Middle Earth PbP, Volume 3 (In Character)

[Antilles]

Brannadan wakes a little later than normal, the relative sedate lifestyle of Edoras impacting his lifestyle more than he likes. When he discovers the honor guard and the intent to travel early, he returns to his room to gather his belongings, most of it still unpacked, splashes some water in his face and brushes the worst of the travel dust off his clothes, before heading down. He still dresses mostly the same as when he lived in Bree, only now worn but well cared for.

A couple of minutes before the group leaves he's standing in the courtyard snacking on a hastily piece of bread from the kitchens and listening to the early morning talk. He responds to Erkenwulfs comment, "I expect there are a great many tales about the dwarves we'll be able to see for ourselves how exaggerated they are. Oh don't give me that look Kyan, if all the stories were true you'd be breathing fire, have ale instead of blood running in your veins and would have about 5 arms to hold all the weapons, tankards and shanks of meat while fighting a dozen giants with ease. You might be a formidable fighter, but even you would have some difficulty living up to that, I think..."

[Bill Whitmore]

"Some of the dwarves be 'avin' 5 arms!?"

[ahzad]

"Ale for blood now that would make for getting hit in battle a much more pleasurably experience" Kyan laughs and turns to Gorbo "Master Brannadan is pulling your leg good hobbit, there be no dwarves with 5 arms, though it would be a sight to see."

[Girlfriday]

When Bella falls out of bed, you're not entirely sure if she's actually awake or not. She speaks to no-one, and any attempts at conversation are abruptly cut off with "Shut up. Sleeping." Later, as you ride off its a good thing that Peaches knows to follow Adalhard - Bella is asleep on her cart, sat bolt upright with her head lolled back, snoring loudly.

[glimmerrat]

Once everyone is ready, you are gruffly told by your honor guard that they are prepared to leave. As you set out, Mount Erebor can be seen rising skyward in the distance, beyond the great lake. Your seasoned traveler’s wits guess that it will take the better part of the morning to get there – much to Gorbo and Bella’s obvious delight, you should arrive just in time for dinner.

Sure enough, you spend the rest of the morning trekking through the foothills of the Lonely Mountain. The Dwarves with you do not walk at an uncomfortably quick pace, but their endurance is nothing short of punishing. Nothing seems to slow them, and they keep a constant speed – on foot and in full armor – for the whole journey.

When you eventually arrive at the dwarf citadel’s gates, at least a dozen of the stocky nobles are waiting for you. Despite the obvious expense and finery of their clothing, the colors tend toward muted tones and they all wear a very dark blue somewhere on their person. They are also wearing, at the very least, a chain mail shirt, and most are armed. Standing at the front wearing a severe expression is a very broad, older dwarf. He scowls at you all, and you can hear that he even growls slightly when his eyes fall on Catodon. King Dain II ‘Ironfoot’ is built like a tank, and despite his advanced age, he still looks like he could wrestle a Mûmakil into submission.

The King strides over to the elf and sneers at him. “Never thought ah’d see the day when wun a’ the… ‘eldar’… graced us with ‘is presence.” The wind pulls at your clothing, and everyone stays very quiet. The tension in the air is palpable, and you wonder if your reception party is armed for a reason. Suddenly, Dain dashes forwards and before anyone can react, he wraps his arms around Catodon in a big bear hug. He lets out a loud belly-laugh and lifts the elf off his feet. Putting him back down, he steps back and, with a big grin on his face, says “So it is true what they say? The old alliances are not dead! HA! This is fine day for us all!”

[Catodon]

Lord Gillion retains his superior relaxed air under the glare of the dwarven king. Just prior to the rush and bear-hug a flicker of a knowing smile crosses the elf’s face.

