[Arry]

The villages were headed toward Edoras; that was their original plan. They still think the King is his own man. They know nothing of Grima and his influence on Théoden.

The villages were not taking the same route as the riders - they were moving east and a little southward in their route and moving very slowly - carts, flocks and most afoot.

Please read my last post. Théodred and his men will see to it that they (both villages) are intercepted and escorted to Hengistham, whose lord Sighebert is NOT under the influence of Grima. Théodred will divert the 2 villages from their path toward Edoras. He is well aware that his Father will most likely not allow the villages to entreat him to be taken under his protection. So, Théodred will take them to one of the lords who will see to the protection of fellow Men of the Mark.

Hengistham is a hill fortress as is Edoras - there is much land (rolling plains) about it which is farmed and used for raising horses. There will be room for the small villages of Bregoware and Wulfham to set up a rude camp about the foot of the grassy hill where Sighebert has his home and mead hall. He may even welcome the addition of more Riders to swell the ranks of his own defensive troops. When war comes to Rohan from Isengard I don't think that Hengistham will be hit. It lies about 2 1/2 - 3 days ride north of Edoras, It will not be in the path of the attacking army of Saruman.

---------

This game is set in the late autumn of the year 3017 III Age. Grima has been 'advising' Théoden,now, since 3014 III Age.

In 2 years, 3019 III Age, Théodred will be slain by Saruman's forces at the First Battle of the Isen. About 5 days later, will be when Gandalf comes to see Théoden along with Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas

I doubt the Villages understand at present that a big war is coming, but they do understand that something has stirred up the foes of the Free Peoples and is trying to kill them off little by little.

---------

How about I say that it will be about 2 weeks after the companions arrive at Hengistham, perhaps just a little more before the 2 Villages arrive at Hengistham. That way - if Sythric and Osmod wish, they can ride out to join with them as they march in. There should be some sort of news come to Hengistham that a large group of refugees is heading their way under the protection of Théodred. And let's assume for our purposes that Théodred has sent word or already spoken with Sighebert about the refugees arrival and that Sighebert has said yes.

Can everyone please try to make this work for them. And honestly it should not be a problem if you skip far enough ahead for your Epilog - which should deal primarily with what your character is doing in some future year of your choice.