Thread: Angmar

Elvon of the West Thromi Shortbeard Nan Angmar Now that is a stench I have not smelled in many long ages. Elvon remarked to his companions as they lay along the ridgeline, inspecting the expanse of land before them. It was dark, though after many days of travel in the dark, their eyes had long adjusted to it. Still, an elfs eyes can see more piercingly and better than those of men, dwarves, and halflings. And even after this long, it seems to have only gotten worse. You should come to my home in Khazad-Dum. Thromi remarked, lying not far from the elf. There are still chambers and halls where the stench of goblins linger. And nothing it seems can take it out. He crunched his hand around the handle of his axe angrily, recalling the centuries long despoiling that the orcs had done to the ancestral home of the dwarves. And Gundabad, which was akin to a holy place for dwarves, was not far off either from here. Elvon didnt answer. Down on the expanse of land was a collection of rudimentary huts, tents, and in the midst of it all, a great bonfire. Even from here, the harsh language and cries of a strong orc hunting pack could be heard. They were the first obstacle they had run into on their journey so far, other than the laughs, jeers, and disbelieving looks of the folks along the road who thought their errand was foolish or just downright impossible. Using an old elven scouting trick, Elvon brought both his hands up to frame his eyes, limiting his vision but helping to sharpen the detail of everything he beheld. But the darkness lay thickly on the land before them. But there was indeed proof that their quest was not in vain. They could see it, far off on the horizon. A glimmer, like the rising sun at dawn. Thromi was staring at it. Did he even remember what dawn looked like? It seemed a beautiful thing and he kept expecting the entire sun to rise up from that glimmer. But none came. Correct me if Im wrong but I can count somewhere between twenty and thirty of the foul beasts. They are in the midst of a feast it seems. Elvon remarked to his companions. They sit upon the only way of descent from this ridge down into the lowlands. And into the lowlands we must go. His eyes darted to the distant glimmer and then to the faces of his companions. He drew back from the ridgeline to their own camp of tents and horses. I have one suggestion. He said to them. An outright attack on their camp would be foolish. Therefore I suggest we lay an ambush. A few of us go forward and attempt to draw their attentions, at least of their perimeter guards. We bring them into the valley beneath this ridge where it is somewhat wooded and there we surprise them. Eventually more will come to seek out their missing companions. If we can dwindle their numbers byperhaps half, then maybe an assault on the camp itself will work. Elvon explained, glancing at each of their faces. Thromi stroked his beard thoughtfully. Youll need fast movers then. He said, which clearly wasnt him, given his extensive equipment, his large axe and coat of heavy mail. Like any dwarf, when he ventured abroad, he went prepared. That is why I ask for volunteers. Elvon said, looking at his companions. Well one of you come with me? Or two of you together, if you are proficient with projectile and shot.