The Ruling of Saruman

[Tolkien Adictee]

What if Saruman had not been defeated by the Ents? What if he overthrew the free peoples of middle Earth, and later Sauron? These are the adventures of a troubled people. Back-breaking labour for anything and anyone that can lift a stone. Only a few humans have not been slain or put to work. However a resistance is building. Saruman is very confident these days, and this has taken his mind. He is not aware of a small movement outside his chamber window. (Of course he does not thrive in Orthanc anymore. No, he lives in Rivendell! After slaying the remaining Elves he has taken over and does not care for anything living. The trees are burned and dead). This small movement has been created by a human, a human named Maldir. He is the leader of the resitance, and a darn good spy. He is recruiting new members this afternoon. Will you join?

OOC: When joining please post your character's name, race, and weaponry. Also, please post the name of their familiar. (If they have one). Also, it does not have to be a human character.

[Johnson]

OOC: I'd like to join.

Name: Shibboleth
Race: Dwarf
Weaponry: Hammer
Familiar: Snoop (dog)

IC: "Yo Maldir!" says Shibboleth, entering the bar outside of which Maldir has put up his posters. "I like this resistance to Saruman idea! Let's do it."

Shibboleth drags a chair across the floor, and bangs his hammer on the table, demanding ale.

"I heard you're a darn good spy. Me too!"

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: Great!

IC: "Well, for a spy your very noisy," said Maldir. "Although, I am in need of aid, and my posters haven't getting much attention. Well, at least not good attention". A frown crosses Maldir's face. "Bloody Uruks. I hate the fiends!"

After a couple more glasses of ale Maldir looks at Shibboleth and says "Allright you're in. But I don't want any trouble. Anyways, we are currently moving to the east, looking for the Uruk Hai strong hold known as Helms Deep". Maldir pauses, waiting for a reply, when in burst three Uruks. Several men jump up along with Maldir and Shibboleth. "A good fight is just what I need".

[YayGollum]

OOC: Well, I just posted my characters' profiles, but here's a quick look for you people --->
Names: Trahald the Tainted, Boffin, and Tolir
Races: Southron type human, Dwarf, whatever a normal and boring human would be
Weapons: a bludgeon and scimitar, a dagger and mace, a huge battle axe and a dirk

IC: *a yelp is heard from outside and as soon as the Uruk-Hai are in, a black corsair of Umbar looking guy comes in, dragging a simple looking Dwarf behind him* "Don't be afraid of the Uruk-Hai. I'm sure they just came in for a drink. They aren't always out to kill." *a huge, half scary, half harmless looking hulk of a human every bit as big as the Uruk-Hai stomps in after them, sees Maldir and Shibboleth ready to fight, raises his huge battle axe, then waits for Trahald's order to help*

[Tolkien Adictee]

"Afraid?! We aren't afraid," Maldir says indignantly, also lifting his bow and aiming at the lead uruk's head.

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: I would like to be in this rpg, and I hope you don't mind me being an elf.

[YayGollum]

*the black dude looks up to the guy with the bow and arrow and sighs* "No offense, sir, but I was talking to my partner here." *notices the big guy holding up his axe superly readily, drops the Dwarf, then turns to Maldir again* "May I ask what's going on? Is this some dispute we have found ourselves in the middle of? I despise bar brawls. Ah well. I really should look into the political climate of a region before I walk into it." *takes one last look at the Uruk-Hai and decides that since the majority of the customers there were human and these particular humans seemed hostile towards the three Uruk-Hai, he would help the majority if it came down to a fight*

[Neothen]

Neothen had been sitting in the corner watching the event. He was wearing his traveling cloak and hood. He noticed the ditermination of Maldir. Neothen decided to ride out this round and wait for a time to join in.

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: Great to have some new people. Oh, and 'Johnson' won't be posting for a little while, his union is on strike... etc. Astal, it's fine to be an elf.

IC: Maldir asks the uruks what they're doing here. "We have come for freedom". This phrase amazes Maldir, uruks have no sence of freedom or anything 'cept killing. "How would an uruk hai know of freedom?", "Saruman has dropped in waryness. He no longer trains us not to feel pain or fear death. We are a minority, we know all of Saurman's secrets, and we would like to join this group". Maldir is dumbfounded for a moment then says "How do we know we can trust you?" "Here," said the lead uruk hai handing Maldir a piece of paper. "This is a map that shows the points where Saruman has gaurds posted. You may use the map, and once it is proven that it is valid we may join?" A silence... "Allright," said Maldir, obvioulsy reluctantly. "We leave at dawn. Prepare your horses if you have one".

[Neothen]

Neothen decided to follow Maldir as soon as he started the journey. Neothen realized that it would be hard to hide from a spie, but Neothen was a talented king that always had a way of disguising himself. Neothen pulled out a small blue stone and turned into an eagle. This is how he was going to hide himself until the time was right.

[Tolkien Adictee]

Maldir took the map cousciously. "Hmm... it seems to be acurate. Hey, whats an eagle doing in a bar? Agh, must be somebodies pet". *;)*. "Well, see you all here at dawn.

*Dawn*

"Good, I see you are all here. We head east!"

*half hour later*

"Would you like to take a break to water and feed your horses?" says Maldir, stopping beside a small stream.

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astal was one of the only elves left in Middle-Earth. she had escaped Saruman's wrath by hiding when he killed all the elves. she was living in the forests near Rivendell, but not to close, otherwise she might have been discovered with her horse Vanya Ninquë. she saw this group and wondered what they were doing. she was curious because there were the Uruk Hai also. she decided to show herself, and hopefully would not be killed. she jumped out of the trees and said* "What are you doing and what do you want?" *she was cautious of what might happen, since all the elves are supposed to be dead, and kept her hand beside her hilt and had her bow with arrows on her back if she needed it. she was ready to fight if necissary(sp?)*

[Tolkien Adictee]

"I am glad to see an elf alive! I had thought all of them were gone. There will be no need for weapons yet," Maldir said, looking at Astal's hand on her sword. "We ae moving east along the stream towards Rivendell. There we hope to find out Saruman and hopefully delay his schemes of evil. I hear he has an ent in his possesion... somebody named 'Quick Beam'. I hope to free him and learn all that he knows of Saruman's plans. Although, that may take some time. We could use an elf, and I hope you have sprung apon us as to help us and not slay us". Maldir let out a small chuckle, something not usaully heard these days. "Well, if for good, bring out your horse. I believe it is known as Vany Ninquë? And, yes, I know you too. A friend of mine named Efrandil travelled with you sometime back. Had to do with a dragon I believe".

