DMDM's Adventures in Mirkwood

Game Master Douglas Muir 406

Roleplaying in Middle-Earth, using the 5e Middle-Earth rules from Cubicle 7.


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In-game, that's 2-2 for investigate / leave be, with Amalina looking like the deciding vote. Healer?


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No
Finraeth wrote:

Finraeth has Inspiration at the moment as well.

Quick summary of my thoughts on the latest potential threat.

In-character, Finraeth will probably want to investigate. OOC however, I think we should leave well alone: if the thing is 2-3 weeks dead it won't get any less dead. We can always mark the location (we're pretty close to getting home, now, right?) and either report it to the scouts who deal with this sort of thing (assuming the Woodmen have such) or return once we've had a proper rest.

Thoughts?

Can Finraeth explain his interest for investigating in Gameplay? What would compel a high elf to look for the source of bad smells?


Female Woodsman | Scholar (1) | HP: 09 AC: 13 Spd: 30ft| Init: +2 Perc: +3 PP:13 | Hand Ax: +2 (1d6), Sling +4 (1d4+2)

Get the heck out of there...no good comes from looking for trouble...and we have already found more than we have wanted!!!


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)
Faem wrote:
Finraeth wrote:

Finraeth has Inspiration at the moment as well.

Quick summary of my thoughts on the latest potential threat.

In-character, Finraeth will probably want to investigate. OOC however, I think we should leave well alone: if the thing is 2-3 weeks dead it won't get any less dead. We can always mark the location (we're pretty close to getting home, now, right?) and either report it to the scouts who deal with this sort of thing (assuming the Woodmen have such) or return once we've had a proper rest.

Thoughts?

Can Finraeth explain his interest for investigating in Gameplay? What would compel a high elf to look for the source of bad smells?

500+ years of being cooped up in Rivendell has made him somewhat curious, with caution a close second.

Fear not, he will rapidly learn the benefits of caution!


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)
DM_DM wrote:

Ohhh, that reminded you of... something. A song? A poem? Something, can't quite place it.

Ah well. March on, then?

DMDM: was this in response to Faem's rolls, or mine?


Faem's. That Lore role was Hobbit-specific.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

OK, thanks.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No

How do we want to engage with this group? The direct approach, or recon first? I can try to sneak close and listen in on whatever they're talking about.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

I would assume they will see our torch soon enough, unless we extinguish it.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No
Finraeth wrote:
I would assume they will see our torch soon enough, unless we extinguish it.

Darn humans.


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Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

OK, new rule: when we have the opportunity to scout a group of strangers to learn their intentions before announcing ourselves, we take it.

That was a really foolish thing to do. I hope we don't end up regretting it.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

Tradition appears to be the go-to for diplomacy. If a different skill should be used instead, let me know.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

Also - and apologies for treble posting - FWIW my suggestion would be for everyone else to stay out of the torchlight. No sense in giving away our full strength (or lack thereof) to these strangers.

Plus, if it does come to a fight you might get Advantage on your rolls for striking from the dark.


It's dim lighting on the Foreshore -- a waning half moon has risen, plus both parties have torchlight. You can't see every detail, but everyone can both see how many people there are.

Also, not sure why the Rivendell Elf is stepping forward instead of one of the party's Woodmen? But okay, rolling with it.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

Neither of them has any proficiency in social skills. Plus, Emissary background. Meeting and talking with people is Finraeth's thing.


Meanwhile, a brief digression. One way or another, we're approaching the end of the introductory arc. I have some ideas on what comes next, but first I want to check who's familiar with existing AiME products. So, have any of you read

-- the Mirkwood Campaign
-- the Rhovanion Region Guide splatbook
-- Wilderland adventures
-- the Eaves of Mirkwood short

TBC: I have a mild preference for the published stuff, because a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done, and also because 7th Cubicle kept their quality high. So if one or two players have flipped through a book, it's NBD -- that happens. OTOH if half the players have read an adventure and the other half have already run through it, that's something else again. So, trying to calibrate here.

You can post or PM me.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No

I have played select adventures from Wilderland. If you were to run that, I would request to avoid the time travel chapter. It does not respect player agency and is more of a novel than a game. I have access to the other materials but have only used them as reference and have avoided reading the campaigns. All of that would be new to me.

I'm enjoying the ambiance and pacing of this adventure so far.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

I'm running Wilderland Adventures but will probably modify it quite heavily for the reasons Faem has succinctly stated.

I have read/flipped through everything else. I deliberately haven't read through the Mirkwood campaign for obvious reasons, although I delved into some of the background stuff in it for inspiration.

Apropos of nothing much: I was looking at the region map the other day - know what all those hexes put me in mind of? Kingmaker.


Faem wrote:
the time travel chapter. It does not respect player agency and is more of a novel than a game.

It seems like one of those things where a few players will like it, others will go along for the ride, but a significant number will find it an annoying cutscene / railroad. As you say, it doesn't leave players a lot of agency -- you're dragged along. You do get choices, but they seem kind of contrived.

