NationStates Jolt Archive

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Sauron fixed his eye to the southeast, towards the Haradrim. They would make a great ally in the war that would come. To the west was Saruman in Isengard, Saruman of the many colours. An ally who could prove to be even more powerful, and therefore a potential threat. But not for now.
Also in the west, the corsairs sailed. a mighty fleet of warships that could control the seas.
Sauron thought about these things, these and many more. There would be a war...

(OOC: T ottaly cool at least! G oing to keep an eye on this.)

Legolas Greenleaf, now King of the Woodland Realm, watched the dark powers begin to move. He stood, with just his son, Legoli, on the highest peak of the mountains of Mirkwood, and he watched.

He saw many things, Souron strengthening, Saruman threatening Rohan. He saw darkness, and he saw light. And he knew what he must do, he made his way north, crossing the Forest River and returning to his kingdom, he sent messages out to Laketown, the Lonley Mountain, Gondor, Lorien, Rohan and Elrond, telling them that the dark enermy had returned. The, he ordered that the watch on the rivers southen boarders be doubled.

Lord Elrond Half-Elven of Imlandris (Rivendell) walked towards the last homely home, accompanied by his sons Elladan and Elrohir and his chief counciler Glorfindel. A dark feeling had troubled Lord Elronds mind for quite some time now. Sauron the Deceiver had returned into his land of Mordor and rebuild Barad-Dûr. Orcs gathered in the Mountains, the passage east to their brothers of the Woodland Realm and Lothlorien is becoming more difficult with the day. Reports had come from the Woodland realm about this and other news from the east. A meeting with the chief elves of Rivendell. He now approached the stone seats where the meeting would be held.

Elrond:"Friends, comrades of old. We need to make a plan to protect Imlandris. A first point must be to protect the passes over the mountains to the east."
Glorfindel stood up and said:"I agree, but the strenght of Imlandris isn't as great as the strength of the elven kingdoms of old. How do we do this?"
Elrond:"I will send my sons (he gestured towards Elladan and Elrohir who sat beside him) towards the high pass with 85 swordmen and 90 archers. They must set up a defensive position on the pass. Another 75 spearmen, 125 swordmen and 75 archers will be send as reinforcments once the first fortifications are ready. They will patrol the pass and ensure the clear passage of messengers and other traffic across the pass. We will wait for help from Lothlorien for the securing of the pass of the Caradhras. The force there must be strong due to the nearby presence of Moria."
Srithur, a young Elf said:"What about the west? What will be do there? And Saruman has betrayed us? What shall we do about that threat?"
Elrond:"I do not know what to do about that threat, and the full scale of the betrayal hasn't really bothered me sofar. Rohan stands pretty firm in his way. He must deal with the Horsemasters before he can turn his attention north (Keep in mind that even the wise Lord Elrond doesn't know the full force of Saruman, there may be a nasty surprise there...). No, we must deal with the orcs and goblins in the Mountains first. Send word to the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains and Erebor for help, they know of mountain warfare and building. We might use that knowledge."
Glorfindel:"Dwarves! A nuinsance, if you ask me!"
Elrond:"Yet they are a usefull ally."

The next day, Elladan and Elrohir departed with the first party of Elves. They would establish a basecamp in the high pass from which they can control the pass and ensure a safe passage for travelers.

OOC:I'd better keep this going.

IC: There was a silance in the Wood of greenleaves, as the Elves had named Mirkwood after Sourons 2nd fall, a strange earrie silance that seemed to overcome and silence everything. Even the playing of the Elf children seemed dulled, there usual happy cries ended as they senced a strange pressure in the air.

Legalos reconised the silence, and knew what it meant, for an age it had hovered over Mirkwood, the shadow of Darkness, and they had banished it, eventually. But this darkness was heavyer, the like of whitch he hadn't felt since he had visted the back gate with Aragon.

His guards in the woods reported nothing unusual except for the curious absence of animals in the wood. Legolas new he didn't have the skill to deciper this riddle, he would ride to Maris Tirith, visting Lady Galadriel in Lorien, and then seeing Enomer in Rohan first, to tell them of the darkness he felt.

Climbing on his horse he rode off, leaving his cousain, Thingol in charge of his realm, leaving instructions to train every man and woman in the art of bowcraft and turn the furnise to the production of weapons and armour.

Elwing, named after the great Elf of old rode at full pelt towards the High Pass, she was wounded in three places from Orc arrows, and she could feel the poison creeping through her, and her horses bloodstream, she would not last long.

He armour had protected her from most of the Orc arrows, only three striking home, hitting her foot, her arm and her leg, she was in great pain but she ignored it.

She had killed several of the cursed Yrch with her bow but still they pursuded her, mounted on wargs. In a small bag at her side she carried Legolas's despatch, she had to deliver it.

She thought she saw Elves ahead, but she spurred on, baliving them to be only mirages created by loss of blood and poison, she even ignored the arrows flitting over her head and the cries of downed orcs, she ignored the cries of her countrymen to stop, and then, she felt a sickening pain in her spine.

The last Orc arrow peaced the cainmail and weaked armour of her back, peacing deep into her spine, she arched her back, screamed and fell from the saddle, rowling several times on the damp grass before stopping at Elladan feet. Relising that they where not mirages, and it really was her kin that stood before her she reached up with the despatch, before breathing her last.

"Forgive me, my Lord, I go now to the Valar with a happy heart, my final deed to deliver this message." With that, she died.

[i]
To: Lord Eldrad Half-Elven
From: Legolas Greenleaf, King of Mirkwood

my Leige, as of late there have been a reawakening of evil powers in these lands, I ask you to send aid to Enomer of Rohan and myself, before the threat of Saruman becomes too much. If that is beyond your ability, then I ask for council.

You shall find me at Maris Tirinth, discussing with Aragon, so far I have observed the following;[i] After this the letter went into great length, noting the numbers Legolas percived to be in Sarumans forces, the strength of his allies, the poison of Dol Gadur, and much more.

After 6 hours of hard riding Legolas finally reached Lorien and leapt form his saddle, making his way into the depths of the hidden Realm...

OOC: Im at a loss.. This is set During the Novels of course, right? Meaning im a crazy wanker? AKA Denethor.

OOC: Im at a loss.. This is set During the Novels of course, right? Meaning im a crazy wanker? AKA Denethor.
OOC: I think you can do what you want with it.

Dain sat in the golden hall of the lonely mountain. When another dwarf came holding a letter
"lord dain a letter from the elves"
"*chuckles* what could the elves want now eh?"
"i dont know i havent read it"
"ok lets see what it says then"
the dwarf hands over the letter
"it says here there is trouble brewing in mordor and in isengard. We will prepare for war as it will likely come our way"
"send word to dale and laketown"

The Elves of the woods of Lothlorien stood aside for their woodland King from the Northern Realms.

Two female Elves lead the horse away whilst Legolas was taken to the Lord and Lady of the woods.

Elven Sentinels began to move to the very edge of the woods, and take up their watches on their high platforms ever vigilant with their bows.

(OOC: Sorry not much time atm, proper post soon)

King Theoden sat in his throne room, in the city of Edoras. He sat and listened as the two men laid out their argument in front of him.
"The pig fell into a hole that he dug, your majesty."
"That hole was on my property, your highness."
As the two farmers argued, a Rohirrim warrior came to Theoden's side and said "My liege, Lord Eomer and Prince Theodred wish to speak to you."
"I am sorry, sirs," said the King to the farmers, "but a matter of much importance has come to my attention. I will judge this case later."
"Yes, your majesty." they said at once and they left as Theodred and Eomer walked in.
"Father," said the Prince, "we have received word of Orcs brewing to the west of Rohan, near the Gap."
"There are always Orcs coming from the mountains. What is special about this?"
"Uncle," said Eomer, "these Orcs are not from the mountains. These Orcs bear a single mark of identification. They bear the white hand of Saruman." Eomer dropped a helmet, obviously of Orcish origin, to the ground, and as it righted itself, the top bore the white hand.

King Brad son of Brand was sat in consultation with his advisors when his head of household Corbett came in.

"My lord, the dwarves have sent word that trouble is brewing to the south. Apparently Sauron has arisen once more and has evil designs on Middle Earth..."

Brad sighed and read the message. After he had read it he handed it back with a neutral expression. It would appear that the honourable blood that had passed from his great grandfather Bard and his descendents had not quite been fully represented in Brad. He was not a poor king, however he certainly was not made to the same caliber as those who had gone before him.

"We'll keep and eye on it," he said. "I have no doubt that this is little more than a storm in a teacup and will not affect us greatly. After all, how powerful could Sauron possibly be? He has been thwarted so many times... he must be nothing more than a mere stain in these days...
"Anyway, be this as it may, send out a few extra scouts to our borders and have them on special lookout for anything suspicious. Send word back to the dwarves telling them what we intend to do and that we will support them in any action they choose to take. They have been good to us over the years, we owe them this at least. Thank you Corbett."

With that he reluctantly returned to his debate.

"Hey, lets go conquer some places!"

Said a random Easterling.

"Yes, lets!"

Said the general. They mobilized a massive army of 18 Thousand, and marched westward!

OOC: Since I already posted my intro in the sign-up, I'll get down to business...

Citadel of Dol Amroth:

Imrahil, Lord of Dol Amroth, was still contemplating his simultaniously morbid and hopeful observations when a messenger rushed in, bearing the Livery of the Cavalry of Anfalas, the swift riders that guarded Dol Amroth's land borders.
"Sire," he panted, "My Lord Adanor, supreme commander of the Ancient Order of the Cavalry of Anfalas, has ridden on his fastest horse to reach the Capital. He says he bears urgent tidings for the Council's ears alone."
Imrahil frowned. It must be tidings great indeed to summon Adanor from his lengthy patrols. "Very well, the council shall convene at noon." he said to the now thoroughly tired squire. Imrahil would meet with Adanor beforhand to learn the news.

At the Council Meeting:

"My Lords, Knights, Merchants, and above all Citizens of Dol Amroth." Intoned Imrahil. "It has come to my attention that Adanor, Knight Commander of the Anfalas Cavalry, has heard of dark tidings from all corners of Middle-Earth. Sauron is on the rise again, with his allies Saruman, Rhun, Harad, and Umbar. Currently, we are allied with the Kingdoms of Gondor and Rohan. However, to weather the tide of eveil, we must forge new alliances. I propose we send an emissary at once to our Chief trading partner, The Grey Havens, to ask for an alliance. This will in turn have us allied with the three Elven Kingdoms. For now, I also think that our borders should be strengthened and all cities prepare for siege. The navy shall be readied in defence of our shipping and the Corsairs should be treated warily. If possible, I wish to avoid a maritime war, but if we are forced to sail to the very City of the Corsairs I shall do so, in the name of good! A company of Riders including my son Adrahil will ride to Minas Tirith to see what our allies wish to do and what help they may need."
With that, every council member rose in cheers. despite the dark times coming, they knew they had a good leader. Dol amroth would prepare for war. A company of 3 rider brigades (30 men) with Adrahil rode off to Minas Tirith and a squadron of five ships with marines sailed for the Grey Havens.

The wind whispered through the white towers of Minas Tirith, The White Tree, now so black, lifeless, rustled, as though some life remained in the dead bark. A Branch hung lopsidedly from its parent arm, The Wind Picked up and the branch was torn from its tree, It was only small, and it drifted to the ground, and simulatenous with its soft brustling sound as it met the ground, another boom rose from the Horizon, As Osgiliath, Not so far Away, Shut its gates for one last time.

The Stream of Refugees crawling like ants across the Pelenorr Fields brought tears to some of the eyes of the many men of the White Guard, Osgiliath would fall, Wether The Steward said it would, or wouldnt, But Denethor was Ill.. But wait, there was a different Shape on the Horizon, Flying the Flag of Dol Amroth, Approaching the White City at high speed.

The Alert went round, A Envoy Readied Himself, Flung on his White Tree Robes, leaping onto a Horse, One of the best, Quickly and surely he galloped down Three of the Cities Tiers, Amongst Traffic and Stalls, To The Huge Gates of the Ground Level Tier, The Dol Amroth Group was coming closer, and the lone Envoy Rode Out to Meet Them.

Once his horse had grown close, and had slowed to a canter, then a trot, He Called Out,

"Greetings To The Realm Of Gondor, Its Steward and The White City Send's its Welcome to You, I am Bealfas, What is your Business here?"

Greetings, envoy Belfalas, we have come to the aid of Gondor, "said Adrahil. His resemblance to Imrahil was striking. "Our borders have been secured, and we are preparing for war. We have come to see what help Gondor and Rohan need." He gestured back to his companions, resting on their steeds. "As you can see, this is but a token force, but Dol Amroth is willing to help her ally Gondor in a time when the depredations of the wicked threaten us all. We also bring word from the South. So far, the Corsairs and Haradrim have not made any moves, but my father and I are certain this will not last. We have sent to the elves to offer aid also."

Bealfas's Horse seemed restless, It whinnied Slightly, Bealfas Turned to Amrahil.

"Gondor Thanks You, But At This Time we cannot engage in anything except our own self defense, The Steward.. Is .. Well, Dying. You Are Welcome in the White City for aslong as its gates are secure, But The Steward Has Ordered, as his dying wish, that we do not anger the evils that lay beyond our borders" Bealfas Said This with not much beleif, He knew once the Steward was dead Gondor would rise once more, But he said what he had been told.

And The Evil May Shatter Gondor Long Before Denethor's Death.

The fortifications on the pass were just being build when one of the guards shouted:

Guard:"Orcs! They're following an Elvenmaid!"
Elladan:"Archers fire at will! Infantry, form a line! We'll embattle them!"

The men fired several salvo's of arrows upon the orcs, who turned and fled once they saw their comrades falling like birds. The elvenmaid was hit by one last arrow and sreamed in agony. She fell before Elladan and reached up and said her last words:"Forgive me, my Lord, I go now to the Valar with a happy heart, my final deed to deliver this message."

Elladan:"May your soul find rest in the halls of mandos, child."

He looked up to see his brother Elrohir preparing a litter. He in turn rerad the letter and frowned.

Elrohir:"What's wrong brother?"
Elladan:"Troubling news. I will ride at once to father to deliver this message. Its urgent."
Elrohir:"Do what you think is best, brother. I'll be in command of the pass now. Please ask father if he can send reinforcements at once. This incidents with the girl had shown that we need to spread our control. If possible i want to build posts on both ends of the pass."
Elladan:"I will do that. Watch for the orcs, they may return."

Elladan jumped on a horse and sped off, accompanied by three loyal guards.

Meanwhile in Rivendell...

Lord Elrond was worried. He had sent messengers throughout Eriador to ask all wondering companies to come to Rivendell. He needed all elven strength available.

Srithur:'My lord! I have a plan to secure Rivendell."
Elrond:"Well, say it."
Srithur:"I will lead lightly armed archers, spearmen and swordmen into Rhudaur. Glorfindel will lead a force into Eregion. They will also keep a watch on Moria and the pass of the Caradhras."
Elrond:"How many troops in total?"
Srithur:"Well, some 850 into Rhudaur. 1250 in Eregion. That will keep some 2250 in Rivendell, I advice that more troops must be send to the High pass. Your sons might need help."
Elrond:"We will see."

Legolas's wounds where not deep, and he made his way immidetly to the Lord and Lady of Lorien, laying his bow at there feet, "My, Lord and Fair maden, the evil of Sauron has risen once more, a great host of eastlings approches from the east, many thousands strong, it shall fall upon Gondor and Mirkwood soon, in the West there is deadly strife between Saruman and the Rohrrin. I see not a way to avoid conflict. In my own lands I am equipping every man, woman and child for war. I come for your council."

As the sun dimmed upon Gondor, as the messager from Dol Amroth entered the great gates, Eol, messanger from King Loegolas Greenleaf rode to meet the Steward.

