Mordor Mischief 6: in which Gryfflet is done with Udûn, but Udûn is not done with him
8Gryfflet has been hanging out with Annoth outside Durthang considering their options for invading the fortress. Gryfflet sneaks inside and begins the inevitable slaughter, discovering that he is also expected to break baubles and loot chests, although to what end it is not clear. He is very happy to discover more of the lost pages of lore that he has been collecting, making his lengthy hunt for his other objectives more palatable. on reaching the prison level he sets about releasing such prisoners as are still alive, including one Ayorzén—currently known as "the Wily"—who turns out to be a notorious enemy general wanted for questioning. Gryfflet sweeps the whole building searching for the fugitive, dealing with the occupants and their excitingly-named leaders as he goes. He eventually stumbles across a passageway that he had previously missed only to discover that Ayorzén beat him to it and made away with an item of unknown provenance. He finishes up his other tasks and meets up with Annoth who had spotted Ayorzén but failed to catch him. They split up to pursue the wily Easterling and Gryfflet actually makes it to the next region only to retrace his steps when it becomes clear that Ayorzén's flight had been blocked: happily Annoth manages to catch up with him and he hands over the stolen trinket. Gryfflet and Annoth are both disturbed by its unpleasant aura so the former takes it to Mithrandir while the latter deals with their captive. The wizard sends us to the foundries of Anglach to minister to explores who are putting themselves in danger: they are distinctly ungrateful to be distracted from their search and their leader demands that Gryfflet find them some treasure. Reluctantly agreeing to enter Anglach again, Gryfflet is not surprised when the explorers are not satisfied with what he finds so he leaves them to it and reports back to Mithrandir who has been thinking. Aragorn is willing to entertain the wizard's notion of pumping Ayorzén for information but the Easterling is less so, pointing out that there are still powerful foes within Mordor who have not yet been subdued. Mithrandir decides to send Gryfflet to Rivendell to learn how to put the trinket recovered from Durthang to better use. Elrond sends us to the Misty Mountains to wash it in cold fresh water, which is insufficient, then to a Lost Temple for another try. Ignoring Elrond's advice to touch nothing, he eventually makes his way to the ceremonial chamber where setting the relic on the altar cleanses it to the dismay of the cultist in attendance, although Gryfflet is able to ensure that her disappointment is short-lived. Elrond transforms the relic into a protective item that will keep Gryfflet safe as he ventures further into Mordor. Mithrandir has more work for us but we have already gone over time so we end the session at this point.
"I'm just searching them, it's a purely academic interest I seem to have in these ornate chests!"
"Kind of cool if they had a Rancor Pit!"
"Strong work right there!"
"He doesn't count as being rescued because he's already dead!"
"I want—I think—Invader's Boots…or do I want Invader's Boots? No, I want Invader's Boots!"
"It's a Black Númenórean Locker Room!"
"I don't want to impugn your beliefs, man!"
"It would help if I actually read the instructions!"
"Oh look, it's a skull!"
Lore discussed this week touched upon the subject of shield-maidens in Rohan with reference to Éowyn's subterfuge and the evolution of the story.