Esgaroth, Long Lake

[Dirty Chai]

Esgaroth


Lake Town
Known as Esgaroth, meaning "bed of reeds", the Lake Town controls all of Long Lake and all trade and travel through the Lake and the River Running will come into contact with the floating settlement.
Of defensive temperament, the colony is led by a hereditary Chieftain, but decision making is handled by a Council of Nobles led by the chieftain.
Entry into the town is often hard to gain, as the Lake Men are wary of any and all outsiders, excluding their kin in Dale.

It is situated on the west side of the lake, north of the mouth of the Forest River in a calm bay that was formed by the shelter of a rock promontory. A long wooden bridge connects the town to the land, ending in a gatehouse, with guards watching over the entrance.

In the middle of Lake-town, the central market-place is located, which is a round pool connected to the lake by a tunnel. The greatest houses of Lake-town are around this market-place, from which ramps descend to the water. The edge of the town is occupied with quays and, again, ramps, which descend to the water.

The Lake Men
Many of its inhabitants descending from Dale, the Men of Lake Town or Esgaroth have very warm relations Dale to the north.
It's people are natural traders, fisherman, and survivalists, due to settling on a harsh frontier.

The Lake Men have a long tradition of practicing archery and other ranged weapons, such as javelins, due to their nature as fisherman and survivalists.

Diplomacy
Dale - Alliance & Trade
Erebor - Amiable
Woodland Realm - Alliance & Trade
Lothlorien - Amiable
Goblins of the Misty Mountains - War
Goblins of Gundabad - War
Goblins of Moria - War
Men of Balchoth - War

Location
Where the Forest River flows into Long Lake

Leader



Haleth, son of Haldir

General



Ketil, son of Lettr

Traits of Men
The Secondborn: +1 offense in battle rolls
Men of the North: +2 defense in battle rolls
Hardened Life: +1 to survival rolls

Upgrades

Wine Trade II (Produces 300 gold per year)

Shipwright I (Provides Riverboats)

Poleturner II (Produces 200 spears every year)

Blacksmiths (Provides a +1 armor to a total of 500 fighters)

Assets

Wine II: +300 Gold/Year
300 Spears
500 +1 Armor

Characters

Haleth, son of Haldir Age: 17 Nephew of King Brand of Dale through his mother and hereditary ruler of Esgaroth through his father, Haleth is cynical and cautious yet idealistic and seeks the well-being of the Lakemen. His childhood was grim, having been covered in shadow by witnessing the deaths of both of his mother and father. He was taken in by his mother's brother, King Brand of Dale, and raised like one of his sons. Because of this, relations between Dale and Esgaroth are quite warm at this time. Ketil, son of Lettr Age: 47 Ketil, a nobleman of Esgaroth and a prominent leader among the city's nobles, has been appointed as second to Haleth.

Finances

2690 T.A. Income: 1,000 Expenses: 1,000 (in upgrades) Total Funds: 0 2691 T.A. Income: 1,000 + 200(Wine) + 300(Bonus) Expenses: 1,250 (in upgrades) Total Funds: 250 2692 T.A. Starting: 250 Income: 1,000 + 300(Wine) Expenses: 1,500 (in upgrades) Total Funds: 50

Economics

The Lake Men reside on Long Lake, a center for trade. Although the Lake Men do not make much use of horses in battle, the northmen are the best horsebreeders among the free people, and can field a high number of them. Esgaroth produces 1,000 gold every year. Tier I (Requires 500 gold for each structure) Fletcher I (Provides 100 bows every year) Poleturner I (Produces 100 spears every year) Wine Trade I (Produces 200 gold per year) Blacksmiths (Provides a +1 armor to a total of 500 fighters) Horse Breeder I (Provides 100 horses) Shipwright I (Provides Riverboats) Fortress Improvement (Provides a +1 to the total defense of the fortress) Tier 2 (Requires 750 gold for each structure) Fletcher II (Provides 200 bows every year) Poleturner II (Produces 200 spears every year) Horse Breeder II (Provides 200 horses every year) Wine trade II (Provides 300 gold per year) Blacksmiths (Provides a +1 armor to a total of 3,000 fighters) Parapets (Provides a +2 to the total defense of the fortress) Tier 3 (Requires 1,000 gold for each structure) Fletcher III (Provides 400 bows every year) Poleturner III (Produces 450 spears every year) Horse Breeder III (Provides 750 horses per year) Blacksmiths (Provides a +1 armor to a total of 6,000 fighters) Reinforced Walls (Provides a +3 to the total defense of the fortress) Tier 4 (Requires 1,500 gold for each structure) Fletcher IV (Provides 750 bows every year) Poleturner IV (Produces 750 spears every year) Blacksmiths (Provides a +1 armor to a total of 5,000 fighters, and +2 armor to 5,000 fighters) Towers (Provides a +4 to the total defense of the fortress) Tier 5 (Requires 2,000 gold for each structure) Fletcher V (Provides 1,000 bows every year) Horse Breeder IV (Provides 1,500 horses)

