Dark Lie the Roots
The vale of the River Gilrain is thought of as a land unto itself. The small mountain near the upper end of the Gilrain bore a beacon post, as did the chain of mountains that formed the spine of Dor-en-Ernil so that the Prince of Dol Amroth could receive or send warning as readily as Minas Tirith. The farmlands of Lebennin were famed, but up near the roots of the mountains the land was less populated and the people living there felt less kinship with those of Dol Amroth or Minas Tirith. The concerns of the Steward and Prince, and now the King, were not seen as important in these insulated hills. They had grudgingly supplied as much as they could spare and more to the cities in support of the war effort, and then had taken on the burden of refugees from the city when Sauron’s forces had gathered to attack Minas Tirith. The time of hunger and want left strong and bitter resentment amongst those whose loyalties were already shaky. The crowning of the King and return to peace had not quickly restored their fortunes, and some of the young men remembered the whispers of their fathers who had in times past courted trade with southern lands and felt strong enough to attack patrols and take what they wished, selling what they didn’t want to those in the south, whether goods or people. It seemed good to them to do similarly. What fear of the city and the rule of the king should they have? He had disbanded his armies after all. There would be none nearby strong enough to thwart their desires and strength of arm. The root of the black tree had planted itself in their hearts, and they felt invincible.
The reports first began to filter into Linhir of petty thefts up and down the vale. Items missing from farms. Implements and food were the beginning, and then larger animals. A raid that stole two steers from one farm, and another that took five from another. Then they became bolder and decided to steal from caravans passing through and even a regular patrol to resupply the beacons. The two men-at-arms were found beaten, bloodied, and dead, with their packs gone. Urgent word was brought to Linhir by the veteran Lothar, who had been serving as guard on one of the attacked caravans. Those on the beacons would be going hungry soon, and their lifeline had been cut.
Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr and Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr had been in Linhir on personal leave and went to scout the area at the Captain of the Linhir Guard’s request. They sent a note to Captain Pele Alarion and Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen to inform them and request assistance, as the bandit group is estimated to be between 15 and 20 strong. Thûllir and Kaylin have since located the bandit camp and will await assistance before proceeding further than observation.
A small force is gathering at Lt Dealedwen’s command to take ship down the Anduin to Linhir.
RPG rules:
Rangers only - Please indicate your name and rank at the top of every post.
Prompts will come from the relevant officers or Karis as thread runner.
