Inside Radagast’s house, maps, birch fragments, and copied testimony cover the herb-laden table. Three wary Woodmen stand near the hearth while birds rustle uneasily above.
Radagast the Brown
Tuiwen, what must Thranduil know first? Not every sign can travel in one message. Choose the truth that will move his hand most surely.
One Woodman
Our stores can last perhaps a month if every household shares. The southern sentries are few, and the families nearest the old paths cannot flee quickly.
One Woodman, an adult man with a broad build, weathered brown skin, cropped black hair, and a rough green wool tunic beneath a patched leather vest places a rough charcoal mark beside Caras Amarth. Another traces the routes between the town and the threatened paths, while the third watches Radagast in guarded silence.
Radagast the Brown
If the stores fail, fear will serve Saruman better than any spell. Thranduil must hear both the danger and the measure of aid required to resist it.
Radagast turns the map toward Tuiwen, leaving the blank space beside the Woodmen’s town open. The practical plan waits on the priority she gives her father.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Thranduil’s commitment to aid the Woodmen
“"My father can command armies, but this subtle danger may not yield to our swords. Saruman thinks his plans remain hidden, and therefore he will not make any sudden moves that would reveal them. But once the elves march on him, he will throw aside all caution, and he is the mightiest of wizards. Only the White Council has the power to overcome Saruman. They have already promised their aid, and we should call for it."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Tuiwen
My father can command armies, but this subtle danger will not yield to swords. Saruman will hide his hand until we march against him.
The Woodmen listen closely. Their stores, families, and southern paths now stand plainly within the danger, while Radagast studies Tuiwen without interrupting.
Tuiwen
Once the elves move, Saruman will cast aside caution. He is the mightiest of wizards. Only the White Council can overcome him, and they have promised their aid. We should call for it.
Radagast the Brown
Then we shall call them now. I will send word to Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond, naming the danger and asking the Council to act before Saruman is forced into the open.
One Woodman
Call them, then. But let the message name our need plainly. If aid comes only for kings and wizards, our families will still face the shadow alone.
Radagast accepts the cost without softening it: the White Council must hear of the Woodmen’s weakness, and Thranduil must be asked to defend them openly. He takes up his quill.
Radagast the Brown
Your counsel has moved my hand, Tuiwen. The summons goes to the White Council, and your father will receive a second report: not merely a warning, but a pledge of aid required.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the White Council’s aid for the threatened Woodmen
“"If Saruman acts before the Council is ready, well, I cannot answer for that, but you will not face him alone." She draws her sword and lays it meaningfully on the table. "I am going nowhere until this is settled, for good or ill. And if I am in danger, you can be sure my father will soon come to my aid."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Tuiwen
If Saruman acts before the Council is ready, I cannot answer for that, but you will not face him alone. I am going nowhere until this is settled, for good or ill. If I am in danger, my father will soon come to my aid.
Tuiwen draws her Elven blade and lays it across the map table. Its quiet weight falls between the scattered reports and the Woodmen’s charcoal marks, turning reassurance into a visible pledge.
One Woodman
Then we will not stand alone either. If your king sends aid, our families will hold their ground and show you every sign we have found.
The broad Woodman closes his hand over the charcoal mark, while the other two nod. Their guarded faces have not lost their fear, but fear no longer dictates their answer.
Radagast the Brown
So be it. I will send the summons tonight, and I will write plainly that Tuiwen remains here under my protection until the danger is settled.
Radagast draws the sword’s reflection across his parchment and begins the council summons. Outside, his birds stir among the eaves as the Woodmen gather close to the table, ready to name each threatened path.