Units of Esgaroth

Esgaroth Units: Elite Infantry Lake Chieftain's Guard (Archers, Spears, Swords, +1 Armor) Esgaroth Nobles (Spears, Swords, +1 Armor) Celduin Rangers (archers, swords, +1 Armor) Heavy Infantry Hearthmen (swords, +1 Armor) Marcher Men (Spears, +1 Armor) Medium Infantry Yeomen (javelins & spears/billhooks) Light Infantry Longbowmen (archers) Rivermen (javelins) Light Cavalry Mounted Yeomen (mounted, spears) Descriptions Elite Infantry Lake Chieftain's Guard Strong warriors and nobles who have earned the right to live with the Chieftain of Lake Town and his family, these veteran heroes protect their Chieftain at all times and follow him nearly everywhere. The traditional weapon of the Chieftain's Guard is the sword - broad and long blades forged by the Dwarves in Erebor. They are also well trained in the use of the shieldwall. Esgaroth Nobles Noblemen of Esgaroth, from second sons to merchant lords, are trained in the art of the sword and the shieldwall. Lake Town's defensive culture demands of its people that they are able to contribute, and the nobles are no exception. Able to afford the best armor and swords available to Esgaroth, these nobles are the best equipped of all. Lake Guards Men tasked with protecting the wooden city from harm, they are professional veterans who watch over Lake Town's natural defenses from its palisaded quays, its gatehouse, and the many watchtowers that rise above the town. Armed with polearms such as bardiches, halbirds, and glaives, these men are equipped to beat back even the most determined enemy. Celduin Rangers Woodsmen and scouts, these rangers set out from Esgaroth and Dale to wander and watch the Wilderlands around Long Lake, near and far, from Greenwood the Great all the way to Dorwinion and the Iron hills. They are the eyes and ears of the Men of Dale and Esgaroth, and watch the outlying plains with their homes in mind. They are some of the best archers of the race of Men, and can defend themselves skillfully with swords if they must. Excellent survivalists and spies, they are fantastic at ambushing and hiding. Heavy Infantry Hearthmen Strong warriors who sit with the noblemen and chieftain at the same hearth, these Men are the strength of Esgaroth: Decent in numbers, and more than willing to meet their enemy in the field, and more than able to cut them down from a shieldwall formation. They are equipped with chainmail, large shields, swords, and javelins, they can take on any enemy. Marcher Men Settlers and farmers living around Long Lake and outside Esgaroth, these few landholders can and will rise up to defend their homes and Esgaroth. Able to afford more than most freemen, they are equipped with chainmail, shields, and well-hewn spears, and often fight in a shieldwall. Medium Infantry Hearth Watchmen Watchmen and guards from outposts around Long Lake and along the River Running, these men are tasked with protecting the outlying lands around Long Lake from Easterling raiders and other threats. Equipped with tough leather, and usually wield pikes and spears. Yeomen Lesser freemen living in Esgaroth, usually traders and craftsmen, these men carry the staple weapons of their class: javelins, spears, and billhooks. Light Infantry Longbowmen Hunters and fishermen from around Long Lake, these freemen are skilled hunters, and have made good use of the longbow. Rivermen Fishermen that rule that the Long Lake, they are superior skirmishers, able to throw spears and javelins with lethal precision. Light Cavalry Mounted Yeomen Freemen living on the shores of Long Lake that prefer to fight upon their horses, these light horsemen are intended to ride down routing enemies and light infantry.

Military

300 Marcher Men (Spears, +1 Armor) 200 Hearthmen (swords, +1 Armor) 200 Rivermen (javelins) 5,300 Unassigned

[Gandalfus]

A representative of Kign Thranduil arrives, accompanied by a group of elven honour guard.

[Dirty Chai]

They are held at the gatehouse for a time, while a large crowd of farmers and settlers who live on the shore begins to form, all staring and watching with amazement at the elves.
A few of the older ones look concerned, the suspicious old men that they are.

It isn't long however before they are led across the bridge and through the town, passing through the streets, the common men and women of Lake Town looking in amazement at the sight.

The representative is shown into a large hearth hall, presumably where the Chieftain and the Council holds its sessions.

[Gandalfus]

The Representative bowed upon reaching the assembled lords.

I bring word from King Thranduil of the Woodland realm. He wishes to offer trade, and an alliance with your people.

[Dirty Chai]

The council is upon a raised dais, which forms a broken square, the open side where petitioners look up at them. Empty plates and goblets were placed along the tables, the nobles evidently waiting for their evening meal.

Most of the nobles in the council were old and ornately dressed for Lake Men, and began to whisper and converse amongst themselves immediately.

A young man of gentle birth with long black hair, at the center of the dais, in a larger, throne-like seat, stays silent for a few moments while they converse, the elves left waiting.

After a few long moments, he stands, and all the graying nobles immediately stop and look at him expectantly.

"The Men of Lake Town accept."

Most of the nobles respond indifferently, but a few scowling ones starting angrily squabbling with those around them. It was evident they wouldn't argue with the Chieftain's decision however.

