Hunt for the Palantíri RPG

[Child of the 7th Age]

Orofaniel's post for Galhardir & Rodhal

“Uncle!” Rodhal whispered in his uncle’s ears. “You must wake up,” he then continued. The child’s voice was as comforting to wake up too as a singing bird. Galhardir’s eyes opened slowly as he looked the boy. “I’ve overslept!” he sighed. “Indeed, uncle,” Rodhal then giggled. “Annû and Carandû, the two nice elves, just went out on deck,” he continued. “We must hurry then!” Galhardir then exclaimed.

“Not I, uncle, I’m ready; you must hurry!” Rodhal then said, acting like an adult. “Right you are young lad,” Galhardir said, glancing over at him as he got fully dressed. Then suddenly, Galhardir remembered yesterday evening’s conversation with the elves; the cave of the dead.

Was it responsible of him to bring little Rodhal to such a place when he could hardly speak of it in front of him? Galhardir thought about this awhile and an unpleasant feeling overcame him. No, he couldn’t do it, he said to himself. He couldn’t dare bring his nephew into such danger, especially when he knew all those tales that had been told of old. It was simply something he wouldn’t do to the boy; he loved him too much. And what would his parents say if they knew? His brother, Gonlahr would never forgive him. Galhardir couldn’t risk it. Besides, the only reason his brother, Rodhal’s father had let his son come with Galhardir was because he trusted him. Galhardir didn’t want to loose that trust by doing something as stupid as this.

Galhardir had made his decision; Rodhal would have to stay at the ship as he was too young to come with them. It was his final decision.

“Rodhal, please wait here while I…” he didn’t know how to finish his sentence so he just disappeared out the door. Rodhal didn’t notice and stayed where he was.

Galhardir then walked with stern steps towards Luindal, who was still in his cabin and greeted him politely. “Greeting to you too sir,” Galhardir then said, bowing. “I would inform you that Rodhal, my nephew will of course, not be joining us,” His hands were sweating. Although he was sure Luindal would agree, he wouldn’t want to see the disappointment in Rodhal’s eyes.

“Of course!” Luindal said, looking at him gravely;” It would be folly to take such a young lad to such a place,” he then continued. My words exactly, Galhardir thought. “Aye, sir,” Galhardir nodded.

“Then I guess, we should be ready..” Luindal said. “The boy may stay at the ship in the cabin,” he said, but hesitated; ”If he wants to, he can climb up to the lookout tower and keep an eye on what is going on around the ship,” Lunidal then said smiling. “Aye sir, thanks. I think he’d like that,” Galhardir said. He was very grateful for Luindal’s kindness. Now Rodhal would have some adventure to go on while he was away,

“Thanks again sir,” Galhardir then said. “I’ll go inform the boy and then go on deck to board the boat,” he said looking at the boats that were almost ready to go.

“Alright, but hurry, the boats are leaving any moment now.

Galhardir didn’t know how to tell Rodhal this, but some way or another he just had to explain to the boy that this was for his own best. He slipped inside the door and met the eyes of Rodhal.

“Well, boy…” he started. “It is best if you stay here at the ship while the elves and our kin leave for the cave,” he then continued. “But while we’re away you are allowed to climb to the outlook post a…” the boy interrupted; ”Of course uncle…you didn’t expect me to go inside the cave?!” The boy exclaimed. Galhardir was stunned by these words and gazed upon the young lad. “It’s too dangerous for me. I’m not old enough…besides, I don’t think papa would appreciate that…” he said innocently.

Galhardir admitted that he was surprised by these words, but very comforted and happy. “Oh…Of course,” he then said, pretending that he’d never had the intention of brining him along. “I’ll wander about the ship…” the boy said dreamily. “Alright then…” Galhardir then muttered. “I’ll be expecting to see a new captain on the ship the when I return,” Galhardir then said merrily, returning to his calm, relaxed and merry mood. Even though he was about to face something he knew would be dangerous he wasn’t worried. Rodhal would at least be safe.

