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  1. #51
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    4
    What does the group composition look like now? From the story entries (Renfred rules!) it seems like there are:
    3 Beornings (Jarngrimur, Ragmus, and Chizbeorn have all been mentioned; Jarn as bear-heavy, and another as being bear-lite, but no idea about #3)
    1 Burglar
    1 Guardian
    2 Hunters (maybe 3?)
    1 Loremaster
    1 Runekeeper
    1 Warden

    I am wondering what would make sense to have when filling out two hypothetical 6-person groups or one hypothetical 12-person raid for Angmar/Moria. Captain would seem to fit, or a Minstrel if not enough of the Runekeeper and Beornings want to heal, or a Champion to bolster the AoE. I don't see another Beorning as likely given how rare I feel that they should be (although it does make sense that they would seek out each others' company outside the Vales), nor an Elf in this part of the world (unless I waited to join in the Trollshaws, at which point they should become much more common).

    I have a story framework for a human Captain that I think would work, or that would more or less work for a Minstrel. It doesn't feel right for Champion but I could spend time on thinking about another background. My main hesitancy with trying to RP a Minstrel is that I am not that musical or witty, so I might have trouble pulling it off in the moment. I would probably need to crash course ABC at the least to be able to audibly RP being able to play an instrument in downtime. That might even do me good, but it is something I would have to think about.

    Any thoughts and/or suggestions?

  2. #52
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    2,277
    Quote Originally Posted by Caprice View Post
    What does the group composition look like now? From the story entries (Renfred rules!) it seems like there are:
    3 Beornings (Jarngrimur, Ragmus, and Chizbeorn have all been mentioned; Jarn as bear-heavy, and another as being bear-lite, but no idea about #3)
    1 Burglar
    1 Guardian
    2 Hunters (maybe 3?)
    1 Loremaster
    1 Runekeeper
    1 Warden
    Trebble is a minstrel.

    We have a good reason for the bear folk. The reason this is called Bearclaw is because this is a Bearfolk adventure. They are the leaders and organizers, who summoned the rest of us to help. (Trebble was sent by Boulder Chief Meadiwkarke when they were in the Shire to make sure they did not disturb the peace.)

    Though the most important criteria for a character should be that one wants to roll play a character of a particular types.
    Last edited by Tiempko; Jun 10 2021 at 12:12 AM.
    Meadowlarke Sweetweed on Landroval. Also nephews and Bounders Ayrhawk, Wrennsong, and Little Meadowlark Sweetweed
    Club Eclair roleplaying group working our way through Volume III. We are currently at Level 63 roleplaying our way through Enedwaith as we escort the Gray Company to the south (Alphred Troute, Hedgerow Shrewburrow). https://forums.lotro.com/forums/show...See-the-Wizard

    Club Eclair - The Bearclaws. A newer Club Eclair group that is currently at level 32 in Evendim (Trebble Strawfoot) https://forums.lotro.com/forums/show...acter-RP-group.

  3. #53
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    144
    Quote Originally Posted by Caprice View Post
    What does the group composition look like now? From the story entries (Renfred rules!) it seems like there are:
    3 Beornings (Jarngrimur, Ragmus, and Chizbeorn have all been mentioned; Jarn as bear-heavy, and another as being bear-lite, but no idea about #3)
    1 Burglar
    1 Guardian
    2 Hunters (maybe 3?)
    1 Loremaster
    1 Runekeeper
    1 Warden

    I am wondering what would make sense to have when filling out two hypothetical 6-person groups or one hypothetical 12-person raid for Angmar/Moria. Captain would seem to fit, or a Minstrel if not enough of the Runekeeper and Beornings want to heal, or a Champion to bolster the AoE. I don't see another Beorning as likely given how rare I feel that they should be (although it does make sense that they would seek out each others' company outside the Vales), nor an Elf in this part of the world (unless I waited to join in the Trollshaws, at which point they should become much more common).

    I have a story framework for a human Captain that I think would work, or that would more or less work for a Minstrel. It doesn't feel right for Champion but I could spend time on thinking about another background. My main hesitancy with trying to RP a Minstrel is that I am not that musical or witty, so I might have trouble pulling it off in the moment. I would probably need to crash course ABC at the least to be able to audibly RP being able to play an instrument in downtime. That might even do me good, but it is something I would have to think about.

    Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
    The group has 2 consistent Bears. Ragmus became enamored with the Shire and has been spending his time there.
    2 guardians, Renfred the story teller and Steinnbjorn the “Stone-Bear”.
    Then as was mentioned, Trebble our brave minstrel.
    The rest of the numbers look about right.
    The only classes not represented are champion and captain but wouldn’t say those skill sets are missed. We do pretty well.

    As was said just above, I wouldn’t worry about what class will fit so much as what class you would enjoy. Steinnbjorn is the 4th character I’ve used in the group and finally feel like I’ve found the right fit. I’ve tried lore master, captain, beorning, and now guardian. If we had a 2nd group I’d probably bring back Ragmus. We’re only at level 20 so I’d recommend trying different characters and see which you enjoy playing. Not hard to catch up at this point. You can even use more and swap them out. I did that with Club Eclair. It scratched my alt-o-holic itch for a while, until I found the right fit. Since you would be a “stranger” at first, don’t feel any rush in creating a backstory. After a few patrols you’ll find your fit and the character will develop.

  4. #54
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    134
    Quote Originally Posted by Caprice View Post
    What does the group composition look like now? From the story entries (Renfred rules!) it seems like there are:
    3 Beornings (Jarngrimur, Ragmus, and Chizbeorn have all been mentioned; Jarn as bear-heavy, and another as being bear-lite, but no idea about #3)
    1 Burglar
    1 Guardian
    2 Hunters (maybe 3?)
    1 Loremaster
    1 Runekeeper
    1 Warden

    I am wondering what would make sense to have when filling out two hypothetical 6-person groups or one hypothetical 12-person raid for Angmar/Moria. Captain would seem to fit, or a Minstrel if not enough of the Runekeeper and Beornings want to heal, or a Champion to bolster the AoE. I don't see another Beorning as likely given how rare I feel that they should be (although it does make sense that they would seek out each others' company outside the Vales), nor an Elf in this part of the world (unless I waited to join in the Trollshaws, at which point they should become much more common).

    I have a story framework for a human Captain that I think would work, or that would more or less work for a Minstrel. It doesn't feel right for Champion but I could spend time on thinking about another background. My main hesitancy with trying to RP a Minstrel is that I am not that musical or witty, so I might have trouble pulling it off in the moment. I would probably need to crash course ABC at the least to be able to audibly RP being able to play an instrument in downtime. That might even do me good, but it is something I would have to think about.

    Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
    My advice, having been "leading" this group for over a real-life year now (which is crazy!), is to pick a race and class that you will enjoy on its own. Play a character that you think you will want to stick with for awhile. Longevity is more important than mechanical advantage. This is not a fast-moving group. Roleplay is more important than combat ability.

    Having an interesting character that gives you the opportunity for good interactions with the group will be far more important to your enjoyment and longevity here than any mechanical aspect or group composition. I don't know if I can stress that enough.

    Sure, it might be advantageous to the group to have a particular class in certain missions, but it is important to understand that this group is about overcoming those challenges with whatever we have available. Most classes are versatile, and we are slowly, slowly training ourselves to work with a bit more miliary precision, but OOC it absolutely does not matter to me or the rest of the group what class or race you choose as long as you actively participate.

    If you want an actual group composition, from the perspective of Jarngrimur, here you go:

    Jarngrimur, sometimes too savage for my own liking.

    Chizbeorn, a fellow Beorning. Rarely assumes bear form. We all come to terms with our nature differently.

    Hamamac and Merrywillow. Hobbit hunters. Small and physically weak, but brave and sharp. Their bows keep him from having to worry too much about protecting them. Hamamac has been travelling with me for a long while. Miss Merrywillow for less, but many Hobbits look similar, so perhaps she has been here for longer. Hamamac fancies himself a wit. Merrywillow seems a bit wide-eyed but curious.

    Renfred, a human. Man from some small village in Bree-land. Brave. Has a mace and a shield, I think.

    Stummel, the Hobbit lad. I thought he had died.