His armour shone in the sunlight, the gold that had seen a thousand battles, that had been at the battle of the last allince. He was almost there now, almost there, but he could be too late.

OOC: RP Him coming in if you wish.. i dont see how i can interface right now.. so yeah..

Adrahil was furious, but managed to keep his cool. "Your Steward Denethor wishes not to anger the evils on his borders? I am sorry friend, this evils are already angered. Like it or not, Gondor stands right in the way of Sauron's wrath. His eye is most assuredly fixed to the Tower of Ecthelion. Not only that, but it will not take long for his allies, the Corsairs, Rhun, and Haradrim, to come for a share in the plunder. Gondor cannot remain aloof. You are involved in this war, whether you like it or not. As kinsman and fellow ruler, I demand to speak to Denethor, be he on his deathbed or not. The fate of men and Middle-Earth are at stake. I will await an audience with your Steward in the city." With that, he turned his horse toward the White City and his escort followed. On reaching the gate, he turned and saw an elf ride up in magnificen armor. This must be an envoy from Greenwood.

"Welcome, envoy from the Kingdom of Legolas. I am Adrahil, Son of Imrahil, come from Dol Amroth to speak with Denethor. Unfortunately, Denethor seems cloistered and sick of late, and," he lowered his voice, "possibly losing his sanity. I don't think I'm wrong in saying that this war will affect all of us, even the Valar's firstborn. I bid you help in my plea to bring Denethor to his senses."
"Also, we of Dol Amroth have always valued alliances. My father Imrahil has dispatched a squadron to the Grey Havens, but we would also be honored to fight by your side. I'm sure we could offer you some assistance, as the Haradrim and Corsairs, our closest enemies, have not been threatening so far."

The Lord and Lady took Legolas aside.

" War comes again to the Woodland realms. But what would you have us do? Many of our people have left, and those that remain are barely enough to defend the sacred wood itself. We are a noble and proud race, there is strength in the Kingdom of men but honour? They fear and mistrust us as they do the Dwarfs, but only together will we stand. Denethor is ill and will not stand. I feel that we must rely on our half-kin from Dol Amroth, Elven blood flows strongly in their veins."

"The influence of the Horse Lords is also strong, but how many will answer Theoden's call? Will their forces be enough to stem the advance of the Uruk's from Isengard or will the Horse Lords fall? The future is clouded for me. We must speak with Lord Elrond of Rivendell to determine a solution to this problem"

Adrahil was furious, but managed to keep his cool. "Your Steward Denethor wishes not to anger the evils on his borders? I am sorry friend, this evils are already angered. Like it or not, Gondor stands right in the way of Sauron's wrath. His eye is most assuredly fixed to the Tower of Ecthelion. Not only that, but it will not take long for his allies, the Corsairs, Rhun, and Haradrim, to come for a share in the plunder. Gondor cannot remain aloof. You are involved in this war, whether you like it or not. As kinsman and fellow ruler, I demand to speak to Denethor, be he on his deathbed or not. The fate of men and Middle-Earth are at stake. I will await an audience with your Steward in the city." With that, he turned his horse toward the White City and his escort followed. On reaching the gate, he turned and saw an elf ride up in magnificen armor. This must be an envoy from Greenwood.

"Welcome, envoy from the Kingdom of Legolas. I am Adrahil, Son of Imrahil, come from Dol Amroth to speak with Denethor. Unfortunately, Denethor seems cloistered and sick of late, and," he lowered his voice, "possibly losing his sanity. I don't think I'm wrong in saying that this war will affect all of us, even the Valar's firstborn. I bid you help in my plea to bring Denethor to his senses."
"Also, we of Dol Amroth have always valued alliances. My father Imrahil has dispatched a squadron to the Grey Havens, but we would also be honored to fight by your side. I'm sure we could offer you some assistance, as the Haradrim and Corsairs, our closest enemies, have not been threatening so far."
"I am sure our King shall help you as much as I can, we are preparing for war, man woman and child. If we lose this war then I have no doubt that every Elf shall be slaughtered, weather he be worrior or not."

"I see our best stratagy as an agressive one, we should not hide behgind towers and fortresses, Mithlandier taught us not to do that, but face them upon an open feild, but we must convince the steward of this."

The Lord and Lady took Legolas aside.

" War comes again to the Woodland realms. But what would you have us do? Many of our people have left, and those that remain are barely enough to defend the sacred wood itself. We are a noble and proud race, there is strength in the Kingdom of men but honour? They fear and mistrust us as they do the Dwarfs, but only together will we stand. Denethor is ill and will not stand. I feel that we must rely on our half-kin from Dol Amroth, Elven blood flows strongly in their veins."

"The influence of the Horse Lords is also strong, but how many will answer Theoden's call? Will their forces be enough to stem the advance of the Uruk's from Isengard or will the Horse Lords fall? The future is clouded for me. We must speak with Lord Elrond of Rivendell to determine a solution to this problem"
"Indeed we must, I have sent a message to Eldrad, and expect a reply soon, the Horselords will stand, they shall not be beaten down, Saruman may have 10,000 Orcs, but the men of Rohan will muster many more, but that shall take time. We must persuade Theoden to muster his forces, then, and only then we can deal with Saruman."

The squadron of Swan ships has arrived in the Grey Havens. Calodar, envoy of Dol Amroth to Mithlond, jumped off his ship and started giving orders to the captains of the other four ships. "I will stay in Mithlond and speak to Cirdan the Shipwright," he said. "He has often been our greatest trading partner, and hopefully we can assure an alliance with his elves. Their navy is quite strong, and could help us defeat the Corsairs if they venture onto the sea. The other four of your ships will sail South to the River Loudwater and from there sail up to Rivendell to offer them assistance. If the ships are too deep for some stretches of the river, then you can drag them over those places.

OOC: Thanks independent hitmen for having trust in me. It is true that the men of Dol Amroth have elven blood.

The dwarves continued to feast in their halls when a messenger from dale came.
messenger:"Dain, i have a message from Brad, he says he will go to war with you as you have done many things for us in the past."
Dain:"We will go to war if we have to, there is no point in running in blindly to a larger force and i havwe no word from any of the other dwarf mountains"
messenger"ok... I will inform king brad of your choice"
Dain"some ale?"
messenger:"no i'm fine i must be going"

and with that the messenger went on his way back to dale.

Bealfas, Rather Annoyed that he was getting the brunt of something that was not his choice, rode back into the city, which's gates were still open to the flood of Osgiliathian Refugees.

Denethor Was Ill, And His Sons were not there, They were gaurding the many strategic passes and ways into Gondor, And this made him only worse, He Wished to die in peace, not in war, not like this, moaning softly on his deathbed.

So when someone asked him if he could see Amrahil, his reply was nothing more than another moan, Which the person in question took to be a yes.

Quickly trying to gain some Regality, Denethor awaited the Dol Amrothian, And Anyone Else who may come.

"I agree with you on both points," Adrahil said to the elf."If we fail, most assuredly all the free peoples of middle-earth will be trod under the iron-shod boot of the orc. I also believe we must take the fight to Sauron and the forces of Evil. If we allow ourselves to be besieged individually, then one by one we will fall. Hwever, our strategy will need to be different than Mithrandir's. We do not need to create a diversion for a ring-bearer this time. Arms, and arms alone, can we use to protect ourselves. Be that as it may, at the moment we need more information. For the time being I advocate for preparation and scouting. We must know what armies march to war and what state of readiness they are in." Bidding farewell to the elf, Adrahil ascended the Tiers of the city, and finally was let in to Denethor's private chambers off the Fountain Court. Denethor was lying in bed (OOC: he probably would be, right?). Adrahil immediately addressed him. "My Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, I am sad to see you so sick. However, your physical condition cannot affect your duty to the people of Gondor and Middle-Earth. You cannot sit idly by while Sauron and the Evil Powers amass an army to destroy us! The fate of Middle-Earth lies in our hands; if we were but to grasp it, the day would be ours, and a new age of prosperity, free from evil depredations, would come to pass. But we must work for that goal, Denethor. We must work together to ensure success. Sauron, Isengard, Rhun, Harad, and Umbar will not wait while we prepare. They will strike soon, and we must be ready for them! And then, we must be ready for a counterassault, to purge the land of evil. Overcome your sickness, Denethor, and show your people a strong ruler who can lead his people to whatever end!"

At this point another Elf messanger trotted towards the Mountain-Halls of the dewarves, "Open." he called "I have a message from King LEgolas of the Wood, Open now."

"My lord," said Eomer, "the scouts we sent to Orthanc have not returned. There is now no question. There is evil stirring in Isengard. According to other, long range scouts, the forests of Isengard have been destroyed. They now burn in a pillar of smoke almost as large as what comes from Orodruin (OOC: Mt. Doom) itself."
"Yes, Lord Eomer," replied the King, "We must fortify the edge of Rohan nearest Fangorn, and we must secure the Gap of Rohan, to ensure the passage of reinforcements from the Far West, possibly Elves from Imladris or the Grey Havens, or the remnants of kingdom of Eriador (OOC: Area surrounding the Shire and Bree. The Hobbits once swore loyalty to it)."
"What of the rumors from Mordor, and the East?" asked Theodred
"We cannot live to help Denethor if we do not move to stop Isengard."

Biggs, as ever, was sitting on his arse in the middle of some rubble. Osgiliath, where he had been posted, was a sh*t hole, and he had known that Sauron was coming. But ohhhh no, no one listened to old biggs, but then again he was 65, and he was surprised he hadnt been sacked from the Gondorian army. He had seen an orc before, but it was half dead floating in the river. His sword was rusty, and the younger lads made fun of him. But he would prove himself in the fight to come, he would kill an orc, and the men would chant "Biggs! Biggs the Great!

"Rivendell ahead!" called the lookout at the masthead of the leading ship. The four ships in single file slowly made their up the river. The going had been hard, but the crews were looking forward to the famed hspitality of the Last Homely House. They had kept their weapons close throughout the journey through southern Eriador, but had not encountered any who wished to prvent their passage. The main evil in these lands, Saruman, was apparently too busy dealing with Rohan to look to the North. The ships lowered anchor near the valley, and the captains proceeded toward Rivendell, while the sailors and marines readied the ships for de-embarkation.

OOC: There are about 50 men on each ship, that makes 200 in total.

ooc. lol, ships sail to Rivendell :D I'll reply later.

OOC: Yes, it does seem kind of far-fetched, but if you look at a map of Middle-Earth, you'll see that a river does run all the way from the Great Sea to the Mountains above Rivendell, passing near Rivendell. And remember, the crew did drag the ships over shallow parts and rapids... these being Swan-Ships they're relatively light-weight.

OOC: Yes, it does seem kind of far-fetched, but if you look at a map of Middle-Earth, you'll see that a river does run all the way from the Great Sea to the Mountains above Rivendell, passing near Rivendell. And remember, the crew did drag the ships over shallow parts and rapids... these being Swan-Ships they're relatively light-weight.
OOC: Your right, it is possable-Where are the Evil guys?

No idea where the evil dudes are.

OOC: To keep this alive and informed of events in Mirkwood...

IC: Finwë was 9, and he was being given his first bow. The curved elven staff was impressive to his childs mind, but huge none the less, though far smaller than ordanary bows.

Treditionally Elves would be give a bow at 13, but they had given his earlyer than the norm, as they had with everyone else. They knew that the Enermy was moving and would kill every elf he could lay his hads on.

With his farther behind him, Finwë pracatced firing an arrrow, his first was disappointing, the arrow travelled a mere 3 feet from him, but he kept trying, and by the end of the first day he could fire it 10 feet.

Next there was the art of the sword, taught by a great worrors of the Kingdom, Eldrad, Finwë was gifted with a long curving sword, small then a full size one, but largenough to fight with and he was trained in the Elvish fighting style, learning the motion that kept elvish fighting so deady, the twirling motion with his hands that kept the blade ever moving, it was hard to master, but once mastered it was immpossable to stop.

He learnt many things over the coming days, archery, swordfighting, everything that would hopfully help him down an Orc. He was named after a great Elivin hero, had noble blood in his viens and redused to let himself fail.

Mirkwood, meanwhile was full of rumors, rumors that the King was dead, that the enermy had returned, that Lorien was destroyed. But the Elves ignored these, trying to keep themselves busy with vital work.

All hight, and all day the forges rang as blade after blade was forged, armour was dragged from cubords where it had lain since the days of the last allince, and finally, after 14 long days the Elves where ready for war, in equipment at least.

The only real problem was that they wern't all trained to true Elvin standed, that would take many weeks, months even for them all to be trained that well, and even them some, such as the children would not be deadly effective.

Still every day the enermy laid off attacking gave them another day of training, and every day the Elvin skills improved.

Soon, if the Enermy did not assult, the Elvin people would march for war, as soon as the king arrived back in the Enchanted realm they would march, soon. And Finwë would march among them.

After a dat at Lorien Legolas rode south, it hurt his heart to leave such a place but he must. He rode towards the court of the Horsekings, leaving the LLord and Lady with a message to pass onto Elrond. "I am mustering my forces, and hopefully all forces of good into one great host. I plan to have them meet, at Edoras inside 2 months, I shall bring my entire people, and I am hoping to persuade Theoden to have his riders muster there. If you can bring your forces, and tell Edlrad that if he can to send his own aid. I have sent messages to the Dewarves about this, and I hope they two will join us, I am sure Grimli will."

"I balive that we must muster all our worriors, if we are to defeat this enermy." With that he left.

For the next day he rode to Edoras passing many villages of the Rohirrin, he reached the capital on the second day of riding and rode through the gates making straight for the Golden Hall of Medused. He burst open the doors and strode in. "Eomer!" he called, "Theoden! I have ridden hard with tidings from the North, and from Lorien,"

"My Lord Legolas!" said the surprised lord of Rohan, "What news do you bring of Mirkwood and Lorien?"

OOC: No clue about the evil people. Just gives us more time to prepare though... I don't know what to do about my force sent to the Grey Havens, hunterskeep never seems to post. Time to check in with everyone...
Minas Tirith: I'm waiting for Arenumberg to reply.
Rivendell: I'm waiting for Warta Endor.
Dol Amroth:
The days had been well spent, Dol Amroth was mobilizing for war. The entire navy had been quickly prepared, and was now riding at anchor. The Riders of Anfalas were being reinforced, and had tightened their defensive perimeter around the Kingdom. Scouting forays were being conducted further and further afield, and new startling information had been discovered: A mighty army not much less than 20,000 strong was marching from Rhun, and would fall on Erebor, Dale, and Greenwood soon. The Swan Knights had been called together from all corners of the Realm, and a force of 4,000 men was being sent to fight Rhun in the aid of Greenwood, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, and Brad, King of Dale. This force consisted of 1,000 Swan Knights, armed as Heavy Cavalry with lances and plate armour, 500 Riders of Anfalas, as light cav with longbows and chainmail, and 2,500 men at arms armed with bow and sword. They would use the aid of the navy in traveling at a fast pace up the Anduin, through Gondor, dragging the ships over the Rauros Falls, and finally up to the Old Ford near the House of Beorn, after passing near Lorien. Imrahil would lead this force himself. More aid could be sent up later, but Dol Amroth was not fully mobilized so this was all she could do at the moment. Imrahil had plans for sending another army under Adrahil to the defence of Rohan and Gondor, but that would have to remain in his head for the time being. For the meanwhile, he left Adanor, captain of the Anfalas riders, in command of Dol Amroth and in charge of its defence and mobilization.

An ominous pattern of cloud was appearing in the sky above Dale. If weather could predict the future, then things looked bleak for Dale.

At first there had been the message sent by Dain of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills. "We will not rush into war until it is absolutely neccessary" was the general gist of it. This had suited King Brad down to the ground. It all meant he had more time to enjoy the kingdom's summer festival.

