WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain walked along quietly listening to the scrutenizing words of Tom Bombadil. He had not minded it, for lately he had been thinking of his people back at Esgaroth. The coming of the messenger of Mordor had been growing in his mind. Soon war would be coming from Mordor to his people, and he now wished that he could be there to make a last stand with his kinsfolk.

"Master Bombadil," Dain said tiredly, "It is not in fear that I do not speak for the wood of Lorien is beautiful, as far as woods go. I will not fight your arguments, for my mind is bent on other matters, but never the less I do not like your pompious arrogant way of accusing and insulting me! You my good man go after those who have done you wrong whether it be an honost mistake or not, and favor those who favor you."

If I go away don't send Halbarad away. His vote showed it...
Dain drew himself up to his full height and looked Tom Bombadil straight in the eye. "If you send me away I will not fight you, and if I stay I will do my duty. Do not let the Ring cloud your mind, if indeed you can think of anything else other than picking dafadillies!"

[Nogrod]

"Oh, master dwarf. Forgive me if I have insulted you for that has happened unwilllingly and unintentionally as it has not been my goal. Tom doesn't insult anyone. But you should also watch what you say:You my good man go after those who have done you wrong whether it be an honost mistake or not, and favor those who favor you.as I have defended my staunchest accusator Uglúk quite openly. And I'd indeed still rather let you go back to your kinsfolk in Esgaroth... without the Ring that is.

But you should change your stance on Lillies and dafodillies young dwarf. They are infinitively more beautiful, interesting and full of innocent life than many of the more complex forms of life that walk this Middle-Earth. And they have been here longer than any moving species as well. There is age-old wisdom in them. I should know it as I was here tending thewm already that time."

Tom smiled benevolently to the dwarf. "I do not doubt your bravery, courage or heroism. But I do fear you might have other plans for the Ring than the council sent us for.

But I need to take a look at this young marshall Théodred as well before it comes too late. Luckily we still have an hour..."

[Meneltarmacil]

Aye, I know it's a failing of mine to go after one person for quite a while. You seem to be talking sense at this point, though, Tom and it's possible that I'm misinterpreting your actions.

You've got some good points there about Dain. It does look to me like he switched to suspecting Halbarad when it looked more likely that the latter would be voted for, and such is the action of a traitor.

Theodred, your post about me knowning Tom is innocent looks odd to me.

Originally Posted by Menel
Well, I think I've made my points pretty clear. Time to vote.

++Tom Bombadil

Anybody but me think we might be running in the wrong direction? I'm seeing some kind of strange fiery light ahead, and that threatening smell from earlier is getting stronger as we run toward it...

It is as if he KNOWS that Bombadil is innocent and that leaving him behind would be a mistake, but he votes for his removal anyway. This bodes ill for my suspicions of Ugluk, as until now I had thought him perhaps innocent; now I am not so sure. Would you care to explain your statement?"
How could you possibly have arrived at that conclusion? What did I say there that suggested I knew Bombadil was innocent?

[satansaloser2005]

Theodred faced Ugluk and finally resigned himself to a conversation with the creature.

"It seemed (at the time) as if you were regretting your vote before you had even cast it; your behavior indicated that you knew he [Tom] was not a traitor but you wanted him removed anyway, as if you knew your role and his as a result. Again, at the time, it seemed suspicious, but I can see now that you were not a traitor trying to condemn an innocent, but a loyal companion who was unsure of his decision but was ready to face the consequences for a possible mistake. I no longer question your loyalty based on this event."

[Nogrod]

"Our marshall begins the journey with his famous rant on the choice of the ringbearer - the results of which we all know by now. He sure was reckless and as I deeply honour my friends the hobbits I must confess I personally disliked his outburst back then.

Then he seems to join the band of those wishing to let Halbarad stay: I believe Halbarad will prove himself useful. Our journey just begun, I find it rash to make such a case against the fellow, and yet in this case his accusers seem reasonable. Still, I cannot help but consider the role he may play later in the journey. Surely, if we were to go with old Tom's advice, he would be the first to go, as he seems here merely to entertain, yet in my mind's eye I sense an innocence about him.His formulation of the thing would be the most bold one were he to be Halbarad's ally. I don't know, maybe he could do it? To whom he refers there in the end (to me or Halbarad) is a bit unclear to me.

But he stayed the course supporting Halbarad after that by yet insisting when Halbarad was leading the vote: Once again, my fellows, I feel the need to speak out against a hasty lynching of Halbarad; I may be misguided, but I feel that he warrants an opportunity to prove where his loyalties lie.Yes, this looks like a friend doing it in a round about way as well - but still trying to act before it's too late. Hmm... many of us seem to have done this so who was the one who did it on purpose?

What strikes me odd in hisbehaviour the next Day is his opening when he goes on agreeing with Galadriel thus: Galadriel, I, too, regret now the decision to allow Halbarad's continued presence with our fellowship, and while we may disagree regarding....regarding your lifestyle....I feel that for now at least I have no choice but to trust you, at least regarding the curious behavior of Halbarad.the funny thing being that he seems to agree basically on her points on Halbarad - while at that time one ofGaladriel's main points still was that it had been Halbarad who had quarrelled with Lobelia and not him. And he should know it himself!