“Uncle…you must hurry now,” Rodhal then reminded him. “Of course,” Galhardir then said, giving the boy a hug. He didn’t even bother to remind him to be a “good boy” as he knew Rodhal would act more responsible than he would in the next couple of hours.

**********************

[Child of the 7th Age]

The first rays of the morning sun were still below the horizon when Luindal wearily stood up from his papers and charts to put on a fresh change of clothes. He heard a knock on the door and found the Lossoth Gallhardir waiting to speak with him. They had both agreed that his young nephew would be better off staying on board the ship.

Although most Elves require little if any sleep, Luindal found that he usually did much better if he had at least a few hours to rest and relax his mind. However, that was a luxury he could ill afford at the moment. After his conversation with Rôg, he had stubbornly sat up all night working on a series of his own notes on how and where to search for the Stones at the bottom of the Bay. There were still so many problems he couldn't figure out. He'd need to have another long talk with Rôg and see if the shapechanger had any more good ideas.

If the palantiri did not show up in the Caverns of the Dead, they would have little choice but to shift the focus of their search. Alahseey had made it clear that all the other likely spots along the fringes of the Bay had been thoroughly searched by the Corsairs. It made little sense to redo what was already done.

Luindal felt his hours of work had barely scratched the surface of the many complications they would have to deal with if the Stones failed to turn up in the Caverns. But at least a start had been made. He went over, scooped up his papers, and placed them inside a locked chest that he always carried along on voyages. As he was about to leave the room, Hilde came in and graciously offered him heated cider, which he took. He listened absentmindedly as the serving woman explained how she had stowed the new supplies away and would straighten out his room and prepare the evening meal while he and his men were away on their search. At leaat there was one less thing to worry about.

Stopping to strap on his waist pack, retrieve his pick axe, and put on a metal helmet, Luindal went out on deck and saw that a number of Elves and Lossoth were already gathered there wearing similar gear. Soon they would climb down the ladders and enter the small boats that were to head towards the cave. The tide was low. Focusing on the shore, he glimpsed a wide expanse of beach spread out in front of the Cavern. They should have enough time to split up in small groups to make a preliminary survey of the tunnels and the main cavern before returning safely to the ship.

He had assigned almost thirty Snowmen and Elves to the survey party. The remaining ten were to stay behind on the Spirit to make sure that there was no mischief done to the ship during their absence.

Standing in front of his volunteers, Luindal beckoned for them to move closer so they could hear what he was saying,. He spoke quietly trying to address the unspoken fears that he could see in many of their eyes. "Today, we begin our search for the missing Stones. There are two words I want everyone to engrave upon their hearts: caution and swiftness. At this early point in our hunt, no one is to take any unnecessary risks. If we have any doubts about the safety of a particular path or tunnel, we will hold back from going that way. Secondly, we must work with all due haste. Our great enemy is time. As long as the tide stays low, we will be able to make our way back out of the tunnel. When the waters come rushing onto the beach and seeping up from underneath into the tunnels, then we are in great danger. So we will be very careful about when we leave the tunnels. There must be no stragglers."

"Split up in small groups: at least two or three in each group. No one is to search alone. Respect this cave as a dangerous place and you will come out alive. Let us move quietly now while it is still dark for the Corsairs have no idea where we go or what we do. "

"We also have another advantage of which the Corsairs are yet unaware. As some of you know, Rôg has some unusual abilities in shape shifting. While we are inside the cave, he has agreed to shift into a small winged form and keep the different groups in touch with each other. So please, if you note a large insect or bat buzzing at your ear, take due care not to injure it!"

With that final word of instruction, the men slipped into their boats and began paddling silently towards the shore. The vessels were left hidden in a side cove with fishing nets and gear prominently displayed so no one would suspect anything. Then they walked the final mile towards the cave. The Caverns of the Dead were set about a quarter mile from the spot where the Corsair ship was docked. As they approached the entrance of the cave, Luindal could see that the opening was small, too small for any Elf or man to stand. They would need to attach the ropes to their waists and crawl one-by-one into the first tunnel.