Quote:
I'm enjoying the ambiance and pacing of this adventure so far.

When we reach the end of the first arc, let's do a quick debrief.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No
Finraeth wrote:
I'm running Wilderland Adventures but will probably modify it quite heavily for the reasons Faem has succinctly stated.

If you want to read what I did with it, look for the first post by GM Therenger beginning on this page. The players were dismayed at how things were going with that adventure and the GM was at wits end, so I took over the campaign at that point and we've moved to Eriador now.


Female Woodsman | Scholar (1) | HP: 09 AC: 13 Spd: 30ft| Init: +2 Perc: +3 PP:13 | Hand Ax: +2 (1d6), Sling +4 (1d4+2)

I picked up most of the books but have only skimmed through them. Spending more time on Loremaster's book and player's book. That being said, there is a new update to the healer class the alters a few of her abilities (I think for the better). Not sure if you have seen this or not (cam in the Loremaster's Screens). I would like to use these new rules if possible (can send them to you if you need them)

Thanks


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Finraeth wrote:


Apropos of nothing much: I was looking at the region map the other day - know what all those hexes put me in mind of? Kingmaker.

That's the variant campaign where you seek to build an empire... and collect Shadow points really, really fast.


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Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)
DM_DM wrote:
Finraeth wrote:


Apropos of nothing much: I was looking at the region map the other day - know what all those hexes put me in mind of? Kingmaker.

That's the variant campaign where you seek to build an empire... and collect Shadow points really, really fast.

Heh. A Game of Ringwraiths.

"When you play the Lord of the Rings, you win or you die."


Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned

I have all of the pdfs via bundles but have almost enturely focused my attention on the player's guide, the Bree guide, and the sections on other PC races in other books.

In regards to the time travel segment...dear Tolkien not again. At least not without even heavier modification.


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3
Finraeth wrote:

OK, new rule: when we have the opportunity to scout a group of strangers to learn their intentions before announcing ourselves, we take it.

That was a really foolish thing to do. I hope we don't end up regretting it.

Agreed! I (player) knew there was some risk, but I don't think Radegund had any way to know that. (Though perhaps I'm mistaken and there's conflict among the Woodmen that she'd be aware of?)


Radegund, The Magpie wrote:


Agreed! I (player) knew there was some risk, but I don't think Radegund had any way to know that. (Though perhaps I'm mistaken and there's conflict among the Woodmen that she'd be aware of?)

No serious conflict. Like all Men, the Woodmen have their disagreements. There are clans and factions and quarrels, some quite sharp. But they are almost always settled at the Folk-Moot. There hasn't been a major blood-feud for many years.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No
Veig Fairmane wrote:
In regards to the time travel segment...dear Tolkien not again. At least not without even heavier modification.

You became the Ring bearer! What else did you want? :P


Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned
Faem wrote:
Veig Fairmane wrote:
In regards to the time travel segment...dear Tolkien not again. At least not without even heavier modification.
You became the Ring bearer! What else did you want? :P

A brooding tower would have been nice. ;)


Hopefully none who'd like to displease the Brown Wizard!


Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned

I think that I was accidentally subtle with Veig.

I probably should have added an intimidate roll.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

OK, OK.

TIME

OUT

I don't want to be "that's-just-what-my-character-would-do" Guy but... there is no way Finraeth is handing over some defenceless person to a bunch of armed people he doesn't know. (The fact they offered gold makes it worse.)

I just want to check we're all on the same page here before he - politely - tells them to go to Hell (preferably in such a smooth way that they find themselves looking forward to the journey).

Speak now or etc.


Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No

Can we all not speak at once? I have no intention of being the spokesperson for the party, but for the moment, Faem is the only one to make the Lore check.


Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned

To be clear, Veig is *not* in favour of handing this guy over and is willing to shed blood over the matter. If these randomers want the man, they can't just have him, especially not for coin. He'd think that regardless of origin.


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Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

@Faem - fair, although it doesn't (shouldn't!) need a Lore check to know that handing over a helpless person to a bunch of armed thugs in exchange for gold is wrong.

@Veig - looks like I misinterpreted your post, my bad. It read to me like the dwarf was washing his hands of the whole thing.

So, what do we want to do?

Finraeth would suggest that since the man is clearly not in a position to offer a defence against the charge, they all proceed to Rhosgobel where these thugs, did I say thugs, I'm so sorry, I meant these plaintiffs can make their case and be heard. Once the man has had a chance to recover and put his side of the story, of course.

But if Faem wants to take the lead I'm ok with that, too.


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3

I actually didn't see DM's post about the request for the guy til now. (He posted while I was writing mine, and I missed it.)

Radegast has been fairly trusting of these folks for now. It seems she hadn't heard of Amon Bauglir. Has she heard of Tyrant's Hill, or Lord Mogdred? If so, what has she heard of them?

