For Just a Few Trees
Part 1
Logged March 9, 1998
Logged and Edited by Raktura
Titled=For Just a Few Trees
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Player Characters-
Rohirrim-
Farlen- Maegisterwigend of the West-Mark - Getaleboda - Apprentice
Therian- Sperewigend of the West-Mark
Tantris- Sperewigend of the East-Mark - Getaleboda
Eloric- Apprentice Farrier - Eoscealc
Kylier- Aethelwigend of the West-Mark - King Bricklayer
Xatra- Aethelwigend of the East-Mark - Hlenceleof - Waepenscoler
Hector- Maegisterwigend of the West-Mark - Erkenpaethfindian -
Maegraed of Eth
Isendrim-
Cho'Gan- Raven-Scout, Enforcer of the Hand of Darkness
Croagh- Seeker of the Hand of Darkness/Dragon Clan of Isengard
Muuk- Capt. of the Blood Legion and Bear Clan Warrior
Raktura-Chieftainess of the Wolf Clan
Ugluk-King of The Fighting Uruk-Hai
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Synopsis-
Orc’s come to the forest in search of wood needed to repair
weapons and fuel the forges. As they attempt to do some
foresting, a group of human Rohir riders try to interfere with
the Orcs efforts producing a stage for battle.
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Border of Fangorn Forest, Near the Entwash
This small path (if indeed it can even be called that)wanders
next to the entwash, a small separation between the great dark
and ancient trees of the Fangorn and the icy flowing waters of
the Entwash. The path traces the river in two directions, back to
the Northwest and onwards to the Southeast. You have the feeling
something is watching you from the trees....
Muuk points with a scraggly claw in the direction of some of the
trees of Fangorn, addressing a couple of orcs nearby, "Dats what
we be needin'... da king says more wood... always more wood."
With that, he leans against a tree and shakes his head, barking
out, "And keep yer eyes open, eh? Dese trees... well... jus keep
yer eyes open"
Raktura eyes the trees as if they themselves had eyes watching
the Orc party. She lifts her snout in the air to sniff at the air
trying to catch an unfamiliar scent. The only thing filling her
snout right now seems to be the foul stench of the forest
surrounding them. She curls her lips back in disgust and states,
"Me no smell nuttin by trees and ye".
Croagh stands tall behind the main group of Orcs, saying nothing.
His long arms are folded across his armor-clad chest. He glances
around, eyeing the other members of the party.
Muuk shrugs his shoulders and nods with a look that seems
respectful towards Raktura, "If ya say so, Chieftainess... but
dis place... I don't like it" His eyes seem to lose their glow
for a moment, but then they return to their normal color.
Standing up straight again, he walks over towards the treeline,
keeping an eye on things.
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris rides up as cornet
(hornbearer) alongside Xatra, his mare swift beside Fearnflor.
A grunt rolls up in Cho'Gan's throat as he eyes the forest. "Be
quiet you. There's nothing to be worried about." He scratches his
chest, stretching his clawed fingers under his armor. He leans up
against a tree and stares off into the trees.
Raktura does seem to feel some tension in the air as the
creatures of the forest seemed to of gone silent. Raktura, a
veteran warrior, is skilled enough to know the signs of someone
approaching. Her ears pick up sounds of the four legged beasts,
her nose catching a slight whiff of the all to familiar
strawheads. Her hand clenches the pommel of her sword tight as
she grits her teeth at the thought of an upcoming battle. Her
hand rises to silence the group of Orcs as she points forward to
signal that someone approaches.
A small Rohirrim patrol is swiftly approaching the forest. The
manes of the horses flying with the wind. Closer to the forest's
edge, they slow down, and with a quick move of his hand, Xatra
gives a sign for a rider to stay back in the plain to give back a
signal to the camp if such is needed. Promptly, the rider
dismounts, disappearing in the tall grass, his horse lying down,
as well.
Amid a small group of uruks, Muuk stands tall barking at one of
the strays that seems to be slacking off. The group is nearing
the forest, but appears to be in little hurry. In fact, Muuk
seems more intent on berating the orc in front of him with a hurl
of insults than on moving anywhere in particular, "C'mon ya
maggot! We didn' come here fer a rest! On yer feet and git busy
like da rest of 'em"
From Celwyn, bearing Therian, Therian holds lightly to the reigns
of Celwyn as the group nears the forest. With a gentle tug he
slows the horse down to a slow trot, staying a bit behind Xatra
and watching the forest ahead cautiously.