The second and more recent message put a sour taste in his mouth. It came from an unlikely source - Radagast the Brown.

He staggered into the Hall of Brad, exhausted from his journey which he had clearly made in haste. He appeared very dishevelled.

"Your majesty..... forces....Sauron....." he panted.
"I don't understand. Calm down for a minute then try talking again" said Brad impatiently". After a brief pause Radagast spoke again more clearly.
"Dale is in danger, as are the dwarves and Greenwood. Sauron has mobilised his forces and they are due to launch an attack on all of Northeast Middle Earth. You must prepare yourself - they are moving quickly and will be here within days."

At this Brad's face turned an unhealthy shade. He had never expected his reign as king to incorporate things such as this. As far as he was concerned what little military forces Dale had were more of a decorative unit designed to celebrate himself and everything the people of Dale had ever achieved. War? The notion was practically foreign to him.

"I, I...." He started, "Er, right then! We must move swiftly! Every man capable of carrying arms is to report to the town hall as quickly as possible, they must not delay. Corbett, see to it that word is sent to the dwarves. They must be prepared as well if either of us are survive this week."

Brad also laid orders for the barricading of the city. Around 20 squadrons of 10 archers were to be placed at high points in and around the city. All men of arms were placed on the borders. The whole point of the operation was as a defensive preventative measure - facing the forces head on would yield nothing. The men of Dale would just have to sit back and defend whilst hoping for the help Radagast had promised would arrive. Brad just hoped they would arrive soon.

Imrahil's force was moving rapidly along the Anduin. They had passed Osgiliath and left some marines there to help defend the ruined city, around 300 men. They continued Northwards, aided by a strong wind. The men were unnerved by the darkness over Mordor but Imrahil reassured them. The falls of Rauros were bypassed with much difficulty, the men having to haul the Swan Ships around the waterfall. Imrahil pitched in, and soon they were back on the river. Scouts sent out had confirmed the worst. Rhun was indeed launching a massive attack on Erebor, Greenwood and Dale and it was rumoured that Sauron was on the move also. Proceeding at an astonishing clip, the fleet reached Lorien and Imrahil went to confer with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.

"My Lord Legolas!" said the surprised lord of Rohan, "What news do you bring of Mirkwood and Lorien?"
"Grave news Theoden, very grave," legolas spoke in the language of Rohirrin, "A army, at least 20,000 strong is marching upon the Greenwood and Rohan, in the west Saruman stirs. War approches our lands, we cannot hold it off. I have ordered every elf, man woman or child to prepare for war, and I would advise you to as well."

"My advice is simple, must the Rohirrin, call upon your worriors to muster at Edoras, send the Women and children to the Deep, there I am sure Gimli will protect them. I have told the Elves of Lorien that I shall send my men to Edoras, every eld under my command, to your city to help protect it, and I have sent messages to Dain and the Dewarves to do also. Soon I shall ride to Gondor to ask them to do the same. We should form a great host to drive these devils back."

OOC: Should someone TG the evil guys.

The Lord and Lady of the woods had forseen the arrival of the Knights, and so were already moving to the edge of the forest when some scouts reported that Imrahil was arriving.

They met at the edge of the enchanted wood, under the watchful gaze of several Elven scouts high in the trees on the extreme of the sacred forest.

Celeborn began the dialect in the common tongue

"My Lord, greetings from the Woodland Realms. What news do you bring from the South?"

A caravan of orcs, warg riders, werewolves and other foul beings was headed towards Gondor, towards Minas Tirith. The soldiers numbered just a hundred and carried no siege equipment, but with them was the leader of the Nazgûls, the witchking.
They held a high pace, travelling both night and day. Nothing would stand in their way to deliver their lord's message to the steward of Gondor, the king of Rohan and then the elves.

OOC: not mcuh for me to do, can you finish that message soon RL so I can respond to somone....

Open! In the name of Sauron, lord of Mordor, open this gate! shouted the witchking furiously to the Gondorian guardsmen at Minas Tirith.
As he was escorted to the throneroom by the trembling mortals he sensed that the forces of the elves were gathering. He had to hurry.
I greet you milord, steward of Gondor, most powerful of Men. I bring words from Sauron, lord of Mordor. He wishes to break free of the alliance with Saruman and the Easterlings. He wishes enter a friendly relationship with the lords of the west, and he wishes to make up for his former crimes by turning on the followers of darkness, and he wishes to see the light again.

OOC: Anyone who wants a good sci-fi rp should check out ¨A new threat¨.

ooc. bit late.

Elrond, all alone except for two guards, welcomed the men of Dol Amroth. He was astonished that they had maneged to reach Imlandris by boat. He would welcome them with open hands.

"Welcome to Imlandris. You must be weary after this astonishing feat. You may rest and a eat before we discuss pressing matters. I'm sorry that I alone welcome you, but most of the male population is under arms and occupied in other areas. Females and childeren are few, even fewer than men."

"Dain radagast the brown is here to see you"
"let him in"
"greetings dain"
"hello to you radagast, what news"
"rhun is mobilizing, they will arrive within a few days, i have already been to dale they are creating barriers and fortifications along with arming everyone able to bear arms"
"we will do the same, are you going back to dale"
"yes to inform lord brad of your decision"
"will you tell him that he can take refuge in the mountain, i know this will cause dales destrution but its his choice."

"Dain radagast the brown is here to see you"
"let him in"
"greetings dain"
"hello to you radagast, what news"
"rhun is mobilizing, they will arrive within a few days, i have already been to dale they are creating barriers and fortifications along with arming everyone able to bear arms"
"we will do the same, are you going back to dale"
"yes to inform lord brad of your decision"
"will you tell him that he can take refuge in the mountain, i know this will cause dales destrution but its his choice."
OOC: I did send a messanger...

OOC: Whoa! A lot has happened! I'm going to answer everyone...

Lorien:
Imrahil greeted Celeborn and Galadriel, speaking in the Elven tongue that all in Dol Amroth knew. "Hello, My Lord and Lady, I am glad to say that the forces of evil have not yet stirred in the South. The Haradrim and Corsairs do not seem to be moving at the present, so I have been able to dispatch many men to the aid of others. I have 4,000 men with me, we are moving at all haste up the Anduin to the North to help Greenwood, Erebor and Dale hold off the assault from Rhun, which is rumoured at above 20,000 men. My envoys have also reached Gondor, Mithlond, and Rivendell, and I hope to be able to offer as much aid as I can to the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth. If you have any troops they would be welcome among my army, as I am afraid my force will be but a token compared to the Rhunic host. If you do not mind, my army will camp outside the Sacred Wood tonight, but I will make sure no soldier desecrates this place by going within its boundaries.

Rivendell:
Calodar (I decided to ressurect him in Rivendell since nothing's happening in the grey Havens) greeted Elrond warmly in the Elven tongue. "Yes, thank you for your welcome. We are indeed tired after our arduous journey, but such are the state of the roads in Enedwaith and dunland that we actually achieved a faster pace than by foot. I understand your shortage of able-bodied men. I hope you can use me and my 200 men, they are put at your disposal." After a sumptuous meal, Calodar returned to Elrond. "Now, we must talk of more pressing matters. My King, Imrahil, is sailing with an army of 4,000 to the North, to help defend that area from the army from Rhun. Another army is being prepared, to help Rohan and Gondor. The King's son Adrahil is in Gondor, discussing with Denethor (if he would post). I would be happy to hear any of your thoughts on what we should do concerning strategy."

Gondor:
OOC: I can't roleplay Adrahil's encounter with the Witch King until Arenumberg responds about his talk with Denethor.

Dol Amroth:
The Kingdom was getting mobilized, bit by bit, and since there were no Haradrim or Corsairs near the city they could afford to forego a bit of defense. Adanor had readied another army, 4,500 strong to sail to Gondor. The fleet would play a large part, for they would sail in force up the Anduin and prevent anyone from crossing the river into Gondor from the mouth of the river to the Falls of Rauros. the army would be transported up to Osgiliath, and there disembark and make their way to Minas Tirith. This army would be commanded by Adrahil when it got there. The fleet set sail, with loyal citizens lining the banks to wish them farewell. Possibly reinforcements could be sent up to both armies, but Adanor preferred to keep them in Dol Amroth for now.
OOC: This army is exactly the same as the other one, except with 500 more men-at-arms.

Bump

The Haradrim were having a council in their more habitable lands in Far Harad. The majority of the cheiftens of harad as well as the current commander of Umbar attended the meeting.

The council took place within a tent that had been pitched over a great stone tables that had several stone chairs around it. It had been first created by Sauron when he "persuaded" the haradrim to join with him against the elves and men so very long ago. Now it was being used once more for this same thing, they only awaited the promised emissary of Mordor to arrive.

OOC: Whoever is Mordor should play this ambassador. If they don't I'll just play it out.

Bump

The second army of Dol Amroth, on hearing of stirrings in Harad, had been put on hold for the moment. Dol Amroth would not be caught unawares. A fast ship was immediately dispatched to the City of The Corsairs, to see if a peace treaty could be arranged. A minor official was sent into the harbor by boat, to send this message to the Corsairs. Here was the message:

Dear Leaders of Harad and Umbar,
Despite our many disagreements in the past, the Kingdom of Dol Amroth would like to secure peace in the upcoming war. Even though we have often fought in the past, only in the times of peace between our nations were we truly prosperous. The sight of your trade ships in our harbors again would gratify me greatly. If we cannot be comrades in arms, let us at least be united by trade. This coming war will decide the fate of Middle-Earth, so I bid you choose your allies wisely. It might be in your best interest to side with the forces of good in Middle-Earth this time. A grand alliance of Elves, Men and Dwarves is being prepared to march on the evil kingdoms. Are you sure you want to be counted among their number? I await your response.

Sincerely,
Adanor Periath, Interim King of Dol Amroth

OOC: Sorry, I'm new to the rp world, but what is Bump?

The embassador from Mordor arrived. He was escorted by two nazgûls and five hundred orcs (I want to make a good first impression), all carrying torches that set the night on fire.
I suggest that you accept this proposal from Dol Amroth. the black nûmenor (the ambassador) said. Friendship should spire between all countries and they shall hold you close, close enough so that a poisoned dagger may be stabbed in their backs with ease. This advise I give on to thee, and woe betide anyone who might stand in Mordors way.
Then, the nazgûls let out a terrible shriek that chilled you to the bone and left you cold and gloomy and the orcs drew their swords and hit their shields, not being openly hostile but making it clear that the forces of Mordor would not allow anyone to stop them.

OOC: Bump means that you are posting the post just to get the thread back to the top of the forum, hoping that it will gain attention.
IC: The King listened sadly as Legolas spoke to him. The King then rose, when Legolas finished, and turned to Eomer, saying: "Evacuate the women and children of Edoras to Helm's Deep. Order all peasants who cannot ride to defend the fort with their lives. I want every man and strong lad, able to bear arms and ride a horse, to muster at the Eaves of Fangorn. You have four days. On the fourth: we ride for Isengard."

The Easterlings decide to send out diplomats to all the nations of middle earth!

OOC: I see.

IC: Adanor was relieved that his propostition to the Haradrim might help. He did not trust them, how could he after centuries of war, but he hoped this would at the least buy him time and at the most ensure a loyal ally, although he doubted it. Forces up the Anduin could always be pulled back to the defense of the homeland. For now, the second army would sail, this time along the coast, past the Cape of Andrast, and up to the River Loen which was navigable to ships up to a point near Isengard. An extremely favorable wind made it likely that the ships and men would arrive not long after the Rohirrim. Adanor sent a messenger on a fast horse to convey his plan to Theoden. Hopefully, the Rohirrim and his troops could pull off a pincer attack on Isengard, taking her by suprise.

Two thousand of Mordors orcs were sent to Isengard. Meanwhile, the Witch King grew impatient and decided to send messengers to the elven kingdoms. It was important that they arrived in time.
The first messenger would need to gain an audiens to meet with Celeborn, that would probably be the hardest part of their work.

OOC:Reponce to my message to the dewarves?

IC: It was dark, but 11,000 torches lit the nights sky, and 11,000 elves left Greenwood for the last time. Everyone of the was armed, from the tinyest shild to the eldest child, armour sparkled in the torchlight.

The Elves where marching, down the Anduin they marched, croosing after Lorien, they marched towards Edoras. A messanger from the Rohirrin met them and told them that the King was at Fangorn. On the 3rd day of there march they found the Rohirrin mustering.

They arrived in the darkness, setting up camp on the eves of the forest and the men of Rohan marvelled for such a force of elves had not been seen since the Eldar day. But Legolas was not there, he had ridden south to try to persude Gondor to join them.

When he reached Maris Tirth, the city was in a state of fear from the ambassidor of Mordor, and his own messanger had not been able to obtain an Audience with the Steward.

Ignoring the protests of the guards, Legalos strode up the steps to the Stwards tower and strode in, his bow on his side, not caring for the chamberlins insistance that he removed it.

He pushed open the doors just as he heard the ambassidor of the enermy say, I greet you milord, steward of Gondor, most powerful of Men. I bring words from Sauron, lord of Mordor. He wishes to break free of the alliance with Saruman and the Easterlings. He wishes enter a friendly relationship with the lords of the west, and he wishes to make up for his former crimes by turning on the followers of darkness, and he wishes to see the light again.

At this Legolas spoke, "Ignore him, my Lord, should I remind you what mordor has done? It robbed you your son, my Lord, it attacked your kingdom, do you not rember the slaughter of those days. Do you not rember the sacrifice of your son."

"Would you throw your sons sacrafice, My lord, and ally with the great enermy, for I though of you as a far more noble man than that. The ages have been long, yet before he entered an allince with the elves. Remember what he created in that allince, the ring that almost brought doom to middle earth. Ignore this man, my Lord, ignore his false offers of freindship."

"In the north a great army is musterering , will Gondor join it, will the men and knights of Gondor join our great allince. Or will they join the dark powers who cast you from Numerdor in the first place?"

"Leave, hound of Souron, or shall I strike you down like the cur you are." With this Legolas drew his bow and aimed it at the Witchkings head, "Leave, Nazgul, leave and survive, for a man may not strike you down, but an elf shall."

OCC: I should really type more during the evening too. Also, it'd be less confusing if we were using a forum rather than a single thread. Anyways, back to the Haradrim meeting.

The council was utterly surprised by this show of force. They had expected just an ambassador to come, not an small army and two wraiths! The cheiftens looked around uneasily.

"I believe now that Mordor's emissary has arrived we will agree with my point. It would seem we have but two choices." said the commander grinning evilly. "Death or allegiance to Sauron. I myself vote to join with the Great Lord. I suggest you do the same."

Commander Ulfang was right. It also seemed that this devote follower of Sauron would also be the one commanding the forces of Harad. The forces of Harad joined with Mordor, war would come swiftly from east and south upon the forces of Gondor.

I greet you young elf, though your words are harsh. the Witch King said. But do you really think that Sauron would rise so soon and challenge the very forces that vanquished him before? Do you really think that a maia can be utterly corrupted, that he can never be brought back to the light by the power of Illúvatar? Do you really think he would send his right hand to his would-be enemies instead of an army? You surprise me, young elf.

In the Haradrim meeting:
Then will you obey my master and accept this proposal from Dol Amroth? the embassador asked.

"You may as well tell us the proposal, since some of us do not trust others to interpret writings we cannot read." Said Commander Ulfang glancing at a few more paranoid cheiftens.

