. As Hedgerow tells it, he shouted to Thorcundo to stall while he got everybody on their feet, so that there would be enough folks to battle the stunners. That took a good long while, as there were still people falling to the powers of the beast of pestilence the whole time. Eventually, Hedgerow got everybody on their feet and Thorcundo was let loose.

Jaytull made the discovery and announced the need to defeat the little balls of floating pestilence what floated around the room. And so folks concentrated on eliminating them more and battling the Beast of Pestilence less. This made for a longer fight, but more of the group was staying about longer to do the fighting.

Then the Beast began to summon the creatures that attacked our minds and made it so we could not think of attacking or defending. Whenever the creatures charged in, it was a race to get them slayed and the minds of their victims cleared so as to be able to continue the fight. Hedgerow brags that there was a moment where Jaytull was fallen - Jaytull being the one best suited to defeat these attackers. He was able to get Jaytull to his feet a mere second before a creature trapped his mind, giving Jaytull an opportunity to clear away the beasts. And a battle that otherwise would have been lost continued.

It continued until the beast fell, as Hedgerow tells it, and the group enjoyed their victory.

This was the last of the Moria battles. After that, Hedgerow and the others made their way back to the 21st Hall.

As I said, I waited for Hedgerow to pack up his things and get a couple of days ahead of me before I packed up to follow upon the same route. I do hope he is gone out of Rivendell before I arrive. It would be good to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation among the elfs without his annoying chattering. It's like trying to sleep with a mosquito buzzing about the room.

This should be my last letter. Expect me to be talking to you in person a short while after this letter reaches you.

I cannot wait to be home where I can rest and relax, sleep in my own bed, eat Shire meals, and rest by the fishing stream without fears of a goblin patrol or warg nearby searching for a meal.

I will see you when I get there.

Love,

Alphred Troute



This is my last letter for Club Eclair, Volume II. The adventure is over. Although, Alphred will be saddened to discover that he will not be able to enjoy that bed and those meals. Elrond is waiting with new chores - chores that will take him and others to the Gap of Rohan and into a direct confrontation with the White Wizard.

But, for the moment, Alphred puts himself to bed and drifts off to sleep without a care in the world.