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, Farlen 's expression is blank
now as he rides at the front of the secondary smaller group of
riders, this group with a fearsome crimson fist on their hauberks
and shields, bright spears lancing skywards. His mount's hooves
drum with the rest, nostrils flaring on a sudden and whickering.
From atop Fearnflor, Glancing over the approaching trees, Xatra
spots the already familiar clearing. Nodding to himself, he is
already about to send a rider to go along its edge, checking for
a possible ambush, when something catches his eye from the west.
Croagh unfolds his arms quickly from his chest and places his
clawed hand upon his blade as well. He crouches down a few inches
and takes a few steps back, furthering himself from the main body
of Orcs. He is silent as he keenly searches the forest before
him.
Raktura’s red beady eyes peer out from the forests edge catching
glimpses of movement, she tries to see just how many lies before
her. Waiting patiently she studies the forests shapes and forms
looking for something which might give sign of something or
someone approaching. She glances back at the small group of Orcs
and signals with her fingers that she spots at least 2 whiteskins
ahead. She turns her attention back to studying the forest once
more.
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris slows his mount as
Xatra lifts a hand. He nods to one of the Eowain who remains in
the field as getaleboda. His jaw tightens as he regards the dark
grey chill of the near-winter forest, the dried leaves giving a
feeling of death and decay. Long straw-blond hair is carried out
from below his helmet as a gust blows in from the east.
The Rohirric patrol seems to be divided into two groups. The
western approaches is guarded by, as is fitting, the guests from
the west, the Ethian clan. Yet not too far from them follow the
Eowain riders, at the signal's distance to catch up with any
development.
Muuk suddenly catches a look from Raktura and watching her hand
motion, a realization comes to him. Danger is near. Not knowing
what the Chieftainess is reacting to, he gives a not so gentle
shove to the orc in front of himself, more out of frustration
than anything else. Not willing to delay progress, but
nonetheless, trusting the instincts of Raktura, he allows the
small group of workers to continue towards the forest even as he
turns around to scan the area for any sign of trouble.
From Celwyn, bearing Therian, Therian brings his mount up near
Farlen with the Ethian group, but stays slightly back, his eyes
ever on the forest and a solemn look on his face.
Small patches of early snow sparkle under the bright afternoon
sun. Yet this tiny glare doesn't cover some dark shadows wading
through the grasses... forest bound. Rising in his stirrups,
Xatra presses his lips tight... orcs. His hands brought to his
face, an owl hoot soon escapes him. Not as much to disguise
himself, but rather to catch Farlen's attention quickly, without
doing the same with the beasts.
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, Scelvarane's lips pull up and he
trumpets a challenge as the men of the westmark advance parallel
to the others. Farlen frowns intensely and peers forward just as
the hooting reaches his ears. He stares for a second longer,
trusting the tautness in his mount under him, certain his eyes
did see something....the rider turns his head towards Xatra's
group, putting up his hand behind him to wordlessly slow the
others...
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris pulls Sturmmaegden's
reigns tight as he hears the owl hoot and sees Xatra captain's
pause. Swiftly he turns to the senior rider, a slight silent
shrug questioning.
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, Farlen dips his shoulder and
pulls his large shield from his back, strapping it quickly to his
left arm.
From Celwyn, bearing Therian, Therian slows his mount to match
the speed of Farlen's, his eyes peering ahead in suspicion. At
the raised hand of Farlen he becomes cautious, and though not
seeing anything personally as of yet he slips his shield onto his
left arm as a measure of caution.
From Celwyn, bearing Therian, Therian straps a teardrop shield
onto his left forearm.
Raktura creeps forward trying to use the cover of the forest to
hide her form, though not as skillfully as some others in her
party. Her heavy foot falls heavily upon a few branches perhaps
giving her position away to those who might be listening for such
signs. She pauses briefly before moving on to attempt to gain a
better angle for viewing as well as a strategic combat location.
She signals to the other warrior types to prepare, for she
suspects an encounter is enviable if not truly wanted by this
she-orc thirsting to draw whiteskin blood.