    Zapi and Jyokster. Mad Moria dwarves. They come and go, but are reliable despite their various strangenesses and smells. Chip, the Beaver accompanies Jyokster.

    Gilanthuil, the Elf. Well versed in Lore. Seems ancient but perhaps untravelled, or perhaps just detached as some Elves are. Quiet, dependable.

    Steinnbjorn the dwarf. Sturdy. The others like him. Not bad for a dwarf. Apparently did a decent job providing leadership while I was away.

    Guileborn, a versatile warrior. Can't recall if he is Man or Elf. Seems too loud for an Elf. Known to and by Jyokster, so bears watching. No pun intended.

    And of course, Trebble. Bounder of the Shire. High-strung. Easily lost. His dedication is admirable, though. Has grown on me.

    I find myself being quite proud of this llittle ragtag group. We get on well, and all of them have proven their worth.

  5. #55
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    Oct 2010
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    As a trio of bloodied figures stumbled into the pale light, out from the blackened maw of Othrongroth, it seemed that dawn itself had only just fought its way through the grim haze that shrouded the Barrows.

    Exhausted, his fur matted with blood and gore, Jarngrimur looked to his two companions: Saxhuld the Dwarf, his massive shield battered and covered in ichor. And Trialla, the Warrior-Maiden, with her trusted herald Hawthorne, who even now was tending to their wounds.

    Gaerdring and Gaerthel, the foul twins, and Thadúr the Ravager-- all once again slain... It had seemed impossible.

    No one spoke for a long while.

    Trialla broke the silence, stating with grim resolve...

    "The evil in the Barrows can only be contained, not ended."

    ---

    (( Our 1st wednesday session saw Jarngrimur, Saxhuld, and Trialla run The Maze and Thardur instances in the Great Barrow. It was an interesting group, to say the least. ))

  6. #56
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    Apr 2020
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    33
    I can second the comments suggesting you should play a character that you'll enjoy without worrying too much about class composition.

    I wanted to let the group know that I've had a few things come up the last couple of weeks and once again have a family event this coming Saturday afternoon 6/19 so expect to be absent. I will be back hopefully the following Saturday.

    - Chizbeorn

  7. #57
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    Oct 2010
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    FYI I will be out of town on 6/26/21.

    The plan for 6/26 is to catch anyone who missed last week up to where we are at in Amon Amrûn and the quest chain Treasures From The Fields (from Colbert the Mad at Mincham's Camp).

    -Jarngrimur

  8. #58
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    Apr 2020
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    Quote Originally Posted by silent-p View Post
    FYI I will be out of town on 6/26/21.

    The plan for 6/26 is to catch anyone who missed last week up to where we are at in Amon Amrûn and the quest chain Treasures From The Fields (from Colbert the Mad at Mincham's Camp).

    -Jarngrimur
    Looks like I will be out as well once again 6/26. Summer in New England!

    - Chizbeorn

  9. #59
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    May 2020
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    After the adventure

    "Mr. Chizbeorn? Can I ask ye something?"

    Renfred looked up at the hobbit and Beorning striding ahead of him on the path. The party had fought well that day, destroying a few small camps of orcs on the North Downs, and they had almost reached the Ranger Mincham's camp, where they could spend what was left of the night.

    "Eh, Merrywillow?"
    "Iffen ye're bear folk, how come ye don't turn into a bear like Jarn?"

    Renfred had noticed, too, how differently the two Beornings behaved. Not that he would have dared address Chizbeorn so directly-- he knew that his Em would deem such a question "nosy".

    After a moment, Chizbeorn replied, "I don't like getting angry." He paused. "Not like Jarn, who is angry all the time."
    Jarngrimur, lumbering ahead in bear-form, grunted.

    Merrywillow kept on. "Ah. And to be a bear ye gotta be angry?"
    "I do - not all Beornings, mayhap. But I have to be angry to change form."
    Trebble piped up, "I don't like getting angry either. I prefer getting even."

    "Thank you," said Merrywillow. "I like knowin' things." Renfred smiled to himself. Hobbit charm allowed them to be daringly curious.

