Board Thread:Lore Texts/@comment-33185350-20171010051538

So this is my attempt at putting into song the events of Smaug's attack on Lake-Town. Besides the people of Dale often reminding the player about how they still remember it, in the book the Master of Lake-Town said Bard was "Worthy of many imperishable songs." I don't think there is a version of this story in the mod.

Please post any suggestions or constructive criticism below. Also I am not entirely sure how this works so let me know if I didn't paste the text correctly.

The night was chill in Esgaroth; The wind made lanterns sway. The rolling waves and foaming froth Lapped up ‘gainst dock and quay. The sky was black and on the lake Shone dancing points of light; The stars glanced off the breeze’s wake And glimmered in the night. A gust of wind rolled with a roar, Men shivered in the cold. Then light sprang up on northern shore; The lake was shining gold. The Mountain stood in yellow glow, For fire touched its face; Then vanished back to night-shadow And brooded o’er the place. “The King is come! The King is come!” The men sang with a cheer. “For endless gold is running from The Dwarven mine to here.” Yet Bard knew it was Dragon’s-fire And soon he would be near. He warned them all of danger dire And mirth-song froze in fear. The warriors scrambled to their post; The bowmen trumpets roused. The bridge was cast down by a host, The thatch-roof houses doused. The Dragon flying sought to roast The town and all inside, But he knew not his gloating boast Would end his greedy pride. Then Smaug the Great came soaring down On vast red leather wing. He gliding passed low o’er the town And heard the trumpets ring. His belly shimmered overhead The sparkling gems did dance; The glitt’ring lights filled all with dread For shafts from it would glance. The embers flew from Fire-Drake; The houses glowed ablaze. The sparks hissed into glassy lake, Beneath the smoky haze. The townsfolk fled from Dragon’s ire And paddled to the deep. The monster’s searing golden fire, From house to house did leap. But though the blaze was roaring hot Some archers held their ground. For Bard had urged them, as they ought, To fight till final round. The arrows flew in stinging storm But pierced not diamond mail, The Dragon, reckless, through the swarm Swooped down to make them quail. Then back he reeled through swirling smoke And bore down on the town. His lashing tail with fearsome stroke Brought Great House crashing down. He flew and struck with raging hate Again on those below. The town was lost and ruin great Laid all their buildings low. The shafts were spent and men had fled; Yet Smaug was still unscathed. For all but Bard had left in dread And flames of ruin waved. Just then when at the darkest hour A thrush flew through the reek. It fluttered forth and did not cower But then to Bard did speak. “In golden mail is Dragon dressed, Yet weak spot can be found. Seek for the soft part left of chest, And let fly final round.” Then courage swelled in bowman’s breast, Though but one shot remained. He firmly stood and thought he guessed The beast as firelight waned. So Bard drew forth his final dart, An arrow black as night. “You never failed with leaping hart, So fell now Dragon’s might. For ever you have found your mark And struck the quarry true.” He notched the string there in the dark And bent the bow of yew. The Dragon turned in boiling wrath, To finish off the town. He flying back down fuming path Came swooping swiftly down. Then Bard looked at the Dragon’s might And spied the soft spot there. He loosed the shaft in whistling flight; It darted through the air. The arrow sank into the beast And pierced his wicked heart. His pride and gloating all but ceased, For deadly was the dart. He flapped up far into the air And shrieked a wailing cry. The noise made forests quiver there And Smaug fell from the sky. He crashed upon the ruined town And sparks and splinters split. White foam sprayed up as he splashed down And quenched the flames he lit. The lake rolled in with hissing steam To cover Smaug the Great; And nevermore his fiery gleam Would flash from mountain’s gate. Then Bard saw all the houses break And leapt from wooden deck. He dove into the surging lake And swam to flee the wreck. And far away in deeper calm The boats of Lake-Town stood. For many managed to flee from The town of splintered wood. So songs will tell for years to come Of such a wondrous deed, For Bard saved Lake-men ruin from In hour of greatest need. He slew the monster full of hate When darkest hour was nigh. Thus fell the Dragon, Smaug the Great, In ruined wreck to die.  
 * 1) Written by Sir Lazuli (SirLazuli)
 * 2) title:The Fall of Smaug
 * 3) author:Rangvald of Dale
 * 4) types:dale