Player Notes
I had to get my characters on an initial journey together and spur them to some answers that even I had. I had a threat introduced by a forester from Archet generated from the tables in the Core Rules. That was intriguing and allowed me to play with balance a bit. I wanted to see how they would fare with one great enemy so I introduced a Cave-Troll. This was certainly a test, and it landed some pretty critical injuries to Ovi most of all. It was fun though, and it taught me plenty about the balance I could manage with 2 player characters.
I wanted something to move the story forward with all of these antagonists and didn't know how to add lore without it being manufactured. I figured that was an opportunity to introduce Tom Bombadil through the forester. He's old and should be able to provide some context: riddled as that may be. To get there they had to go through the Barrow Downs. A good roll gave me the opportunity to introduce a narratively convenient ring that would protect them both from thralldom. I want that to remain a threat from Dorthul but I don't want them to be constantly dealing with possessive sorcery. That involved a small fight with the undead (y'know, when in Rome...er, the Barrow Downs). This ended my next campaign resting with Bombadil and Goldberry. I was able to do my second round of upgrades here (granting Narlos wisdom and the virtue of not having fatigue while traveling). Ovi had lost his shield in the battle with the troll so I upgraded his valour and had Tom grant him a new reinforced shield.
End of Chapter 2: GPT Summary of Gameplay
Setting Out Together
- Narlos, haunted by his recent failings against Dorthul, and Ovi, driven by vengeance against the Orc chieftain Vurik, converge in Bree. Though they come from different paths, both realize their fates are tied to the growing shadow of Angmar.
- They form a tentative alliance and journey together to Archet after hearing reports of a Cave Troll terrorizing the village.
The Troll Attack in Archet
- The troll is revealed to be under the influence of Dorthul’s sorcery, bound by a talisman to spread chaos.
- In a fierce battle, Ovi and Narlos face the troll, enduring grievous injuries but ultimately slaying the beast.
- The shattered talisman confirms the connection to Dorthul, leaving the heroes deeply troubled about the scope of his influence.
Into the Barrow-downs
- Following the forester’s suggestion to seek wisdom from Tom Bombadil, they travel westward, crossing the eerie Barrow-downs.
- Their journey takes them to a crypt revealed in a shared dream, where they confront Marsh Dwellers and a tormented Barrow Wight, the remnants of a fallen Arthedain lord.
- The Wight, calling out for release, is defeated, and they recover two rings of warding and a book of Arthedain’s history, shedding light on Angmar’s sorceries and its ability to twist the hearts of its servants.
Meeting Tom Bombadil
- Lost and weary in the Old Forest, they stumble upon Bombadil’s home, where they are welcomed with warmth and song.
- Bombadil explains how Angmar’s sorcery feeds on ambition and despair, ensnaring the weak-willed and corrupting even those who seek power for noble reasons.
- Though Bombadil offers little direct aid, his wisdom strengthens their resolve and clarifies the stakes of their journey.
The Path Forward
- With a greater understanding of Angmar’s lingering malice and the dangerous ambitions of Dorthul and Vurik, Narlos and Ovi prepare to face the growing threat.
- They leave Bombadil’s house rested but determined, knowing their next steps will shape the fate of Eriador.
Key Discoveries
- Dorthul’s Talismans: These tools of sorcery enslave the minds of others, revealing his growing power.
- Rings of Warding: Found in the Barrow, these relics of Arthedain protect against minor sorceries and provide resistance to shadowy influences.
- Angmar’s Corruption: Bombadil’s wisdom confirms that Angmar’s power twists its servants by preying on ambition, setting the stage for the rise of antagonists like Dorthul and Vurik.
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