As the orcs apparently strive to reach the forest, Xatra sends
his left hand in a darting motion toward Farlen, showing him not
to go directly at the orcs, but rather go under an angle to catch
their rearguard. Himself, he seems to be intent to lead his men
to cut their ancient enemy from reaching the forest proper.
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris pulls his shield from
his back, sliding his left arm through it as he momentarily
releases the reigns to his spear hand. He tries to remain silent,
and even his mount seems to feel the need.
The lone rider left on guarding duty is already seen rising again
from his grassy retreat, mounting his horse in a swift rehearsed
motion. As if one body, do they ride together.
Fearnflor, bearing Xatra snorts at Isengard Forest curiously.
Fearnflor, bearing Xatra stomps her hooves restlessly.
Fearnflor, bearing Xatra rears up whinnying loudly.
From atop Fearnflor, Xatra puts down a Spear.
Fearnflor, bearing Xatra rears up whinnying loudly.
Seeing clearly Raktura's signal, Muuk unslings his spiked shield
from his back and straps it securely to his left arm. Once
satisfied that it is in place, he slides his right hand down to
his belt, resting it on his war hammer. Rather than drawing his
weapon, he returns his attention to the weaving grasses before
him, scanning with his crimson slitted eyes even as he mutters an
all but silent curse under his breath
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, Farlen 's distant head nods once
in short acknowledgment, light glinting momentarily from his
helm, his breath steaming up in the chill air. Scelvarane
whickers once more and snorts, stamping at the snow. The rider
turns in the saddle once more, leather creaking softly and
motions to his left shortly, turning forward and wheeling his
fleet mount quickly, setting off at a drumming canter, angling
away from the Captain's group, his hand moving his spear lightly
to free it in its stirrup mount where the cool air had made it
stick slightly. Clopping hooves and the clink and jangle of tack
are all that mark the movement of the proud Ethians, their faces
grim as their ride sweeps in a broad half crescent...
Muuk fastens a large metal shield to his left arm.
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, Farlen raises the point of his
spear, light flashing dangerously from the tempered steel.
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris looks over to Xatra's
mount Fearnflor, then quickly to the Ethians and Eowain around
him. He seems unsure, just getting a sense of battle but not yet
spotting the enemy. Shield readied, he grips his spear tight in
his right hand, reigns now returned to his left.
Croagh , still crouched low to the forest floor, slides his
well-used sword from it's holding. The Seeker moves back into the
mass of Orcs and begins to slither forward like his fellow
kindred.
Croagh quickly draws a blood-stained blade from his scabbard.
From Celwyn, bearing Therian, Therian sees the signal from Farlen
and turns Celwyn in a direction to follow, guiding him at a
steady pace equal to that of Farlen's steed. Therian's spear is
already being held in his right hand, and he lowers it forward
slightly so he holds it diagonally as he rides.
The initial movements of the riders are swift and efficient.
Without any word said, they already form a line, riding forth to
shoot their arrows before wheeling back and letting his buddy to
shoot. A volley stretched in time to bring some confusion into
the orkish ranks. Yet few are the riders, still. Though their
leader does not waver. Already his steel is bared, and thrust
into the air as a fiery lightning is his Siegbrand, Torch of
Victory, "Eorlingas! Forth with the with, and the Glory of Eorl
to guide us!"
From atop Fearnflor, Xatra unsheathes the longsword Siegbrand.
The fiery blade merging with the hand -- one with one...and one in one...
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris rides as his fellow
Eowain ride, charging on horseback in the direction of shadows.
He bears no bow, no sword, just a trusted spear as fits his rank.
A leather cuirass and greaves, with vambraces wrapped studded
with buttons of metal, and a grim ring helm cover his youthful
frame.
Raktura spies one of the whiteskins mounted on the four leg beast
peeling away from the central group of riders. Her attention is
returned as the arrows begin to fly. This large she-orc steps
behind a tree allowing the flying sticks to pass without harm
before charging out through the forest towards the single rider
hoping to draw his attention away so that he may not gain
position behind her forces. She signals to the others by a blood
curling howl to attack.