    As they approached the camp, Jarngrimur reassumed his man-form. "I'm not sure you have ever seen me really angry," he said, with a bearish grin at Chizbeorn. "Sometime we'll have to commiserate over the duality of the changeling. Sometime when I'm steaming drunk."

    This made Merrywillow chuckle. "I think Jarn is part dwarf!"
    Jarngrimur growled, "Beware, that could be a deadly insult to some Beorning-folk."

    Merrywillow said, "But you are a bear!"

    Jarngrimur frowned at the hobbit. "I am a Beorning-folk. Bears are animals. If you ever want to tell the difference between a Beorning and a bear, ask them for a honey-cake." His eyes glinted in the moonlight. "If they give you a honey-cake, they are Beorning. If they rip your face off, could go either way."


    ((I won't be around the next two Saturdays, planning to return on 24 July. I'll try to catch up on the Wednesday evening sessions. Take care, Bearclaws!))
    Renfred Greysmith
    Former blacksmith of Combe
    Best fry-pans in all of Bree-land

  10. #60
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    May 2007
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    For what it is worth, on 7/10 we completed the quests at Amon Raith (at least for our level), but did not take the breadcrumb leading east to Orthonn in Annundir. With the refugees fed, the relic-thieves thwarted, the goblins cowed, the wargs culled, and fences mended, it seems like we can safely move on, but we wanted a proper quorum before we decide to head east or south.

    The day ended with us huddled under the tent for protection from the rain, breaking our fast with freshly cooked bacon and a thrilling tale of victory over Sambrog in the Great Barrows. There was much speculation over what Jarn was up to, and whether he might return to us with news of Radagast.

  11. #61
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    Feb 2008
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    144
    Letter #1 from Ragmus to Jarngrimur, left in the care of Barliman at the Pony.

    " Jarn,
    Radagast has sent me to find you and your "company of warriors". The keeper of the Prancing Pony insists you were headed to the North Downs, so that is where I will begin my search. If our paths do not cross in the North, know that I will head back to the Lone Lands. There is evil stirring in the ruins to the East. Radagast will need our aid. Hurry!

    Ragmus"




    Letter #2 from Ragmus to Jarngrimur, sent from the Forsaken Inn to the Pony
    " Jarn,
    I found your troupe wandering in the woods of Annundir. I pressed them to return with me to the Lone Lands immediately. They seem unaware of where you may be found. As such, I am sending you a letter from our current camp at the Forsaken Inn. I don't know if you received my other letter, left with Barliman. I have sent instructions that he should speed any of your other companions along the road east. We travelled by way of the Chetwood. Turning East as soon as we left Trestlebridge, the way was easy and open. If you come by the same route, beware of several bands of half-orcs camped west of the Weather Hills. We came upon them unawares and almost lost a hobbit or two. They look quite formidable, but as we were in a hurry, we chose not to test their skill of arms. I thought to rest at the Ranger Candaith's camp, near the foot of Weathertop. The Ranger, however, thought it best if we warned the good folk at the Inn of the increasing danger so that is where we find ourselves now. I pushed your band hard on the march and they could use the rest. We will remain at the inn for a few days with the hopes that you and more of your company arrives. Safe travels.

    Ragmus

    P.S. Trebble asked that I mention the dwarf Steinnbjorn. He headed to Bree for "some ale". Perhaps he may be found under a table the Pony. Don't waste too much time looking, he is only dwarf."

  12. #62
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    Oct 2010
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    (( Hi all, sorry for being MIA. I have not had the opportunity to message in-game. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to the 7/24 session. I will be back 7/31. ))

  13. #63
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    May 2020
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    In Ost Guruth

    Renfred stood up, yawned, and stretched. The sleeping cot in the large barracks in Ost Guruth wasn't very comfortable, but by this time he was used to sleeping in worse places. And at least his exhaustion meant that he slept soundly, despite the snores of some of the others.

    As he was washing his face at the camp's well he saw Jarngrimur approaching him with a large wrapped bundle. Renfred quickly dried his face and stood as tall as he could for the company's leader.