OOC: ;)

[Astaldolosswen]

*she took her hand off of the hilt of her sword and said* "If you are headed for Rivendell, you had better be careful. Saruman has his watch all over the place in Rivendell. He has almost caught me a few times. I will not let him take me out of this world, I am not yet done with what I must do. He will pay for what he has done to my people. I shall help you get into Rivendell, as I have gone in twice without him knowing that I was there, but you must be as quiet as possible. I will get you some cloaks that will hide you easier into the land and the features of where ever you stand." *she goes off into the forest and a few minutes later, comes back with the cloaks, enough for the entire group. she had one on already, and asks Maldir* "You know Efrandil? I now know that I can trust you, and yes, I can bring out my horse." *she gives a high pitched whistle and a beautiful white horse with black hocks comes running into sight of the group.* "This as you said, is Vanya Ninquë. I did not spring out to slay you, just to find out what you were doing, considering that you are travelling with orcs. I was curious because, if Saruman found out that there is still an elf alive, he will take vengence out on me, for I have dodged him and his orcs. I am the only elf left in Middle-Earth as far as I know. I hope that there are some others left, for otherwise, when I leave this land, there will be no more." *she hears about Efrandil and asks* "Is Efrandil dead or alive? If he is alive, then we maybe able to seek his help." *she also heard about Quick Beam. he was one of her friends before he was caught, so she asked with a hatred towards Saruman* "Saruman has Quick Beam?! He will pay for taking Quick Beam captive. He was one of my friends after Saruman had taken over. Then he was taken captive, I did not know that it was Saruman who had taken him captive." *she comes closer to the group still wondering about the Uruk Hai. she asks them* "Why are you on this journey? I thought that you Uruk Hai were under Saruman's control?" *she is very curious of the Uruk Hai, because they are normally under the control of Saruman and they normally were not seen with the 'slaves' of Saruman unless they were beating them.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

"I am no longer sure of Efrandil's condition, although last time I saw him he was alive. I am not quite so worried of sentries, our friends here," said Maldir, pointing at the uruks "Have given us a map including all the sentries' locations. They are a minority, Saruman is failing in his attempts to keep emotion from his Uruk Hai. As for Quick Beam, he was taken captive a month ago. Now, we must leave. We still have three miles as the crow flies before we get to Rivendell. We will have to pass by Orthanc to get there. This appearently is one of the high points of watch for Saruman. Come, we shall leave now".

*aprox one mile away, in Orthanc...*

"Please! No more!" A voice cries out in the distance. It is soft, but audible. "What was that? It sounded elvish!"

"Yes," said Sibboleth. "It does sound elvish".

"Come quickly, to Orthanc!"

OOC: Johnson has given me poetic liscense for a little while.

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astal rides quickly to Orthanc. her horse used to having to move quick enough to not be spotted. along with her cloak to cover her and her horse, she is not spotted. she gets to the entrance to Orthanc and goes in prepared, sword drawn and ready to chant the spell that will release its magic. she stops half way up to wait for the others. she feels that the being that screamed in elvish might be an elf, or Quick Beam, as not many beings now know elvish. she is one of the only ones who does. she knows quenya and a bit of sindarin.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

The others arrive at the gate and bang up against it. Astal then uses the chant and the door pops open as Sibboleth whams up to it. He falls over and is quickly standing again. "See the powers of the dwarves!" He shouts. Maldir stiffles a quick grin and says, "We must get to the top!"

*Halfway up the inner staircase*

Orcs come streaming down upon the company. Yet they press right through trying to reach that voice before it is extinguished. They find themselves at a stone door. It opens into a room full of orcs. And in the centre of the room are three elves...

[Astaldolosswen]

*she sees the elves and knows that she is not the only one left. she rushes to the orcs and starts to slaughter them. she knows that this is not how elves normally act, but she has learned throughout her life that you must defend yourself and others as well. she yells out to the elves as she fights* "Are you alright?!" *she continues to slaughter the orcs and makes her way to the three elves*

[Johnson]

*Shibboleth glances warily around before entering the chamber, suspicions roused by the traplike nature of this encounter, and the fact that the Uruk-Hai have - so far - hung back. His hammer stands ready, as does a length of rope, which he quickly knots into a lasso.*

"What, lads?" he shouts to the Uruk-Hai above the din of orc-slaughter, "too sensitive for a fight now is it? Perhaps Saruman knew what he was about after all!"

[Tolkien Adictee]

The uruk hai hang back , not knowing what to do, but when Sibboleth calls them to battle they can not resist. They leap in and start whacking off heads. *:eek:*

Maldir, along with Astal heads towards the center of the room. He recognises one of the elves, it's Efrandil. He grabs Efrandil and heads towards the exit knocking out any orcs that get in his way. One orc gets too close and is slain. Maldir kicks it to the top of the stairs and sticks his sword out in front of him. Then he leaps forward ploughing through orcs, while sliding on the orc below him. He calls for a retreat, after retrieving the other elves. The company grabs the other two and head out. Down the long flight of stairs. The reach the exit and burst through, finding their horses waiting for them. They all mount the horses and gallop away, orc darts swishing behind them. They go into the forest and there they stop. They put down the new elves and wait for a while. The first one who wakes up is named Sindaurion, the second is Efrandil, and the third is named Luincamiel...

[Johnson]

*Noting that the newly-awakened elves seem not too much the worse for wear, Shibboleth addresses the most-alert seeming one of the lot.*

Good day, Efrandil, I trust you slept well? Fortunately for you, Saruman seems to have become rather sloppy of late, or you might have awakened under less pleasant circumstances. I would introduce these companions, only we are but recently met ourselves, and our mission is of some urgency.