Dear Leaders of Harad and Umbar,
Despite our many disagreements in the past, the Kingdom of Dol Amroth would like to secure peace in the upcoming war. Even though we have often fought in the past, only in the times of peace between our nations were we truly prosperous. The sight of your trade ships in our harbors again would gratify me greatly. If we cannot be comrades in arms, let us at least be united by trade. This coming war will decide the fate of Middle-Earth, so I bid you choose your allies wisely. It might be in your best interest to side with the forces of good in Middle-Earth this time. A grand alliance of Elves, Men and Dwarves is being prepared to march on the evil kingdoms. Are you sure you want to be counted among their number? I await your response.

Sincerely,
Adanor Periath, Interim King of Dol Amroth.

The plan is to lure them into a false sense of security and allow your forces to march upon their lands without arousing suspicion. Once sauron gives the signal you will turn on them, destroying everything in your path.

I greet you young elf, though your words are harsh. the Witch King said. But do you really think that Sauron would rise so soon and challenge the very forces that vanquished him before? Do you really think that a maia can be utterly corrupted, that he can never be brought back to the light by the power of Illúvatar? Do you really think he would send his right hand to his would-be enemies instead of an army? You surprise me, young elf.

.
"I balive that evil does not change, no matter what it wears, my people, even our wisest, balived you before, and you betrayed us. If a Valar can be so uterly currupted as to be cast into the heavens, then why should his servent not be corrupted beyond goodness."

"How do you explane the company of Orcs that made there way to Isringuard. How to you explain Dol Guldur once again becoming evil. The attacks upon my scouts and mesangers?"

"I am not so young as to be fooled by simple lies, Nazgul, if I was Souron I would send my right hand to offer peace, and to hold my enermys, ad with the left I would gather my strength and use that as my sword arm."

The Easterlings wonder if any of their diplomats have been recieved?

OOC:RP them reaching the Elvin encampment.

The Easterlings reach the elven camp...?

Dol Amroth: Adanor cursed as he heard the scouts' report. The forces of Sauron were already in Harad, it would seem, and rumour had it that at least one Ringwraith had been among them. The Haradrim would now most likely side with Sauron, and march through Southern Gondor and Ithilien to the banks of the Anduin. Considering Denethor's position, he could expect little help from Gondor. He only hoped that Adrahil would be able to somehow change his mind. But now was time for drastic action. His scouts would keep him informed of some of the Haradrim's movements, but unfortunately Dol Amroth could not send as much help to their allies if their Southern border was not secure. He immediately sent a message to Imrahil, asking him to return with his 4,000 men to Dol Amroth. Adanor just hoped that the Northern kingdoms would be able to hold of the assault from Rhun. He also hoped that Saruman could be dealt with quickly, so his forces could either return or go on to help other beleaguered countries. For now, he ordered much of the army to fortify a position along the north bank of the Anduin, and for the navy to patrol the river and coast. Imrahil would get back soon, and then his position would be strengthened considerably.

Lorien: Imrahil bade a hasty farewell to the Lord and Lady of the Wood, but left an envoy there to facilitate communications. He quickly made his way down the Anduin to Southern Ithilien, and a good beeze would see him in Dol Amroth soon.

The River Loen: The fleet was making good progress up the river, and would be in Isengard in two days' time. A messenger was dispatched on horseback to the Eaves of Fangorn, and when he came was suprised to not only see a huge force of Rohirrim, but also a mighty host of elves 11,000 strong, a show of force not seen since the elder days. He quickly galloped down to the plain to meet the two leaders. "My lords, I bring a message from a force of 5,000 men from Dol Amroth, sailing up the River Loen, who will be near Isengard in two days' time. They wish to assist you in any way they can, but are rather constrained since we are expecting an imminent attack on our homeland's southern border by the Haradrim and possibly Sauron also. Nevertheless, for the moment we are dedicated to helping you overcome Saruman in any way we can."

Minas Tirith: Adrahil sprang up from speaking to Denethor when the Witch King entered. He heard the vile Nazgul speaking lies. He also saw an elf leap in, and point his bow at the spirit's head. Adrahil pulled out his blade, the heirloom gifted to him by his father. This was the blade of Amroth, forged in the Forges of Eregion at its height. Of elven make, it shimmered in the candlelight. "The elf is right," Adrahil said, "No man can kill you. But I have elven blood in my veins, and I hold the Sword of Amroth, my ancestor!" With that, he sprang forward. He had trained his whole life for this.

"I balive that evil does not change, no matter what it wears, my people, even our wisest, balived you before, and you betrayed us. If a Valar can be so uterly currupted as to be cast into the heavens, then why should his servent not be corrupted beyond goodness."

"How do you explane the company of Orcs that made there way to Isringuard. How to you explain Dol Guldur once again becoming evil. The attacks upon my scouts and mesangers?"

"I am not so young as to be fooled by simple lies, Nazgul, if I was Souron I would send my right hand to offer peace, and to hold my enermys, ad with the left I would gather my strength and use that as my sword arm."
Everything can change, and everything that happens happens acording to the music of Illúvatar.
As for the small army of orcs that are stationed in Isengard, I urge you to assault their gates before it is too late and Saruman discovers their true purpose. For they are they to aid you, not to fight you. Another eighteen thousand will arrive tomorrow, make sure you are there.
Dol Guldur (the easterlings?), they are also a part in my masters plan to cast down evil. wouldn't it be best if our mutual enemies were caught between two fires?
As for your messengers; Mordor is vast and its inhabitants numberless and it is impossible to control everyone everytime. They inherit their hatred towards the elves! Sauron never gave such an order.
And if you strike with your left arm, you would almost certainly miss and leave yourself open for a counter-strike.

The nazgûl drew his sword and blocked the humans blow, casting him aside and then put back his sword again.
OOC: I never gave an order to attack your messengers, it seems kind of godmoddish to me that you control who my forces fire upon.

Adrahil withdrew into a defensive stance, the sword glowing in his hand. "We do not trust you, minion of Sauron. Even now you have sent envoys to the haradrim, with an army of orcs! Too much have we quarreled in the past for us to be seduced by your lies. We will not have the fate of Numenor, struck down by the Valar because you corrupted them."
Adrahil covertly signalled behind his back for his guards to summon the Riders of Anfalas and have them take positions on the gallery above. He wouldn't fall for any of the Witch King's tricks.

A small army was sent to the Haradrim to ensure that they won't do anything stupid.
What must I do to prove that my master has changed?!

Everything can change, and everything that happens happens acording to the music of Illúvatar.
As for the small army of orcs that are stationed in Isengard, I urge you to assault their gates before it is too late and Saruman discovers their true purpose. For they are they to aid you, not to fight you. Another eighteen thousand will arrive tomorrow, make sure you are there.
Dol Guldur (the easterlings?), they are also a part in my masters plan to cast down evil. wouldn't it be best if our mutual enemies were caught between two fires?
As for your messengers; Mordor is vast and its inhabitants numberless and it is impossible to control everyone everytime. They inherit their hatred towards the elves! Sauron never gave such an order.
And if you strike with your left arm, you would almost certainly miss and leave yourself open for a counter-strike.

The nazgûl drew his sword and blocked the humans blow, casting him aside and then put back his sword again.
OOC: I never gave an order to attack your messengers, it seems kind of godmoddish to me that you control who my forces fire upon.
"Remove the Orcs from Isinguard, come to Maris Tirth alone, without armour or weapons. Surrender to us and leave Middle Earth forever. I shall not trust you until your master does that.!

I wouldn't trust someone who did to me as Sauron did to you and all inhabitants in Middle-earth. However, I am not asking you to trust me, I am asking you to give me a chance to earn your trust. The orcs from Isengard can be withdrawn if you insist, but it will be unwise. Sauron will also come to Maris Tirth (what is that place? I don't remember it froom the books) alone, without armour or weapons, but he will not surrender nor will he leave Middle-earth.

OOC: So much damnable chaos in this thread.
"We will 'agree' to this treaty with these people Dol Amroth." stated Commander Ulfang without bothering to consult the other cheiftens. "We will be sending a messenger to them as soon as you leave, My lords."

A swift horse and messenger awaited with a letter declaring the Corsair and Haradrim allegiance to Dol Amroth. The forces of the Harad awaited Mordor's call.

OOC: He means Minas Tirith. I hope to god that was a typo.

Then I shall take my leave the emissary said. The two wraiths and the orcs will remain here to insure speedier communications.
March towards Isengard as fast as you can. There we will regroup.

OOC: Maris Tirth=Minas Tirith? Oh well, I can't think of anything else.

"Isengard?! That is hundreds of miles to the north! We'd have to cross into the realm of Rohan as well as cross through the treacherous woods of Ithillien!" said the Commander in a surprised tone. "It would be far easier to fight them from the south then to march for weeks northward!"

You think that after hundreds of years of attacks from the south the men of west would be surprised by another?! A surprise attack from Isengard would take them completely by surprise allowing our forces to march deep within their territory before they can react.

OOC: Yeah, I think he means Minas Tirith. Also, a friend of mine would like to join, but there wasn't anyone left. Do you think he could play as the Grey Havens or the Shire since they haven't posted anything?

Dol Amroth:
Imrahil had returned to Dol Amroth. He assumed command and sent Adanor to supervise the construction of fortifications on the north bank of the Anduin. He also sent some of the Riders of Anfalas out into the forests of Ithilien and South Gondor. The Haradrim would have to march through there to get to his Kingdom, and they could set ambushes and traps but then retreat on their swift and sturdy ponies to a better position. They would hassle the enemy while remaining unseen, and so inflict casualties before the enemy was even at the defensive emplacements. Imrahil decided there was no point in considering an alliance with the Haradrim now, since they had entertained an envoy from Sauron.

The spies of Sauron, seeing that their plot had been discovered, sent word to Mordor. Two days later a black rider entered Dol Amroth without being noticed until he demanded an audience with the ruler.

OOC: Kind of a god-mod, him not being noticed, but I don't really care.

Imrahil's guards reported a ringwraith had come and demanded an audience with him. Imrahil wasn't suprised, and he let him in, although with suitable protection present. "I know why you have come, minion of Sauron," Imrahil said. "You wish to corrupt me as you have many others in ages beyond count. I will not listen to your silver-tongued lies. My people are proud, and have elven blood. We do not consort with the dark lord, no matter what guise he may take. I am saddened that your traditional allies have once again been coerced into supporting you, but the decision is theirs, whether to grovel like slaves before you or stand up and defend what is theirs from your avarice."

OOC: Sorry, I just meant he was in disguise but couldn't remember the right word.
We only ask that the Haradrims may be allowed to travel through your kingdom. we will no hurt any of your people nor will we destroy any of their possessions. The army is heading towards Isengard. The steward of Gondor can infom you about a meeting between him and the Witchking. I am sure it will prove interesting.

OOC: Kind of hard for a ringwraith to disguise himself, but oh well.

IC: "Why should my citizens allow your slaves through their lands?" Imrahil asked. "What business do they have at Isengard? Do you wish to consolidate your forces into a great army, and march upon all the lands of Middle-Earth? I can see no other reason for ordering your lackeys to march thousands of miles, through the populated lands of Dol Amroth and Gondor. How will you feed your army? The lands already have inhabitants, and if you claim not to take any of their possessions, you will be hard pressed not to have your army desintigrate for want of food. And no army can keep complete control of their soldiers. Even if I were not already opposed to granting you right of passage, the thought of what your barbarians would do would stop me."

OOC: I can't really do anything with Adrahil in Minas Tirith until Arenumberg posts.

OOC: No, I don't think so.

I can not say anything about the armies purpose, but I advice you to contact Gondor if you want to know.
Caravans with food will arrive from Mordor and five wraiths and fivehundred orcs could prove to be quite intimidating.

Dol Amroth:
A messenger arrived from Adrahil in Minas Tirith, telling of how the witch king had said the orcs in Isengard were there to help in the assault and more would be arriving. Imrahil turned back to the Nazgul. "You wish me to believe that your orcs are in Isengard to help us? I do not trust you, and I do not trust your orcs either. I will not allow your minions to march through my lands. You must find someone else to decieve, servant of Sauron! No amount of orcs or wraiths will intimidate me or my countrymen!" With that, Imrahil strode out of the Audience Hall. He had his personal guard, armed with ancient elven blades, relics of Eregion, stand guard around the Nazgul. His position had been strengthened, as the fortified wall along the banks of the Anduin was nearing completion. He ordered more men into Ithilien, to stop the Haradrim that would most likely now try and force their way through. He authorised every soldier to be brought up, and sent to the border. The fleet stepped up their patrols of the Anduin. The people of Dol Amroth would defend their land to their last breath.

River Loen: The fleet was through the Gap of Rohan, and were within a day of Isengard. The messenger from the Rohirrim and Elves had not returned yet though...

OOC: I think you misunderstood me when I said they could prove to be intimidating.

So be it then. the nazgûl said, turning his back to the king and walking towards the door. He had to discuss alternative routes with the Haradrim. This was a major setback, but it didn't have to endanger the entire plan.

[QUOTE=Caladonn] Also, a friend of mine would like to join, but there wasn't anyone left. Do you think he could play as the Grey Havens or the Shire since they haven't posted anything?

I am very sorry to say this, but I will be going away and will not have time to RP for Laketown. Your friend can certainly take over for me.

I apologize for not being able to RP.

OOC: We need someone to take over Isinguard too. Where's Theoden?

OOC: I'm here.
IC: The riders of Rohan collected at the Eaves of Fangorn, just far enough away from Isengard so that it could not be seen. Theoden rode through the camp as more and more Rohirrim arrived from all across the Mark. Theoden said to Gamling: "How many do we have?"
"A count of almost 29,000 have so far arrived, but no riders have yet come from near to the border with Gondor. We estimate that maybe another 10,000 will come from Eastern Rohan by tonight, and in the morning, we shall be ready to ride upon Isengard."
"Thank you, Gamling."

OOC: We should contact Isengard so he knows what's going on.

An army of orcs, numbering twenty thousand, were sent to reinforce the twenty thousand strong army that had already arrived at Isengard. With them were a group of trolls clad in armour and carrying huge hammers.

OOC: I'm here.
IC: The riders of Rohan collected at the Eaves of Fangorn, just far enough away from Isengard so that it could not be seen. Theoden rode through the camp as more and more Rohirrim arrived from all across the Mark. Theoden said to Gamling: "How many do we have?"
"A count of almost 29,000 have so far arrived, but no riders have yet come from near to the border with Gondor. We estimate that maybe another 10,000 will come from Eastern Rohan by tonight, and in the morning, we shall be ready to ride upon Isengard."
"Thank you, Gamling."
"We must leave now." The elvin leader had crept up silently, suprisising the King and Gamling. "My Lord has sent a message, he is riding here and there is not much time. An army of Dol Amroth is sailing to isringuard, they shall be there by the time tomaorrow is out. If we do not arrive soon there will be no time. We must desfeat Saruman quickly and then turn and make for Gondor. Muster everyone who can fight-women and children too."

OOC: We should contact Isengard so he knows what's going on.
OOC: have you ever seen Seph RP? Trust me, I've defeated him 4 times and turned him into a casino...He CAN'T RP.

OOC: have you ever seen Seph RP? Trust me, I've defeated him 4 times and turned him into a casino...He CAN'T RP.

OOC: Maybe I should command his forces then. All of Middle-earth shall quake benaeth my feet, the deathcries of the men and the lamentations of their women shall be heard throughout Eä. The elven kingdoms shall fall beneath the might of Sauron and the Lords of the West shall tremble with fear... oops, you didn't hear that :headbang:

OOC: Maybe I should command his forces then. All of Middle-earth shall quake benaeth my feet, the deathcries of the men and the lamentations of their women shall be heard throughout Eä. The elven kingdoms shall fall beneath the might of Sauron and the Lords of the West shall tremble with fear... oops, you didn't hear that :headbang:

*wakes up suddenly* what, what? Oh, hell *goes to sleep again*

OOC: Im still here, just been away recently, mega post is upcoming :)

OOC: Maybe I should command his forces then. All of Middle-earth shall quake benaeth my feet, the deathcries of the men and the lamentations of their women shall be heard throughout Eä. The elven kingdoms shall fall beneath the might of Sauron and the Lords of the West shall tremble with fear... oops, you didn't hear that :headbang:
OOC: id hear what....Oh, and Seph dosn't seem to want to RP here anyway.

