Episode 1: A Return to the Simple Life

General Summary

Plans are Made in The Missing Scale

The trudge back to Dale went by in an exhausting blur but, sitting in the warmth of The Missing Scale, our heroes share a wry smile and raise their tankards to a job well done. None of the other patrons of the famed tavern have an inkling of what the group achieved. The evening is spent planning for the winter months. Ahad decides to travel South with Monin and help with the rebuilding of the Crossings of Celduin, opening it as a welcome Sanctuary East of Southern Mirkwood. Monin continues to East Bight where he is reunited with Ceawin The Generous, establishing the ancient settlement of Buhr Ailgra as another Sanctuary. Sigmarr opts to remain in Dale to help with the aftermath of the horrible poisonings that are still fresh in his memory and is awarded the Title, Thegn of Dale, by King Bard and a twenty acre plot of land a days ride East of the City. Hathus returns to Rhosgobel to recover from his lingering wounds under the watchful eye of Radagast the Brown.

Travel to The Elven King's Halls

In Spring of 2949 the fellowship meet in Rhosgobel where they discuss rumours heard during the winter. Of most interest is the stories of a 'bloody ghost' seen along the West banks of Woodland Hall and the Black Tarn. They travel to discuss the sightings with Ingomer Axebreaker and learn that one farmer tried to catch the gangly chicken-thief but it retaliated by terrifying the farmer’s cows, who trampled one of the Woodmen to death.
The fellowship decide to walk slowly to Black Tarn to check on the construction progress, but find no sign of the illusive creature. At the Black Tarn they are impressed with the burgeoning settlement and discuss the need for suitable fortifications with Amaleoda, Shieldmaiden Of The Black Tarn.
Hathus leads the party then to Rhosgobel where they are asked by Radagast the Brown to represent the Woodmen at Thranduil's Halls later in the year for a magnificent Hunt. For many years, King Thranduil has hunted the fabled white deer of Northern Mirkwood, a race of enchanted beasts known to roam all of the forest. They are rarely seen, and some consider their appearance to foreshadow portentous events. Recently, hunters have spotted the creatures in Northern Mirkwood, and the Elvenking has called for a royal hunt. Normally, only Elves of the Woodland Realm would be invited to participate in such a hunt, but the Elvenking declares that mortals may participate if they are friends of the realm. A few Woodmen and warriors from Dale and Esgaroth are allowed to join in the hunt.
The journey to Thranduil's Halls takes more than a month and, for the last stretch along the Elf Path, proves particularly arduous for Hathus. Fortunately, the only encounter that could have endangered the fellowship was with a mangy pack of wolves, and the heroes dispatched them efficiently.

Report Date

14 Mar 2021

Primary Location

Black Tarn