After that he goes on accusing those who voted for Gandalf with reasons based on before-this-trip-experiences-on-person's-character which I found quite dubious then - and I do find it dubious now.

When Galadriel's mistake was discovered and Halbarad hade made fun of it - as it kind of showed Théodred being eager to nail someone because of reasons that were drawn from his own behaviour - Theodred defended that he mainly supported the conclusions of Galadriel and not the reasons themselves.

Now this might be fishy indeed but it would also be more than bold for Halbarad to expose his mate in crime that way and make public fun of it. Could these two pull this? Nevertheless it would be unwise and Theodred continued keeping Halbarad a suspect and added more suspicions to him - even if he didn't vote him that Day.

Later he pops up and wonders why everyone ignores Radagast. This would have been bold indeed from a fellow traitor.

In the end he says that the speeches (votes / vote-threats) of Daín and myself woke him up and he would vote for Lobelia. He also said he would wish to vote for Halbarad to just check his loyalties.

On the next Day he seems to think me innocent and questions Uglúk's vote on me. Then he pointed out that Elrohir would be innocent if Halbarad was a traitor (whis is talking sense indeed - but traitors can speak sense too). Then seals Halbarad's fate by choosing him over myself to vote.

Today he announces he trusts lady Galadriel, Uglúk and myself and of the two remaining the actions of other traitors lord Elrohir looks innocent and thence votes for Daín.

Well, I couldn't say he's clean as a cloth but most reasonable one anyway - most of the time. Even if some things bother me and should be checked if there is toMorrow for old Bombadil..."

EDIT: X'd with Uglúk and Théodred

[satansaloser2005]

"My companions, I do not wish to rush your decisions, but I feel I must implore you to act quickly. Sundown approaches, and if we fail to make the right decision this day I fear for our safety. Please do not wait to vote until the final moments of the day; indeed, I would like to discuss our options should we not expel the traitor today, and as I must leave shortly before day's end, I would like to see out the end of our voting. If this is not possible, I understand that you also have other obligations that you must fulfill (although I know that ridding our fellowship of the traitors is your truly highest priority). I urge you now, carefully consider your votes, but do so quickly, as another day's end without the departure of a traitor may be, selfish though it may sound, my end."

Theodred felt rather cowardly to be making such a speech, but as the others were relatively quiet and as the sky was growing darker, he knew that something had to be said to ensure the fellowship to act quickly.



EDIT: X'd with Tom Bombadil

[Meneltarmacil]

++Dain

Well, I have to vote for someone soon, and I'm not really that inclined to suspect Tom at this point since he's making sense now.

[McCaber]

"I spent much time here in Lorien considering our Dwarf Lord, and I can agree with sending him away. His actions on this journey have convinced me of his guilt."

++ Dain II Ironfoot

[Nogrod]

"I've given all these speeches to you as I have a foresight I will not leave from this beautiful forest of Lorien with you my friends. Too grave is my longing for things beautiful and tender and sweet that it will take some age-old willpower for me to continue toMorrow. You should then look at my points and possibly reconsider them in the light of the new Day and what has happened between now and then.

But at the moment I'd be quite ready to help the homesick dwarf to get home and to hopefully end the treachery inside the fellowship."

EDIT: X'd with Uglúk, Théodred and Elrohir

[Nogrod]

"Tom will join the chorus now.

++ Daín

Think of this as a gift good dwarf! You get home to stand beside your loved ones - and we hopefully will continue our quest without those wishing to divert the fellowship from it's original purpose. We then only face lord Sauron, though...

But if we get it wrong now you know what to do toMorrow. Pay heed, you know it. Just use your brains. Old Iarwain trusts you in this."

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain looked in surprise at Tom for his kind words and the dwarf’s face softened a little bit.

“Very well, I will take back what I said about your daffodils. I thank you for your kind words. There is no need to examine any other member of our fellowship, for I: Dain II Ironfoot, King of Durin’s folk was the Traitor that you have hunted. I say was because I have seen the errors of my ways; it was madness to think that the Ring could be mine, but madness takes those who are in dire need.

"I grieve for the deaths of my companions and for the deaths we have caused, and if you will allow me I will leave our fellowship in shame and return to my home in glory of my people. There I will await the coming of the dark lord and give his minions battle on the fields of Dale. I have said all that I will, permit me to leave and I will give you no more trouble.”

++Dain II Ironfoot

EDIT: X'd with Ugluk, Elrohir, Bombadil, and Bombadil

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I chose to look elsewhere than Iarwain today and make my final desition about him later, if that is a mistake only time can tell. . .even though there is a risk in this, it is one I am willing to take as the events in Moria made me doubt my initial suspicion.

Theodred pussles me in many ways, especially when he agreed with me when I was clearly mistaken was weird. Even so I do not suspect him.