Eloric is on a smaller horse, but charges none the less with a
spear raised high and shouting a war cry as he follows closely
behind Tantris.
From Scelvarane, bearing Farlen, The splinter group of riders,
numbering a little more than half a score continues to circle,
maneuvering around to the side and behind of the orcish group,
making no sound until they are in position....then the lead rider
raises his longspear and gives a great cry, light reflecting
crimson as blood off the blazon on shield and chest as he gives
one utterance of challenge and lowers his spear, "Helmingas for
Helm and the Riddermark!"
Muuk raises up his shield instinctively, trying rather comically
to fit his rather bulky frame behind it as the arrows come
towards the orc ranks. One arrow, deflecting solidly off the side
of his shield, twists his shield arm a bit awkwardly. But with a
grunt, Muuk manages to maintain his composure and keep the shield
up. Having endured the volley, he quickly reaches to his belt to
bring his hammer up in front of himself, steadying for the attack
that is sure to come soon.
Xatra dismounts from Fearnflor's back
Fearnflor looks back as Xatra drops the reins.
Fearnflor waits, quietly.
Fearnflor snorts at Raktura restlessly.
Farlen dismounts from Scelvarane's back
Scelvarane looks back as Farlen drops the reins.
Scelvarane waits, quietly.
Therian hops off of his horse nimbly.
Celwyn looks back as Therian drops the reins.
Celwyn waits, quietly.
Celwyn paws the ground lightly with one of his front hooves.
From Sturmmaegden, bearing Tantris, Tantris charges towards one
shadow he spots sneaking through the reeds. His spear is set
under his armpit, preparing to lance his target when the distance
closes.
Tantris holds onto the saddle while he climbs off of his steed.
Sturmmaegden looks back as Tantris drops the reins.
Sturmmaegden waits, quietly.
Muuk You hear the sound of steel sliding out of leather as the
massif Uruk produces the huge stone crusher out from his belt. He
grips the handle tightly and rotates it around his wrist a few
times.
The Ethians behind Farlen increase the speed of their mounts,
moving to form a solid line of spears atop thundering mounts...
Croagh utters not a noise as he creeps along, metal shield held
steady. Arrows land everywhere, bouncing off shields, on the
ground, and into black flesh. The armor-clad Uruk begins to make
his way to the left to find cover from arrows and the approaching
enemy.
Therian guides his horse around with Farlen, then moves to the
his side in the line and lowers his spear so the point is
directly ahead.
The charge now comes, as the body of the Eowain riders, small
though it is, rushes across the plains at an angle to cut the
orcs the way into the forest, "You won't go any further till our
blades drink your black blood, vermin!" Xatra's voice cutting the
air as if a sword cutting through a reverberating string. His
target the large orkish chieftain, the captain wheels toward him,
his face fell and bright with the battle fury.
Tantris charges onwards with Sturmmaegden. His mare rides the
dried stalks of the fields like a storm through valleys. Tantris
brings his horse to veer off near the last minute, a quick circle
just out of spear range to attack the rear flank of the orcs.
The speed is high, as Xatra rushes forward, intent on passing
through the sparse orkish ranks, and past Muuk, but not before
leaving a permanent mark with his blade. Lowering his blade
almost parallel to the ground and withdrawn backward, he angles
sharply, bringing the cold steel into a wide sweep forward and
across the orkish right.
Xatra attacks Muuk with his Longsword, but Muuk parries the
attack with his War Hammer!
Tantris attacks Croagh with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.
Eloric follows Tantris in on the attack, riding quickly with his
spear now lowered, but several steps behind.
Muuk stands tall in the face of the oncoming beasts, his face
betraying not even the slightest twinge. Barking out above the
thundering sound, "Steady! Here dey comes!" he waves his war
hammer threateningly above his head, in defiance of the
horserider's claims. As the rider closes the gap, he brings his
hammer back in front of himself defensively. Eyeing Xatra for
hints as to his intentions, he suddenly makes a quick move to his
left, pivoting and swinging his hammer across his body to meet
the slashing sword with a resounding *CLANK* Stung by the force
of the slash, Muuk staggers back several paces, regaining his
balance and shaking off the numb, tingly feeling in his weapon
arm.
Tantris brings his charge in, thrusting his spear forward at
Croagh. The brush is thick in places, though, and his aim is off.