OOC: Then who will command Isengard?

OOC: Then who will command Isengard?
OOC:YOU? Oh, any of you lot like Discworld?

OOC: OK. Unfortunately, I've only read one book about the Discworld.
Can anyone provide a link to an rp where Sephiroth participated? I want to know if he is just as bad as you said.

OOC: OK. Unfortunately, I've only read one book about the Discworld.
Can anyone provide a link to an rp where Sephiroth participated? I want to know if he is just as bad as you said.
OOC:Search him. It's just I need help getting a Diskworld RP up and working.

Saruman had heard of the men that were gathering near his borders. If the rumours and his spies were correct, there were elves among them too. This did not matter though, 'neath Orthanc the Uruk-hai where bred at faster rate than ever before and he had received reinforcements from Mordor. Even if the men somehow defeated his forces, he had several secret tunnels that led out of Isengard and he could rise again.

OOC: Sorry about the godmod (the tunnels), but I need to give Sephiroth a chance to rise again after this battle.

Okay

The Riders of Rohan were forming up, all of them preparing to ride for Orthanc. The King asked Gamling: "How many are there."
"Higher than expectations, milord. We have almost 42,000 riders from across the Mark."
"Good. Men!" yelled the king as they formed up, "We ride to Isengard!" a cheer went through the horsemen as the King took lead and the army of Rohan marched to Isengard.

Saruman withheld the army of Rohan forming up and summoned the leader of the orcs from Mordor. It was decided that the Uruk-hai (anyone got any numbers?) would lead the assault and the orcs would stay in the second line, reinforcing weak spots and using their trolls to batter the enemy lines. Half an hour later the entire army were in position outside the gates.

OOC: Which gates?

The gates of Orthanc.
The Uruk-hai stand in the front, on the sides are the trolls and in the rear are the forty thousand orcs.

OOC: Okay, good, for a second I thought you meant the gates of Isengard, which were destroyed in order to build the tunnels.
IC: They were within sight of the enemy army. The horses sensed the fear in the men. The King rode in front of the entire Rohrrim force and was finishing his speech: "Ride now! Ride now! Ride for wrath, ride for ruin, and a red dawn! Forth, Eorlingas!!!" The King rode in front of the force as it charged toward the Uruk'Hai Army.

The uruk-hai charged the enemy without looking back, a disastrous mistake. As the first of the great orcs clashed with the riders of Rohan, the orcs charged. They followed the orders from Sauron himself and turned on their former allies. The trolls used their huge clubs to wreak havok in the Uruk-hai's lines, smashing several of them in one blow.

OOC:About 10,000 uruks?

IC:Behind the charging Rohirrin the Elves marched, they where in 10 long lines, the experianced swordsmen at the front, spear and sheild armed elves in the middle and arches at the back.

The archers fired, there missles arcing over the Rohirrin's heads and into the Orcs, 5,000 arrows fired, most of them hit. They fired again and again, with incredable speed, over 10 arrows a minuate cutting down Orc after Orc, then the Elves reached the fray.

The long swords began there deadly dance, cutting down any Orc or uruk who survived the men of Rohans attack. The Elvin commander saw the Orcs cut down there allies and spat in discust, he would kill the foul creatures no matter how long it took him.

The trolls went rampant, rushing towards the elves and sent several of them flying about a hundred feet with one blow.
The uruks, shocked by their allies betrayal, split their forces in two, one concentrating on the men and the elves while the other one chopped up the orcs.
The orks, badly hurt by the elven archers decided to withdraw temporarily and send runners to the elves asking them to stop.

The trolls went rampant, rushing towards the elves and sent several of them flying about a hundred feet with one blow.
The uruks, shocked by their allies betrayal, split their forces in two, one concentrating on the men and the elves while the other one chopped up the orcs.
The orks, badly hurt by the elven archers decided to withdraw temporarily and send runners to the elves asking them to stop.
The Elvin commander smiled, and ordered his spearmen forward, each spear was several meters long,and even a troll dosn't have arms that long. Slowly the trolls fell undrer massed elvin spears, to be finished off by the swordsmen.

There where gaps in the elvin line though and the enermy attacked these weak spots where the elves where still regrouping and attacked the ranks behind, but the elves stayed disiplinded and gradually the line was reformed.

The Commander sent the orc messanger back, saying that he would never trust the scum of Mordor, and never had done.

The orkish warg riders attacked the uruks that were dealing with the men and the elves, but were careful enough not to stray too close to the elven spears.
The other orks regrouped and charged those uruks that were pursuing them.

Eomer yelled to the Rohirrim: "Focus on the Uruks! Focus on the Uruks!"
The Rohirrim came out of the enemy force on the other side of Orthanc, and began wheeling around for another strike on the Uruk'Hai army.

Woth the Trolls dealt with the elves reformed the battleline and began to close in of the Uruk'Hai, advancing so the enermy where caught between the Rohirrin and the Elves. All arrow fire was focused on the Uruk'Hai, the bright arrows punching through metal and flesh.

OOC:How many Uruk'Hai are left? I reacon I have lost about 100 Elves.

OOC: I guess about 4 000 uruks. There are 37 000 orks left, though they do not pose a threat to you .

The uruks line facing the orks were broken and the survivors tried desperately to join their kinsmen. Their retreat was further hampered by the rohirrim who came bursting out of the ranks.
The warg riders disengaged and rode in a quarter of a circle so that the combined forces would fight the uruks from three different directions. The riders watched the riders of Rohan closely, timing was crucial now.

The other orks joined up with the warg riders, the wargs would charge first then the infanftry would follow.

OOC: Yes, I know, but would an elf tust an Orc?

IC: The Elves kept there slow march forward, there ranks now 12 deep, the swords flying in there hands. Slowly the Uruk force was deminished, as the Elven aroows, swords and spears tookk there deadly toll.

OOC: Probably not, but I hope that after this battle they will.

The Rohirrim slammed into the remaining Uruk'Hai army, hoping to kill the remaining Uruks.

Total Rohirrim Casualties: 14 Horsemen

OOC: Probably not, but I hope that after this battle they will.
OOC: I doubt it, rember Legolas is travlling North, and he dosn't trust you 1 bit.

The wargriders charged at the same time as the rohirrim, smashing into the great orks like a furry fist of death.

OOC: Legolas, eh? Sometimes a single dagger can prove more useful tha a thousand swords... I just found a way to introduce Gollum :)

Sign-up like the others, will ya?

ok, sorry

OOC: Yeah, I'll ask him if he wants to be Laketown.

Suddenly, across the battlefield, the clear ringing of silver trumpets came to the embattled sides. A mighty fleet of ships sailed up the Isen, and the Swan and Ship banner on the first ship was unfurled. The Swan Knights, their horses ready, charged off down the gangplanks. They were accompanied by riders of Anfalas on the flanks, launching arrows from their longbows at full gallop with unerring accuracy. Behind the cavalry, ranks of disciplined men-at-arms advanced at a fast gait, their swords and spears slung behind as they volleyed steel-tipped arrows from longbows. Meanwhile, above the fray, the ballistas mounted on the ships fired off mighty barbed spears at the trolls. The 2,000 Swan Knights ripped into the flank of the Uruks and Orcs, skewering the first two ranks unfortunate enough to be nearest with their lances. Once in melee, they struck about with impunity, their plate armor and shields warding off all but the fiercest blows, not to mention the formidable fencing skills of these nobles who had been trained from childhood. The 1,000 riders of Anfalas kept a bit more distance, firing off armor-piercing arrows with deadly efficiency. They took advantage of the tightly packed press to get off many arrows, since the chance to miss was almost negligible. The 6,000 men at arms continued to volley off arrows, switching to spear or sword and shield when a breach was made in the line of Swan Knights. After the shock of the charge had worn off, the knights retreated and charged again to the same devestating effect. The 20 ballistas shot far into the Isengard line, punching into trolls. The Dol Amrothians would have arrived sooner, but they had gotten reinforcements and so it had taken longer to come.
In Dol Amroth, Imrahil let the Nazgul leave. The storm would fall upon Dol Amroth, but they were ready. Also, Imrahil ordered the patrols of the Anduin around all of Gondor to resume. He didn't want reinforcements to get to Isengard again.

OOC: The trolls are already dead and the orcs are on your side.

IC:
The orks withdrew once again and send a runner to the Dol amrothians.

OOC: Why is everyone attacking my poor orcs?! Suddenly I know how Stuffing-your-face in the ¨From the shadows¨-thread feels like.

OOC: This is far too disorganized for me to keep up with. Harad and the Corsairs should probably go to Relative Liberty.

OOC: Oh sorry about the trolls. The bolts instead hit the Uruks. Yes, I've seen the From the Shadows Thread, but Tyranids and Orcs are similar. Everyone hates them, they're evil and untrustworthy. And it doesn't help that you keep posting stuff about ruling the whole world... I can't respond to your messenger until you rp what he says.
Rea Dan, what's so confusing about it? Relative Liberty already is playing two different people. If he played all the evil realms then it would just be cheap.

OOC: The messenger was sent to persuade you not to fire on the orcs. Since you laready changed that, let's pretend I never sent him.
And I will not control Harad and the corsairs.

IC:
The uruks were fighting a loosing battle and they knew it. Some of them started to run away into the wilderness, seeing as the riders of Rohan blocked the path to Orthanc. As their brothers in arms left, many more joined them and soon only a hundred and fifty remained.

OOC: I don't blame you for not wanting to control more people. You've already got two. I would control Harad and Umbar, but seeing as I'll be fighting them it would be weird to control both sides.

The Swan Knights pressed forward, slashing at mainly the remaining Uruks but any orc who got in the way also. The Riders of Anfalas galloped after the fleeing uruks, alternately firing at them and cutting them down as they ran. The men-at-arms rained covering fire down over the Knights.

OOC: The zombies hehehe will now be playing the five fiefdoms, the outer lands of Gondor.

Imrahil dispatched a messenger to the capital of the Five Fiefdoms, asking for an alliance.

The orks were careful enough to not get too close to the other forces that were fighting the uruks, but occasionaly some of them strayed to close and were cut down.

The uruks were all dead except for one. The remaining uruk was big, standing 2.1 metres tall, and carried a sword that in human terms would be considered two-handed in his right hand and a shield in his left. Other than that he wore no armour, although his fury made him almost unstoppable.
Letting out a loud WAAAGH! he charged at the swanknights, cutting down several of them with one blow.

The fleeing uruks were cut down by the horsemen of Anfalas, although a hundred escaped into the forest Fangorn (that is nearby, isn't it?).

OOC: Yeah, Fangorn is nearby, but expect Ents and walking trees to crush the Uruks.

OOC: That's what I wanted. I love the smeel of crushed uruk in the morning.

OOC: They may not get to Fangorn, as they have to cross the Isen river where my ships are... Also, I hope you don't mind if I kill your uber-Uruk. If you think this is a godmod, say so.

The crews on the ships, noticing that some Uruks were trying to get away, promptly turned their ballistas and fired at the Uruks trying to swim across the river. The other sailors fired bows at them. Several ballistas, however, commanded by Tirioth, an old Swan Knight who could no longer fight up close but still retained the keen eyes of his youth, noticed the mighty Uruk smashing aside the Swan Knights. He aimed the three ballistas on the flagship at him, and fired four slavos. Only two were needed, as the ballista bolts were helped along by a timely charge of men-at-arms. Still, the loss of those knights who had been felled in the first charge of the beast were mourned greatly. The last of the Uruks gone, the army regrouped and losses were tallied. 50 Swan Knights and 200 men-at-arms had perished, along with 15 Riders of Anfalas (OOC: Tell me if you think this is unfair). The soldiers eyed the orcs warily, unsure whether to attack or not.

OOC: I didn't really expect him to survive.

Some of the uruks, at most fifty, survived the cannonade and hid in the forest of Fangorn. Little did they know that the forest had a life of its' own.

The leader of the orcs made his way up to the commander of the swan knights and asked him to prepare for a council meeting.
He also sent runners to the elves and the men of Rohan, asking them to join.

OOC: 50 swan knights: Good.
200: men-at-arms: Reasonable
15 horsemen from Anfalas: Had expected less.

Legolas arrived as the battle finished, watching from afar.He answered the Orcs request for a council, and agreed to attend.

OOC: almost forgot... HAPPY EASTER every1 for yesterday


In the Feifdom of Lamedon, Angbor, the leader of the combined men of the 5 Feifdoms was waiting in his tent.Angbor called Anfor to him and asked ''how many men have turned up to fight with us my second-in-command''
''We have close on 8,000 men sir, 1,500 of our own clansmen, 1,000 archers from Morthond Vale, 2,000 spearmen from Pinnath Gelin, 1,500 Axemen from Lossarnach, and 1,500 Warriors from Ringlo Vale. We also have 500 horsemen sir, about half of which are archers''
''Good, this is more than expected, come we march to the aid of Gondor and our allies''
''Wait milord, there is a messenger coming, he bears the insignia of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth.''
''Then let him in''

The envoy from Dol Amroth went in to talk to Angbor. "Greetings from the kingdom of Dol Amroth," he said. "A great battle was just fought in which Rohan, Mirkwood and Dol Amroth triumphed over Isengard. Oddly, the orcs betrayed their allies to help us. However, we cannot count on their friendship, so my lord bids you send as many men as you can muster to Isengard. The orcs had 40,000 soldiers before taking casualties, so as you can see we need reinforcements. If you wish our ships can bring you to Isengard via the River Loen. You would have the company of Prince Imrahil, as he is departing with reinforcements to Isengard soon." The envoy waited for Angbor's reply.

The Commander of the Swan Knights, having supervised the troops' sleeping quarters in the ships, recieved the orc messenger and agreed to come to the council meeting. However, he said the leaders of the different armies should meet in the middle of the field. He did not trust the orcs. After conferring with the orc, the commander went to see the wounded. Under the care of many good doctors, some of the men were recovering. 5 of the Riders of Anfalas, who had been wounded by Uruk crossbowmen, would recover enough to fight. 15 of the Swan Knights, having just been knocked aside and stunned by the Great Uruk, would also live to fight again. Unfortunately, it was found that 50 more men-at-arms had died, a whole company that had been surrounded by Uruks. Dol Amroth was still a force to be reckoned with.

OOC: Now my casualties stand at:
35 Swan Knights
250 men-at-arms
10 Riders of Anfalas

The leader of the orcs went to the middle of the battlefield, signalling to his army thet they shouldn't appraoch.

OOC:My comments about your casualties remains unchanged:
Good
Reasonable
Had expected less.

Having listened to the envoy, Angbor turned to him and said
''Indeed, tell the Prince that myself and my men will be at Dol Amroth by sundown tomorrow, i shall bring everyone i can''
The envoy left to take the tidings to Prince Imrahil.
''Anfor''
''Yes Milord?''
''Tell the men to prepare for departure, we march throughout the night and through all of tomorrow, the Swan Knights have asked for us to go to Isengard, and i pledged our support''
''Yes Milord''
When Anfor had gone, Angbor drew his Numenorean longsword his ancestor had been given by the last Gondorian King(OOC: is there one now, or is it still a steward). Whirling the blade, he knew it did not need sharpening or polishing, so he sheathed it, called for his banner bearer and horse, and riding to the head of the assembled army, he set off

The Swan Knight Commander rode to the center of the field, his army assembled on the edge of the field. He dismounted and eyed the orc commander, waiting for the other generals to come.

