Three days later, Rhosgobel’s council hall glows beneath hanging herbs and morning firelight. Tuiwen stands at the table with Thranduil, Eldred, Radagast the Brown, and Gandalf gathered around her map.
Tuiwen
We have driven the Orcs back, but they will not stay there. In order to eliminate this threat, we must defeat them on their own ground. I have a plan.
She spreads the map across the scarred table. Inked paths cross Mirkwood’s depths, winding separately through the Mountains of Mirkwood, along the Old Forest Road, and toward the southern approaches before converging near Dol Guldur.
Tuiwen
We must unite our forces, but the forest paths are too narrow for an army. It would stretch for miles. Rather, we must separate onto different paths that converge near Dol Guldur.
Radagast the Brown
A sound beginning, Tuiwen. Yet no route can bear every marching host, and none may be guarded so poorly that the settlements stand exposed.
Thranduil
Then each road must carry strength enough to advance, and leave strength enough behind. The question is where the enemy expects us to fail.
Gandalf
Show us the order of your divisions, and we shall test whether three roads can become one decisive blow.
“"I am not quite done yet. The orcs will come out to meet us, because Dol Guldur is a crumbling ruin that cannot endure a siege. At this point, a small force of Galadhrim, approaching from the south could occupy the fortress at small danger to themselves. The orcs would then be cut off from any retreat, and we could dispose of them at our leisure.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
I am not quite done yet. The Orcs will come out to meet us, because Dol Guldur is a crumbling ruin that cannot endure a siege. A small force of Galadhrim approaching from the south could occupy the fortress at little danger, cutting the Orcs off from retreat. Then we may dispose of them at our leisure.
Silence settles over the council hall. Thranduil studies the southern approach, while Radagast lays two fingers upon the map and Gandalf’s gaze follows the converging roads.
Thranduil
You are asking the Galadhrim to seize the fortress while our divisions draw its defenders outward. It is bold, but the ruin itself makes your argument sound.
Gandalf
And once the southern gate is held, the Orcs cannot withdraw toward Dol Guldur. They must meet us in the open, where their strength is divided and their retreat denied.
Radagast the Brown
I will send word to Lothlórien. Galadriel’s people can approach by the southern ways and occupy the fortress before the Orcs understand the snare closing around them.
Eldred
Then the Woodmen hold the western road, Thranduil’s host advances from the north, and the Galadhrim seal the south. The Orcs will have nowhere safe to run.
Thranduil
So be it. Your plan is accepted. I will marshal the northern advance, while Radagast summons the Galadhrim. Dol Guldur shall become the cage that holds its own enemies.
✓ Quest Accepted
Commit the allied forces to their battle positions
“"I will remain with the Woodmen, because they need at least one pair of elvish eyes in the thick forest. Also, I seem to have acquired two lean beasts that can sniff out the enemy before he becomes visible. It is important that the different columns remain in communication, so we can respond jointly against any counterattack."”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
I will remain with the Woodmen. They need elvish eyes in this thick forest, and the two lean beasts can scent the enemy before he appears.
Tuiwen
The columns must remain in communication, so we can answer any counterattack together.
Tuiwen marks a chain of signal posts between the settlement, the northern road, and the southern approach. The two Lean Beasts settle beside the Woodmen’s scouts, alert to every unfamiliar scent.
Radagast the Brown
I can bind the signals to living wood. A touched bough will carry the warning from post to post, though the first pattern must be checked by hand.
Eldred
Then I will teach the Woodmen the signs and keep the western posts supplied. No messenger need cross the open road unless the danger is already upon us.
The network is established before midday. Its first full test consumes precious hours, and one distant post answers slowly, leaving its exact reach uncertain until another runner confirms it.
Thranduil
Remain here, Tuiwen. Your sight and these beasts strengthen the Woodmen, while our columns advance knowing your warning can reach them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Confirm the signal network reaches every allied column
− Scene Quest Removed
Commit the allied forces to their battle positions
“She tests Radagast's network: "Are we ready?"”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
Are we ready?
Radagast places his palm against the marked bough. Green light travels through the living wood, carrying Tuiwen’s question along the prepared chain.
Radagast the Brown
The network answers. The Woodmen stand prepared, and the northern road has received your signal.
Far beyond the hall, one bough brightens, then another. The replies pass from post to post without a runner crossing the open ground.
Radagast the Brown
Thranduil’s column confirms its advance. The southern signal follows, steady and clear. Every division knows the others are ready.
The final bough answers with a warm pulse. The signal chain holds from the settlement to the converging roads, and the allied forces can coordinate their advance.
Eldred
Then the columns are ready, and the enemy will hear nothing from us until the trap closes.
Quest Complete
Confirm the signal network reaches every allied column