Please do not be alarmed by these Uruk Hai who travel with us; indeed, their service in your rescue has been to their credit.

Your pardon for being so abrupt, but my friends and I seek one called QuickBeam, an Ent, said to be in Saruman's grasp. Have you, or your friends here, heard aught of him?

[Tolkien Adictee]

*Efrandil*

"I.. I know of him," said Efrandil. "He was taken captive along with us. He seemed in good condition a week ago. But I am not sure anymore. I- Maldir? Maldir is that you? It can't be!"

*Maldir*

"Yes, it is me. Although you may not recognise me through the dirt". He paused, then looked at the rest of the group. "We must move further in to the woods. The orcs will follow us! We-" he stops abruptly when an orc dart sticks into the tree next to him. "Quickly!"

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astal sees the dart and does not want the orcs in the forest.* "Hurry! We must get into the cover of the trees! I do not want those stupid orcs in here. No offensive to you Uruk Hai of coarse." *she remounts her horse and allows any of the new elves to ride with her, and they go with great speed. she is used to having to run from the orcs, as she has tried many a time to get in to Orthanc to see who was screaming with pain, but was unsucessful.*

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yikes! You people post fast! Now I gots to figure out what my characters have been doing this whole time! sorry for the length. just trying to catch up. oh well.

IC: *when the orcs first caught up with them, Boffin had just finished tying his pony Pooftop to the back of the wagon and feeding him a few treats and was about to approach one of the elves, Trahald was treating a few wounds he had received from the orcs, and Tolir was calmly grooming his horse Fred and watching the new elves to see if they were okay,

as soon as everybody starts running off, Boffin unties Pooftop again and tries to keep up with the horses, Trahald and Tolir jump in the wagon and rush off even though the wagon and the brush slows them down, lots of orcish arrows get stuck in the back of the wagon and Trahald just grins and thinks of all the trading he can make with other orcs sometime with those new arrows,

anyways, since the orcs are on foot (I'm assuming, since noone said so) and our heroes have horses and ponies, the group is able to slow down after a while* Trahald, to Maldir ---> "Excuse me, sir! I know that we're in somewhat of a hurry right now, what with the orcs chasing us and having Lord Saruman posting bounties for us as soon as one of them says what happened here, but allow me to introduce myself and my companions. I am Trahald, a trader of all manner of products, as you can see by my wagon."

*points to Boffin and Tolir* "That is Boffin, my toymaker, and this is Tolir, my bodyguard. We heard about your little plan to save the world and thought we'd help out. Lord Saruman never was very nice to me. He'd even order his troops not to trade with peddlers like me! Can you believe that? Ah well. Being a hero for what's left of the world might be nice. There should be a lot of business in that!" :D

[Neothen]

Neothen had been following the company for some time now, but he thought it wouldn't be right to show himself then. Instead, Neothen, pirched himself on a tree branch and watched.

[Tolkien Adictee]

*Maldir*

"Well, Trahald, it is good to know your names. Already we have had adventures together and we had not exchanged words much. Boffin, are you sure your a toymaker and not a cook? Oh well, we must find cover and dead wood for a fire. It is getting late and the sun is setting. Boffin, Shibboleth and I shall find some wood. How 'bout you guys building a shelter of some kind. We shall be back soon".

*Efrandil*

"Maldir, I would like to come with you.

*Maldir*

"Are you sure your up to it? Very well".

*Maldir and Efrandil*

Maldir- "How were you captured in the first place?"

Efrandil- "I was staying at Rivendell when leagues of orcs came streaming in, killing every elf in sight. I leaped from a window in the Anduin. Down the river I went, I nearly went over the falls, but I reached the other side first. There I met Quick Beam, and we stole away into the woods. Figuring that Saruman's forces were all at Rivindell, we headed for Isengard. Unfortunately Saruman's forces had doubled. We were over-taken".

Maldir- "Well you've certainly had some adventures".

Efrandil- "Yes, but what has happened to you. You look twice as old as you used to".

Maldir- "Thank you Efrandil. I- oops" Maldir tripped over a log "I escaped on Aroklaw and stole away into the forest. I talked with Fangorn and he told me of missing Quick Beam. I wanted revenge, so I started this movement. Well, we best be getting back to camp".

*Later*

The company arrives back at 'camp' and finds a crude lean-to...

OOC: Aroklaw is my horse.

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astal sees their return and says* "This should do, for now. I would have much rather have tried to make back to my home in these woods, but that is alright. We are not far from it if you should need provisions. I have plenty for everyone. I had enough to last me until I should have been captured, but I was not captured when I thought I would have been, so I had to sneak back into Rivendell to get more provisions, which I grabbed enough to last me until I should have decided to find a way out of this land. If we must get provisions, I will lead you to my home after this night, as it is not safe to lead you there at the moment. I do not know how close the orcs are, and do not want to know." *she looks at Efrandil and says* "It is good to see you once again. I do hope you still remember me. It has been a long time since I had last seen you." *she looks ragged compared to the last time she had seen Efrandil.*

[YayGollum]

OOC: The Johnson person's Dwarf character's name is spelled Shibboleth. It looks like both of us have noticed that you keep misspelling it, Tolkien Adictee person.

*Boffin looks superly bewildered when the Maldir person suggests that he could be a cook, but heads out into the forest to collect firewood, he gets easily distracted by the trees and leaves on the ground, but grabs a few sticks on his way back to the campsite when he hears that pretty much everyone is there again*

"sorry. I didn't see very many good pieces of firewood." *drops the few thin sticks onto whatever pile anyone else has brought, then takes a seat, superly eager for somebody to start the fire and make some food for him*

*Tolir starts the fire with some flint and tinder that he usually keeps with him and heads to the lean-to he helped to construct to wait for the food*

*Trahald hops out of the back of the wagon with whatever superly yummiful stuffs you people get to come up with that could feasibly be in the back of someone's wagon* "What would anyone like? I was trained by one of the greatest human gourmet chefs on Middle Earth and just restocked my wagon at that last village. We can discuss travel plans more comfortably over dinner."