[Imladris]

Jynne peered from under his scraggling eyebrows over the bow spirit, trying to see if he could see the mysterious Snowman. His eyes dropped to narrow slits as he saw him lumbering off as fast as he could toward the inland.

What had the two been talking about? What if Marreth was going to do a double deal? Jynne buttoned his lips and narrowed his eyes so that they were almost closed.

Turning on his heel, he crept towards the cabin and knocked tentatively, then pushed the door open and slipped into the cabin, closing the door carefully behind him.

Jarylin's mouth snapped shut and his lips formed a straight line. Jynne's face stretched into a small smile. His eyes studying the the portion of the wall behind Marreth's shoulder, he said sofly, "Did my captain ask for an advance scout? I glady offer my services..."

[Regin Hardhammer]

Regin Hardhammer's post

Marreth fixed a steady eye on Jynne, carefully weighing the words the man had spoken. It was true that he had asked for advance scouts to spy on Luindal. Jynne did seem to have a gift for slinking quietly about with no one the wiser for his presence. Yet the Corsair captain did not know the man well and he preferred his advance spies be sailors he absolutely trusted.

Carefully pondering his dilemma, Marreth decided on a course of action, "Jynne, I would welcome your presence in the advance scouts. But you must go under the leadership of Diera and follow all her commands. She is a trusted comrade of mine and has been on many secret missions. You can learn much from her for she has my trust." With that he bade Jynne good bye and retired to his bed for the night.


*********

The next morning long before dawn had broken, Marreth led a group of about twelve men to a hidden grove that lay less than a quarter of a mile from the cave. He quickly explained what would happen, “Eight of you will stay here while you wait for the signal to go ahead. But I have chosen a few advance scouts who will venture into the cave now to make sure that there is no ambush waiting for us. Jynne and Diera will go as a team. Also Tarn and Nilak."

The two Snowmen looked surprised to hear their names called. "Yes, that's right. I want you two as well," Marreth snapped. "You know the terrain far better than my own men. I will be watching you closely to see how you do. If you desire rich rewards and a measure of my trust, pay close attention to how you act!"

"You four will go ahead and look around. If everything is clear, flash the lantern three times.”

Marreth watched as the two Corsairs and two Snowmen went off to the cave. Then he turned to the rest. “Hook, you're in charge of this group for the moment. When the lantern signal comes, you will all advance. Now remember, only spying. We want to know our enemy so that we can learn how to defeat them. The fighting will come later. Steak out hiding places in the cave and we will wait for the Elves to show up.”

"Meanwhile I have decided to do a little advance spying of my own." With those curt words, Marreth suddenly disappeared. He slipped silently through the woods and lowered himself into the small hole that was the only entrance to the cave. Once inside, he could see it was a very large and dark cave with jagged rocks everywhere and tunnels shooting off from the main hall. Once or twice Marreth tore a piece of his cloak on a jagged rock, but he paid no mind. He was focused on picking a good spying spot. Once he picked one behind a rock just off the main cavern, he crouched down behind it and waited, not making a sound.

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Kitanna's post

Nilak was on the deck of the ship listening to Marreth barking orders at them. Tarn was not standing that far from him. Nilak gave him a quick nod to acknowledge his presence. Standing on his left side was Sernir. The Corsair seemed rather happy this morning. Nilak could only guess why.

“Jynne and Diera will go as a team. Also Tarn and Nilak." Marreth said. Sernir had mentioned Nilak going into the cave, but he didn't think he had been serious.

Nialk looked over at Sernir, who ignored him. This was most likely his idea. Nilak looked over to Tarn next. The other Lossoth seemed just as, if not more annoyed then Nilak. Sernir pulled Nilak close to whisper something to him. "Don't mess this up."

Nilak narrowed his eyes and snarled slightly at Sernir as he followed behind Tarn and the two Corsairs. Nilak did not trust these Corsairs. He figured they were all as loathesome as Sernir. Though he never would have admitted it, Nilak was relieved that Tarn would go into the caves. He was not very friendly with Tarn, but at least he was another Lossoth and not a Corsair.