Imrahil's ships were preparing, he would set out the next day with 6,300 more men to sail to Isengard. His envoy had returned from the Five Fiefdoms, and he was happy they would come also. A mighty host of the forces of good was assembling, and it would not be long until it was put to use again.

OOC: Yes, Denethor is still in charge. And you left out Rohan, Caladonn! And a question: is someone going to RP Saruman himself, because you know that he is going to be pi**ed off at Sauron and everyone else.
IC: Theoden conferenced with his son and nephew: "Do you think we should trust them?"
"I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them." responded Eomer
"I agree," said Theodred, "but we are Men, and we can listen to them, even though we have no intentions of doing anything."
"I agree." said Theoden.
Theoden rode Snowmane toward the center of the field, and then he dismounted Snowmane and rested his right hand on his sword, eyeing the Orc commander.

A great battle was just fought in which Rohan, Mirkwood and Dol Amroth triumphed over Isengard.
OOC: How could I leave out Rohan? And yes, Sephrioth will be mad if he wanted to still play as Isengard. But also, a lot of people haven't posted anything. My friend would like to play as the shire. Wuld it be OK if he took it?

IC: The Swan Knight commander greeted Theoden respectfully and ten turned back to the orc commander.

OOC: I'll guess I have to rp as Saruman, at least 'til he's dead...

IC:
The orc commander looked at the others and said:
We have crushed the army of uruks, that is true. But Isengard has many more soldiers, and would easily replace their losses if left unattended. Since noone seems to have rought seigeequipment we must lay a long siege to Orthanc. The question is now, Do you trust Mordor enoguh to do this?

The black captain (the witchking) returned to Gondor, asking the steward:
Now, do you trust us?!

Legolas looked at tbe Orc, "I will never trust an Orc, even dewarves I trust more than your scum. If it was up to me I'd kill you now and all your men."

"But it is not my decision solley, I ask Theoden and the Commander of Dol Amroth for there thoughts. As for garrosoning Isinguard there is no trouble there, I have freinds in the wood's, we should break the Dam and then leave, my freinds will watch over Saruman."

Theoden turned to Legolas: "I agree that Orcs should not be trusted. Orcs killed many Rohirrim in the War of the Last Alliance, but my opinion is of no consequence at this time. Rohan does not have the capability to lay siege to Orthanc. Horsemen are useless in a siege. For now, the Rohirrim ride home. Our small fortress at the Eaves of Fangorn shall maintain a medium-sized infantry force, that can help you if you need."
Theoden mounted Snowmane, and he rode back to the Rohirrim. "Let us go. We ride for Edoras. The mustered army is now temporarily disbanded.

Theoden turned to Legolas: "I agree that Orcs should not be trusted. Orcs killed many Rohirrim in the War of the Last Alliance, but my opinion is of no consequence at this time. Rohan does not have the capability to lay siege to Orthanc. Horsemen are useless in a siege. For now, the Rohirrim ride home. Our small fortress at the Eaves of Fangorn shall maintain a medium-sized infantry force, that can help you if you need."
Theoden mounted Snowmane, and he rode back to the Rohirrim. "Let us go. We ride for Edoras. The mustered army is now temporarily disbanded.
"I would advise Theoden King, that we ride south to Gondor, where the main thrust of the enermy will come."

Very well, if noone objects the elves shall lay siege to Isengard. My army will return to Mordor.

Little did they know that Saruman already had escaped through oneof his tunnels and was now heading south.

Very well, if noone objects the elves shall lay siege to Isengard. My army will return to Mordor.

Little did they know that Saruman already had escaped through oneof his tunnels and was now heading south.
"I do balive that those in the wood(The ent's) will look after Isinguard, not my people."

After almost 18 hours of solid marching, the men of the five feifdoms were finally within sight of the city of Dol Amroth. Angbor was early, and his men needed a rest. Throwing up his hand in the signal for stop, he turned to his men and shouted, '' Well marched my men, u must now rest until the evening, when we will be taken on board the Swan ships. It is my order that none of you may enter the city, until it is time to go, there are taverns with wenches in that city and i know what some of my men are like.

With that he turned and rode to the city gates, followed only by Anfor and his banner bearer. Within hailing distance of the walls he halted, and shouted
''Prince Imrahil, i'm early, open your gates and let me in.''

OOC: does anyone mind if i increase my army with some men from the hills, from 8,000 up to 10,000?

Isengard: The Swan Knight Commander, after the orcs had left, expressed his gladness to the other two generals. "I'm happy they left," he said. "I wouldn't ever trust them. If the ents will destroy Isengard, then I think we should follow Legolas' strategy and march to Gondor. That is most likely where the enemy will strike next. I have been informed that My Lord Imrahil is sailing up with 6,000 more men, and soldiers from the Five Fiefdoms will be with him. If it is agreed that we will go to Gondor, I will send a message to him telling him to sail up the River Anduin instead of the Loen. what do you think?"

Dol Amroth: The Guards to the gate beheld a mighty host of 10,000 men from all corners of Gondor marching to their gate. The great, age-blackened doors swung open, and in came Angbor, Anfor and their standard bearer. Imrahil, hastily summoned from a council meeting, was there to greet them. "Welcome to the City of Dol Amroth, my friend," he said. "Your forces, both augmented and early, are greatly appreciated. Due to a message recieved from my Commander at Isengard, we may sail up the Anduin instead of the Loen. The battle there is finished, and the power of Saruman broken. The orcs march back from whence they came. Your men are welcome to embark on the ships immediately, to have a well-deserved rest until we hear from the North. My soldiers are also ready to leave. For now, you are welcome to hospitality of the Citadel."
OOC: No, of course I don't mind. After all, Rohan mustered 42,000 men and Mordor obviously has more than the 40,000 they committed to battle.

'' My thanks to you Prince Imrahil, Anfor send the men to the captains of the Swan Ships and ask them where they want my men. My Prince, i hope that your losses were not too greivous at the battle in Isengard. Do we have news of Saruman, or not, i fear if he has escaped death, for he was always cunning and devious, even when he was supposedly good. It is good that we may sail to Minas Tirith, as i was going to send some of my men there. Will you tell me when we leave, and what numbers we will face when we arrive at Gondor?''

OOC: My numbers now stand at :10,000, with the extra men being 1,000 horsemen( 500 horsemen and 500 horse archers), 500 more bowmen, and 500 more warriors

The orcish army returned to Mordor.

Meanwhile, the soldiers in the south had been busy to not allow the Haradrim to hear of the battle of Isengard.

OOC: Where's Harad?

OOC: just below Mordor, bordering the lands os Dol Amroth and the other feifdoms

OOC: I meant the player. I hardly would have joined in this rp without any knowledge about Tolkien's Middle-earth.

OOC: lol, sorry i dunno where he is

OOC: Yeah, me neither. For the moment it looks like Mordor's on its own...

"No, our losses were not very bad at Isengard," said Imrahil. "We lost under 300 men, and they will be replaced by the reinforcements I am now sending. I believe we should set sail immediately, as even if Theoden and Legolas do not wish to rendezvous in Minas Tirith it is a short march from the Anduin to Isengard. All our troops are now fully embarked, they wait for our orders. And yes, I have been troubled about Saruman the many-colored also. I would not believe he was dead unless I saw his head on a stake. Perhaps Radagast the Brown knows if he has escaped. I believe he is in Dale at the moment."

OOC: Should someone tg him or shall another player (NOT ME!) rp as Harad?

''Well prince, my friend, the Swan ships are not under my command, they are under yours. If you think we should set sail now, i agree, which ship would you like myself and Anfor to board?''
Anfor came in.
''Angbor''
''Ah Anfor we were just discussing leaving, are you ready''
''Yes milord, and so too are our men, they are all aboard the ships.''
''Excellent, Prince Imrahil, my men are ready it is now down to you''

OOC: ive just telegrammed him

Theoden heard the Elf's yell, and turned and rode quickly back:
"You say that the enemy stirs? Then we will be ready to ride for Minas Tirith, if the beacons are lit."
He rode back to the army and said: "Quickly, we ride for Edoras."

Very well, we shall set sail at once. You can accompany me in the flagship if you wish." With that, they set sail, and Imrahil left Adanor in charge.

OOC: My friend who wanted to rp could play as Harad if that's ok with everybody.

At Isengard, the Commander of the Swan Knights came to Theoden. "My men will meet you in Minas Tirith. First, we will go to Dol Amroth for orders." They prepared to leave.

"Then, Theoden King, I and my men march south to Gondor." That night the Elves set off, south.

Angbor was sat in his cabin aboard the Swan Ship flagship. He knew that the host that the forces of Good had amassed was a vast amount, but if Sauron could so easily betray his erstwhile allie Saruman, it was obvious that the forces of Evil must have a huge number. If Sauron didn't need any allies, why was he helping his old enemies? With a jolt he realised that if Sauron could turn on Saruman so easily, he could surely turn on the forces of Good so much easier. He was trying to work out what plan Sauron could be thinking when Anfor came in.
''Milord....... Milord Angbor?''
''Ah right, Anfor, you distracted me...... ah yes i wish you to take your fastest horse and depart when we next make a landing, i wish you to ride up north to the lands of Dale and the area surrounding Erebor, find out what is going on up there, see if the men and dwarves need any help against Rhun. In fact, take with you 500 men, 250 horse archers, and 250 combat horse men. If the lands of Dale and Erebor are faring badly, you must be a guerilla force, until you send me a message fr reinforcements. If you see anyone apart from the forces of Good, i want you to send 5 men to follow them, even the orcs of Mordor, i do not trust them , so follow them as well.''
''Yes Milord i will do that now.''
''Oh yes, I almost forgot, i wish you to find Radagast the Brown, he is apparently in Dale, i need you to ask him if he knows any means of determining if Saruman is dead or not.''
''Yes Milord i shall go now''
''Fare thee well Anfor, my friend, keep yourself alive if you can.''

So it was that when the Swan Ships next passed close to the banks of the river Anduin, Anfor, having been informed that no stops would be made on the journey upriver, jumped off the ship, followed by the 250 men he had picked. He then rode to the horse archers that had been riding alongside the ships, following the river, chose 250 of them, and left.

"I have seen that you sent a force to Erebor and Dale," Imrahil said, coming up to Angbor. "I will send an envoy, Quarahil, with you to the North. I apologize that I cannot send more, but 15,000 men is but a small force compared to the hordes of Mordor, and so I wish not to separate my troops."

The 5,700 men, veterans of the battle against Isengard, returned to Dol Amroth, and upon hearing Imrahil had already left, they also departed up the Anduin. Flying along with a good wind, they reached his and the five Fiefdoms' troops at dawn of the next day. The forces in the convoy now nmbered 25,000 all told.

OOC: Still waiting for Harad. Anyone who wants can rp as them.

''Prince Imrahil, I do not balme you for not sending any men, for i fear for the small force that i sent, we have had no news of Dale or Erebor for many days (OOC: is Erebor the Lonely Mountain, or where Dain comes from to relieve the Lonely Mountain?), i fear that perhaps Rhun has surrounded the entirety of that land, stopping any messenger going for reinforcements (OOC: is there anyone RPing Dale and Erebor? if not, can my tiney force i sent inhabit it?) However i guessed that with the return of the 40,000 orcs to Mordor, the remainder of Mordor's forces may not be ready to strike just yet. Also it would not pay for us to find 18,00 soldiers of Rhun coming down from the north.''

OOC: harad hasnt replied to my telegram yet, so i gues that they have disappeared? what about Rhun?

OOC: They haven't showed up either. I'm so misunderstood and lonely :(
Also, are you sure that Rhun sent eighteen point one soldiers? Not a force to reckon with actually.

no, tree hugging lesbians actually sent 18,000 men lol, you no what i meant lol

OOC: Ah, I see. The rest of them are cleverly disguised as a travelling circus complete with gypsies.

OOC: yes, the big gypsie caravan south of mordor is pulled by massive elephants, called oliphaunts, or Mumakil

OOC: The lack of clowns make baby Sauron cry :( Guess I'll have to send an army or something.

OOC:Relative, why don't you just have every evil realm?

OOC: Because Mordor isn't evil in this rp?

OOC:are you genuinley not going to be evil, because u were saying that u were going to get ure allies close, close enough to stab them in the back?

Anfor sat upon his horse, the flanks heaving, steaming, and white with sweat, behin him sat his other 500 men, their horses in similar condition, they had met no-one upon their journey north, even when they passed through the borders of Dale and Erebor, there had been absolutley no human contact.

Anfor looked down at the lake town, seeing little, or no movement, while on the horison he could make out a very distant dust cloud, that had been moving towards Dale all their ride. The 5 men he had sent to find out what it was, were not back yet, though Anfor could see what looked like the silouhettes of 5 horsemen on the horison, even though they seemed strangely small, hunched even.(OOC: can i take control of Rhun and Dale and Erebor, because i have a heroic end planned for these 500 men?)
Turning, he told 10 men to wait for them, and asked the rest of his men to ride with him down towards the lake containing the town of Dale, wondering who, or what was down there waiting for him.

OOC: I did say that, but wich ¨allies¨ did I mean...
And sure, do what you want. iIt seems you and I are the only ones up this late...

OOC: i dont want them to die just yet, they need a chance to entrench themselves in the Lonaey Mountain, is that Erebor btw? And a chance for some reinforcements to arrive

Not sure, check the Encyclopedia of Arda, they may have some maps.

OOC: Yes, the Lonely Mountain is Erebor. Dain came from the Iron Hills. And Erebor and Dale did post a while back... the machine warriors said he was saving up for a big post. It's not late here... What time zone are you in? I'm EST.

Sweden, half past eleven.
Last post tonight.

OOC: Was the machine warriors Erebor? oh yeh im in england so its half ten

OOC: Men of Dale said he was going away for a while ive just read?

OOC: I'm not sure. I'm in Boston, Massachusetts, USA and it's almost 6 pm. Yeah I think machine warriors was Erebor. I think the one who was going away was Laketown.

The elves continued to march south, one fell and got a 'BUMP' on his head.

A vogon starfleet creates an interstellar starway, making Middle-earth nothing more than a speedbump.
This should catch their interest.

OOC: whys no one posted for days?

Dunno, I need Gondor to post my troops arriving.

OOC: Yes, he really hasn't posted for a long time. It's getting kind of slow...

OOC: Waiting for Gondor and Harad.

OOC: i mite as well just do hat i was gonna do in erebor etc.
Anfor was worried, when he had entered the town of Dale with his men, all that they had found were some thirty archers, nothing else. The archers were worried, apparently Radagast the Brown had appeared one nite. The archers had been sent out to forage for food and additional men, but when they returned, the whole of Dale's population had vanished.....
Also the five men he had sent to check out the dust cloud were all dead. 4 decapitated, the 5th with a slow killing poisoon coursing through him. The men had seen a vast army of 18,000 evil men from Rhun, and when they turned to ride, they were ambushed, then tortured.
Anfor had got his men moving up to Erebor, where luckily the dwarves had not disappeared, even though they had sent most of their kin down to aid Gondor, leaving only 500.... So it was that Anfor of Lamedon, with scarce more than 1000 men and dwarves, awaited the coming of a force nearly 18 times the size of his. Their only hope lay in a message, carried by an exhausted man on an already exhausted horse that had to travel many leagues, to Gondor.

OOC: apparently realative, Rea Dan(corsairs and harad) has alredy stated that the chaos of this thread is too much for him, and that he gave u the command realative liberty

OOC: And I said that I will not control Harad.

OOC:Someone TG Gondor.

OOC: I'll play Gondor for the time-being if no one minds.