[Gandalfus]

He smiled.

You are welcome in the halls of the king any time you wish, and we shall grant you passage through the forest should you need it some time in the future.

[Dirty Chai]

"Then we ask for cooperation between our rangers and yours during these trying times; We must keep an ever watchful eye on Dol Guldur and its movements, for the better safety of both our lands."

[Gandalfus]

He nods.

That is acceptable. Dol Guldur grows each day. Scouts report that activity in the region has increased - that means sauron has dictated his will to his followers. I fear the strength that they can muster grows every moment.

[Dirty Chai]

The young chieftain nods also.
"We hear word every day of the increasing activity of the Balchoth near and around Dorwinion.
We have even seen their riders on our side of Carnen, even riding along the Celduin.
We were just speaking of this concern when you arrived."

[Gandalfus]

We have come further north, to petition the kings of men for aid against the shadow.

[Dirty Chai]

"I feel that King Brand will also agree. I was raised in his household, and I know him to be a great man."

[Gandalfus]

Then that is where we shall go. We thank you, for your hospitality.

[Dirty Chai]

He nods as they go, and sits back down, to which the nobles all resume discussing the Balchoth again.
As they walk away from the hall, leaving the building, they can hear the voices getting very loud and excited, some yelling and arguing viciously on the subject.

The city guards lead the emissary and his escort back out the way they came, outside the gatehouse on the shore.

[Gandalfus]

Your presence is requested in the council of Mirkwood. Make your way to Thranduil's halls when you are ready.

~ Prince Legolas.

[Pontifex Maximus]

A mission of dwarves make their way from Erebor, through Dale, and down into Laketown. Their leader, Fundin, son of Thrain, is accompanied by another prominent dwarf, Bosi. Both of these arrive in Esgaroth early in the evening, seeking a place to rest and meeting with the men of Lake Town

[Dirty Chai]

Fundin and Bosi are held at the gatehouse for a time, while a large crowd of farmers and settlers who live on the shore begins to form, all staring and watching with amazement at the dwarves.

It isn't long however before they are led across the bridge and through the town, passing through the streets, the common men and women of Lake Town looking in amazement at the sight of the dwarves.

The two are shown into a large hearth hall, presumably where the Chieftain and the Council holds its sessions.
However, an older man stands next to where the Chieftain usually sits, presumably stewarding for him.

The whole council, mostly old nobles, was in some form of discussion, and eventually they all look at the dwarves curiously.
The standing noble speaks up, his voice that of a hardened drillmaster.
"Welcome Fundin son of Thrain to Esgaroth. We are surprised but amiable to see your presence here."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Fundin and Bosi entered the city and squinted in the daylight. Fundin had seen the bridge before, but from afar. Walking over it and across the water, he was a bit unnerved (he couldn't swim). More than once he reached down and stuck his hands in his belt for comfort. He returned the looks of the lake-men, looking up at them more often than not. His large nose led the way as he made his way down the main streets. A silver sheath holding a small, light dagger hung at his side and a larger hand axe hung at his hip. He became desperately aware of a shady looking man eying his bulging purse. He was drinking in the sight of the town when they were ushered into the chamber. The air is cleaner here

"I thank you for your welcome, men of Laketown. It has been some years since we last had direct dealings with Esgaroth, yet our friendship holds strong. I am told a man named Haleth now leads the Lake men. I remember seeing him as a babe in Dale, but I fear that men grow faster than dwarves. He is already a man whereas were he one of our folk he would be considered a young child. We dwarves become forgetful, spending so much time belowground, we sometimes forget to come up and reassess our surroundings."

Fundin gave a beardy smile before continuing.

"For better or worse, we have remembered our old friendship now. We have always had good relations with the men of Dale and their compatriots on the lake. We would renew this formal alliance now, between the King Under the Mountain and the leaders of Esgaroth."

[Dirty Chai]

Most of the council looks indifferently at the dwarf, while a few smile fondly at his words about humans and dwarves and their contrasted growth.

The standing noble speaks in response, his voice the same as before, with no real emotion.
The man was evidently a hardened one, cuts covering his hands and his hair greyed and thinned.
"Our Chieftain, Haleth son of Haldir, has gone into Greenwood the Great, at the behest of the Elves.
I, Ketil, am his second. We are glad that you have come all the way from your mountain to Long Lake, and graciously accept your hand of friendship." He smiles politely.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The company of dwarves looked uneasy at the mention of the elves, all but Fundin, who seemed not to notice.

"Very well" Said Bosi in a deep voice "We are glad to have the friendship as well. May it prosper and flourish so that my sons and theirs may forever count the men of Laketown as their friends and allies!"

Some silence passed before Bosi's raspy voice once again rang out "I must caution you about the elves. Some say the elves of the forest practice queer magic."

[Dirty Chai]

Most of the council smiles at that.

"We are well aware of the treacherous elf-men and their untrustworthy ears, master Bosi."
Quite a few of them chuckle at that.

"Please, stay a time and eat with us, we are eating venison tonight. Such a rarity on this floating piece of driftwood."