My suggestion is that we say the fellow's in need of medical attention, and invite them to return to Rhosgobel with us.

The Healer can site that she can't let a patient go in this state.

NOTE, if it turns out I've heard of Tyrant's Hill or Lord Mogdred and have an opinion about them, that might change too.

(Rhosgobel is close-ish to the Necromancer's Tower, but we were partly a defense against him. If the Magpie knows Tyrant's Hill to be a similar defense point, she'll think more favorably about them...but if she's heard poorly of them...)


Female Woodsman | Scholar (1) | HP: 09 AC: 13 Spd: 30ft| Init: +2 Perc: +3 PP:13 | Hand Ax: +2 (1d6), Sling +4 (1d4+2)

See my post....I would never let a wounded person be taken out of my care unless it was to a healer of higher stature...and even then I would most likely stay with them and help as I could.


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3
DM_DM wrote:
Also, not sure why the Rivendell Elf is stepping forward instead of one of the party's Woodmen? But okay, rolling with it.
Finraeth wrote:
Neither of them has any proficiency in social skills. Plus, Emissary background. Meeting and talking with people is Finraeth's thing.

...Not to mention time zones! I'm in GMT-8 / Pacific time zone (and often can't post until afternoon) so I often miss a flurry of activity.

- - - -

As for AIME, this is the only game of it I've played, and I've avoided reading their adventures.


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

Happy to let one of the Woodfolk do the talking here (I'd completely forgotten the whole "different cultures get different DCs thing" when I posted yesterday. My bad).

But this has the feel of one of those encounters where the fight is inevitable regardless of social skills, now that we've refused her request. Hope I'm wrong.


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3

Hopefully not.

DM, would a child of Rhosgobel have heard of Tyrants Hill? What if anything would I know if it? Would I know if their elders have any quarrel with ours, or vice versa?


Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

I think if you failed that Lore roll, the answer is no.

Just realised that because Finraeth has Proficiency in Tradition and Diplomacy he can give an Aid Another which grants Advantage on the roll. Posting on that basis.


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3

Maybe, though it's possible we all know the common name (Tyrants Hill) but only a few would know the proper name. I'll wait for confirmation.

Either way, Aid is a great idea. I'll let the Healer make that roll.

Hopefully we can persuade them not to soul the blood of Men, and to all travel to Rhosgobel tonight.


Female Woodsman | Scholar (1) | HP: 09 AC: 13 Spd: 30ft| Init: +2 Perc: +3 PP:13 | Hand Ax: +2 (1d6), Sling +4 (1d4+2)

Will do...your plea on the woodsman's behalf I hope will be enough to turn the tide from violence...


Radegund, The Magpie wrote:
DM, would a child of Rhosgobel have heard of Tyrants Hill? What if anything would I know if it? Would I know if their elders have any quarrel with ours, or vice versa?

Rules check: would you roll with Advantage for a Lore check within your region?


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Female Hobbit of the Anduin Vales | Treasure Hunter (2) | HP: 18/18 AC: 14 Spd: 25ft| Init: +3 Perc: +7 PP:15 | Short Bow: +5 (1d6+3), Shortsword +1: +6 (1d6+4) | Exhaustion: 0, Inspiration: No

Diplomacy? Are we making up skills?


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Alias "Polish" I Male Akorosi Cutter I Insight 1 (Study 1) I Prowess 3 (Prowl 1 Skirmish 3 Wreck 1) I Resolve 2 (Command 1 Consort 1) I VICE: Luxury I STRESS 3/9 I HARM: Lvl 1 (stab wound; bruised by leviathan)

What can I say? I must have failed the Will save against using the more familiar terminology :)


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned

Nah, that's a saving throw versus Breath Weapon. ;)


AC 16 (14 w/o shield) | Init +2 (+7 nr forest) | Per +5 (+7 in KL; Advantage nr forest); PP 15 (+2 in KL, +5 nr forest) | STR +3, CON +4, DEX +2, WIS +3

Hey gang, I'm heading on vacation for 3 days, likely somewhere with zero cell reception or wifi.

I hate to miss this scene, but DMPC me of needed. Otherwise, I'll be back at some point in Saturday.


Okay. Where did everyone else suddenly go?


Male Dwarf of the Iron Hills Slayer (future foe-hammer) HP: 3/15 | Temp HP: 0/0 | HD 1/1 (d12+3) | Battle Fury 0/2
Stats:
AC 15 | Str +5* Dex +2 Con +5* Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +0 | Initiative +2 | Perception +2 | Insight +0 | Inspiration? No
Conditions: Poisoned

I'm still around. I just often don't get to post before evening during the week.


Female Woodsman | Scholar (1) | HP: 09 AC: 13 Spd: 30ft| Init: +2 Perc: +3 PP:13 | Hand Ax: +2 (1d6), Sling +4 (1d4+2)

Waiting to see what is going to happen with Finraeth....

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