    Jarngrimur said, "Renfred, I have something for you." He handed over the bundle. Renfred was too surprised to respond. He laid the bundle down and unwrapped it. It was a set of armour pieces, sturdy steel chainmail, to cover him from head to toe! "You have done well, for a Man from Combe," Jarngrimur added.

    "Thank you, Master Jarn," Renfred mumbled, still almost speechless with surprise. He bowed to his leader and went back to the barracks to change. The armour was well-made, not too heavy but solid--Renfred briefly wondered where Jarngrimur had come by it. As he took off his old rusted armour, mismatched pieces that he'd worn for the journey from Combe to the Shire, he thought about how far they'd all come, the company of mercenaries under the command of a strange Beorning from distant lands. The spiders in Scary, the brigands in Bree-land, the horror of the Barrow-downs. Tom Bombadil, Trestlebridge and Nan Wathren, Deadman's Dike, and now hunting for Ivar at the behest of Radagast.

    "I suppose I'm still alive, and not doing too badly," he thought. The new armour gave him confidence, although Em's voice in his head chuckled softly.

    "Radagast wants us to hunt the dead in Haragmar tonight," Jarngrimur explained to the company. "We will wait for a few more moments, for the darkness to deepen."
    Trialla sighed, "Fighting walking corpses, downwind of a swamp."
    "I can hardly contain my excitement," remarked Gilanthuil.
    Chizbeorn looked surprised. "I didn't think elves spoke sarcastically, Gilanthuil. I learned something new."
    Hamamac piped up, "I don't think he was sarcastic, he was serious."
    Gilanthuil nodded at his companions. "I think there is a bit of truth in all claims on what I said. Mainly vanquishing such evil from these lands is a proper act, I just wish the sun was up while we were doing it."
    "Yes, not sure why we are setting out at night," said Chizbeorn. "Except maybe that we are all here and ready."
    Trebble seemed eager to set out. "I am here to find Ivar the Bloodhand before he sends this villainy out to eat Shirefolk. Whatever gets us to Ivar, I favour."
    Steinnbjorn pointed eastwards. "So we're headin' in to the ruins there?"

    Jarngrimur answered with his customary grimness. "Aye. It is time."
    Renfred Greysmith
    Former blacksmith of Combe
    Best fry-pans in all of Bree-land

  14. #64
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    Feb 2008
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    Donut Shop Discord

    I would like to announce the opening of the Donut Shop. I created a discord server for those that adventure with Clubs Eclair and Bearclaw. The intent is not to replace these forums, or threads, but to add another option for adventure planning. I enjoy the stories in both of these threads and therefore am hesitant to post random OOC adventuring plans. If you're interested in joining, the link will be below. As I am new to establishing a Discord, please allow a few to several mistakes.

    - Thalachon

    https://discord.gg/JynxNWwm

    (good for 7 days after which I will update the link)

  15. #65
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    Quote Originally Posted by Swanee View Post
    I would like to announce the opening of the Donut Shop. I created a discord server for those that adventure with Clubs Eclair and Bearclaw. The intent is not to replace these forums, or threads, but to add another option for adventure planning. I enjoy the stories in both of these threads and therefore am hesitant to post random OOC adventuring plans. If you're interested in joining, the link will be below. As I am new to establishing a Discord, please allow a few to several mistakes.

    - Thalachon

    https://discord.gg/JynxNWwm

    (good for 7 days after which I will update the link)
    I encourage any Bearclaws who want to have a Wednesday session to join the Discord server to make plans.

    https://discord.gg/yXpsbWcy

  16. #66
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    (( I won't be there on saturday Oct. 2. If possible do some training (Epic Battles or Skirmishes) or hunting (deeds) in my absence. Otherwise I will catch up the next week. ))

  17. #67
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    (( I (Trialla) will be out the next two weeks (10/2, 10/9, and missing the catch up sessions). My IC explanation is that Tril and Hawthorne are heading to Trestlebridge to look for her brother's family. Hopefully Orthonn can put me on the right path to rejoin the group when I am back. ))

  18. #68
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    She climbed the hill panting, lost despite Trebble and Hamamac’s directions.