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: Sorry Johnson :(

*Around campfire*

Efrandil- "Yes, Astaldolosswen, I remember that journey. Suprisingly it was one of the high points of my life. Although I broke almost all of my ribs in the process.

*Morning*

Maldir- "Come we must leave! The orcs will have sent out spies by now".

[YayGollum]

*Tolir grumbles as he's being tossed into wakefulness by the voice, he rolls around on his bedroll thingy and knocks the little lean-to thing over, then grabs his stuff, tosses it into the wagon, and sits out front, superly ready to start driving the thing away*

*Trahald swats at the inside of the wagon when he's been tossed into wakefulness, but rubs his eyes and grabs whatever cooking type stuffs he brought out the night before and tosses it into the wagon, then jumps back in*

*Boffin gets tossed into wakefulness when the lean-to thing lands on top of him* superly perkily and morning person-like ---> "Hm? Time to go already? Okay, I'm awake! Where are we going?"

[Neothen]

Neothen woke up on the branch that he had perched himself on the night before. He was getting tired of being an eagle and he didn't want to fallow the company forecer. He flew down to the wagon and perched himself on that. He didn't change form, but he decided to at least become a pet before reveiling himself.

[Astaldolosswen]

*as she awakes she stands and mounts her horse. she then says* "Do any of you need any provisions? If you do not, then we can just continue on to Rivendell, otherwise we can stop at my little house and get you some. Do any of you need a horse? I can easily get you some." *she gives three different type of whistles and three horses come galloping into view. they are the sons of her horse, and they are built almost just like her horse, only they are less stocky, but still just as strong. one of them is white like his father, the second is more of a brown and the third is black with a white mane and tail. her horse looked at them, and she looked at them with happiness and said* "If any of you three elves need a horse, you can have one of my horses sons. They are just as good as he is, and will serve anyone of good intentions. I never named them, I just gave them their own whistles if I ever needed them. Feel free to ride them as long as you need." *she looked at the elves and waited to see which horse each of them would pick.*

[YayGollum]

*before Boffin hikes himself into the back of the wagon, he notices some eagle on top of it* "Hey, bird! Shoo! We're leaving now." *when the thing doesn't leave, he gets in the wagon and pokes at the top with a spear* "Well, okay, but you'll have to hold on when we leave!"

*Trahald pokes his head out of the front of the wagon and pushes Tolir back into it so he can drive, when he sees the three new horses, he rolls his eyes and wonders why his wagon never seems inviting to people*

[Neothen]

Neothen was a bit frightend by the spear at first, but he got over it and hopped up to the front of the wagon. His eagle eyes could see just like elvin eyes, that was one of the plusses of being an eagle, the worst is that you have no thumbs.

[Astaldolosswen]

*she sees the eagle and goes over by the front of the wagon where it was perched. she puts out her arm for it to go on and hopes it won't mind her arm as a perch for now. she looks at Tolir and says* "I hope you don't mind my horses helping out a bit. I'm sure that they could ride in the wagon, I just don't want it to be slowed down. We are in a hurry and I know that your wagon already has a lot in it. You and your companions can ride in it easily, but I think if any more weight was added, it might be slowed down more."

[YayGollum]

OOC: sorry for maybe sounding evilly confusing, lady. Trahald was wondering why his wagon didn't look inviting. Tolir is inside the wagon already. oh well. It's crazy that you can read minds, though. oh well.

IC: *Trahald looks back at the curtain that Tolir just swept past where the Astaldolosswen person's looking when she's talking* he decides to answer ---> "Of course not. I have no problem with more horses helping our new friends." *gestures to her outstretched arm when he notices the eagle* "I have several gauntlets in here that would stop his talons from piercing your skin if he decides to land there."

[Neothen]

Neothen flew over to Astal's arm and landed on it. She was surprized to find out that the talons didn't hurt her arm.

[Astaldolosswen]

*she is glad that the bird flew onto her arm. she wished that Boffin would have been nicer to the bird. she then said* "I will not need that gauntlet you offered. His talons do not hurt me." *she gently strokes his feathers and decides that he could come in handy if they ever got seperated and kept him, if he would not mind*

[Tolkien Adictee]

The elves hop upon the three new horses and seem to get aquainted in seconds. Maldir hops on Aroklaw and says, to Astal, "That was the same eagle I saw in the bar. If I didn't know better I'd think it was following us".

"Well, better get a move on". The compnay continues east towards Rivindell...

OOC: Neothen, not trying to be bossy, but, could you try and integrate your character quicker? I really would like to meet your character, not as an eagle. Thanks.

[YayGollum]

Trahald, superly surprised that the talons aren't hurting the lady ---> "Huh. I never knew that elves had such tough skin. Ah, well." to the Maldir person ---> "It could be a spy, you know. I have run into too many men with pet birds to think this is a coincidence. The Lord Saruman might have already gotten word about your little plan."

[Neothen]

OOC: I'll reveil Neothen when we get into the next batttle. I've changed him since the last time I used him and I want to wait until it gets dangerous to add him in.


IC: Neothen likes the stroking of his feathers. He could get use to being a bird, but since the elves had been diminished, Neothen had become lonely without good people to talk to. He didn't want to interfeer(SP) with any plans until he felt that he was needed.

[Johnson]

*Shibboleth gratefully climbs into the wagon, exhausted from staying up on watch all night.*

"That was a superb dinner, thank you Trahald. So good, what with the busy day and all the running around, I almost dozed off there near dawn. *Yawn* Good thing no more orcs happened by."

He glances tiredly at Astaldosswen and mutters *under his breath* "of course she comes up with instant horses when its ELVES without mounts."

*Out loud* "Still, I wouldn't turn down some elven provisions, thank you very kindly for offering Astaldosswen. And perhaps your pet eagle could do a bit of scouting, maybe scare some of these smaller birds quiet so a dwarf can get some shut-eye."

[YayGollum]

*Trahald's about to thank the Dwarf for his compliment, but sees that he's trying to catch a nap in his wagon and tells Tolir to watch him, Boffin sits on the opposite side of the wagon and starts carving a wooden toy shaped like the eagle* Trahald, to the Maldir person ---> "Well, you're our leader, correct? I have told you what I think about keeping this eagle with us. What do you decide? By the way, where are we going? I've gotten turned around in this forest."

