Message:On the road to Isengard we were welcomed by Saruman, then imprisoned by the wizard of multi colors.
Beneath the mountain's arm within the Wizard's Vale through years uncounted had stood that ancient place that Men called Isengard. Partly it was shaped in the making of the mountains, but mighty works by the Men of Westemnet had wrought a citadel there of old. Saruman had dwelt there long and had not been idle. Would in anger he dare strike an elf? SANCTUARY (1st visit only). No Hirelings.
Players are being followed by a very noisy Cuckcoo. (The Cuckcoo is Radagast trying to warn the players.)
Welcomed by Saruman, then arrested. Escape by Dungeon Path against Uruk Hai.
We crossed the Parched Region and Fire Geysers twice. Hey, a little more planning may be needed!
In the final fight we praised six gods: Cook, Dancer, Hunter, Mercy, Nature, Weaver. None of the gods inflicted Divine Retribution, since we had praised the Cook.
Exit at Fork in River Anduin. At the end of the path the players rescued the Cuckcoo, Radagast the Brown. The player fellowship added this Maiar companion but lost the patronage of the Blue Maiar.
Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends. Radagast the Brown can aid the players by transformation or by summoning the eagles and with such aid be delivered past a hazard along the way. This can be a climax fight or a region dreaded to cross. After he is revealed, he will join the party until this action is used. Should it be retained all the way to Mt Doom? Perhaps, but passing Shelob's Lair are equally good, indeed.
The party moved into Book Four.
Clue: The lady "Frau Dugelance" appears to be a misspelling of "Miss Due Diligence."
Our first act was to enter the Dungeon of Mirkwood, taking the long way round.
Our last Clue: Souless and empty, like the song of a piper or the cavity of a bum tooth.
More next week.
Yours,
IronRed
07-Sep-2025