A15- A Putrid/Paralyzing Breath

Another Fellowship has the party going separate ways. Ladee once more across the Misty Mountains to bring smiles to his parents awaiting in the Shire. Months holed up by the winter snows gives time for research but the hobbit libraries are wanting. Hints of Dunedain treasures scattered among the ancient ruins, but no real clues for the hobbit thirsty for secrets. Thus, it’s early spring 2952 when the hobbit says his goodbyes as he treks once more eastward toward the mountains. A short stop in Rivendell to study in the great elven library. Intrigued by the mention of Weathertop that has been a side note to his comings and goings all these years (halfway between the Shire and Rivendell). “Maybe treasure lies among the ruins, that could be used to battle the now growing shadow. Or knowledge of its weaknesses.”

Weathertop was a large hill upon which Amon Sûl the watchtower was built by the Dúnedain of Arnor. It was the southernmost of the Weather Hills and stood upon the norther side of the East/West Road. Its summit was well over a thousand feet and its strategic position was not lost on the kingdom of Arnor, as it overlooked the Great East Road for many miles, offering a commanding view in every direction. During the reign of Elendil, the watchtower was built upon its summit. The most powerful of Arnor’s three Palantíri was kept in the tower, which enhanced its strategic importance. When Arnor split into three smaller kingdoms, the tower stood at the junction of their borders. Amon Sûl became the most coveted prize between the warring factions of the northern kingdoms of Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur. With the rise of Angmar in the far north and its ally Rhudaur, the tower on Weathertop was taken and destroyed by the Witch-king.

But for now, Ladee departs the elven realm to rejoin his allies in Dale. A long march indeed as he circles south to the pass near Mountain Hall. It’s late Spring by the time the hobbit finds Brackrog at the same inn, same table, with a dozen empty mugs lined before him. “Did you even move while I was gone?” At least the arrival of Rowlie brings movement, “King Dale requests our presence.” What could he want? We’ve heard the rumors of easterly trade drying up; western wagon trains attacked preventing goods in and out of Eriador.

We are ushered into the king’s chambers where we find him smiling at an elf. “I remember you escorting Lady Erime all those years ago. What brings you here?” Legolas nods as he pulls out a letter, “I’ve put in a good word about you to king Thranduil. Maybe you have an answer to the goblin attacks. Thus this letter of safe-passage thru the Woodland Realm. As for myself, I must remain to repair relations with the dwarves.” His smirking smile towards Brackrog goes unnoticed.

And so the adventurers once more travel into Mirkwood, where they come upon a young boy barfing after eating mushrooms. “Quite brave for one so young to venture into these woods. More than mushrooms that can kill you.” Ladee feeds the boy thistle leaves to cleanse his stomach for healing before sending him on his way back to Longlake. “I am Arowen, son of Borowin owner of the Rising-Half-Moon tavern. Surely father will offer you free beers.” An invigorating offer that perks Brackrog.

Upon arrival at the King’s Hall, Galanon offers salutations and the letter, “Greetings from Prince Legolas.” Ushered into a large chamber of soft beds and wine as we await the king’s formal request. Time for Galanon to seek the elven archer Galia he met at the Dale contests of past. Time to…nope, the king calls us forward. “Legolas says you are a party to be trusted. Troubles arise in my forests. Many warriors wounded or missing. Even those on watch near ‘Dol Guldur’. Our glades known for rest and peace now dying of taint; the elvish charm no longer there. Reports of lizards that can freeze our warriors in their tracks.” Per the king’s nod, an elven warrior steps forward to show off his missing arm and atrophied face.

Galanon questions the wounded warrior; his answers slowed by his facial paralysis, “Day north where enchanted forest meets river. Bipedal. Drug 3 warriors away. They must sleep somewhere during day.” Rowlie suggests seeking Radaghast as a source of knowledge of these creatures. Ladee springs with knowledge (Shadowlore-34) he’s gained during his recent studies in Rivendell, “I’ve read of these Basilisks you call Sarynlug. Best use arrows as they are resistant to bludgeoning and slashing damage. Besides, you’ll want to keep your range out of their breath attack that can cause paralysis.”

Morning finds Rambler guiding till Galanon calls halt, “I can feel the taint. We must be near the ambush site.” Rambler soon finds tracks thru the underbrush. Surprise when an elf-maiden blocks the way. Till she proves to be dead, frozen in place. Galanon calls upon nature getting confirmation by the trees evil was here…at least 3 lizards and a smaller creature. Rambler scouts further in, pushing brush aside to reveal a narrow 3ft diameter burrow. “Their lair.”

Ladee tied on a rope as he enters the cave, but the vines at the entrance spring forth to attack. Soon smoldering from the flaming oil flask thrown by Rowlie. Minutes pass as the rope spools out then goes slack; the hobbit soon returning, “Many tunnels. T intersection: Left were tracks that branched down a slippery slope or to a wooden door. I could hear what sounded like goblinese along with a hissing creature. Back at the T, right: right downslope to a chamber with 3 sleeping Basilisk. Left was a long passage with a side alcove filled with fresh bones (I’m guessing the remains of the missing elven warriors). I stopped at another Y intersection as I ran out of rope.”

Rowlie takes action, “Wait here as I check the door.” But the hobbit follows as the others ready their bows. The crouched Breeman soon opens the door throwing in a flaming flask. Screams echo throughout the cave system, as one Basilisk is covered in oil.

The goblin giving orders, “Kill them.” Rowlie scrambles out of the cave; Ladee crouched in hiding as shadows rush past his side-passage. 

The hobbit then following the goblin toward the cave entrance. But halted when confronted by the 3 basilisks arisen from their slumbering nest.

Galanon up a tree firing down on the emerging foe. Rambler and Rowlie also shooting trying to stay out of the breath range. Except Rowlie stumbles (three ones), dropping his bow which allows a lizard to close. Meanwhile the goblin spies his elven enemy, firing up into the trees at Galanon. Rambler too is disadvantaged with a lizard now in melee, yet the woodsman still hits with his arrows.

Unbeknownst to them, the hobbit has delayed the other basilisks, allowing his allies to focus fire on the 1^st two basilisk and goblin. Meanwhile Ladee enters the space of a basilisk to stab his underbelly. The other lizards breath at the hobbit who survives their poison attack (CON save). But Ladee quickly realizes his predicament and disengages further into the caves. Rather than pursue, the basilisks follow the passage outside to now face the others.

When Ladee finally exits the cave, he finds the goblin directing the basilisk. So the hobbit attacks hoping to silence the leader. A good stab but the favor returned in the form of a goblin mace. And that’s when Rowlie and Rambler succumb to lizard breath attacks…both paralyzed. Galanon screaming from the trees, “Heal them.” Except the hobbit is fighting for his own life and fails, falling unconscious at the goblin’s feet. Galanon in a frenzy firing at the last basilisk and goblin, dropping both. He quickly slides down the tree to administer athelas balm to the hobbit. Slow recovery as the hobbit regains his senses. Then lays-hands on his allies to remove the paralysis.

As the rest of us recover, the elf enters the caves to retrieve the elf bones Ladee reported. But he also finds the goblin’s scroll (blue concentric circle runes: blood ritual to hypnotize the basilisk to direct their attack on the elves).

Galanon is already packed and ready to return to the elven kingdom hall. But Ladee speaks up, “A short rest is in order. I’m out of healing and there is no telling if this was a lone nest. No need to rush things. Patience long ears. We can all rest in silence to pay homage to your fallen, before we trek off to home.”