[Tolkien Adictee]

"Well, the sun sets in the west and rises in the east. So that way," said Maldir, pointing eastward. "The forest will get thick for a while, then it will open out. Astal, do you think you could ask the bird to do sme scouting of the valley upahead. I wouldn't want to risk another fight like that one. Maybe a small brawl but not a skirmish again.

OOC: Ok, thanks Neothen

PS: I think the sun sets in the west.

[YayGollum]

Trahald, rolling his eyes and trying to hold onto some patience with this person ---> "Yes, I can see what direction we're heading. I'm asking where you plan to lead us. We have already infiltrated Isengard. We now have orcs chasing us. I would like to assume that we are headed somewhere we can lay low."

[Johnson]

*Not quite asleep yet, Shibboleth opens his eyes long enough to gauge the others' reaction.*

"I'd suggest, if it's still okay by Astal, that we head for her house. She may have a few odds and ends there she'd like to pick up, but being an elf is no doubt too polite to mention it. If anyone can think of a way to throw those orcs off our tail (other than riding on giant eagles backs, that is), it might be a good idea."

*He notices Boffin's carving activity with some interest, but is plainly too tired to comment at the moment.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

"Perhaps this would be best," said Maldir, ignoring Trahald's comment. "Which direction is your dwelling, Astal?"

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: Sorry I haven't been on lately, trip to Washington D.C. It is sooo pretty at night. I got a ton of pictures and I want to go back and see the rest of the Smithsonian.

IC: *she had been listening to all they had said and she replies to Maldir's question.* "It is northwest from here. About half way between Isengard and Rivendell. It is not far, I have plenty of provisions for all of us if we need it. I would like to grab my other sword though. I have my father's sword, but not my longsword. I would very much like to get it. Oh, and when we get to my dwelling, you most likely won't see it, I have it hidden so only my elven eyes and probably other elven eyes can see. No other being can see it expect probably an elf. I built it that way so I would be safe, and if you want me to ask the bird if he will scout, I will gladly ask him." *she turns her attention to the eagle and with a few short eagle screeches asks him if he would be so kind to check out the path ahead for them. she then turned her attention to Trahald and says* "We don't have tough skin, it's just for some reason his talons have not hurt my arm. I don't think that Saruman knows of Maldir's plan. He has been so lazy lately, that I have been able to get in and out of Rivendell so easily, that I barely have to sneak around. I have gone back to my old home and got some of my things."

[YayGollum]

Trahald ---> "Ah, now it sounds as if we are merely having a short rest at this place. With the orcs from Isengard in pursuit, do you doubt that they have sent messengers to someone with more authority by now? If we have sufficient supplies, I would suggest stopping the messenger."

[Astaldolosswen]

"Let us go then." *Vanya Ninquë goes faster in the direction of their dwelling. he goes as fast as he can and they reach her dwelling in no time at all. she unmounts Vanya Ninquë and walks over to the door. the others think she is walking into a tree, but she is really walking into her dwelling.* "This is my home in a sense. Please come in, your horses and things will be safe out there. You can grab some food that we will need on the journey and I can grab my sword. If you need any provisions, they will also be in my house." *she goes into the back room and grabs her sword out of her trunk and also grabs some cleaner clothes for the journey. she puts them into her pack and goes back into the main room.* "Are you ready?"

[YayGollum]

*Trahald and Boffin go inside to check things out, but Tolir stays with the wagon just to be be sure* Trahald ---> "Yes, miss, we have been ready. I can only hope that we will still be able to stop this messenger. It could be a bird, you know." *tosses another look at the eagle*

Boffin ---> "Oo! Nice place, lady! Why don't we just hide out here for a few days? The orcs will be after us no matter what. We can just stay here and be safe before helping whoever it is you want to help, right?"

[Tolkien Adictee]

*Maldir*

"That would not be wise. I do not doupt that the orcs would not find this dwelling, though, I can't help but worry what would happen if they did. We should move on, I know a place we can stay, if it is allright with you Efrandil".

*Efrandil*

"Yes, very well. I suppose there is no better place". Efrandil leads the group to a small clearing and lets out a loud screech. Neothen reacts, but does not give off his disguise. A deep flapping is heard. A small group of giant eagles comes and sits before him. Efrandil to the leader, "Screach, scree, screech". "He says we may have an airlift, although your wagon will require four eagles".

[YayGollum]

*as soon as Trahald hears that these eagles will be taking them someplace safe, his eyes light up superly eagerly, he, Boffin, and Tolir leave the wagon to be flown off* "And what about our horse and pony? Will your friends be able to bring them along safely?"

[Neothen]

Neothen turns his gaze toward Trahald. I can speak the common tongue even in bird form, Neothen thought to himself. He looked toward the giant eagles.They could blow my cover if I'm not carefull, He thought to himself once again.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald notices the look the eagle's tossing at him* "Will someone please do something with that eagle? Why is it still with us? Didn't I say that the thing was probably a spy? oh well. Forgive me for being cautious."

[Astaldolosswen]

*she looks at Efrandil, then at Maldir and says* "You are right, it would not be safe to stay here. Saruman has been looking for my dwelling for a long time now. He is always getting closer, but not close enough to find me." *she looks at the giant eagles and says* "I do not trust an eagle flying me all over the place. I prefer my horse. I know for a fact that I can trust him and I do not have to worry about being shot at from the ground. If you ask me, going by air is the most dangerous thing at the moment. We will be spotted easier. If we are headed to Rivendell, then we would pretty much have cover from the forest all the way there." *she does not mind if the others want to go by air, but she would rather follow on her horse on the ground.*

[Johnson]

*Confronted with the terrifying option of eagleback travel (and the risk of attack by other airborne predators), and (lacking a horse and/or riding skills) that of slogging on foot to Rivendell, he hesitates before sighing, swallowing his gorge, and putting in*

"I suppose I'll have to fly, then. Let's be off quickly, lest Saruman's messengers summon air support. Thanks very much for the provisions, Astal, and a good journey to you."