~*~*~

Once in the cave the four split up. The Corsairs went together and Tarn went with Nilak. Tarn made sure they had the lantern and the Corsairs. As they moved along Tarn put Nilak first since Nilak did not really have to worry about banging his head.

Every now and again Nilak would turn back and see Tarn ducking or struggling through the sandy cave floor. Beads of sweat were on his brow. Nilak could not understand how anyone could possibly be hot in the cave. He was freezing, even under his many layers of clothes.

Each time Nilak stopped he could hear Tarn draw the air in between his teeth. “I’m just a little out of breath” Nilak did not really believe him. If Tarn was scared, Nilak could understand why. Who knew what dangers lurked in this cave?

Nilak finally came to a little alcove in the cave. He shined the light in to have a better look. Both Lossoths could fit inside, but they would be cramped. Nilak got down on his hands and knees and went into the alcove. "We can hide and watch from here, I think." Tarn came in behind him. In the lantern light the two could see their breaths. "Yes, this is a good spot."

[piosenniel]

Bear was in one of the first boats to land on the muddy shingle that served for a beach in front of the cave. At Rôg’s request, though the day’s light was coming on, he lit a small covered lantern and made his way to the cave entrance. ‘We’ll go in first, he said, a sweeping gesture of his hand taking in Rôg, who stood next to him. ‘Rôg will take a little look-see to scout out any immediate dangers in the main cavern while I see what I can from just inside the entrance with my light.’

With a shrug, Rôg’s form became smaller until only a small brown, furred thing, less than four inches long, lay on top the mud at Bear’s feet. There were gasps as the small animal, a little brown bat , flew up; and dipping one wing to Bear, flew quickly in to the small cave entrance. Bear followed, his lantern hanging from his belt, as he crawled through the small opening and into the small tunnel.

It was only a few short feet to the interior where the tunnel opened up into a large cavern. It was tall enough for the Lossoth to move about in, but barely, and there were other tunnels leading off it to smaller caverns still. Bear opened the hood to the lantern and cast the light about in the darkness. The water had retreated from the cave with the tide, leaving the silted rock floor slippery with the remaining damp. The Elves and Lossoth would need to be careful of there footing as they walked along. There would be plenty of chances to slip and injure oneself on the rough edged rocks that had tumbled from the cavern’s ceiling.

From where he stood near the main cavern’s entrance he could see numerous little openings to the other small caverns that honeycombed along this section of the Bay. He watched as Rôg flew rapidly toward the openings and darted in and out of them, checking that they were open. After a fair space of time, the little bat returned to the main cavern, and flew out the exit to where the others of the group waited. Bear followed. Changing back to his mannish form, both Rôg and Bear gave a brief report on what they’d seen. Of the thirteen tunnels he had flown into, four were blocked by fallen rock and built up, hardened silt. The others opened into small caverns that tilted downward from the main cavern – in some rocks partially blocked the way, but could be squeezed by. And there would be a need to be out of there before the tide came in fully – as these caverns were most likely completely submerged at high tide. Bear nodded his head in agreement, saying the waterline in the main cavern was nearly to the top of it, and that would mean that the tunnel into it would be completely filled with water when the tide came up.

The Men and Elves listened closely to the two scouts. Then, securing their torches and flints boxes in their belts, they tied their ropes about their waists and went in toward the darkness, taking care to stay close to their companions in the search.

[Arry]

“Well, would you look at that!” Annû’s eyes went wide as Rôg’s form crumpled down into a small brown bundle of fur. “He’s hardly as wide as my hand!” Carrandû, too, was taken aback, saying, “And here I thought he was just some hapless Second Born that the Captain met in Gondor. A skinchanger . . .”