Raktura growls out with a wickedness as she charges towards the
fell beasts carrying Farlen and Therian, with her sword upraised
and ready to bear. Bloodlust filling her eyes, that all too
familiar wildness beginning to emerge as she calls out her battle
cry, " For da Honor and Glory of da Black Dragon!!!"
The Ethians flash across the landscape in a blur now, hooves
pounding out a rhythm of wrath, manes, tails and plumes flying
out behind as bright spears jut forward, the riders of the mark
with faces fell, and spear arms steady. Farlen sees the bulk of
orcs before them and glances to either side, making sure the line
is set and even and cries a word of encouragement above the wind
of their passage. In an instant they are upon the foe, hitting
them in the rear as their Eastfold counterparts slam into the for
of the group. Something smacks into the rider's great shield and
a loud splintering is heard, the force rocking Farlen in the
saddle as his shield smashes whatever it was aside, taking a rip
in the tapering point. His spear is jerked to the side, stabbing
blindly into the mass as he clenches his knees to maintain his
balance....
Farlen attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!
Croagh, using speed and dexterity, skillfully dodges the incoming
spearhead of the Strawhead by sidestepping. He judges the
distance right and his enough time to counter with a swift swing
to one of the horse's rear legs.
Croagh attacks Tantris with his Short Broadsword and lightly
wounds him!
Unable to offer much in the way of a counterattack, Muuk takes a
quick, rather defensive jab towards Xatra's right leg, more out
of frustration from the impact of the horseman's attack than
anything else. His jab is half-hearted, the orcish captain
clearly taking time to gather his wits to defend rather than
pressing a bad attack
Muuk attacks Xatra with his War Hammer, but he misses by a hair.
Tantris spots Croagh's swipe at his horse as he realizes with a
grit of his teeth that his lance failed. A desperate measure
showing the love of a Rider for his horse, he tries to kick his
left foot out with the stirrup to protect the unarmored limb of
his mare. The blood trickles down leather as the sharp broadsword
bites into his leg, forcing it hard against the horse's thigh.
Therian charges into the orc alongside Farlen, his spear lowered
and held out to his right. With full force his spear meets the
armor of one of the orcs, knocking it to the ground but pushing
Therian back in the saddle. He tugs hard on the reigns with his
left hand, and Celwyn rears up slightly on his hind legs. Therian
turns after the initial charge and begins to make his way back to
Farlen.
Tantris roars a curse under his breath in the pain, and sweeps
his spear out towards the armored orc's ankles.
Tantris attacks Croagh with his Spear, but Croagh parries the
attack with his shield!
Raktura ducks passed the metal pointed stick which stabbed
towards her. Her teeth grinding tight, the she-orc tasting the
battlelust upon her tongue she heaves her body towards the
riders. With all the energy and effort she musters, her muscles
tense with anxiety, she swings her sword across towards the leg
of the whiteskin Farlen as he passes in the fray of battle.
You attack Farlen with your Short Broadsword...
Farlen dodges your attack.
The Rohirric blade rebounds from the warhammer's shaft, and for a
moment Xatra struggles, bringing it back into a ready position.
Yet the initial numbness in the shoulder is already starting to
go away, as he turns around to face again his stout foe. His eyes
are bristling with a venomous fire. Laughing as the orkish swing
falls short of reaching him, he casts defiance in the Muuk's
face, "Swing it some more, beast. Your time is coming..." Jaws
pressed, he rides across from the direction the hammer swung
into. Yet having to keep distance from the spikes on the Muuk's
shield, he has far to reach with his blade rising and falling
across his left upon the helmeted head.
Xatra attacks Muuk with his Longsword, but Muuk parries the
attack with his shield!
Croagh raises his shield and knocks the spear away with a loud
grunt, the first sound to emit from him all afternoon. He lunges
forward at the rider, apparently unafraid of battling head-to-toe
with a man and horse. This attack is stronger than the last and
aimed to tear into the leather armor of his hated enemy.
Croagh attacks Tantris with his Short Broadsword and moderately
wounds him!
Eloric rides towards the battle between Tantris and Croagh with
is spear lowered, yelling at the top of his lungs, "For the
Riddermark!!"
(Con't with Part 2)