*The eagles seem unruffled by the idea of ferrying elves, humans and dwarves, but are obviously alarmed at the prospect of Uruk-Hai riders. Perhaps this is our chance to part company with them, thinks Shibboleth, glad to find at least one silver lining.*

[Astaldolosswen]

"I shall meet you on the outskirts of Rivendell. Farewell for now." *she mounts Vanya Ninquë and is off. she has her provisions and her horse. Vanya Ninquë is going as fast as he can. she is riding as lightly as she possibly can so he can run as fast as he can. she starts to get tired from her journey that day, but she continued anyway. she did not live far from Rivendell, but having to keep up with the eagles, she would not have time to rest. Vanya Ninquë continued on with all his strength and she knew that he would not last all the way to Rivendell without a break. that is how come she brought his oldest son (the white one) with her, so that if he got tired, she could hop onto him.*

[Neothen]

Neothen had followed Astal since he didn't wan his identity to be reveiled. He wouldn't be able to keep his form for too much longer.

[Tolkien Adictee]

*Maldir*

"Well, Shibboleth, I'm not sure about you and eagles. I have heard that dwarves have been scared of riding eagles since that time when that hobbit and thorin, and that wizard rode them. But, if you are comfortable with it. Although, I could lend you my horse..."

*Efrandil*

"The eagle's scout has given word that orcs are coming in our direction. We should leave quickly. Please do make a descision soon shibboleth".

[YayGollum]

*Trahald sees that he will continue to be ignored, so he orders Boffin and Tolir back into the wagon and drives off* as an afterthought ---> "We will follow the elf! If you eagles feel like picking us up, we would love to have your company!" to his partners ---> "Now why is the elf heading for Rivendell? That is where the danger is. Weren't the eagles going to take us someplace safe? Ah, well. We have to go with the flow."

[Astaldolosswen]

*she sees that Trahald, Boffin, and Talir are going with her. she slows down and waits for them. when they are caught up with her, she says* "I am heading for Rivendell because that is the only place that I know of that Saruman is not looking for me. The closer to danger, the farther from harm. He will have his mind bent on finding Maldir and the others. We will be safer the closer we get to Rivendell since we will not be with Maldir. Anyways, that is where Quickbeam will be. If he was not at Orthanc, then there is only one other place that he can be and that is Rivendell." *she continues on her way.*

[YayGollum]

Trahald ---> "Of course, my dear elf! Good thinking! On to Rivendell! We are happy to help!" to his partners ---> "Why would she think that Lord Saruman has only two dungeons for his prisoners? Ah, well. The things I do for business!"

[Johnson]

*and despite his complete lack of horsemanship, Shibboleth gladly accepts Maldir's offer. However, as he struggles into the saddle, it is immediately obvious to the others that Aroklaw will be unable to travel at speed with such an inexperienced rider. As Shibboleth tumbles out of the saddle, it becomes plain that any pursuing orcs would gain on them rather quickly. Finally, with some protest

(no, no, ... I can DO this! How hard can it be? ...)

... Shibboleth is persuaded to climb aboard a giant eagle, where he white-knuckle grips and buries his face in feathers, and prepares himself for a most unDwarven doom.*

"Let it be swift!"

[Tolkien Adictee]

Maldir holds in a chuckle as the eagles take off. The eagles head north east, towards Rivendell. It is a fairly short journey and they arrive soon. After a while, Astal and the others arrive. They are about a mile from Rivendell, and this is where they make camp. The Uruk Hai say that they were sent out several days ago, and that Saruman now knows they are traitors. They figure he would be distracted long enough if they were to cause some trouble. "Allright," says Madir, "But I don't want you caught. You could be very helpful".

[YayGollum]

*Trahald starts making food for everybody while Boffin and Tolir talk to people like he told them to*

Boffin, screwing his face up, trying to remember what he was supposed to say to whoever decides that he's talking to them ---> "Hi. Do you think that the eagles will still help us?"

Tolir, staring into space, talking like he could care less and is just getting this over with ---> "Excuse me, but what are our plans after we save this Ent friend of yours?"

[Tolkien Adictee]

"Well, knowing Saruman, he has probably told Quickbeam half of his plan, maybe more. He is not a very good strategist when it comes to secret keeping. Once Quickbeam helps us we will gather more and then ,hopefully, be victorious in an attack! After slaying Saruman the world will be free, save a few orcs and other fell beasts". Maldir seems to be thinking as he speaks, as if running the plan out through his mind. His brow furrows.

OOC: Hey guys! I'm making a website for the RPG, and was wondering if you could give me any ideas. I'm copying the posts and putting them together into a story on the website. Great! Thanks!

[Neothen]

OOC: I just want to say that my character is the main character in my book (Kings Of Arloth) and if you are putting him into a story then you need to anounce that Neothen is Property of B.L. Swain. So anyone who reads the RPG can't copy my character since my books are still an unpublished work. Thank You.

[YayGollum]

Tolir, since I'm guessing the Maldir person was answering his question ---> "Oh, where are we going to get more people to attack Saruman? We're neutral peddlers, so I've seen his defences. It will require more troops than I've seen in quite a while to oppose him."

OOC: What ideas do you want? Other sites that I've seen RPGs being the theme of haven't been very big.

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: Ummm...guys, i might not be able to get all that often anymore, my compu at home got fried when i had a power outage and i can only get on at school during first hour and i might not be able to get on then. so just assume my character is there and doing what you need her to do. Tolkien Adictee, if you want to, since you know pretty much what my character might do, you can take controll of her if you want to untill i get back

[Johnson]

OOC: Sorry to hear about your computer, Astal. You'll be missed.

IC: "Now we're getting somewhere," adds Shibboleth. "What with Saruman's general sloppiness - amazing that he was able to defeat Sauron! - and inability to conceal his plans (witness the Uruk Hai defection .. still, I'm glad they're out of our beards for now). This seems like it could be the right time to launch an offensive. As for troops, a few of my friends from the mines might be willing to help out. I suggest we learn what we can from Quickbeam first, then see about contacting them. I'm pretty confident they've been able to elude Saruman. And they might be interested in a bit of trade, too" (with a nod to Trahald).