Boromir had enough. He was tired of his father's weakening illness ruining the strategy of Gondor. He summoned Faramir to a meeting in Cair Andros, on the Northern Anduin. "We must defend the borders for the time being, until the elves arrive," said Boromir. "I hope Theoden will ride down with his army also. Then we can go on the offensive, against Minas Morgul or the Black Gate. For the time being, we can't spare many men, though."
"However, we do have the support of Dol Amroth and the Five Fiefdoms," Faramir interjected. "They have 25,000 men at Osgiliath. I have ordered more men north to help along the Anduin. They are encamped on the near side of the River." Suddenly, a cloud of dust was seen moving on the east bank of the river. summoning a boat to carry them across, Boromir and Faramir came up to an exhausted man in the colors of the Five Fiefdoms. His horse lathered at the mouth, at the point of fainting. "My lords, an army of 18,000 Rhunic warriors approach Dale and Erebor. We have barely 1,000 men. Please send help." With that, he collapsed. "We have to do something." cried Faramir. "No matter the danger from Sauron, we must march to their aid!"
"Yes," said Boromir. He began barking orders. "Captain Beregond, assemble 12,000 men immediately and march to the aid of Dale. There is no time to lose. You can cover the first area on the river, that should speed your progress. My brother Faramir will come with you."
"As you wish, milord," Beregond said. He quickly mobilised the troops and they sailed out. Dale and Erebor would hopefully be saved in time.

A small army of Mordor was sent, only ten thousand. However, they did carry siege equipments, great catapults and trolls.
They marched towards Dale.

Anfor ducked, as another volley of poisoned arrows sped over the Gate of Erebor that Dain had restored after the battle of the Five armies. He poked his head over the parapet, and fired one of the evil men's arrows straight back out, his men's long gone, and was rewarded with a cry. Nearly half the men were gone, mainly the horse archers, as the soldiers not trained to use bow and arrow, or sling, had not been needed, having had no great attack on the walls.
Half an hour later, the two armies had resorted to sniping in the hours of morning. Good, thought Anfor, they have lost nearly three times the number we have. But still that is not a lot to them.
''Milord Anfor'' said a tired bleary eyed lookout ''There is something you must see''
Anfor followed the man, one of his own, Mallorn, and they came to a sentry post set high in the mountain. In a glance, he could see what the sentry had, two distant dustclouds, massive despite the length away. One from Mordor, and one from Gondor.
''The speed they travel at, they will be here by dawn tommorrow, Milord''
''Yes, we must hold out until then it seems, I will double the watch on the wa-
Suddenly horns blared all around them. The Evil men had grown tired of sniping and were attacking the main gate in a rush. Turning and drawing his sword, he sprinted down towards the Gate.


In the Evil Camp: The leader of the men of Rhun watched as his men pushed ladders up against the wall, only to be pushed down as they gained the top, leaving one or two men fighting nearly 750. He saw an official looking man, arriving, and killing two of his men in a few heartbeats. This man must be the leader, and Rhun Lord(leader of Rhun, couldn't think of a better name lol) seized a bow and arrow off one of his guards. He aimed at Anfor, breathed out, and let the arrow fly.

On the wall: Anfor left the two dead men on the foor being him, bending only two pick up another sword. At that moment he heard an arrow go whistling over head, and saw Mallorn teetering on the edge of the wall, transfixed with an arrow. Anfor made a grab for him, but Mallorn fell down the twenty feet of wall, into the courtyard below.Filled with a burning vengeance, Anfor looked up to see another man of Rhun, stepping forward, he decapitated the man easily, and became a whirlwind of death.

OOC: fiiting for post number two hundred eh?

OOC: Since you already stated that we will arrive next morning, I'll let you rp the battle until then.

OOC: If he can see Gondor and Mordor, then I'd assume we could see each other...

IC: Faramir looked forward, towards the speck in the distance that was the town of Dale. Despite his men's best efforts, they seemed to be drawing no nearer. Suddenly, he looked to the East. Another dust cloud was moving toward Dale. He sent his keenest-eyed Ranger up a tree, and he confirmed that it was a Mordor army of about 10,000 orcs, along with siege equipment and trolls. Faramir cursed. He was already outnumbered by Rhun, and now Mordor had come to further worsen the odds. Up ahead, he noticed the Long Lake was nearing. "Maybe we can find help there" he said. But then, he turned to more pressing matters. "Beregond! I am going with 500 Rangers to ambush the orcs! Take command while I am gone. Send Cavalry patrols up to Laketown and back to Gondor to request reinforcements! Get the men ready for an assault. I will be back soon." With that, he signalled to his men, dismounted, and drew his bow. Orcs would die before they could reach Dale.

OOC: If no one minds, I'll play as Laketown too, since they definitely quit.

Dale: Quarahil, envoy from Dol Amroth, sprinted up to the wall. He drew his great Yew Bow, and let fly. It struck the Rhun Leader in the throat. He continued to volley, firing faster than he ever had before.

OOC: It is a lot easier to see an army on the move since the dust will rise high above the horizon, but I'll rp my part in the battle.

The army of orcs and trolls stopped and began deploying their catapults within range of the two fighting armies.
The great catapults were loaded with stones, aimed and fired. The stones hit in the front of the Haradrim and rolled even further.

The army of the Elves reached Gondor on the second day of there march, immidetly Legolas ordered that the main body of his men, the 6,000 actual men, would make there way to Osgilith to help with the defence of the river while the women, children and wounded would make of Maris Tirth.

The Rohirrim rode behind the Elven soldiers, preparing to deploy for the defense of Minas Tirith.

The catapults' second salvo was fired. This one was better aimed and struck in the rear of the army of Rhun, rolling a few hundred feet before grinding to a halt.
Already a third salvo was being readied.

The men from Rhun were upon the wall and bringing men over all the time, Anfor was fighting, buying his men time to get off the wall and escape into the tunnels of Erebor, where they could defend themselves more easily.

He realised that he was surrounded too late. Weilding a sword and an axe taken from one dead dwarf. He warily eyed the Evil men surrounding him. His men had held, and he could see the men from Gondor were almost here. He looked back at the Evil men, and in a cool voice, a dangerous voice, he said, ''come on, are you going to rush me, or do i have to come for you?''
From his right came a noise, and an obviously insane evil man stepped forward.
'' Hahahahahahahehehehehe........ i'm going to ki-i-i-i-i-ll you hhahahahahah..''
Stepping forward, Anfor faced the man, who was armen with two small, but evil looking maces. Suddenly the man rushed, and Anfor was forced to desperately parry. This was the most dangerous man he had faced this day, after the tens he had already killed, but this man would also die. Anfor leapt to the side, and swung the axe with all his might at the Evil man's head. The man sensed it coming, and raised one mace, swinging the other at Anfor. The axe sheared through the the top of the mace, and turned the man's head into a cup, sending splinters of bone, and lumps of brain all over the place. The man's mace had impacted on Anfor's side, leaving him winded and with several broken ribs. He collapsed, and watched as the Evil men either side began to come forward to finish him off.....
Suddenly a volley of arrows flew from the courtyard, clearing Anfor a space. He rolled to his side, and fell off the side of the wall. He landed with a thud, and was quickly picked up by his men who turned and raced back inside the tunnels.

In the Evil Men's camp: the second in command turned, as another flight of boulders flew into the rear of his army, crushing even more. He called his two thousand riders and told them to destroy the catapults of Mordor. Then he sent another order out, leave two thousand guarding the mountain, and tell the rest to march on Mordor's army. That was about 10,000 infantry and his 2,000 horsemen. He smiled in satisfaction, that shuld easily beat the army from Mordor.

The catapults of Mordor released their third salvo, this time aiming at the force that had been sent their way.
The orc infantry formed up, orcs in the center and trolls on the sides. If they could eliminate the cavalry quickly they had a good chance of winning.

The cavalry saw what was happening. They formed up into two squadrons of a thousand, and aimed straight for the centre of the battle line, the orcs who were only armed with the usual array of axes and swords. Just as they reached the line, they formed into wedges, and drove deep into the orcs. The evil men of Rhun, their pikes held out before them, met the trolls, and kept stabbing until they went down. In certain places the trolls managed to reach the men holding the pikes, and havoc was caused until the other men came forward, having despatched of their own trolls.

The ambushing force of 50 men, who had captured the riders of the five feifdoms, crept along towards the great catapults from behind. So far they were unoticed. and they set about slaughtering the catapult crew


In the Mountain: Anfor lay on the layer of hay on the tunnel floor, from down the tunnel he could hear sounds of feirce fighting, the numberof Rhun being countermanded by the dwarfs knowledge of their homes, and their knowledge of tunnel fighting. He was sore wounded, his twenty foot fall having broken his left leg and left arm and cracking a few more ribs. He looked around him, his breath hurting him, and told his guards to help the fighters in any way.
'' Allorn, i want you to lead the attack, do what the dwarves say, but lead our remaining men''
Allorn bowed, and turned around, pulling his sword from its sheath he headed off towards the sounds of fighting.

Faramir, realizing that Mordor and Rhun were fighting each other, called back his rangers and returned to the host. Skirting the massive battle before Dale, they marche through the ruins of the wall and fell on the men of Rhun who were in the tunnels fighting the dwarves and men of the five fiefdoms. Most of the Rhunic warriors were quickly despatched, and Faramir sent men to destroy the last pockets of resistance. Meanwhile, he had the entrance to the caves fortified, and went to talk with Anfor. He was worried that Anfor had been wounded, but trusted he would heal. "Greetings, brave leader of the Five Fiefdoms," he said. "Gondor has come to avenge your fallen comrades." He called a council meeting with Anfor and Quarahil. "I have secured the entrance, and Rhun is being defeated. Mordor and Rhun fight outside. I am open to suggestions on what we should do." Quarahil said, "We should stay in the Mountain until Mordor and Rhun have weakened each other. What do you think, Anfor?"

Osgiliath: Boromir greeted the elves and Rohirrim. A mighty host had now been assembled, men and elves fought together once more.

Anfor listened to Faramir, ''Yes, perhaps we will lose an enemy before we even have to fight it,'' he wheezed. ''It took them many hours to take the wall originally, with these mant reinforcement, perhaps they will not take it at all?''



In the Camp of the Five Feifdoms: Angbor had greeted the exhausted man, and having heard the man's message, he had been about to order the whole of his 9,500 men that he had left, to march to Anfor's aid, when he saw the mighty Gondorian host leaving. He knew it would not pay for Gondor to be even more open to attack, so he decided to remain and do whatever he could.


In the Tunnels: Azrail was the only Rhunic soldier left alive around him. He could hear fighting from outside echoing down through all the mountain. When the soldiers from Gondor had charged imto the rear of this force of Rhun, it had been a simple matter for him to kill the two nearest of his soldiers and ull them on top of him, so he appeared dead. If he was found, he would be killed. If that happened, he would have lost a very important part of his life. He had only one mission, to kill the soldier from Dol Amroth that had slain his Lord. He shoved the bodies away from him, noting with disgust the lack of efficiency with which he had killed them, spurting blood all over the place. He got up, and unsheathed his small dagger, coated in poison, the blade of an assassin.


Allorn was alone. Having defended the tunnls until the men of Gondor had arrived, he had led a massive charge from his ends of the tunnels to kill the Rhun warriors. He was sitting on a cool stone bench now, drinking water froma goblet. He didn't even notice Azrail creep up behind him, and stroke the back of his neck with his deadly dagger. He crept away again, hearing the gurgles from behind him as his poison went to work.

The orcs saw that the Rhun* riders split up, and they concentrated their fire on one of the groups, thus making it weaker than the other.
However, they couldn't stop them and the two squads of horsemen. The horsemen formed a wedge and penetrated the orcs' lines deeper than expected, but this also meant that they would be surrounded if they orcs could react quickly enough. They did.

The slaughter of the crewmen of the catapults went almost unnoticed, but a small band of orcs (say between 45 to 60) turned a fought the raiders.

OOC: I meant Rhun, not Harad. I were tired.

The men of Rhun on either flank saw what was happening to their horsemen, they turned, about 5,000 of them in all, the others staying to fight the remaining trolls, and hammered into the orcs, again keeping them out of reach by using their long pikes, and hiding behind shields.
A group of ten riders, the very point of the first wedge to strike the mordor line, broke through the back, they saw their own men killing the catapult crew, and they also saw the orcs going to attack them. They turned their horses and raced after the orcs, blowing on a single horn to get the attention of their kinsmen, they did. The Warriors turned, leaving ten to finish off the catapult crew, and went forwards in a line two thick, shields and swords in front, pikes behind. They awaited the arrival of the orcs.

OOC: I'm pretty sure that Rhun is not part of Harad, it's north of Mordor, while Harad is south, is that right?

Legolas smiled at Boromir, "My people are prepared to die for yours. I balive there is only one bridge over the river-am I right? If so then my men shall prtect that part, our swordsmen and arches are very good and holding smaller spaces."

Angbor came to Boromir, my lord, where would you put my men in defense of the White Tower? My clansmen are very dangerous in close combat, they can destroy most things, and they will hold evenif cavalry charge them

The orcs who had turned to save the catapults (who cares about crewmembers?) shouted to their comrades to help them. About fifty more left the rear lines and fought the raiders.

The last trolls, seeing how their kin fell at the hands of the men of Rhun, desired easier prey. They saw the cavalry and turned to chase the rear end of them.

Erebor: Faramir was pleased. All of the Rhunic warriors in the tunnels were dead. "I do not think we should attempt to retake the Wall around Dale yet, Anfor. I am open to your opinion, but I think we should let Rhun and Mordor fight themselves to exhaustion. I have secured the gate to Erebor."
A Gondorian soldier peered over Allorn. He was dead! The soldier shouted to raise the alarm, but moments later a knife had sliced through his ribs. His cry had summoned ten soldiers and Quarahil. "One of the men of Rhun must yet be alive," Quarahil said, drawing his bow and sword. "We will summon reinforcements and search this section of the caves for him. Leave no rock unturned. He won't get far." He sent three soldiers for aid and went off himself with the rest.

Osgiliath: "I am pleased you have all come to Gondor in her hour of need," Boromir said. "At the moment, I believe we should simply defend Osgiliath, and wait until my brother and the Rohirrim arrive. Imrahil, if your ships could patrol the river and your Riders scout in the forest on the far bank that would be most helpful. Otherwise, you can keep your cavalry with Legolas on the bridge and your troops can garrison the ships and spread out on the flanks of the elves. Angbor, your men should man the beaches on the water's edge to repel all boarding craft that attempt to land. My men will fill in the gaps and some will act as reserve in case we need more troops at a certain location. Therefoe, Legolas is in the center on the bridge with the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth, Dol Amroth men-at-arms are on either side, and five Fiefdoms men with Gondor are on the flanks. Imrahil's Riders of Anfalas will provide advance warning, and his ships will assure that not too many transports get across to the Five Fiefdoms and my men. If anyone has any suggestions, I am open."

"My men shall begin to station themselves." Legolas led his men and began to set up came.

Azrail was breathing hard, behind him he could hear Quarahil and other soldiers pursuing him, he ran left and right, not caring of the direction, and he ran staright into the room of Anfor, who was sitting up, his left side swathed in bandages. Azrail's dagger went flying through the room, only to be blocked by Anfor sword. He was right handed, and could still wield his weapons. He picked up the knife, just as Quarahil and the others came into the room, and threw it back to Azrail. The assassin caught it, and realised he would haveto fight Anfor. He went in low, and sent a lighting fast blow towards Anfor's left side, his damaged side, yet when it came into contact, it stuck fast in the hard bandages around Anfor's arm, not even ouching the skin. He turned in horror, only to see Anfor's blade swing down into his face.


Angbor sat with his men on the side of the river, waiting to be called to arms at any moment, he was worried no word had come from Erebor, and he did not know how his men and the men of Gondor were faring.