    It’d been a relief when the Bear’s group agreed to let her travel with them. A far cry from lonely days of dodging wolves and orcs. Renfred had seemed wary of her though. Did he suspect? The tale she told them was true…. so far as it went.

    Waking in an alley with an aching head and lost memories was merely strange. Waking while wearing black and grey clothing with a pocket full of lock picks was not something she was brave enough to admit to.

    And then there was…. HIM. The the reason she’d fled from a town into wild and empty lands. His pleasant, bearded face haunted her, soundlessly appearing from behind, following wherever she ran. Hopefully he would lose the trail as they went north though the wild, though she seemed to see dark figures in every shadow.

    Glancing anxiously over her shoulder, Eorhild hurried on.

  19. #69
    Craiden's Avatar
    Craiden is offline Hero Of the Small Folk 2013
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    A Farewell from Stummel, part 1

    Stummel has safely made it back to Bree, from where he will eventually return back home to Waymeet.

    He had a wonderful time and made memories that will last forever. But he had become very homesick and being so far from home, the world had grown increasingly dangerous. Too dangerous for his own good. No, he is not the adventurer he aspires to be.

    It was a memorabale evening when he walked into the Green Dragon one day and encountered a group of admirable adventurers. The leader was a grim-looking, but friendly man named Jarngrimur. In the Bird and Baby, another inn they visited later, he bought everyone a beer and he was a good singer too, with a very deep voice. Stummel is not much of a drinker, but he made a exception that night and enjoyed it.



    He followed them when they chased away the wolves from Dora Brownlock's chicken farm and even visited the wolves' den. In the Rushock Bog, he got his pants wet and helped to the best of his abilities when the adventurers attacked a camp of evil dwarves, and his eyes widened in terror when he saw the dwarves open a cage to unleash a troll on them.



    A few days later, they again came to the rescue, when two dumb hobbits knocked a bees' nest from a tree.

    In the Bindbole Wood near the logging village of Overhill there were rumors of a walking tree, something totally unheard of. Feeling safe among the mighty adventurers, and a bounder among them too, Master Trebble, he joined them for their investigation during which they indeed found a walking tree in a secluded ravine and for some reason escorted it out. What a sight to behold, a tree walking!



    About a week later he went to visit a music event at farmer Maggot's place, when he met them again. They were headed into the Old Forest, the spookiest place imaginable, looking for a missing hobbit. But he was curious and asked if he could come along again. He soon regretted it, when they made camp in the midst of the dark forest, near a murky river, after nightfall. He didn't sleep well that night, listening to all the frightning noises around him.



    The next day he and a quiet, but well-mannered smith from Bree fell behind the others and he watched in horror as the man got attacked and poisoned by a gigantic spider and fell to the ground. He slashed at the spider with his small knife, but he just wasn't strong enough to fend it off. Shrieking with fear, he ran off, leaving the dying man behind. He found the others and told them what happened, and they all ran back and luckily could kill the spider and revive the man. And then a most odd thing happened. Their leader got mad and turned into a raging bear, rummaging through the forest, killing everything in sight. He calmed down after a while and turned back into his human form, but from then on Stummel was scared of him and didn't say a word when they made their way out of the forest.

    He liked the group, enjoyed their company and started to consider them his best friends. They also didn't mind him being with them, so he follwed them to Bree and from there into the Barrow-downs, where they entered a few old graves. Deep underground, he wondered if this is what adventurers do, looking for treasure in ancient tombs. There were spiders everywhere, and animated corpses without heads, and arms crawling towards them on the ground.



    When they were back in sunlight, it all felt like a surreal dream and he started to ask himself if an advenurer's life is really what he wants. He felt feeble and useless. But there were also very good moments, like when they walked far in the northern reaches of Breeland, across an immense meadow filled with flowers, where he chased orange butterflies in the sun and saw a lake that looked bigger than the entire Shire.

  20. #70
    Craiden's Avatar
    Craiden is offline Hero Of the Small Folk 2013
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    A Farewell from Stummel, part 2

    They went further north to a small town that had recently been attacked and burned down by orcs. The adventurers set out to rout the orcs and they entered a deep canyon to the northeast. A large army of orcs had assembled there and Stummel was poisoned by one of them and the world turned dark.