That leaves me with Elrohir, Dain and Ugluk.

Elrohir I have do not know what to think of at all.

The others I have already stated what I think of. . .and of the two I find Ugluk the most suspicouse, so he will get my vote today. I simply find my self agreeing too much with Dain's reasoning to vote for him, even if he has picked the easy fights.

++Ugluk

Edit: Crossed Posted With All Since Theodred

[McCaber]

Elrohir paused to say one last thing on the way out of this holy forest.

"Dain, I should kill you for what you did to my brother, but a defended Erebor is more important than vengeance for now.

If our quest succeeds, though, there will be a reckoning. I can promise that."

So he turned and began to walk away from Lorien.

[Nogrod]

"Hey dol! Merry dol! into the Night so sweet!
Hey dol! Merry lol! time to wash your feet!
Time to eat and drink and dance the night
without a thought of tomorrow's flight!
For a road there is waiting for some
let the Valar grace it, make it fun!
No need to fear Sauron at all
as he's just a lousy eyeball!"

And dancing with flower-robed elves Tom went disappearing into the Night. But his song could still be heard.

"Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!
Ring a dong! hop along! fal lal the willow!
Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo!"

EDIT: I didn't indeed notice Daín's confession... oops! Well all the more reason for joy!

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

If this is true Dain, then I have not been wise at all. . .I have been a fool!
Not one of the traitors did I whole heartedly suspect, I shall forever be shamed of this.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Lo! Lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and you son of Elrond, and Elf and Orc, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of the Fellowship of Saruman and the Ring of Doom.

...Those who saw the things that were done in that time, deeds of valour and wonder, have elsewhere told the tale of the War of the Ring. Here let it be said that in those days the White Messenger, who before proved to be untrue to his mission, returned to the cause of the Free Peoples. And it was by his device and power that the defenders of the West united and led their last march against the Enemy. Battle there was before the City of Gondor, and Men fought there against evil Men and Orcs of Isengard fought the Orcs of Mordor; and the Lord of Morgul, Captain of Sauron, there passed into darkness, being defeated by the great Elven lord Glorfindel of Rivendell.

In the North also there had been war and evil. Indeed things could have been different had it not been for the bravery of King Brand and King Dáin, as with his farstretched right hand Sauron stroke hard in the North, while he defended Gondor. And there was a great battle at the Lonely Mountain's feet, which lasted three days and three nights, and both King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot were slain, but the Enemy was beaten back and the threat on the North vanquished.

And the host of the West in the South then marched to the Black Gates of Mordor. In that last battle were Curunír, and the King of Rohan, and the Steward of Gondor and his two sons, and Glorfindel of Rivendell and the Heir of Isildur with the Dúnedain of the North. There at the last they stumbled, for Sauron was too strong, and the outcome of the battle was uncertain. Yet in that hour was put to the proof that which Curunír had spoken, for, as many songs have since sung, it was the three heroes, the most brave of that Age, that brought them deliverance.

For Elrohir son of Elrond, it is said, at the bidding of Curunír took on himself the burden, and with Uglúk of Isengard they passed through peril and darkness to Mordor. And Galadriel the Lady of Lórien went with them, and her power protected them in the horrible pass of Cirith Ungol. But she refused to go further, fearing too much of the Ring's temptation. Yet the guardians of Mordor were afraid of the great Elf warrior and the mighty Uruk, and the two came at last in Sauron's despite even to Mount Doom. And there into the Fire where it was wrought they cast the Great Ring of Power, and so at last it was unmade and its evil consumed.
Then Sauron failed, and he was utterly vanquished and passed away like a shadow of malice; and the towers of Barad-dûr crumbled in ruin. And the nations of Middle-Earth came free and the Men and Dwarves and Orcs and Hobbits lived in peace.

But the Elves and the Ringbearers left Middle-Earth, as the Third Age had passed. And Curunír, the White Messenger, departed with them, as his labors were fulfiled at last. Thus, there came the end of the Fellowship of Saruman in Middle-Earth, and only Iarwain, the Oldest, remained to keep the tale in which he took part, though he never followed the Ringbearer beyond the Great River: but as he was, the First, so he shall be the Last, and so the Tale will live until the end of times.

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The Fellowship:

McCaber - Elrohir - innocent
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk - innocent
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil - innocent
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel - innocent
Sally - Théodred - Seer (Palantír-bearer)


Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector
A Little Green – Éomer (dragged into the pool by the Watcher in the Water) - Avenger
THE Ka – Radagast (killed by Éomer's sword Gúthwinë by the Gates of Moria) - traitor
Gwathagor - Halbarad (killed by the Companions in self-defense in Moria) – traitor
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion (fell into the abyss with the Balrog of Moria) – innocent
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot (left the Company in Lórien of his own will) - traitor

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The game has ended!
The Traitors are gone!
The Innocent Companions win! Congratulations to those who remained and even to those who fell for the Quest!

Thank you all for playing! :)

Post on the admin thread to talk to your former companions and villains and discuss what happened here.