I’ve been jonesing hard for a break from Gygaxian, by the numbers murder hobo campaigns. In my group we usually have two games going; a full group game and a drop-in drop-out game that can be played regardless of party configuration and who shows up.

I decided to run AiME as the latter type of game.

My intention was to run a couple of linear adventures before opening the world up. I settled on running Eaves of Mirkwood, then the first three to four quests found in Wilderland Adventures. Once the players hit level 5, they would have a lot more freedom as I plan on allowing them to pursue quests from Wilderland Adventures, Eriador Adventures, the Mirkwood Campaign, and plenty of personal plot I’ll be including. When they wrap up the storyline of Wilderland Adventures, they will unlock the homebrew campaign I’m working on in full, which I’ve discussed in small part elsewhere here (see The Bones of Nargothrond post).

Anyway, I figured I’d sort of keep a little record running of my player’s exploits!

This game saw a band of old friends come together. We had; Aelendir, an Elf of Mirkwood Treasure Hunter. Aredhel, a Dunédain Wanderer that goes by Rove, and presents herself as a Barding. Bolin the Scholar, a Dwarf of Erebor Eldwyn Fairfoal, a Rider of Rohan and a Wanderer. Sigibert Shield-breaker, a Beorning Slayer.

The setup I provided players is that they were all veterans of the Battle of Five Armies. During that conflict they were all thrust together in the chaos of battle and surrounded by foes. By working together they won free and made their way to safety and victory, and in this, forged lasting bonds of friendship.

The intervening years has seen that friendship grow, and now that King Bard has issued his proclamation, the friends have decided to hand together and form a Company that may win honor and renown as heroes of Rhovanion.

Well... except for the Dunédain.

She has been charged with a secret mission, for Lord Elrond has had foresight come upon him, and has deemed that her meeting with this group is by no random chance; there is a purpose in it, and these men and women have a part to play in the fate of the North, beyond whatever Bard has planned, and it is her job to guide them, especially against the dark terrors that still haunt the wilds in places of Shadow.

Anyway, they all met at Woodmen-town, since I deemed that that was more or less equidistant from where they all normally hung their hats. I planted some seeds there, specifically about the Lamp of Balthi, and allowed them to role play with themselves and any NPC’s to sort of gain an understanding of how the locals viewed the area. Then we were off!

The party caught sight of some Elves off to the Grey Havens on their travels. None were disheartened and indeed some took comfort ok the knowledge that though many were leaving, still there remained the Firstborn in Middle-Earth... not all that was good was yet faded.

Coming upon some ancient ruins near the Forest Gate, our heroes overheard the unmistakable sounds of combat, and discerned that some of Durin’s Folk were being assailed. Rushing to their aid, the Company deftly defeated the Goblins that threatened them, making fast friends with the Dwarven trio they rescued.

Snorri, Borri and Hár, Dwarves of Erebor, were all extremely grateful and insisted on the Company sharing camp with them. Ale and tales were shared, Games of Smoke Rings were played, contests of riddles were had. Eventually, delicious pork was shared... though keen-eyed and sharp-minded Rove knew that something was amiss, and partook naught of the offering.

At length, all laid down to sleep.

Sigibert, being a Night-goer, watched the Company while they slept, and spied some Men of Rowanhold winding their way towards their camp. Returning to his normal form, he woke and roused the Company, so that rather than be taken unawares, they met the Rowanholders awake and armed.

Thankfully, cool heads prevailed and no blood was spilled. The Rowanholders charged the Company to come and answer for their deeds, and they did so willingly.

Though this was a sour note, the Company arrived with tales of their journey on their lips, and the small-folk were hungry for such stories, and the people looked upon them with wonder. Eventually they were brought before Gailavira, the leader of Rowanhold, who told them of the deal they had struck with a Warg to keep their people safe. Rove, contrite, introduced the Company with fine words. There she and the others of her band spoke humbly and with respect, and offered to hunt down the ferocious beast that threatened Rowanhold, and Gailavira was moved by their honesty and valour. Before her judgment could be made, however, a fell voice split the air and the people all knew...

Greymuzzle Hob, Warg of the Wilderlands, was come.

Though the fires dimmed, the Company was steadfast and valiant, and after a mighty contest, they proved victorious, slaying the Warg and protecting the people of Rowanhold.

The beast was skinned and a feast made. The Dwarves decided to help rebuild the palisade that Greymuzzle Hob had broken in his frenzy. Gailavira, recognizing the might of the Company, is going to offer them her patronage, and the party will be able to open Rowanhold as a Sanctuary.

All in all, an auspicious start to their adventures together!