Episode 2: Fast Ride to the Crossing at Celduin

General Summary

Travel Plans

The companions plan to travel south to the Long-lake where they resolve to recuperate with a roof over their heads before the long ride to the Crossing at Celduin. Then, the fellowship's route moves into less travelled regions. The wild lands between Esgaroth and the river are not uninhabited, but are home to little isolated farmsteads and herds of sheep and cows, and there are few villages of note. They will head south-east, skirting the edge of the Long Marshes, and then strike across the countryside east of Northern Mirkwood towards the region known as the Nether Marches, beyond where the Old Forest Road exits Mirkwood. The first section of the journey will see them ride from Dale to the southern borders of the Upper Marches. The second part brings them first to the River Running and then to the Crossings of Celduin. The whole route is approximately 190 miles.

Ill-Omens on the Trail

The journey from Esgaroth takes a little more than four days on horseback. Unfortunately the fellowship encounter some ill-omens in the wilds.

Gore-Crows

On the second day a huge flock of crows flies overhead. It suddenly changes direction and closes in to circle once around the company. Then, the flock scatters, with big black birds flapping in every direction. The fellowship recognises that these are nasty gore-crows out of Mirkwood. Hathus believes that this behaviour in birds is very suspicious: it iss as though the crows were sent to spy or scout the area. In the distance, during the rest of the day, the fellowship see other flocks of such crows.

Orc and Wolves Abroad

At the campsite on the second night, the fellowship are attacked by a band of orcs and wolves. The fight is quickly over, and the fellowship detects insignia on the orcs indicating they have travelled from the Mountains of Mirkwood, a long hike from the East.

A Ruined Tomb of Shadow

One of the few ruined settlements the fellowship navigate past causes the hair to stand up on the necks of Sigmarr and Monin. Their concerns have merit, as they are ambushed by a shadow wight as they negotiate the ruined walls of some foul crypt. Despite Arahad being overwhelmed by fear, quickly dismissed with a suitable pep talk from Hathus, and their normal weapons seeming to barely mark the shadow-soldier, Monin's quick thinking to light all his torches saves the day. The beast, apparently terrified of the flames, is quickly sent back to the earth.

The Crossing at Celduin

As the company approaches the Crossings of Celduin at the end of the fourth day from Esgaroth, even from a distance they can make out its narrow stone bridge arching across the river. Somewhat unexpectedly, they see a town sitting on its northern bank, with houses clustered around a fortified tollgate built at the end of the bridge.
Most buildings in Celduin resemble those of the town of Dale, at least those that have been rebuilt following the style of the old days. The bridge is different though, as it was built by Men from the South centuries ago, when a steady traffic of traders and merchants used to cross it on their way north, and it is only maintained by the inhabitants of Celduin.
Fortunately the fellowship seems to have beaten the forces of shadow to the crossing. Sigmarr's mood, however, causes everyone to look at him askance as they enter the town. His mutterings match the overall mood of the company.

Report Date

01 Nov 2020

Primary Location

Nether Marches