Player Notes
I was having fun in the house of Bombadil so I had him introduce a riddle about a forest in the North Downs. I had a plot device in mind for this: a trick that would allow my player characters to do something truly heroic. I had gotten a sense of balance with the Cave Troll in the previous chapter, but I wanted them to take down a considerable number of foes. This would be the first encounter I needed to draw the grid out for (more on that in a moment).
Bombadil gave them a clue as to where to head next. In my mind, lone sorcerers and an undead wight seemed difficult to track for the player characters and unlikely that there would be much news. I also had a lot of my own questions surrounding Vurik and this cursed Rhudaur dagger, and it seemed likely Tom could have news of a traveling orc hoard. They pursued the orcs and continued to find dead orcs - victims of sorcery, thralldom from Dorthul's dagger. That is ultimately where they were heading. Using the orc thralls to track the location of Dorthul. By the time that Ovi and Narlos found the orcs in the woods north of Fornost, Vurik had captured Dorthul. He was about to murder him for the use of the Angmarim sorcery, when Ethelgar intervened. This was an opportunity to answer some questions and tie a narrative arc between these three antagonists. Ultimately, Vurik sides with the spirt and the sorcerer to help conduct a ritual and awaken Angmar or contact the Lord of Morgul - this was all pretty loose to Vurik (and honestly, to me) but it could be used to gain favor or negotiate some ambitious angle so the orc took it. I had the last part of this 'cutscene' with the enemies turning on Ovi and Narlos.
I wanted an intense scene and fight. I had the song or rhyme of the forest - taught by Bombadil - as a convenient plot device that had them fight 15 orcs of varying strength and Gorgon - a barrow wight - in one skirmish. I started with Ovi and Narlos in separate glades - each with a battalion of orcs each. I started with some unfavorable rolls for Narlos and he began to bleed out, but eventually succeeded on a healing roll. Ovi is intense and he has incredible strength and parry. I had some favorable rolls midfight that allowed them to rebuff the orcs and progress into the next part of this moving, winding forest. After each round, I had Gorgon shout and cripple the player characters with fear. This drove considerable fear to Narlos who failed many shadow tests. I had this ultimately deliver some scars and provide some visions of the intentions of Ethelgar and the ritual to awake Angmar (admittedly, a selfish plot device). Eventually, Ovi had too many shadow points, and while I could've progressed to fighting Gorgon the wight, I instead had him driven with vengeance and leaping into the last glade in the woods - needing to take down 3 more enemies. They were both so low on endurance and I wasn't sure how I would do it. Yet, with some more favorable rolls I had them both take down Gorgon for good - the first real 'boss fight' of this campaign. It was really exhilarating - especially as I tracked all of this (the position, the moving forest, the rolls, the hate, etc.) on graph paper and then recounted it to the GPT for some dramatic flair.
I ended by acknowledging their rough position. Even if they had drives to pursue the enemies, they wouldn't know where to begin. Ethelgar, Vurik and Dorthul could have left in any direction, they do now know where this new knife of Cardolan rests (the missing piece for the ritual as Narlos saw in his shadowed visions). I also recognized that this has been nonstop and that Narlos would realistically need to confess and consult with his kin. They were also close to Annuminas. I want the threat of this all to be real, but need to give them a moment of rest and reflection - likely into early to mid summer. I think the plans of the enemies will also slow down. They have a relic to find, Vurik has 15 left orcs in his service, and I may have that the ritual can only be performed in the autumn or winter. We'll have to see - I'm really enjoying the campaign so far though and the development of these two characters.
End of Chapter 3: GPT Summary of Gameplay
Synopsis
Guided by hints from Tom Bombadil, Narlos and Ovi set out into the North Downs to pursue Vurik, the Orc Chieftain, and his sinister allies, Dorthul and Ethelgar. Along the way, they encountered lingering traces of Angmar’s sorcery and growing evidence of dark forces conspiring in the wilds.
In a climactic battle deep within an enchanted forest, the duo used Bombadil’s rhyme to awaken the trees, which aided them against overwhelming odds. They overcame an Orc host and the wight Gorgon, though not without suffering severe wounds and lingering effects of shadow. Their journey ended at the Ranger outpost near Annuminas, where they sought healing and contemplated their next steps.