"But for now, I vote for rescuing Quickbeam as soon as possible!"

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astal had been listening intently to the conversation and says in reply* "We should save Quickbeam as soon as possible and learn what Saruman plans to do. We can then gather friends for an offensive."

[Tolkien Adictee]

*Maldir*

"Indeed," says Maldir. He gestures into the forest... "There are dwarves, eagles, Uruk Hai. It seems we have a battle on our hands". Maldir walks a little out of camp and sits down. After a while he stands again and says, "Shibboleth, how soon can troops from the mines come?"

*Shibboleth*

"Right away, all you must do is send this eagle friend of yours for a little trip to find them, they are already on the move and would only be about four miles from here... Only...".

*Maldir*

"Only, nothing! Astal, can you send the eagle to find the group. Now, I must organise this. This willl take some thinking, although we probably don't have time for it".

[Neothen]

Neothen didn't want to seee a conversation go on about a war so he decided to but in. He flew from Astal's shoulder and formed into a human. It frightend the company at first, but sespicion soon replaced that. "I can help you with your army problem." Neothen said while stretching in his normal form. He knew that the company wouldn't trust him right away, but he needed to show himself sometime.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin decides that they finally answered his question about eagles, nods, and goes back to eating*

*Trahald leans back with all kinds of surprise when the eagle suddenly turns into a person* "Who are you and why should we trust you? You must have heard my concerns about you before. What do you have to say for yourself? Saruman is known for the power of his voice that he can lay on any of us."

[Tolkien Adictee]

BWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOO! (An orc horn)

Maldir, "No time to explain, we have a battle on our hands".

Efrandil and the other elves leap up and reach for their swords. They dont have any, but Maldir lends them a few from Trahald's wagon. The orcs come in swiftly, surrounding the group. "Not good," said Maldir, noticing several uruk heads on the staffs. "At least we know they werent lying".

The battle seems as though it will not be won by Maldir and his company. Wave after wave of orcs pound at them. But then, one of the trees moves! "Ents are in the forest!"

And indeed Ents were in the forest several more trees started to wake and then one, huge one walked into the small clearing. Riding on it are two smaller beings. Two Hobbits. It is Merry and Pipin! They command the ents into an attack and the orcs go flying. After the battle seems to be over and the orcs have retreated they stand together and have a council.

OOC: I need somebody to be Merry and Pippin.

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: I'll be Pippin!!!

[Neothen]

Everything seemed to have calmed down and Neothen stepped forward. "I am Neothen Madoc, King of Doroth." He anounced while trying not to sound too proud, since most people didn't like royalty. "I am not a spy of Saruman, infact I have been trying to keep his forces away from my kingdom."

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: Great! Astal, here is a question for Merry and Pippin...

IC: "Doroth! Why, I went there not 3 years ago! And, who are you halflings, if that is what you are. You seem tall and proud for halflings.

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: ^^

IC: *Pippin looks at Maldir and says* "I am Perigrin Took. All my friends call me Pippin." *he gestures at his friend* "And this is my friend Meridoc Brandybuck. You can call him Merry. And who might I ask are you?"

*Astal* "I am Astaldolosswen. I am an elf from Rivendell. It is a pleasure to meet you."

[Tolkien Adictee]

The elves introduce themleves. Maldir walks up and says "Well, Peregrin, it seems you have come in the nick of time. I am Maldir, leader of this company. For a long time now I have been building a resistance with the aid of my 'troops'. We are a small group and much less powerful than yours, but we have already robbed Orthanc of it's captees".

[Neothen]

Neothen steps forward, "That is what I can help you with if you need it." Neothen exclaimed. "I have an army of men, though it isn't very large, it should suit your needs well enough."

[Johnson]

The dwarf bows. "Shibboleth, at your service. Greetings Your Majesty, King Madoc of Doroth."

"Your arrival is indeed timely, Hobbits Pippin and Merry, good Ents all. Let us hope coincidence continues to serve us so well! We were on our way to rescue an Ent by name of Quickbeam - who we believe is Saruman's prisoner in Rivendell - and if we are to succeed in that quest we must make haste. Especially since it now appears that Saruman is fully aware of our presence and, having slain some of our fellow travelers, may now be in possession of a good stock of information about us."

[Astaldolosswen]

*Pippin*
"It is good to meet you Maldir, Sibboleth, Astaldolosswen and your fellow travelers. We were also about to go and rescue Quickbeam as he is one of our own. We would be glad to help you since we are trying the same thing."

*Astaldolosswen*
"Well, if we are all on good terms, then let us come up with a plan to get in and find Quickbeam."

[Johnson]

OOC: Do you suppose it's too late for stealth?

IC: *glances around at the assembled recently victorious army* "I say we strike while the iron is hot."

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astaldolosswen*
"It will not be that easy Shiboleth(sp?). Getting into Rivendell takes more than brute force. I should know. I have had to go in there before and it is not easy."

*Pippin*
"Astaldolosswen is right. We must be stealthy when going in."

[Johnson]

"Alright then, how do you propose to be stealthy with an army of humans and ents? Ents, perhaps. Large, but quiet, and good at hiding in woods. Hobbits and elves are stealthy enough by nature, but .. humans?? And remember, we'll be expected."

*Ponders*

"Maybe .. if all the two-legs ride .. and hide .. in ent branches..?"

[Neothen]

"I only have a small Battilion and it's my best men. They've been trained by my father and the Colonel of my army so i doubt they will be cought. There are only thirty of them, they are called the cloaked knights. They will be suitable for this mission, they will be quiet." Neothen looked to the woods where at least thiry men came out of the woods as quiet as could be.

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astaldolosswen*
"Very well then. If the ents don't mind the humans riding on them, then that will do. What the dwarves who are also not very stealthy?"

*Pippin*
"We need all the stealth we can get and if that means the humans riding on ents, then very well. They must hide very good though. We cannot risk being caught."

[Neothen]

All of the men were cloaked in deap colored cloaks and some had bows and others had swords. "We will not ride on Ents," one of the soldiers replied. "We can move along trees and other places alone. " Neothen looked toward the men and nodded.
"I can't object to that." Neothen said, "They aren't my unit." He stated clearly as the men disapeared. "They will meet up with us when they are needed."