    When he woke up again, he lay in the arms of another man of the bear-folk, a lot of worried faces looking at him. He tried to be cheerful and make them not to worry too much, but deep inside he knew that he had almost died. And he wasn't ready to die, at least not yet while he is still so young.

    Then they went to the Lone-lands, far from Bree in the east. A dry and barren land, but with beautiful sunsets. They stayed in a run-down inn for a few days, with an open roof, awful beverages and weird noises at night, like the wailing of a baby. He practiced his roars on their patrols, trying to sound menacing and dangerous to their foes. Once he fell down a cliff into the middle of a wolf pack. The intimidating bear-man jumped down after him to save him and he was scolded.



    He tried to make himself useful where he could, by cleaning the dishes in the Forsaken Inn for example. He climbed Weathertop with them, the tallest hill by far. The ruins at the top were occupied by orcs and they also had a troll in a cage. By now, he had almost gotten used to that. It was probably the biggest adventure he ever had, and the view of the sunrise from up there was absolutely phenomenal. They also found a stone with some scratches at the top, and he considered to write "Stummel was here" on it.



    On and on they went, and in the east made their new home in the ruins of an old fort. Down below was a swamp, its color as red as blood. They met a wizard there. Stummel had heard of wizards, especially of one named Gandalf that comes to visit the Shire from time to time. He knew he could make great fireworks. But this one was different, he talked to the animals. They went into the red swamp with him, but the corruption and the evilness was too much. Walking dead, and ghosts, and skeletons...



    The adventurers had left for another patrol in the morning, while Stummel was still sleeping. He waited the whole day for them to return and prepared their dinner. But they never came back. He wanted to go out and look for them, but... everything seemed so dangerous. He felt more and more that he is not really an adventurer. He prefers milk with honey over ale, the real adventurers' favorite drink. The further away he got from the Shire, the more hazardous the world around him seemed and the more unsafe he felt. He wouldn't survive a single day in the wild without the group of adventurers. A stray warg, an orc, an evil man or any other creature could easily kill him.

    So, the next day, when the adventurers had not returned, he looked across the swamp and made the ultimate, difficult decision to go back home, to the Shire. He will leave this group of reputable adventurers, who he amires so much and calls his friends. He left a message for them with the Eglain people in Ost Guruth, so they know and not worry about him. Then, with tears rolling down his cheeks, he got on a pony that knows the way back to Bree. He will never forget them. But also, he is not like them.



    ((OOC: Crossing the border between Nain Enidh and Talath Gaun was where the area for a Level 1 character becomes red and dangerous. This draws a lot of aggro from afar and makes further adventuring tedious and annoying not only for Stummel, but mostly for the rest of group. So Stummel had to go back home. It was a great adventure though and thanks for everyone who cared for him and put up with some of his shenanigans))
    Last edited by Craiden; Nov 08 2021 at 11:01 AM.

  21. #71
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    134
    Quote Originally Posted by Craiden View Post
    ((OOC: Crossing the border between Nain Enidh and Talath Gaun was where the area for a Level 1 character becomes red and dangerous. This draws a lot of aggro from afar and makes further adventuring tedious and annoying not only for Stummel, but mostly for the rest of group. So Stummel had to go back home. It was a great adventure though and thanks for everyone who cared for him and put up with some of his shenanigans))
    Thanks for the fantastic story!

    Thank you for spending that time with us. Stummel may not have been big in stature, but he made a big impression. It's a shame that the game mechanics eventually forced Jarngrimur's half-joking "Stummel, I thought you had died" greeting to be more true than not.

    When Jarngrimur eventually returns to the mead-hall, he will have several companion heroes to drink to and sing of, and Stummel's name will be among them.

  22. #72
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    8,561
    FYI, we're not gone, we're still trudging down the road. But we're all mostly on Discord because some people found that more convenient for chatting and saying "I'll be late!" It's a bit quiet over the holidays but I expect it to pick up.

    But post pictures here if you can, now and then, and raise a small ale to Stummel, the bravest little Hobbit of them all.

  23. #73
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    134
    Our next meeting is Jan. 8th, 2022 -- we will be heading into Dol Dinen.