The two brothers were in the middle of the group waiting to go in. They had agreed that once they entered the main cavern they would rope themselves together along with whoever else might choose to join them. “Just remember to leave about six feet of rope between us, brother mine,’ laughed Carrandû as they reached the entrance to the tunnel. “I don’t relish the thought of you kicking mud in my face as we crawl through those other tunnels.” “Too bad we bear the curse of the Eldar,” his brother replied, winking. “Curse?” asked Carrandû as he knelt to begin the crawl into the main cavern. He could hear his brother laughing softly behind him. “The Curse . . . of being so tall, brother! Were we Hobbits this would not be such a back breaking task for us.”

“Were we Hobbits,’ Carrandû reminded him, “we would not be here. We’d be in some snug little Inn, our feet propped in front of the fire. A mug of good ale in one fist, and a pipe in the other.” Carrandû emerged into the cavern and stood up as best he could, helping his brother up as he emerged. “Though why they enjoy that noxious smoke is beyond me.”

The two brothers moved to one side of the tunnel entrance to make way for the others. Annû pulled a torch from his belt while his brother fumbled in his pocket for the flint to light it. “Hurry,” whispered Annû. “I can barely make out a thing in here – save for the lights of the others as they move off toward the other tunnels.”

Their now lit torch throwing a small puddle of flickering light on the floor as they held it before them, the two rope-linked figures moved off toward one of the tunnels that no one had looked into as yet . . .

[Niluial]

“I’m not too sure about this” Andtuariel muttered to Elwë. Her face was slightly white, though it had lost the greenish tint of sea sickness.

Elwë reached over and gently tucked one of Andtuariel’s brown curls behind her ear. “It will be just fine if you follow the instructions and stick with me!” Elwë said bravely. He liked to act as if he was brave, put on a strong face but he too was worried. What could happen inside there? What if something bad happens?

Andtuariel giggled nervously, “Yes Sir!” she said with her tongue in her cheek. She looked at the sea and the small waves that hit her feet. The sea was blue and clear, calm and silent in the wake of the storm. Elwë locked eyes with Andtuariel one more time, giving her a look of assurance.

There was a nervous yet excited silence, which was broken by a sudden, “Well, would you look at that!” Annû’s said. Elwë chuckled quietly and looked in the direction where Annû was looking; a small brown bundle of fur lay there. It was clear that a few were surprised they had a skinchanger amongst them.

Elwë and Andtuariel stayed behind Carrandû and Annû as they walked through the dark tunnel. It was so silent inside the tunnel, the breathing of the others could be heard and every footstep too. The little lights of the others bounced up and down, imitating their movement as they walked.

Andtuariel drifted beside him. He smiled. They were not afraid of the Cave, though he could feel the fear of those ahead of them. They had no fear of death.

A rock clattered loose and hurtled somewhere in the darkness. A harsh ringing filled the cave. Beside him, Elwë could feel the cave walls tremble.

Andtuariel stumbled and clutched onto Elwë. Elwë’s heart jolted. “Andtuariel!” Elwë hissed.

“What?” she whispered. "The rock fell loose above and it fell on my head...then I stumbled over a crag."

"I'm sorry...but don't grab at me...or breathe down my neck...let me go!"

Slowly she let go of his hand.

[Imladris]

Jynne propped his chin onto the back of his hands and peered down at the elves and Snowmen. He was curled like a snake upon a solid ledge of rock. There was about a half inch distance between him and the top of the cave.

A spider crawled down his ankle, but he barely noticed the tickling of its legs as it minced upon his blotchy skin. A ghosted wind brushed his hollow cheek. His lips curled into a sneer.

Above him the cave shuddered, and a chunk of rock hurtled from a ledge. It struck the elf wench, causing her to stumble. His eyes narrowed. The Snowmen in front of them stopped, drew closer together, fidgeted together, muttering together.

The caves shuddered. The restless spirits of their dead had gathered together, warning the intruders back. Never trust that the dead were fully dead. They could surprise with their ever remaining presence. For the dead never truly left. There was always a bleached, yellowed bone crumbling in the dirt, a wasted spirit. A prophecy that the same fate awaited all witless mortals.

They were afraid of these caves. Very afraid. The caves were treacherous. He smiled.