[Astaldolosswen]

*Pippin*
"Very well then. Let's move." *he moves back into hiding on the ents back and so does merry. they start to move towards Rivendell ahead of the others.*

*Astaldolosswen*
"Okay." *she mounts her horse and follows. she notes to her horse to be as stealthy as he possibly can out in these trees. and then she focuses on herself to be hidden.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: Sorry I havent posted recently, I was on vacation.

IC: Maldir is not an expert climber, but he is good enough. He hopes that the humans on the ground will not be spotted. The Ents are large and walk stealthily through the forest. Shibboleth and the other dwarves were not very stealthy, and finally gave in and climb-stumbled onto the ents. They were coming very close to Rivendell, Maldir could smell the evil.

[Neothen]

Neothen had turned back into his eagle form and perched himself on an Ent's head.

[Tolkien Adictee]

The evil feeling was getting stronger, they took one more big step and there! There was Rivindell! The river was dammed up, the tress were ashes, the white halls black and grimy. "You will pay for this Saruman!"

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astaldolosswen*
*she says in reply to Maldir with hatred in her voice toward Saruman* "Yes, he shall pay. He took away my home and most of my kinsmen. He has ruined the once great halls of Rivendell. He damned up the mighty river of Bruinen. He destroyed all of the trees. He destroyed my way of life, but I created a new one, but I will not let him get away with it. We must be very careful from now on in, otherwise we take the risk of being caught and killed." *she waits for Maldir to tell them when to go.*

*Pippin*
"Astaldolosswen is right. Even with the Ents, we are not very stealthy any more. The Ents hide best with trees, and Saruman has destroyed them all. They will not hide easily. If we plan to get in, we must be silent and move as carefully as possible."
*He waits for Maldir to say he is ready to go in if he is.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

Maldir pauses, sniffs, turns his head from side to side. And says "We have been spotted, Saruman knows we are here and he will attack even if we flee, we attack... NOW!"

*Efrandil*

Aims his bow at a door that is opening and fires into an orc skull. Three more arrows fly as the company crosses the dry river and into the treeless field. Orcs start streaming out of the filthy halls. Efrandil mutters something in elvish, then a great wind blows down upon the Rivindell, suprisingly though, the company does not feel it...

[Astaldolosswen]

*she sees the orcs coming and she gives three loud whistles. the horses come stampeding out of the forest to her side. she tells them to help her and the company in this fight. they go off and start to fight the orcs and she draws her swords. she gives a good battle cry in elvish and charges at the orcs. she takes off two orc heads and the horses are having the time of their life killing orcs. she decides to use a bit of magic to her company's advantage. she is in Rivendell and can use quite a bit of elven magic as long as she has the river to her use. she and her horses head over to where the river was damned up and her and her horses were moving rocks so she could get use of the river. she thinks to herself, If I can get the river undamned, then we will have a better chance at winning this fight. Just as long as I get these bottom rocks out of the way, we can win. they move enough rocks so some water starts coming out. Vanya Ninquë gave a good buck and moved one big rock and he and the others ran for it. they get out of the way and by the rest of the company just in time to slaughter more orcs.*

[Neothen]

The thirty cloaked men (or wizards of the Dorinian army) Came out of the forest that they had been traveling in and lined up in perfect formation. Neothen landed infront of them and turned back into his noraml form. He unsheathed Malvor and led the wizards in to finish off the remaining orcs.

[Johnson]

*Seeing what Astal is up to, Shibboleth asks the Ents for help, and himself rushes over to assist in undamming the Bruinen.*

[Astaldolosswen]

*Pippin*
*he asked to send half of the ents to help undamn the river and the other half to help fight off the orcs. he himself stays to fight the orcs as there is more action and he loves the action. he takes a rock and throws at an orc and kills it.*

*Astaldolosswen*
*she continues to undamn the river Bruinen with the assistance of Shibboleth and the Ents. she sends all of her horses but Vanya Ninquë to fight the orcs. her and Vanya Ninquë are very good at getting rid of rocks. so, she unmounts Vanya Ninquë and starts to move rocks on her own and has Vanya Ninquë smashing the rocks with his strengthful body. when she moves one rock, he has five rocks smashed.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

Maldir wonders about un-blocking the dam. He hopes that when they break through they will not get washed away. He hopes Astal has thought of this, for he is no-where near where she is. He and Efrandil are fighting orcs and are very busy...

OOC: I really hope u have thought of this :(

[Astaldolosswen]

OOC: Yes, I have this all thought through. Don't worry, I can get out.

IC: *she continues to undamn Bruinen and after about 30 minutes, the damn begins to collapse. she mounts Vanya Ninquë and runs toward the company as fast as he will carry her. the river comes crashing the down. the ents get away from the direct force of the crashing river and just as the river starts to flood out on the land, Astal gets over by Maldir's side and watches the river flow rapidly killing the orcs.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

Seeing the action, Maldir hurries in his attempt to free Quickbeam. They all hear moans, but coming from an ent, they could not figure out where from. Only the other ents seemed to know where the voice was coming from, and they lead the others in the 'direction' of the sound.

[Astaldolosswen]

*Astaldolosswen*
*she follows Maldir and she is tired from moving all of the rocks. she is breathing heavily, but you really would not be able to tell that she was.* "Well..." *she listens closely to where the sound is coming from and she heads in that direction as fast as she can. she gets ahead of Maldir and says* "He needs our help and fast! I will meet you there if I get there before you!" *she runs as fast as her feet will carry her. her speed is beyond what she thought she could go and she continues to listen for the sound of a Quickbeam and follows it.*

*Pippin*
*in his worry for his friend Quickbeam, he has the ent he is riding follow Maldir and Astal. He tells the ents to keep watch and make sure that they are not attacked from behind. being on the ent, he travels at great speed. he easily catches up to Maldir and stays with him.*

[Tolkien Adictee]

OOC: I'm gonna move this into the new forum ok? This will be contnued there, please don't post in here anymore.

The new forum is at www.middle-earth-rpg.com