    There is also a skirmish set in the region, Attack at Dawn, which awards a title. We'll probably spend whatever time is required there to get that.

    Wear some orc-stomping boots, the place is crawling with Ongbúrz.

  24. #74
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    144
    https://discord.gg/neEUb4P8

    (Just updating the Discord link)

  25. #75
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    134
    The full moon shone down on the valley, causing waterfalls' spray to sparkle and gleam like silver coins. A massive gray-furred beast pawed its way down an ancient and well-worn path and two guards clad in the armor of Rivendell nodded as the bear lumbered slowly past. The creature's eyes gleamed with preternatural intellect, but its whole demeanor was that of a weary traveller at the end of a long journey. Ahead, the lights of the Last Homely House shone with golden warmth. A flicker, and the bear was no longer a bear, but a grizzled man clad in steel and leather.

    In a corner of the outer courtyard, a trio of elven maidens swayed in time with the music of a lute being played by a silver-haired bard. They laughed and drank from wineskins as the musician's song told a tale--not about epic heroes and grand adventures, but of ribald stable-boys barely escaping through open windows as their dalliances with nobles' daughters were discovered in the act. The elves, themselves servants and laborers among the court of Rivendell, turned to watch the man approach and the bard stopped mid-song. "What do my drunken eyes behold? Jarngrimur?"

    The Beorning clasped his friend's arm, "Sarnmaeron."

    The two smiled at each other as Sarnmaeron exclaimed, "You flea-bitten old savage! How have you been?" "Well enough." "Alright, alright, I didn't ask for your life's story!"

    Sarnmaeron bowed to his small audience, taking his leave. "Another time, my dears. I have to catch up with Master Jarngrimur, the Iron Jaw of Radagast."

    Jarngrimur growled at him.

    "Relax," Sarnmaeron teased, "Let's get you a drink. Or five." "Always to the heart of the matter," Jarngrimur chuckled.

    The old friends wandered into the Last Homely House and Sarnmaeron whispered, "Let me talk to the sommelier. I have an interesting bit of gossip that could perhaps be kept private in exchange for a particularly good vintage. Lord Elrond would never miss one bottle... Then we can wash it down with a cask or two of Honeybrew."

    As the pair walked towards the kitchens and cellars, several of the noble elves inside the manor glanced disinterestedly at the ragged, dust-worn traveller but blanched when they saw his lithe elven companion. One or two quickly disappeared down a hallway. The Beorning grunted.

    "Don't mind them," Sarnmaeron said. "You know, I'm still paying off our tab from the last time you were here... And by the way, watch out for Ladrochan. He's still quite displeased about you eating that horse." Sarnmaeron's laugh was a lilting musical sound. "I'll grab the bottle and meet you in the garden. I demand you tell me all about your little fellowship. What did you call them, the Companions?"

    Jarngrimur growled, and Sarnmaeron laughed again. A few moments later, and they were uncorking a bottle as they sat at a small table under the stars in the garden of Elrond. The Beorning kept pace with the elven minstrel, and a small crowd gathered to listen to the pair of them exchanging tales and songs and drink. The night gave way to dawn, as bottles were decanted and casks drained and the sounds of revelry and song filled the garden. Finally, after many hours, the two friends stumbled drunkenly--still singing--to Sarnmaeron's home to sleep it off.

    Days later, Sarnmaeron stood watching the Beorning Jarngrimur slowly disappear into the woods. The high elf wondered how long it would be until he saw his friend again. The giant bear was soon gone, becoming almost invisible among the dark canopy of trees despite the bright sun cresting the horizon. Jarngrimur was heading home, to the the Beorninghus, to rest--for awhile at least.

    Sarnmaeron raised a hand in silent farewell then turned and shouldered his own pack. Down below in the valley, folk were only just rising with the new day. The sun climbed steadily as the high elf picked his way down the trail away from Rivendell and to the West. Sarnmaeron had made a promise to his friend to check in on that little band of miscreants the Beorning had gathered.

    The elf's mouth split into a lopsided grin. "This should be fun."
    Last edited by silent-p; Jan 25 2022 at 07:16 PM.

 

 
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