Key Events
A Farewell to Bombadil
- Narlos and Ovi awoke in Tom Bombadil’s house, their spirits lighter after a night of rest. Goldberry welcomed them to a morning meal of breads, honey, and cream.
- Bombadil presented Ovi with a new shield, blue with silver Arthedain markings, to replace the one he lost to the troll.
- While he did not know of Vurik or Dorthul’s exact plans, Bombadil shared news of Orcs traveling north past Fornost. He taught them a rhyme to awaken the forest, a strategy that could aid them in their journey.
A Trail of Death
- As they tracked Vurik’s band, the companions discovered several orc corpses, each slain by their own kind.
- The bodies bore signs of corruption from sorcery—likely tied to Dorthul’s talismans—suggesting growing chaos within the Orc company.
The Encampment of Vurik
- They discovered Vurik’s camp, teeming with Orcs, where Dorthul was bound and beaten.
- Ethelgar appeared as a shadowy wraith, manipulating Vurik into an alliance. He declared his intention to reclaim Angmar’s power, revealing that Dorthul’s knowledge of sorcery made him an essential pawn in this endeavor.
- Vurik remained skeptical but intrigued by the potential power he could gain. The alliance between the Orc Chieftain, Dorthul, and Ethelgar was forged, albeit tenuously.
A Battle Amid the Trees
- Using Bombadil’s rhyme, Narlos awakened the forest. The trees twisted and moved, creating natural barriers that disoriented the Orcs and scattered their forces into smaller groups.
- The companions engaged in a fierce battle across the forest:
- Narlos relied on his bow and blade, using the forest’s cover to outmaneuver and eliminate enemies.
- Ovi, fueled by dwarven fury, fought with ferocity but risked his life in reckless attacks.
- The fight culminated in a confrontation with Gorgon, whose spectral presence brought chilling fear. Despite the wight’s oppressive power, the duo worked together to banish him.
Retreat and Recovery
- Severely injured, Narlos and Ovi rested in the forest for a day before retreating westward. Along the way, Narlos was haunted by visions of Angmar’s dark plans:
- A Morgul blade, an Arthedain onyx, and a broken Cardolan dagger placed on an altar with a sinister flame.
- A shadowy figure raising a black fortress in the icy wastes.
- They arrived at the Ranger outpost near Annuminas, where Rudan greeted them. With Halbarad away on other duties, they resolved to rest and recover before deciding their next course of action.
- Severely injured, Narlos and Ovi rested in the forest for a day before retreating westward. Along the way, Narlos was haunted by visions of Angmar’s dark plans:
Achievements and Progress
- Defeated Gorgon: A major victory against the forces of Angmar, though Ethelgar remains a looming threat.
- Uncovered New Clues:
- Vurik, Dorthul, and Ethelgar are working toward a shared but tenuous goal.
- The relics of Angmar and its enemies—particularly the Cardolan dagger—appear central to their plans.
- Strengthened Bonds:
- Narlos and Ovi’s partnership deepened through shared hardship, as both wrestled with the shadow’s influence but remained resolute.
- Gained a New Artifact: Ovi’s Arthedain shield, a symbol of hope and protection against the growing shadow.
Unresolved Questions
- What is the purpose of the relics?
The companions suspect they are key to a dark ritual, but the specifics remain unclear. - What are Vurik’s true intentions?
While allied with Dorthul and Ethelgar, the Orc Chieftain’s ambition and cunning suggest he has his own plans. - How will the Rangers respond?
Narlos’s kin may provide guidance and reinforcements, but the growing shadow may test even their resolve.
Character Development
- Narlos: Haunted by visions of Angmar’s resurgence, Narlos feels the weight of his responsibility as a Ranger. Despite his doubts and weariness, his resolve to protect Eriador remains unshaken.
- Ovi: Driven by vengeance against Vurik, Ovi wrestles with his fury and the toll it takes on his body and spirit. The shield gifted by Bombadil serves as a reminder of his noble heritage and the hope that sustains him.
Closing Note
The chapter ends with the companions recovering at the Ranger outpost. Their next steps will depend on how they interpret the fragmented clues they’ve uncovered and whether they can rally others to stand against the rising shadow.
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