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Sense motive = 24 that should be enough to see the hug coming
1d20+12=24
As you may of noticed I use dice for inspiration when they are not strictly necessary, stops indecision causing writer’s block. If you want to do the same
To spot the small smile:
Bluff=5! With possible error!
1d20+5=6

Those expecting to finally see Lord Gillion flustered are disappointed. He returns the dwarven king’s embrace whole-heartedly then steps back and kneels with bowed head. “Your most royal majesty Dain, King Under the Mountain” Warmth exudes from the elves voice looking the king in the eye “Your majesty, I am an emissary sent to ask that the old alliance be renewed I now find my work already done. I would be a poor servant of the Lady of the Golden Wood if I did not put myself at your service. Friend you may call me and Thurinir, for Lord Gillion is too lofty from your lips. Friendships are renewed and I only fear now that I shall enjoy the legendary hospitality of the dwarves too much and that your will be forced to nail my person into a barrel to be rid of me.” And with that a wink. It seems that the elegant Lord Gillion is trying to act according to dwarven fashion.

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Impress=23
1d20+15=23
Also the last is a joke, Dain was once nailed into a barrel by Bilbo to escape an elf dungeon

[Antilles]

Brannadan is watching the exchange with a puzzled look on his face, knowing just enough to know how much he doesn't know. He remains silent and waits for someone to address him or his friends.

[ahzad]

"Sire, may I present my comrades to you" Kyan says after the king and elf greet each other, turning to his companions he introduces them each in turn

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sorry for the delay you can blame the turkey and then one of my many nieces or nephews that passed along their germs to me. i wanted to post something a bit more elaborate. Something flowery and important sounding naming each of you off one by one I'll leave that to you all to do. Instead i'm going to take some more cold medicine and go to back to bed. blah.

[glimmerrat]

The King cuts Kyan off with a gesture. "Now, now lad! It's a bit nippy out 'ere - let's be gettin' our guests inside before we start with all the bloody pomp an' ceremony..."

A little while later you all stand around in a large entrance hall. The ceiling is a good 50 ft. above you, supported by four fluted pillars. The floor is neatly tiled, and the walls are covered in mosaics depecting dwarf heroes of old. Battle banners hang on either side of the exit from this room - a pair of massive iron-bound wooden doors, flanked by dwarf guards in thick, ornate heavy armor.

As several younger dwarves start taking your packs and coats, King Dain claps his hands and rubs then together. "Thaaaat's better! Nice and warm in 'ere, eh? Now, per'aps some formal introductions are in order. I am Dain Ironfoot, King Dain II. I am the King Under the Mountain and Erebor is my court, which I inherited from my noble cousin Thorin Oakenshield." As he speaks he absent-mindedly rubs a gold amulet that hangs around his neck. "Now, what of you lot, eh?" He smiles. "Well? Let's 'ear it then..."

[foproy]

i am Dren Perth, Rohirim ambassador to Gondor, it is truly a pleasure to be a part of the celebrations

[Antilles]

Ignoring all that he has learned at the courts of Théodred, Brannadan greets the dwarven king with a deep nod of his head, a warrior acknowledging a superior warrior, and introduces himself. "King Dain, I am Brannadan Amaranth, from Bree-land. I am but a simple warrior who has put his sword to use defending those weaker than himself from the evil folk and fell forces of the world. It's an honor and a pleasure to be here."

[Catodon]

Thurinir stiffens in his stands and his speech takes on formal grace "I, Lord Gillion of Caras Galadhon, formally present myself to King Dain and his court of Erebor as emmissary of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien, the Golden Wood"

[Girlfriday]

Bella looks nervous as she adds "Me name's Bella, mister King sir. I'm an 'obbit. I... and, um..." She thinks for a minute, then finishes with "Nope. That's it." She shrugs and grins sheepishly.

[Wolverine]

Erkenwulf removes his helmet, "I am Erkenwulf of the Riddermark, Rider of Rohan, and heir to the House of Hildberg. Slayer of Wildmen, Orcs, Trolls, Goblins, traitors, and the occasional ale." He bows before Dain. "It is an honour to be in the court of one of the companions of Master Bilbo."

[glimmerrat]

Hatholdir bows graciously to the King. "Greetings, my lord. I am Hatholdir, a man of Gondor. I come to lend you my blade, and will gladly turn it against your foes for a share of the plunder... and your fine ale!"