The Rhunic soldiers on the flanks ran round behind the main body of the orcs, around 4,000 of them left. They caught the second lot of fifty orcs as they raced towards the catapults and butchered them, then swept into the rear ranks of the orcs, who were now outnumbered, with 5,000 to the front, 4,000 to the rear, and about 500 horsemen left in the middle, they were fighting a losing battle.

The ten horsemen riding towars the catapults heard the noise, and looked backwards, only to see trolls chasing after them. They rode on through the orcs, cutting down a few, and leapt high over the wall of shields and pikes to safety. The ten men left to kill crewmembers ran onto the end of the pike and shield wall, and awaited the combined charge of the orcs and trolls.

The orcs started to rout, first one at a time then everyone at once. They ran towards the fortifications of their allies.
A few officers tried to make them return to battle but these were either cut down by the soldiers or crushed beneath their feet.
The beastmasters convinced the trolls to continue fighting, although ten trolls wouldn't last long against such a force.

The soldiers of the five feifdoms on the Gates of Erebor took careful aim, and fired arrows out, not caring if they hit orc or Evil man. The men of Rhun were restrained from following, and instead tunred on the remaining trolls, wearing them down and finally killing them. The orcs gone, they had left a valuble asset in the hands of Rhun, though they now were aboyut equal in numbers with those of the Good men and dwarves in Erebor. That asset was, the great catapults. Although the Evil men of Rhun had no trolls to lift the massive boulders, they gathered in groups, and lifted them, learning the basics of aiming at the gates of Erebor as they went. Within an hour, they had launched the first salvo.


Anfor started. He was not sure, but he had thought the walls of the tunnel around him had shaken. He went as fast as he could towards the gate. The scene there was carnage. A great dent had been bashed in the ground only 20 yards from the base of the wall, and 5 massive boulders were resting against the base of the gates. All around the outside of the walls were orc bodies, filled with arriows, the officers not being able to restrain the archers from firing, even though the orcs had seemed to be willing to help them. Anfor called for Quarahil and Faramir, and waited for the inevitable breach of the walls.

In Gondor, the 10,000 dwarves, led by Dain from Erebor, had finally reached the Pellenor fields. Calling Boromir Dain said'' Hello mylord manling, we dwarves are excellent castle defenders and builders. Is there anywhere you wish my dwarves and I to fortify for you, and then fight for you?''

OOC: Boromir is actually in Osgiliath, I assume Dain would know that, so I hope you don't mind if I assume you went there.

Osgiliath: "Very well. This meeting is ended," Boromir said, as Legolas, Angbor and Imrahil went out to prepare their forces. A dwarf of regal and stout stature came up to him, Boromir recognized it as Dain Ironfoot. "Welcome to Osgiliath, my friend," He said, leaning down. "I am glad your people have come such a long way to assist us. We are indeed in dire need of fortification, at the moment there are no enemies nearby so our deployments are merely cautionary. I have heard word that your kingdom is attacked in the north be Rhun and Mordor, but I have sent many men and I am confident we will be able to hold your homeland for you. For the time being, your dwarves would be of great help strengthening the bulwark along the river so the men of the Five Fiefdoms will have some defense. Also, many of the towers my archers are using near the river are in need of repair, and would do much better with strong dwarven workmanship. There is no shortage of worked stone, as you can see from the ruins. We hope to eventually retake Osgiliath and even push further, but cannot do so until my troops have returned from Erebor."

Erebor: Quarahil came into the room where Anfor had defeated a Rhunic assassin, despite his wounded condition. Faramir ran in from the other side. "Rhun captured the catapults of Mordor and is firing at the gate! Mordor is fleeing toward us."
"Very well," Quarahil said. "I think we should have our troops remain at the gate for now." Suddenly, a young dwarf spoke up. "Sir, I have heard from my Lord Dain that there is a secret passageway in the Mountain that was used to defeat Smaug. The key rests in the lower vault, and I could get it."
"Brilliant!" said Quarahil. "We can have the majority of our troops remain at the gate and fire upon the orcs and Rhun, while a small force goes through the passage and attacks the Rhunic catapults from the rear! Not only that, but I believe the Master of Laketown was going to march up and assist us, so we could join forces with him!"
"This seems like a very good plan," Faramir said. "I will get my handpicked men and come with you. What do you think, Anfor?"

Anfor agreed whole heartedly with the plan. and said so.'' If i were in better condition, i would lead the men from the five feifdoms, as it is, i will send ballorn with 250 riders, that would help you to have riders, would it not? I will have Sandor lead my men on the walls, the fifty or so archers i have left, and the thirty archers from Dale.''


Dain looked up at Boromir, '' Indeed, this is good stone, and it will do well as defenses. I will assign 5,000 dwarfs to the towers, and another 5,000 to the bulwarks along the river bank.''
Angbor looked up as he heard the crunch of feet approaching. He found himself looking into the eyes of an old dwarf. But better than an old and wise dwarf, it was his friend Dain. ''I have heard you sent men to aid my montain, and even though it is a small force of 500, i am grateful. I had not heard that an army of Rhun was approaching, or i would have stayed there to defend my land. As it is, it would take my army a long time to march back, we travel much slower than a horse, much slower even than a hobbit.''

OOC: Come on Mordor-attack.

OOC: Sorry, but I have another life.

IC:
The orcs shouted to the archers on the walls, begging them to stop as their comrades fell to the ground pierced by arrows. The Rhunic soldiers had captured the catapults and were firing. The first rounds landed a few hundred feet behind the orcs but continued to roll and crushed quite a few of them.
In fact, only a few undred remained.

OOC: The Withking is in Minas Tirith and have been waiting quite a while to get an answer from the Steward. The question was ¨Now do you trust us?!¨.

OOC: I guess I have to play Gondor completely.

Minas Tirith: Denethor groaned on his bed, and didn't have the strength to sit up. "All I want is peace," He managed to whisper. "Peace for an old man on his deathbed."

Erebor: "I will lead the assault then," Faramir said. "I appreciate the help of your riders." He quickly got his men together and marched to the Secret Exit, which was being opened.

OOC: The archers shooting at the orcs are from the Five Fiefdoms, not Gondor. My men are behind the gate.

Osgiliath: "Good," Boromir said. "I hope your men will make themselves at home in the city. Your homeland is safe."

Most of the men of the five feifdoms stopped firing when they were given the che command. However, others who had seen some of their family and friends killed by orcs had to be restrained from firing by their friends to stop the arrows hurtling down. A few ropes were lowered down to the remaining orcs(OOC: how many?). The orcs might take a while to climb up them.

In the camp of Rhun:'' Elevate the screws, and ........ fire!!!!!'' The flight of five boulders flew through the air. They were watched as they seemed to slowly flow through the air by the soldiers of both sides, until they hit the wall, scant seconds afdter the last orc had climbed up. Several pieces of the battlements fell down from the impact, and a few men fell off the wall, and as the dust cleared, both armies waited with bated breath. The boulders had indeed damaged the walls, grieviously. But still they stood. Within minutes the men of the five feifdoms on the wall, and any other archers available were sending arrows whizzing out towards the army of Rhun to keep their heads down, while the dwarves were making the defenses as secure as possible with their knowledge of walls. Ten minutes later, the walls were safe again, and the arrows had stopped. Not only was the wall safe for now, but beacause of the size of the boulders, the dwarves had been able to pull them upright, where they acted as an even thicker wall which would take at least two more flights of boulders to destroy. It seemed the small party would have time enough after all.

Most of the Gondorians stayed inside the caves for the time being, and beckoned the men of the Five Fiefdoms to come in also. Faramir led out 3,000 men through the passages, 500 horsemen of the Five Fiefdoms, 1,000 rangers, and 1,500 soldiers. They slipped quickly around to behind the catapults, and then the assault began. The horsemen charged into both flanks, 250 on each side, while the soldiers charged up from behind and the rangers fired from the cover of the woods. The horsemen took down many with their suprise charges, and began rolling up both flanks of the army of Rhun. The soldiers charged in and began butchering the catapult crews, but not before the rangers had fired many devestating volleys. They continued to target the Rhunic warriors not in combat after. Meanwhile, a well-timed sortie charged out from the front gate led by Beregond. 5,000 men, 4,000 soldiers and 1,000 archers ran across the field. The archers fired as they came, and the soldiers smashed into the front of the Rhunic line and the evil men were caught between two forces. The other 2,500 men in the caves waited until they were needed.

The newly appointed Lord of Rhun looked about in desparartion. Not a minute earlier everything had seemed well, his catapults almost destroing the wall, and still outnumbering his enemies. Now he saw enemy horsemen on his flank, ones that he thought all dead, rangers of gondor, soldiers from Gondor..... Perhaps, he realised, another armyfrom Gondor has come up behind me.... oh no!! Grabbing the nearest horse, he turned and began to ride throught the ranks of his soldiers, and was almost in a position to flee properly when Sandor's arrow took him through the back of the head. The soldiers of Rhun, without command, turned to face the new threat, and were smashed into from behind by the sortie from the gates. They broke in all directions and fled.

The master of Laketown came up with 5,000 men, in the only direction Gondor and the five Fiefdoms weren't covering. They charged into the fleeing Rhunic warriors, while Gondor and the horsemen moved in from all sides.

Soon there were only 50 warriors of Rhun left, but these were the die-hards, the veterans who refused to flee or ask for mercy or surrender.They came together quickly, well drilled by their sergeants, and formed a cricle, their pikes poking out from above, or under their shields at each different person. This would cause any attack to break up as it hit the wall. 10 of the men brasped their bows in the centre of the circle, and began firing out wards. As they began to fire, the outer circle started to moe clockwise, the blades on their pikes held flat, so they would hack and slash anything. Some archers of the five feifdoms ran into range and began to fire, seeing their arrows bonce harmlessly off the men of Rhuns shields, this would be a hard foe to beat.

The Rhunic catapults had hit one of the ladders, claiming fifty of the orcs. The two hundred that had survived the archers and the catapults were behind the walls. The officers tried to organise them but to no use, thye would fight no more this day.

The Witch King let out a raor of anger and left the throne room. He mounted his large beast and flew north, towards the elves. If he couldn't get an alliance with Gondor there was little chance that he could gain one with Celeborn and Galadriel, but he would try nontheless.

OOC: if IH dosn't turn up soon I'll take Lorien.

Erebor: The 2,500 Gondorians in Erebor stayed within the gate, peering out suspiciously at the orcs. Faramir had ordered that no foe would be allowed inside Erebor. Meanwhile outside, the Rhunic warriors were holding fast. They had repulsed two charges by the men of Laketown, and numerous Gondorian arrows. Faramir knew a change of tactics was in order, and suddenly had an idea. The catapults! He asked the Master of Laketown to keep the last Rhunic warriors surrounded, and told many of his troops to man the catapults that had now changed hands three times during the day. Stones began to be lobbed with reasonable precision at the Rhunic phalanx. A few of the less accurate ones hit the cordon of Laketown men, but as the soldiers adjusted almost all landed on the Rhunic warriors. No armor could stand up to this onslaught.

Minas Tirith: Denethor fell into a coma and his condition worsened. The Imperial doctors were constantly at his bedside. Boromir was called back from Osgiliath, leaving his Lieutenant Elmar in charge of the Gondorian forces.

The men of Rhun had had enough. Arrows they could withstand, charges they could withstand, but not boulders, and they were not all going to die like this. The last twenty formed up, and firing one final volley of arrows, the five archers grabbed their dead comrades wepons and shield. The 20 men charged. They aimed for a spot where the cordon was especially thin, and broke through. They found themselves facing the gates of Erebor, and they charged aaginst the orcs and 2,500 men inside. Within 30 seconds, the battle was over, and the day won for good.

Faramir was glad that the host from Rhun was defeated. The allies could expect the east to be quiet for a change. Faramir rounded up all his soldiers, and casualties were recorded. 500 brave men of Gondor had died, with 1,000 wounded. Most of the wounded men would recover to fight another day, however. The men of Laketown had 1,500 killed, due mainly to the two futile assaults on the Rhunic phalanx. All told, it had been a good day for Gondor. Faramir went back to confer with Anfor, Quarahil, and the Master of Laketown in the caves. He was expecting for all his troops, along with the men of Laketown and the five fiefdoms to come to Osgiliath with him. some men of Laketown would garrison their town and the Dwarves would stay in Erebor. He was open to suggestions from the other Commanders, though.

OOC: Once again, if you have problems with my casualties, say so.

OOC: i have no problems personally

Anfor had had the butchers bill off one of his officers, nearly all of the horse archers were dead, with only 20 remaining. He had lost most of them through poisoned arrows. The other riders had lost 50 of their number, so his force consisted of only 220 men, but at least they all had horses so they could make all haste back to Osgiliath.
None of the 400 remaining dwarves would be travelling with him, in case the 18,000 from Rhun had not been all of the soldiers of that evil country.


OOC: anyone got problems with my casualties?

OOC: I'm fine with them.

Bump

The next morning, after a magnificient night in the halls of Erebor, toasting to the victory, and the 'Victorious Dead' 222 horses set out from Erebor, bearing 221 men, Anfor being slung in a cradle between two horses.The men of the Five feifdoms would ride ahead of the rest of the army, as all the men wanted to get back to the rest of their force. The remaing horse archers rode on the flanks, or were acting as scouts, while the horsemen fromed up in column. They rode throughout the day. And stopped for the night. The next day they did the same, and did so fo the next 3 days. At midday n the fourth day, they were within sight of Minas Tirith, but they were closer to Osgiliath, where they could see the banners of teir homecountries, and they gladly rode towards the old, ruined city on the river.

Erebor: Faramir had also decided to depart after that night in Erebor, and his men formed up and left, sailing along the Anduin after they had marched to the ships. It took them five days, but finally they also were within sight of Osgiliath, after stopping off at Cair Andros to replenish casualties and bring them back up to 15,000 men.

Osgiliath: "Welcome back, Anfor," Boromir said. "We are gladdened by your arrival, despite your wounded state. I have called another meeting of all the commanders here to discuss what we should do now, since I have learned that Faramir is only two days away and soon we shall have our full force." He sent messengers to Imrahil, Legolas, Dain, and Angbor.

Legolas nodded as soon as the messanger arrived and left the elvin camp on his snow white horse, making for the meeting of the commanders.

Osgiliath: "Welcome back, my brother," Boromir said as he greeted Faramir. Faramir told him about the fight against the Rhunic host, and waited with Legolas for the other Commanders to arrive. Boromir went out to supervise the deployment of the 15,000 new troops, and then came back just as Imrahil arrived. They settled down to wait for Angbor and Dain.

Bump

OOC: sorry had loads of work to do
Angbor and Dain arrived at the meeting of commanders within a few minutes of each other. Both had been resting at the time, and were both bleary eyed. Anfor also came, as Angbor's memory was not at its best while he was still half awake.
''Well my friend, what is it you were wanting to discuss?'' asked Angbor?

"I wanted to hear all of your opinions on what we should now do, considering that besides the Rohirrim, we have the maximum force at our disposal," said Boromir. To tell the truth, I have not yet formulated a plan, and so would be open to suggestions from all sides. He gazed around the table.

"MY plan would be to defend, the Lord of the back land will not rest easly, he hates Gondor and he hates my kin, yet he has one route of attack, through Osgilith, he can come by boat or over the bridge."

"As long as wel post plenty of senterys and have at least 30 or 40 men on guard at the bridge we should be okay."

Dain said: I personally agree with the elves, for once. I would fortify the bridge, and build defences all along the bridge, so that we could enact a fighting rretreat if too badly pressed. However, it is not forme to say mind you, i would also have the Swan Ships patrolling up and down river, where i suspect the foul orcs will attampt to build ships, or at least simple ferrys to cross.

Angbor was still slightly asleep, but he was remebering with Anfor's help, as well as some strong ale

OOC: Should I contact RL?